Christmas, Birthday & New Year

Over a week between posts! As I mentioned previously I spent a week in Melbourne and came home yesterday. I then had to work today. Whilst away I was just too busy to get a chance to blog (and was having a too good a time). Next time I am absent for a while you can check my Twitter or Instagram for some updates. 

Christmas card from my brother

Christmas

I know this is late but MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you all had a lovely day with family and friends and got some fabulous gifts. I had a great day with family. Lunch was at one uncles house and tea at the others. 

At lunch I got to hog my cousins baby - Chase. He is adorable and I am now super clucky and really want a baby, especially if it is as happy and adorable as Chase. 

Chase and I on Christmas Day. I am so in love with him and wanted to keep him but his Mum & Dad wouldn't let me... I can't wait to see him again. Yes I am a little obsessed with him! 

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Birthday

One year ago today I started Luxury on the Lips. It seems surreal to have been blogging for a year now. I have enjoyed it imensely. I have met some lovely people through blogging. I am really grateful for all the support that I receive off other bloggers and my readers. 

Over this year I have gained over 140 GFC followers and over 42,000 pageviews. I truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and comment or chat with me. 

THANK YOU for reading Luxury on the Lips, I look forward to blogging for years to come. 

I had intended to hold a celebratory giveaway but I couldn't decide on what I wanted to have as a prize. I will hold a giveaway soon though. I promise. 

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New Year

The birthday of this blog also signifies the impending New Year. 2012 for me has been a good year. I have been healthy (as has my family), had some great times, turned 21 and gotten my first proper job. I also like to think of Luxury on the Lips as an achievement for 2012. For me there are lots of things to look forward to in 2013 epecially my job and this blog. I hope to succeed in my work and for Luxury on the Lips to grow.

I hope 2012 has been a great year for you all. I hope 2013 exceeds all expectations and is the best year yet for you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

While I was away I, of course managed some shopping. Where the family and I stay is conveniently located opposite Eastland Shopping Centre (yes, it was chosen because of its location). 

Sadly or possibly luckily, there was an error with my first pay and I was not paid the full amount, therefore a trip to Chadstone was not justified. I have consoled myself though with the news that when I am in Melbourne for training (in February) the hotel I will stay at is less than a 10 minute walk from Bourke St Mall and I will have around 4 weeks pay to blow...

How was your Christmas? Any big plans for 2013? 

Lust Have It - December 2012

My Lust Have It box arrived on Friday but I have only just gotten around to really having a look at it and blogging about it. Between work and going away I was just too busy, I have actually brought my Lust Have It box away with me. 

Again the December box arrived late in the month, if it had not arrived on Friday I wouldn't have gotten it until New Years Eve. I received an email on Wednesday informing me on it's impending delivery. The email also promised a value of over $115. This months also came in just the cardboard box. 

The December Lust Have It box contains:

Catwalk by Tigi Session Series Finishing Hairspray - 250ml $29.95

I don't normally wear hairspray mainly because I am lazy when it comes to my hair and I don't like that crispy feeling many hairsprays give your hair. This smells really nice and when I just gave it a quick spray on my hair, it didn't leave it feeling crispy. This is a 80ml sample. 

Baji Face Mist - 110ml $18.00

A full size product! This face mist smells really nice - it is scented with rose and Kakadu plum. This is the antioxidant formula. I love how refreshing face mists can be especially in the heat. I find face mists can also double up as a linen or room spray if you don't like to use them on the face and body. This is an Australian owned and made product.

Everyday Minerals Cheek in Natures Sweet Side - 4.8g $9.00

I always love to see a full size make up product in my subscription box. In the container this appears to be a plum colour but when swatched it is more coral. I will see what it looks like on my face...

Pelactiv Hydra Daily Defense - 50ml $69

Another full size product. I have never heard of this brand before and $69 seems like a pretty high price for this tube. It smells like sunscreen yet it doesn't say it contains SPF. It also seems pretty thin. I'll give it a try though. 

Glasshouse Fragrances Hand Creme in Kakadu & Marseille - 140ml $24.95

I love Glasshouse candles so I am looking forward to trying these. There is a 5ml sample sachet of each scent. I think you would get a couple of uses from each sachet.

Lust Have It! Exfoliating Glove - $9.50

This a Lust Have It branded product. Not sure why it is called a glove though as it is a mitt. Will give a shot though I am really lazy with exfoliation. Lust Have It were concerned this would not arrive in time so I am not sure if every box got it this month, if not it will be there next month.

Also in my box was a 1.2ml sample of Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT. This was not on my card so I am not sure if it is a VIP bonus or what. There was a candy cane too!

This months Lust Have It box was good, not exceptional but good and what I expect from Lust Have It. There is a good variety of brands and products and the products are ones I will use. 

At this stage I won't be blogging much over the next week, I have lots to do in Melbourne including a trip to Chadstone on Thursday (prepare for an epic haul, I get my first pay).

What did you get in your Lust Have It box? Are you happy with it? 

Urban Decay Ocho Loco 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set - Review

I have always been a black or charcoal eye liner wearer. Until recently that is, I recently purchased a bronze coloured eye liner and I love how it looks on and how it brings out my eyes. That inspired me to purchase this gorgeous set of liners from Urban Decay.

This is the Ocho Loco 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set. Ocho Loco means 'crazy eight' in Spanish and funnily enough there is eight eye liners in this set. I love the ranges of shades in this set, there is something for everyone. 

The Grind House Sharpener is also included as part of the set. I haven't used it yet but have heard good things about it.

This set includes the shades:

• Stash - Dark green with gold shimmer
• Junkie - Teal with bright gold shimmer
• LSD - Navy with bright turquoise shimmer
• Perversion - Matte black
• Psychedelic Sister - Bright purple with shimmer
• Rockstar - Dark eggplant
• Hustle - Metallic medium brown
• Mushroom - Metallic pewter taupe

Four shades are new to the set, one was previously exclusive to another set and three are best sellers. So there is great variety. My favourite shades are Hustle, Rockstar and Perversion.

These liners are soft and incredibly smooth to apply. I am not the best at applying eye liner (I regularly poke myself in the eye) and I found these very easy to apply. Being so smooth there is no tugging on the lid. They are also nicely pigmented. 

These liners are called 24/7 so I assume they are meant to last 24 hours. I personally don't wear my make up that long but I have found these last all day on my lids. They don't move nor fade. Which I LOVE!

The shades are swatched below L-R: Mushroom, Hustle, Rockstar, Psychedelic Sister, Perversion, LSD, Junkie & Stash. 

This set represents incredible value, it retails for US$59.00 and is worth $152.00. These pencils retail for $19.00 each and are 1.2g each.  

I purchased my set from Sephora. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend it. It is just awesome. 

Have you tried the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils? What is your favourite eye liner colour?

Dear Santa...

I have been a very good girl this year and I think I deserve some lovely presents. 

Especially some lovely beauty presents.

To make your job much easier I have included a list of items that are at the top of my wishlist. 

They are:

Burberry

Chanel

Illamasqua

Laura Mercier

Tom Ford

YSL

  

I do hope I will find some of these items under my tree on Christmas morning. 

I hope you and Rudolph are well. 

Love Stephanie 

xx

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel - Review

I didn't think I would be purchasing anything other than the polishes from the L'Oreal Miss Candy Collection. However when I saw and swatched this shadow I had to have it. I already have a couple of the Infallible Eyeshadows though I can't say I use them all that often but I feel this one will be completely different. 

Most of the Infallible Eyeshadows in the Miss Candy Collection are really bright and colourful. This is the most wearable to me though, 033 Tender Caramel is a metallic taupe brown. This is a perfect all over the lid shade for that effortless eye make up look. 

The Infallible Shadows are very smooth and pigmented, making it very easy to apply. I have found this shadow lasts all day on the lid (with or without a primer), it doesn't fade nor crease.  

This is the same formula as the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill shadows. Normally the L'Oreal shadows are less dimensional than the Giorgio Armani ones though Tender Caramel is more dimensional than the other Infallible shadows I own. 

Tender Caramel is a limited edition shade that I think will sell out fast (just look at it!). It retails for $19.95 which to me is actually a little pricey for a single 'drugstore' eye shadow but in this case it is well worth it. I highly recommend this shade, it is just beautiful.

Have you tried the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows? Will you be purchasing Tender Caramel?

Christmas Gift Ideas

As I have mentioned many times before - I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love the family time, the spirit and of course the gifts! At this time of the year pretty much every beauty brand brings out some gorgeous sets and kits. Here are some of my picks:

Benefit - She's So Jetset! $89.00

What a gorgeous looking kit! It contains a primer, 4 eye shadow shades, blush, lip gloss and mascara. Everything you need to do your face up and in a cute little kit. Benefit products are fantastic and this would be a great introduction to the brand. 

Biotherm - Skin.Ergetic Christmas Set $79.00

I have never tried Biotherm skincare before but I love the look of this set. It contains a 50ml serum, a 15ml day cream and a 15ml night cream. The Skin.Ergetic range is aimed at fatigued skin.

Burt's Bees - Bee Kissed $14.95

I love Burt's Bees lip balms, I always have one in my handbag for on the go. This set includes 3 lip balms - acai berry, pink grapefruit and pomegranate  Also included is a cute key ring  This set is a perfect stocking stuffer or Kris Kringle gift. 

Clinique - Whole Lotta Colour $60

Chubby Sticks are an absolute favourite of mine. This set includes five miniature Chubby Sticks in a cute pink box. There is a great range of shades in this set and it would be an awesome gift. 

Estee Lauder - Pure Art of Lips Chic Pink $80.00

I love lip products and especially if they are pink! This set includes a lipstick, double ended gloss, a lip liner and a cute little bag. 

Glasshouse - Christmas Collection $39.95

This contains three miniature candles in the scents; Montengo Bay, Positano and Marseille. I love Glasshouse candles and this set is a perfect mix of scents. It is also beautifully boxed. 

Illamasqua Lipstick & Brush Set $133.00

I am a lipstick lover (as you should all know by now). This set made me excited! Six lipsticks in a set, words cannot describe how awesome that is. This contains six of Illamasqua's best selling and most popular lipsticks with a lip brush too. 

Lancome - Rouge In Love Set $75.00

I really like the Rouge In Love lipsticks and this set is great value! Three full size, great shades are included - a coral, a pink and a nude. All boxed in a gold clutch ready for giving.

Lush - Festive Fiesta $59.95

Lush have a lot of Christmas gift sets but this one looks really great. It includes heaps of bath & shower products packaged into a pretty Christmas tin. I think you could find a Lush gift for even the hardest person on your list to buy for. 

Philosophy - The Cookbook Set $49.00

This set includes four Christmas inspired bath and shower gels. They are hot buttered rum, old-fashioned eggnog, peppermint bark and cinnamon buns. Don't they just sound delicious?

Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter Set $29.95

The Revlon Lip Butters are a best seller and I have not met anyone who doesn't like them. This boxed set includes three gorgeous shades and a compact mirror. Great value as Lip Butters retail for $21.95 each normally. 

YSL - Essential Eye Make Up Set $99.00

How could it be Christmas without some serious luxury? YSL is the epitome of luxury. This set includes a mascara, a cult Touche Eclat, a eye liner, a miniature eye make up remover and a cute black bag. 

So there is some of my Christmas gift suggestions! I think anyone would be happy to find one of these under the tree on Christmas morning. I know I would be!

What do you think are the best Christmas Gift Ideas? Any of these on your wishlist?

BellaBox - December 2012

I was super excited to find my BellaBox in my letterbox this morning before I left for work. I was so excited because hints had been given that a big value make up item was being included. I managed to have a quick peek before I left for work and I must say on first impressions, I was super impressed!

The December BellaBox includes:

Savoir Faire Limited Edition Kit in "C'est Le Ton Qui Fait La Musique" (Winter) - $110.00 

This is freaking amazing! This kit is gorgeous and includes; 6 eye shadows, a blush, a lip gloss, a mascara and an eye liner. I received the Winter kit and I am really pleased with it. Besides the blue shadow it is all colours I would wear. It is incredibly generous of both BellaBox & Savoir Faire to give this to all subscribers. 

Allegra Rhodes Hand & Nail Cream - 175ml $32.95

This is available in four scents and I received cherry blossom. It smells amazing! It is only a small sample - 5ml but I just used it and quite like it. 

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Creme - 113g $16.99

I can't say I ever use these type of products, I usually find them too heavy in my hair. I will give this a try though and it has a nice scent. This is a 30ml sample. 

Anumi Miracle Recovery - 30ml $65.00

This is 'an overnight treatment to rejuvenate dull and tired skin'. It is an oil and it smells gorgeous! I will be using this, work is making me so tired it is making my skin look tired. This is a 5ml sample and is Australian made. 

Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna - 100ml $79.00

I have tried this perfume in the past and quite liked it. This is two .4ml samples but they aren't in a spray vial it is a little capsule type thing. I think you would only get one use from each sample.

Zipette - 3 Zipettes $5.95

These are little rubber things that you attach to the zip on your pants and then hook onto the button to keep your fly zipped up. It is a cute idea and nothing I have ever heard of before. Not really a beauty item but I like receiving new products in my sample boxes. This is a set of three. 

This month's BellaBox is exceptional value and has some fantastic products. I love the variety and the new and different products included. Overall this year BellaBox has really impressed me this year and I highly recommend subscribing to them if you are interested in one of the subscription boxes. 

What did you think of the December BellaBox? Did you receive the same products?

First Day of Work - FOTD

As the title suggests, today was my first day of work. I had to get up at 6.30am after a really bad nights sleep but I still managed to put on my make up haha. I have my priorities right. 

Today was quite dull, a lot of observing and reading. Nothing too exciting though I did get my uniform! I am totally excited about it. It is a proper suit! I feel like such a professional in my uniform, I can't wait to wear it tomorrow! 

Face:

• Primer - Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Foundation - Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory
• Concealer - Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Ivory
• Powder - MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Light
• Blush - MAC Satin Powder Blush in Easy Manner

Eyes:

• Primer - Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen 
• Eye Shadow - 
• MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in A Natural Flirt (all over the lid)
• L'Oreal Color Infallible Eye Shadow in 033 Tender Caramel (outer half and crease)
• Eye Liner - Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion
• Mascara - Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara in Noir
• Brow Pencil - Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Medium
• Brow Set - Avon Brow Gel in Clear

Lips:

• Lipstick - MAC Cremesheen in Sunny Seoul

I tried to keep my make up quite soft and natural. I was really impressed with how it lasted. After around 12 hours it still look flawless and fresh. The shadows and liner had not budged and the foundation hadn't gone splotchy. I was very happy! 

I know I don't need another photo of my face but I loved how this looked with the blurry background but my face in focus. It is as arty as I get and purely by accident!

Anyway I need to head to bed very soon. I am exhausted! Not sure how I am going to last two weeks! But I am just looking forward to Christmas and money for shopping...

What make up did you wear to work today? 

Nosy Question: What is your job?