Burberry Lip Cover in 03 Cameo Pink - Review

Gosh I have been a bad blogger this month! Less than ten posts. No excuses from me really though. I just have been busy and when I have had time I haven't been in a writing mood. Sorry and hopefully my posting will become more regular again now.

You may recall from my Birthday Haul post that I purchased a Burberry Lip Cover in 03 Cameo Pink from David Jones. Lip Cover lipsticks are the more pigmented of the two types available. The other being Lip Mists that are sheerer.

What can I say? I am in love with this lipstick and need more now! There is so much to love about this lipstick I'm not sure where to start. :)

Firstly the packaging is gorgeous. It is in a silver-grey case with the classic Burberry check design on it. The lipstick has a nice weight to it and feel luxurious (as well as looking it). I also think it is great that the lipstick has a magnetic closure, so there is no worry that the lid will come off in your bag.

Once you get past the pretty packaging you then find the gorgeous actual lipstick. It also has the Burberry check embossed on it. So I was freaking out a little about that. It is so luxurious and just gorgeous!

The formula of this lipstick is incredible. It is so smooth and creamy. It feels so moisturising on my lips, it almost melts onto my lips. It is just that smooth. The lasting power is around 2 to 3 hours, which isn't bad for such a creamy lipstick.

The colour Cameo Pink is a great everyday colour. When swatched it looks slightly coral but it is more of a nude pink that leans more pink. Below is a photo of me wearing the lipstick.

Overall I really love this lipstick. I think it is one of the best formulas I have ever encountered. It is just so creamy and moisturising but still has high pigmentation.

Burberry Beauty is stocked at David Jones. Some items are available for purchase from their website. Otherwise head into store. I know I will be, I want to check out items from the rest of the range especially the eye shadows and blushers.

Lip Cover lipsticks are $49.00 each.  

Do you own any Burberry Beauty items? What do you think of them?

Cosmetics and I

Some of my favourite and most luxurious cosmetics

This is something that has been on my mind for a little while now. My family and friends have been questioning me over the beauty related purchases I make. They question the cost and the need; the need for so many products and why I feel I need to wear makeup.

For me beauty and all things that it entails is a passion. It is one of my strongest and longest lasting interests. I remember being around 11 years old and begging my mum to let me have a mascara. I had to wait until I was 13, I assure you though I made sure I got that mascara on my birthday. Makeup is not something that has a big presence in my family. My Nanna rarely wears makeup and my Mum is very similar.

To me makeup is something quite amazing. It can completely transform the way you look and feel. Being someone who has suffered from depression and when I am having a bad day and cannot find the motivation or will to get out of bed. I find brushing some blush and slicking on a bright lipstick, that my mood is instantly lifted. The sun seems to shine and the day does not seem so bad.

Wearing my favourite Tom Ford lipstick in Flamingo

I personally don’t feel I need to wear makeup. I am not the most confident person but I am happy with myself. I don’t feel that I need to hide myself. It is a personal choice for me to wear makeup. Just the same as it is a personal choice for those who don’t wear it. Wearing makeup does boost my confidence but not because I have none to begin with. It makes me feel empowered and feminine. I love the feeling I get when I wear a bright pink lipstick out in public. I like to look nice but it’s not for others, it is for me. Knowing I look nice is a mood booster for me. It brings a smile to my pink lips. :)

As for why I have so much makeup? I rarely drink, party or spend money on a social life. That is my standard response to people and it is true. I don’t spend $100’s a weekend on my social life, so why can’t I treat myself over ways? For me there is nothing more luxurious and rewarding then opening that new luxurious lipstick and applying it for the first time. I pay my bills and don’t spend money on other things that aren’t essentials. I treat myself with beauty items the way others do with shoes and clothes.

I don't feel any guilt over my cosmetics and I don't think anyone should. As I say everyone needs a little luxury in their life. Whether your luxury is a $50 lipstick or a $15 lipstick, you deserve it.

Lancôme Rouge In Love Lipstick - Review

Recently I was lucky enough to get to trial the new Lancôme lipsticks “Rouge In Love” thanks to BeautyHeaven. I thought I would share the review I submitted, with you all.

I received the shade 379N Rose Sulfureuse which is a deep plummy pink. This isn’t usually a shade I would wear but I found it to be quite wearable. There are many others shades available ranging from corals to reds.

The packaging on these lipsticks is gorgeous. It is silver, has a nice weight to it and has an old world feel. It also has nice touches such as a rose (the Lancôme logo) imprint on the top of the lid. Rouge in Love is also written on the front in red and the back has a red stocking like print. Lancôme is also embossed, giving it a luxurious feeling.

The lipstick itself glides on smoothly and feels moisturising when applied. It feels gel based as it goes on. The colour is quite buildable. It can be worn with a light layer for a sheerer colour or applied heavier for a bolder colour. It has a beautiful finish that is glossy but not as glossy as a lip gloss. After some time though it dries down to be quite matte. I found it quite easy to apply straight from the bullet with no lip-liner or brush needed to get a clean line. I have dry lips but I find this lipstick comfortable to wear and not too drying.

It claims 6 hours of wear. I wouldn’t say that I get 6 hours of wears but then lipsticks never last long on me. I would get around 3 hours of wear with the colour looking as it did when applied and then another 2 or so hours of a nice stain on the lips.

I like that the lipstick doesn’t have a strong taste or scent. It is lightly scented but not overpowering.

At $45 it may seem expensive to some. To me the price is quite reasonable; Rouge in Love is a quality lipstick with a good formula. I already have plans as to what other shades I am going to purchase.

Have you tried these lipsticks? What do you think of them?

ILoveThisBox - April 2012 & Farewell

I was very surprised to find an express post parcel in the mail yesterday as I wasn't expecting anything. On opening it I found it was my replacement April ILoveThisBox.

When my April box originally arrived, I found it only contained one item (a candle) and nothing else. I got in contact with ILoveThisBox that day and they apologised and told me they would send me a replacement.

When the replacement had not arrived two weeks later, I contacted them again. They apologised and due to logistical problems the box had not been sent. They then refunded my payment, I just assumed that was the end of that. Therefore you can understand my surprise at the arrival of April's box.

My April box contained:

• Avado Sensitives Certified Organic Gel Exfoliant - full size $14.99 100ml
• Shanga Mineral Eyeshadow in Petunia - full size $24.95 1g
• haf Mineral Makeup Australia Mineral Eyeshadow in Sunset - 3g sample - full size $16.99 5g
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On the Mauve - full size $16.95
• Just D'Lish Gift Wrap Soap in Tea & Ginger - full size $5.00 100g

Also included was two little solid Red Tulip chocolate eggs (my fave). The card says I should have gotten a mineral blusher or bronzer instead of two eye shadows but I don't mind. I also got a Just D'Lish Soy Wax Candle in Pina Colada in my original box but I have already burnt it. Another great box from ILoveThisBox with great variety and balance in products. Which makes this next part even more disappointing.

On Monday ILoveThisBox sent out an email and announced on Twitter and Facebook that they would be ceasing operations. Below is a quote from the email.

"Due to various reasons, we have decided to shut down the monthly box operation starting this month. I can tell you that it wasn't an easy decision, especially after receiving such a great feedback and support from our subscribers but unfortunately it had to be done. I am sorry for any inconvenience that may have caused by this."

ILoveThisBox is now in the process of refunding any payments that have been made and a box has not been received for. I have already gotten my refund but I understand some people have not. I really appreciate that ILoveThisBox contacted everyone by email as well as social media. I think it is much better that everyone finds out at the same time and it lessens the confusion.

I am sad to see ILoveThisBox go. It was a high quality and reliable box. Each month the box contained products I was happy to receive and use. ILoveThisBox also was known to include full size products regularly.

With the closure of ILoveThisBox and the take over of GlossyBox, the Australian sample box market has gotten considerably smaller. Only LustHaveIt, BellaBox and BeautyBasket are left. The pressure is on the remaining companies to provide good quality boxes. 

Were you a ILoveThisBox subscriber? Are you disappointed to see them shut down? Which boxes are you subscribed too?

BellaBox - May 2012

I received my May BellaBox yesterday but have only had the chance to post about now. To me this is truly a sample box, all products are of sample size. I do like that there is an even balance of products; make up, haircare and skincare. This months box has the theme of either pampering yourself or your mother (being Mother's Day is in May) with the products.

The products in May's box are:

• EmerginC Hydra Repair Capsules - 4 capsules - $139.00 40 capsules
• Avene Eau Thermale
• Ystheal Emulsion Moisturiser - 5ml sample - $61.95 30ml
• Eluage Eye Contour Cream - 2ml sample - $63.95 15ml
• Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Lengthening Mascara - 3ml sample - full size $48.00
• Savior Faire Lipstick in Showgirl - 1.2g mini - full size $48.00
• Sebastian Professional Range - full size from $34.00
• Strengthening and Repair Shampoo - 10ml sachet
• Strengthening and Repair Conditioner - 10ml sachet
• Deep Strengthening and Repair Masque - 10ml sachet

I love the Savior Faire lipstick. The colour Showgirl looks like a bright purple in the tube but when swatched it is much more pink. I also love the vanilla scent and taste the lipstick has. I received the same Bobbi Brown mascara in a different sample box previously and wasn't overly impressed by it. I am however looking forward to giving it another try, especially with my new found love for Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

I will use the hair products however the sample don't allow for much of an opinion to be formed about them. I am not so interested in the skincare. I don't need anti-ageing products so they will either be unused or go to my Mum. I was intrigued by the EmerginC capsules though. I understood it to be like a serum but I just tried one and it felt like I was rubbing oil onto my face. Not such a nice feeling.

Overall this months box is good but not great. For me the lipstick and mascara are the best products in the box. The hair products will be used and the skincare will probably go to someone else.

Are you subscribed to BellaBox? Did you receive the same products?

Birthday Trip Haul - Breakdown

WARNING: This post is picture heavy (and long) and may cause a case of lemmings...

It has been requested for me to do a more detailed post of my haul. I had intended to do but wasn't sure what way to go about it. I've decided I will show you the products I purchased but will leave swatches and comments until I actually review the products. I haven't even used most (actually pretty much all) of the products yet.

Nars at Mecca Cosmetica

I purchased these items on a kind of spur of the moment. I had intended to purchase some products from Laura Mercier but could not find a counter (I was told by someone at Myer that they don't have counters anymore?) so I decided to check out Nars at Mecca. 

I had to wait around 10 minutes to be served as both the artists were busy with other customers. I was then served by the fabulous Vanessa. She made me want to purchase so many things. She was so helpful - full of information and recommendations. All the products I purchased she actually applied for me and told me all about them. I should have taken a photo but forgot. :)

I purchased:

• Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc
• Multiple in Copacabana
• Blush in Torrid
• Lip Gloss in Chihuahua

Chanel

I think Chanel may be the love of my life (an expensive love). I just love the products and cannot go past a counter without purchasing something. Plus when I got my make up done on my birthday, I had to purchase two products to make the appointment free.

I purchased:

• Inimitable Intense Mascara in 10 Noir
• Nail Colour in 513 Black Pearl
• Nail Colour in 549 Distraction
• Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 164 Volupte
• Rouge Coco Shine in 52 Fetiche
• HydraMax + Active Nutrition Lip Care

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

I went to the Bobbi Brown counter knowing I wanted to purchase the corrector and concealer for under the eyes. At first the woman at the counter was not too friendly but I think once she realised I was a genuine customer she became much nicer when colour matching me. She even threw in a couple of samples.

I purchased:

• Corrector in Light Bisque
• Creamy Concealer Kit in Ivory/Pale Yellow Powder
• Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in 2 Calypso Coral

Guerlain

There is something just so luxurious and beautiful about Guerlain products. I had to add some to my collection. The lipstick is in pretty slide to open packaging. The pretty looking compact is a face powder and it smells like roses. I also got a GWP from Guerlain but sadly it is mostly skincare.

I purchased:

• Shine Automatique in 261 Rose Imperial
• Metorites Compact Pressed Powder in 01 Teint Rose

Burberry & Tom Ford

I have wanted a Burberry lipstick for ages but wasn't near a counter and could not find a reputable place to buy online (David Jones now sell some Burberry online here). I have been lusting after another Tom Ford lipstick since I got one at Christmas and again couldn't find anywhere to buy it online.

I purchased:

• Burberry Lip Cover in 03 Cameo Pink
• Tom Ford Lip Color in 08 Flamingo

Dior & YSL

I had to get one of the new Dior lipsticks. I am in love already, I intended to purchase another but got distracted by other shiny things. I also purchased another YSL Glossy Stain as I love them.

I purchased:

• Dior Addict Extreme in 476 Plaza
• YSL Glossy Stain in 12 Pink Coral

MAC & Giorgio Armani

This was my first visit to a MAC counter and I must say I wasn't overly impressed - so much so I left with only one product. I was served easily enough, I told the artist I was interested in the Mineralise Skin Finish powders. She then tried to match me to a dark colour. I am the lightest or second lightest shade in most foundations.  I let her apply it and I was going to buy it, but then they didn't have it in stock (which I am now relieved about). There was just something that stopped me from purchasing anything else. I also purchased a Giorgio Armani eye shadow I have been wanting to try.

I purchased:

• MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in Lightscapade
• Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadow in 8 Champagne

Clinique

Clinique had a GWP on at David Jones so I decided to pick up a couple of their newest products. I was talked into the eye liner shade by the artist - still not sold on the green.

I purchased:

• Almost Lipstick in 39 Shy Honey
• Quickliner for Eyes Intense in 07 Intense Ivy 

Priceline & Target

In all my time spent at Myer and David Jones I managed to fit in a trip to Priceline and Target. I picked up the Australis palette as I have read a lot about it on the BeautyHeaven forums. The Loreal shadows were reduced to $10 each and then I got one free (a buy 2 get 1 free promotion). I was really excited to see the new Nude by Nature products in Priceline so I had to get them.

I purchased:

• Australis Nudist Eye Shadow Palette
• Loreal Colour Infaillible Eye Shadow in
• 024 Bronze Goddess
• 027 Goldmine
• 021 Sahara Treasure
• Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream in Light
• Nude by Nature Papaw Ointment

Gift With Purchases & Samples

With all my shopping I managed to pick up two GWP's, one from Guerlain and one from Clinique. I also got some samples from both Bobbi Brown and Chanel. The Guerlain GWP was advertised on the box as a four piece gift but it has more than that in the bag, so that was a bonus.  

So there is my massive beauty haul. I think I will have to be good on the beauty shopping for the next couple of months. I had such a fun time shopping. It was great to have access to so many make up counters that I normally don't, so I went a little crazy. I had however saved up some money for that purpose and had some generous relatives plus it was my 21st birthday celebration. I'm not much of a partier so I make up for it by being a shopaholic. :)

What have you purchased recently? What did you do to celebrate your most recent birthday? 

Lust Have It - May 2012

My Lust Have It pack arrived yesterday. The first thing noticed when opening the box is the hot pink bag - so pretty. The next thing you notice is the amazing smell, then the products. This months pack again has good variety and eight products. That is to make up for the problems with April's pack (2 week shipping time) and to celebrate May the month of motherly love. Included was a Rose Crane Mother's Day card.

 

This months products are:

• ModelCo Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Strip Tease - Full size $22 
• Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo x 2 (card says shampoo & conditioner but I received 2 shampoos) - 50ml sample - $29.95 300ml
• Bioderma Crealine H20 Makeup Remover - 20ml sample - $39.95 250ml
• Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty EDT - 1.2ml sample - $80.00 50ml
• Lush Dirty Soap - size not given - $6.95 100g
• Caron Laboratories Bump eRaiser Medi Paste - full size $16.75 30ml
• Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer - 3.75ml mini - $14.95 15ml



Overall this pack has some great products. I love Bioderma and it is great to have a travel friendly size. I have never tried the Caron Bump eRaiser, I have never really had a problem with ingrown hairs. I love trying new perfumes so I will be sure to give Sheer Beauty a sniff (once my hay fever settles down). The ModelCo lip gloss is a gorgeous colour. The Lush soap smells amazing, I loved the last soap we received so I cannot wait to try this one.

For me there are two things disappointing/irritating about this months pack. Firstly I received two shampoos and no conditioner. I understand these things happen but it feels like I am missing out on a product. I have long, thick hair - I need conditioner and I like to use the same brand for shampoo and conditioner. I contacted Lust Have It and they replied telling me they don't think there is any conditioners left but I could try emailing. I did but have not heard anything back.

The other thing is the Nicole by OPI nail polish is the exact same shade I received in a previous Lust Have It pack. This is just a little annoying as I haven't even used the one I got the first time.

Otherwise Lust Have It is one of the best value subscription services available. Please note this is not the same pack that the ex-GlossyBox subscribers will receive. They will be getting a different box, shipping soon.

Are you a subscriber? Did you get the same products?



I Love Birthdays!!!



My flowers!



So I turned 21 years old on Monday (7th May). As I mentioned in my last post we spent the time down in Melbourne. Above is a photo of the beautiful flowers and balloons my Mum had delivered to the apartment we were staying in before we arrived on Friday.

Saturday was spent visiting family and Sunday was my cousins baby shower. Then Monday was my birthday. Yay!

Monday was a very relaxed day. We went to the Pancake Palour for a late-ish lunch, I love that place! Then on the spur of the moment I decided, as a present to myself I would get my makeup done at the Chanel counter. I rang up and luckily they could fit me in.

The lovely Elise did my makeup and I was so happy with it. It looked gorgeous and stayed that way all night. Makeup appointments at the Chanel counter is $50 redeemable on two products purchased on the day. I purchased the lipstick and mascara used.



Awkward eyes closed photo.



We went out for tea to the Paradise Hotel at Clematis with family. It was a lovely meal and very enjoyable. It was really good to spend my birthday with family.



Froggy!

My Mum organised for balloons to be on the table at the hotel. This is the cutest frog balloon ever! He is also massive. Yes I did bring him home in the car too. There were also normal balloons but we sent them home with family. :)

Yummy!

My gorgeous and delicious chocolate mud cake, from the French bakery La Brioche (it is an amazing bakery). This was so rich only a tiny piece could be eaten. There is still a big hunk of it in the fridge (mmm, may need to go get a piece).



Ohh it's a blue bag..

Now onto the really fun stuff. The presents! I went to Chadstone Shopping Centre on Tuesday so I could spend my birthday money and the money I had saved for this very reason.



So pretty, I love it.

The first stop was to Tiffany & Co. Before even going I had already decided what I wanted to purchase with the money from my Mum and Nan. I chose a Tiffany Key, being my 21st I thought it was a good choice. It is silver and has a small diamond. For milestone birthdays I like to buy something I will keep forever.



My beauty haul.. (I had so much fun)

I went a little crazy at Chadstone. I managed to purchase almost all of this in around 2.5 hours. I had a list and knew exactly what I wanted. I visited David Jones, Myer and Mecca Cosmetica. I was highly impressed with Mecca Cosmetica, I was served by the very helpful and kind Vanessa. She had so much advice and showed me so many products. I visited the MAC counter at Myer and wasn't too impressed with the service.

I will have more on my beauty haul in another post. I haven't used any of it yet - I just want to look at it and appreciate it... :)

All up I had a fantastic few days away with my family. My birthday was made really special by my Mum and Nan. They are both amazing and I will be sure to let them know on Sunday (Mother's Day!).

What do you do for your birthdays? What are giving to your Mum for Mothers Day? (Mine is getting a Chanel foundation!)

April Au Revoirs

Ahh May, probably my favourite month of the year. It is my birthday month... and I turn 21 this year. YAY presents! I will be spending a few days in Melbourne with my family. My cousins baby shower is this Sunday, my birthday is Monday (the 7th) and then I am going shopping at Chadstone on Tuesday. Which I am so excited for, can't wait for a bit of a shopping spree. 

My empties for April:

• Palmolive Body Butter Decadent Moisture Body Wash in Heavenly Vanilla - Amazing body wash, so thick and smells divine. This is the second time I have purchased it and will purchase it again in the future.
• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush - This came in a sample box and I have enjoyed using it on those days that my hair was looking a little oily or when I couldn't be bothered/forgot to wash my hair. Will repurchase is.
• Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips - It was a good makeup remover but hated the oily residue it left behind. Won't repurchase, much prefer my Bioderma.
• Rexona Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant - Holy grail product, will and have repurchased it. 
• Nutrimetics Lip Treatment - Was okay. It worked but I wouldn't buy it again.
• Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm - I got this as part of my Beauty Heaven Beautorium haul. Really liked this, it soothed my lips and moisturised them. Will probably repurchase.
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara - I got this sample ages ago. It was okay, nothing special and was hell to remove.
• Clinique High Impact Mascara - Really nice mascara, added volume and length to my lashes. Would repurchase once I work my way through my current mascaras.
• Clinique High Lengths Mascara - Made my lashes really long but didn't add much volume. Would rather repurchase High Impact Mascara than this one. 

I will be taking my laptop away with me but I am unsure whether I will have time to blog. The place we are staying is across the road from Eastland shopping centre in Ringwood. Yes I did insist that we stay there.

Now I just have to pack. I am more concerned about what makeup to pack then what clothes. Ah the life of someone addicted to cosmetics... :)