MAC & Sephora Haul

Another post, another haul! I will never deny that I love shopping, it relaxes me and I love the excitement of trying out new products. This is another order placed through Rebecca at EasyDress. I placed this order around Christmas time and believe me, I already have another list of items that I just have to own. 

MAC

I am so in love with MAC at the moment. I don't know why I waited so long to try the brand. I now regularly make purchases from MAC, especially when the new collections are released. I added another two lipsticks to my growing MAC collection, I purchased the shades Fusion Pink & Pink Pearl Pop. I also purchased another blush in the shade Unconventional from the Taste Temptation Collection. I also purchased my first two MAC brushes in 217 and 239. 

Urban Decay

I was super excited to see this new release from Urban Decay. The Naked Basics palette consists of mostly matte shadows. I cannot wait to use this, plus it is super appropriate for work. 

Caudalie

I have heard great reviews on the Beauty Elixir from some well known bloggers so naturally I had to try it. I am already loving it. I am not sure if it can be purchased in Australia, let me know if it can.

Buxom 

I really enjoy the Buxom lip products I purchased last time and I needed to add another Big & Healthy Lip Cream to my collection. This is the shade Creamsicle which is a creamy coral. 

Clinique

I love my Clinique products and I got sick of waiting for the Australian release of the Chubby Stick Intense line. I had to purchase one to try, I got the shade Plushest Punch.  

Tarte

I am loving the two Amazonian Clay Blushes that I already have. Since I have a pink and a coral I felt the need (or desire) to add a different shade to my Collection. I chose the shade Natural Beauty which is like a strawberry pink/red. 

Lorac

I have heard amazing things about the Lorac Pro Palette and now that I am wearing eyeshadows pretty much everyday I needed more (okay I probably don't). The Pro Palette is unique in that it equally contains both matte and shimmer shadows. 

What have you hauled lately? 

Happy Australia Day & Top 5 Australian Lipsticks

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Happy Australia Day!

I hope you all are having a fantastic day doing all those Australian things like: having a barbecue  eating lots of seafood, drinking beer, enjoying the weather and just celebrating all that being Australian means. The freedom & opportunities we have that others may not be fortunate enough to have. 

Personally I am not doing much to celebrate the day. Therefore I thought I would share my Top 5 Australian Lipsticks with you. These are lipsticks from Australian brands though some aren't Australian made. 

My Top 5 Australian Lipsticks are:

Chi Chi Viva La Diva - Super Socialite $18.95

This lipstick is incredibly smooth and moisturising on the lips. Plus the colour is gorgeous, one of my favourite shades of pink. Chi Chi is a brand I have a soft spot for, I remember my Mum purchasing me some Chi Chi items when I was a teenager and first getting into make up. 

Innoxa Lovely Lips Lipstick - Pink Peony $14.95 

For a 'drugstore' brand Innoxa have some amazingly bright colours. I love this bright pink shade, it is very pigmented and creamy but still wears well. Innoxa also have some fantastic matte lipsticks.

Savoir Faire Lipstick - Miss You $48.00

I received this lipstick in a Bella Box some time ago. Firstly look at that amazing packaging! I haven't seen a lipstick quite like it before. This lipstick is really moisturising and comfortable to wear. It is a sheer nude that with my lip colour, just adds soft shine and a healthy look to my lips. The only bad thing about this lipstick? It tastes really good so I end up licking it off my lips..

Face of Australia Lip Quench Lipstick - Lychee Crush $9.45

I don't know why I haven't mentioned these lipsticks before. They are great! Very pigmented and smooth on the lips. Lychee Crush is one of the few full on nude lipsticks that I can wear that doesn't look like I put concealer on my lips. Also has a SPF30+ which is fantastic (and quite rare in a lipstick). 

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick - Lick the Icing $12.95

This lipstick made it to the Top 5 Light Pink Lipsticks list too. It is a gorgeous baby pink that feels lovely on the lips. A strongish smell though but doesn't make it a bad lipstick. 

I realised as I wrote this post that besides lipsticks I don't have many Australian brands in my collection. I don't know why, I should try more Aussie products. Anyway I hope you have had (and continue to have) a fantastic Australia Day.

What are some great Australian brands I should try? What did you do for Australia Day?

Lust Have It - January 2013

My Lust Have It box arrived today and I was excited to see the new packaging. I must say I like it. The boxes are pretty and reusable. I like the nice compact size too - not too small but not overly large. 

Again this month Lust Have It were late getting their boxes out, I can excuse it for January, Christmas & New Year really puts everyone behind - I know it did to me. Hopefully next months is earlier, I hate having to wait until the end of the month. 

The January Lust Have It box contains:

Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream - 50ml $19.95

This is a full size product and would have been awesome if I didn't already own it (and not really like it) and that it is in the medium shade. I have very fair skin so medium is useless to me. I think I will pass this on to a friend. 

Face of Australia Bronzing Loose Powder - 20g $12.95

Another full size product! I am not much of a bronzer user, mainly because I haven't found one that works for me. I will definetely try this and I cannot complain about a full size make up item. 

Lust Have It! Kabuki Brush - $19.95

I love kabuki brushes. They make applying products like mineral foundations or bronzers very easy. Excellent idea to include this with the bronzer. This kabuki is nothing like the one I own so I look forward to trying it. 

GKMBJ Lactic Hydrating Shampoo & Fortifying Honey Creme - 280ml $19.95

I love trying new shampoo & conditioners especially when they are decent sizes. These are both 30ml and they smell so good. I am looking forward to trying them.

Amuse Nail Lacquer - 18ml $13.95 

I received this in the shade Bright Aqua which is as the name suggests, a bright blue. I love that it is another full size product. It is such a perfect shade for summer, especially for the toes. 

Lust Have It have done very well this month. Four full size items! Fantastic value too. I love the variety of this box - hair care, make up, nails and tools. I also love that it is not full of skincare. 

Lust Have It seem to back on their game. Let's hope it continues... I now have high hopes for February's box. 

What did you receive in your Lust Have It pack? Same or different? Happy with it?

Diorific Lipstick in Marilyn

When I was at the Dior counter to purchase my Fairy Golds eyeshadow palette something shiny caught my eye. It was the gold casing of a Diorific lipstick, I fell in love instantly with the shade, as I so often do. I knew I had to take it home with me.  

Where do I start on the packaging? It is amazing and like no other lipstick. Luxurious gold and such a unique design. 'Christian Dior' is embossed on the lower part of the case too. The actual lipstick has a slight florally rose scent which can't be smelt once applied though I do like the scent. 

The name Marilyn is perfect for this shade. The shade and name instantly made me think of the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe. 

The shade is a vibrant pink-red. For me it is exactly the type of red to get me into wearing more reddish lipsticks. It is the type of shade that makes you look instantly put together and your face look radiant.

What is really amazing with this lipstick is the texture. It is extremely pigmented and creamy. It actually adds moisture to my lips. You need one swipe with this lipstick to achieve opaque coverage of the lips. 

The staying power of this lipstick is also excellent, being a creamy lipstick I expected it to not have good staying power. I was wrong. This lipstick lasted though around 6 hours that included eating and drinking. It did not bleed or smudge nor did it make my lips feel dry. 

The Diorific lipsticks retail for $50.00 in Australia and honestly I wouldn't hesitate to pay more than that for one. The formula is just that amazing. I WILL be purchasing more next time I am at a Dior counter. Hopefully their is a few nice shades..

Have you tried the Diorific lipsticks? Do you wear red lipstick? What is your favourite lipstick with quirky packaging? 

BellaBox - January 2013

My January BellaBox arrived on Friday. With Australia Day being in January, the theme of this months BellaBox is of course Australian brands. I always like to try out Australian brands but honestly sometimes they can be a little boring.. Hopefully not this month. 

The January BellaBox contains:

You Me & Everybody Cool It Aloe Vera Gel - 100ml $8.95

Aloe Vera gel is something that is always handy to keep around especially in the warmer weather when sunburn can happen so easily. This is a full size product and one I am happy to receive.

Face of Australia Make Up Purifying Cleansing Wipes - 25 wipes $4.95

When I heard Face of Australia was going to be a brand in this months box I got excited hoping it was going to be a make up item. I was disappointed to find these wipes in my box, I received these in a previous box. Good news though, I actually quite like these.

Swisse Body Wash with Vitamin E & Macrobiotic Sea Minerals - 250ml $14.95

I always love trying new body washes and this is a decent size 30ml sample. It also smells really nice and fresh. Will definitely use this. 

Mode Nail Polish in Rave'N - 15ml $2.45

It's been a long time since I tried a Mode nail polish and back then I must say it was crap. Hopefully it has improved since then. I like the fluro orange colour - nothing like it in my collection.

Natio Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream - 50g $14.95

I love trying BB creams but this is a little 5g sample sachet and it is in the Medium shade. Which I can already tell will be useless for me - I am as fair as they come! Will probably try it out just to see what the texture and such is like.

Also included in the box was a cute hedgehog/porcupine wall decal. No mention on the card as to why it is included but I quite like it. 

This months box is no way as spectacular as last months but I didn't expect it to be. Overall this month is a decent box. I just wish there was more make up in them...

A note to every BellaBox member - Reward points will now expire after 12 months, I have already lost some of mine with no pre warning. If I had have know I would have made an order to use them.

What did you get in your BellaBox? Happy with it? 

Dior Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in 764 Fairy Golds - Review

When I saw this eyeshadow palette at the Dior counter at Christmas, I fell in love instantly. However I wasn't sure if I was willing to fork out the money for it. For all the eyeshadows I own, I don't normally wear it that often. I ummed and ahhed over this palette and its counterpart for a couple of days and went back to the counter a couple of more times. As you can see I succumbed to my desire... I never said I had any willpower! 

Of the two palettes released as part of Dior's Holiday collection, I decided (with the advice of the sales assistant) to purchase 764 Fairy Golds. I must say I am extremely pleased with my first Dior eyeshadow purchase. It is an exceptional product and definitely worth the price.

The palette of course includes all the luxe features you expect from a brand like Dior. Including the classy packaging and the velvet pouch for storage. I love the navy and silver colour scheme. 

The Fairy Golds palette has five shades ranging from a soft champagne to a sparkly gold. To me it is the perfect mix of neutrals that are still exciting. Each shade is buttery soft and highly pigmented. It is a dream to apply. The shades are so soft, they blend very easily. 

I have really been impressed by the wear of these shadows. They last all day on the lid with no fading or creasing - with or without a primer. You can't ask for much more than that! They also look gorgeous on the lid and there is no fall out either. 

I have no regrets on my $99 splurge for this palette. I love it and am so glad to have it in my collection. I have already been wearing it heaps and you can hardly tell. I highly recommend this palette - it is pricey but completely worth it. Fairy Golds is part of the Holiday Collection and I am not sure if it is still available but if it is - BUY IT! 

Did you pick up anything from the Dior Holiday Collection? Have you tried Dior eyeshadows before? 

Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipsticks - Review

Apologies for my lack of posts lately. I have honestly had no motivation let alone any ideas as to what to blog about. I have been busy with work and life and blogging has just taken a back seat. I hope writing about lipsticks will help me get my blogging mojo back. If you have any post ideas please comment down below!

Since starting work I have realised how important it is for make up to be long wearing. Especially working in a customer service role, I am facing customers and need to look presentable. I have found a perfect affordable option for a long wearing and comfortable lipstick. That is the Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipsticks. 

I originally purchased one when they came out last year and used it a couple of times but then I purchased new lipsticks and well forgot about it. Then at Chemist Warehouse I fell in love with a shade and remembered about the one in the back of my drawer. I then purchased a third shade recently.

These lipsticks are advertised as 14 hours of wear. Honestly I do not get that long and I doubt anyone would unless lipsticks always last a long time on your lips. Personally, lipsticks never last long on me - I lick my lips a lot. I have found these lipsticks last a good 5-6 hours on my lips even with drinking and eating. 

I was surprised by how comfortable these are. My past experiences have found long wearing lipsticks to be very drying and uncomfortable. These are not, I find my lips still feel quite hydrated whilst wearing these. 

I currently own three shades. There is around 12 shades available, only these three really appealed to me. They are shown in the same order in all the photos as listed below. 

• 005 Perpetual Peony - I love this shade for work, it is a gorgeous soft pink that looks lovely on the lips. 
• 010 Ultimate Blush - My most recent purchase and I am still not quite sold on it. It has a sort of metallic finish to it.
• 020 Eternal Rose - This was of course the first one I purchased, I will always love my bright pinks. Not so appropriate for work though...

The Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipsticks retail for $18.95 each from Maybelline stockists. I have never paid full price though. These are more highly recommended lipsticks from me. I really like wearing them and they are a great price (especially when on sale). 

Have you tried the Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipsticks? What is your favourite long wearing lipstick? 

Christmas Haul - Presents & Shopping

It is impossible for me to go to Melbourne and not go shopping. I love the big shopping centres and can spend hours walking around them and enjoying the atmosphere. I don't even need to buy anything - though I cannot deny that I enjoy buying things. 

I was planning a trip to Chadstone but with my paying being messed up I decided to just stick to Eastland which limited my shopping options. I think I still managed a decent haul though. Some items were presents and some were just items that I purchased. For Christmas I was given mainly money so I could purchase what I wanted. 

Chanel

It is not a good shopping trip unless some Chanel is purchased. If you saw my Christmas Wishlist you would see I had the items from the Chanel Holiday Collection. Sadly the Chanel counter I went to did not get the collection and everywhere was sold out. I now know I should have purchased it online from overseas instead of waiting to buy in store. I did pick up a few items though:

• Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in
•  90 Pimpante
• 95 Enjouee
• 98 Coromandel
• Precision Lip Definer in 57 Rouge Profond

Dior

I was perusing the Dior counter waiting for the sales person to return to the Chanel counter (I was planning on purchasing a backup foundation), when my eyes caught some items I couldn't resist. The woman who served me was lovely and actually ended up doing my make up for me which was convenient as I was going out for tea that night. I was super impressed by the service I received. I purchased:

• Diorific Long-Wearing True Colour Lipstick in 040 Marilyn
• Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Make Up in 010 Ivory
• 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in 764 Fairy Golds

Tom Ford

This was a Christmas present that I actually purchased a couple of weeks before Christmas for my Mum to put away. I purchased it from the David Jones online store when they had 15% off perfume. Violet Blonde has been on my wishlist for ages and I am so glad to finally have it. It is a gorgeous, sexy, mature scent. 

YSL

I had originally wanted to pick up another shade of the Glossy Stains but they did not have the one I wanted and the sales assistant thinks it was limited edition (though she didn't seem to know what she was doing). I managed to pick up this gorgeous nail polish in 33 Top Coat in Premiere Neige. It is stunning in the bottle and I cannot wait to wear it. 

Essence

I had a lot of fun picking up some more Essence products. Previously I had only tried a limited selection of products. This time I branched out and purchased some different items. It also helped that I had a couple of stockists to visit and pick up the items I wanted.

• Nude Glam Nail Polish in 03 Cotton Candy
• Peel Off Base Coat in 01 Carry Me Home
• Silky Touch Blush in 10 Adorable
• Sun Club Glamour to go Eyeshadow in 02 Long Beach
• Quattro Eyeshadow in 05 To Die For
• Gel Eyeliner in 01 Midnight in Paris
• Gel Eyeliner Brush
• Eyeshadows in
• 06 Metropolitan
• 35 Party all Night
• 58 Cappuccino Please
• Lip Liner in 07 Cute Pink

Rimmel

Starting Boxing Day, Chemist Warehouse had a massive 50% off cosmetics. How could I resist not picking up some items? I wish the stands had have been better stocked so I could have gone really crazy...

• Match Perfection Blush in 001 Light
• Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 22
• Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter in 010 Ivory
• Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Pencil in 021 Red Dynamite
• Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 
• 003 Brown
• 004 Taupe

Maybelline

Again a few items I picked up at Chemist Warehouse and again I wish the stand had more stock. It was pretty empty and the store was packed with people all pushing for the cosmetics (like in the movies, for real). I did pick up two things though:

• Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation in 110 Porcelain Ivory
• Super Stay 14 HR Lipstick in 005 Perpetual Peony 

L'Oreal

I am totally obsessed with the Color Riche polishes. I will not rest until I own them all or at least all the shades I like. I also picked up a Color Infaillible shadow that was on clearance for half price.

• Color Riche polishes in 
• 005 Vendome Pearl
• 112 Marrakech Sand
• 504 Insolent Magenta
• 613 Blue Reef
• 617 You Are Worth It
• Color Infaillible in 040 Cosmic Black

Bourjois, Hello Kitty & Smooch

I picked up a couple of random items. The Bourjois polishes were buy one get one free. I like Hello Kitty so I could not resist the stickers and I really liked the shade of lipstick (I picked it up at Chemist Warehous).

• Bourjois No Chips Nail Enamel in
• 15
• 26
• Hello Kitty Nail Art Stickers
• Smooch Lipstick in Popping Pink

So there is another haul. Please do tell me if you don't like haul posts, I just like to share what has excited me enough to purchase. Plus my family don't get excited about make up like I do... Reviews to come on products I like or don't like... 

What have you hauled lately? What did you get for Christmas? Purchase any Boxing Day bargains? 

2012 Favourites

I had intended to get this post written and up before the new year but going away over Christmas and working as soon as I got home got in the way. Better late then never though!

I wrote a similar post for my 2011 Favourites but I only chose 11 products and included all categories. This time I have not limited myself in regards to the number of products and I have only chosen make up items. My skincare changes all the time, over 2012 I tried around 4 different skincare regimes and I honestly can't choose favourites. 

Like 2011, 2012 was a year of discovery. I have tried products from so many different brands, I couldn't name them all. I thank blogging for that. Other bloggers have influenced me a lot over the year and I rarely buy a product without having read a bloggers review.

Face

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory

Whilst the Vitalumiere Aqua is my Holy Grail this is the foundation I reach for when I want fuller coverage. I especially like this for night time as it has no SPF and looks almost velvety on the skin. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in BR10 Beige Rose Pastel

This is my Holy Grail foundation. I love it and I couldn't imagine not having it in my collection. For me it is an essential. It makes my skin look perfect, radiant and natural.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Ivory

This is an absolutely amazing concealer for any imperfections. I love it for under the eyes and the slight redness I get around my nose. I highly recommend this concealer, it is one of the best for dark circles especially when combined with the Corrector. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light

Since purchase this powder has become a staple product in my routine. It sets my foundation without making it look cakey or powdery. A must have product for me.

Cheek

Guerlain Rose Aux Joues Blush Duo in 01 Peach Boy

I love this duo, it includes one matte shade and a shimmery shade. They are both incredibly smooth and easy to apply. I love how you can layer these shades to your preference. I love the peachy coral shades.

Chanel Blush Horizon De Chanel 

This blush became an immediate favourite for that natural looking flush/glow. It is silky smooth and lasts all day on the cheek. The gorgeous design is also a plus.

MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power

My first MAC blush and I love it. It is more coral than showing up in the photo above. This is a go to blush for me when I want a soft peachy pink blush. 

Eyes

Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wearing Eyeliner in Via Veneto

This is a fantastic liner. Very black, easy to apply and long wearing - everything one needs in an eye liner. The built in sharpener is also very handy plus it is wind up so not too much waste. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in 25 Bad to the Bronze

This is my favourite shade of the Color Tattoos. It is that perfect shade for a darker eye. It looks fantastic on a night out. It lasts for hours, does not fade and is super easy to apply. 

Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen

This is a coloured eye lid primer. I don't always were eyeshadows but have quite dark lids naturally so I love to apply this to brighten up the eye area. As a primer it makes shadows more intense and helps them to last all day. 

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir

This is the best mascara I have tried this year. It seems to find lashes I didn't even know I had. It is a dark black colour and does not flake or smudge. 

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in 82 Emerveille 

I think this may be a Holy Grail product for me. It is the perfect shadow when you don't want to put a lot of effort in but want to look polished. It is a gorgeous shade and honestly? I just love it. 

Lips

Burberry Lip Mist in 207 Camelia Pink

This lipstick is lovely on the lips. Super smooth and glides on easily. Nicely pigmented and moisturising on the lips. It also lasts well for a sheerer lipstick. 

MAC Lipstick in Impassioned

I still can't believe I only purchased this lipstick mid way through the year. It is an amazing shade and so perfect for me. Lasts well, is creamy and just gorgeous. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 69 Flirt

This is my favourite shade of the Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks and the one I reach for most. It is a gorgeous coral pink and looks natural and shiny on the lips. 

YSL Glossy Stain in 17 Encre Rose

I think this may be the absolute best lip product of 2012. It is just amazing. Colour and shine lasts for hours even after eating and drinking. Plus this is a gorgeous baby pink

So there is my favourite products of 2012! I am really looking forward to discovering many more new and fantastic products in 2013. Over 2012 I have not done a monthly favourites post but I think I will start in 2013 or at least attempt to...

I hope you all keeping safe from the heat. Remember to drink lots of water, stay cool and of course wear SPF when outside. My best tip for the hot weather? Cold showers! They are the best way to cool down quickly (it is what I did when I got home from work).

What were your favourite products of 2012? 

December Au Revoirs

I cannot believe how fast 2012 went! Though I probably seem to say to something along those lines every month. 2012 was a good year for me but I have a feeling 2013 will be even better. Personally I don't set New Year Resolutions. I don't believe in changing your life or making a decision to do something just because it is the new year. I think any time is a good time to make a change for the better. I do tell myself though each year that I will be healthier, exercise more, yada yada... 

Now onto the empties:

L'Oreal Elvive Colour-Protect Shampoo & Conditioner

When my shampoo and conditioner finished up last month a combination of being a cheapskate and wanting to use some of the products in my bathroom cupboard led me to use this over the month of December. It is okay for a supermarket brand but using it has just cemented my decision to use salon quality products. I won't repurchase but I did repurchase my favourite Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner. 

Bioderma Crealine H20 

This little sample came in a recent BellaBox. I already own, use and love this product but I took the sample away with me. It is a fantastic product and I will continue to use it. 

Artiste Brush Cleaner

This is an essential for me. I use this on a daily basis to cleanse my brushes quickly and easily between uses. I think this is the fourth bottle I have used up this year. I have already repurchased. 

I hope 2013 is an amazing year for all! Did you make any resolutions?