In My Travel Make Up Bag - Week 1

As you may know, I am currently in Melbourne for work training. The training is two weeks in length but work only pays for accommodation during the week. I therefore spend 5 nights in the city, 2 nights back home and then 5 nights in the city again. A busy fortnight!

I am currently really tired and I apologise for the lack of posts recently (again). Training is tiring and so is the shopping I do after training. The training is on Collins St and I am staying at the Citigate Melbourne on Flinders St so I am in walking distance to Myer & David Jones on Bourke St. I can say I have already visited a couple of times.

So I thought before I share my new purchases with you, I would show you what items I bought with me. Honestly when I packed, the first thing I packed was make up and skincare. I had my priorities correct! I am not going into a lot of details on the products - I am too sleepy! Let me know if you want any reviews..

Base Products:

For me when I am away for a few nights I have to pack more than one foundation - I like a lighter coverage as well as a fuller coverage one. Primers, powder and concealers are a must have too.

• Benefit The Porefessional 
• Dior Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Make Up
• Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
• Bobbi Brown Corrector
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

Cheek Products:

After lipstick, blush is the next hardest product for me to chose each morning. I love having a choice of pretty colours, textures and finishes.

• Nars Powder Blush in Deep Throat
• Guerlain Blush Duo in 01 Peach Boy
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink
• Illamasqua Powder Blush in Naked Rose
• Stila Convertible Colour in Gerbera

Eye Products:

Until recently eye make up wasn't a must have for me. I have really fallen in love with adding that extra definition to my eyes. I like to haves lots of choices though...

• Lorac Pro Palette
• Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Black
• Avon Brow Gel in Clear
• Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast Mascara in Black
• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
• Essence Gel Eyeliner in 01 Midnight in Paris
• Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in 82 Emerveille
• Maybelline Color Tatto in 25 Bad to the Bronze
• Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Medium
• Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in
• Perversion
• Hustle
• Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen
• Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night

Lip Products:

You should definetely know that I have a lipstick obsession! I couldn't go away for 5 days without a few choices (ignore the fact I have purchased over 10 lipsticks since getting to Melbourne). 

• Buxom Lip Cream in Creamsicle
• MAC Lipstick in
• Party Parrot
• Impassioned
• Pink Pidgeon
• Chanel Rouge Allure Coco Shine in 52 Fetiche
• Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 L'Eclantante
• YSL Glossy Stain in 17
• Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony

Moral of the story? I do not pack light! 

How much make up do you pack when you travel?

Lust Have It - February 2013

The February Lust Have It box arrived today and I was surprised it did not have a Valentine's Day theme. Probably good it didn't though as it arrived at the end of the month. Firstly it is not packaged in the 'collector' box as the products would not fit. Secondly a product is missing, because according to Lust Have It, if they included the other product the box would be over the Australia Post parcel weight. On to the contents of the box and then my thoughts...

The February Lust Have It box contains:

Summer Tan Self Action Tan in Dark - 250ml $29.95

I still do not understand the obsession with tanned skin. I am happy being pale. I will not use this. It is a total waste on me and I am just sick of tanning products. Full size but it doesn't matter when it is a product I will not use. Also really it is the wrong time to be sending tanning products - it is the end of summer. 

Styli-Style L3 Timeless Lipstick - $19.95

I received this in the shade Heavenly and it is a pretty, nude pink shade. It appears to be quite sheer. Always happy for a full sized make up item. 

The Natural Source Camouflage Colour Nail Lacquers - 12ml $9.99

I received this in the shade Brick and that is exactly the colour. It is a horrible dark brown and I will never ever wear it. Even my Mum who likes browns looked at it and said 'eww'. Yay for full size, boo for crappy colour.

Lon Vitalite C9 Crystal Moisturising Hand Mask - 1 pair $4.50 

From what I can gather these are like gloves for your hands. Will probably try it though I think I would find it hard to not use my hands for 30 minutes. 

The item that was taken out is Kerastase Paris Nectar Themique - 150ml $39.50. This has come in a previous box, no idea what size the sample will be this time.

Overall I am pretty disappointed in this months Lust Have It box. There is only one item I am happy to see. I am really getting sick of being unhappy when I open my box. Maybe it is time to end ties? Honestly Lust Have It needs to get its shit together and be the box it used to be. 

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

My Nails are Wearing... Sally Hansen

Just a quick post to show you what is currently on my nails. I couldn't resist using the Sally Hansen nail polish that came in the recent Bella Box. It is the shade 677 Shoot the Moon and it is a gorgeous metallic grey that just looks amazing on the nails. 

This is two thin coats but you could get away with one. I didn't use a base or top coat. The polish was very easy to apply and seems to be lasting pretty well so far. 

This polish actually reminds me of a Chanel polish called Graphite. I don't own Graphite to compare but it looks similar when comparing images.

What are your nails wearing? 

Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in To Die For - Review

Essence is a brand I have really been loving trying out lately. If you didn't know Essence is a German brand and has incredible quality and value. I don't think there is an item over $10.00 in the whole range. They also regularly release limited edition collections based around a theme. 

I have heard great things about the eye shadows so naturally I had to get some to try. I don't like to be missing out on anything... 

I chose the most neutral of the eyeshadow quads mainly because that is what I always wear and will get the most wear out of. This nude beauty is 05 To Die For. As a quad it of course features four shades (duh!). I like the design of the palette - you get more of the shade you will use the most. 

The first shade - in the top left corner is a shimmery white. The top right shade is a very pretty champagne beige shade. The bottom right is satiny deep brown. The last shade - bottom left is a chocolate brown with bronze sparkles. 

The quality of these shadows is fantastic. They are buttery soft, pigmented and so easy to use. They blend out beautifully and last all day on my lids with or without a primer. 

The shadows are swatched below in the same order as the colour descriptions. 

I am really happy I purchased this palette (and have proceeded to purchase another one). For the price of $5.95 it is an absolute bargain! Essence is available at Priceline and Target. I highly recommend you check out their products. 

Have you tried any Essence products? What do you recommend?

BellaBox - February 2013

My February Bella Box arrived today when I was at work and honestly I wasn't that excited about it. I had seen other boxes and it was a little disappointing looking. However I am quite happy with my box and getting it on Valentine's Day was like a Valentine present to myself. The theme of this months box is of course Valentine's Day!

The February Bella Box contains:

Gatineau Melatogenine Future Plus Advanced Anti-Aging Day & Night Cream - 50ml $240.00

This is a 15ml sample and at first thought that is a pretty small sample but then look at the retail price for 50ml. My calculations (which could be wrong) indicate this sample is worth about $70 - that is value! It is an anti-aging product and at 21 years of age, I hope I don't need anti-aging but I will definitely try this out. 

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - 14.7ml $14.95

I received this in the shade 677 Shoot the Moon and it is a gorgeous metallic grey. I like the Sally Hansen polishes and can't wait to try this out. Full size too!

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment - 30g $5.95

I really like paw paw ointments but hate that many of them contain petrochemicals *cough* Lucas Paw Paw *cough*. This has none and the paw paw is organic. Just tried on my lips and it is very smooth and moisturising. I likey.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - 150ml $9.95

I love the convenience of dry shampoo and Batiste is an essential product of mine. Yes I have received this is previous boxes but I use it so I don't mind. This mini 50ml size will be perfect for keeping in the handbag or travelling.

John Freida Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo & Conditioner - 250ml $17.99

This has actually come at a good time as I am considering going back to the hairdressers to lighten up my hair again. I am naturally blonde but it has darkened over time. I'll try this first instead - the 44ml tubes should give a few good uses.

U Skin Solutions Clean & Go Exfoliating Gel Cleanser - 125ml $30.95

Yes this is a little sample and there is no exact size but OMG it smells awesome! Very tea treey and fresh smelling. Will try this out even if it is only a couple of uses. 

Overall I am pretty happy with this months box. I like the variety and the new products and the old faithfuls. I will definitely try out everything in the box and I am really looking forward to painting my nails too! 

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day! xx

What did you receive in your Bella Box? 

LOVE - Products for Valentine's Day

That day that those loved up couples thrive for and us singles despise is upon us again. Yes, I am referring to Valentine's Day. Personally I don't really care about it but then I am single... Anyway I thought the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is with my true love - beauty products! I went through my collection and pulled out the products that names made me think of love or shades that are perfect for the day of love. 

So here are some products to get you ready for your big date or just to wear at home whilst watching Criminal Minds reruns. Don't be ashamed - it's what I'll be doing...

Illamasqua Powder Blush - Lover

The name of this blush is just perfect for Valentine's Day! I mean it is called Lover - a fitting name for a blush to wear on Valentine's Day. This blush is a pretty matte peach shade and is extremely pigmented. It also lasts  for ages on the skin.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush - Rose

Not into peachy blushes? No worries! This Physicians Formula blush is the perfect pink for your Valentine's Day celebrations. The heart print is made for the day of love! 

MAC Lipstick - Impassioned

The name of this lipstick is why it is in this post. The name Impassioned makes me think of well passion and in so many forms. Plus this lipstick is a fabulous colour and one of my great lipstick loves.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Flirt

Again in this post for its name. However it is a perfect shade of lipstick if you are a natural make up wearer. A gorgeous moisturising coral shade. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Sweetheart

Who doesn't want to be someones sweetheart? This is a gorgeous pink and Revlon claims it is Kissable. Perfect for Valentine's Day.  

Butter London Nail Lacquer - Pillar Box Red

Valentine's Day pretty much has a requirement for red or pink nails. I wear pink nail polish often so it isn't so special. I think this red polish is perfect for Valentine's Day. It is a creme red and opaque in one coat. 

Agent Provocateur EDP

Everyone needs a sexy, seductive perfume in their collection. Agent Provocateur is mine. It is my favourite heavy musky, slightly rosy scent. I just love how I feel when I wear it. I think it would be perfect for a night of romance. 

Doing anything special for Valentine's Day? What are your essential products for Valentine's Day? 

Latest Lipstick Love - MAC Party Parrot & Pink Pigeon

If you a regular reader of this blog you will know how much I love lipsticks. I don't go very long between purchases of new lip products. They are my favourite make up item and probably the first I purchased. I have decided to write a regular post titled 'Latest Lipstick Love' to share with you the lipsticks I am currently loving. 

I was obsessive about getting these two MAC lipsticks from the Strength Collection. I religiously stalked the MAC website for probably close to two weeks and as soon as the collection became available I placed my order. Then I did a little happy dance in excitement. You will understand why when you see the next photo.

LOOK AT THEM! AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS?!?!

Sadly due to a shipping delay they took over a week to arrive and only arrived yesterday but I am already in love. I mean how could I not be?

Pictured on the left is Party Parrot and on the right is Pink Pigeon. They are just so pretty, I cannot deal with it. Party Parrot is a reddish pink and Pink Pigeon is a bright classic pink. Both lipsticks are matte. 

I have tried them both on and they are my favourite type of lipstick. Bold, pigmented and very comfortable to wear. For matte lipsticks they feel very creamy and hydrating on the lips. Excuse the below photos I am having a no make up day - except for the bright lipsticks, obviously.

These lipsticks retail for $36 and are part of the limited edition Strength Collection. Party Parrot is sold out online but Pink Pigeon is still available. They may be available at counters but I am not sure. I highly recommend these lipsticks if you are into the bright bold lipsticks. 

What is your Latest Lipstick Love? Would you like to see these posts regularly? 

YSL Premiere Neige Top Coat - NOTD

 

Technically this is a NOTD from the weekend but I have only just had a chance to blog about it. I purchased the gorgeous YSL Top Coat Premiere Neige back at Christmas time but I had been putting off using it. You know when you don't want to use a new product? Yeah, that was me. 

Before applying the YSL top coat, I applied two thin coats of L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis in Marie Antoinette. This is a gorgeous baby pink that was surprisingly opaque. 

I applied one coat of the top coat and it just adds a grown up like sparkle and shimmer to the nails. More coats could be added for more sparkle, of course. I also found it wore well on my nails - 3 days before chipping began, which is pretty good for my nails. 

The YSL top coat is unlike any other glittery top coat I have used. The sparkle/glitter particles actually settle in the bottom (as you can see in the above photo). A good shake unsettles it and turns it into the below polish. 

Personally I love this YSL polish and if I wasn't a cheapskate I would probably buy another one. It just adds a completely different dimension to any polish. I LOVE! 

What have your nails been wearing lately?

January Favourites

In the past I have not done monthly favourites posts. I don't like picking favourites in my make up, it is like picking a favourite child (if I had proper children, not just fur babies). But since starting work and wearing make up pretty much everyday I am finding certain products are reached for often. I find products just work or I am love the way they look and they end up pretty much on repeat. So I thought I would share the products I have enjoyed this month. 

Over January the foundation I have reached for the most has been Dior Nude Skin-Glowing Make Up. I love this foundation, it gives that naturally gorgeous looking skin without feeling heavy or looking like foundation. It is also super easy and quick to apply. For blush I have been loving a soft natural flush to the cheeks, so I have been reaching for MAC Powder Blush - Easy Manner. This is a soft, pale coral pink that just looks gorgeous on the cheeks. 

Honestly up until the arrival of my new eye shadow palettes last week, I have been lazy with my eye make up. If I wore shadow it was only one shadow and that was my L'Oreal Infaillible - 033 Tender Caramel.   It is the perfect shade when you just want a quick and simple eye look. 

If I haven't worn shadows I have stuck with using the Laura Mercier Eye Basics primer/base. I use this in the shade Linen and it is perfect for brightening the eyelid especially if like me and your eyelids are dark (like under eye circles but on the lid). I then softly line my upper lash line with my Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Hustle. I then, of course apply a couple of coats of mascara and my eyes are done. 

Shockingly I have not been wearing much on my lips this month especially many lipsticks. Working in air conditioned environments are really drying out my lips so most of the time I am wearing lip balm. I did manage to favour two lipsticks though: Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in 005 Perpetual Peony and Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 42 L'Eclantante. The Chanel is from the Spring 2013 Collection and I will review it soon. The colour is absolutely gorgeous! 

Swatches L-R: MAC Easy Manner, Urban Decay Hustle, L'Oreal Tender Caramel, Laura Mercier Eye Basics, Maybelline Perpetual Peony and Chanel L'Eclantante. 

The other thing I have really been loving this month is sleep. Before starting work I was a really bad sleeper and only slept for a few hours at a time. Now I sleep for around 8 hours a night (more if I can). Work has been busy and days when I get up at 6.30am and not home until about 6.30pm are exhausting. As people keep saying to me 'Welcome to the real world". 

Due to the 'real world' blogging has been a little neglected, hopefully February will be better and I will post more! 

What were your January Favourites?

January Empties

Welcome to my first 'empties' post for 2013! 

All last year I titled these posts 'Au Revoirs' but I have decided to change it to 'empties' as it is the universally known name. Lately I have been on a bit of a mission to finish up all the new and half used products I have hidden away in cupboards, boxes and drawers. This is in a bit of an attempt to get rid of some of the clutter I have. I mean do I really need to keep four different cleansers in the bathroom? No, I do not.

In January I have done pretty well with emptying some products. I am not a fan of throwing things out, especially if there is nothing wrong with them. 

January's empties are:

Nutrimetics Botanicals Exfoliating Body Scrub in Vanilla & Guava 
The best part of this product was the smell. Otherwise it was a very coarse exfoliator that was too runny - not dense enough too actually work well. Would not repurchase.

Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover
I emptied this early in the month and as far as I can remember it was a fine nail polish remover. Nothing special nor disappointing.

Palmolive Heavenly Hands Foaming Hand Wash in Raspberry
Okay, this isn't really my empty. It is a family one but I really wanted to share it with you. I LOVE this hand wash. The smell is beautiful and it leaves my hands feeling moisturised. Will repurchase, this is actually the second bottle that has been used up.

Palmolive Body Butter Strawberry Smoother Exfoliating Body Wash
I got this in the December Bella Box (I think). The smell of this was amazing and as a body wash it was nice, though I would have preferred it without the exfoliating granules. The packaging was also a pain - too hard to actually squeeze the product out. May or may not purchase in the future.

Avon Naturals Refreshing Shower Gel in Juicy Watermelon
I love watermelon and I usually love the smell of it. This body wash though had a really fake smell to it and that totally ruined it. Otherwise it was a decent body wash. Wouldn't repurchase this scent (though I do have a strawberry one to use).

Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Ultra Foam Cleanser

I really enjoyed using this of a morning in the shower. It has a 'tingly cool boost' that is really awakens the skin. As a cleaser it was nice though possibly not well suited to my normal/dry skin. Probably wouldn't purchase this - it originally came in a Bella Box. 

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Corrector Pen

I purchased this when I was trying to create the perfect flick eye liner (still haven't managed that by the way). All I can say about this was it was absolutely useless - maybe that is why it was on clearance when I purchased it. The pen just made a mess of any eye make up. A cotton bud dipped in Bioderma is much more effective. 

Clarins Cleasing Milk with Alpine Herbs 

I have had this lying around for ages and decided it was time to use it up. I really enjoyed this cleanser, it was really gentle yet effective on the skin. It also worked really well with my Clarisonic and could remove most make up. I would consider repurchasing. 

Clarins Toning Lotion Alcohol Free with Camomile

Same with the cleanser, have had it lying around for a while and decided to use it up. It was fine nothing overly special. Really didn't feel it was necessary after using the cleanser. 

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil

I got this ages ago in a sample box back when Beauty Box was still around. As a cleanser it was really good and just melted away any make up or grime. I just can't get used to cleaning my skin with oil though.

Face of Australia Purifying Cleansing Wipes

Since starting work and some night coming home absolutely exhausted I have come to rely on make up removing wipes. They are great for a quick cleanse prior to falling into bed. These are nice though they can irritate my eyes a little. 

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes

I received these as part of a Beauty Heaven Trial Team. They were nice cleansing wipes though sometimes my skin wasn't left feeling completely clean.

So there is my empties post! I had hoped to get this up yesterday but I wasn't feeling well by the time I got home from work after 6pm. I had a shower, dinner and straight to bed. Feeling much better today after a marathon 14 hour sleep.

What did you empty in January?