A New Experience - Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder is a brand I see all the time but have not had much experience with in recent years. I remember in my younger years using the Estee Lauder products my Mum would get in the Christmas gift set occasionally. I never take much time to look at a counter though when I am out. Sometimes it just has too much of an 'old lady' vibe about it. 

My impression has changed recently though. I was out with my Mum in Horsham (a smallish country town) and walked past a chemist that sells Estee Lauder. It had a table of discontinued and discounted stock - I could not resist! I went in and then came out with two new purchases. 

I picked up a Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick from the discontinued table that was 20% off. I had to restrain myself to just one lipstick - there was some gorgeous shades. I also picked up a very pretty eye shadow that wasn't on sale but I just had to have it. So I bought it (as I do). 

The Pure Color Lipstick I purchased is a very pretty coral shade called Coral Fantasy. It is a creme finish. I think of the this shade as a true, crisp coral. It is very creamy when applied but still lasts for a good few hours. I also love the elegant packaging - it feels grown up.

I am very pleased I picked this lipstick up, especially since I paid around $36.00 for it. 

The other item I just had to buy was a Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Copper. I am not one to purchase individual shadows very often - I prefer the convenience of a palette but I am so pleased that I purchased this. 

This shadow is like a hybrid of a cream and powder shadow. It is super pigmented and smooth. It is so easy to apply and lasts all day. Since purchasing this I have worn it almost everyday I have worn eye makeup. I am planning on purchasing more of these incredible shadows. 

I am very happy with my recent experience with Estee Lauder. Both products are fantastic quality and have definitely encouraged me to explore more of the brand especially any products from the Gelee range. 

Are you a fan of Estee Lauder? 

What are your favourite products? Any brands you see all the time but never try? 

Purple Day for Epilepsy - March 26

"Purple Day (26th March) is a global effort dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness. Purple Day was founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, Cassidy started Purple Day in an effort to get people talking about the condition and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. She named the day Purple Day after the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, lavender." Purple Day Website 

Today's post is a step away from my normal beauty ramblings. However it is something important to me and I feel a need to share with you - I hope you will stick around to read this post.

Above is a photo of my older brother Jake and myself. Jake will turn 26 this year. He had uncontrolled epilepsy and has since he was 6 years old.

Jake contracted encephalitis when he was 4, it is an infection of the brain (similar to meningitis which is an infection of the fluid around the brain). Jake spent around 6 weeks in the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Much of that time was spent unconscious and to be honest it was lucky that he survived. Due to the scaring the encephalitis left on his brain he has had epilepsy since then.

Jake's epilepsy is not controlled. This means he still has seizures even though he is on medication and has a vagus nerve implant. He can go around a week without a seizure or he can have 20 in a day. There is no way of predicting when he will have a seizure or what type it will be.

A seizure is a little difficult to describe as the seizure everyone has differs. It usually involves loss of control of body movement and often a loss of consciousness  A seizure can last for anywhere between 30 seconds to more than 5 minutes. 

Epilepsy can make life difficult as Jake's is uncontrolled it can be dangerous for him to be left completely alone. He could just drop and have a seizure anywhere (and I mean anywhere). Injuries from falling when suffering a seizure are very common for epilepsy sufferers - Jake fell when he had a seizure on Sunday, he now requires surgery to fix it. Epilepsy also limits what he can do - he can't have a normal job and he can't drive (something that makes him very annoyed). Luckily we live in a supportive environment and there are some opportunities for him.

At this stage there is no cure to Jake's epilepsy. He is not a candidate for traditional brain surgery as he doesn't just have one area on the brain that is scarred - it is multiple places. Numerous medications have been tried and some have helped but not cured (some have also had some terrifying consequences too). For now, we as a family hope for something new and miraculous to be created. There is some hope with a new treatment called 'deep brain simulation' that has had some promising results. However it is not available to Jake at this time. Fingers crossed for the future though! 

I haven't written this post to tell you that you should donate money to Epilepsy Australia (though that would be great if you did). I have written it to help fulfil the aim of Purple Day - increase awareness of epilepsy.

A seizure is something many people are frightened, don't understand or just don't know what to do when they see one. Seizures can be confusing to see - a lot of the time it just looks like the person is on drugs or is drunk. I want you to have some understanding of epilepsy so if the need arises you would know how to help someone. The above first aid poster is a great resource (click on it to enlarge it). 

Just a couple of other things I would also like to mention:

• Do not panic when you see someone having a seizure - in the case of my brother, he can sense the panic and it then panics him.
• Do not ever point, laugh or stare when you see someone having a seizure. I have seen this too many times - Jake regularly seizures in shopping centres and the attitudes of some people make me so mad. This type of attitude also makes the person having the seizure feel embarrassed.
• If you are comfortable, feel welcome to offer your help or ask if everything is alright. More often than not you will be thanked and told 'it is just a seizure, they will be fine in a little while'. 

Thank you for reading this post - it means a lot to me. If you have any questions feel free to ask below. 

For more information you can head to the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria's website (or do a quick Google search to find your states/countries organisation).  

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks - Review

I get so excited when I see a brand releasing some gorgeous new lipsticks. I get super excited when it is an affordable brand and the colours are so bright and pretty! Maybelline got me super, super excited about the Color Sensational Vivids lipsticks. You know about my lipstick addiction so you should also know I had to get my hands on these ASAP! 

Maybelline have released eight shades of the Vivids lipsticks in Australia and I have purchased six of them. It took trips to a few different stores to collect them all up - they seem to be pretty popular.

The Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids shades I purchased are:

900 Pink Pop - a bright soft pink

902 Fuchsia Flash - a bright blue based pink

904 Vivid Rose - a bright rose pink

906 Hot Plum - a bright purple pink 

910 Shocking Coral - a bright coral red 

914 Vibrant Mandarin - a bright orange red

As you should be able to tell by now - these are all bright (and VIVID) shades. Perfect for me, maybe a little bright for some (but dare to try!). The other two shades I don't own are 912 Electric Orange and 916 Neon Red. 

These lipsticks feel lovely and smooth on the lips. They glide on easily with no tugging. I have found they are not overly moisturising but not drying either (which is always a good thing). 

The pigmentation of the Vivid lipsticks is amazing. They are nearly opaque in one swipe. On average I have found these lipsticks wear for around 4 hours before wearing away. Most of the shades leave a slight stain on the lips. 

The swatches below are in the same order as above.

I am so pleased Maybelline released these lipsticks. It is excellent to be able to buy fantastic bright lipsticks at an affordable price. They are great quality and the colours are amazing. I highly recommend you check them out!

The Color Sensational Vivids lipsticks retail for $16.95 at all Maybelline stockists.

Have you tried the Color Sensational Vivids lipsticks? Are you a bright lipstick wearer? 

Lust Have It - March 2013

My Lust Have It box arrived today and it feels like it has arrived much earlier than usual. I'll admit that I had a fair idea of what was coming in my box - I read a few blog posts featuring the box. I am happy with this months box, there is exceptional value. It also came in the pretty collectable box again this month. 

Something important is happening with Lust Have It, more on that later...

My March Lust Have It box contains:

Bio Elixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Creme - 150ml $59.00

First up is a full size body cream. Personally I have never purchased a cellulite cream and it's not because I don't need it (I do). It's because I feel like they are bit of a fad type product. This however claims to be scientifically proven. Will definitely give it a try.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray - 59ml $29.95

I have heard lots about this finishing spray but have never tried it (or any other for that matter). This promises to give your make up that just applied look that lasts all day. This is a 20ml sample.

The Natural Source Camouflage Colour Crayons - $9.99 

These pencils contain only naturally derived pigments, meaning they can be used anywhere on the face. I received one in a pinky-red shade that would be a perfect lip liner and the other is a goldish-green shade that would be a very pretty eye liner. Only downside is that the pencil is quite hard (I just broke the gold ones lead when swatching). These are both full size.

DeLorenzo Essential Treatment Equilibrium - 250g $31.00

This is a deep repair treatment mask with organic rosehip and oat peptides. This smells really nice and I look forward to using it on my dry hair. This is a 30g sample.

Ocean Essence Gold Eye Cream - 15ml $39.95

I am always interested in trying new eye creams to try and get rid of the dreaded dark circles. This contains real gold (fancy)! This is another full size item. 

I also received a lolly pop, some voucher thingos (that I never use) and my Keratase Nectar Thermique that was left out of last months box.

Overall I am really happy with this months box - it is packed full of value! I also love the variety in products and brands - some new and some tried before. I was left with a feeling of happiness after opening this month. 

Now onto the changes with Lust Have It - this copied from the email I received last Thursday:

"This year we'll be getting more international brands, more premium brands, more salon quality products, more full sized products, more beauty videos, more limited edition collectable boxes, more competitions, more VIP benefits... MORE! MORE! MORE!

There's exciting times ahead for Lust have it! and we'd love for you to be a part of it! That's why, when we introduce the new monthly price of $19.95 a month, you will become a part of our newly created "First Generation" group of subscribers.

To thank you for your support and loyalty as a First Generation member, we're keeping the prices low at just $14.95 a month for the next 6 months*.. Just for you! This means that you'll be getting all the benefits of the new $19.95/month subscription, for just $14.95. Also, as an added bonus, we're offering you the chance to get in early and purchase an annual subscription for just $160. By purchasing an annual subscription between now and the end of April, you'll be securing yourself for a whole year of boxes at a low price of just $13.30 a box! You'll be saving almost $80 over the course of the year!! So get ready to be spoilt!!"

I honestly haven't formed an opinion yet as to what I think of the price increase - I am still deciding. I love the surprise of the monthly box but I an extra $5 is another $5. If you want to get your first box for only $14.95 enter the code FRIEND at check out. 

What did you receive in your March Lust Have It box? What do you think of the price rise? 

BellaBox - March 2013

My March Bella Box finally arrived on my doorstep today. It took longer than normal to arrive - I got the notification email on Wednesday and I normally get my box within a day or two at the most. No fault of Bella Box's though - stupid Australia Post ( I could now go on a economics based rant about monopolies and lack of competition, but I won't - for your sake). 

The theme of the March box is Delicious Beauty. This month also includes two colour products instead of the normal one! In celebration of Easter and breaking the rules - like eating chocolate for breakfast. Personally I don't think there is any rule against eating chocolate for breakfast - or any meal of the day for that matter (mind you I am eating chocolate right now). 

The March Bella Box contains:

Ocean Essence Coconut Body Milk - 20ml $4.95

To be honest I was hoping for the body wash mainly because I am lazy and hardly ever moisturise. This smells awesome though, I hate the taste of coconut but I just love the smell of it in body products. This is a 20ml sized tube and I am looking forward to using it (and imaging I am on a tropical island). 

Ocean Essence Pink Diamond Face Mask - Box of 3 $39.95

When I saw this in the bottom of the box, my first thought was 'Why is there a slimy purple jelly fish in my box?' Turns out it is a face mask in a gel form. I don't know if I will use it, at the moment I am having too much fun squishing it...

Glamourflage Lip Balm - $10.95

I received this in the Bella Blaze version which is a delicious honey lemon scent. I have already used this and I likey already. It is not an overly moisturising lip balm but it makes my lips feel nice and healthy. Another lip balm is always handy to have around too. 

Designer Brands Lip Pencil - $4.99

I am not much of a lip pencil person - mainly because I cannot get my lipsticks to match to a lip pencil. Fantastic to see another full size item and I am really happy I got this in the shade 630 Pink - one I am more likely to use. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara - 8g $38.00

I used to have this mascara and really liked it so I am glad to have it again. This is a 3.5ml sample and I love getting a 'high end' product in my sample box. 

Swisse Active Energy Bar - $2.39 

This is listed as a bonus product. I hate these types of bars, I find they normally taste worse than cardboard dipped in mud. I'll give this to my brother - he loves this type of thing. 

Overall I am really happy with this months box, 4 full sized items - three of which are make up items. I LOVE that! I am subscribed for the make up... Like I am sure many of you are. I am also loving the Glamourflage lip balm already - it smells so good. 

What did you receive in your Bella Box?

EPIC Haul - Part Two - Myer, David Jones & Online

Welcome to Part Two of my EPIC haul!

This part features all the items I purchased from Myer, David Jones and some items purchased online that arrived whilst I was away. As I said in Part One, I know this is a lot of money to spend on make up but I work and I enjoy spending my hard earned money on something I love.

Now onto the good stuff...

MAC

I have fallen in love with MAC products lately. I don't think they are the absolute best out there but I do love the range of products and shades available. I also love the regular release of new products. I don't think I have ever read an Archie comic but the packaging and colours were too cute to resist. Some of the items here were purchased from MAC USA (thanks Rebecca!) and the Marilyn blush was from Jen's blog sale.

• Face and Body Foundation in N1
• Archie's Girls Lipsticks in
• Betty Bright
• Daddy's Little Girl
• Girl Next Door
• Frost Lipstick in Angel
• Year of the Snake Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl
• Archie's Girls Powder Blush in
• Cream Soda
• Prom Princess
• Marilyn Monroe Powder Blush in Legendary
• Archie's Girls Pearlmatte Face Powder in
• Veronica's Blush
• Flatter Me

Illamasqua

This was my first visit to an Illamasqua counter and I was pretty excited! I think the Illamasqua counter may have the best atmosphere in all of Myer. Such friendly and helpful staff. I picked up a few items I have been interested in a while. My only concern is now I see the Skin Base foundation is very yellow - I am very pink. 

• Cream Blusher in Rude
• Skin Base Foundation in 3
• Nail Varnish in Raindrops
• Lipstick in Immodest
• Cream Pigment in Hollow
• Blush-Up Brush

Giorgio Armani

I received excellent service at the Giorgio Armani counter at Myer. The woman who served me was very friendly and knowledgeable. So much so when trying out the foundation shades she got me to go stand outside (in Bourke St Mall) with a mirror to see which shade suited in natural light. Yeah I probably looked like an idiot but at least I go the right shade. She also gave me some samples and a little clutch/pouch. 

• Maestro Fusion Make Up in 5
• Lip Maestro in 504

Clarins & Lancome

The Clarins palette I actually purchased on eBay from one of my trusted sellers. It arrived whilst I was away. As part of their recent collection, Lancome released two very pretty blushers. I however showed some self control and only purchased one. I wish I had purchased the other too now. 

• Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in 09 Odyssey
• Lancome Blush in Love in 10 Peche Joue-Joue

Too Faced & Hourglass

As soon as I saw the promotional images for the Too Faced blush I knew I would own it. It is just too gorgeous to resist. I feel in love with the Hourglass lip product when I saw ViviannaDoesMakeup wear it in one of her videos. 

• Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow
• Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Muse

Dior & YSL

At Myer I received fantastic service at the YSL counter pity I can't say the same about the Dior counter. It was complete polar opposites. At YSL the woman who served me was so friendly and helpful, at Dior it was like I was an inconvenience. 

• Dior Nail Glow - Instant French Manicure Effect Whitening Nail Care
• YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 6 

Tom Ford

I had no intention of purchasing anything at the Tom Ford counter before visiting it but once I was there I just had to get something. I was also served by a lovely lady there too who wasn't even the Tom Ford make up artist. 

• Cheek Color in 07 Narcissist 

 

Burberry

I visited the Burberry counter twice whilst away. The first time they had an offer of a free eye pencil with purchase but they didn't have any left (why not take the sign down then?) and the second time they had an excellent GWP with purchase of two products - I couldn't resist. 

• Light Glow Natural Blush in 9 Coral Pink
• Complete Eye Palette in 3 Pale Nude
• Lip Velvet in
• 307 Rose Pink
• 308 Pink Azalea
• Gift With Purchase containing:
• Lip Mist in 202 Copper
• Eye Brush 10 Defining Liner
• Eye Definer in 3 Midnight Ash

So there is Part Two of my Epic Haul. I must say I had an absolute blast whilst shopping. I think I will be good for a while now - save some money... I will try anyway. 

Reviews will come in time for most of the products but let me know if there is any you want ASAP. :)

What have you hauled lately?

EPIC Haul - Part One - Priceline

As you all know or should know I spent pretty much two weeks in Melbourne city for work training. If you didn't know then you must not follow me on Twitter (which you should do). I had been rambling on Twitter the whole time about - you guessed it SHOPPING!

You will see in this post that I shopped a lot. So much so that I have actually separated this haul into two posts. It just would have been way too long for one post. Part One will be my Priceline hauls and Part Two will be my Myer & David Jones hauls.

All of this was not purchased at one time. I picked up things on numerous trips to Bourke St. I know this is a lot of money to spend on make up. I have been working hard since I started work and I am still at that stage of enjoying earning my own money and spending it. 

Less talking, onto the haul...

Maybelline

I have been lusting after the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipsticks since I first saw images of them going around twitter. These are exactly my type of lipstick - bright and pigmented. 

• Color Sensational Vivid Lipsticks in
• 900 Pink Pop
• 902 Fuchsia Flash
• 904 Vivid Rose
• 906 Hot Plum
• 910 Shocking Coral
• 914 Vibrant Mandarin

L'Oreal

I was ecstatic when the last Priceline catalogue came out and L'Oreal was 3 for 2! It was awesome timing as there were some new L'Oreal releases I was interested in picking up. 

• Nude Magique BB Powder in Light
• Nude Magique BB Blush
• Shine Caresse in 
• 101 Lolita
• 102 Romy
• 103 Marilyn
• 400 Eve

Essence

Whenever I see an Essence stand I like to pick up a few things especially if there is a new collection available. I went a Priceline in my lunch break to be able to pick up some items from the new Circus collection and when I saw the paper lashes from the Cherry Blossom collection, I couldn't resist. 

• Cherry Blossom Girl Paper Lashes
• Circus Circus 
• Lip Lacquer in 02 My Glammy Acrobat
• Highlighting Powder in 01 It's Magic
• Colour3 Nail Polish in
• 01 My Sparkling Acrobat
• 03 Applause, Applause
• 04 Cotton Candy

Rimmel & Models Prefer

Rimmel finally released their matte range of lipsticks so I had to pick a couple up. I also finally managed to track down the nude eye liner. I noticed Models Prefer have recently released a clear lip liner and as I have a very limited collection of lip liners I thought it would be a perfect addition to my collection. 

• Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in
• 103
• 106
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 005 Nude
• Models Prefer Infinite Colour Lip Liner in Clearly Sealed 

Bourjois

I love Bourjois cosmetics and when I saw Priceline had 30% off and a GWP with any purchase over $19 (I think). I finally picked up the Healthy Mix concealer that I have heard many good things about - first impression, I likey.

• Healthy Mix Concealer in 51 Light Radiance
• 1 Second Nail Polish in 06 Rose Cupcake
• Gift With Purchase containing:
• Round Pot Blush in 34 Rose d'Or
• Parisian mirror & kabuki in black

Sally Hansen

I was happy to find that the Complete Salon Manicure polishes were on sale for $10 each and there was a GWP with any purchase over $20 the GWP is valued at over $50!

• Complete Salon Manicure in
• 406 Purple Heart
• 675 Mermaid's Tale
• Gift With Purchase containing:
• No More Ridges Nail Shaper & Buffer
• Diamond Strength Nail Hardener
• Complete Salon Manicure in Frutti Petutie
• Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat

Almay

I haven't used a lot of Almay products in the past but when I trialled some for Beauty Heaven recently I really liked the liquid shadow/primer product but the purple I received isn't the most wearable. Since Almay had 2 products for $30 and a GWP for purchases over $39.95 so I decided to pick up a concealer and eye make up remover wipes (that weren't included in the 2 for $30).

• Oil Free Make Up Remover Pads
• Wake Up Under Eye Concealer in 010 Light
• Intense i-color Liquid Shadow + Color Primer in 054 For Green Eyes
• Gift With Purchase containing:
• Smart Shade Anti-Aging Make Up in 200 Light/Medium
• Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer
• Moisturising Eye Make Up Remover Pads
• Clutch bag & a $5 off Almay voucher

So there is Part One of my massive haul. I will post the next part tomorrow, that will include products from MAC, Burberry & Giorgio Armani just to name a few...

See you tomorrow!