Saturday, March 30, 2013

MARCH FAVOURITES!


Another month has ended and it's time to do my monthly favourites! It's crazy how much of this year has flown by already and that it's already Easter! On that note I hope you are all having a great Easter time! I'm currently away on holidays up the coast for a few nights and having a wonderful time but the internet is fairly dodgy! I will however try to reply to as many comments as I can :)

Thursday, March 28, 2013

REVIEW: ROSEANNE JEWELLERY

The beautiful Roseanne of Roseannetangrs has recently launched the online jewellery store, Roseanne which I have two necklaces from that I'm going to talk to you all about!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

GET READY WITH ME

Products Used:
Chanel Mat Lumiere
Garnier BB Cream
Solid Rose Concealer Palette
Maybelline Master Precise Brow Pencil
Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder
Chanel Soleil De Tan "Terra Ambre" 
Australis "Treasure" Mineral Eyeshadow (as blush)
MAC "Soft and Gentle" MSF
Essence Stay With Me Eyeshadow Primer
Australis "Mother of Pearl" Mineral Eyeshadow 
Napoleon Perdis Jet Set Eyeshadow Palette
Calvin Klein "White" Eyeliner
Essence "Midnight In Paris" Gel Eyeliner
Love Alpha Micro Fiber Mascara Duo
NYX "Hot Pink" Round Lipstick

 
* The Solid Rose concealer palette, Love Alpha mascaras and Maybelline products were gifted to me . However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Friday, March 22, 2013

REVIEW: XO BEAUTY BRUSHES

I have had the privilege to try out some products from XO Beauty and I really wanted to do a review for you all on these incredible brushes. If you aren't familiar with the brand, it is a brush line that NZ beauty guru on YouTube (Shaaanxo) has created.

This set comes with four face brushes and is $80 or each brush can be purchased individually for $26. Obviously the better deal is to buy all of the brushes in the set as you end up basically getting one brush for free. Each of these brushes are absolutely amazing for liquid, cream and powder products making them perfect for applying foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, highlighter and really any other face product you can think of.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

GIVEAWAY AND REVIEW: FURLESS NAIL POLISH

Furless, the incredible vegan and cruelty free Australian company, has just released an awesome line of nail polishes! Being a nail polish addict, I couldn't wait to try these out and was even more excited when I saw the colour selection! How amazing are the colours right!? They are just so vibrant and unique! There's also a really exciting component to this review which is a GIVEAWAY of three of these nail polishes that Furless has been so generous to offer to my followers!

The three shades which I have tried out have been those pictured below; Baby Cakes, In Control and Attention Seeker!
Baby Cakes: When wearing this colour, I constantly catch myself staring at my nails! It is such a calming sky blue.
In Control: An incredible deep red colour that looks extremely sophisticated on the nails, so classic.
Attention Seeker: An absolutely incredible hot pink/purple magenta colour, I haven't seen anything like it!
Now I am going to share the amazing experience I have had with these brilliant polishes in terms of pigmentation, application, drying time, longevity and affordability.

Pigmentation: With all of these nail polishes, they go on extremely smooth and pigmented, such a good colour payoff that you only need two coats for a completely opaque nail colour! 

Application: Goes on so smooth and applies beautifully. They feel like great quality and result in a smooth and beautiful finish.

Drying time: Quite a quick dry nail polish range only taking about 8 minutes for a completely dry nail or with the help of quick dry drops, only 4 minutes!

Longevity: They are also very long wearing and don't chip nearly as quickly as most nail polishes do. You will definitely get your moneys worth as these polishes will last on your nails for at least 5 days without a top coat, probably over a week with a top coat.  

Affordability:  These are definitely very affordable as they are currently on sale for $7.80 each or you can buy the whole range of five in a set for $34.45!

Packaging: Very extravagant thick glass bottle with a glamorous reflective top that looks amazing sitting on a vanity.

Free of chemicals: Furless is not only vegan and cruelty free but also free from toluene, formaldehyde, carmine and dibutyl phthalate which is great news for the health of your nails!

Colour Selection: This new range offers five incredible shades that are so unique and rare to find.
Freak- Emerald Green
In Control- Bright Red
Baby Cakes- Sky Blue
Princess- Bright Pink
Attention Seeker- Crazy fluro purple/pink
So if you are as in love with this collection as me, you will be ecstatic to have the chance to win three of your very own nail polishes from this Furless collection; Baby Cakes, Princess and Freak.

HOW TO WIN:
3. After checking out the Furless website, comment below what is on your wishlist from the website!

Conditions:
Open within Australia only
Must be over 18 or have parents permission to enter
You can enter only once a day, but as many days as you want

Overall, definitely recommend Furless and their new Nail Lacquer range! The quality is incredible and the colour selection is so unique. Good luck entering!
 
 * These nail polishes were gifted to me by Furless and they are also sponsoring the giveaway. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Monday, March 18, 2013

TOP 5 MASCARAS


There are so many mascaras on the market to choose from and I have narrowed them all down to my Top 5 so if you are looking for a great mascara then here are five incredible ones to consider!

I love the whole concept of this as a fiber extension mascara as it adds 4mm of measurable length.

#4 MAC Plush Lash
Something I have noticed is that not a lot of people rave about MAC mascaras but I actually really love them! My favourite MAC mascara is definitely Plush Lash because it's such an amazing gel consistency that is extremely dark and pigmented.It is a little bit watery when you first open it but after a few uses it has an amazing formulation, that's with a lot of mascara's though.

This is the newest offering from Maybelline for mascara and that is a unique spin on the classic Colossal mascara with a claw like brush. I absolutely love the brush on this mascara, it helps to lengthen, volumize and separate your lashes all at once while giving them a beautiful black colour.

The curved silicon brush on this mascara means that you don't even need a curling wand. It does an amazing job at lifting the lashes and coating them to be really black.

Okay so my all time favourite mascara, well technically it's two products but let's just count them as the one thing, is the Love Alpha micro fiber mascara duo! The combination of the two steps leaves your lashes incredibly long, black and thick. Click HERE to buy this mascara from Body Rapture Cosmetics.
* I am a Maybelline Beauty Vlogger so all Maybelline mascaras were gifted to me by Maybelline. The Killer Curves mascara was gifted to me by Australis. The Love Alpha Mascara was gifted to me by Body Rapture Cosmetics. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

HOW TO: AVOID 5 BEAUTY CATASTROPHES

Although I am a big believer in that there are no rules in beauty; there are still some beauty catastrophes that one can encounter. I am here to help you girls avoid such disasters through this article so read on for some helpful tips and tricks.

Beauty Catastrophe One: 
FOUNDATION LINES
This beauty disaster is a mixture of having the wrong coloured foundation and not blending properly. The result is a visible line along where your jaw and neck meet that show you have placed foundation only on your face and have not blended the harsh lines. The best way to avoid this is by blending your foundation down your neck using a dense buffing brush to ensure a seamless and gradual stop for your foundation rather than a line.

Beauty Catastrophe Two
OVER BLUSHED
The whole concept of blush is giving the ability to create a naturally flushed appearance but it's easy to accidentally dip your brush in the product for too long and come out looking sunburnt. You can easily avoid this beauty catastrophe by using a light hand when applying blush and remember less is more.

Beauty Catastrophe Three
CRAZY FALSE LASHES
Falsies are great for exaggerating the length of our lashes and giving us a more full and long option that mascaras just don't offer but there are definitely some lashes that are best left in the circus. To avoid this beauty catastrophe make sure that when buying lashes you think realistically about how they are going to look on your eye size and shape and don't forget to trim them before application.

Beauty Catastrophe Four
ORANGE AND STREAKY TAN
There is absolutely nothing wrong with fake tanning but the issues occur when the wrong fake tan is chosen. Everyone has a different skin tone and type so what might work for some, will look terrible on others. Fake tan can very easily look streaky, orange and muddy so it's important to be careful with application and test out different tanners to see what works for you. Always start off with the lightest shade, as they are usually build-able and easier to work with and never use a fake tan you have never tried the night before a special event!

Beauty Catastrophe One
LIPSTICK THAT'S TOO NUDE
I'm someone who can't pull off any type of nude lipstick! No really, I look dead when I wear any sort of super pale skin coloured shade; but I'm fine with it because there are so many other lipstick colours out there that don't wash me out and instead enhance my appearance. Some other pale girls just don't see the same way though and they end up having "concealer lips" which just wash them out and look terrible. I specify "pale" because most tanned girls can get away with nude lips as the contrast between the lipstick and their skin means they don't look washed out. The way you can avoid this beauty catastrophe is by avoiding concealer lips if you are pale. If you are fair and must wear a nude lipstick, go for a warmer toned nude as they are less likely to give you that "dead" look. 

 

 I think the above caption really does apply to everything mentioned in this article; less foundation, blush, eyelashes, tan and lipstick! Despite everything said, remember that realistically there are no beauty rules and you may actually be able to pull off an excessive amount of blush or nude lipstick. So don't take my opinion as fact and experiment to find out what works and what doesn't for you!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

REVIEW: MANICARE SALON NAIL TREATMENTS

Similar to how makeup looks and feels better on skin that's treated well, nail polish goes on smoother and lasts longer on nails that have been given a little more TLC. I'm going to be letting you all in on the three products I use to keep my nails in tip top shape with a mini review on each. All are from the new Manicare "Salon Strength Nail Treatments" line.
1. Strengthening Base Coat
The purpose of a base coat is to create a barrier between your nail and polish, protecting your nail from being stained or weakened. What's great about this one is that it's a fast drying formula, meaning there's so extra waiting around to be able to apply your nail polish and it improves the adhesion of nail polish meaning a longer lasting mani/pedi. 

2. Cuticle Therapy
The state of your cuticles is a direct indication of your nail health. This is the perfect product for preventing dry cuticles and nails, rough cuticles or painful hangnails and weak/brittle nails. It leaves you with smooth and healthy cuticles, stronger, more hydrated and flexible nails as well and prevention of future hangnails. It's enriched with Apricot Kernel, Coconut and Wheat Germ oil to nourish, strengthen and hydrate. My cuticles always feel so soft after using this product!

3. Miracle Growth Booster
This is perfect if you have short, brittle or damaged nails that won't grow as it helps achieve visibly longer, stronger and healthier nails; fast! This product contains a silk protein and vitamins A & E which accelerate nil growth while also strengthening.

The combination of using these three products on my nails keep them strong, healthy, long and my manicures last! I definitely recommend checking these products out if your nails aren't in the condition you would like them.
* All of these products were gifted to me by Manicare. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

MY SHOE COLLECTION

Since my shoe collection is the backdrop for all of my videos, it's no surprise that everyday I receive requests to do a shoe collection and questions about where some of them are from. I am finally getting around to doing this and hopefully it answers some questions that you may have asked or just simply gives you some shoe inspiration.

* From left to right
Row 1- New Look, Wildfire, Dotti, Vybe, Rubi, London Rebel, Lipstick, Nine West, Lipstick
Row 2- Girl Express, Girl Express, London Rebel, London Rebel, Lipstick, Qupid, Wildfire, Lipstick, Guess, London Rebel
Row 3- Girl Express, Qupid, Forever New, Wildfire, Girl Express, Now, Now, Expressions, Expression, London Rebel
Row 4- Misc flats! London Rebel, Girl Express, Rubi Shoes etc.

- New Look, Wildfire, Vybe and London Rebel from Spendless Shoes and Famous Footwear.
- Girl Express from Kmart
- Expressions from Target.
- Guess from the Guess store.
- Nine West from the Nine West store.
- Lipstick from Windsor Smith

So that is pretty much everything you ever need to know about my shoes and more! I hope some of you found this entertaining or helpful.

 

Monday, March 11, 2013

HOW I WASH MY BRUSHES

I get a lot of questions on how I wash my brushes! Everything from what products do I use and how often do I wash them to if I spot clean or just deep clean. I thought it would be helpful to make a video and write about everything I do to keep my brushes nice and washed but still in great quality! If you use the right products, washing your brushes doesn't have to be a difficult task or damage the condition of them. Keep reading to find out what I use, my techniques and a few tips.

WHAT I USE:
MAC Brush Cleanser
You can buy this product at any MAC counter and I definitely recommend checking it out! It's great for spot cleaning!
Johnson's Baby Conditioning Shampoo
To deep cleanse my brushes, I use baby shampoo! I have had such a great experience using this product for the past two years as it not only works amazingly in washing every single bit of product out but it is also really affordable!

TECHNIQUE:
I wash my brushes using three simple steps.
1. Add some baby shampoo to the palm of your hand and depending on the density of your brush; add some water to your hand or your actual brush. 
2. Work the baby shampoo into the brush hairs and swirl it around in the palm of your hand.
3. Rinse the brush off and remove any excess water from the bristles by wringing it out then place it on a towel to dry.

TIPS:
* Try washing more than one brush at a time.
* Make sure that you tilt your brush downwards when underneath running water so no moisturise gets inside of the handle.
* If all of the product doesn't come out first go, take the time to repeat the washing process to ensure that it's completely clean.
* Shape your brush the way you like it before leaving it on a towel to dry. 

So that's everything I do to wash my brushes, I hope you found this helpful!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

REVIEW: GLAM MANICARE 3-IN-1 NAIL ART PENS

I am a complete sucker for adorable and creative nail art so was super excited to have the opportunity to try out this new 3-in-1 nail art pen from Glam Manicare. I think the whole concept of this product is both really interesting and impressive so I thought that you girls might enjoy finding out more about this cool new nail tool. Before I begin talking about all of the uses that this compact tool has, I want to point out how awesome the colour selection is! They have a great range of shades including the gorgeous gold, fluorescent orange and super bright pink that are featured here.
There are three things that this product can do (pretty cool right!?) and they are the following:
1. To Draw
If you pull off the cap on top, there is a tip where if you squeeze the coloured section (it's a bendy plastic material so this isn't an issue), you are able to apply the nail polish in a more precise way and therefore can draw a design on your nail.

2. To Paint
Twist the black lid open and there is a brush so you can paint your nails as you usually would with any nail polish.

3. To Add Jewels 
Twist open the clear end to have access to 300 little jewels, the colour of the chosen nail polish, which you can add to your nail look.
The pack also includes a cuticle stick that you can push down your cuticles with as well as a sheet which contains 10 nail art designs. I thought it was a really cool idea to use a template and paint over that as it's hard to freestyle such a detailed design. They are sticky so that they grip to your nail and help create a precise design.

In the photo below you can actually see me using the draw tip and a stencil to help create a nail design. I love the way that these are so easy to use and it makes complicated looking nail art, simple!
There are so many possibilities with this one nail tool, I think that it's really awesome that Glam Manicare has combined such a variety of nail art aspects into one product. I have been really impressed with these 3-in-1 Nail Art Pens and definitely recommend trying them out.

Glam by Manicare is stocked in Priceline, Target, Kmart and chemists so definitely check out those places if you want to get some of these nail art pens in your hot little hands.

You can keep up with Manicare on their website, Facebook or Twitter.
* All of these products were gifted to me by Manicare. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

AUSTRALIS SILVER SMOKEY EYE TUTORIAL

I had so much fun working in collaboration with Australis to bring to you all this Silver Smokey Eye tutorial using all Australis products and am really excited to share this look. I think it's the perfect amount of edgy while still being girly, making it a great night out eye look.

This tutorial includes four fantastic products that Australis offers! I love a good smokey eye and I think one of the most interesting versions is when silver is used so I was really happy to be using some incredible silver eyeshadows from Australis to create this look.  On top of that, this tutorial also includes the new Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner which is a brand new product that can be purchased on the Priceline and Australis website and brings an innovative way of applying eyeliner that makes it a simple task. Also featured in this look are the Killer Curves Mascara and "Jive" Color Inject Lipstick.
Australis Products Used:
These rich and creamy eyeshadows are extremely moisturising as they contain oils which help hydrate your eye area, this means a nicer feel and finish. I used the three neatural shades from the palette to create this silver smokey eye; the lightest silver for all over the lid and on the inner corner, the middle toned silver for all over the crease area and the deep steel for directly in the crease and on the lower lash line. I really enjoyed using these eyeshadows as they are such high quality and a pleasure to work with.

Curve Ink Eyeliner
This new product that Australis offers is extremely unique in the ergonomically designed curve grip and very impressive in many aspects. The pigmentation is incredibly black, application is made easy by the shape and fast dry means long lasting and no smudging. At only $14.95 it's definitely worth giving a go and if you haven't perfected your cat eye yet, this might be you're answer! It is available on the Priceline and Australis website.

There is no going wrong with this reputable mascara where the silicon brush makes separating and curling your lashes simple. There's no need for an eyelash curler when using this mascara as the brush itself helps curl the lashes and the formulation assists in boosting curve. I used the shade "Blackest Black" but it also comes in "Black/Brown" which is awesome if you're looking for a mascara to wear to school.
I swear by this lipstick, it is my perfect everyday colour and I seriously suggest trying it out. It is the perfect dusty pink colour which gives you that girly pop of colour without being too over the top. For such a great quality lipstick, the price is really affordable at only $12.95.

You can keep up to date with Australis on their website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.







* All of these products were gifted to me by Australis. However, all opinions are honest and my own.

FEBRUARY FAVOURITES: BEAUTY AND HAIR!

I'm a bit late to blog about my February Favourites but thought I would do so anyway so read on to find
 out the products that I absolutely loved in the month of February.

Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner
This is a brand new product that Australis has just released and so far I have been loving it as it makes eyeliner application so easy. Look out for a tutorial using this product in the next couple of days. 

I have been really getting into blushes lately as I tend to lean less towards bronzer in the cooler months so the next three products are the cheek colours I have been reaching for this month. 

Chanel "64 Pink Explosion" Powder Blush
This is such an incredible baby pink and has a beautiful shimmer so that my cheeks glow when I wear it. To me it feels like a blush and highlighter combined which some people may not like but I really enjoy! Not to mention how yummy this blush smells, although unimportant puts the cherry on top for me. 

MAC "Dollymix" Sheertone Shimmer Blush
This is the perfect blush if you're looking for rosy cheeks! I have been finding myself reach for this constantly throughout February and think will become a staple colour for Winter.

MAC "LadyBlush" Blush Creme
I mentioned in my "Top Ten Tips: Autumn/Winter Beauty" article that your skin will love you if you use cream products during the cooler weather so this is a perfect example. LadyBlush is such a lovely dusty pink colour, perfect for a subtle flush to the cheeks and also incredibly moisturizing. 
YSL "08 Fetish Pink" Rouge Volupte
Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks are one of those luxury products where you can feel how amazing the quality is through the way it applies, it's consistency and the colour pigmentation. An all round incredible product that I loved in the month of February. If you haven't tried a lipstick from this range, you seriously need to get your hands on one!

Dior Color Reviver Balm
It's one of those no-brainer products where you can't go wrong; just apply to the lips. It's moisturizing so acts as a balm but it also has a tint to it which provides you with a natural colour on your lips. 

MAC "Petite Indulgence" Cremesheen Glass
I'm sadly running out of this product and am seriously considering purchasing another as it is the perfect glossy pink that looks amazing worn by itself or over any type of lipstick. I can brighten up a nude lipstick or even enhance a baby pink with this lip product; so versatile and the consistency is amazing. 

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub
As a popcorn addict, this isn't a surprise to show up in my favourites but it isn't all about the scent; it's actually a really amazing lip scrub and as the weather starts to cool down in Australia and our lips become more dry, this is a must for exfoliating.

Schwarzkopf Marrakesh Oil & Coconut Shampoo
Since I wash my hair quite frequently, I like to have a gentle shampoo and have been finding this one great for keeping my hair moisturised but still clean.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
Seriously one of my holy grail hair products!  I recommend this to anyone with any type of hair, it is such a great deep conditioner that really manages tangled hair and makes your locks silky smooth.
So those were my February Favourites! Check out my video above where I talk about all of this products a little bit more. 
I hope you all enjoyed this post and have had an amazing March so far!

* The Curve Ink Eyeliner was gifted to me by Australis. However, all opinions are honest and my own.