Illuminators are something that I've known about for a while but don't use them often. Until I started seeing the Face Of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator popping up on Aussie blogs EVERYWHERE! (You've seen a few, right???) FOA have 4 different colours and I choose to get the Angel Flame which is a pinkish colour with a golden glow. 


I absolutely adore it!!! This is a mineral formula that contains vitamin C & E and Jojoba. It is also suitable for sensitive skin on the face or body. I use it most days as a blush. It gives you a gorgeous pop of colour and makes your skin glow. Due to the fact it is pink, I don't use it as a all over glow, i just keep it to my cheeks and cheekbone. 


This is where the Nude By Nature Illuminator comes in. This is more of a golden apricot colour and I love to apply it to my foundation for those days i need an extra glow. The great thing with it is a little bit goes a long way. It will last a lifetime!!! The same with the FOA Illuminator. It gives you that gorgeous Kate Hudson beachy glow, she is famous for. Skin that looks bright, healthy and has that glow from within look. It also has anti oxidants in it, so it is great for your skin! 

Left to Right: NBN Illuminator, NBN Illuminator rubbed in,
FOA Illuminator in Angel Flame, FOA Illuminator rubbed in.

I love them for different reason, and think they are both as great as each other. It just depends if I want an all over glow, or just to bring out my cheeks. 


They both are great prices. FOA is $14.95 for 50gms and the NBN is $22.95 for 50gms. The only downside is that NBN only have the one colour, while the FOA has 4. A white, 2 pinks and a bronze. They both don't test on animals too.


Both of these can be applied all over the body, or face.


Which one is your favourite?
XO

Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair. It will make your hair dry faster! 

Pink-ervention

I had seen other blogs do a "What's in my bag" post and thought it would be fun to do. So I had a look and was a bit surprised with my cosmetics bag....it was Barbie's make up bag!


I owned about 879 pink lip glosses!!! I know pinks and berries look nicer on me than other colours, but I didnt realise how much of a rut I was in.


So here is my "Barbie" cosmetics bag (actually its a Bert's Bees bag)...

*Lady Jane Bobby Pins
*Almay Truly Lasting Colour Pressed Powder
*Pink Travalo Refillable Perfume Spray (I have JLo's "Glow" in my spray)
*Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream
*Bloom Powder Brush (this is supposed to be a double ended brush with a concealer brush, but it fell off, so i use this as a travel one)
*Natio Paw Paw Lip Balm
*Lanolips Lemonaid 
*Bonnebell Lip Care in "Mixed Berries" (a pink lip balm!)
*Sportsgirl Mini Lipgloss in a pale pink shimmer
*Lancome Mini Juicy Tubes (this is the one we got in our LHI box)
*Australis Lip Gloss in "Juicey" (in my defense it is more purple than pink!)
*Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Balm in "Pink Crystal"
*Burts Bees Lip Balm (yep its goes on pink!)
*Grown "Vanilla and Orange Peel" hand cream
*ModelCo Lip Gloss in "Berry Pink"
*Diva Lip Gloss (its pink!!!)


So, as you can tell I am a pink lipped addict! This week I'll be on the hunt for non pink lipsticks and lip glosses. And next week I will do a 7 week "No Pink Lips" Dare.


Do you have any no pink lip products you think I should try out? Leave a comment and I'll check out the shops on Thursday with your suggestions.
XO

You know you're supposed to wash your hands before applying your make up, but make sure you use an antibacterial hand wash. The pretty nice smelling hand wash won't get rid of the germs as much. 

I'm Back! Things I've Learnt From Being Sick

After a week of being sick, I'm finally ready to blog again! And here are some beauty related things I've learnt.


Your skin freaks out.....majorly!
My skin became really oily (when its normally normal to combination), and it became REALLY patchy. Pink patches broke out on the sides of my face where I had never seen them before. To try and get my skin back to normal, I am using a serum both morning and night (when I normally only use it at night). I'm also using a moisturiser that is for oily/combination skin for the next week until my skin goes back to normal. 


Are you Rudolph's  cousin?
When your nose is running and you can't stop sneezing, your nose starts to glow red! One of the best things I do for my red, sore nose is to put a Aloe Vera Gel onto my skin to help protect and repair the skin.


Use a lip balm that you can throw away
Keep away from your favourite lip products and just use a plain lip balm that you can throw away once your cold or flu is gone. Using lip balm can transfer germs onto it, so once you are no longer are sick, throw it (and the germs) out.


What are your tips for when your sick?
XO

Hey gorgeous girls and guys


Just a quick note to let you know why I've been so quiet for the last few days....it's because I'm sick. I've tried blogging, but my brain isn't making much sense. I'm hoping to get back to normal by Saturday and have some great posts for you!!


Check out some of my favourite bloggers in the meantime for some beauty goodness ...


Ingrid at Glossy Beauty
MM at Made Up Maiden
The Muse at Musings of a Muse
Tegan at Tegania's Thoughts
Sarah at A Beautiful Story
Kimmi at The Plastic Diaries


XO 

This morning my Bellabox arrived. I had seen a sneak peak on another blog, but when I got mine, I had 1 different item.


So what did I get ...?

Yes To Carrots Lip Tint in "Ready Red"
I'm really glad I got the red, as I have WAY to many pinks. I haven't tried their lip tints before so I couldn't wait to see the quality and how much tint there actually is. It surprisingly had more tint than I expected. My lips are quite pink naturally and "tints" normally don't do much, so I was thrilled that it was quite red. I love that it is organic (well 95%) and paraben free.


Pure Fuji Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion
This is a great deluxe sample that is perfect for travel. I love Pure Fuji poducts since they smell amazing!! And this is no exception. It smells divine. The scent lasted all day and I can still smell it. It was moisturising too and my skin felt hydrated all day. I will be buying the full size!


U little Beauty Natural Repair Hair Masque 
I got the masque (even though the card said it was the shine serum?!). I have always seen this range at Priceline and have always wanted to try it, but never did as I hadn't heard enough reviews to know if it was worth my money. I love the packaging. I'm currently alternating the O&M Power Base and the Moroccan Oil Mask, but once I have finished the MO mask, I'll start using this.


Eyelift 
I hadn't seen this before or tried anything like this. They are little gels that you apply to your eyes to temporarily erase lines for up to 10 hours.  This sample contains 3 eye gels to apply. I found these a bit useless solely because wrinkles around my eyes aren't really an issue. They are also supposed to erase bags under your eyes. I'll probably try it on a day when I've had little sleep (which is likely to be soon with a sick daughter!), but I can't imagine this being apart of my beauty routine.


Bellamer Eye Balm
This is like a mask for your eyes. You apply it for 15 minutes and wipe off the excess off. Its a small sample, but enough to try a few times to see if it makes a difference.


There was also a biscuit in our box. Except now it's in a bag!! I wonder if they will change their name to Bellabag ;)


My overall impression is that its a good box...(bag?!?!?), but it was nothing special. After the great LHI and ILTB, it fell flat to me. While I liked the products, other than the Pure Fiji sample, nothing made me "Oohhh" or "Aahhh." I wasn't too crazy about 2 of the items being eye samples. I prefer make up/nails/hair over skincare, and 2 eye products was overkill for me.


I'm planning on giving BB one last month, then I will most likely cancel since the last 3 boxes (Jan, Feb and now March) haven't wowed me, and I think I will be ok with missing them, if they continue to have similar boxes.


Did you like your box? If you got the Planet Eve product, let me know if you liked it! 
XO 

Other than the fact that it will dry out, flake and go all over your face, you should always take off your mascara before going to bed - no matter how late it is! When you're asleep, or sleepy, you are more likely to rub your eyes and get your mascara and eyeliner/shadow in your eyes. This will not only hurt, but also can make your skin sensitive. It can also give you an eye infection. Also you don't want to ruin your pillow cases!


But the biggest factor in why you should take your mascara off is ...


Because it can damage your eyelashes!


If you want healthy, strong and long eyelashes, you need to take off your mascara. When you take off your mascara, it gives them time to breathe and repair itself. 


Waterproof mascara will dry out your lashes over time. So if you use a waterproof formula, make sure you remove it at the end of the day


So tonight remember to remove your mascara!
XO

Remember not to lick your lips, or they will become drier and crack!

My "I Love This Box" was delivered this morning!! I love the purple wrapping!! Its so pretty. This months box is all about Autumn and the products which will make you look gorgeous.  

Essie Nail Polish in "Carry On"
This is from the Autumn Collection. It is a gorgeous deep burgundy colour that is perfect for the colder weather. I have only tried one other Essie polish, which was a glittery colour, so I can't wait to see the finish of this matte colour.


Maybelline XXL Pro Curl
This is a 2 step mascara that helps to lengthen and curl your lashes. I actually haven't used a Maybelline mascara in a long time. The last one I tried was the Great Lashes (which I hated), so haven't tried one for a good 5 or so years.


Sunsilk Frizz & Weather Defence, Weather Protection& Shine Serum
I haven't used this before, but I really should since I suffer from frizz! I love that it is also a shine serum, but will need to make sure that I don't use much since my blonde hair can easily look greasy and lank with too many products on it. If you didn't get this you would have got their Detangling Mist.


Thalgo Soft Hydrating Emulsion
This is a great deluxe sample size that has enough to see how it feels and works. It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave your skin greasy. So it is perfect for those mornings when it is too cold to be standing around in a towel.


Glitter Puff Wand
This actually holds a body powder that sparkles! I haven't used anything like this, so I can't wait to see how effective it really is! I'm not normally a glitter person, but am quite excited to try this! 


As usual I think ILTB has done a great box. I like that there are nails, hair, make up and body products in the box, as a box full of just one item is frustrating (especially when it is skincare!). I love that there is no facial skincare, since that is the hardest thing to try especially if your skin is sensitive.  


I think the other boxes need to lift their game, as this box as well as Lust Have It have been great! Now people are over the newness of the beauty boxes, and quality of products are more important than ever.


What did you think of this months box?
XO

Today marks 1 year since I had my daughter. In that year I have learnt A LOT about how beauty can really impact you. Here are some of the lessons I've learnt that I wanted to share with you. (And even if you don't have children, this post is still for you!! It contains tips for busy women!)


Some of the tips I use include ... 



Beauty can make you feel better
In those early weeks, even a swipe of lipstick and mascara can make you feel human again. The power of a simple shower (along with using a beautiful smelling bodywash) can reinvigorate you!


Some days you won't care
When you are (barely) surviving on 3 hours sleep a day, basic hygiene can seem too much. You'll learn to embrace dirty hair (and love dry shampoo) and that having a 20 minute nap over having a shower is more important. And its ok!! You can't be a goddess everyday, and some days beauty will be so unimportant even applying moisturiser isn't on your list of things to do.


Have 5 easy hairstyles
No matter how busy you are, think of 5-7 easy hairstyles that you can use (besides a pony) for those days when you're busy. Plaits, braids, headbands and buns are fantastic and easy. And speaking of hair...YES your hair will fall out. I felt like I was going to go bald if I lost anymore hair. But eventually it will stop! And the upside is that it will grow back looking gorgeous! 


Streamline your beauty 
When you no longer have an hour to get ready, its time to ditch the non essentials. As great as it is to use a deep conditioner on your hair for 20-30 minutes, or curl your eyelashes, when you are busy it is not doable!



Hair
There have been too many times to count that I have been mid shower, with conditioner in my hair or a face mask on and have had to get out to settle my daughter. It is hard not to get your baby wet and keep free from conditioner or face mask in this situation. So I have learnt to plan washing my hair either in the night or on the weekend when my hubby is there to attend to her. If you have no support, either a quick 1-3 minute face or hair mask is perfect. You can still get the benefits of silky hair or soft skin without the 20 minute wait. 


Otherwise overnight leave in treatments are great too. They have come along way in the last few years and most are fine to use without ruining your sheets and pillows. 


Skin
Many mums (and mums to be) find their skin goes berserk from all the hormones. Sometimes you will get blemishes, even when you haven't had one since you were a teen. I found my skin was incredibly dry. The good news is you don't have to change your complete skincare. You may just need to add a treatment or buy a new moisturiser. 


One item you need is a serum. There are so many different types. No matter what your skin concerns are, there is one that will suit your needs. Rosehip oil is great as a cheaper alternative for serums. They are normally between $15-$30 and last for ages.


Another great item is an eye cream to help combat bags under your eyes and puffiness. Leave it in the fridge for the added benefit of cooling.


Use an exfoliating glove. Instead of exfoliating, using a separate body wash and then lathering up to shave, I use the glove to not only wash my body but lather up to shave. It can actually shave off (pardon the pun) a few minutes to your shower routine! 



Make Up
A tinted moisturiser or a BB cream is a fantastic alternative to a foundation, and much quicker and easier to use. 


Using a clear mascara will help to make your lashes darker and glossier, but you don't have to be perfect with your application since there won't be any tell tale smudges. 


Tinted lip balm is great for a quick swipe of colour and moisture. Because it isn't as pigmented as a lipstick, it is much easier to fix up if you go outside the lip line.


Keep two of your favourite lipsticks, eyeliners, mascaras, etc in a cosmetics bag so you don't have to rummage around trying to find your everyday favourites. A palette is also great for getting ready quick as most have lips, cheeks and eye products in them. 



What are our favourite tips for when you're in a hurry?
XO

Tip Of The Day

To make your conditioner more powerful, heat a towel in the dryer then wrap your hair in it. Leave for 10-20 minutes to let your conditioner sink in.

Have you ever had one of these? The hairdresser that does what SHE thinks will look good. The hairdresser that takes off 5cm when you ask for a trim. The hairdresser that pushes you into buying products even when you can't afford it.


Well today I had that hairdresser. My usual hairdresser has moved, and it's really hard for me to get to her. I could take my daughter with me, but expecting her to sit in her pram for an hour isn't fair on her. And since she now is walking, its not safe for her to be investigating a place that has scissors and chemicals. So I went somewhere local while my parents (who are here on holiday) minded her.


She was nice enough, but by the time I left the salon I was feeling pretty sh!tty about myself. 


I told her I only wanted to get a cm off since I was growing my hair. She said I needed to get more cut off due to the damage. She pointed up to my ears where she said I needed it cut! Now my hair isn't amazing like Blake Lively's, but it isn't so bad I need to shave my hair. Bleaching and styling damages your hair, but I work hard to keep it in good condition by limiting heat damage and using deep conditioning.


She said I needed to get it cut every 8 weeks. While its true, unless she is offering to babysit its not going to happen. The last time I got my hair cut was Christmas Eve. I would love to get it cut more regularly, but time wise it's so difficult when your a parent or work insane hours.


She also said I need to use protein....Actually I do every week thankyouverymuch!! 


She also said I need to not use supermarket brands like Pantene (she actually said Pantene in horror). Ummmm....I'm using O&M and Tricovedic, which are both salon brands. And so what if I did!!! Not everyone can afford to spend $100 on a shampoo and conditioner. I've found some supermarket brands are more effective than products they sell in salons. A previous boss of mine had the most amazingly healthy and gorgeous long hair and only used Garnier products! 


She said my products have silicone in them and I should be using Sulphate free hair products...both of these brands are free of sulphates. If you're going to trash something, make sure you know about it first! And just because you hate something, you don't need to be rude to people that do like it.


Then she tried to pressure me into buying a range of products. If I had been using supermarket brands, what makes her think I would spend over $100 on hair products!?! 


It really frustrates me when you are bullied into purchasing items. It may work with some, but most customers don't like it and won't return. I don't know why she would think insulting me and my appearance would make me want to buy things from her. If I told a customer that her clothes made her look fat, but the ones from my store made her look skinny, I doubt they would buy from me.


I left feeling very flat, and disappointed. I didn't need a lecture when it was the only time I had to myself. I didn't need to be put down or treated like an idiot. She could have explained why sulphate free is better for your hair, instead of trashing what she thought I was using. I don't mind an explanation why, but treating me like an idiot wasn't needed.


It's really important to never assume something about a customer. The customer that comes in with roots showing and dried ends may be a single mum that scrapped together $40 over 4 months to get her hair cut. Or it could be a business woman that spends 24 days of the month travelling and would prefer to spend the other 6 days she has free relaxing with family rather than in a salon chair. 


Am I overreacting, or would you feel terrible if you had this happen?
Have you been bullied by a hairdresser. 
XO

Last week Beauty Heaven had their first ever Beautorium. It's going to be a quarterly event where members can "cash in" the points they earn for beauty products. You need to be either a Beauty Buff or Beauty Guru to participate. You earn points from participating on the forums, reviewing beauty products and commenting on posts. I decided to cash in my points to try out new products.  All you need to pay for is the postage. For only $5 it was sent to me by express post! 


Here's what I "bought" ...


O.P.I Nicki Minaj Collection - "Fly"
I don't really own much O.P.I nail polish. It's hard to buy at my local Westfield from a reputable store. They are available at a nail salon, but I've heard quite a few stories of salons selling fakes so don't want to waste $20 on a fake. And I don't really get to go to the closest David Jones, so I normally buy my nail polishes from Priceline for convenience. 


This is a gorgeous teal colour. OPI are such great quality and I can't wait to use this!


Youngblood Mineral Starter Kit
I was so excited to get this, but found out after I had processed my order that they only had medium (even though the website said there was light, medium or dark available). So I knew that the foundation and setting powder part would be useless as it is way too dark for me. There is also a mini Kabuki brush, a gorgeous blush in "Rouge" and a small sample of their Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder which you use as a primer or as a finishing powder. I love the packaging of the kit, and how they include information and tips on how to use the products. I hate buying a product and there is no information on how to correctly apply it.


I'm planning on purchasing the foundation in light since I really want to see what the quality is like. The other mineral powder I use is Nude by Nature, so I can't wait to see how they stack up against each other.


SAX Eye Delight Eyeshadow Palette
I haven't really heard much about SAX products, or seen many since the chemists around me don't sell it. The palette is absolutely gorgeous! The colours are really simple and perfect for everyday use. The packaging is really nice with the embossed packaging.


Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
I am so thrilled to have scooped this up! I normally use either the O&M Seven Day Miracle Masque or the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask, so I'm interested to see how different this is. I know a lot of people rave about Moroccan oil, but I wasn't that impressed. It didn't become my HG (holy grail) product, so hopefully I'll have more luck with the mask.


Innoxa Eye Shadow Compact in Gorgeous Gray
I haven't tried Innoxa products in years. I can't remember the last time I used their stuff. This palette has four gorgeous colours. There is a metallic white, metallic grey, a matte grey and a matte dark grey. I normally do a brown smokey eye, so I thought this palette is perfect for trying something new and different. I'm surprised at how bulky and thick the palette is. 


Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator
I really like Nude by Natures products, but this is one of their products I haven't tried yet. I tried it on my hand under the Youngblood foundation and the illuminator was gorgeous. It shined through the foundation but didn't look greasy. It just had that beautiful glow to it. 


Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Anti Stress Mud Mask
I had always seen these at Priceline, but never had tried them, so decided to get one to try. My skin is a bit yukky at the moment, so this mud mask is perfect for getting rid of any impurities. 


Did you join in on the Beautorium event? What did you get? 
XO


PS Sorry for the bad pic, I'll try to do better ones tomorrow 

Tip Of The Day

One major cause of nail polish not lasting is having oil on your nails. Make sure you wash your hands before applying nail polish. 

To stop lipstick getting on your teeth, place your (clean) index finger between your lips and plucker up. Remove your finger and any lipstick which could have been on your teeth is now on your finger! 

If your a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love the Australis Eyeshadow Primer. I recently bought the Face Of Australia eye shadow primer to see how they compared. There are a few differences, and I like both for different reasons.


Packaging
Personally I prefer the ease of the FOA primer pot. It's more of an eye shadow pot rather than the tube Australis has. The Australis packaging makes it harder to see how much of the product is left. It is also bigger and bulkier, so if you are travelling the FOA is much better size wise.


Price
The FOA I bought for $7.95, while the Australis was $12.95. The great thing is they are always having sales on at priceline where you either get $3 off, or they do 3 for 2 promotions. Both are great prices, especially if you are on a budget.


Options
While the Australis primer is the only one in the range, the FOA has 2 versions. You can either choose a matte or a shimmer primer.


Quality
I love the Australis primer. It's amazing! It really does hold your eye shadow all day. It helps to either stop creases. The FOA primer lasts as long as the Australis primer, but I did notice a crease with it. 


Personally, I found the Australis to be better suited to my needs. I love how the FOA primer shimmers and makes the eye shadow look, but found the Australis really did make my eye shadow last. I will probably mix both to hel the FOA last the distance. 


Is there a eye primer you think I should try?
XO

Tip Of The Day

For long lasting eye shadow, use a powder instead of a cream. Pat it into the skin to make it last from day to night. 

To increase blood flow to your scalp, give your hair a one minute massage everyday. This can help with hair growth! 

Unlike celebrities, we don't have a team of experts that look after our skin and tailor a skincare regime for us. Instead we have to fumble on our own way. We try multiple products until we find the Holy Grail (HG) products that you will use for the rest of your life... or until they are discontinued. 


But experts all will recommend the following to anyone ...


Don't touch your face!
Its been said we touch our face once every 3 minutes! Every time we touch or face we are transferring germs and dirt onto our face. The pen you used at the bank, the phone you use at work, the money you pay with all have millions of germs on them, and by touching your face you have transferred them onto you! Try to get into the habit of NOT touching your face. Keep an antibacterial gel on your desk. Make sure you regularly wipe down phones/keyboards/mouses/ desks. 


Packaging
While you love the product, also think about the packaging it comes in. If it is in a jar, use a small beauty spatula to get out product, instead of dunking in your fingers.


Sleeping in your make up
This is my number 1 beauty sin. Sometimes I just can't be bothered, but is it really that bad? Actually it is! It means another 6-12 hours (depending on how long you get to sleep for) that make up, germs and dirt are festering on your skin. You don't give your skin time to breathe. It will make your skin so much better if you always clean your face before bed. If you slip up and sleep in your make up, remember to clean your pillowcase, or get out a fresh one for the next night. 


Not exfoliating
How can you expect your night cream or sunscreen to help and protect your skin if it is just sitting on a layer of dead skin cells? If you exfoliate regularly it allows your creams to penetrate your skin much better. It will also make your makeup look better since the liquids and creams have a clean surface to stick to. You can also exfoliate around your eye area, just be extremely careful and gentle. Don't use anything too harsh. It can be as simple as using a (clean) wash cloth. Remember don't over exfoliate. The oilier the skin, the more it benefits from exfoliating. If your skin is dry, exfoliate less. 


Your skin is a reflection of the inside
If you are abusing your body with crap processed foods and drink, are under stress, aren't sleeping and smoking or taking drugs it WILL show in your skin. Not only just your face, but all over. Nurture your body and it will glow and shine (in the good way).


Keep it simple
If you are busy, or not into beauty much, it's easier to have a simple routine. Do the minimum. Cleanse, moisturise, protect with SPF. If you hate having a 10 step routine, take out any steps that aren't necessary. You don't HAVE to use a serum every day. Even once or twice a week will help. It is much easier to do something if it is simple, instead of giving up since it takes too long. But if you love using multiple products and don't mind taking 10 minutes, then go for it! 


One size doesn't fit all
Just because a product is loved by 99% of people, it doesn't mean it will work for you. Instead look for an alternative, or just skip it completely. 


Moisturise
No matter how oily your skin is, remember to moisturise. Just look for a moisturiser that is oil free and non comedogenic (doesn't block/clog pores).


While I've talked about some of these in previous posts it is because they are still true, and very important! 
XO

Tip Of The Day

Never share a razor with your partner, as it can spread skin infections. Always use your own!  

*This was actually my nail of the day yesterday, but I didn't get to post it

Feeling like a vegas showgirl with my gorgeous red glitter nail polish! 

As much as I love this polish, it does chip easily and I struggle to keep it looking flawless :( It is great for a night out, but not for everyday use.

Tip Of The Day

Slowly and gently pull the skin around your eyes when doing eyeliner. Make sure you don't pull to far or too hard. Also make sure you wash your hands beforehand! 

Lust Have It March 2012

What an exciting way to start the day!! A box from LHI! And I promise you, you will LOVE this box. It really is the perfect mixture of skincare, make up and nails. If they had this formula every month I would pay double!!! It really is an incredible box.

So whats in this months box that has made me so excited? ...

Mirenesse Pearl Crush Creaseless Shadows (Full size $29.95)
I really love Mirenesse eye shadows. I actually use one of their eye shadow trios ("Keshi Pearls") most days. The pigmentation is amazing. It is so soft and easy to apply. They also last all day. And I love that you can wear them wet (for more impact) or dry. In my box I got "Conch Pearls" which has 3 colours - a apricoty pink, pale silver and dark silvery black. I love that it is free of parabens and talc and it is suitable for sensitive eyes. There was also a extra for LHI members who go onto the Mirenesse Facebook page. You can redeem a free black eyeliner (Don't be a fool and go onto the site trying to get a free eye liner if you aren't a LHI member...you need a code!). 

Karpati DITO Nail Lacquer (8ml $19.95)
I had never heard of this brand before. They are 3 free (free of nasties), but are also still long lasting and dry quickly. My colour is called "Azzure Intent" which is a gorgeous sparkly blue. The bottle is really cool, since it sits between and on top of your fingers so it is easy to hold while painting your nails. I'll do a post later today/tomorrow about this, so you can see how gorgeous the colour is! I can't wait to see the quality of this. 

Davroe Moisture Senses Argan Oil (50mls $23.95)
Last month we had a travel size of their leave in conditioner. I really liked it, but found the smell a bit too overpowering. It had a "salony" smell. This one is much better, but it still has a distinctive smell. The oil is clear and is really easy to sink into your hair. It helps to add moisture into your hair and make it shine. You only need a drop or two, so it will last forever! This is perfect for travel or your handbag. The company is Australian made and they don't test on animals. I am so excited to see how well this works.

1Skin Solutions Lip Balm in Vanilla (5gms $9.90)
Even though we have had a billion lip balms from every box brand, I still love it! You can never have enough lip balms. I haven't heard of this brand before, so it will be interesting to see how it stacks up to the other balms I've received from the other boxes. I like that I got Vanilla as it is always a great choice since so many people like it. The brand is Australian and they also don't test against animals. It contains cocoa butter, vitamin E and beeswax. It also has petroleum as the main ingredient, so some people will be turned off that. It feels really soft on your lips and the smell is AMAZING!!! 

Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream (20ml)
This is a deluxe sample. It contains organic rosehip oil and green tree extract. I really like Kosmea products, but I am always so hesitant to try moisturisers. I have always struggled to find a good one and instead use rosehip oil as a moisturiser. I might save this until winter when my skin is drier, otherwise I will end up breaking out. 


Overall I am so happy with this box. 4 full size products and one deluxe sample. This is one of my favourite boxes EVER from all the brands. It was a perfect mix of skincare, make up and nails. I also like that it was a new nail brand (to me) instead of something I can pick up from the local shops. I was thinking of ditching LHI but will hold off and see what the next 2 boxes are like. If it is a mixture like this every month, I will stay with them. 


What did you think of this months box? What colours did you get for your nail polish and eye shadows? 


If anyone has ditched LHI, are you regretting it now? 
XO

I bought this a few weeks ago and have been trying to give it a proper go, but am really struggling. I know it is for sensitive skin and is supposed to be gentle, but it really doesn't work well as an eye makeup remover. I am still left with traces of mascara. I feel like it doesn't do much more than water on a cotton bud will. 


This is supposed to be suitable for contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes. It contains plant extract and pro vitamin B5 to help soothe your eyes. 


I'm really disappointed in this! 


What eye remover do you recommend for me to try instead?
XO 

Rave: Australis Eyeshadow Primer

I'm new to the eye primer love. I used to think they were a bit of a waste. "Who REALLY needs eye primer? Isn't eye shadow enough?" I used to think. Well.... no, eye shadow really isn't enough. Most eye shadows falter. They loose pigment, they wear away and you get that awful crease line. I used to suffer from the horrid crease line, but not anymore.


Introducing Australis "Eyeshadow Primer..."


From the very first use, I noticed a huge difference. My eye shadow lasted from day to night. The annoying crease line that I get a minute after applying eye shadow was so faint even 8 hours later. I have also noticed it makes my eye shadow really pop! It helps enhance the colour and is perfect for making an eye shadow turn into an eyeliner. 

Eyeshadow: The Balm
"Shady Lady in Curvy Cami"
Top:With primer
Middle:Swipe of Primer
Bottom:Without primer

In the above picture, the eye shadow was applied with a brush for both the primer and non primer swatch. The with primer picture had 1 brush of shadow. The non primer swatch had 3 brushes of shadow. The non primer just wasn't building up to a gorgeous dark colour. 

On the back of my hand

This photo shows the difference it makes if you have wrinkles. The eye shadow on the left was applied with a brush and it picks up every line on my hand (Note to self: Start applying bucket loads of hand cream!!!). In the middle is a swatch of the primer, then on the right is the eye shadow over primer. Even though you can still see the lines, it is far more subtle! The pigment is also brighter, bolder and it picks up the gold much better. 


XO

Tip Of The Day

If you are wearing lipstick, remove any traces after eating and start again. If you apply lipstick on dirty, greasy lips it will just move and the colour will not last. 

There is a fine line between shiny hair and greasy hair! Shiny hair can make your hair look healthy and gorgeous. Greasy hair is sometimes what happens when you overload on shine products! 


Read ahead to get your shine on! 


Get Siliconed
If your hair is fine, apply a light misted spray. If your hair is curly or thicker, apply a serum with silicone to damp hair. Concentrate on the ends. If you apply it into the roots, your hair will just look greasy. Some people don't like silicone, so try David Babaii "Miracle Oil Hair Elixir" which is without silicone and parabens.


Be attached
One of the secrets to shine is having your hair cuticle smooth and flat. Make sure you apply a nozzle to your hairdryer. This concentrates the airflow into going only one way. It also helps to stop your hair getting roughed up. Always point the blowdryer down.


Straight ahead
Use a straightener on your hair to help it stay straight and smooth. Don't forget to apply a protective spray first. The best way to make your hair look silky and smooth is to only go over the section once. If you go over it a few times, you will just dehydrate and damage your hair. 


Less is best
Apply a shine spray. If you tend to go overboard with it normally, apply the spray to a hairbrush, then brush through your hair. This way you still get shine, but not enough to get greasy looking locks. Keep a frizz fighting product in your bag if you find that your hair frizzes easily. 


For all you curly haired dolls, check back later for tips o how you can also get shiny hair. 


XO

Tip Of The Day

To keep lipstick from feathering, apply a clear lipbalm just outside of your lip line before applying your lipstick. This will stop your lipstick from travelling outside the line!

To make small eyes appear larger, use lighter eye shadow colours. 

Ways To Exfoliate Your Body

In colder weather it is easy to forget to exfoliate your body. When 99% of your body is covered up, it can seem pointless to exfoliate when no one (even including yourself) will see it!


Here are various ways you can still exfoliate, even in the colder months...


Scrubs
Scrubs can be fantastic. Not only are there many types available, they come in the nicest fragrances!! Another great thing is that there are soft and small granule body scrubs that also moisturise or thicker grainier ones that really get rid of dead skin. Sugar scrubs are great if your skin is more delicate, while salt scrubs are better for drier, thicker skin. The downside is that they can be a bit pricey.


Body brush
Body brushes are great for when you want a deep scrub. They can feel quite rough and uncomfortable for the first week. Always start off slowly and gently and work up to a rougher scrub. For best results, use dry. The great thing is that it stimulates the Lymph nodes (they are apart of the immune system) and helps blood circulation. Always brush towards your heart.


Exfoliating gloves
This is my favourite way to exfoliate. I can use it everyday without being too harsh on my skin. I apply a bodywash and rub it in to the gloves so it bubbles. The only downside to this is you need to remember to clean your gloves and regularly replace them.


Loofah or loofah mitt
These are also a cheap and easy way to exfoliate. Like the gloves, they need to be washed at least once a week. They are good for people with sensitive skin that don't like granules. Since you can use the loofah with your body cleanser, it can be more moisturising and softer than other types of exfoliants.


How do you exfoliate?
XO

Make sure you don't pump your mascara wand in and out. It pushes in air and will try out your mascara much quicker.

Wearing bright colours can be very daunting. Whether you prefer simple make up, or love to be loud, here are some tips on wearing colour.


Reds and Oranges
Most people can't pull off red eyes or cheeks. It just makes them look like they are sick or have conjunctivitis. If you want to pull off reds and oranges, the easiest way is to wear it on your lips. Stay away from shimmer and go for glossy reds and tangerines. To stop the colour bleeding, remember to wear lip liner.


Coral
The great thing about coral is that it can be worn anywhere on the face. Coral blush gives a tropical vibe to your make up. Coral lips look gorgeous, but still is somewhat natural. Go for sheerer blushes and lip products to make it more natural. If you have pink undertones, stay away from pinky corals. If your skin has yellow undertones,  go for pinky over orange corals. 


Purples
The easiest way to pull off purples is to apply it to your eyes. To make your eyes pop make sure you curl them, apply black mascara and eyeliner. If your shade is a pinky purple, make sure you apply concealer under your eyes, to combat under eye circles. 


Yellow
Yellow eye shadow can be hard to pull off, but when done correctly, it looks amazing! It is best to avoid shimmer and go for a matte finish instead. It gives it a more grown up vibe. Keep the rest of your face simple with a subtle blush and clear or nude lips. 


Blue
The 80s gave blue eye shadow a bad name, but fear not! To wear it in a simple way, apply a blue eyeliner. It can either be a navy or aqua blue, depending on how confident you are! 


What is your favourite bright colour to wear?
XO

Tip Of The Day

To stop hair looking dull, use a clarifying shampoo. It will make your hair shine!