Friday's Favourites

What I'm wearing...


My Face Of Australia Lip Crayons have been the hero of my lip world this week. But when I haven't been wearing that, I'm also loving 1 Skin Solution's Tinted Lip Butter in Guava Lemonade. They are so moisturising and the colour is gorgeous. 


Yesterday I went into town and popped into Peter Alexander. I LOVE his PJs as they are so comfy. I ended up buying 2 nighties for only $49! What a bargain. 


I've been loving using my Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush this week to apply to powder. It's so soft and is gorgeous to use. 


I won a Unico Leave In Spray from Adore Beauty last week via a Facebook comp. I've really loved using it and have found it's perfect for my hair. Quite a few leave in conditioners aren't moisturising enough, but this is great for my dry hair. I hadn't heard of the brand before, but now am interested in their other products. Have you heard of them before?


Things I'm lusting for...


The Rae Morris Brushes have gone to the top of my wish list this week. They look amazing. Has anyone bought them? Are they worth the price tag?


Blogs or blog posts I've loved so much I've read more than once...


Over at Kathryn's Beauty Blog, she did an AMAZING post on how to clean your brushes. It's photo heavy which is really great if you're not quite sure how to clean your brushes. I also love cleaning my brushes with baby shampoo since it's so soft. Also I learnt from her post about brush guards! I love learning about new things from bloggers.


While searching for reviews on the Rae Morris brushes, I stumbled across this amazing blog called Sweet Make Up Temptations. Sonia, who is Spanish but lives in Switzerland, blogs about gorgeous high end products. She has so many gorgeous products! 


On Kitsch Snitch, Kat has a wonderful post on the Korres Mango Butter Lipsticks. I really like how she used the Revlon Lip Butter for comparison. 


On my mind...


My Christmas in July swap. I have quite a few things already and just need a couple more little goodies. It's been so much fun buying things for another person. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions on some of the products or brands that I should include! I can't wait to show you all what I sent (it will be a while until it makes its way to the UK, but once she gets it you'll be able to see!).


How has your week been? Is there any favourite you want to share with me?
XO

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My Newest Obsession: Face Of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons

Hi Lovelies,


Now I've had these precious lip crayons since they first released them at the start of the month but am ONLY just getting around to blogging about them (and nope, I'm not trying to keep you all in the dark so I can buy them all!!). The day I bought them I became sick, and me being the germaphobe I am, I couldn't use them until I was better. Well this week I have been feeling good, and it may have something to do with these gems! (Aren't they pretty!)


If you're a fan of Chubby Sticks from Clinique, but aren't a fan of the huge price tag, then you NEED these in your life. And I mean NEED! 

They sell them in a pack and it contains 3 different colours. There is Macaron which is a gorgeous berry colour. Cupcake is a pretty pink and Sundae is a soft nudey brown. 

Top To Bottom: Macaron, Cupcake, Sundae

Originally I thought I would love Macaron because I'm having a love affair with reds and berry colours at the moment. But I really love Cupcake. It reminds me of Barbie. I feel so girly in it. I didn't expect to like Sundae as I don't ever use browns (besides on my eyes) but it is actually really nice for a understated look. 

Left to Right: Macaron, Cupcake, Sundae

They are sooooooo incredibly soft and silky. I wish I could reach through the computer and swatch them on your arm so you can feel just how soft they really are. They glide on and are so easy to use. Even though they seem a bit chunky, because of the finer tip, it's still easy to stay inside your lip line. 

While they look like a big pencil, you just wind them up so you don't need to sharpen them. They have a beautiful cakey/vanilla smell that just makes it even more delightful to put on. 


I've left the best part to last. While these bad boys are only limited edition, they only cost $14.95 for the pack. Yep! $14.95 for all 3! I've seen on twitter and on blogs that the masses are having trouble finding them. I found mine at Big W on the 3rd of June. Only this week have I seen them in my local Priceline stores. 


Good luck finding them! You might need to try a few stores, but trust me when I say they are worth the effort!


Have you tried them yet? What did you think about them?
XO

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Priceline's Skincare Goodie Bag

As you know I love Priceline, and love a GWP, so when those two worlds collide I'm there in a heartbeat! You might remember their Free Beauty Bag a few months ago that was amazing. Then last month they had a Hair goodie bag offer, which I missed out on as I really didn't need any hair products at the time. But if you missed it like I did, see what Ingrid got in her hair pack.


Well this month they have a skincare goodie bag. When you purchase $50 or more on skincare from a range of brands, you're eligible for their free goodie bag valued at over $220.


So what was in the goodie bag? (what isn't!!! It's jammed pack full of goodies.)


Innoxa "SOS Scar Tissue Oil"
Puretopia "Exfoliating & Renewing Body Polish"
Biore "Clean Things Up Nourishing Gel Cleanser"
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula "Fragrance Free Body Lotion"
Skinvitals Hydraflex "Multi Peptide Flex Cloth Mask"
Apivita "Express Beauty with Cereals" Face Mask
Pure Therapy by Purist "Intensive Moisture Repair Gel"
Oxy "Emergency Zit Blitz Gel" 
Witch "Blemish Stick"
Yes to Cucumber "Facial Towelettes"
Dove "Silky Nourishment Body Cream"
Nivea "Anti-Age Q10 Plus Hand Cream"
Sukin "Facial Moisturiser"
Vaseline "Aloe Fresh" SPF 15 Day Light Lotion
U Little Beauty "Nourishing Hand Cream"
Neutrogena "Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion"
Soft Lips "Vanilla" Lipbalm
Eau Thermale Avene "Eau Thermale" Thermal Spring Water
Playboy "Play It Rock" Body Spray


I'm really excited about this goodie bag! There are so many great things in it. I'm planning on taking quite a few of these things when I go to Adelaide next month to visit my family. I find it much easier to just leave products there, rather than taking a massive bag every time I go down there. 

To be eligible for the gift bag I bought one of my favourite toners, Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water and a U Little Beauty Vitamin C Serum. Originally I was going to get quite a few smaller items, but was so interested in the Vitamin C Serum that I abandoned some of the items in my basket, and stayed with these two more expensive items instead. I thought the serum would be great for winter to help protect my skin and hydrate it. 


Did you end up going to Priceline and scoring the goodie bag?
XO

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Addicted To My: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water

Some products you become obsessed with because they are completely new and different. Others because they make your life (and make up) so much more effective, like eyeshadow primers. Then there are others that aren't life changing or revolutionary, but are still a "can't live without it" product.


My Thermal Spring Water from Eau Thermale Avene is just that. Simple, effective, no frills but incredible all the same. It was one of the first "mist" toners I ever used, and it was love at first sight. While I was pregnant with my daughter I become obsessed with rose mists. I'm not quite sure why but it may have been because I started using rosehip oil around the same time. And my obsession with mists is still going on for nearly 2 years. I am so obsessed with mists, that even when I was trialing the Napoleon Perdis NP Set Detoxifying Toner, which is a gel, I still had to follow up with a mist!


I'm not sure why, but the French do amazing skincare. It might have something to do with the fact that they see art in beauty or because they have amazing ingredients. But they can take a simple idea and turn it into a cult product.


The great thing with this brand is that they strive to make gentle but effective products. Skin that is easily irritated by most cosmetics will benefit by using this brand.


While I love to use this as a toner, it has so many uses...


Soothe razor burns in both men and women, and after waxing
Soothes itchy and inflamed skin
Soothes sunburn
Helps combat redness in the skin
It's refreshing after exercising, in the heat or on a plane
It can be used for nappy rash
Helps to hydrate the skin


Another great thing about it is that it can be used on any skin type. Dry, oily or sensitive skins will benefit from this. 


Are you also addicted to Thermal Spring Water?
XO

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To prevent fake tan staining your nails, apply moisturiser onto both your toe nails and the nails on your hands. 

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Australia's Best Brands

As some of you might know, I signed up to the Christmas In July Global Beauty Blog Swap. I got paired up with the gorgeous Marie, from MCMiki who is from the UK.


I've been doing a lot of thinking and have come up with a few ideas (which I can't say here just incase she's reading it!). But I thought I would enlist your help dear friends.


What Australian products and brands do you think are amazing? What ones do you think would be perfect for a blogger swap? 


Some of my favourite brands include Australis, Bloom, Face Of Australia, Grown, Jurlique, A'kin, MOR cosmetics, Napoleon Perdis and Model Co. 


Have you signed up to the blogger swap? What are you sending? Or what would you send if you were participating?
XO

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Friday's Favourites

Hi Lovelies! 


This week has just flown by. I'm a bit behind on my blogging, so even though it's Sunday, you're getting my favourites for the week today! 


What I'm wearing...


My make up has been incredibly boring this week. I've been wearing a lot of "no make up" make up looks. I've fallen in love again with my Chanel Mat Lumiere Fluide Foundation. Even though it's pricey, it's worth every cent! 


Talking about falling in love again, I am loving my Nude By Nature Finishing Viel. I love that you can wear this over any type or brand of foundation or powder. It sets your make up and gives you a gorgeous glow without being sparkly or glittery. It also lasts you forever!! 


I've been using the new Rimmel Sexy Curves Full Figure Mascara. It's a nice mascara that really does lengthen my lashes, but doesn't really make them look thick. It's great for the price, but I've been using Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara first to thicken up my lashes then use the Rimmel mascara to lengthen them. I still don't know if I like this mascara or not.


Things I'm lusting for...


A money tree... ;)


Blogs or blog posts I've loved so much I've read more than once...


This week instead of doing my usual blog reading (since I've been quite busy) I've been Googling products and reading reviews on blogs instead. Here are some of the products I've been searching for...


I was watching one of Fluer De Force's youTube videos and saw her rave about the YSL Glossy Stain. It looks so gorgeous. I haven't used YSL make up before, but this post made me want to get the whole range of Glossy Stains! 


Over at The Science of Beauty, Sarah reviewed the Planet Eve Cleansing Oil. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with cleansing oils. The wrong one can make you break out, but the right one makes your skin clean and gorgeous. I'm thinking of either getting this or Bloom's Organic Cleansing Oil. I'm not in a huge rush to get it, so I might do a little more research on both of these before buying.


I've really been loving Say Tioco Artillero's blog. I found it when finding swatches for MeMeMe products and think it's such a great blog. 


On My Mind...


My spending ban has failed miserably this week. MeMeMe Cosmetics has a 30-50% off sale at the moment so I ended up buying quite a few things. More on that to come very soon!! I also purchased the Alpha H Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System Kit from Bellabox for the Vogue Fashion Night Out. I can't wait to try this but am going to wait until Monday night after I finish work. That way if I have a reaction I have a couple of days until i need to go outside for it to calm down (It's always scary trying new products!!). I also spent up at Priceline and got the free goodie bag! Yep it's been a big week for spending :( Hopefully next week I'll be better.


How has your week been? 
XO

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Tip Of The Day

Before applying false lashes, bend them into a "C" shape. This gives a more natural curve and stops them from being straight. 

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Review: Napoleon Perdis NP Set Purifying Facial Cleanser and Detoxifying Toner

If you're a regular reader you'll know that I LOVE Napoleon products. They are one of the few brands that do foundations that are light enough for my pale skin. They also do incredible colours and brushes. And after meeting the man himself at his Masterclass earlier this year, I fell even more in love with the make up and the brand. 


Some make up brands dip their toes into skincare and fail miserably. But Napoleon Perdis are one brand that do it well. Two years ago I bought their Auto Pilot Step 1 2 3 Set. I absolutely loved their cleanser. It was one of those rare products that are good for any skin type. And the moisturiser was beautiful and made my skin so soft.


Recently Napoleon released a new skincare line for their NP Set collection. To me, their newest skincare range feels like Auto Pilots younger sister. The cleanser and toner are all about purifying and detoxing the skin. 

Cleanser in its liquid form

When I first tried the cleanser I was a bit confused (which isn't hard when you're a blonde!). It came out as a liquid. "Ohhh, water must have fallen in the bottle" I thought. So I pour out some more, and more liquid comes out. I start to read the instructions thinking I have a dodgy bottle. But NO! Don't be silly like me and waste the liquid. It's supposed to be like that!! I'm used to foams, creams and gel cleansers, so it took a couple of uses to get used to a liquid.  The best thing to do is foam it up into your hands by rubbing them together and then massaging it into your face. 

Once it's foamed up 

The cleanser contains aloe vera and shea butter to moisturise and protect the skin. There are also lots of antioxidants from oranges, carrots and tomatos in each bottle. 


What I love about the cleanser is that I can feel it working and cleaning the dirt and make up from my skin, without drying it out. Even though it's supposed to purify my skin, it doesn't leave it feeling dry or tight.

The toners consistency

Next I apply the Detoxifying Facial Toner. For the past 2 years I have used a mist as a toner, so using a gel toner felt weird. Because I'm a creature of habit, I end up doing a double tone by using the Napoleon Toner after I cleansed, leave it on for a minute then wash it off, then used my usual mist toner. For the majority of people the NP toner would work fine by itself. But me, being slightly crazy, needs the effect of the mist.


The toner contains green tea extract and B5 to help with anti aging and protecting the skin from irritation. The great thing about both the cleanser and toner is that it's paraben free. 


They both smell so gorgeous. In the range there is also a Day Cream and a Night Cream. In Australia they are available, along with the body products, online and also from their Concept Stores. The prices are great with all of the skincare products under $35 each. The packaging is also cute and I love how easily identifiable the bottles are for those mornings when you're so tired you go to put toothpaste on as cleanser (PLEASE say you've done it too....or at least went to use conditioner as a body lotion)! 


Are you as much of a fan of Napoleon as I am? What's your favourite product? Mine has to be the Auto Pilot Primer. I can't live without it! 
XO


*I was kindly sent these for consideration. All thoughts and views are completely my own, and are always 100% honest. See my disclosure policy here.

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Tip Of The Day

To create a fade resistance base for your lipstick, apply blush onto your lips first. Either apply with your fingers or a brush. 

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Lust Have It June 2012

I was really surprised to get my LHI this morning as I hadn't received my tracking email at all. Being caught of guard, I didn't really have any expectations on what goodies might possibly be in the box.


Here's what I got...

Firstly it's in a gorgeous "Cadbury's" purple make up bag. This month it's all about being "Fun and Flirty" in June and taking a moment to stop and enjoy life. 


Bloom Glitter Eyeliner in "Star Struck" (4gms)
This was the first product I noticed. I love Bloom products, but this is one of their products that I haven't tried before. I love the look of this, but am not quite sure how functional it will be in my life. It's a gorgeous purple glitter eyeliner. While it would be fun for a night out (a rare occurrence for a parent), I can imagine that it won't be used for my every day make up. I'm really glad I got this, as it is something I wouldn't have bought normally. 


Batiste "Blush" Dry Shampoo (50gms)
By now, everyone should know the amazingness of dry shampoo. This is a great size for your handbag. There's not too much to say about this, other than it's always useful to have one handy!


Lon Vitalite "24K Active Golden Yulan Oil Facial Mask" (1 sachet)
Mask are usually skipped in my routine. I do like to make DIY masks, but some days it can be too hard when you're tired, so masks like these are perfect. It contains "pure whitening essence milk" and the gold foil to make you feel like pampered. 


Lon Vitalite "24K Active Gold Eye Mask" (1 sachet)
My eyes are normally skipped, and I'm lucky if I remember to apply an eye cream, so I'm excited to use this. And what better way to indulge my eyes than in "micro gold leaf!" 


Roberto Cavalli "Eau de Parfum" (1.2ml sample)
I had smelt this a few weeks ago and was really surprised I liked it so much. I love these samples to have in my purse or when I'm travelling. 


Marc Jacobs "Daisy" Eau de Toilette Spray (1.2ml sample)
This is one of my all time favourite perfumes. This will be great to have in my bag for a touch up in the afternoon. 


I'm excited to try the Lon Vitalite products and the Bloom eyeliner since these are all new to me and my beauty routine. I also love how LHI always includes make up!! If only there was a beauty box that was completely make up. 


What did you think of this months bag? Let me know if you received a different bag...I love seeing what others received! 

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Tip Of The Day

If you've made a mistake with your nail polish, fix it up with an earbud that has nail polish remover on it. It gets into the grooves much easier than a tissue. 

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Friday's Favourites

Hi everybody!! I've been a bit quiet for the last few days because I've been sick. Yep, you read that correct. I'm sick AGAIN! I feel like a broken record saying I'm sick. No one ever told me that as a parent your child will be getting colds every 2 weeks and therefore so will you! 


But never fear, there are always favourites to share. Here's what I have loved this week.


What I'm wearing...


I'm LOVING scarves and hats at the moment. I bought 2 beanies from Sportsgirl  yesterday and this scarf from Jeanswest (isn't the coral just so gorgeous!!!). Yes, I'm on my spending ban but needed a pick me up from being so sick. And what better way of hiding my terrible skin and hair behind some cute accessories!


Since I've been sick I've scaled back my skincare routine and have gone back to using Rosehip Oil. I was trialing the new NP Set Purifying Facial Cleanser (which smells amazing!) but this week have only used it at night and went back to using my Nude By Nature Natures Super Anti-Oxidant Foaming Cleanser (phew, that's a long title). I first started using this when I was pregnant, and have loved it ever since. It's my go to cleanser when my skin becomes sensitive. Because my nose was so sore and red, I was using a combination of First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream and my trusty A'kin Pure Emergency Gel. With their 2 super powers I have had my first official cold WITHOUT a dry flaky nose!! I am so impressed! 


Things I'm lusting for...


I can't wait until I'm well enough to try out my new 1 Skin Solution Tinted Lip Balm. It is sitting there begging to be used, but I really hate using lip products when I'm sick (I don't want my germs to be breeding in the tube) so I have to wait a day or two before using it! I got the Guava Lemonade which is a gorgeous coral colour.     


I love boots and am on the hunt for the perfect caramel coloured boots. I own so many boots, but am yet to find the right brown that are still comfy enough for work. Do you love boots as much as me? I think my love of boots came from my childhood love of Paddington Bear. 


Blogs or blog posts I've loved so much I've read more than once...


While I haven't participated in the 30 Days of Lippy, I have loved reading about it from other bloggers and seeing what lip products they use. Rosie from Lashes And Lattes, Ingrid from Glossy Beauty, and Michelle from My Little Space have all done some great posts about it. 


I agree with Hannah from Box And Brownie about how amazing emerald is! It goes with any colouring and is just so glamorous.


Over at Jimmi Lou we see just how many shoes Joanne takes with her away when she packs (hint: it's a LOT!). I love seeing what others pack.


On my mind...


Vogue's Online Shopping Night. I know I will break my spending ban, but there are so many great offers. Will you be joining in? I'm tempted to purchase some Alpha H products from Bellabox. Bellabox have 20% off for the night, free shipping on orders over $70 and a free OCC Lip Tar on orders over $100. 


What have been your favourites this week?
XO

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Rave: Dove Hair Therapy Daily Treatment Conditioner

I'm a huge fan of quick hair treatments and the Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner is perfect for me. 


I normally use the Pantene 3 minute miracle treatment tubes, but this has outclassed it in quality, feel and price. 


Not only is it great for my wallet (it's perfect for anyone on a budget) but it's also easily available at your local supermarket. I think this is a huge plus, since most of my masks need to be ordered online and it can be such a pain to do. Also you get the instant shopping high being able to purchase instore, rather than waiting a week for it to be delivered. 


It smells really nice and I like the feel of it. While it's quite thick, it doesn't leave my hair feeling heavy or greasy, which is surprising since my hair is fine. I like that no matter how busy I am, I always have 3 minutes to condition my hair and yet I still get the effects of using a treatment. 


The packaging is quite plain and uneventful, but for the price, you don't expect something that is glamorous. 


Overall it is great and will be a constant in my shower for those days when I don't have time to do a 20 minute treatment mask.



Have you tried this yet? 
XO


*This was sent to me by Beauty Heaven as apart of their Trial Team (not for my blog, although I wanted to share my review with you). This has not affected my opinion. You can see my disclosure policy here. 

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Tip Of The Day

Save your cream products for your synthetic brushes. Natural brushes with cream  products will ruin them.

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Kitchen Cleanout: Mask Monday

For this weeks mask I have a 2 in 1 mask for not only your face, but your hair. Avocados are a wonderful super food that is not only great for your insides but it's also super yummy! 


Avocados make both your skin and hair shine. It can stimulate hair growth and it gives your hair good oils, without being oily. It's a great anti aging ingredient on your skin and moisturises so it's perfect for wet, cold weather. 


The great thing with this mask is that you only need avocado. Mash 1-2 avocados (depending on the length of your hair) and then apply some to your face and some to your hair. Leave for 15 minutes before washing off. Make sure you shampoo your hair twice to get out all of the avocado.


XO 

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Tip Of The Day

If you have a smaller top lip than your bottom lip, line the top lip just outside your natural lip line then line slightly inside your bottom lip line. Then add gloss or lipstick. This will help to balance them out. 

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Christmas In July Global Beauty Blog Swap

Dear fellow bloggers, 


So the gorgeous Mystique from Beast and Beauty is doing a "Christmas in July " blogging beauty swap. You sign up and are paired with someone from the other side of the world and do a swap of great beauty products from your country. 


It's so much fun to participate in and so interesting to see what others got or sent. 


So if you're interested check out all the details here.


XO

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Tip Of The Day

If you are using a product for the very first time, try it on the back of your hand or on your inner arm to see the consistency. This will help you decide how much to apply and what tools you should apply it with. 

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Rave: Almay "Smart Shade" Primer

I had seen this on Primped's "Weekly Brush Up" a few weeks ago and knew I had to have it. It's Almay's newest creation and it takes primers to the next level.

Not only does it prime the skin and help to keep your base looking flawless, it also corrects redness and brightens the skin. The genius about this product is that it not only has a green based primer, but a purple base in it that helps to brighten your skin.

The packaging is great as you get an even mix of each colour to counteract the redness and brighten the skin. I love how the packaging is clear so it's easy to see how much product you have left. It's so easy to apply with the pump and sinks easily into the skin, so you're not left with a green tinge.

It comes in a 30ml bottle, so it's perfect for travelling. Because it corrects, brightens and primes it's a must have for my suitcase.

While it hasn't overtaken my beloved Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Primer as my HG primer, it's perfect for every day use when I'm not needing my make up to last from day into the late night. It's also fantastic for when I'm in a hurry and don't have the time to prime, correct, brighten and conceal.

Are you as excited about primers and correctors as I am?
XO

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It's A Hair Crush! Nicole Richie

Step aside Joel Madden... your gorgeous wife is showing you who's the boss of coloured hair colour! 

Source

I love that her hair is still wearable for work, but has a little bit of attitude. I'm loving the sweeping fringe too!

Primped caught up with the lucky hairdresser that created the look for Nicole, which you can read about here. 

Otherwise the gorgeous Michaela at Lather Rinse Repeat also has me having a hair crush on her lustrous lengths. How amazing is her use of the Kevin Murphy Color Bugs!! I want her hair!!!!!!!

Who is your hair crush this week?

XO

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Tip Of The Day

Remember to wash your accessories like beanies, hats and scarves. If you don't you can transfer bacteria and oils back onto your neck and hair. 

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Friday's Favourites

Wow... this week has just flown by. I can't believe it's already time for Friday's Favourites. 


What I'm wearing...


I haven't been obsessed with anything this week as I've been trying to use up the last of some older products that had been sitting in my bathroom for a while. So I've been able to get through 2 cleansers, 2 shampoos and a conditioner in the last week or two. I'm hoping on my spending ban I can get through some more things that have been sitting around for months being unused. 


Things I'm lusting for...


I'm trying to stay away from lusting after products since I'm on my spending ban. 


But I did see a gorgeous sheet set yesterday that was so soft. But I couldn't believe how expensive it was!! $250 on sheets is just too much. I would have to spend the rest of my life in bed to justify them! 


Blogs or blog posts I've loved so much I've read more than once...


She's Sonic had a great post about coats. With winter here in Australia, it's time to buy a new coat. My favourite type of coat has to be a cape. I just LOVE them! 


The Beautiful Kimmi from The Plastic Diaries had the unfortunate situation of having her site being "quoted" on Today Tonight. Actually it wasn't quoted at all. They just used her sites image and created quotes. Between being trolled, not being taken seriously and now this, it shows that blogging can be hard. I've seen a lot in the blogging world lately about having a thick skin from the haters, but it seems now we need to worry about others misrepresenting our image too! Hopefully TT apologises, and quickly! 


I love this review on the E.L.F Mineral Face Cleanser by Musings Of A Muse. It's so interesting that something so big in Asia isn't promoted in other parts of the world. 


An oldie but a goodie from Miss Chew about the significance of perfume. I don't have a signature scent, but when I was pregnant I wore Benefit 's Maybe Baby. And whenever I smell Angel by Thierry Mugler I think of my best friend. It's the scent she wore on her wedding day and nearly every day since then. 


On my mind...


I read a REALLLLLLY great post from Lipglossiping about Urban Decay now entering the Chinese market and losing their cruelty free listing. I feel the same way as she does when it comes to voicing my opinion. Since I'm not a cruelty free blogger (one that only blogs about cruelty free products), I feel like my opinion is a bit contradictory. I feel like a fraud saying shame on them, while using products that are from brands that do test. 


I wish that all brands were cruelty free but sadly it's not the case. And UD taking the step backwards is so disapointing. They have always promoted their cruelty free beliefs and now are going back on them for a bigger piece of the (financial) pie. 


What have been your favourites his week? And how do you feel about UD no longer being cruelty free?
XO

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Decoding The Label: Petrochemicals

Now this is one of the ingredients that really creeps me out. 


Petrochemicals are derived from crude oil... yep, the stuff that is made to produce fuel for our cars! So no wonder why it makes me want to put down any product that contains it. 


One of the most well known petroleum jellies is Vaseline. Back in the late 1800s, rig workers found that it would malfunction their rigs, but would cause their burns and cuts to quickly heal. A chemist named Robert Chesebrough created the first Vaseline product using it. 


Ingredients like mineral oil and paraffin, which are petroleum based, form a barrier and can clog pores because the skin can't breathe. Petroleum, or petrolatum, is found in a lot of cheaper skincare. Because it doesn't penetrate the skin, it won't moisturise properly. It will just give the illusion of moisturised skin.


Many body oils contain mineral oils, or Paraffinum Liquidum as they like to call it. This is why your skin will still feel oily hours after applying it. It's not because it's moisturising, but rather it doesn't penetrate and sink into the skin. Look instead for plant based oils. Also check your lipbalms, as they are likely to contain mineral oil. 


Had you ever heard of this before in skincare?
XO

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Tip Of The Day

Stress can play havoc on your skin, so remember to give yourself time out when you're stressed. Your skin will thank you for it!

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Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Night Renewal Cream

Here's a little info about my skin. My skin is normal to combination, and I currently don't use a specific night cream. I normally just use whatever moisturiser I am using for the day. I do use a serum to combat uneven skintone and splotchy skin. 


The Palmers Night Renewal Night Cream is my first proper night cream that I have used consistently. Straight away you feel it really hydrate your skin. The formula is really thick and helps to plump up your skin. I haven't broken out after using it, even though it is thicker and heavier than the types of moisturisers I normally use. 


While I've only been using it at night for a fortnight, I didn't see it reduce lines or age spot but did find my skin has been feeling much softer. Even after I wake up, I can still feel it hydrated. 


It has that gorgeous Palmer's cocoa butter smell. If you don't like that smell, then you won't like this. 


At under $15, it is such a great night cream. I's perfect for anyone on a budget, or for someone wanting to try an anti aging night cream for the first time. 


I really loved using it and found it made my skin soft and hydrated. It's perfect for winter. 


*This was sent to me by Primped as apart of their trial team (not for my blog, although I wanted to share it with you). This has not affected my opinion. You can see my disclosure policy here. 

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OCC Lip Tar in Strumpet

Welcome to my first post :)

I've recently become hooked on the OCC Lip Tars. For anyone that hasn't heard of them, this is your lucky day. If you LOVE lipstick or lip gloss - you will love these!

They are 100% vegan and cruelty free, which is always great! (If only more companies would do this). They pledge never to use animal-derived ingredients (including Lanolin, Beeswax, Carmine and more) in their products also. Not only can you look amazing, you are also being kind to animals....and who doesn't love that!

So a little about the lip tars. They are like a love child of lip gloss and lipstick. They have the staying power of a lipstick, but glide easily like a lip gloss.

Now a word of caution......

ONLY USE A LITTLE!!! I cant stress this enough. It is highly pigmented. If you squeeze too much, you will just waste it. The best way to apply is with a lip brush, or if you are desperate and cant find one or don't have one, i used an ear bud. The best thing about an ear bud, is you can also fix up any that has spilled over your lip line.

So the lip colour i tried today is called "Strumpet." OCC call it a "seedless grape red." Personally i would call it more of a berry like colour.

The first photo is of a very light application. I first put on lip balm then used the ear bud to pat on the colour.

The second picture is with a heavier application

A really great tip when using these is to put some Vaseline on your teeth, so the lip tar doesn't stain them. Also if you can, I would play around with it before going out in public with them, as you can look like a clown if you use too much. And lets face it....looking like a clown is never in Vogue!

In the next day or two i will upload 2 other colours :)

I really hope you liked my very first post. See you soon ox

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Tip Of The Day

If you have small eyes, choose brown eyeliner over black to stop from giving the illusion of even smaller eyes.  

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Kitchen Cleanout: Yoghurt Mask

Yoghurt is not only amazing for your insides, but it's also amazing for your skin when used as a face mask. It can help with acne, preventing aging and brightening your skin tone.


The best yoghurt to use is basic, plain natural yoghurt. Keep the yummy flavoured yoghurt for your tummy! Apply the plain yoghurt onto your face for 10-15 minutes before washing off. The best thing about this mask is that it's great for all skin types and you only need to use one ingredient! 


Happy DIY masking!
XO

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Friday's Favourites

What I'm wearing...


I'm really love wearing my 1 Skin Solution Vanilla Lip Balm. My lips have felt quite dry, so I've really been loving this to hydrate my lips. I like to apply Lanolips Lemonaid over the top for a glossy look for work.


My Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish has been used every day this week. It's such a great powder to set your make up and make it long lasting. I love that it's lightweight. The packaging is gorgeous. And it's perfect for travelling or being in your handbag for touch ups.


Things I'm lusting for...


I REALLY love this House Of Harlow necklace. She also has some cute antler earrings, rings and bracelets. Is anyone else a little bit obsessed with Deers?


Blogs or Blog posts I've loved so much I've read more than once...


I really loved reading about eyelash extensions from Sydney Sparkle. While I would love to get eyelash extensions, I don't have the time to get them refilled every 2-3 weeks. But read it if you're interested in them. I remember Leigh Campbell, Cosmo's beauty editor, saying how amazing they were and it's one of her must have beauty items.


If you're in Sydney, Cosmetic Cupcake's list on where to buy certain brands of nail polish is fantastic! I'll have to get some Barry M polishes when I'm in the city next (after my spending ban).


Over at A Beautiful Story there is a fantastic recipe on Pecan face and body scrub. Are you a fan of DIY skincare? I love it, and wish I had more time to do kitchen beauty recipes. 


This is an oldie, but a goodie.... Sue blogged about her Hair Journey. I love seeing peoples progression from baby to who they are today. It's so interesting. 


The gorgeous Emily has a great YouTube tutorial for light skinned lovelies. Check it out if you want to be lightly bronzed instead of Snooki-fied. 

On my mind...


My spending ban. One day down and I'm doing well. Only 29 days to go. 


Have you had any favourites this week?
XO

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