The 13 Best Beauty Products of 2013: Hair, Body and Brushes Edition

Tuesday, 31 December 2013



Instead of my usual favourites, I'm bringing you a best of 2013 version. Because I've found so many amazing products this year, I've had to split it up into 2 posts. I hope that you enjoy part 1!

Here are my picks... 

Nivea In Shower Body Lotion*


I received one of these and also bought one when I ran out. I've run out again and will be picking up another bottle in the new year. I love that I can use this in the shower to moisturise and I then can skip moisturising my body once I'm out of the shower. It makes things quick and easy in the morning. I go through them quite quickly, but since they are affordable I don't mind having to repurchase every 3 or so weeks. 

I've previously reviewed this here

Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash*

This is a new addition to my shower routine, but it's such an amazing scent that's a pleasure to use. It's an affordable option that doesn't break the bank, but also smells and feels incrediblore.

There's also a matching body lotion which is divine. 


Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion in "Coconut"*

Speaking of divine... this body lotion is beyond amazing. It's a lightweight lotion that still is really hydrating. The scent is beautiful and feels tropical. I don't use this everyday, so the bottle has lasted me for quite a few months.

I've previously reviewed it here

John Frieda Frizz Ease Thermal Protection Formula Hair Serum*

I've been using this for quite a few months and love it. When I don't use this I notice that my hair isn't as frizz free or as soft. I love that it gives the benefit of a hair oil, but also protects my hair from styling tools. 

David Babaii Blow Out Spray*

This is the best heat protectant that I've ever used. I love that this is actually a mist, rather than it spritz out. I know when I use this that my hair is completely protected. The bottle that I have has lasted for quite a while even though I use it 2-3 times a week. I like to use this with the JF serum to make sure my hair is safe from a hairdryer and a curling wand. 

Toni & Guy Dry Shampoo

I used to think the Batiste was my holy grail dry shampoo, but since trying this I've barely touched my Batiste bottle. While this is more expensive than the Batiste, it's lasted me a long time.  

Mirenesse Blush Brush

I'm honestly not a huge fan of the Mirenesse eye brushes, but adore their face/complexion brushes. I ADORE this sculpting brush. It makes your application look flawless and is so easy to use. It also feels so soft. 

Make Up Forever The Sculpting Kit Brush

This double ended brush is an amazing brush to travel with. On one end it has an angled brush which is great for blush, bronzer or even highlighting. The other end is shaped round like a powder brush. I normally use this as a brush to blend any harsh lines or if I've gone OTT with the blush. It retails for $62.00 from Media Make Up, but is worth the money as it has multiple uses. 

Physicians Formula Brush

I bought this brush from iherb as it's not available in Australia. It's an amazing brush to use to apply mineral foundation. The bristles are short but the handle is very easy to maneuver and use on places like your nose and around your hairline. I'm tempted to buy another one!

O&M Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque*

This has to be one of the best hair masks that I've ever tried. It works in as little as 2 minutes, but I like to apply it on for 30-45 minutes. I'm left with silky smooth hair that feels hydrated and soft.

bHave Rescue Intense Shampoo and Conditioner*

These, without a doubt, are my holy grail shampoo and conditioner. I ran out of them and was using something else for 2 weeks and I couldn't believe how different my hair looked and felt. When I use these, my hair is soft, shiny and smooth. I find that I need less styling products, because these truly make my hair behave!! I find that these hydrate my hair without making it feel or look greasy and I can even go 4-5 days without needing to wash my hair and it not look completely gross (with that said I do use dry shampoo from the 3rd day). 

I can't imagine not having these in my bathroom from now on.

I've previously reviewed these here.


Royal Moroccan Serum Treatment*

This is my holy grail hair oil. It's the perfect consistency, that's not too heavy or light. I can use it multiple times in a row and it doesn't weigh my fine hair down. It has a gorgeous scent, which is always important. You also only need a little bit so a bottle will last a long time. I have a new bottle (which I've pictured) but have been using my current one for about 5 or so months and it's only half way used but it's been beaten up a little and I didn't want to photograph it!

You won't regret buying one of these!


I also wanted to mention a few extra things that came very very close to being on the list...

O&M Frizzy Logic*
bHave Deep Intense Conditioning Masque*
Sigma E25 Blending brush

Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub*
Palmers Olive Oil Formula Lotion

What have your favourites been for 2013? Stay tuned for Pt 2, which is all about make up and skincare.
Amy, 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.

Any links within a post are NOT affiliate links. They're just included to make life easier :)


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Playing With Colour: ELES Review

Monday, 30 December 2013



A while ago, ELES cosmetics released their spring seasonal look and it was inspired by the 60s. It was called "Sixties Vibe" and was a modern spin on the Bridget Bardot look. The look is all about a flawless base with a bright pop of colour on the eye.



I'm all about neutral and natural make up, so colour can be intimidating. Luckily even though this look is colourful, it's done in a more natural way. 



For a vibrant, colourful and creative eye they used shades of purple. What I love about this look is the fact that purple compliments my green eyes (and brown eyes too).

While it's a colourful look it can also be used as a soft wash of colour. 



I like to start my look with the Retexturing Face Pimer* underneath my foundation. I don't have any ELES foundations so I've been using my Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation. Even though the foundation already has a primer in it, to make sure it last all day I like to apply the ELES primer as it gives my skin a smooth surface so my foundation looks flawless.


I then like to apply a setting powder. I use either the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation in "Shell"* or the Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder. I like the Rimmel powder for just setting my foundation, but I find that the ELES powder gives me long lasting staying power as well as 
extra coverage for those bad skin days because it's a coloured pressed powder.



The hero product from the Sixties range has to be new Quad Shadow in "Debutante."* It's a round eye shadow palette that contains 4 complimentary colours. I've used the 4 colours together and also have mixed it with another ELES  mineral shadow that I have called "Bronzite."*


It's a mid to dark brown that works great as an eye contour colour or I also use it to define my eye lids.


It's not quite matte, but it's not quite shimmer. It's a gorgeous colour that works amazingly to make a gorgeous smokey eye. It's a buildable colour that can look both natural and dramatic. 


In the promo picture, they've lined the lower lid with the 2nd lightest colour (top right in the palette). Since my eyes are smaller, I skip this as I find that while it makes my eyes pop, it also can make them slightly smaller. 

For daytime, I like to apply the 3rd shade onto my lid and apply the 2nd shade onto my crease to contour. I then like to use a small brush to apply the lightest shade onto the middle of my eyelid to help open them up. I find that the lightest shade can be slightly chalky if I try to layer it, but if I just apply a small amount onto the middle of my lid then it's not chalky. 

For night time, I love to apply the 2nd shade onto my lid, the 4th shade into my crease and then lightest shade in the middle to open up my eyes. 


I normally use 2-3 brushes to create my eye look. The more impact my look is the more brushes that I use (4 eye brushes).

I love that the palette has a range of shades that work as a complete look but are still wareable and beautiful to be used alone. I adore the 2 middle colours as they're not too dark but still make my eye colour pop. 

The palette costs $99.00. 


For more colour, I like to apply the Dimensional Cake Liner in "Plum Crazy"* onto my water line or upper lash line. This is a beautiful 2 in 1 liner. It contains 2 colours that can be used both wet and dry. It contains a dark plum and a glittery bright purple. I like to apply the dark plum as an alternative to black liner. Black liner looks much too harsh against my pale skin, so a plum or dark brown can define my eyes without making them look smaller. Another great thing about the cake liner is that it helps to bring out my green eyes. 


I love that the purple glittery colour isn't too glittery. While I wouldn't use it for the daytime, it can bring a sparkle to your eyes at night. When used dry I notice the glitter so much more because the purple is lighter. When applied wet I notice the colour first (it's a dark purple) and then the glitter second.

I don't use this all the time, as liner isn't something I reach for everytime I apply my make up. But since receiving this, I've noticed that I've been wearing liner more often. 


The cake liners cost $39.00 and they have 3 other colours available. 



One product that shocked me (in a good way) was the Brow Blender Pencil.* I have a love hate relationship with brow pencils. I love how easy they are to use, but find a lot of pencils are quite rough and hard.


When I first opened the lid I saw the pencil and thought that it was going to be hard. But once I started to use it, it felt like butter. The consistency is so soft. It's honestly such an amazing product to use. 

It doesn't feel rough or uncomfortable like other pencils that I've used. Just beware that it's incredibly creamy and you need a VERY gentle hand when using it.

I find that it takes me next to no time when I use this as it's really quite easy to create hair like strokes to conceal any barer patches you might have. 




While this is an amazing pencil, I find that when I use this by itself, the colour doesn't look right against my skintone. My natural brows are a mixture of very light blonde (some are quite fair that they look almost white) mixed in with a darker ashy colour. So I've been using this along with another darker pencil that is less light brown.

I have "Blonde" but there is also a "Soft Taupe" and "Dark Taupe" available. I think a mixture of blonde and soft taupe would be my perfect eyebrow match.

They also have a powder and wax duo available called Brow Sculpt. What interests me about this is the fact that the colour is without that red look. I find a lot of paler eyebrow colours do tend to give me ginger brows, so this is right up my ally! 



I love that it's dual ended and has the inbuilt brow groomer. It makes mornings so much easier as I'm not having to search for a brow groomer.

This retails for $42.00 and is worth every cent. It's in my top 3 brow products... EVER.



To create a soft flush of the cheeks, they used the Mineral Blush Compact in "Coral Sun."* I've received this previously and it's been mentioned many many times on the blog since.

I've previously reviewed it here.



It's a really versatile blush that looks good against all skintones. I love that it can be worn both soft and vibrant.  Because the Sixties look is all about the eyes, the blush is best worn with a light hand.

The blush costs $39.50 and is so amazing that I would pay double for it!!



For the look, they used the Micro Bubble Lipstick in Micro Nude. It looks gorgeous on the model, but I struggle to pull of a slightly brown nude lip. My lips naturally have more of a pink tone to them, so I ended up swapping the lipstick for a lipgloss that would compliment my complexion.  


Enter the Lip Tox Sheer Lipgloss in "Princess."* While it looks brown in the tube, it actually comes out mostly clear with a tint of colour. 


Because it has the slight hint of colour, it can be used alone or over a lipstick.


I used it over a clear lip balm in the above picture.


This is more than just a lipgloss. It's also a lip plumper, fills in lines (which is great if you have dry lips), contains collagen and boosts hydration. It also contains small particles of diamond dust for that glossy, shimmery look.

Unlike the lip plumpers of yesterday, this one doesn't irritate or sting your lips.

There are 3 other colours available in the formula and cost $67.25. While it's pricey, it's not the kind of lipgloss you would wear everyday so it makes it much more affordable in the long run.

And that's how I interpret the Sixties look to suit my skintone and fear of colour. 


ELES cosmetics are available online here. Every month ELES has an amazing GWP, so don't forget to check them out. 
Are you afraid of colour too?
Amy, 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.

Any links within a post are NOT affiliate links. They're just included to make life easier :)


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Priceline 40% Skincare Haul + Make Up

Sunday, 29 December 2013



Hi Lovelies,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful time at Christmas and was spoilt (preferably with cosmetics ;p). Sorry it's been quiet at Bottled Beauty but with all the madness from Christmas, visiting family and work, it's been difficult to blog. 

Priceline had another 40% off sale after Christmas and this time it was skincare.

Here's what I bought...


Nuxe Reve De Miel Hand Cream

I've been wanting this for a while, but didn't buy it earlier because I don't really need any more hand cream. But I couldn't resist as it was on special and I'm nearly out of one of my hand creams.

It has a really beautiful scent, is lightweight yet moisturising and as odd as it sounds, it feels really refreshing when you rub it in. 

This was on special for $11.99 (normally it's $19.99). I would have purchased more from the Nuxe range, but sadly they have a limited range instore (only 3 products) but I did see that Priceline's online store have more products. I want to try them all!!!! 

Indeed Laboratories Pepta-Bright Fade To Bright Intense Brightening Treatment

I love the Hydraluron and Eysilix from Indeed Labs and had heard so many great things about this from UK bloggers and vloggers.

I have uneven skintone and natural redness, so I'm hoping that this will help to lessen it. 


This was on special for $21.99 (normally it's $34.99)


Garnier Perfect Blur 5 Sec Smoothing Base Perfector

I haven't heard anything about this (not even a blog post) besides seeing a post on Priceline's FB page saying this would be in stores soon.

I'm thinking that it's going to be similar to Nanoblur, but with the added benefit of being a primer for underneath your BB cream or foundation. 


This was on special for $10.19 (normally it's $16.99)

I was going to pick up a People For Plants face oil and the La Roche Posay or Ponds BB Cream, but both BB creams were sold out and I already have too many face oils currently open. Most likely I'll pick them up at the next skincare sale/goodie bag offer.

I also picked up some some lip products while instore...



Face Of Australia Lasting Looks Lip Cream in "Love You Berry Long Time"

I already have one of these I bought with my Priceline Gift Card (which you can see here) and at the time I was trying to decide on this colour or the "For-Red-er" which is a gorgeous red. Because I couldn't stop thinking about this, I picked it up. There were no testers so I wasn't sure if it's more of a bright pink like the sticker on the packaging or a berry colour like the name suggests (it's more of a strawberry colour than a purpley blueberry).

These retail for $10.95.

Savvy by DB Long Lasting Matte Lipstick in "Gerbera"


I've heard so many great things about these lipsticks from Aussie bloggers but last time I was in Priceline, they had sold out of these. Luckily Gerbera was instock this visit. It's a gorgeous vibrant pink. I'm hoping to pick up the rest of the range when my local store is stocked up again. 

These retail for $6.99 and are amazing value. 

I haven't tried either lip product (it's a make up free day today) but am looking forward to wearing them next week. 



Also while I was instore, I saw this new Revlon nail display. They looked really funky. I haven't seen or heard about them before. 


Did you pick up anything from the Priceline sale? Have you tried the Revlon Chalkboard nail pens yet?
Amy, XO



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Last Minute Christmas Ideas

Monday, 23 December 2013



It's so close to Christmas that you might just be able to start smelling the food being made!! If you're lazy, or just too busy working, and are stressing about gifts here are some ideas on last minute gifts.

I've purposely put products that will be available from your local Westfield, since it's too late for online shopping.


Napoleon Perdis Regal Brush Collection
$99.00
Available from David Jones, Myer and NP Stores


Models Prefer Blue Eyes Colour Palette
$10.00
Available from Priceline 


Nude By Nature "Just Glow With It" Gift Pack
$69.95
Available from Myer


Innoxa "Spot Of Tea" gift set
$19.95
Available from Myer and Pharmacies


In Essence Embrace Celebration Gift Pack
$39.95
Available from David Jones

Natio Wellness 3 Soap Set
$14.95
Available from Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies

Circa Home Christmas Miniature Candle Assortment 
$29.95
Available from David Jones



Davroe Smooth Christmas Gift Set
$49.95
Available from Hairhouse Warehouse

Will you be doing shopping tonight or tomorrow?
Amy, XO

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Luxe Or Less: Body Lotions and Body Butters

Sunday, 22 December 2013



Body lotion is one of those things that you need but they aren't always that fun to buy. I normally use a very boring, simple and uninteresting body lotion in the morning. I try not to use something that is scented, so it won't interrupt my perfume scent.

At night I love to apply a scented body lotion. I have quite a few different ones that I rotate depending on my mood and what fragrance I feel like wearing to bed. 


I like to have a mixture of inexpensive and pricier body lotions, as sometimes it's nice to be decadent and indulge in an expensive lotion. 

Body Butter


Luxe...



The Jojoba Company Tuberose & Clementine Souffle $39.95 (250ml)*

This is such a decadent body lotion. It's a whipped formula that feels soft and light, but still is incredibly moisturising. It has a gorgeous scent and my skin is left feeling soft and smooth all day. It also contains Australian jojoba, vitamin E and cocoa butter. The packaging is simple but gorgeous.




You can buy The Jojoba Company products online and instore. Click here to find your closest stockist. 

Less...



Premium Spa Coconut & Vanilla Body Butter (190g)*

This body butter from Premium Spa is only $9.99 but you wouldn't know it. It's a gorgeous body butter that's light on the skin but is still hydrating. I love that the scent isn't too sweet or overpowering. If you wear a sweet perfume, then this would work well underneath it. 



It's in a tube, which means that you can scoop every single little bit out. 

If you're looking for a hydrating every day lotion, then this is a great one!

Body Lotion


If a body butter is too much for you, then a lotion is great as it's lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly and easily. 

Luxe...


Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion in "Coconut" (354ml)*

This lotion smells incredible and makes you feel like you're on holidays on a tropical island. 

It contains coconut milk and nut extracts to hydrate your skin and leave it silky smooth. I love the pump applicator as it's hygienic and easy to use.

This one is available online here and is $29.95. While it's more expensive than your average body lotion, it also lasts quite a while since it's 354ml. 


Less...


Premium Spa SOS Moisture Balm in "Frangipani & Coconut" (150ml)*

This $9.99 body lotion might not break the bank, but that doesn't mean that it's boring. It has an amazing smell that's not too sweet and not to floral. The mix of the frangipani and coconut work well together and smell incredible.

It also has a matching body wash which I'm currently using. I wish they would release this in a soap, in a candle and perfume. I'm obsessed with the scent!!!


You can purchase this online here or instore at Priceline.

Do you also like to have a luxe and less option? 

Amy, XO

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

Any links within a post are NOT affiliate links. They're just included to make life easier :)


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Sale Alert: Priceline 40% Off Skincare, Suncare and Tanning





On Thursday the 26th (Boxing Day) until Saturday the 28th of December, Priceline have a huge 40% off all skincare, suncare and tanning.

It excludes men's gift sets and body & bath gift sets.

Will you be picking up anything? I think La Roche-Posay and Nuxe will somehow fall into my shopping basket ;)

Amy, XO


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"What Can A $50 Priceline Gift Card Buy You?" Christmas Haul

Thursday, 19 December 2013


With Christmas only days away, I know a lot of you will be picking up beauty gifts for your sister/mum/best friend... and I'm sure something for yourself too!!!


Last week, Priceline asked if I wanted to be apart their Christmas promotion where they sent me a $50 gift card and I was able to pick any items to showcase just how far $50 goes!! Of course I jumped at the chance, as I'm a bit obsessed with Priceline. 

I decided to try and pick up products that I could create a look with to wear on Christmas day. 

While I went in thinking of certain items, it seems that a few (hundred) people also picked them up and Priceline was sold out. I originally was going to pick up the Models Prefer Essential Brow KitModels Prefer Brown Eyes Colour Palette and a Savvy by DB Classic Blush, but I was too late.

While looking through the aisles there were a few new products that I picked up. 




Here's what I bought...



Models Prefer High Definition Soft Touch Press Powder in "Light" $12.99

We're in the middle of a heatwave in Adelaide, so a pressed powder is essential for keeping oil in check. I love that they have a light option as well as a light/medium for those that are pale. The packaging is sturdy and is great for travelling. 


Essence Lashes Go Wild Volume Mascara $4.25

This is such an unusual mascara. It's not in a tube like 99.9% of mascaras are. I bought this purely for the packaging.... but also because I've heard a lot of bloggers and youTubers rave about Essence mascaras. 

       Essence Eyeshadow on the left, FOA Blush on the right      

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in "Chocolate Jewelery" $4.25

I've been having a love affair with matte shadows this year, but this shimmer/glitter shadow stole my heart. It's looks beautiful in the packaging and even more gorgeous on your lids. It looks amazing when you build up the colour for an intense chocolate sparkly brown. 



Taken in natural day light,where the glitter/sheen stood out

Face Of Australia Blush in "O Peachy" $9.45

This has been on my wishlist for so long and yet I've never picked it up. Many bloggers have said it's the Australian version of Nars "Orgasm." I'm not sure if it's a dupe, but it's so beautiful. It's perfect for summertime for a healthy glow on your cheeks. 

Australis Brow Tint in "Blonde" $7.46 (on sale)

I've heard some great things about the Australis brow tint, so I can't wait to trial it. I used to love brow tints, but have used pencils for the last few years. Some great thing about brow tints are that they can look at lot more natural and you don't need a sharpener!! 



Face Of Australia Lasting Looks Lip Creme in "For-red-er" $10.95

This is a new product that I haven't even heard about. There were no testers out yet, so I really wasn't sure about which colour to choose. But since it's Christmas I knew I had to pick up the bright red, as opposed to the cherry red or bright pink.

It's a gorgeous colour that's not only smooth to apply on your lips, but also is hydrating!!!


You can purchase Pricleline gift cards both instore and from their online store. You can gift any amount from $10 to $200 and pick from a range of cards to suit the persons personality. See more about the gift cards here.

So what did you think of my haul? Have you picked up any of your Christmas gifts from Priceline?
Amy, XO

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

Any links within a post are NOT affiliate links. They're just included to make life easier :)


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