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Friday, March 30, 2012

Top 10 at Sephora

It's been brought to my attention that Sephora is currently having another VIB sale "Chic Week" where all Very Important Beauty's can receive 15% off their entire purchase.


Unfortunately we on the humble continent of Australia don't have access to this sale as Sephora online WON'T accept international credit cards (utter lunacy), and even if we did I am still struggling through my Spend Less 2012 6 Month Challenge.

I happened across a post on one of my favourite beauty blogs Beauty Broadcast where the amazing Emily Noel listed her Sephora Wishlist for Spring. This inspired a few "ohhhs" & "aaahhs" which also resulted in a quick squiz of Sephora's website and before I knew it I was adding to cart......

Now obviously this was just an exercise in futility as I can't actually purchase any of the items for the aforementioned reasons, alas I was very pleased with my picks and gave myself a good pat on the back for such a good looking and well rounded selection of products.

I've decided to share my top ten picks from Sephora as a therapeutic discipline to ease the current withdrawal symptoms from my shopping ban and maybe, just maybe, I can inspire a little purchase by one of you lucky folk who can rationally manage their spending habits.... A girl can dream.

Here are my top 10 picks from Sephora in no particular order:

(Click on the images for a link to the product listing on Sephora.com)

 Benefit Cosmetic Boxed Blush
Hervana - $28


 LORAC Baked Matte Satin Finish Blush
Flaunt - $24


Yves Saint Laurant ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain
No 18 Rose Pastelle - $32
Click here for the post that enabled my wanting needing of this product - Don't Call Me Jessie.


 Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick
Saint Tropez 336 - $30
Thanks again, Don't call me Jessie... 


SEPHORA & Pantone Universe
Color of the Year Creme Lipstick
Tangerine Tango Cream - $18
Click here for great swatches and review by Pink Sith.


SEPHORA & Pantone Universe
Color of the Year Blush Duo
Coral/Desert Flower - $26
Click here for great swatches and review of the entire Sephora & Pantone Universe collaboration by Gouldylox Reviews.


Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural
#N40 Pastel Coral - $19
Yet another product i'm lusting after thanks to Jess.


SEPHORA by OPI Betsey Johnson Collection
It's My Pink - Too Too Scented - $9.50
Click here for amazing swatches and review by The PolishAholic.


Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment - $22.50


Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System - $35
Click here for great review and swatches by Bloggin Bout Beauty.

What beauty products are you currently lusting after?

Will you be buying anything in the Sephora VIB 15% off sale?
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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Are You Red-dy? Maybelline Color Sensational

Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go right, you feel like everyone is breathing down your neck and you have a million things to get done... Something bad or unlucky happens and before you know it everything seems to be spiraling out of control!

Well today's just one of those days'

So I've swiped on my bright red war paint and I'm ready to face whatever else this bitch of a day has to give me.....

Warpaint of choice ;) -


Maybelline Color Sensation Lipstick in Are You Red-dy?
Available at most supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacy's etc.

Red lipstick is the ultimate mood booster, you can put it on and instantly look and feel like utter *sex on legs* (cringe) - hate that expression but not original enough to think of anything else.

I love this particular lipstick from Maybelline because it's cheap, moisturizing and such an easy red for my complexion. It also makes my teeth look phenomenally white. If you have fair skin and struggle to find a red that doesn't drag down your complexion look no further, the slight hint of orange just gives the perfect amount of lift while still staying undetected.

Que the pout -




Before I make a ridiculous pun about how "Red-dy" I now am to take on this day thanks to Maybelline and their flawless naming oh such a shade I want to end with a quote I find sort of relevant and cute:


The best armor is staying out of gun-shot. 
-Italian proverb


What is your favourite/go to red lip and what do you do to help you through "those days"?

Comment below x
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Keep Calm and Blog Hop

Happy Hump Day!

Definition of Hump Day from Urban Dictionary online:

Wednesday, or the hump of the week....

The absolute BEST day of the week, the day of maximum hope that maybe, you might make it out of this week alive. A particularly good hump day can last you the rest of the week, and by Doomday morning (Monday) you survive by anticipating hump day. Nothing goes wrong on hump day 



Most other days can be defined by hump day. Tuesday is the day before hump day. Thursday is one day after hump day. Except Friday is WOOOH!!! FREEDOM!!! Day, Saturday is Mostly Hungover day, and Sunday is PreDoom day. 

Hump day has nothing to do with sex. Unless one wants it to. I like to declare the existence of hump day just to see people's faces. Usually being conservative and all
"Do you know what the best thing about Tuesdays are? Its the day before Hump Day!" 

"What's hump day?" 

"It's the hump of the week!!" 

(they all shake their heads in pity)


So in celebration of Hump Day, I've spent the morning dicking around on my work computer looking at my favorite beauty/fashion blogs and was quite intrigued when i happened across a bunch of blog posts on Blog Hop, which I've since discovered is a bloggers online event that spans over the next week connecting bloggers and claiming to be a fun way to be discovered.

I doubt that by participating your blog will become the next big thing but I like the concept of finding some more reading material and connecting with other bloggers that I might not otherwise come across. 

So I joined.

There are a few simple rules which involves following 5 different other bloggers listed on the site, posting about the blog hop and following Blog Love Therapy's blog (blog directory). Once you join your thumbnail and link will be added to a list of beauty/fashion bloggers which follow the blog post, it seems to be a nice little niche group of people at the moment (i'm number 73) so the odds of your blog being clicked on are quite good.

If you are interested in checking out the Blog Hop event click on the image below and it will take you to the blog post. Let me know if you join too!



So that's all from me on this hump day, until next time.......

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Little Blog Lost?

If you are a regular contributor or observer in the blogging community you have probably heard about the recent controversy around the very popular Widget Google Friend Connect.

The widget was disabled earlier this month for all blogs not currently using Google's Blogger (blog-publishing service). This means that any blogs you follow through Google Friend Connect that don't use Blogger you would have stopped receiving alerts on new posts.

At first mention this wasn't really a concern, there are after all many ways to follow blogs (my favourite being Bloglovin) - but since the service was disabled 1 week ago today blogger's world wide have lost 1000's of visitors. This is devastating for a lot of bloggers as this is their lively hood - their bread & butter - not to mention the countless hours/days/months/years they have spent building up a following.

In a community wide effort to support bloggers who are effected by this change the amazing Charlotte from Lipglossiping started a campaign to promote awareness and discussion about the many other ways you can follow your favourite blogs.

You can read Lipglossiping's original post here:

http://www.lipglossiping.com/2012/03/goodbye-google-friend-connect-and-a-plea/


Blog's affected by the change I suggest you make sure you are still subscribed to (or subscribe if you weren't previously!):

http://www.lipglossiping.com
http://theplasticdiaries.com/
http://www.thestylelessdiaries.com/
http://www.stylingyou.com.au/
http://beastandbeauty.wordpress.com/
http://www.balletpumpsandroses.com/
http://www.superficialgirls.com/
http://www.beautyjunkielondon.com/
http://www.emilieclarke.com/Emilieclarke.com/Blog/Blog.html
http://www.belledujournyc.com/
http://www.vampyvarnish.com/
http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/
http://www.gemsmaquillage.com/
http://www.phyrra.net/
http://cclarebear.com/
http://thebeautyandthebling.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.beautyinmymind.com/
http://www.beautymishmash.com/
http://www.lacquermesilly.com/
http://makeupatoz.com/
http://imaginationincolour.co.uk/
http://thenotice.net/
http://skinscrubs.co.uk/
http://thatgurlwho.co.uk/
http://www.cosmeticsaficionado.com/
http://www.misschew.com/
http://lovevulcanella.com/
http://www.amodelrecommends.com/
http://www.xsparkage.com/
http://clumpsofmascara.com/
http://www.dutchessroz.com/
http://www.kraseybeauty.com/
http://www.temptalia.com/
http://www.ohtobeamuse.com/
http://www.swatchandlearn.com/
http://weheartthis.com/
http://www.addtocartblog.com/
http://www.dulcecandy.com/
http://www.agentrouge.org/
http://www.beautyinthesky.net/
http://www.beautyjunkiesunite.com/WP/
http://dailypolish.com/
http://www.hrhcollection.net/
http://jademusing.tumblr.com/
http://www.leflassh.com/
http://www.lipsticksandlightsabers.com/
http://www.lisaeldridge.com/
http://lisaplace.devote.se/
http://mummainheels.com/
http://nevlu.org/
http://seaofshoes.typepad.com/sea_of_shoes/
http://www.etailqueen.com/

If you your blog is effected by these changes please comment below and I will add you to my list, but most importantly contact Charlotte from Lipglossing on twitter and she will add you to the Twitter list.

Together we can help 1000's of little lost readers find their favourite BLOG's!!
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

What's in my Makeup Bag - On the Go




Thinking about this post made me realise how utterly impracticable and ridiculous I am. Point in case being I carry around this teeny makeup bag when I have approximately 700 spares at home that are all bigger then this, it doesn't even fit half the s**t I carry with me... I also have around 20 lip products and nothing else that I always find myself needing.... Like a concealer, eyeliner, full coverage powder for touch ups.

I really have no idea what's going on here but I will share it with  you anyway, you may get a kick out of seeing how we crazy people do things.

I'm very limited on time today (no lengthy lunch breaks for me.... boooo) so I won't go into much detail. It's pretty much irrelevant anyway.


Makeup bag - GWP - Chanel Holiday Smokey Eye Set


Miscellaneous:
  • Hair ties – Must be METAL free and good quality, I have thick hair and lots of it. I need something with good staying power – no slip. This kind is pretty expensive (around $7 for 20) – you can pick them up from Priceline or Big W in Australia.



For skin touch ups:
  • Cheap little makeup applicator puffs - Don't use applicator puffs with the Mally like I do.. It gets fuzzies stuck all over your face and all up in the product. Be smart, use a sponge.

Too many lipsticks:




My lip staples that never leave my bag:


Never enough gloss:


Bits & pieces: 



In conclusion these are the items I will be KEEPING in my makeup bag after a much needed re-shuffle:

Hair ties, band aids, face defender, whichever MAC (or 3) lipstick I am feeling that day/moment, Tom Ford Blush Nude - this is my favourite lipstick and I always have to have it with me, 1000 years lip pencil, 1 of the 2 MAC Lip conditioners, Mini Chap Stick, whichever lipgloss (or 3) I am feeling that day/moment, 1 Hand cream & mini fragrance of my choosing.

If you would like to see swatches or individual product reviews on any of the products mentioned please comment below and let me know, I would be happy to oblige.

What's in your makeup bag? I hope your situation is a lot better then mine, ha.

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

What's in my Purse/Handbag?


In short? A bunch of sh*t.......

Please don't judge me, ordinarily I am a very well organised person... My handbag however NEVER reflects this, I could reorganise it every day and by the end it will always look like this. I can't help it, ok?





 My Purse/Hangbag - Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 35

My first ever "designer" handbag purchase I have swapped out my bag maybe 4-5 times in the past 8 months since purchasing. I really love this bag and suits me so well - just chuck and cram as much stuff in the big opening as possible haha. I find the canvas exterior very forgiving and easy to clean (I use the baby wipe method). The only downside is it really lacks any "built-in" organisation, there is one small pouch on the inside which would fit keys, a debit card and a lipstick. I would LOVE one in every colour!

Wallet - Yves Saint Laurent Y Mail in Patent Leather


I'm not sure if this is still available, I know it was definitely a limited release in Australia. I am so proud of this thing - I can't express. My first "big girl" purchase it is almost 2 years old already! I love, love, love that the front is adorned with YSL's address in Paris, just perfect. The quality is exquisite, just like everything else from YSL. I have been contemplating buying a new wallet, just because I really want to hold on to this  forever and I am very hard on my things... I don't want to eventually destroy it from too much use!



Again, I'm not sure if you can still purchase this. I bought it just before Christmas so there is a good chance it is still available. The pink leather and cute little illustration from LV's original advertising artworks make me so happy. As you can see it fits just the right amount - keys, lip products, hand cream (mini) and it usually holds my iPhone, train ticket and debit card too. I love having all my regularly reached for things in one place, this way I can also just grab it and go.

Sunglasses - Tom Ford Rickie TF 179 57F


No longer available in this shade. So beautiful I feel amazing and "stylish" whenever I wear these. The strong metal frame with Tom Ford's signature cross over bridge is a perfect mixture between style and practicality. if, like me, you are a fan of the Whitney which is a favourite of countless celebrities but you feel size/shape is a little overwhelming please give the Rickie a try - they are suttler and more flattering to different face shapes.



Christmas gift from my lovely boyfriend, although I miss the nostalgia of a "proper" book I do enjoy it. Follow me on Goodreads to see what I'm currently reading!

Chanel Makeup Bag - Gift with purchase


Way too small for my needs and terrible quality, I know it's only a GWP but come on... It's still Chanel.

Keep an eye out for tomorrow's post for what I keep inside.



After years of struggling with sh*tty headphones I finally have a decent pair. I have no idea about the technical aspects of headphones in general and what makes one pair better then the other so I will just say this - I feel like one of the cool kids when i wear them, haha.


Model Mirror - "Good as Gold"

I've used the lights maybe once of twice for novelty sake when i first got it, so i'm not sure of the practicality of that... I like that it has a normal mirror and a magnify mirror. The design is very sleek.


I generally like to keep my camera with me most of the time, no idea why - I don't have anything interesting going on 80% of the time. I like this camera, easy to use etc. No idea about quality etc.

How freaking cute is this case? I love everything Miamica make and I own a LOT of it. I think I'll do a separate post on this. Check out the website http://www.miamica.com/

Beauty product's I must have easily accessible at all times:


1. Handcream - The BodyShop Hemp Hand Protector is what i'm using at the moment, I do like it however i'm not very loyal to any one hand cream... I grab whichever and go really. As long as it's non-greasy and super moisturising.

2. Hand Sanitiser - Any will do, I would love to try some of the cute Bath & Body Works scents. Unfortunately they aren't available in Australia. It's actually REALLY hard to find any nice scented hand sanitisers here. I'm currently using the Dettol Moisutising with aloe & chamomile - but I don't see the moisturising benefits at all.

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Sheer brilliance in a tube. This stuff can be used as a lip balm, applied to ANY part of the skin to protect, soothe and moisturize, slather on burns, scrapes and abrasions and watch its anti-inflammatory benefits go to work. I absolutely love it. At the moment I've been using it on my lips a few times a day, around the sides of my nose (major cold/flu germs happening in Sydney right now - I'm blowing my nose constantly) and finally on the back of my heels - this stuff is amazing for preventing blisters.

4. Deodorant - Must be Lady Speed Stick Invisible kind. Good and reliable. Smell is nice too.

Other Stuff 

iPhone - Rabito case
Pen
Quickflix DVD - From Prada to Nada (cute, easy to watch, girly - I recommend if you like movies like clueless/mean girls)
More keys
Loyalty card organiser - Enzorossi
Drugs - Nothing exciting - I promise.


What's in your Purse/Handbag? If you have a similar post or video be sure to link me in the comments and I'll check it out!
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Monday, March 5, 2012

Masquerade Cosmetics - Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2012

With Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi-Gras 2012 finishing yesterday I was inspired to finally review some Australian theatrical cosmetic products I have been using for quite a while now (over a year). If you are unfamiliar with Mardi-Gras you should check out their website http://www.mardigras.org.au/index.cfm. It is one of the largest festivals in the world with over 70,000 people attending various events over the 2 weeks.

The fashions/makeup looks adorned at all the events is just out of this world, it is really a time for all Australian based Cosmetics professionals/brands to showcase what they've got. Here are some of my favourite looks from the parade this year:




Masquerade are an Australia based & manufactured cosmetics brand which was launched in 2000, to date they have had great success amongst Australian Makeup Artists/Professionals. Many websites list Masquerade as the leading name in professional theatrical and stage makeup in Australia.  Products are not tested on animals.

Masquerade Shimmer Powder - RRP $12.10 each (I got all 5 for $50 from Gypsy Rose) - 61 , 67, 46, 78 & 74

I think the best way to describe these shimmer powders/pigments is "nice"... "nicely" milled, "nicely" pigmented, they apply "nicely", blend "nicely", "nice" amount of wear without creasing. Uh now I'm having that experience when you say (or type) a word so many times it starts it sound strange (nooooiiiiccce, as we Aussies say).

I think the price point is "nice" (oh enough, haha)... The price point is fantastic for a mostly natural Australian manufactured product of this quality, I stuck to mainly neutral shades but I would love to get my hands on some of the colour pigments. There is a nice looking shade called "Show Pink" i can see myself owning and never wearing.

A list of swatches and colours available can be viewed here.





Masquerade Glitter Cream - RRP $12.10 each - 32 Holo Fringe & 01 Gold

I am freaking obsessed with this cream bar glitter, it is so opaque that in the photo's below I have literally just dipped my finger in and swiped it on my hand. Not to mention it pays tremendous homage to my favourite glitter nail polish of the moment Save Me by Nicki Minaj for OPI.

Check out Nail Galore for amazing swatches of Nicki Minaj for OPI.

The formula sort of reminds me of a mixture of Vaseline and glitter, although that doesn't sound very appealing it really works. A fantastic alternative to messing around with wet pigments/glitters. ZERO fallout every time guaranteed.

For research purposes I applied JUST the glitter cream on primed lids (Urban Decay Primer Potion), they staying power of just the glitters alone isn't the best - I noticed creasing after around the 3 hour mark. However the purpose of this product is for more creative/theatrical work, so I can't that really being a negative.

A must for Mardi-Gras!!




Masquerade Pancake Wet & Dry RRP $17.60 - PC 21 Black and Eyeliner Activator $7.70

I really love the matte effect this product gives, I'm not overjoyed by the application process (drop a few drops of the activator onto the "pancake" then dip brush onto wet section), admittedly because of my clumsy laziness... However in all honesty it really only takes maybe 6 seconds more then a normal gel liner. So I'm willing to suck it up. Fantastic staying powder, a great addition to any sultry soft smokey eye.



Masquerade Lipstick RRP $14.30 each - 111 Naked

Hate, hate, hate this lipstick... Which is disappointing because I really wanted to love the whole line. There are so many good lipsticks in the world i simply don't have time for drying, flaky ones like this.



Purchasing Information:

Masquerade Cosmetics is available from the following websites:
http://www.tmfcosmetics.com/
http://www.stepbystepdancewear.com.au/makeup.htm
http://www.fashionaddict.com.au/online_store/brand/masquerade-cosmetics.cfm - this site in particular has good deals on the shimmer powders

How did you celebrate Mardi-Gras 2012 ?

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