The Week #69
8/29/2013

The Week #69


The Week in Instagrams @nanawintour: *Visual diary-ing it up during some downtime this week. *What was in my satchel on Wednesday-Cupcakes and Cashmere is the perfect read for long train rides. *Face of the day on an evening out with one of my friends. *Only the best cereal ever-Lucky Charms! *New glasses=obligatory selfie session. Read the post here. *August's beauty favourites.

Must-Watch of the Week: There's been a few videos that I've enjoyed this week. Highlights include Anna's 'Get Ready With Me' and Alix's Keira Knightley inspired makeup. My favourite though was Estee of Essie Button's 'If All My Makeup Disappeared' video. A nightmarish thought for some, myself included but it was interesting to see what Estee would repurchase if this really did happen.

Product of the Week: A few products could have made their way here this week but you'll be seeing them in posts next month so I wanted to hold off on writing about them until then. One thing I have been reaching for all week is my Mac quad or trio if you will. I'm still trying to decide which eyeshadow to purchase and fill the final space with. It currently contains; Bronze, Amber Lights and Nylon which are all great neutral shades with fine shimmers running through them. Next time I go traveling I'll definitely be taking this along.

Must-Read of the Week: NY Mag published this article on what thirteen people wore to job interviews with Anna Wintour at Vogue. You'd be surprised at some of the acceptable outfits, particularly in the nineties. I was surprised that vintage seems to be a no-go. I guess it isn't current or fashion forward enough for Vogue..

Added to the Wishlist: Believe it or not nothing has made its way here this week! I might be going to Mecca sometime soon though so that may end up changing.

*Have an amazing weekend everyone. I'll be working on an assignment (last one until the break!), catching up on some reading and maybe even making some of Anna's mammoth After Dinner Mint cookies-Watch this space. xo
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Products I Have Used Up: Volume #2
8/28/2013

Products I Have Used Up: Volume #2

I feel like I only just wrote my first 'empties' post so I am surprised that I've already used up this many things again in such a short space of time. At least there's no Mac things this time because after my last post I accidentally threw out all my 'Back to Mac' things. Anyway, here is what I have used up recently and my repurchasing verdicts. Enjoy!


Swisspers Organic Make-Up Pads I thought I'd show you the makeup removal pads that I use. The bigger ones would be ideal but I can't seem to find them in Auckland. If anyone knows where I can get them, leave a comment! I really like these cotton pads though. They're a bit more pricy than the supermarket brand ones but it is worth paying a little bit extra because they're softer and don't feel like they're rubbing as much on the skin. I wish they came in a bigger pack though. 80 cotton pads never seem to last very long. Repurchase: Yes, until I find something better.

Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara, gifts from friends This mascara is a great all rounder as it takes care of lengthening, defining and separating. It really makes your lashes look amazing and is really easy to apply. Repurchase: Yes, but I have been using this mascara quite a lot this year so I want to try something else when my current tube of They're Real runs out.

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub Lush fans familiar with the popular Snow Fairy scent will love this lip scrub. It has a delicious, candy scent that reminds me of raspberry jelly. Not only that but it works wonders on the lips when combined with a good lip balm. Repurchase? Absolutely! I have the Popcorn scrub, also by Lush, but I will definitely get this one when it runs out.
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August Favourites
8/26/2013

August Favourites

August is nearly over and that means it's time to review my monthly beauty favourites. It was my birthday at the start of the month so I scored myself some new products because of that. I've also been trying to use up products I already have this month, more on that Wednesday, and have been using palettes like Naked 2 and Most Glamorous Nudes a lot. On the whole though my beauty routine has more or less been the same. I will try to change that next month, promise!

Here's what has made its way into my August favourites:

I apologise for the lighting of this image. It has been dark and rainy most of the weekend so I was competing with limited natural light. Sorry about that!

Benefit Blush in Coralista One of my friends bought me this blush for my birthday and I have worn it nearly every day since. As the name suggests this is a coral blush with very fine shimmer running through it. The shimmer and colour are both very subtle so if you're a bit of a blushophobe like me then you will love this shade. 

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara* I had never tried Rimmel mascaras before but I had seen Alix using this in some of her videos and wanted to try it out. I really like this mascara. It reminds me a lot of Chanel Inimitable which I used to own a while ago. The wand and formula are both very similar. Anyway, this mascara looks lovely on. It doesn't flake or clump and it lengthens and separates the lashes well. I'll definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out.

Mac Eyeshadow in Bronze Bronze eyeshadows seem to be my favourite to wear at the moment and I added this one to my Mac quad earlier in the month. It's similar to Eclair but the shade is slightly lighter and not as shimmery. I like wearing this sheerly across the lid. It's such a pretty colour. Go have a swatch of it next time you're in a Mac store.
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The Mecca Global Beauty Edit
8/25/2013

The Mecca Global Beauty Edit

The latest Mecca Cosmetica catalogue made its way into my letterbox yesterday and as always it was filled to the brim with a ton of beauty goodness. Naturally I had to stop what I was doing, pour myself a cup of tea and settle down to have a read of what's new to Mecca. A state of 'want all the things' mentality set in pretty quickly.

Here's what caught my attention..


Bumble and Bumble 'The Surf' Travel Set (currently out of stock) The popular Surf Spray from Bumble and Bumble is a summer staple for many. It adds volume to the hair and helps you recreate those beachy waves all year round. Now you can add Surf Shampoo and Conditioner to your routine too. All these are available full-sized but this travel kit is a great one to have if you're going away or just wanting to try out these products. I'll be picking one of these sets up as soon as they appear back in stock.

Nars 'Fairy's Kiss' Eyeshadow Palette (limited edition) The 'And God Created The Woman' palette never made its way to our shores but this is a worthy substitute. These Autumnal shades are so beautiful and again, this palette would be great for traveling with or carrying around in your handbag. If bronzier, shimmery shades are more your thing then you have to check out the 'Ride Up To The Moon' palette which is also stunning.
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The Week #68
8/23/2013

The Week #68


The Week in Instagrams @nanawintour: *Friday afternoon downtime with the Cupcakes and Cashmere book *A spot of Karen Walker shopping. *Tavi gracing the cover of this month's Yen. This issue was such a mission to track down *The online and birthday shopping haul *T2 has arrived in Auckland. It's like entering tea heaven. Definitely try the nougat tea if you're in store, it's divine.

Must-Watch of the Week: Some of you probably already know this but watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians is my ultimate guilty pleasure. Tanya recently shared this tutorial on how to recreate Kendall Jenner's makeup look. Kendall's makeup always looks polished and gorgeous. The best part is it is relatively easy to achieve. If you're not a One Direction fan divert your eyes to the next section. Directioners if you haven't watched the YouTubers React video to their latest music video then you must watch. Tyler Oakley in particular had me in hysterics.

Product of the Week: My lips have been in a bit of a state lately so I've been abandoning lipstick for the most part and donning these two products instead. First up the Korres lip butter in Jasmine. It smells amazing, like Cookie Dough but it is also very nourishing and perfect to use if your lips are in need of some moisture. The Clarins instant light natural lip perfecter in #5 has been what I've layering over the top. A sheer baby pink colour without excessive sheen and tackiness. 

Must-Read of the Week: I haven't done much non-academic reading this week but I have loved reading The Vogue Factor by Kirstie Clements. She offers up an insiders perspective to the workings of Vogue Australia and media+the fashion industry. I love it! If you're yet to read this you can pick it up here.

Added to the Wishlist: Diptyque's Philosykos has been on high rotation this month since receiving it for my birthday. I love it so much that the Figuier candle and room spray are now taking my fancy. Both are perfumed with a similar scent to the eau de toilette which smells divine. I'm adding these to the Christmas wish list as we speak..

*I hope you all have fabulous weekends! I'm catching up with a friend tomorrow and working on assignments. The countdown is on until mid-semester break! x

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Atomic
8/22/2013

Atomic

I am officially the worst person at keeping exciting things to myself. Case in point; this post was meant to go live on Saturday but I took the pictures this afternoon and knew I just had to share it now. Before I do though here's a bit of a story. I've been obsessed with all things Karen Walker for a long, long time. This probably stems from my Aunty who loved (and still does) Karen Walker clothing and would occasionally take me to her stores growing up. Anyway, over the years I started to collect some Karen Walker jewellery which I love and wear religiously. I even purchased a dress from her 'Hi There' collection to wear to my birthday party this year.

For the longest time though I have wanted some of her eyewear. Last year the limited edition filigree range enticed me but it was the current Forever collection which got me really excited. The frames are gorgeous as is the campaign shot by Advanced Style photographer Ari Seth Cohen. For my birthday I was very lucky to receive a Karen Walker voucher for my birthday along with some money from my extended family and I knew exactly what I was going to do with it..


I purchased the Atomic sunglasses!! Aren't they so pretty? I love the subtle cateye shape, they make a change from my traditional Ray Ban-esque shades. I also love the filigree detailing along the top as well. Basically I just love them. I'll let the picture do the rest of the talking for me.. I'm so glad I got these!

*I hope you've all had a fabulous Thursday. I'm off to put some finishing touches on an Advertising assignment and watch the last episode of Gossip Girl S4 (yes, I am that far behind!). 
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House of Fraser Lust List
8/21/2013

House of Fraser Lust List

Some great names have come out of Britain; Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham and House of Fraser. For those who aren't in the know, House of Fraser is one of Britain's leading department stores. They house a wide range of brands from Stella McCartney to True Religion. I was having a browse on their website last week and left wanting all some rather amazing things.

Here's what made its way onto my wish list..


The Fashion

Oasis Daisy Embroidered Shell Top I love the print of this top and also the silhouette with it's subtle peplum at the bottom. This would look lovely worn by itself in Summer with a cute necklace or with an oversized blazer during the colder months.

L.K. Bennett Sledge Closed Court Shoes Ahh, L.K. Bennett, made famous by Kate Middleton who loves their nude heels. I can understand why, they do such gorgeous shoes! These would be an investment but they can be worn so many ways.

Pandora Romance Ring I used to love Pandora for their charm bracelets but lately their rings have been taking my fancy. Names aside, this ring is beautiful. Their heart chain ring is lovely too.

Miu Miu Cat Eye Sunglasses Cat eye sunglasses aren't for everybody but I love them although I do love sunglasses. Miu Miu and Prada do some of the best in my opinion. 

True Religion Stella Low Rise Skinny Jeans Admittedly I never wear jeans, I virtually live in skirts or dresses. In saying that I am really liking 'Mum' jeans, 'boyfriend' jeans and of course skinny jeans like these ones. There's something about faded and distressed denim that I just love. Maybe it's time to get back on the denim bandwagon..
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The Online & Birthday Shopping Haul
8/19/2013

The Online & Birthday Shopping Haul

Recently I've done a bit of shopping; beauty, fashion and even reading supplies were all taken care of. Whenever I do a 'haul' I usually make a list of things I've purchased so I can write about them. This shopping definitely did not all happen at once! It was mainly done over the last couple of months. So what could I not leave the shops without recently? Keep reading..

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The Week #67
8/15/2013

The Week #67


The Week in Instagrams @nanawintour: *Wisdom from Anna Wintour, I went Mac shopping! More about that on Monday.. *This gorgeous birthday card from Maria arrived in the post *Tuesday's beauty, fragrance & jewelry bits *My scene yesterday *The funsized beauty bumf.

Must-Watch of the Week: This week seems to have been all about the hauls in Vlogville and being the nosy 'what did you buy' type, naturally I am okay with that. Shannon of Shaaanxo vlogged her haul(s) of Mac and Sephora products. There was lots of audible gasping and wishlist comparing happening during the viewing of this video. This is also a great one to watch if you're from New Zealand as Shannon talks about two shipping services she used which basically mean we can buy Mac and other beauty products for less. Beauty addicts: you must watch this!

Product of the Week: I have naturally thick, sometimes frizzy hair which tends to have a mind of its own, well not any more. I've been using the Clairol Anti-Frizz Serum* and am really noticing a difference to my hair. You can apply this to wet or dry hair and it makes your hair sit flatter. It almost looks as if my hair has been straightened on non-GHD days, not that I have particularly curly hair. As it's a serum it doesn't leave your hair crispy like some finishing sprays can do. I'm adding this to the repurchase list as we speak..

Must-Read of the Week: Earlier in the week I finished a book about Isabella Blow and her fabulous life in the fashion industry. This is the woman who introduced the world to Alexander McQueen, Sophie Dahl and Philip Treacy to name a few. Rather than gush about why Isabella was awesome I'll let this BuzzFeed article do the rest of the talking.

Added to the Wishlist: After watching Shannon's video a pen and paper were grabbed to start making a Sephora wishlist. Top of that list is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light. These powders are for those of you who want something that will set your makeup without making your complexion look chalky or your base cakey. They basically help achieve a 'your skin, but better' finish and with my Mac powder on its last legs this would be an ideal replacement.

*PR Sample
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Mac Indulge Collection: My Picks
8/14/2013

Mac Indulge Collection: My Picks

It's always an exciting day when a new Mac collection is announced, especially when it is accompanied by such stunning pictures as these. Mac have this to say about their Indulge collection*; You're invited to a dinner of supreme decadence. On the menu: Cremeblend Blush flushes skin with a sensual glow while Eye Shadow smoulders for the ultimate in seduction. From lipsticks, to metallic fluidlines, everyone's tastes will be satisfied by the indulgent and decadent Mac makeup menu. So what are my favourites from the collection? Read on..

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Funsized Beauty
8/12/2013

Funsized Beauty

The idea that good things come in small packages is nothing new, but it is pretty darn accurate. Mini cupcakes, mini notebooks and of course mini makeup. I love it all. Nobody wants to lug around their entire makeup bag all day and these fun-sized additions make on the go application or even travel beauty fuss-free.

Here's my pick of the funsized beauty bunch..

Brushes pictured; Mac #188 brush & Real Techniques Expert Face brush

Mac Eyeshadows in Bronze and Nylon These are a relatively recent addition to the beauty bazaar. I buy my Mac eyeshadows in pan form from their Pro Store which means they are cheaper to purchase and also can be swapped around various palettes. If you're on the go or traveling Mac do handy duo and quad containers to house your eyeshadows. They're quite compact and aren't a nuisance to carry. Bronze is similar to Eclair but lighter and with more shimmer running through it. It looks stunning worn by itself or with a pigment pressed lightly over the top. Nylon is great as an inner corner or brow bone highlight.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera This lipstick is so lightweight and compact, perfect for the handbag! The colour payoff from these lipsticks is fantastic. One slick across the lips and you are done. This lipstick applies like a gloss but dries to a matte finish and it will not budge all day. I haven't had a chance to test its 14 hour wear time yet but after at least 7 hours of wear it had remained in tact.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Porcelain Bisque Under eye circles are my nemesis but with this creamy corrector in my possession they don't stand a chance. This corrector hides tired eyes and works well to conceal any discolouration on the face or any blemish scars that are fading away. Like the liquid lipstick this also lasts well once set with powder. I find it doesn't go cakey or crease like some thicker concealers are prone to doing either.

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, free with purchase I really need to invest in a Travalo perfume atomiser but in the meantime I have this little vial and a Chanel one to use up. These are great to have handy especially if you're traveling but also if your perfume wears off during the day. Simply re-spritz as often as you desire and you are good to go.

Nars Blush in Orgasm Cream blushers are probably more practical in terms of compact makeup but I thought if they're around heat too much then they might melt or get damaged. This Nars blush is packaged in sleek, matte packaging that isn't bulky and won't take up additonal space. Nars have a gorgeous range of blushes and you will find something to suit your skintone. 

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows in My Two Cents and RSVP These cream shadows were released in the World Famous Neutrals palettes but you can also buy these separately in full size. These cream shadows are great bases for any eyeshadow or by themselves. They don't last as long as the Mac paint pots do on the lids but they do last pretty well. 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, travel size This is my favourite primer at the moment. It's lightweight, matte and moisturising. It really helps makeup last a lot longer. This isn't the cheapest of primers so mine's being sparingly used on long days or special occasions. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara, free with purchase This mascara is the best-seller in department stores around the world and with good reason. It lengthens, curls, defines and separates like nothing else. This mascara doesn't go flaky and is pretty smudge proof. Definitely try this mascara out if you're yet to do so.


What are your fun-sized beauty must haves?
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The Week #66
8/09/2013

The Week #66



The Week in Instagrams @nanawintour: *The birthday beauty haul, *Having my makeup done at Mecca with Nars and Hourglass products aplenty *Sharing the glossy love *My current go-to eye products *A David Downton illustrated card that I received for my birthday *Surprise cupcakes for a family lunch-chocolate and raspberry..so good! *Watching The Bling Ring at the Civic Theatre with Britney *My stunning birthday cake from Bluebells Cakery. It was almost too good to cut *Watching Alix's latest video and reading up on all things Diptyque *Obligatory selfie after having my makeup done *New to the library *My birthday nails as done by Leah Light in her gorgeous new salon.
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Glossy Love
8/07/2013

Glossy Love

Some of you may know that I'm a bit of a magazine addict. I always have been and could easily spend several hours quietly reading them. Today I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourites that I've enjoyed recently.


Teen Vogue, August 2013 Emma Watson was last on the cover of Teen Vogue in August 2009 and she's made an appearance four years later to promote The Bling Ring, her latest film. This issue features an in-depth interview with the cover starlet which longtime fans will enjoy. It also contains a look at Mary Kate and Ashley's favourite things, Met Gala Coverage, handy nail art tips and tricks plus fashion editorials aplenty. One thing I always love about Teen Vogue is that they remain consistently a magazine devoted to all things fashion, whether it be high street or high end. This issue was a great one to unwind with and I really liked the editorials paying homage to punk culture without veering into unwearable territory.

Company, July 2013 If fashion and beauty blogs got together and made a print magazine this would be the result. Company is a British magazine aimed at young women. It is primarily dedicated to fashion catering for the girl who loves the high street fashion and wants to look runway ready for less. This issue looked at current fashion trends; neon, metallic, block heels, Cara Delevigne's style, Demi Lovato's rise to fame and the rise of cats online to name a few. I don't always buy Company magazine but when I do I love it and this issue was no exception. I love keeping up to date with what's happening on the British fashion, beauty and blog scenes. We really don't have any magazines like this in New Zealand so it's great being able to track this one down.
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New to the Beauty Bazaar: The Birthday Edition
8/05/2013

New to the Beauty Bazaar: The Birthday Edition

It was my birthday over the weekend. I had a fabulous time, was thoroughly spoilt and of course came away from it all with some beauty bits and bobs. There isn't a great deal here, mainly because I'm planning an overseas holiday and will probably come away with more beauty shopping from that, so you'll see another birthday beauty haul further down the line. Anyway, on with the haul..


Benefit Blush in Coralista One of my not so subtle friends advised me to stay away from the Benefit counter, I now know why. This blush is a coral pink. It is kind of similar to Orgasm by Nars but this blush seems to have less golden flecks. The shimmer is more subtle and this colour looks so gorgeous applied. I have paler skin and find this blush looks really subtle on me. It also complements bronzer pretty well too. I can see this shade fast becoming a favourite in my minimal blush collection.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer This primer is quite possibly the most overpriced one on the market, the full size is $102 for reference but it is quite possibly the best as well. I had my makeup done at Mecca on the weekend and this was one of the products I redeemed. This is the travel sized version so I plan on using it quite sparingly. I've used this primer twice and really like it so far. It is very lightweight and one pump goes a long way so I feel like this will last quite a long time. Speaking of lasting a long time my foundation today lasted really well so this primer would be good if you need makeup to last quite a long time. I'm impressed so far!

Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette This perfume has been on my wishlist for a long time and I finally picked it up last week with some birthday money. If you're familiar with their Figuer candle the scent is virtually the same but in perfume form. This fragrance contains notes of fig leaves, white cedar and wood. The majority of my perfumes are quite floral and sweet so this is quite different. It feels like a grown up scent and I love it.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera This orange-red lipstick has again been on my wishlist for a while. It applies like a lip gloss but is totally opaque and dries matte. Once this is on your lips it will not budge. This is a great product to own if you're lazy like me and don't want to touch your lipstick up during the day. Muse is also a gorgeous red as well. Definitely have a look at these if you're after a lipstick with amazing staying power and pigmentation.

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The Week #65
8/01/2013

The Week #65


The Week in Instagrams @nanawintour: *ASOS beauty bargains arriving in the post *Miss Selfridge arrived in Auckland at Smith & Caughey's. I'll take one of everything please *My day off, the only silver lining of being sick during birthday week *July's beauty favourites *'Thank goodness it's Friday' Macarons *Alexa as muse.

Must-Watch of the Week: I love watching Sam and Nic's videos. A lot of the beauty gurus on YouTube aren't all necessarily trained artists but these two are and they certainly know their stuff. This video had Nic doing half her face of makeup to show what a difference certain products can place and also where particular things should go on the face. This is a really effective way of showing what particular products are used for and what effect they have in a makeup look. Definitely go have a watch of it.

Product of the Week: I do love my Rimmel waterproof eyeliners but was beginning to miss wearing black eyeliner just a little bit. I rediscovered my Chanel 'La Ligne de Chanel duo this week. I picked this up at Sephora in Paris and I don't think this can be purchased outside of Europe sadly. Anyway this duo has one matte black and one glittery black shade which I usually mix together and then apply with a #266 brush. It looks really natural, you can't create harsh lines (here's looking at you liquid liner) and it subtly adds a bit of definition to the lashline.

Must-Read of the Week: Kirsten of High Tea Dragons blogged a recipe for Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) cupcakes this week. If you're not from New Zealand, L&P is a local soft drink which happens to taste delicious. This recipe incorporates the new L&P chocolate so I'll definitely be making these sometime soon. Check it out here. Maria of Avenue M shared her favourite Instagram apps and tips+tricks here. These are all apps I use and love too. Definitely be sure to have a look at her pretty pictures on her blog and Instagram.

Added to the Wishlist: Following the Nars account on Instagram is both a good and bad thing for my wallet. A few days ago they posted a picture of an upcoming eyeshadow palette called the 'Fairy Kiss' palette. It's similar to the 'And God Created The Woman' palette but the shades aren't as shimmery. It's definitely very pretty though.

I hope you all have fabulous weekends! I'm at Uni tomorrow & then doing last minute prep before my birthday party on the weekend.
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