Showing posts with label Lush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lush. Show all posts
12/04/2017
Giftmas #4: The Under $20 Edit
This gift guide is for those of you on a budget, those of you who maybe have Secret Santa limits or those who just like to grab affordable gems to gift at Christmas. Side note: friends and family, please do not look at this post because it will act as a giveaway for some of you as to what you are getting. Spoilers out of the way. This one is a mix of cute little knick knacks, some useful bits and some things to unwind with over the holiday period. Enjoy!
*Daily Notes Pad x Kikki K: I've actually grabbed this for someone I know who is a hella busy person. These kind of notepads are useful to have on your desk if you have important things to remember or just need to quickly jot something down. Not to mention it's blush pink, gold and speckled so it's ticking all the aesthetic boxes too.
*Pocket Pop Vinyl x Funko Pop: This is part of my gift for my #NZSecretSanta over on Twitter. I just think it's so cute and I'm not going to lie, if they had a Joyce Byers one I would've grabbed it for myself too. They're currently on special at EB Games so head there to nab one. I've seen Game of Thrones and Harry Potter themed ones as well so if they take their fancy more, there's always those options.
Minis* x The Body Shop: These have been mentioned in a previous gift guide but it's worth mentioning them again. Pictured above are the mini shower gels and the Christmas shaped soaps, in the vanilla and frosted plum scents. Again, a great Secret Santa option or a perfect gift for the jet setters in your life. I've gifted the mini shower gels and hand creams before and they have always gone down a treat. There aren't many people who can resist a good mini.
*Harry Styles Stickers x bestieclub: I have to give props to one of my Twitter+uni pals for bringing these to my attention. They're also part of my #NZSecretSanta's gift and again I think they're just something a bit different and fun. This NZ Etsy store also have a range of other celebs to choose from so I recommend having a nosy at the shop. Also, Harry Styles in flower crowns? YASS PLZ.
*Dark Chocolate, Meringue & Raspberry Candle x Ecoya: Another gift, this time for a candle loving pal of mine who I sincerely hope is not reading this. How divine is this candle? It smells like a decadent chocolate mousse and yes, it probably isn't the most Christmassy of scents but if they're not a fan of the more pine-y, natural scents, this might be the ticket. Also these are pretty dang reasonably priced and the scent pull+lasting time isn't half bad.
*Celestial Earrings x Lovisa: I had to include these because I wear mine all the time and always get asked about them. I have a feeling they might be a tad over 20 dollars, not by much mind. Earrings are such a great option too; I rate Lovisa's and Trade Aid's for things under $20 but Etsy is worth a peruse as well.
Santa Baby Lip Tint* x Lush: This cola scented, redder than red tint is back for another Christmas. Lush also have some other colours available. My friend E has a light, peachy pink one and loves it. I also rate Lush's lip scrub (Sugar Plum Fairy is the BEST) and their potted lip balms. So delish. So good.
*Christmas Decorations: Ok because I fancy myself as Martha Stewart or something, I'm actually decking out most of my presents with some paper decorations from Kikki K that I grabbed in last year's sale. You've probably seen them on my Instagram, white with gold stars. Anyway, I also think Christmas ornaments can be a fun, sentimental gift. They're relatively inexpensive and can be tailored to people's interests, colours and decor preferences. I've grabbed one for my work Secret Santa this year from Smith & Caughey's. Bed, Bath & Table have some great options too.
*Christmas Movies: Tbh I think everyone should watch Love Actually so this is really a selfish recommendation but *insert sass emoji here*. This inclusion is probably a bit of a gamble but I guess it could be something fun if you're a bit stumped for Secret Santa. I also think Elf is great too. Plus the soundtrack is so good.
*Magazines (or five): Pinching this recommendation from Liv but if they're a magazine maven then I don't think you can go wrong with a stack of magazines. Or one. Or however many you feel need purchasing. I recommend the Frankie 'Christmas' issue, not actually Christmas themed but usually crammed with a bunch of awesome extras. Like those Girflriend Summer Specials but way way way better. I also rate Sunday Girl, Oh Comely, Kinfolk, Violet Book, British Vogue. I could be here all day....
-How is your gift shopping going?
*PR Sample
8/07/2017
The Beauty Repurchases
When it comes to beauty, I'm sure it's no secret that I am a bit of a fan. It's always been one of those things along with fashion that have piqued my interest. Thanks to this blog I'm fortunate to be in the position where I get to try and be in the loop about new releases, brands and the like. Right now it feels like every other week a new launch is debuting and we're certainly not deprived in the variety department. Today though, rather than focusing on the new I wanted to shine the spotlight on some repurchases aka the ones I will continually buy, unless they've been discontinued, more on that in a minute, or I switch loyalties. Many I've repurchased recently but some I pick up time and time again. They're tried and tested staples as far as I'm concerned and I love 'em. Here's why...
Sugar Crush Body Scrub x Soap & Glory: This must be my third or fourth tub of Sugar Crush, a fruity, sweet body treat from Soap and Glory. Finally it's more accessible now we have a Mecca Maxima in Auckland, carrying the S&G body product selection. It's definitely a scent that will not be for everyone but I love it. Compared to other scrubs it feels less abrasive and more gentle on your limbs. At $14 this is quite the bargain and a little goes a long way so this ends up lasting me a good few months.
The Comforter Shower Cream x Lush: I'm still wondering if Lush HQ are playing a cruel trick on us all, announcing the discontinuing of this shower cream. In case it's not obvious, I am not thrilled. Shower creams are the perfect accompaniment after you've scrubbed and lathered up. If you're like me and find body moisturiser a bit of a faff, this is for you. It also happens to smell absolutely delightful and I'm really unimpressed that it's leaving the shelves.
Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base x NARS: So I have lost count of the number of times I've repurchased this eyeshadow primer. A quick scan through the archives here tells me I've been using it for four years now though. I've spoken about it countless times on here so in brief, if eyeshadow disappears from your eyelids like it's going out of fashion, get this. It's the best primer I've tried and nothing else comes close.
Lemongrass Soap x Ecostore: This'll probably seem random and I'm sure some of you are like, "soap, Sophie...what the heck." Hear me out, I've found some soaps seem to not agree with my skin and this one is designed with no nasty ingredients. It's a lot less harsh and the lemongrass scent is so invigorating. I also like Ecostore's vanilla and the grapefruit+mint soaps as well. Highly recommend.
Luxe Eye Blender Brush x Zoeva: Zoeva brushes are one of those products that are all over the internet and I know they work with a few bloggers+vloggers so I do take all their products with a grain of salt. That being said I think that these brushes are superb, the ones I've tried at least and I think the quality+price point is brilliant. The luxe eye blender brushes are my go-to for depositing colour onto the lids and then using the curved edges to blend it out. They're super soft and well designed. I love 'em. Pro tip: Side note-ha, hardly a pro but anyway, buy them when Sephora NZ are having a discount day.
-Have you used any of these products before? What did you think of them?
1/06/2017
Beauty Loves of 2016
Last year truth be told I fell out of love a bit with beauty blogging. For many reasons. Rather than take things to a sour level, I want to share with you my favourite beauty products of 2016. This is by no means a comprehensive list but these are all ones that sprang to mind when I was thinking about this post. In fact I am sure I will have left some off unintentionally. These products though are the best of the best and the ones I found myself in many cases repurchasing and using time and time again.
The Primer: Hangover Primer x Too Faced is still my all-time favourite face primer. Given how moisturising it feels, you'd think my combination skin would hate it but it surprisingly doesn't. It keeps my base makeup in place for so much longer and adds just the slightest hint of glow. It feels incredibly nourishing too rather than silicone-esque or greasy. Wins all 'round. I repurchased a tube of this at Mecca Maxima in Melbourne but I am so stoked it's stocked on Mecca NZ's site now too.
The Lip Duo: Koko K x Kylie Cosmetics and MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipgloss, limited edition, Kylie's lip kits certainly hit the big time this year and out of the liquid lipsticks I tried in 2016, they remain firm favourites. Koko K, inspired by Khloe Kardashian is my favourite. Paired with this beautiful, iridescent pink lipglass from MAC you have the perfect duo. The gloss adds shine and slightly tones down the matte feel of the liquid lipstick. Admittedly this duo is not windy weather friendly but for the rest of the time, it's a winner.
The Palette of Dreams: Tartelette in Bloom's palette was used on high rotation all year. In fact, out of all my powder eyeshadows, these ones are my favourite. Pigmented, vibrant and so versatile. I love the three shimmer shades inside but the mattes are all fantastic too.
The Bold Lip: Miranda May x Charlotte Tilbury mightn't be as bold to more daring makeup fans but for me, it's the shade I feel most comfortable wearing on a day to day basis. Yes it is vibrant but it is not as in your face as some of the more electric hues out there and when I want to go a touch more incognito, it's this I reach for.
The Neutral Necessity: Doe x MAC Cosmetics is part of MAC's new Liptensity lineup. It is certainly not an essential colour but I find myself using it a lot. It's one of those effortless colours and formulas that you know will last a reasonable amount of time before needing to reapply.
The Lash Enhancer: Grandiose Mascara* x Lancome has been my favourite mascara. I think I prefer the original to the newer incarnations but if there is one thing Lancome does well, it's their mascaras. Best paired with a lash curler but it's equally as curling on its own. This mascara doesn't flake or smudge like crazy which is a huge bonus in Summer+in general really. I really want to try some more of Lancome's mascaras this year so if you have any recommendations because I know they have a few, let me know.
The Base Essentials: Smashbox Primer Water* and Honey Trap Lip Balm x Lush are godsends. In fact, Lush's lip balms and scrubs are both fantastic. Anyway, Smashbox Primer Water might be luxe but my bottle is still going strong. Compared to other mists this feels a lot finer and less like it's settling on to the surface of your skin. It may be a placebo effect but I feel like it really does make makeup last a lot longer. Honey Trap lip balm is by no means an essential but I always like to prep my lips whenever I am doing makeup. It helps that it smells of vanilla and honey but as far as a lip balm goes it is pretty darn fab.
The Complexion Staple: Ambient Lighting Bronzer x Hourglass, in the shade Luminous Bronze Light has been my favourite face powder this year. It's warm but not intensely so, meaning it can be used year-round. It warms my paler skin up without looking orange and adding the slightest hint of glow, without veering into disco-ball territory. It's a bit on the pricey side of things but it's worth the money. For a cheaper alternative, I also liked the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer for something a bit friendlier on the wallet. It's just a bit on the sheerer side of things for my liking.
The Concealer: Age Rewind x Maybelline is my absolute favourite for the under-eye area. My only qualm is that it isn't sold in NZ. It's a godsend for concealing dark circles on the eyes without creasing or looking too thick. I went through a couple of these in 2016 and made sure to repurchase another as backup when I was in Australia.
The Extras: Coco Mademoiselle x Chanel, Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm x Aesop and Beautyblender Last but not least we have these three gems. They don't quite fit into their own categories but are all equally worth mentioning. In short, Mademoiselle was easily my most-used fragrance in 2016. If I wasn't such a fan of various fragrances, it'd be quite possibly the only one I ever use. The intensive body balm from Aesop has been such a saviour for my dry, cracked hands and elbows. It helps that it smells divine, citrusy and vanilla blended in perfect harmony. The Beautyblender might just masquerade as an overpriced sponge, thus fooling us all who are susceptible to it. As far as beauty sponges go though, this really is the best. Light, bouncy and a godsend for quick makeup application. I'd be lost without it, and have been frequently. Given my inability to not lose my sponges at least once or twice a month.
-What beauty products did you love in 2016?
*PR Sample
11/30/2016
Lush Christmas Bath Bombs
'Tis the season to stock up on Lush. They're certainly one of the key players when it comes to Christmas bath and body gifts and their stores are always manic in the days leading up to Christmas. They have some standout sets but for me, their hero product at Christmas are their bath bombs. Today's post is therefore a bit of a love letter to these carbonated, often sparkly and surprise-laden delights. Cynics might say you're literally dissolving money but there's just something so comforting and fun about bath bombs, especially during the stressful festive season...
Never Mind The Ballistics*-If you like bath bombs that fizz away slowly, allowing you the chance to unwind and recharge your batteries, this is the one for you. Its scent reminds me of Perky Nana chocolate bars, which are my fave so I love that about it. Like Butterbear, mentioned below, it contains cocoa butter so it has that moisturising quality to it. Your skin is left smelling sweet and feeling silky smooth. What more could you want?
So White-So White is one of my favourite Christmas bath bombs from Lush. It's not as showy as some of Lush's other bath bombs but don't let that lead you astray from it. It's apple scented and is like bathing in Granny Smith apples. It smells sweet with just a tinge of sourness and while it may not be the most memorable of bath bombs, it's still a nice one nonetheless.
Northern Lights*-From what I can remember, this is a new addition to the Christmas bath bomb range and admittedly I am not a fan. Its scent reminds me a lot of Granny Takes A Dip which is more on the herbal side of things. Although the notes lean more floral so maybe it's just me imagining scents. Either way, I feel like Northern Lights has a very distinct scent that won't be for everyone so choose wisely.
Shoot For The Stars-I have to confess, I am yet to use this bath bomb but I have been assured by Lush enthusiasts and staff alike that it is beautiful. I may have even seen it being demo'ed at their Christmas launch last month. Inspired by Van Gogh's famed Starry Night painting, the water is left a deep, shimmering blue and notes of Brazilian orange and bergamot fill the air. S Club 7-inspired singing sessions are encouraged with this one.
Butterbear*-This is the Christmas twist on Lush's popular Butterball bath bomb. A blend of vanilla with real bits of cocoa butter throughout. It's like bathing in a chocolate milkshake, albeit a very moisturising one. I feel like this bath bomb would appeal to a wide range of people; from kids through to Mums so it'd make a great stocking stuffer.
Star Dust, not pictured-I'm a bit obsessed with star shaped things and this love naturally extends itself to bath bombs. Star Dust combines the scents of rosewood, vanilla absolute and bergamot oil. It colours your water a milky blue and leaves behind a trail of multicoloured stars. So yes, this is a visual treat. It also smells divine, like vanilla shortbread or Macarons so again it's a winner with me. I'll be trying to stock up on these before the end of the festive season. PS-Santa, I would not say no to one or four of these.
Golden Wonder, not pictured-I couldn't do this post and not mention what is quite possibly my favourite Lush bath bomb ever. In saying that, I've not bought any this Christmas. I'm a disloyal fan. Golden Wonder is a present shaped bath bomb which fizzes away, releasing some gold stars and lustre (Lush's equivalent of glitter) before leaving you with turquoise blue water that looks like something from a Greek island. Admittedly it's this colour that is the biggest appeal for me but I love the scent of it too, kinda sandalwood-y and beachy.
-Have you tried any of Lush's Christmas bath bombs? What did you think of them?
*PR Sample
10/26/2016
October Favourites
It's that time of the month again and I've got quite the favourites lineup here. There could have easily been about five or six more things included but I managed to edit it down to the true staples. Okay the music inclusion may be cheating a bit as I only acquired it five days ago but it deserves a mention. As well as music there's a book I'm recommending to everyone, some beauty+body bits and even a fashion item...
H&M Bag-New Zealand, Auckland specifically acquired its first H&M store at the beginning of this month, as well as Zara. Finally. This was one of my buys as I wanted a smaller bag to take out and about that wasn't a tote. It's nothing fancy, just a black bag with gold zip detailing and some tassels. I love it though and it fits all the essentials; my wallet, keys, phone and a little makeup bag I carry around.
Lush Sugar Plum Fairy Lip Scrub-The kings and queens of Christmas body+pamper gifts, Lush in other words, dropped their Christmas releases into stores at the beginning of this month and they are not disappointing. More on that some other time. Today though I have to mention this new lip scrub. It smells like The Comforter and jelly lollies. Delicious in other words. Aside from its scent blessing properties, it also does a good jobs of restoring my Winter damaged, read; dry, cracked and gross lips to tip-top condition.
Joanne x Lady Gaga-It's possibly cheating a bit to include this as it was only released last week but I'm justifying it because I know it's just as likely to have been in November's favourites too. I have to confess, I wasn't a fan of ARTPOP, not in its entirety at least. This album however is like Gaga's revival. She's collaborated with producer Mark Ronson on many of the tracks, Ronson is famous for working with the late, great Amy Winehouse among other artists. It's a match made in music heaven basically. I'd say it has some country influences in the mix and also pop+rock vibes throughout. Oh and there's a track with Florence Welch and Lady Gaga which my eighteen year old self would have been crying tears of excitement over. Heck, my twenty-something self loves it. My favourite tracks right now are; John Wayne, Million Reasons, Hey Girl, Joanne and Grigio Girls. It's all fantastic though. Give it a listen.
Korres Santorini Vine Showergel-Whilst I was away housesitting earlier in the month this came with me and it's become my new favourite showergel. Move aside, The Comforter. It's kinda tropical, kinda fruity but not overpowering. It's a bit lighter than something like the shower creams from Lush but I like that about it, it's more suited to the Summer months. I'll definitely be investing in the full sized soon. I like it that much.
Bobbi Brown Retouching Wand*-The unexpected favourite, without a doubt is this product. It has not left my bag(s) at all this month. The shade Light is perfect for me and doesn't contrast wildly with any other base product I might use. It's super easy to blend, with either a brush or fingers and is great for on the go touchups. It's going to get a lot of use come Summertime when makeup just seems to evaporate.
Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson-If the fact this book has made its way into another blog post this month isn't stressing just how much I love it, I don't know what will. Perhaps the fact I read it twice this month further reiterates it. It's beautifully written and is the kind of book I can imagine myself returning to again and again. There's something special about it that I cannot quite articulate in words. Just go read it and let me know what you think about it.
Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm-Super hydrating, super luxurious, super lush and vanilla+sandalwood-y. That sentence summarises this balm really. I lovelovelove it and will pray that Aesop never discontinue it. If you want to read less condensed ramblings about it, head here.
-What have you loved during October?
*PR Sample
8/31/2016
Haircare Products I Use and Like
I'm usually not one to write much about haircare. If you're a longtime reader you will know that by now. I prefer the undone, relaxed hair vibe. I also love a good side braid every now and again and whip out my GHD's on the rare occasion I can be bothered. So y'know that for me to be doing a haircare post to begin with, I have to really like the products. Today I thought I'd share with you the haircare things I've been reaching for on the regular. For the most part they're all pretty cheap and cheerful and I love 'em for that. Oh and just for context, I have thick, semi-coloured hair. From what my hairdresser tells me it's pretty healthy aside from the dryness where it was coloured. Otherwise, I have no major qualms with it. Anyway, the products...
Batiste Dry Shampoo-I'm very late to the Batiste party as every beauty blogger on Earth seems to have raved and discussed this at some point. I'm sure you all know how this works. This product is amazing for giving your hair a bit of a refresh in between washes. Just make sure you massage it in properly if you have dark hair like me because it will stand out. Otherwise you can't really go wrong. I still prefer Bumble and Bumble's Pret A Powder to this but for a budget-friendly alternative it isn't half bad.
Lush Sunny Day Anti Static Hair Detangler*-If I don't use some kind of anti-frizz product on my hair after it's washed, hair that resembles Anne Hathaway's pre-makeover is a very real possibility. This is where Sunny Day comes in and saves the day. In honesty, I wasn't hugely keen on the scent at first but I got over it because this product is fantastic. Seriously, if I use this my hair doesn't take on a mind of its own. It stays reasonably flat and static-free. I'll definitely be repurchasing this once I run out. It's going to be a godsend in Summer.
Ouai Wave Spray-Ouai's wave spray has already made an appearance on the blog so I'll keep things brief. If you want waves and a bit of body without the crunch of a standard sea salt spray, this is for you. It's extremely lightweight and smells divine, being scented with Italian lemon, amber and white musk. I'm definitely going to be checking out the Ouai stand when I'm in reach of a Sephora later in the year.
Via Twirl Ties*-Having thick hair means I really don't like tying it up. Most hair-ties tend to pinch my hair and just end up feeling more uncomfortable than anything. I'm more often likely to pin it back than use a tie. Anyway, these spiral hairbands are a game changer. They don't pinch and don't leave crazy kinks in your hair. In fact, I forget I even have my hair tied up when I'm using these. They're that comfortable. I'm not gonna lie, I am rather fond of the coppery coloured ones in particular. It's the small details right?
-Have you tried any of these haircare products before? What did you think of them.
*PR Sample
5/18/2016
Beauty Products I Used and Liked | May
It feels like an eternity since I last blogged about beauty. In reality, it was only about two weeks ago. Regardless, I miss beauty and genuinely miss talking about it so that's going to be amended. Today I thought I'd walk you through some new beauty bits I've been sent as well as some I've bought myself. There's some absolute gems in here and some limited edition products you may want to check out...
Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm-As I study from home I don't really wear makeup but I do like to always throw on a lip balm. This one from Lush was recommended to me by Emma. Its scent is divine, a blend of vanilla and honey. It also helps that it feels extremely nourishing on the lips and I love it for that.
MAC Vamplify in Pamela*, limited edition-Firstly, who else gets Kylie Lip Kit vibes from this packaging? Shaaanxo made a point in her vlogs that it gives off Kat Von D vibes too. Either way, I like it. It's sleek and so aesthetically pleasing. Anyway, MAC have bought out some more of their Vamplify glosses in the Brooke Candy collection. These are like a liquid lipstick and gloss but without the dryness and stickiness of either product. They're incredibly creamy and pigmented. Pamela is essentially Whirl in lipgloss form. I highly recommend this if you're not quite ready to branch out with a liquid lipstick just yet.
Lancome Juicy Shaker in Freedom of Peach*, available May 23rd-Side note: It took me way too long to open the cocktail shaker that housed this lip product. As a friend of mine pointed out, I certainly do not deserve a drink. Anyway, Lisa Eldridge's creative role at Lancome has meant a bunch of exciting new releases and campaigns. These are bi-phase lip oils that combine nourishing oils with pigments, when you shake them. Like a Polaroid picture, or a cocktail. They're super hydrating and give your lips a glossy look without feeling tacky or sticky on the lips. Amen. They have an extremly subtle tint to them, so they're great for lazy makeup days. I have to give props to the applicator too. It feels really spongy and bouncy, like a Beauty Blender for your lips. Its slanted tip gets right into the contours as well. I highly recommend you check these out when they're on counter. I predict it'll be like the Juicy Tubes craze all over again.
Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara-Emily, Kirsty and I made an order from Tarte's site when they had 30% off everything and free shipping. It was too good an offer to pass up. I'm quite the Tarte fan at the moment so I decided to grab a couple of their newer products to try. I'd seen mixed reviews for this mascara online but I really like it. Their website claims it increases volume by 2700%. I always find statistics like that a bit...ridiculous. Maybe it is true but anyway, this mascara certainly does make your lashes look next level amazing. Tarte's mascaras do not disappoint so if you want a cruelty-free, mostly vegan alternative to your standard mascara, they have you set.
La Roche Posay Serozinc, not pictured-The lovely Lena brought this back for me from Melbourne as it's finally available at Priceline over there. Side note: Can someone bring La Roche Posay to NZ? Get on it please. Serozinc caused a major stir in the beauty blogging world thanks to the likes of Caroline Hirons and I know Anna used to rave about this too so it has been on my radar for a while. Serozinc is essentially a spray toner that's designed for sensitive skin. It contains zinc sulfate, sodium chloride and water so it's very fuss-free. No fragrances, no concentrated alcohol. It might be a placebo effect like Morgan acknowledges but whatever it is, it seems to calm down angry skin. Seriously, I notice a difference when I forget to use this. I'm not sure what's going to happen when it runs out...my skin+I will cry.
Simply Essential Brushes*-A couple of weeks back I was kindly sent these brushes by The Beauty Collective along with some bubbles and chocolate. They sent me the Angled Blender Brush, Flat Top Kabuki Brush and the Tapered Kabuki Brush. The angled blender brush is best for crease work, although it can be used for highlight on the brow bone as well. The flat top kabuki brush is my favourite of the three, although they're all amazing. It blends in foundation seamlessly. The tapered kabuki brush would work well for cream contouring but I use it to powder under my eyes. They're all incredibly high quality synthetic brushes that aren't going to break the bank. Plus they have rose gold hardware. Sold!
MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Colour Stick in Sand Bar*, not pictured-Somehow I managed to forget to photograph this as well. Whoops. MAC have bought out new eyeshadow crayons recently, they're all matte as far as I know and come in a range of shades. There's more neutral colours and then some more daring colours like blues and brights. These remind me of MAC's paint pots in pen form. They make fantastic bases that are going to adhere whatever's applied over the top of them to the lids. You can also use them nicely as eyeliners too. Sand Bar is a soft camel nude that reminds me of a muted down version of MAC Soba eyeshadow. I like to use this underneath eyeshadows when I don't have time to fuss around with a paint pot or on its own. These are worth checking out if you're near a MAC counter and after a new eye makeup love.
-Have you tried any of these products before? What's been on your beauty radar recently?
*PR Sample
3/21/2016
March Favourites
It's early in the monthly favourites scheme of things but whether out of organisation or assertiveness, I actually knew exactly what I'd been loving this month quite early on and didn't have to debate with myself too much. There's a mix of beauty and non-beauty in here+some stuff that didn't make it to the photos, for obvious reasons. Anyway, here is my favourites for March...
MAC Cremesheen Glass in Sweet Tooth*-I love this lipglass from MAC. It's non-sticky, and pairs nicely with nude lipsticks. It's such a flattering colour and I love how you can wear it on its own and it still has a hint of pigment to it so it doesn't just look like clear lipgloss, cue nineties flashbacks. If the Flamingo Park collection is still on counters where you live you should go check this lipglass out.
Tartelette in Bloom Palette-My other eyeshadows haven't been getting much attention lately thanks to this palette, but I'm okay with that. It's the perfect combination of colours and while there aren't as many shimmer shades included as I would like, I am okay with the three that are in there. My favourite shade is Firecracker, the shimmery bronze but they're all pretty fabulous.
Lush Frozen Bath Bomb, not pictured-This bath bomb was a bit expensive hence I only bought one and don't have another to show you. This is what it looks like in the water though. The name might be inspired by a certain Disney film but don't let that put you off. This blue, glimmery ball of goodness looks absolutely beautiful+baths with bath bombs are so relaxing.
Kikki K Minimalist Weekly Planner Pad, similar here-If you love organisation but don't love having tonnes of pieces of paper everywhere you should get one of these pads. I actually use mine to plan out my University timetable each day. I also use it to fill in when I'm working and other random tasks/meetings I have. I like this one because it also features a to-do list section and a next week column, which is where I stick all the deadlines I have coming up the following week. It's such a handy thing to have.
Full House-Thanks to Netflix and Fuller House I've been getting real nostalgic this month. I watched the series revival in a week, possibly less and then tracked down Season 1 on DVD. It's as good as my childhood self remembers it being. Also, every single season is now on Netflix which makes me far too happy. If you've never seen Full House and want a funny+lighthearted watch you should check this out.
Estee Lauder Brow Now Volumizing Brow Tint*-This is the first brow gel/mascara that I've tried that actually matches my brow colour. I have dark brows but the darkest shade often makes them look jet black, not ideal. I have this in the shade brunette and it perfectly matches my eyebrows. It's the perfect thing to set your pencil products in place, or you can use it on its own if you're in a hurry. My brows are defined so I don't use it for volumizing as such, but it helps to make things look a whole lot more polished or 'on fleek' as the cool kids say.
Diptyque Philosykos, a gift-I had a mass beauty cull recently and came so close to parting with this fragrance. I'm glad I didn't though because I forgot how much I loved it. It's musky, figgy and is the perfect scent for Autumn and Winter. I'm terrible at describing fragrances but it's one of those scents that is just comforting and a bit different. I love it for this time of year.
The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett, not pictured-There's a few books that could have made their way in here this month but I went for this one because it surprised me. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this much as I did but I loved it and tore through it. I think it helped that the chapters weren't overly long but also it's such a unique storyline and setup. The three different plotlines all blend together beautifully and they all bring something different to the book. I'd recommend this if you're after a contemporary novel with a lot of elements to it.
-What have you been loving during March?
*PR Sample
11/30/2015
November Favourites
As much as I'd like not to begin with the cliched, oh my gosh how is it the end of November remark, I feel like it's necessary. This month has gone way, way too quickly. It's been a month of change and success, happiness and a little bit of sadness but all in all it's been pretty amazing. There's some products I succumbed to the hype with on show and then some I fell in love with all by myself. Plus that album I'm not going to be tiring of any time soon..
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer-My lovely Mum bought this back for me from Sydney and I am so thankful she did. This primer seems to work like a skincare treatment+makeup extender in one. Unlike most primers, it is really moisturising and creamy so it feels much more nourishing on the skin. Would I use this in place of a moisturiser? No but as a pre-makeup step it is rather lovely.
Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop, limited edition-I succumbed to the hype and believe the hype because this is perfection to the next level. It's the most flattering highlighter and doesn't settle into pores or leave unnecessary glittery stripes across your face. This champagne-gold colour is warm but not overly so. I really wish this wasn't limited edition because when it is discontinued I'm going to be wanting a backup.
The Comforter Shower Cream*-One of Lush's Oxford Street exclusives made its way into some of the Christmas sets this year. Can I get an amen? If you like The Comforter bubble bar then you're bound to love this. It's the blackcurrant, lolly scent we all know and love in cream form and it's bright pink. What more could you want, other than this being stocked in the Southern Hemisphere Lush stores?
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Celebrated-All my Tarte blushers could be in here this month, but that would have made for one very crowded post. There's just something about these blushers. Like Champagne Pop, they're also very flattering on the skin and don't settle into pores. They're also crazy long-wearing and don't fade too much, if at all when I'm wearing them. That's saying something too, because my cheeks seem to eat makeup like it's going out of fashion.
Clinique Lip Pop+Primer in Melon Pop*-I know a few people who love Clinique's lipsticks so I had high hopes for this new one. It did not disappoint. Melon Pop is a peachy pink that leans more on the nude side of things. In other words, it's the perfect Sophie colour. At this time of year I seem to exclusively wear nude lipsticks, more so if they're peachier so it's right up my alley and is getting used heaps right now. It pairs nicely with their Cheek Pop blush too if you're a fan of coordinating makeup.
25 x Adele-Adele's left us all in the dark for four years, wondering if she'd end our deprivation for her freakin' amazing tunes. Plot spoiler: she did. If she doesn't completely clean up this awards season I will eat my words. Seriously. 25 is much more uplifting than previous Adele albums, which she herself has described as melancholy. There's still the classic, nostalgic Adele song or two thrown into the mix and a song or four that'll make you cry but the tone of this one is much less mournful. It's a tough call but I think this may have taken 19's place as my favourite Adele album. Stand out tracks: When We Were Young, I Miss You, Remedy (the whole entire thing basically).
Love Style Life by Garance Dore*-I say this a lot but I feel like a lot of lifestyle books let me down, more so if they contain the cliched 'wear this, style your lounge like this' tips as if they're the absolute definition of style. I like to think style can be learned or dictated to a degree but it is largely discovered and curated on our own. Anyway, Love Style Life is a curation of everything that defines Garance's aesthetic and how she mixes her Parisian taste for New York City. She also talks about how she grew Garance Dore into the flourishing business and incredibly rad blog it is today. This book is beautifully presented and is as inspiring as it is hilarious. If you're stuck on what to get a girlfriend this Christmas, buy her this.
-What have you been loving during November?
*PR Sample
11/23/2015
Comfort and Joy x Lush
When it comes to Christmas sets that pack a punch into your pamper night or day, Lush are the ones to rule them all. They cater for a range of budgets, from your $20 Secret Santa buys to the more luxe sets of all the bath treats you could ever need. Today I wanted to show you the Comfort and Joy set because it is one of my favourites that they have out this Christmas
The Comfort and Joy* gift set contains a lovely mix of bath and shower products, although it is more shower friendly so that's handy if you're shopping for somebody without a bath. In this set you get a shower gel, a shower cream, a mini tub of body conditioner and a soap. Side note: This kind of kit would be perfect to give a guest or even someone in a bridal party because it has such a perfect mix of products.
The shower gel included here is the ever-popular Twilight shower gel. It's the same scent as the bath bomb of the same name, a blend of lavender and tonka. I'll be honest, this isn't my favourite scent because I'm not overly fond of lavender scented things but it's okay because the rest of the box makes up for it. Next we have an exclusive product in this kit, The Comforter Shower Cream *squeals*. If you're a Lush fanatic, you'll know this product is currently only exclusive to Lush's flagship Oxford St store over in the UK. It's making a cheeky appearance in some of the sets this Christmas and a little bird told me it may be setting sail for other countries next year. If you love The Comforter bubble bar you're gonna love this. It's basically somewhere between an in-shower moisturiser and a shower gel. It smells absolutely amazing and it's a bright berry pink. We're here for the visually pleasing aesthetics as well.
There's a mini sample of the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner in here too. This is such a handy, travel-friendly size and it's perfect if you've been holding out on buying this because it is on the pricey side. It's rose scented but it's not overpoweringly floral and is super nourishing on the skin. Last but not least there's a chunk of the Reindeer Rock soap, a Christmas exclusive. This is one of my favourite Christmas soaps from Lush and it is lingonberry scented so it reminds me of Summer fruit, my fave.
-Have you picked up any Christmas products from Lush this year? Which are your favourites?
*PR Sample but as always, all love and appreciation for Christmas goodies is very real.
10/07/2015
A Box of Snow Fairy
Christmas in October!? I'm sure many of you will find that idea ludicrous. I'll be honest, I've been shrinking away from the Christmas trees and displays that seem to be going up far too early. One thing I don't run from though are the Christmas beauty collections. They tend to never disappoint. Now I know you may think it's early to be discussing Christmas gift ideas, but to be honest you can never be too organised. Today I thought I'd talk you through some of the Christmas products I received at the Lush Bazaar last month. You don't have too long to wait for these goodies either, they're out tomorrow and some have already dropped online. Now, on with the box..
We all got to pick a Lush gift box to leave with, and myself and Laura were smitten with the Snow Fairy products so we got this one, aptly named Snow Fairy Castle*. Now, the contents inside the box differ to what I have pictured, they didn't quite have all the Christmas products in, but it still gives you a good idea of some of the products you can expect to see this Lushmas. Oh I'm so good with puns...
First up, and a new product this year is the Fairy Dust Dusting Powder. Infused with the delicious Snow Fairy scent we all know and love, this powder is designed to give a bit of lustre to the skin. Sprinkle it over your limbs, or use it on the cheekbones if you want for a touch of sparkle and glitz this holiday season. This was one of my favourite products on the night so I am looking forward to using it again.
Next we have the well-loved Snow Fairy shower gel, a product that appeals to ladies and gents alike. Scouts honour. Due to its jellytip, raspberry scent it is super popular. I like this mini sized bottle because I get through shower gel super slowly. This is the perfect size to take traveling so it'll get a heap of use over the Summer. Another product in the Snow Fairy scent is the Magic Wand bubble bar. This year she's had a makeover and now features sparkly glitter on the outside, just like a legit fairy's wand. The best part about bubble bars is they're reusable. I usually get between 4-6 baths out of most of my bubble bars so they're worth buying if you love your baths.
Last but certainly not least, introducing the fairest bath bomb of them all, So White. As her name would suggest, and Disney enthusiasts will love this, she is apple scented. There's also bergamot and rose absolute in there to help soothe the senses. I used this last night and I don't know if it was a placebo effect but this bath bomb made me feel so relaxed. It helped that the water was turned pink too.
So that concludes the first roundup of Lush Christmas goodness. Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from. Side note: Lush's gift sets don't just have to be a standalone present. You could always buy a gift set like this and split the products up as stocking stuffers or just cute lil' bits to go with people's gifts. That way your money goes further, and if someone doesn't have a bath where they live, you can give them a shower product instead.
-What Christmas collections are you most excited for?
*PR Sample, but all love of all things pink and lolly-scented are my own. Seriously, if you don't know by now how attracted I am to sweet things where have you been!?
7/27/2015
July Favourites
Well it's that time of the month and I've just realised things are looking a little sparse. That may be because I forgot to mention a couple of my favourites. Inside Out, here's looking at you. Anyway, I sat myself back down in front of the MacBook and waxed lyrical on all the beauty bits+the book I couldn't get enough of this month. The result is down below for your perusal. Enjoy!
-What have you loved during July?
7/22/2015
New in Beauty, Body & Skincare
I've not really been on a makeup spree since my trip to Sydney earlier in the year and with the temptation of sales+joint shopping sprees it seemed like the perfect excuse to get a lil' spendy. Today I thought I'd show you a few of the things I've either bought or been sent recently. This isn't all of it though because I didn't fancy writing an essay. Keep an eye out for a beauty haul video soon to see the rest...
Mac Eyeshadows in Haux and Cranberry-My logic: I'll cull my Mac eyeshadow palette. *buys two more eyeshadow colours*. Said cull still hasn't happened, I'm just not sure what to do with the eyeshadow pans I no longer want. These colours though I have a lot of time for. Cranberry is one of those shades I've always been a bit scared of but I'm not sure why. I wore it out the other day and it didn't have the supposed pink-eye effect. In fact, I may have liked it. Haux isn't a colour I have worn yet but it pairs nicely with Misty Rock from By Terry so I have high hopes.
Mac Matte Lipstick in Men Love Mystery*-I have a bit of a thing for purple lipsticks at the moment. I toyed with Mac's Heroine shade a couple of years back but ended up parting with it. I totally regret that decision now. Anyway, Mac describe this as a lavender violet. It's actually quite a deep colour so it doesn't look too pastel-like on the lips which I love. It's also not as intense as Heroine so if you're intimidated by purple lipsticks, this one would be a good starting point.
The Comforter Bubble Bar, Lush-I have picked this up so many times in Lush and put it back, largely because I felt like it seemed expensive. The price is justified though because this lasts ages. Its scent reminds me of lollies and raspberry jelly. Plus as an added bonus it tints the bath water pink. What more could you want?
Mac Blush in Mocha-Until now there's only been one Mac blush in my collection so I decided to grab another one when Emily and I did our lil' YouShop order. Mocha is described as a soft plum pink. It's quite different to my other blush colours. This blush has a matte finish which I love and it's such a stunning colour to rock in Winter.
Mac Dazzleshadows in Let's Boogie, Try Me On & She Sparkles*-These shades are all a part of Mac's Le Disko collection which I believe is on counter now/soon. Another thing to note is that these shadows are all limited edition so if they're something you're after I suggest you track them down asap. I swatched these and of all the colours, Let's Boogie, the black with sparkles is the only colour I can't see myself reaching for. She Sparkles, the light grey with silver sparkles is my favourite but Try Me On is beautiful as well. These shadows definitely aren't for the faint-hearted but if you want to up the shimmer or create a really fun eyeshadow look then you should check these out.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser*-TBS are on fire with their new launches at the moment. The latest is their Glow Boosting Moisturiser and Glow Enhancer, the latter works more like a primer. This new moisturiser is lightweight, yet so hydrating. My skin's been quite dry lately (thanks Winter) and this is really helping to combat that.
Mac Cremesheen Lipglass in Softly Lit*-This is a repromoted, limited edition gloss which came out in a Christmas collection a couple of years back and I think it's now coming out as part of the Cremesheen Pearl collection. I'll admit I'm not much of a gloss person but they are nice to layer over lipsticks that are more matte. Softly Lit is one of those colours that could be used to amp up a peachy nude or any nude really for a bit more sheen. This one will be perfect in Summer when the whole lipgloss+hair situation is less of a reality.
-What new beauty products have you tried recently?
*PR Sample
2/11/2015
10 Ways To Enjoy Valentines Day | The Single Ladies Edition
Before we start, might I suggest you set the mood with this tune or this. I think if you're a single girl or guy on V-Day, it can be a bit easy to get down. This is not helped by the presence of Instagram, #blessed #mine #love, you get the idea. Well this year I decided to approach Valentines Day a bit more positively. There's no reason you can't have fun on Valentines Day, even if you aren't taken. This Saturday, I'm gonna pledge to have fun and enjoy myself by partaking in some of the following activities...
Have a girly film 'fest: Chick flicks are fun and upbeat, just stay clear of anything based on Nicholas Sparks or John Green books if you don't want to feel all the feels. My go-to's are 13 Going On 30, Mean Girls and Easy A to name a few.
Treat yo'self to a pink lippy: More specifically, Viva Glam's new Miley Cyrus* lipstick from Mac. It's a vibrant pink which you'll love if you were a fan of Impassioned, also from Mac. It's an amplified formula too so you get incredible colour payoff and it also has crazy good lasting power. The matching lipglass is pretty rad as well. Oh, and all the proceeds go towards Mac's AIDs foundation. A treat for you that does some good. Sounds pretty fantastic to me.
Have a pamper session: Whether it be a manicure or a relaxing facial+bath, pampers are relaxing and the perfect way to indulge yourself. Pick up one of Lush's Valentines Day products to set the mood. I liked the look of this Love Locket bath bomb. Its scent reminds me of a Lush store, sweet with a little bit of fruitiness. Delish.
Buy yourself, or someone else some decadent chocolate. Devour it: It's no wonder that many holidays involve chocolate. It's just too good to ignore! We don't really have Valentines sweets here in NZ but these strawberry Lindt balls are perfect, and they're pink on the inside.
Catch up on some neglected reads: If it's a sunny day, head outside. If you have a hammock or one of those egg chairs take advantage of it. Side note: If you have either of those, I'm envious. We all get so busy during the week that sometimes we just don't have the time or energy to read. Take advantage of your downtime.
Go online shopping, for real or just pretend: There's so much to love about virtual shopping, especially the fact that you're getting something in the mail that isn't a cellphone bill or credit card statement. Amirite guys? Online shopping is a good time, and if you're not feeling spendy you can always make a Pinboard of things for your wishlist on Pinterest. Here's mine.
Make a playlist that'll make you smile: You know you're doing a good job if it's making you want to sing along, regardless of who else hears you. Mine will be a blend of good old 1D, some She & Him, songs from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack and perhaps some musical theatre tunes.
Go out on an adventure. Document it: Head out to a nature spot, a weekend market, or even just to a local city. Explore somewhere you haven't been before. Have your coffee from a cafe you've not been to yet. Hit up that lunch spot you've been meaning to head to. Visit a secluded beach. Take pictures, write down your thoughts and share if you wish.
Smile: Being single doesn't have to suck! You're an independent woman who doesn't need no man *clicks fingers*. Have an awesome Valentines Day, however you choose to celebrate it.
-How will you be spending Valentines Day?
*PR Sample
11/09/2014
Christmas Beauty | Gift Ideas
It's now November and that now gives me a justifiable excuse to start talking about Christmas. As you can see above I even felt the need to dress for the occasion. I've filmed a video of some of my picks for Christmas from the beauty world. There's something for a range of budgets so hopefully it'll please you all. If you want to see reviews of anything in this video please let me know. I've linked anything that's already been blogged in the description box. Enjoy!
10/30/2014
New Beauty Releases | The Video Edition
Why hello there! Yes, this is a rather uncharacteristic Thursday post but last week I had some free time in my day so I decided to film a new video. It's been a while and I missed filming YouTube videos. As the title may suggest, I'm talking through some new beauty releases I have either been sent or purchased myself. Let me know what you've tried lately in the comments and if you want to see more videos like this in the future! x
10/01/2014
A Pink Pamper Night
As I'm sure many of you will be aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's a cause that is very close to my heart and it affects so many women (and even men) each year. In honour of the cause, I decided to think about what pink essentials I'd put together for a pink pamper night. So many beauty brands usually release products at this time of year with proceeds going towards breast cancer research so it's the perfect time to throw one into your pamper routine. Here's my essentials for a pink night in..
No pamper night is complete without a myriad of treats. Might I suggest you add some Pinky bars or strawberry Tim Tams to your lineup. I didn't have any on hand but they're so delish! I like to start the night off with a bath so I usually use one of my favourite bath bombs or bubble bars from Lush. If you're not a bath person, hop in the shower with a scrub or sweet scented body lotion. I love the Sugar Crush body lotion from Soap & Glory. To read I opted for It by Alexa Chung for insights on all things Alexa. The newest step to my routine involves the Skinfood Breast Cream*. It's been released this month to help women get to know what is 'normal' for their breasts. It's an extra step in the routine but hey, it could save your life. The cream happens to smell great too and $2 from every cream sold goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Pyjamas on and it's time for my favourite girly, pink central movie, Legally Blonde. "Whoever says orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed". I'll apply my favourite new Baby Lips in the shade Pink Quartz, reach for pink nail polish and maybe even this gorgeous dusky pink eyeshadow from Stila. After all that I'm probably getting a bit tired. This girl ain't a partier so it's time to call it a night and dream through rose tinted lenses..
-What would be your essentials for a pink pamper night in? Let me know in the comments and you could win your very own Skinfood Breast Cream. Open to New Zealand readers only. This giveaway will close in one week. x
*PR Sample. Note-This post is in no way sponsored. Like I said this cause means a great deal to me and I felt this product deserved to have some awareness raised about it because let's face it breast cancer (no, cancer in general) takes the lives of far too many people. If getting to know what's 'normal' for you and your body has a greater emphasis on our lives then maybe we'll see that statistic decrease.
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