arsyparsy

Australis' Lash Length Extension Mascara Review

2012-05-20T16:43:00.005+10:00

HI!
I hope you've all been well............

My gosh. It's been far too long... I haven't had internet for over two months and have moved houses and had internet installed a few days ago *phew.

Okay well, being a typical asian girl.... I have... absoluuuteely non-existent eyelashes. One of the first things that I always notice about people are their eyelashes.............. being a creep always admiring and complimenting how amazing their eyelashes are. It's so sad that mine are short, stubby and you can't do anything with it!

I have always found mascara to be a pain to use! On many occasions when I use to wear mascara in the past - I'd stroke the mascara on my teensy lashes, put on my glasses to find out that the mascara hasn't tried yet and it has streaked all over my lenses...

Oh and I can't ever forget always getting home at the end of the day and looking in the mirror and seeing black smears around my eyes either because the mascara just didn't dry in time or I have my annoying habit of rubbing my eyes... Sigh, did I really prance around all day with all that?

Well, I've been fortunate to try out Australis' new range of mascaras! Skimming through the pamphlet, I was so surprised! It was incredible! They have covered a mascara for EVERY preference! Whether you wanted thicker, lengthened, voluminous, curvier or you just want to plain ol' condition your lashes-- they have it!!

Going over the information for each one --I knew straight away that the 'Lash Length Extension Mascara was definitely for me!

So running to my mirror I unpackaged the Lash Lengths Extension Mascara..... I prepped up my hair, curled my lashes and did a few strokes covering each and every one.

After applying the mascara:

Oh look at my little cute subtle curls!

(This is the best I can get... really. Yes it is sad... which is why I live off lashes)

I don't know if it's just me, but every time I curl my lashes and apply mascara... It does absolutely nothing for me! In less than 30 minutes it will go back down to it's normal state... So I was crossing my fingers throughout the day hoping that it wouldn't be the same for this mascara.... the description sure looks promising!

Australis' description of this product:

What is it

A lengthening mascara that works to lengthen lashes with fibres that attatch themselves to the lids of the lashes. It is so lightweight you'll feel like you are not wearing any mascara at all!

Why we love it

Creates long, defined and separated lashes in an instant. Contains easy wash-off tubing formulation for no 'panda eyes'

7 hours later...

Not bad!!! (I know. I took a picture of the wrong eye. But you get the gist!)

And you know what's the best thing about this mascara?

Compared to other mascaras I've used, I always ended up with smears below my waterline but the mascara applies as if it wraps around your lashes so it comes off as 'tubes'. There is absolutely no tugging or pulling, all I do is just dab makeup remover on a cotton pad and with a bit of pressure, wipe it across my eyelashes!

Little tubes^ How adorable!

Why I love it:

- Lengthens my lashes

- Amazing formula makes it easy to remove

- Absolutely no panda eyes

My verdict:

I think this product is awesome! It does every single thing it says it'll do, it lengthened and it kept my little curls in place too! And the best thing of course, it's super simple to remove with the 'tubing' formula and all!

Pricing and Available at:
BigW, Target and Priceline
@ $11.95

If you wanted to check it out, right now Priceline is having a buy three for the price of two on Australis products. Ohhh, don't you love bargains!

I hope you've enjoyed this review!

Au reviour!

International Giveaway - Nad's Facial Wand

2012-03-24T17:10:00.000+11:00

Hi!

The other day I tried out the Nad’s Facial Wand to shape my eyebrows, and as you can tell by my review…. I thought it was amazing!!!

Yep, this little baby ^

I’ve always kept away from these hair removal products but Nad’s changed my mind!

Nad’s Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper is a quick and easy way to remove hair in delicate areas on your face.

And today, *drumrolls...

I have a giveaway for a Nad’s Facial Wand to give away to one of my friends around the world!

Yep, Nad’s sweetly gave any of my readers a chance to win one of their amazing products.

So now, one of you can go off experience the magic and try this product for yourself!

Intriguing isn't it!

If you’re not sure how this product would work, hop on over to my post where I’ve reviewed and have shown how to use it!

How to enter...

Mandatory entries:

*Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (You can follow with your Twitter too!)

*Like Nad’s on Facebook

Optional:

*Follow Nad's on Twitter (+1)

*Follow arsyparsy on Twitter (+1)

*Tweet about it:

“I just entered @arsyparsy’s international giveaway for one of @Nads amazing facial wand, you should too! http://arsyparsy.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/international-giveaway-nads-facial-wand.html"

and provide me a link! (by clicking the timestamp beneath your tweet) (+3)

Please comment your entry below in this format:

GFC/Twitter username (which ever you're following my blogwith):

Facebook name:

Email:

Twitter username: (and who you've followed)

Tweet link:

If you don't feel comfortable with displaying your email address, feel free to email me your entry at alicephan92@gmail.com.

I will draw the winner on the 7th, April 2012!

The winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond to be fair ☺.

Get cracking!

Jazzing Up a Pair of Earrings into a Necklace

2012-03-12T22:37:00.000+11:00

Hi!

Just a post to show you all my most recent creation hehe
I usually post my DIY's on wonderarsy but decided to move them to here instead hehe.

Two years ago I went through a horrible phase where I just kept buying earrings and bangles. I was obsessed with pieces with leaves, birds and flowers! I never ever used any of them ever! So there sat and grew my stash of things-I’ve-bought-but-never-used-and-don’t-think-I-ever-will (Yes I have one of those collections… but that’s another story.)

The other day I sat staring at my box of things-I’ve-bought-but-never-used-and-don’t-think-I-ever-will and thought.. I should make a necklace out of one of these pieces!

Pulling out all the earrings I had collected, I picked out these pair of earrings I had purchased two years ago from Gloss…

And envisioned a little necklace.

So, out came my chains, pliers, eyepins and jumprings and crafting away I went.

Taking it apart and gathering all the pieces I needed.

I bent it through the little lines and hooked it on. Yay! Perfect!

I attached a chain and voila. A pair of earrings I would have left collecting dust in a box for many years to come, made in to a neat necklace :D

Wearing it below hehe

Myself & Mandy (She just recently made a blog, checck it!)

(This is the same image I used in my demi-lashes tutorial…. I know that!!)

Yay! Thanks for dropping by!

Review: Nad's Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper

2012-03-06T21:08:00.001+11:00

I’ve only ever gone to get my eyebrows waxed once at a little store at Liverpool (I think the place was called Snow White? Lol)

I didn’t plan to get them done, It just happened on one of my late starts.. And I didn’t really like the result haha…… My eyebrows ended up like two perfect arches!

After that, I’ve always plucked them myself. I was never satisfied with the result each time I did them because it was so frustrating trying to pluck the fine hairs and I was always afraid that I’d go too far!

I received Nad’s Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper in my goodie bag from the Cosmo x Priceline eventand was so intrigued… 24 treatments and washes away with water, how is that not appealing???

Look at these incredibly simple instructions!

Two days later I decided to try it out myself and I love it!

It made applying so so so simple and did not leave any sticky residue once I washed my face!

What comes in the pack…

1x Applicator wand

4x Cleansing wipes

10x Backing Strips

Don't worry about the amount of strips the kit comes with- it's reusable!

Aren’t you already excited!!!?

Close up of the applicator wand. I think the shape of this wand is perfect!

Just to show you how simple the process is, here’s a mini step-by-step of how to use it!

Alice’s guide to the Nad’s Facial Wand

Step 1:
Use the wipe provided and cleanse the areas you plan on waxing the hairs off and leave to dry.

This wipe can also be used with water for ‘extra foaming’ too!

I cut out this piece out of the actual sheet that’s why it’s much smaller.
Cleanse everything all at once because the sheet dries out really quickly!

I cleansed just under my eyebrows and above my eyebrows.

(I know you’re not meant to touch above your eyebrows but my eyebrows are literally points like this ^^!!!)

Step 2:
Once it’s dry, get ready to apply the gel for waxing!

I combed back my eyebrow hairs so there wouldn’t be any accidental waxing.

Step 3:

Grab your Nad’s gel applicator wand and slowly twist clock wise. It’s important to twist it slowly as you don’t want a blob coming out all the sudden (happened to me L).

Step 4:
Now apply the gel in the direction of the hair growth. I'm removing the fine hairs from under my eyebrows. I applied the gel in the direction the bridge of my nose, outwards.

Don’t worry if you get the gel anywhere else, it washes off super easily with water!

Step 5:
Now immediately place the strip provided over the gel and firmly smooth in the same direction of the hair growth 3-4 times! (So, the same direction that you applied the gel in the previous step)

Step 6: Hold your skin taut (if you’re waxing your eyebrows, press down your skin where your eyebrows end – Figure 1) and quickly pull off the strip close to your skin at the smallest angle you can pull it at!

Pull in the OPPOSITE direction of your hair growth (Not the same direction as the previous two steps).

Sorry, couldn’t take a picture of this step! I only have two

It grabbed all the little hairs! Success!

Step 7:

Any gel left over from the area you waxed? Simple wash it off with warm water! You can also wash and reuse the strips you have used!!! It’s awesome, washes off so easily but it get’s tattered after a few uses.

And you're done :D

If you are looking to remove hair from your upper lip, chin, centre brows or eyebrows click the image on the right, it’ll show you what direction to apply the gel and pull the strip in Figures 1 and 3. There is also more information on how to use this wand.

My verdict

I really like this product because it’s really easy to use and washes off very easily. And I like how the strips are reusable - I only used 4 strips to wax my eyebrows! *hooray I’ve used this wand twice so far and the gel is past the end of the ‘N’. I think this will last me another 2 times of waxing my eyebrows!

I’ve always stayed away from waxing products because of my bad experience with wax strips but I really like this product! It didn't really hurt, well for me it just felt like pulling off a bandaid! No stinging at all!

I would definitely repurchase this and recommend it to everyone, everyone, everyoneee!!! I can’t see any faults in this product. How much you pay to get your eyebrows done at the shops will buy you this kit that you can get 3-4 uses out of!

Pricing and Available at:
$12.98 @ BigW
$13.49 @ Priceline
(I haven't checked instore so this is is based on the online prices)

By the way, you can redeem a free wand if you purchase any Nad's products with this sticker on it.
Click here to read more!

I also have a giveaway running until 7th April for a Nad's Facial Wand,

enter for your chance to win! click here

Tutorial: Cutting your very own pair of Demi Lashes! + How I apply them!

2012-02-24T22:05:00.000+11:00

I absolutely love using these lashes!

I actually bought the lashes in full a year ago and loved them in the picture!

They looked so cute! Once I had purchased and received them in the mail and popped them on for one of my fotd posts.... They looked absolutely horrid...! (evidence: here).

But not only did it look horrid but the band was incredibly stiff and difficult to apply to my lashline!

So sulky Alice was left with another box of lashes that she'll never use again....

Then, many many months later... I pulled out my stash of lashes and picking up the shameful box... Then it came to me! These lashes would make a perfect pair of Demi's!

So I snip, snip, snipped away, popped them on and they not only looked great but they only cost one half of my lashes!

This is a little tutorial on how I create my Demi lashes!

(Which I wear very very often! I can't find pictures.. But in recent posts, I've worn them here and here)

With a bit of eyeliner, curling and mascara (optional, heh), it'll blend in nicely ☺

The little box of heaven!

Fun little flirty lashes and super simple to maintain - Really! It feels like there's nothing on my lashes (besides when I'm wearing lashes, apply it incorrectly and then it get's stuck in my frames with every blink -_-)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to snip your own pair of Demi-lashes!

You can actually follow this tutorial with a many types of lashes! It doesn't particularly have to be the ones I have. I'm tried it with full length lashes (here) and lashes that are longer in the middle (here).

1. Pull one lash (... you know what I mean.) from the box and trim the little tails that come with it.

2. Determine where you want to make the cut! The middle bit will be at the outer corners of your eyes.

Why? We'll be using the ends of the original lash to be the inside ones as it's shorter and will blend much more nicely!

3. Fold evenly until both ends touch.

4. Snip away my darlin'.

5. Yay! We have two pieces!

I ended up snipping the long bits off on the outer corners so the end of the lash will be short (Refer to first image).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

How I apply my Demi-lashes!

(After curling, applying mascara and applying eyeliner!)

This is just a side tutorial.. On how I apply my demi-lashes.

Since the lashes are trimmed in half, they aren't as curved as they were when they were a full! So it will be harder to apply once the glue is all tacky and you're trying to align the lashes onto your lashline.

If you have a stubborn, stiff band like mine to work with, your lashes WILL end up falling off (it has happened way too many times to me)!

1. Glue along the band

2. Take hold of either side of the lashes

3. Gently push them together until they form a 'u' shape...

While you're holding it in this shape, blow onto the lashes until it becomes tacky.

Now your lash will be curved and ready to apply.

Apply as you normal would, I apply the end of the lash where my natural lashes end.

You don't want to go out too far or your eyes will just look droopy.

And you're done!

The result...

Look how cutesy they look flared out like that!
Don't you wish they were your real lashes? I certainly do.

Hooray! (By the way, do you like my necklace? I put it together myself the other day :D)

Thank you for reading my tutorial!

I hope this helps give you the courage if you ever decide to spruce up your eyes with a pair of unwanted false lashes like I have :)

Priceline & Cosmopolitian Beauty Workshop

2012-02-21T23:51:00.002+11:00

It was last minute last Wednesday night that Tram and I decided to go to the Beauty Workshop held by Priceline & Cosmopolitian the next day!

Neither of us has ever been to one of Priceline's Workshops before but I'm sure I've seen it in their newletters but hadn't thought much of it... But luckily we had decided to go!

I had a lot of fun since it was so interesting seeing how renowned MUA, Helen Dowsley applied the latest trends on two people from the audience - one of the special people chosen was a fellow blogger, Katherine! (She just started blogging this month! You should check her blog out!)

The set up

It was such a nice surprise seeing Katherine and Jeanice there!

Jean and myself

Helen Dowsky working her magic doing a 'Hollywood themed' makeup look on Katherine!

She looked amazing afterwards, the red lip really suits her!

Meeting the gorgeous Leigh & very talented Helen!

All thoroughout the evening Tram and been saying how she was craving cupcakes,
so she bought us one each - The cutie!

She bought me a Red Velvet cupcake and got herself a Vanilla one!
It was the first time I've ever tried Red Velvet - So yum! (I must learn how to make it...)

Oh my gosh... the items we had gotten in our goodie bag!
Not only this, but they had given us a copy of this month's Cosmo magazine with an extra section just about makeup! I love it!

I'm eager to try the Nail foils, Garnier scrub and Volumising powder!
I have already tried the Nad's facial wax and to put it short- it's brilliant!

Thanks for reading!

Tutorial: Colourful Rainbow Eyeshadow Look

2012-02-20T23:57:00.000+11:00

Hi!

I previously did a rainbow look in 2010, here.

(I don't know why I didn't blog about it.... I was trying to look for the post!!)

This variation is more subtle since I'm only focusing the colour along my upper lash line.

I like both looks though!

Now the tutorial begins!

Step 1:

Start with bare lids.

I didn't use any primer since the jumbo eye pencil I'll be using kind of acts like one!

Step 2:

Cut a 2~3cm piece of sticky tape and stick it where you would like your eyeshadow to wing out.

I aligned it so that it was on the same angle as my lower lash line!

Step 3.

Using a white base, I'm using NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil..

Line along your lashline, this will be the base of you eyeshadow so it will be completely covered!

You don't have to be too careful since you can remove the unwanted base after this step.

I lined my upper eyelid how I wanted my eyeshadow to wing out, apply it like you would with liquid eyeliner, but thicker!

Step 4.

Using makeup remover with a Q-tip,

Clean out the edges so it's soft and straight.

My makeup removed is oil based so I dabbed my eyelid with a tissue so it wasn't slippery anymore.

Step 5.

Now grab all the colours you want to use! I used the colours of the rainbow, in that very order.

So from the inner corners of my eyes Red>Orange>Yellow>Green>Blue>Purple

I started with red in each corner and with each colour I added, I patted it onto the previous colour softly so it would create a gradient effect.

Step 6.

Once your satisfied, clean up any unwanted eyeshadow fall out and remove the tape!

Yay, a nice clean pointy line!

Step 7.

Line eyes, apple white eyeliner to your bottom water line, apply mascara to bottom lashes, curl and apply falsies!

You're done!!!

Yay! I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and found it useful.

Wandering little strand of hair

I'm as blind as a bat without my glasses :(

Products used (in order):

Manly 180 Palette (review here)

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

Neutrogena Makeup Remover

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black

Mirenesse Vibralash

Thanks for viewing!

Drugstore Flakie - Australis 'Speck-tacular' Swatches on top of 'Blackmail'

2012-02-15T22:37:00.002+11:00

Hi!

You would have not been able to imagine how excited I was once I had known that Australis has come out with these flakies!
I've always wanted a flakie every since seeing the Inglot ones being sold at IMATS and now there's a flakie under $10 at any leading retail store I walk into!

Strengthening top coat with holographic reflective flakes! Ohhh, so many goodies in one!

Flakies look 100% better against a dark background, I will be using Australis' 'Blackmail'.

Top: Australis Flakie in Speck-tacular

Bottom: Australis Nail Polish in Blackmail

Both nail polishes have the same brushes

I've used Australis nail polishes before and compared to Blackmail, it is very different to the consistency of my first two Australis nailpolishes.. It was not runny, has average drying time and has the right consistency.

Two coats of 'Blackmail'

The Australis flakie is not only gorgeous but it serves with a topcoat and strengthens nails too!

(Well we'll just have to see about the strengthening bit...)

Brush for the flakie, look at those pretty little specks!

2 layers of Speck-tacular on my nails on top of Blackmail!

And 3 days later...

The Speck-tacular top coat is holding up pretty well!

'Speck-tacular on top of 'Blackmail'

Left to Right: 'Blackmail' alone, 1 layer of 'Speck-tacular', 2 layers of 'Speck-tacular'

Gorgeous isn't it? I would like if the specks were a teensy bit bigger though!

I would love if Australis from this point, were to create more unique nail polishes that no other drugstore brand has, like holographics, magnetic and super super glittery ones!

Available at:

Leading retailers and pharmacies (Big W, Priceline, Target, etc)

Price:

RRP $8.99

Disclaimer: The products listed were gifts from Australis. All opinions are those of the author.

Glossybox - February Valentine's Edition

2012-02-14T14:36:00.002+11:00

Hi! Happy Valentines Day everyone!

When Sue had tweeted that Groupon was having a deal on $7 Glossyboxes, I straight away purchased my sister and I one! $7 for a Glossybox... When they're $15 a box. I've always wanted to sign up for beauty boxes, Glossybox in particular since they always seem to have the best value out of a majority of the beauty boxes.

Cutesy pretty packaging just for Valentine's Day! I had been expecting quite a bit from this box since it was Valentines Day.

It also came in a sturdy pink box, I can't wait to reuse it!

Lovely packaging!

Products in the box:

When I read 'Nail files' I pictured a 15~20cm nail file... The nail files turned out to be my favourite item in the box...

Ahhhh! So cute! 'Star and Rose' Emergency Nail Files. It came in rows of six which are detachable from the base!

I love it! It's so handy too since they're so compact and it is quite often when I break a nail and need to file it away!

Lollies, I knew these would taste like Rockets straight away as soon as I saw it!

Aww and they even had prints of cute little messages on each lolly!

Overall, I'm okay with this box. I don't really care so much about tanning, mascaras and even if I fall in love with the Proactive deep cleansing wash ($39.99), I would not repurchase since it's over $20.

I have never heard of 'Polished London' ($7.99), the shade looks lovely though! Different from any other shade I have.

I noticed that there are different variations of this February Valentine's Edition box.
I wish I had gotten the 'Spongeables' sponge heart in my box... Looks so exciting!

I'll stick around for the next box and see how that goes ☺.

NOTD: Striped Pink Hearts - Valentine's Day Themed Nail Art

2012-02-09T14:29:00.001+11:00

Hi!

I decided to do girly nude sparkly nails for Valentines Day!

It was fun and didn't require much effort *yay

Post on how I spent Valentine's Day here

Used:

Ulta3 in Allure

BYS Pink

L.A. Colours Nail Art Polish

I didn't have a baby pink so I mixed a dark pink, a drop of Allure and two drops of a white nail polish.

I haven't used a top coat over the rhinestone yet! I've been expecting it to fall off by now... Hehe.
The little hearts on my middle finger and thumb look really sloppy but from far away they look fine!

Video Tutorial: Wearable Coloured Eyeliner Makeup

2012-02-07T00:33:00.000+11:00

Hi!

After purchasing two BYS eyeliners, I realised that I didn't know how to wear it!

So I came up with this look and I'm pretty happy with it.

Wearable Coloured Eyeliner Makeup Tutorial from Alice Phan on Vimeo.

I initially uploaded the video onto YouTube but it kept getting pixelated throughout the video.. I don't know why. I assume it's because I edited the video on Windows Lives Movie Maker? At least on Vimeo it's much less pixelated!

I also apologise for the font. I couldn't get a suitable shade besides white..

Products used:

* Australis Concealer in Dark

* Mirenesse Pearl Crush Creaseless Shadows

* NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

* BYS Eyeliner in Ocean Green

* Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black

* L'Oreal Studio Secrets Mascara Primer Base

* Mirenesse Vibralash Mascara

Geo Tri Color Lenses

.... Stay tuned for my third video in a years time! (hehe)

And don't forget to enter my giveaway to win $25 Spreets credit!
http://arsyparsy.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/open-giveaway-25-spreets-credit-on-any.html
Giveaway ends 13/02/2012!

Review & Swatches: Affordable Reds - Ulta3, BYS & NYX

2012-02-02T22:33:00.002+11:00

For a while I've been looking for the perfect affordable red...

I never like to spend much, I always carelessly spend on items under $5... (But it sure adds up! A BIG example are my eBay purchases...)

These are three lipsticks I've bought each for less than $5!

L>R Ulta3 in Wet Red, BYS in Crimson Joy and NYX in Snow White

I'm not too fond of the packaging of Ulta3 and BYS because everytime I close the lid, the lid chips a bit of the top of the lippie off.

Arm swatches:

Top to Bottom: NYX in Snow White, Ulta3 in Wet Red and BYS in Crimson Joy

Lip swatches:

Top with flash and bottom without flash

Ulta3 in Wet Red

$2.95

Very very wet, it glides on so smoothly and does not dry out my lips at all because of that.

It's more of a brighter red out of the three but I don't really like this one because of it's consistency.

It lasts for a few hours but throughout the 2~3 hours, It bleeds and I still feel the moisture on my lips.. Which I don't like at all.

I purchased mine from a pharamacy at Cabramatta which stocks Ulta3 products.

BYS in Crimson Joy

$3.95

I think that this is the right balance between a bright red and a dark one.

The lasting power is around 2~3 hours. It is very creamy and does not dry out my lips.

I've worn this lipstick here.

Available at Gloss, Reject Shop and Fashion Addict

NYX in Snow White

$4.00

I love love love this red! I think it is the perfect dark red.

I previously written a review here by the way! And NYX lippies in general, here.

I purchased mine from Cherry Culture.

Out of the three lippies, I like BYS' Crimson Joy and NYX's Snow White the best!
I would definitely repurchase both of them!

[OPEN] Giveaway: $25 Spreets Credit on Any Daily Deal!

2012-01-23T21:42:00.000+11:00

Hi!

If you know me, I absolutely love bargains! At the start of each day as soon as I hop on the computer, I skim through all my bookmarks of group buying websites.

What is a 'group buying website' and how does it work?

After selecting your city on the website, it will list the deals within your city.
These deals are categorised into Adventure, Beauty, Fitness, Online shopping, Food and Travelling.

Through browsing these daily deals, you'll be able to treat yourself trying out new restaurants, going out on adventures and pampering yourself at great prices.

After purchasing a deal, you'll receive a voucher via e-mail.

A group buying website, Spreets - Daily deals Sydney, has kindly given my readers a chance to obtain $25 credit on any daily deal they have!

I mainly look out for beauty and food deals since they are the ones I'm most interested in. My sister and I are actually going to a Thai restaurant tomorrow with coupons we had purchased at a great price from another group buying website, here.

You can check out all the deals Spreets has going on in your city Daily deals.

This credit does not expire and will be sent to you in a form of a code via email.
You don't even have to use all the credit in one go, you can save it for later deals!

This giveaway is available to everyone within Australia!

Rules:
Please put all your entries into one comment.
This giveaway is only open to people IN Australia.

Mandatory entry:

You must be following me via Networked Blogs just make an account with Facebook and click the follow button! (here). Leave your Facebook name.
Leave an e -mail for me to contact you on if you win this giveaway!

Optional entries:

*Follow me on Twitter. Leave your Twitter username (+1)

*Tweet about the giveaway and paste me the link. (To get the link click the time/date of your tweet) (+3)
"I just entered @arsyparsy's giveaway for a chance to win a $25 @Spreets credit to any deal! You should too! http://arsyparsy.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-giveaway-25-spreets-credit-on-any.html"
*Follow via GFC. Leave your GFC name.(+1)
*Follow Spreets on Twitter. Leave your Twitter username. (+2)

*Like Spreets on Facebook Leave your Facebook name. (+2)

If you are unable to enter by the widget below, comment your entry below and I'll type in your entry into the draw!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end 13th, February 2012 at 11PM

Please feel free to ask my any questions about this giveaway.
Thank you for entering and Good Luck!

Review: The Face Shop Black Head EX Nose Clay Mask

2012-01-21T10:44:00.000+11:00

I purchased this item off eBay for quite a steal while looking for blackhead removal products, it also came with 2 samples of other Korean products! But the listing for the seller I got it off isn't available so I'll link other listings that have free shipping too!

I've always used Biore's strips for my blackheads but I found it kind of complicated to use since once you put it down, you can't remove it and it had only achieved 50% of what I wanted.

When I had the time (and found the product in my mess of a room) I finally got a chance to try it out!

I've seen one of TheFaceShop's store in Sydney but I had never gone inside! But I'm guessing it's a big Korean brand, since it has spread out to Australia.

I hardly read the details on eBay listing so the bottle was smaller than I expected being about 13cm and 50g of product.

Product information from Sasa:

"The Face Shop Black Head EX Nose Clay Mask is a peel off mask that is designed for deep cleansing and dissolve blackheads. Contains Mulberry, Coix Seed and black rice extracts, which has anti-aging properties, leaving skin shine with healthy glow, youthful and supple."

How to use:

1. Apply Nose Clay Mask to your nose with full coverage.

Spread it thickly. If you spread it too thin, it couldn’t be work.

2. Wait 10~15 minutes for the mask to dry.

3. Peel it off bottom to top against the skin.

Rinse your nose thoroughly with water.

(source: here)

I love reading information about the product I'm going to use :( Shame.

Sealed with plastic

Foil bit to peel off

I washed my hands and began to squeeze it out of the bottle. It was a really thick and sticky texture, it had a floral fragrance with a tinge of some kind of fruit.

I spread 2 thick layers across my nose, I was being a bit paranoid so I think I spread on more than I needed. After applying, wait 10~15 minutes until the entire mask hardens.

Peel it against your skin, top to bottom. Wash your face of any parts of the mask still left over. Peeled off, and lucky for you my camera can't capture all the gunk.

After I peeled it off, as usual, my nose had felt super smooth and all of the blackheads on the very sides and tip of my nose had come off. I surprisingly didn't feel any pain besides the mask tugging from my skin, oppose to the Biore which hurt really really bad! But your experience with it may be different from mine.

Product: 4.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Quality: 4.5/5

Price:

eBay @ $4.50~.70USD
(Two listings: here & here)

Sasa @ $9.00

Notes:

I took a shower before applying the clay mask to open up more pores and just washed my face with cold water since I don't have a toner or pore minimiser.

Even though the tube is pretty small, I see about 15 uses out of it which is so much more cheaper than using the strips that come 6 in a pack for $5!

Would I recommend this product?

Yes! Just remember to use steam to open up your pores first or it won't work! I think this is an awesome mask compared to the strip ones since sometimes the strip ones still leave the stubborn black heads, using this product you can just go over those stubborn blackheads by spreading the mask over any part of your skin and it'll be gone once you peel it off!

Would I repurchase?

Yes! I looove it and it's so cheap!

KKCenterHK Stamping Nail Art Review

2012-01-17T19:45:00.000+11:00

Hi!

I was given a chance by KKCenterHK to try out a stamping nail plate from their store.

I had always wanted to try out these plates!

I received this plate and a stamping kit:

It is a template of tips in horizontal lines, stars, leopard, lines and plaid.

You can purchase this plate from their store here

The nail art stamping tool and plate came in different ziplock bags with a sticker of the company's information.

The three products came new and unflawed.

The metal plate had a clear cover over it.

Stamping using the plates is such an amazing process! The rubber stamp picks up all the nail polish left in the template after its been scraped. During the whole thing you have to be quick though, I took to long taking pictures of it that it dried out on me.

Step-by-step image on the KKCenterHK site:

I used false nails to test the plate and stamping tool on.

I started off with using the middle template with stars using Sea Gurl

Scraped off and stamped

Not bad.

I decided to use blank false nails instead to stamp the rest.

I'm so excited!!!!

It stamped just how I expected it to.

How much nail polish that was still stamped on depended on the angle that I scraped the nail polish off.

It was pretty tricky to get the hang of at first but yes *success*

I can't wait to buy more!!!!

I just think that the plates should be circular so it could fit in the plate holder things!

Product: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Quality: 4/5

Price:

KKCenterHK @ $4.74USD

(The cheapest shipping to Australia is around $2.50 by the way!)

Would I recommend this product?

Yes. They have quite a range of plates from their website along with their new plates that have 42 patterns on it each, but only two of the smaller plates were appealing to me.

Would I repurchase?

Yes, but maybe from another place if I can find it cheaper else where. It's really hard to find pretty plates that I want, especially on eBay since it's so tough to win the bids! But I want lots of cutesy plates with flowers, ribbons and lace on them!

This product was sent to me for consideration but has no way influenced my opinion, read further on my Disclosure Policy.

Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Choose Me! - Swatch + Review

2012-01-15T22:37:00.000+11:00

Exactly a month ago I was wandering with my friend around Westfields at Burwood for the first time.

We spent quite a while in Target going through the products in the beauty aisles.

While looking for bargains, I saw a new brand! 'Essence'. I got all giddy going through their nail polishes @ $2.55 each, narrowing down which ones I was going to buy. Their entire range of nail polishes had been completely untouched when I first saw it... I didn't think it'd sell out so fast!

I ended up with 'Choose Me' and 'Make it golden' because I love love love glittery/shimmery nailpolishes! I don't have much of them though. I had previously used Make it golden in my nail art post here.

Well anyway, I finally had a chance to try out Choose Me! And I love it!

Except that I think it's a bit overwhelming on it's own so after adding or applying it differently, I thought it looked much better!

The shade is actually more of a greenish-blue with a slight golden sparkle! No matter how I tried to take the picture, I just couldn't capture the green! It just looks blue. I google imaged it and I dont think anyone else was able to either....

The bottle is pretty small being 0.16 fl.oz which is approximately 5ml

A normal size bottle is usually 14ml so this is pretty small.

The cap for each of the nail polishes from Essence's range has the shade of the nailpolish on it along with the name on a sticker.

Flat brush

Choose Me! applied with 2 layers:

*unbelievably super sparkly if you see it in real life!

Trying to go for the backdrop of where Ariel would live (in the deep deep deep ocean):

Gradient layers (my favourite!):

And last of all, Choose Me! without painting in the half moons:

So many types of ways to use the nail polish! I love it!

Pros

Many shades and types to choose from

Moderately quick drying

Cons

None

Product: 4/5

Packaging: 3/5

Quality: 4/5

Price:

Target (as far as I know) @ $2.55

Would I recommend this product?

Yes! They have so so so many shades that I think everyone would like!

Would I repurchase?

Cheap nail polishes in Australia.... I don't come by that very often! Yes!

I hope this review helped ☺

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned in this review was purchased by the author.

Review: L'oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner

2012-01-03T19:15:00.001+11:00

Hi!

After winning a giveaway on L'oreal Beauty Confidential, I received a L'oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss pack which included shampoo, conditioner and conditioning shine spray!

I had received this pack more than a year ago and after finishing my last few bottles of Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner, I was able to finally try it out!

What the product claims to do..

Elvive Nutri-Gloss Shine Shampoo:

"L’Oréal Paris ELVIVE Nutri-Gloss Shine Shampoo penetrates the hair to deliver feather-light, root-to-tip nutrition leaving it thoroughly clean and ultra-shiny all over."

Elvive Nutri-Gloss Shine Conditioner:

"L’Oréal Paris ELVIVE Nutri-Gloss Shine Conditioner instantly detangles hair without weighing it down, restoring shine and vibrancy."

Elvive Nutri-Gloss Conditioning Shine Spray:

"A leave-in shine enhancing conditioner you can use everyday, in a spray that's light and quick to use"

(This product has been discontinued so I won't be doing a detailed review on it, a similiar product to this that L'oreal has just launched is this one I believe)

My take on the products...

Note: My hair is normal, my scalp is dry and I shower every second day because my hair ends up getting oily quick.

Initially, I had been using only the L'oreal conditioner and Pantene for shampoo. The conditioner had a very discreet pleasant scent and was working well on it's own. My hair didn't get oily until midway into the 3rd day since I only applied the conditioner to my ends and I felt like my hair had gotten less tangled making it smoother.

Afterwards, I decided to use the shampoo and conditioner together to see if there would be any changes. After continually using both products every second day, I found that my hair was smooth, less tangled and it had gotten less oily. Along with the plus sides of using both the conditioner and the shampoo, my hair had started to become more stiff and 'straw-like', just how I remember my mum's hair to be which I suppose is the reason for the lack of shine. Occasionally I would use the conditioning shine spray on my ends which smooths out my hair, detangling any knots instantly along with giving a temporary shine.

I didn't think that the shampoo was necessary besides making my hair that little bit more smoother. The conditioner worked fine on its own along with whatever shampoo you would choose to use. I don't believe that the shampoo is 'feather-light' since I don't see any difference in volume.

The product also claims to have 'Proven results' for a 'mirror shine, cashmere touch'.

I think everyone who purchased this item was captivated by the idea of their hair being smooth and having an amazing shine. My hair is definitely smoother but I don't think I would compare it to cashmere and I had found no change in the amount of shine.

Overall, I think this product is perfect for me! It's the first time I've found a product that I've been really happy with! I might drop the shampoo though and use something else since I feel like I don't really need it.

Available at: Any leading retailer

Price: $4~6

Would I recommend this product?

If you have normal hair like me and you're looking to have your hair become tangle free and smooth, then go for it! But your hair will become more 'straw-like and stiff, I can't really explain the texture. So if you have dry hair this product is definitely not for you!

Would I repurchase?

Yes! Definitely the conditioner. Plus it's affordable! *yay*

Note:

I read from a majority of reviews that putting the conditioner anywhere near the scalp, it'll create itchiness and a dry, flaky scalp. So be aware of that if you're planning on trying out this product!

Also, L'oreal has a whole range of products for different types of hair.
Damaged, Dry, Wavy or Coarse, Coloured and Split ends! But I'm not sure if the other products work just as well.

Blogger Kris Kringle Package Received!

2011-12-28T19:30:00.002+11:00

This Kris Kringle was organised by the lovely Melody and Jennifer for bloggers around Australia.

I was super excited to join but was hesitant at the same time because I am the worse gift-giver ever!

But since they had provided categories of what type of presents we would like to recieve.. It made it so much easier! Well I ticked off that I wanted makeup and food/snacks :D

Well this morning the mailman dropped a package at my door step...

It was a box! I knew it was from my Kris Kringle :3

I was so excited to know who my KK was!!!!!!!

After cutting off the layers of tape and reading the card and handwritten message...

Eeee!!!!!!!!!!!! So many cute stuff!

Awwww she wrote a letter! She is most positivelyyyy the sweetest!

And look at that sparkly card! Naw.

As soon as I read the letter I hopped on the comp to look at her blog!

It turned out to be Twee! Awww what a surprise since I recently started following her :)

She had packed quite a few goodies in the box :)

She said that she picked the snacks that she liked most!

Snacks:

I was so suprised when I saw these snacks!!!

They looked so cute!!

Snacks that I would see around but would never buy :p

The green box one is my favourite!!!! I haven't eaten it in ages :D

I haven't tried the small packet peach one or the one on the right before..

I'm guessing it'd taste like hello panda!

I'm sick at the moment so I can't munch on these yet :(

Beauty products:

I was so excited when I saw the face mask!! I've always wanted to try it out.. But I was always unsure on which one to try :( And here is my chance!!! :D

I'm super excited to try out the eyeshadow, it has so many vibrant colours! I really like the blue one!!!

The lashes are in such cute packaging, I've never had lashes that looked so natural before :D

I totally think that she read my mind when she bought the liquid liner.... It's a product I use non stop!!! Yay for backups :)

Cute accessories:

I was squealing when I saw the decoration kit! I've always seen them online... Now I have one of my own!
The HK clip and Anna Sui inspired mirror keychain are adorable!!

Twee handpicked all my ideal gifts I would ever want to receive!

I honestly think that she read my mind.... Some how....

Thank you so much Twee! ♥♥♥

I can't wait to use everything!!!!!!!!

SO so sososoosososo excited!

And thank you Melody & Jen for organising this blogger KK!

Bye!

Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Blush in 'Flash It': Swatches and Review

2011-12-27T21:51:00.000+11:00

Hi!

I recieved an Australis blush in 'Shoot to Thrill' from ABBW but I thought it was a bit too pink for me... But it applied perfectly! It had such a smooth buttery feel!

Since receiving the blush from ABBW I had slowly grown fond of their brand. I never really noticed them, and their image has changed dramatically! I remember they use to have a logo of a little sun... I think their new image suits them and their products so much better!

So when I saw Flash It at Priceline and swatched it.... I was absolutely madly in love!!!!!!

I was a bit hesitant on the pink but once the blushes are mixed together, it turns into such a beautiful shade!

I was contemplating between Flash it and Poser which were both gorgeous but settled for Flash it since it could produce so many shades of my ideal blush!

It comes in plastic snap case packaging with a mirror.

I think it's the perfect size for a blush especially since it has 4 types in it!

Isn't it pretty!! I looks like the prettiest speckled dinosaur egg!

I've decided to label the shades to make it simplier and show you which colours I mixed to achieve the following shades.

Swatches:

Single swatches of 1, 2, 3 and 4 in their correct order

w/o flash

with flash

Arm swatch

They don't really show up on their own..

Now this is the awesome part!

All those three swatches below were made from just swirling a couple of the shades together!

Isn't that awesome?

Left: w/o flash & Right: with flash

Swatch 1: Mixing blushes 1 & 4

Swatch 2: Mixing blushes 2 & 3

Swatch 3: Mixing 1, 2 & 4

My favourite one is the third swatch! It looks coral-bronze with a slight shimmer!

I usually don't like shimmer in my blushes but I think this is gorgeous!

I'm wearing swatch 3 below:

I don't think you can see it very well :(

What they say:

What is it Perfectly blended multi-coloured blush that allows for customised shades to suit any complexion. Formulated with light reflecting and balancing photochromatic pigments that assist to create instant camera ready photos. Pigment is high in Mica content providing intense colour payoff. The blush is enriched with Jojoba and Grape seed oil to lock in skin moisture and soothe the skin.

Why we love it A smooth feel with intense colour payoff that provides an instant glow that highlights and contours cheeks. The marbled effect allows shades to be customised to suit individual complexion.

Pros

Packaging

Easy to blend as it's super smooth

Pigmented

Cons

Might be too shimmery if you apply too much!

Notes

I love this blush! But since half the blushes have shimmer in them it is likely that you would pick up too much shimmer, so that was one thing I had to be cautious about!

Product: 4.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Quality: 4.5/5

Price:

Priceline, Big W and other leading retailers @ $12.95

Priceline usually has a buy 3 for 2 on Australis products so keep an eye out on those!

Would I recommend this product?

Yes! I think this blush would suit many skin tones and it's really easy to blend.

It's also awesome as you can use the lighter shades as a highlight!

Would I repurchase?

Yes! I still want Poser...

Thank you for reading and I hope this review has helped ☺!

Bye!

Non-beauty Related Post: Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T15:59:00.001+11:00

Just a post to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I hope you are all having a lovely day spent filling yourself up with delicious food and being surrounded by loved ones!

I've come down with the flu and have been having really odd sleeping patterns.
I ended up sleeping at 5am this morning and woke up at 6.20am since I was coughing so much :(

Yeah not good...

Being awake odd hours leaves me with nothing to do so I've been creating a few miniature things to pass time... This morning, waking up at 6.20am, I made this little felt plush christmas tree. Since it is Christmas :)

I made a tutorial for this plush here if you're interested :).

This morning I also gave my dad and aunty small gifts for Christmas..

Essence & a mug filled with goodies

A card I had created for them! I've made a tutorial here

For Christmas I bought my boyfriend a pair of Vans and a belt from Tarocash

I didn't get him anything fancy schmancy, just things I thought he needed!

And to my surprise he really liked both gifts!

I also made him a card. I think this is the best card I've made so far!

My boyfriend got me a Pandora bracelet!

I was really surprised when he had gifted this to me because I was planning on saving up to buy one for myself! And he added a little present on it for my birthday :)

Well, I hope you're all having a lovely day..

Where ever you are and whatever you're doing :)

I blog often here: http://wonderarsy.blogspot.com

I blog about every single thing you can think of! ☺

Please drop by for a moment if you can!

Bye!

Barry M Lip Paint in Peachy Pink - Swatch + Review

2011-12-16T15:47:00.001+11:00

Hi!

Barry M Lip Paints were $2~3/each on ASOS the other month.

Nearly half price as they're usually $5~7.

My friend was buying a few things off there and got me the Barry M Lip Paint in Peachy Pink!

I really like the sleek matte packaging

The colour is gorgeous in the tube!

I have super dry chapped lips so once I applied this lippy, it just accentuated every bit of it (But what lipstick that I own haven't?... I just have to remember to moisturise my lips before applying any lippie!).

When at first applying it, it was a bit patchy. It took a couple of layers to get it to become even.

Being a 'Lip Paint' it had to be pigmented! And indeed, it was.

The consistency is just the perfect amount of creaminess though.

The shade shows up as a matte warm coral and a slightly pink nude.

I think I look a bit washed out with this lip colour... But I still like it!

Swatches:

With flash/ without flash

With flash

Without flash

The size of the lipstick was definitely a lot smaller than I expected!

Compared:

What Barry M says:

"With over 30 shades to suit every mood and taste from softly shimmering pastels to vibrant colours All Lip Paint's have a soft, beautiful smooth texture that is packed full of natural moistures to help them glide on and stay comfortable to wear for hours."

Pros

Sleek packaging

Right consistency

Pigmented

No scent!

Cons

Patchy

Notes

This is actually the first Lipstick(/Lip Paint) I've ever encountered that didn't have a scent.

Or maybe I just can't trace it...

Product: 3.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Quality: 3.5/5

Price:

ASOS @ $4.24 ~ 7.61

Would I recommend this product?

If you're looking for a coral/orangey nude then this is for you!

They also have shimmery and frosty lip paints too but the consistency throughout each product (being creamy and pigmented) isn't the same.

As mine was extremely matte, it lacked in being moisturising.

So it is advised that you look up reviews before you buy any other lip paints!

Would I repurchase?

Yes!!! I really want Shocking Pink and Sunset *eek

I definitely should have gotten more shades when the sale was around, but I already have so many pinks!!!

Thank you for reading and I hope this review has helped!

xo, arsyparsy

♥

NOTD: Snow and Glitter Christmas Nail Art

2011-12-15T02:58:00.000+11:00

Hi!

It's a week and a bit until Christmas!

This was super fun to do and cute to wear along my fingertips all day long!

Thumb: Snowflake

Index: French tips and silver snow

Middle: Snowman on a cold snowy night

Ring: Christmas pudding

Pinky: Red with gold glitter

Nailpolishs used L>R:

Orly in Sweet Peacock

OPI in Big Apple Red

Essence in Gold

Sally Hansen in Sheer French Buff

OPI in My Private Jet

My favourite of them all!

The snowflake was incredibly simple and looked great even though I had messed it up!

Thank you for viewing!

I Got Mail: Coastal Scents Metal Mania 88 Eyeshadow Palette

2011-12-12T19:14:00.001+11:00

Yay for Black Friday sales!

I took advantage of Coastal Scent's 50% off sale..... 50% off!!!

That's a massive discount! I purchased the Metal Mania Palette here, the palette is $24.95 and with discount it turned out to be $12.48 USD.

Gerry and I split shipping so we ended up paying ≈$30 each in total! ☺

I've always wanted their palettes, Original in particular but I already have a Manly palette which has similiar shades. I really wanted this one here but the next day when I decided to buy it, it was out of stock :(

The shipping was super fast! It came in a week and a half :)

The palette I purchased has 88 shades which have a 'metal' look to it and are all slightly shimmery!

Here are a few pics:

Matte packaging with a slight shimmer

The many gorgeous 88 shades! The sizes of each eyeshadow pan were pretty small...

Has a mirror and along with 2 dual ended sponge applicators on either side

Swatches of 3 shades - Dark purple, black and white.

Not as pigmented as I expected them to be

Without flash and no base

I don't really like sponge applicators that come with packages, I find them pointless because they begin to deteriorate after a few uses.

I'm sooo excited to experiment with it this week!

I hope you're all having a great evening!

xo, arsyparsy

♥

L.A. Colors Moisture Lipstick in Black Velvet - Lipstick Swatch + Review

2011-11-22T15:38:00.001+11:00

Hi!

I purchased an L.A. Colors Moisture Lipstick in Black Velvet from a bargain shop at Parramatta.

I bought it for fun since I've never had a lipstick before and thought $2.50 wouldn't hurt even if it was bad quality..

I saw this brand show up often while shopping on CherryCulture as they have quite a range of nail polishes and eyeshadows!

I was playing with the lipstick before and was in a rush to leave the house that I put the wrong cap on the lipstick which squash it :(

So now it's flat and ugly.

I was copying Lady Gaga's look in a music video:

Don't my lips look teensy! I applied it with a lip brush.

It was so much more pigmented than I expected!

Swatches are riggidy because of my squashed lipstick hehe.

Without flash:

With flash:

What L.A Colors say:

"Moisturize your lips with Color. The unique contour tip perfects lip shape with a more precise application.

These lipsticks are enriched with Vitamin E & Aloe Vera."

Pros:

Goes on smoothly

Inexpensive

Available in 52 shades

(range shown here)

Cons:

Wears off after 2-3 hours

Scent
Packaging

Notes:

Since it was $2.50 at a bargain store I bet it's less than half the price in America! I've also seen L.A. Colors Lipsticks at many bargain stores, just keep your eye out at the counter!

Also, I only put the smell as a con because I don't like scented lipsticks, they make me feel gross.

This lipstick sort of smells Vanilla-ish... But I can bear it.

In my personal opinion I think that the packaging is tacky. I have another one in this sort of packaging and I ruined the top for that one too!

Product: 3.5/5

Packaging: 2/5

Quality: 4/5

Price:

Asian bargain stores @ $2.50

Cherry Culture @ $2.00

Would I recommend this product?

Yes! If you don't mind the packaging and scent.. why not?

It's not often you find such a cheap lipstick!

Would I repurchase?

If there's a shade that L.A. Colors has that I'm not willing to buy else where then yes!

The packaging is really annoying and kind of unattractive so I'd rather not.

Thank you for reading!

xo, arsyparsy

♥

NOTD: A mix of OPI shades

2011-11-16T12:19:00.001+11:00

Hi!

I tried to be a bit artsy the other night and experiment with nail art.... Pastel colours!

I don't have a very good eye for what colours go together so it didn't turn out so well...

OPI in Don't Know... Beets Me!, Do You Lilac It?, Gargantuan Green Grape and Alphine Snow

After many many many layers of nail polish, I succeeded!

But with so many layers came so much time to dry... And little impatient me couldn't wait any longer!

So I took a few nails that were way too thick and just stuck with a solid colour.

I used Pamplona Purple instead of Do You Lilac It? Because it just didn't match!

Yay! And I was much too lazy to do my right hand and just stuck with one shade of Pamplona Purple on all my nails :')

I hope you've all had a wonderful week!

xo, arsyparsy

♥