The Vanity Bag Diaries ...

8 May 2016 - Mother's Day & My Big News !

2016-05-08T12:10:00.000+10:00

8 May 2016 is a very special day for me and will always be one I will remember.

Today is my birthday and since it is the second Sunday in May, we are also celebrating Mother's Day today.

This Mother's Day is very special as I not only get to celebrate my beautiful mum but I also get to celebrate this day as a mother, my very first one.

I know I didn't share my pregnancy news on the blog (because of various reasons, pregnancy wasn't easy for me and I had a high risk pregnancy) but I wanted to finally share my good news and I thought what better day than Mother's Day. We have been blessed with a baby boy and he is going to turn 6 months soon. How time flies !

I wanted to do this quick post to share my little bundle of joy with you guys and take a moment to acknowledge all the moms out there. Happy mothers day to all the moms, you rock ! You deserve every bit of this day !

I am, what I am today, because of you mummy, I love you loads. Thank you for always being there.

Empties #15 - Products I have used Up !

2016-02-29T12:30:00.000+11:00

This post is long pending, I clicked this long time back but somehow just didn't manage to get this up.

Bodycare/Haircare

L'Occitane Milk Concentrate - I don't know where to begin, my love for this product is too much. This is a glorious, luxurious body cream, if you are willing to spend a bit more money, I would highly recommend it. When I am feeling spendy, I will definitely repurchase it. Review HERE

L'Occitane Almond Scrub - This is from the same range as above. I quite liked it but its not my favorite. If you want to try something from the range, I would recommend the shower oil or the milk concentrate. Repurchase, mostly not. Review HERE

The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel - This is an amazing body wash from The Body Shop. I absolutely loved it. If you love citrus fragrances this is a must try. Its perfect for summer. Previous mention HERE

Schwarzkopf Ultimate Oil Elixir* - I really liked this mask. What I loved was that it was a 1 min mask, which is perfect for lazy people like me. It made my hair soft and shiny.

Skincare

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash - I loved this face wash, simple and gentle. Overall, I have been loving this skincare range from The Body Shop. Review HERE

Lakme Clean Up Face Wash - This is also one product I repurchase when I can, this is available only in India. I love using this, it feels fresh and is perfect for morning showers.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream - I really like this cream, though its a bit rich for my liking and is mainly suited for winter. Review HERE

Olay Complete Defence SPF 30 - This is my go to sunscreen and has been so for years now. I will continue to repurchase it. What I like about this is, it feels like a moisturiser and is light and non sticky on the skin. Review HERE.

Fab India Vitamin E- This was nothing great, will not repurchase. Repurchase not.

Makeup etc.

Garnier Clean Sensitive 2 in 1 Gentle Makeup Remover - This is my favorite eye makeup remover and I have repurchased it multiple times and will continue to do so. Review HERE

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal - This is my favorite eye liner and I have repurchased it multiple times and will continue to do so. Review HERE

I am chucking out some polishes, Essie Enuff is Enuff, Loreal Femme Fatale and Loreal Opulent Pink. They are not finished but they are all thick and bad. I generally don't repurchase nail polishes but at some point I may repurchase the Essie one as I love it.

So this was my long list of empties, what did you trash recently ?

Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick - Review and Swatches

2016-02-22T12:30:00.000+11:00

'The Only 1 lipstick' is Rimmel's new lipstick launch in Australia. I haven't tried much from the brand's lip department except the Kate Moss Nude Collection but knowing they are so popular in the beauty community, I was super excited to try this range.

What the company says
•    A no compromise all-in-one lipstick that is challenging the lipstick history.
•    The perfect balance of high impact colour, moisture, all day comfort and staying power
•    Slanted lipstick bullet for an effortless application

The Only 1 lipsticks are very highly pigmented. I love that these lipsticks feel very nice and comfortable on the lips. They are neither matte nor glossy. There's a lot to offer in the shade department with 12 shades to choose from.

These lipsticks last fairly okay on me. I have had coffee and a full meal wearing these and they don't totally disappear like some lipsticks do. They wear off around the mouth, which is okay as I don't mind reapplying.

I have been getting a lot of wear of the red shade 'Best of the Best'. I love that its such a bold color, yet comfortable unlike bold matte formulas.

What I don't like about these lipsticks is the scent, they have a very strong fruity/fake rose types fragrance, though it doesn't linger much after you wear it and does not bother me that much, it is not my kind of fragrance. Saying that, I actually loved the scent of the Kate Moss Nude lipsticks. If you are sensitive to fragrance you might not like these.

I also don't like the look of the packaging much. The slanted tip also doesn't really help with precise application.

I have five shades to show you. Swatches in the order (top to bottom)

Peachy-Beachy
Pink a Punch
Naughty Nude
Best of the Best
You're all mine

Peachy Beachy, Pink a Punch, Naughty Nude, Best of the Best, You're all mine (top to bottom)

Overall I am pretty happy with the range and would recommend trying it, though it is not the Only 1 lipstick for me. Well, really no lipstick can really earn that place for me.

*These lipsticks were provided to me for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

Review - Kosmea Rose Collection !

2016-02-10T12:30:00.000+11:00

I was recently sent Kosmea's Rose Body collection and I was super excited to try the range as its an Australian natural skincare brand and the range is all about roses.

Kosmea is celebrating Valentine’s Day 2016 with its new sensuous Rose Body Collection - beautifully packaged for 14 February. The range retails for 29.95.

The Rose body collection consists of a body lotion and a hydrating rosewater mist.

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know I love face mists and the Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater mist didn't let me down. The facial mist smells absolutely heavenly and feels very fresh and hydrating on the skin. The packaging is simple and sturdy, and the mist sprays evenly. I use it before my moisturiser or as a refresher. If I am not taking a shower in the morning, I use the mist on a cotton pad as a quick cleanser/toner.

Kosmea Rose Body lotion has the same gorgeous fragrance as the mist. I love that these products have a pure rose fragrance and not artificial as can sometimes be with rose products. The Rose body lotion feels very moisturising on the skin. The lotion is very light and absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves skin feeling very soft and smooth.

Kosmea products have no mineral oils, artificial colours, petrochemicals, SLS/SLES, animal ingredients, artificial fragrances and are not tested on animals. Overall I really loved the range and would highly recommend giving it a go.

Kosmea is available nationally at David Jones, Terry White Chemists, Chemmart, selected pharmacies and health food stores.

*These products were provided for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

Win StayLean 14 Day Detox Program !

2016-02-05T23:30:00.000+11:00

Detox tea is all the rage these days and if you are an Instagram addict, you know what I am talking about. If you have always wanted to try the detox tea for yourself, look no further, StayLean Tea has kindly offered to giveaway the 14 Day Detox Program to one of our lucky readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One winner will be drawn at random. Please read the terms and conditions before entering. The giveaway is open to Australian residents ONLY.
The prize will be sent out by StayLean Tea. The giveaway closes on 19 Feb 2016.

*Images by StayLean Tea

Review - MAC Impassioned !

2016-01-18T12:30:00.000+11:00

Today we are talking about this stunner MAC shade, Impassioned.

Impassioned is a super bright pinky coral shade leaning almost a bit neonish but doesn't translate neon on the lips.
Its a gorgeous shade which will suit most skin tones both cool and warm in my opinion. Its a perfect spring summer shade. Its good both for day and night if you are comfortable wearing bright shades.

Its an amplified finish by MAC and feels comfortable and applies smoothly on the lips. It lasts for 4-5 hours on me and leaves a pretty stain behind.

The one problem I find is that it is not very forgiving on the lips and can accentuate the fine lines and dryness of the lips. It also has a tendency to settle into the lines. It is best to exfoliate your lips well before using this shade.

I love this shade, its a perfect bright summer shade for me. If you like MAC lipsticks and bright lipsticks, I would definitely recommend trying this.

Have you tried Impassioned ? Do you like it ? Which is your favorite MAC lipstick ?

Review - Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner !

2016-01-11T12:30:00.000+11:00

I have always wanted to try the ever popular Ro's Argan Body conditioner but it took me so long to buy it as I was not a fan of the fragrance, well at least at first.

I finally decided to buy it with some other Lush products. I started using it and gradually the sweet rose jam fragrance grew on me.

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner is described as a skin conditioner which works like a hair conditioner but for your body, or in other words you can also call it a in shower body lotion. You use it as a last step in your shower, slather it on your body and rinse it off and it will leave your skin moisturised. If you don't have dry skin, you can skip body lotion.

I am not going to lie the first time I used it, after rinsing it off, I did not feel completely clean, it was almost as if the product left a film on my skin and I kept rising my body like mad, but after drying off with a towel my skin felt normal and moisturised.

The cocoa butter, shea butter and the argan oil in the product leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

It is a pretty expensive product and not a must have in my opinion. I don't use it everyday but more as a pamper product on the weekend or when I am in the mood. The fragrance is also not for everyone, if you like sweet jelly like fragrances, then you will like it. It smells exactly like the Lush Rose Jam shower gel in my opinion. It is not sickly sweet smelling. Lush makes the skin conditioner in another fragrance called African Paradise. I have been really enjoying this product in my pamper routine.

If you like having luxurious pamper products in your shower give this a try.

Price - 32.50 $ (225 gms)

Products that did not work for me #3

2015-12-28T12:30:00.001+11:00

Hi guys, today I am sharing some products that did not work for me. Also referred to as disappointing products or products not worth the money/hype. Check out the previous versions HERE

Benefit Roller Lash - I did find this mascara to give good length and curl my lashes, however I found it to be a bit clumpy and did not find it volumizing enough for my liking.

Dove Foaming Makeup Remover - I like the concept of this makeup remover and its particularly good to use in the shower (if you shower at night, then its awesome). I found this makeup remover stung my eyes and its supposed to be working for waterproof eye makeup too so this just did not cut it for me.

EOS Lip Balm - This lip balm is sure cute as a button and I don't mind having it for how it looks. But this does nothing for me as a balm, its more like a gloss.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - This is the most disappointing of the lot as I had high expectations of it. I find that this liner slips on my eye shadows and I find it difficult to apply for that reason. Also when I start applying it, I don't find it pigmented enough as if product doesn't come out properly. I much more prefer Maybelline liners to this.

Have you tried any of these products ? What are your thoughts ?

Top 10 Makeup Brushes !

2015-12-21T12:30:00.000+11:00

In today's post I am sharing top 10 brushes that are most loved in my collection and that I constantly reach for. The featured brushes are a mix of Real Techniques, Models Prefer (in house Priceline brand), Coastal Scents, Sonia Kashuk, MAC and elf.

RT Multi Task Brush - I use this for powder mainly but I find this is a very good size for blush and bronzer too.

Models Prefer MP100 Airbrush - I love this for foundation, just as the name suggests it gives a very natural and air brush finish. This is perfect for powder as well.

Coastal Scents 110 - I love to use this as a buffing brush for foundation. This brush though dense has a lot of flexibility too so I find it very good for buffing. I prefer this over my Sigma brushes.

RT Accent Brush - I love this brush because this can used for so many purposes. This is good for applying shadow on the lower lash line or smudging liner on lash line. I like this for applying a bold lipstick. This can also be used for defining your lip line or brows with concealer.

RT Base Shadow Brush - I love this for placing shadow on the lids and also for blending the shadow.

MAC 217 - I love this brush. If I am doing an eye look that requires a lot of work I always use this brush for blending. I like that you can use this for packing shadow, placing colour on the crease and blending the eyeshadow.

Models Prefer MP26 Dome Smudge Brush - I use this for inner corner highlight. This can also be used to place color on the lower lash line.

Sonia Kashuk Spoolie - I use this for my brows. Does the job.

elf Blush Brush - I love this for blush. I find its the perfect size for blush and you cannot go overboard with this.

RT Setting Brush - I love this brush for concealer and also like to use it for setting the under eye concealer. This is also great for highlight.

Which are your favorite brushes ?

Different Ways to use Dry Shampoo

2015-12-14T12:30:00.000+11:00

Dry Shampoo is a hair product that I cannot be without. Though my relationship with them was very complex to start with as I expected it to be a magic product and clean my hair just like a normal shampoo would. Gradually I understood how to use them and since then dry shampoos have become a staple in my hair wardrobe.

In today's post I share with you 5 ways I use dry shampoo.

Absorb Oil - One of the main reasons to use dry shampoo is to extend the wash time. Dry Shampoos don't typically clean your hair but help in absorbing oil from your roots. I typically manage to dry shampoo my hair twice between washes. I find Batiste and Girlz Only great for absorbing oil, though Batiste is not my favorite as it has too powdery for my liking.

Texture - Dry Shampoos are fab for creating some texture in your hair. The Dove dry shampoo is great for adding texture to your hair and its also nice because it has very less powdery residue. When I want to tie my hair, I like to add dry shampoos to give it some texture to fluff up my pony tail.

Volume - Dry Shampoos are great for adding volume to your hair, a blessing for someone with flat hair, like me . Both Tresemme* and Dove dry shampoo are great at adding volume to hair. I love to use the Tresemme dry shampoo as it is practically invisible, so I love to refresh my hair in between with it.

Refresh after a gym/sweaty day - Dry shampoos are also a quick fix if you want to go out after a gym session or a sweaty day and your hair is in a mess and you don't have much time.

Make your hair smell good - You can use dry shampoos to make your hair smell good. Girlz Only and Tresemme dry shampoos are good for that as they have very less residue and awesome fragrance.

Check out the previous Ways to Use posts HERE.

What are the different ways you use dry shampoo ?

Products I have Repurchased #3 !

2015-12-07T12:30:00.000+11:00

In today's post I am sharing the products I have repurchased. I have done two of these before, you can check them out HERE.

Nivea Soft Cream - I keep coming back to this cream and mainly use it as my hand cream and keep it in my bag or on my desk. I love that this can be used for body and face as well so its good for travelling. Its a good, affordable, fuss free cream.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream - I have been really enjoying this cream during the warmer months, its nice and light and feels lovely on the skin. I have used the intense version of this cream and liked it too but that was more of my winter cream.

Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray - I love this heat spray as it does the job and is affordable. I love the smell too.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - I love this for quick cleansing or removing my face makeup. I love that it is easily available and also that it is so affordable.

Vaseline intensive Care Spray Moisturiser - This has been featured multiple times on my blog and now I am on my third bottle of this. This is a dream come true for lazy girls like me. Mentioned HERE, HERE and HERE.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist - I love this sunscreen and have repurchased it multiple times. I love to use this spray for my body as its so light as I hate thick and sticky sunscreens. Review HERE

Which are your most repurchased beauty products ?

5 Beauty Instagram Accounts that you should follow !

2015-11-30T12:30:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone, in today's post I am sharing my current favorite Instagram accounts that I think you should follow! Keep in mind pretty much most of them revolve around beauty and makeup as those are the accounts I enjoy the most. In no particular order here are the accounts I have been obsessed with.

From top L (clockwise) - thebeautycollection, loreebloom, beautybucketeer, the_beauty_vine, jasminetalksbeauty

https://instagram.com/thebeautycollection/
Ash has the most beautiful pictures. I love her style of photography, so clean and crisp and so consistent. Her feed is just is perfect.

https://instagram.com/loreebloom/
Loi has the most stunning flatlays with a mix of beautiful makeup and designer bags, wallets, shoes etc. Her instagram account has major drool worthy set of pictures. Again her pics are very clean and crips with the most white background. If you love makeup and designer stuff, you should definitely check her out. She also has some quotes thrown in sometimes.

https://instagram.com/jasminetalksbeauty/
I love Jasmine's blog. I love her posts and recommendations.
She has a good mix of food and makeup. Her photos are mostly against the beautiful marble backdrop though she keeps changing it. Her photos I fell have a warm tone to them which I love.

http://instagram.com/beautybucketeer/
Stephanie again has the most gorgeous makeup pics. Her instagram account mostly features makeup with some random bits thrown in. Her makeup collection is humongous and I wish I could get all of it one day. Must follow if you are a makeup lover.

http://instagram.com/the_beauty_vine/
Lou has a lovely instagram account but what I love most about her account is her nail posts. She does the most gorgeous nail pictures with the most perfect manicure ever. Her manicure is always accompanied with pretty rings. Must follow if you love jewellery and nails.

Which are your favorite Instagram accounts ? Do you follow these beauties ?

These pics are not mine and have been taken from the respective Instagram accounts.

Products that did not work for me #2

2015-11-23T12:30:00.000+11:00

Hi guys, today I am sharing some products that did not work for me. Also referred to as disappointing products or products not worth the money/hype. Check out the previous version HERE

MAC Sheertone Dollymix and Peachykeen (41 AUD each)
I bought these two blushes from MAC when my love for makeup started. Peachykeen was my first purchase and when I bought it I did get some good use out of it. However, I gradually realized shimmer blushes were not for me. Both these blushes though beautiful in color have good amount of shimmer in them which is visible on the cheeks and not in a flattering way, at least IMO. This is not a bad product but just not my preferred one.

Sigma E40 (23 AUD)
E40 is a good brush in terms of the shape and usage, but not sure if I got a bad one or if its the case with all of them. Mine sheds like crazy, to the extent that when I am using it, it sometimes leaves hair on my face and its not fun.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (59 AUD)
I have already spoken about this in my high end skincare collective review, so my rant here is pretty much the same. When you give in to the hype and buy things and the product doesn't work for you, you can't help but be disappointed. That's exactly how I feel about this mask. This mask absolutely does nothing for my face. I don't see any difference to how my skin feels nor does it look any brighter. It just feels like I have applied some fancy expensive orange jelly to my face. If you really want to try this mask, I would highly recommend getting yourself a sample first to try.

Benefit Benetint (55 AUD)
This is not a bad product as such but in my opinion its not worth the hype and the money. I also feel that I have to really pack it for it to show up on my face or cheeks.

Have you tried these products ? What do you think of them ? Which products did not work for you ?

Collective Haul and Review - Mecca Maxima and The Body Shop !

2015-11-16T12:30:00.000+11:00

I recently did a mini haul from The Body Shop and Mecca Maxima. In today's post am sharing my haul and also mini review of the products I got.

The Body Shop Stuff

Vitamin E Moisture Cream - I have raved about the Vitamin E facial wash here and also really enjoyed the Vitamin E intense moisture cream. So I decided to try the Vitamin E moisture cream this spring/summer and have been really enjoying it. This is my second tub. It is a light, refreshing and quick absorbing cream, perfect for summer.

Vitamin E Face Mist - This face mist is good as a quick refresher or to give your skin a moisture boost. I use it before my cream as an added layer of hydration or throughout the day as a refreshing face mist. On very hot days I can even skip my moisturiser.

Early Harvest Raspberry Shower Gel - This was from a limited edition range and I got this in spring discount. I don't think its available anymore. I love citrus and berry fragrances and The Body Shop Raspberry shower gel is just perfect. Its refreshing and has the most gorgeous zingy scent perfect for morning showers.

Bath Lily - I love The Body Shop loofahs, they are soft and last really well, more than any others I have tried. This is also a repurchase.

Mecca Maxima Stuff

Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser and Drying Lotion - I bought both of these for the husband. I do think that the facial cleanser really works on his skin and I can see a definite difference. This is a repurchase. The drying lotion is something we have not tried yet, but I have read so many good reviews about this that I am sure it will be great.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light - I have been trying this for a little while and have been really enjoying it. This powder reminds me of the MAC MSFN, almost undetectable on the skin but just makes your skin look good and does the job.

Soap and Glory Smoothie Breakfast Scrub - I love this stuff so much so that when I was out of it I started missing it like crazy. This is one of the best body scrubs I have tried and it smells fantastic too. If you like food smelling products, do yourself a favour and try this, you will not regret it. Its heavenly. Detailed Review HERE

Have you tried any of these products ? What do you think ?

Review and Swatches - Wet n Wild Comfort Zone

2015-11-09T12:30:00.000+11:00

I had heard so much about the Wet n Wild range from US Bloggers and I finally understood the hype after trying my first trio from them in Silent Treatment.

After loving and using Silent Treatment for long, I decided to by the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette.

Comfort Zone palette from Wet n Wild has 8 eyeshadows of wearable earthy tones. It has two columns that are quads of similar tones, the left more of a peachy bronze color family and the right of green.

Swatches

Comfort Zone palette just like the Silent Treatment trio is of very good quality. The shadows are smooth, creamy and super pigmented. The shadows are very easy to work with and blend well. I love that this palette is a mix of good neutral shades with a bit of color thrown in.

This palette is available from Crush Cosmetics for 12 AUD.If you haven't tried Wet n Wild eye shadows, I would highly recommend them.

Loving Now - Brows, The Body Shop, Fleur De Force and More !

2015-11-05T12:30:00.000+11:00

In today's post I am sharing my current favorites.

If you have been a regular reader of my blog you know I love tinted brow gels as my go to product for brows. I have been loving the Rimmel Brow This Way tinted brow gel*, I love the color and that its quick and easy to use. I hauled the Ren Rosa Centifolia foaming cleanser a while back and have been really enjoying it, it smells great and is very gentle and relaxing on the skin.

I wanted to try the FleurDeForce makeup and bought the lip gloss in Starry Starry Night, its a gorgeous berry shade. I love that her glosses are not sticky at all and have decent pigmentation.

I won the Lady Jayne Metallic blush collection in a giveaway and have been loving adorning my hair with these gorgeous metallic pins. I have recently gotten into The Body Shop skincare and tried some Vitamin E products and have been loving the Vit E Moisture cream as my day and night cream, its a gorgeous, light cream perfect for the warmer months.

I have been enjoying the Soap and Glory Rich and Foamous shower gel, its so moisturizing and the smell has definitely grown more and more on me.

Last but not the least, I have been enjoying using the Sunsilk Damaged Hair Reconstruction shampoo*, it smells great and makes my hair super clean and soft.

* These products were provided for consideration. However, I was not paid for this post. My reviews/opinions are always honest.

Review & Swatches - Rimmel Brow this Way

2015-11-02T12:30:00.000+11:00

I was never a brow person as I have always had reasonably dark and thick brows and felt doing them made them look too done up and weird. But, last year saw me getting into brows and now am all about it. My favorite combination when I got into the brow game was MAC Esspresso and a clear brow gel and then later I discovered tinted brow gels and was all about them.

I haven't tried any brow kit (neither drugstore nor high end) or played with any wax brow products, so I was super excited to try the Rimmel Brow This Way range.

I received the brow sculpting kits in medium brown and dark brown. The brow kits have a cute compact yet sturdy packaging. Each brow kit comes with a two sided angled brush and a spoolie. The brushes though small, work really well. Both shades work okay for my colour. I think the wax shapes and defines my brows pretty well. The powder colors though a bit warm still work okay for me. The kit in my opinion is a very good drugstore offering, however I think it is too much work for me and I prefer my tinted brow gels. The one thing missing, is a mirror in my opinion could have been handy for on the go.

I have the brow styling gels in clear, blonde and dark brown. I haven't tried the blonde or the clear gel, but blonde looks like a good shade. Dark Brown is a very good match for me. I have been loving the dark brown shade and have been wearing it pretty much since I received it. The brush size is decent, not very massive, definitely not as small as the Loreal Brow Artist plumper but easy to work with. I find this shade to be darker than the Loreal brow gel and I prefer this shade for me. My eyebrows are thick and dark and on an every day basis I prefer the ease of brow styling gels. I like using them since they are quick but still set, define and fill in my brows.

Swatches (L - R) Wax Kits, Tinted brow gels

Overall I think the Rimmel Brow This Way is a good drugstore offering and I would recommend giving them a go.

Price

Rimmel Brow Sculpting Kit - $12.95

Rimmel Brow Styling Gel - $12.95

*These products were provided for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

Empties #14 - Products I have used up !

2015-10-26T12:30:00.000+11:00

Its been a while since I did an empties post. My trash has been accumulating over a few months now.

Bath and Bodycare

Palmolive Aroma Therapy Anti-Stress Shower Gel - I love Palmolive shower gels and I keep going back to this one. I love the fragrance, its so nice and relaxing. Will repurchase.

Dirty Works Body Butter - I really enjoyed this body butter. Loved the texture and fragrance. I do wanna try other products from the brand. Review HERE

The Body Shop Fijian Water Lotus Body Lotion - I loved this lotion and really enjoyed the fragrance. The lotion was light and absorbed really quickly into the skin. Review HERE

Kehl's Patchouli & Fresh Rose Body Cleanser - I loved this range from Kiehl's, gorgeous scent, really enjoyed this product. Will repurchase at some point, not immediately.

Glasshouse Hand Cream - This was decent as a hand cream, but a bit too fragrant for my liking.

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil - I hauled few products from the L'Occitane's Almond range and absolutely loved the shower oil. I think its worth the hype and money. Its a luxurious, nourishing shower gel. Review HERE

Skincare and Haircare

Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray - I like this heat protectant and have already repurchased it. Its pretty good, affordable and does the job. Smells good too !

Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser - I didn't like this, will not repurchase.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer - This was a very thick moisturiser and felt very heavy on my skin, though I enjoyed this during winter when my skin was acting funny and was too dry.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream - I loved this cream for winter. When my skin was too dry I mixed a drop or two of argan oil with this. I have really enjoyed The Body Shop Vitamin E range and have already bought this cream in the normal formula.

Dr. Lewinns Reversaderm - I enjoyed this as a day cream and really liked the packaging, though I didn't see much difference in my skin. Spoken about this HERE

Lush Mint Julips - I really enjoyed this lip scrub. It smells awesome and scrubs nicely. Will repurchase at some point.

Makeup, etc.

Artiste Brush Cleaner - This was okay and did the job. I have repurchased the Models Prefer one as its cheaper.

Wet n Wild Trio in Silent Treatment - I loved this trio. Wet n Wild shadows are great quality and so affordable. I loved the taupe shade and wore it in the crease or all over the lids. Review HERE, EOTD HERE

OPI Nail Envy - I really enjoyed this and it kept my nails in good condition. I wanted to try something else and have repurchased the Essie base coat.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in Bright Blue - I love the Rimmel Scandaleyes liner in black and have repurchased it multiple times. I do think that Bright Blue is exactly not the same formula and is not as soft but the color is worth it in my opinion. Review HERE

Savvy by DB Soft Glide Eyeliner in Brilliant Brown - I really liked this liner, it was great quality and so soft and would glide easily just as the name suggested. I do want to check other colours from this range. Review HERE

Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner - I didn't like this, it smudged easily on me. I just used it to finish it, will not repurchase it.

NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Coffee - This was a glossy bronze eye-liner, not the best performing. Though I enjoyed having it. Review HERE

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Liners - These are good liners but you can definitely find good ones at the drugstore too. So not worth the splurge in my opinion. I didn't finish all of them but they were too old so I decided to chuck them away.

Which beauty products did you trash recently ?

The SPRING Blush - Peaches and Coral !

2015-10-19T12:30:00.001+11:00

Following my SPRING Lip Edit, in this post, I am sharing my blush picks for the warmer weather !

I love peachy and coral blushes in spring/summer so you will definitely see a theme here.

MAC Peaches
Peaches is a matte, peach blush in sheertone finish by MAC. I love matte and sheer blushes. This shade is perfect for spring/summer and gives a nice warm flush to the cheeks. Perfect to pair with peachy, coral and orange lip colors. Previously mentioned HERE

Tarte Blissful*
Described as warm peach by Tarte. Blissful is a peach with a bit of pink and gives a natural peachy pink flush to the cheeks. Previously mentioned HERE

Tarte Captivating*
Captivating is similar to Blissful but lighter and paler to it in comparison. Its a true peach shade in my opinion and does remind me of MAC Peaches a lot. Previously mentioned HERE

Milani Luminoso

Luminoso is a peachy glowy shade and one of my favorite when you want to get the glow on. The Milani baked blushes are a great formula and if you like peachy glowy blushes, Luminoso is a must try. It gives your cheeks the required summer glow and warmth.

Tarte Tipsy*
Tipsy is a beautiful, matte, bright coral shade. Its gorgeous and will be amazing for summer. This pairs perfectly with coral lipsticks. If you like bright blushes, then you should check this out. Previously mentioned HERE

Which are your favorite spring/summer blushes ?
*These products were provided for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post nor am I obligated to write about it. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

Colour Theory Swatches and First Impressions !

2015-10-15T12:30:00.000+11:00

I was recently sent over a few Colour Theory products to try. Colour Theory* was launched in 2013 and is exclusively available at most Amcal, Amcal Max and Guardian Pharmacies. Their line includes products for face, eyes, lips and nails. The range is also available online at Amcal's website. The range is very affordable and has prices starting from $4 and nothing over $10.

I love the clear packaging, looks very clean and chic.

Eye Shadow Duo in 'Just Desserts' ($6)
The eye shadow duo in Just Desserts is a beautiful everyday combination of a neutral peachy shade and a dark brown shade. The light shade is matte and the dark shade has some shimmer in it. The eye shadows are reasonably pigmented and apply and blend easily on the eyes. The darker shade has better pigmentation than the lighter shade. Bonus points for eye shadow being paraben free.

Blush in 'Dollhouse' ($6)
The blush is a nice everyday pink color which gives a natural flush on the cheeks. The blush is not insanely pigmented but is not crazy sheer too, just the right balance, which I prefer as I am afraid of going overboard with pigmented blushes. The blush is very smooth and blends easily. The blush is also paraben free.

Lipstick in 'In the Pink' ($6)
My favorite, of the products I have tried, has to be the lipstick. In the Pink, unlike the name suggests is a coral shade and the formula is very moisturising and balmy. It reminded me of Revlon lip butters. This shade is perfect for the spring/summer season. The lipstick is also paraben free.

Swatches

Lip Liner in 'Sorority Sista' ($6)
The lip liner in Sorority Sita is a gorgeous everyday pink color. This shade can be paired up beautifully with pink or pinky nude shades. The lip liner is smooth enough that it doesn't tug the lips and you can comfortably fill in the whole lip.

Mascara Lengthen ($8)
I have been loving the mascara as much as the lipstick and the two are my favorite of the lot. I find the masacara gives me good volume and length for everyday. Sometimes you find the lengthening mascaras fail in the volume department but I find this to be a good all rounder. I don't find it very dramatic but perfect for everyday wear. I also find that it lifts and holds the curl well. Bonus points for the mascara being preservative, fragrance and paraben free.

Have you tried Colour Theory products ? Which ones will you recommend ?

*These products were provided for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Collection !

2015-10-12T12:30:00.000+11:00

I am a huge fan of a lot of Rimmel eye products but strangely haven't tried any of their lipsticks so when I was sent the Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Collection I was super excited to try them since I have heard so much about their lipsticks.

Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Collection* offers five nude shades in the lasting finish formula designed to suit each and every skin tone. The range also comes with a Moisture Renew Universal lip liner that goes with any shade of lipstick.

(L to R - 40, 42, 43, 45 & 48)

The range is available in the following shades :

40 - Described as a Pale Nude, is a pale, concealer like nude shade probably best suited to very very fair skinned in my opinion.
42 - Described as an apricot Nude, is a peachy, pinky nude, which should suit a lot of skin tones. Its a good start for a nude shade in my opinion as 40 seems a bit too light.
43 - Described as a Tan Nude, is a nude with orange undertones which should look good on most warm skin tones.
45 - Described as a Rose Nude, is a mauvey nude, it is the kind of shade I like and should look good on cool undertones.
48 - Described as a Coffee Nude, is not a nude in my opinion but almost a very dark coffee brown shade best suited for dark autumn lip.

The formula is creamy and has a sheen to it and feels very comfortable on the lips. The lipsticks have a very yummy candy like smell that doesn't linger once the product is on the lips. The lipsticks last on me for 4-5 hours.

I really like the universal lip liner from the range (not pictured, sorry), I already own a transparent lip liner and love the concept and just how convenient they are as they go with any lipstick and do the job.

I have very pigmented lips and there is not much difference in the lighter shades on me when I swatch them but you can see them swatched below on my hand and the colors show up beautifully here.

On me and my skin tone, I like the shade 45 and 48 and my favorite is probably mixing the two together makes a perfect MLBB for me, swatch HERE.

Overall I am very happy with the quality, the formula of the lipsticks, and definitely recommend trying them. However I do feel that there should have been more shades between the shade 45 and 48, and then the range would have catered to more skin tones .

This range is available at Priceline, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, etc.

Price :
Lipsticks - 12.95 $
Lip Liner - 12.50$

*These lipsticks were provided to me for consideration. However, I am not being paid for this post. My reviews and opinions are always honest.

GIVEAWAY TIME (Tarte, By Terry, Maybelline & more) !!

2015-10-07T23:00:00.000+11:00

Since the time I received this amazing Tarte package, I have been thinking of doing a giveaway including the Tarte Exposed blush, since I already own it and I don't need two.

So in today's post I am giving way some stuff to one lucky reader. The giveaway prize includes

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
Maybelline Super Stay Nail polish in Hot Salsa
By Terry Mascara Terrybly (Deluxe Sample Size)
Natralus Paw Paw ointment
Maybelline Color Drama in Fuchsia Desire
Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Me You Fool
Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black
Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Liquid eyeliner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One winner will be drawn at random. Please read the terms and conditions before entering. The giveaway is only open to Australian residents or anyone who can provide an Australian address. Please note any other entries will be deemed invalid. The giveaway closes on 22 October 2015 11:59 pm. The winner will be announced on 25th October 2015 and will be contacted. Good Luck !

3 Beautifully Shot Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos !

2015-10-05T12:30:00.000+11:00

I cannot even explain how much I love watching Get Ready with Me videos on youtube. If you think about it, it can seem bit of a stupid concept, watching someone get ready, but for me they are an absolute joy to watch and definitely one of of my favorite type of beauty videos to watch.

They just seem so relaxing and especially the girls are leaving no end in filming, so in today's post I am sharing with you 3 beautifully shot GRWM videos that I thoroughly enjoyed watching.

Birthday Get Ready With Me / JessicaBeautician

I started watching Jessica recently when she did a month of vlogs and I was hooked. She shared a lot of healthy vegan recipes in her vlogs which I really enjoyed even though I am not vegan, they were very inspiring ! She recently uploaded her Birthday Get Ready with me which was lovely. I love her filming style and the flow she has in her GRWM or vlogs.

The Date Night Get Ready with Me / ICovetthee

When you click on a video and then you keep clicking on it again and again, thats exactly what this gorgeously shot Date Night GRWM video did to me. I love Alix's videos in general, her vlogs are always shot beautifully but this was just wowza ! I love the filming, the details, the music and the red details. Its breathtaking, you have to see it to understand what I am talking about. How gorgeous Alix is looking ?

A Day in the City Get Ready With Me / Hello October

This is a recent video by Suzie. I loved the filiming, the editing and the details in the video. This is again one video I have watched a couple of times. I loved the part in the train and the part shot in the city. Well, yay I am crazy like that.

Do you like GRWM videos ? Share your favorite below.

5 Rose Beauty Products that we are Loving !

2015-09-28T12:30:00.000+10:00

Today's post features 5 Rose products I have been loving lately ! If you are not big on Rose products, there is still something in this post for you as these products are not typical rose products but have some rose element to them.

I am not much of a typical rose or sweet smell lover but still I decided to buy Ro's Argan Body conditioner because of the hype. I gradually started to love the smell. It is a sweet jam kind of a scent with some rose in it.

I have been loving the Nivea lip butter in Raspberry Rose recently, its a bang on raspberry scent with just a bit of rose, the raspberry is definitely more overpowering.

I was gifted the Kiehl's Patchouli & Fresh Rose set consisting of the body lotion, the shower gel and the EDT. I absolutely love the scent of this and would definitely repurchase the EDT some day. Kiehl's Patchouli & Freshrose Fragrance, is a beautiful floral smell with a subtle rose, fresh and citrus mix.

Burt's Bees tinted lip balm is one of my favorite balms as it is so moisturising plus it is tinted so its good for on the go. Burt Bees Tinted lip balm in Rose is a beautiful sheer red shade that works for every day.

I have raved about the Sukin Hydrating Mist toner multiple times on the blog. I continue to repurchase it, its a refreshing mist that feels like spraying rose water on your skin. I love using it before my moisturiser and even as a refreshing face mist.

Which are your top Rose products ?

The SPRING Lip !

2015-09-21T12:30:00.000+10:00

Spring has finally sprung (for us Aussies, YAY) and in today's post I sharing my Spring lip picks.

Revlon Paradise Pink - Paradise Pink is a beautiful, pigmented, bright reddish orange color. Its a matte formula but feels nice and comfortable on the lips. Its a beautiful bright color, perfect for spring/summer.

Revlon Tutti Frutti - Tutti Frutti is a true orange color and one of the first orange lipsticks I tried. Since its a sheer formula, its a good option if you have been wanting to venture into the orange territory. I love this lipstick and Revlon lip butters have to be one of my favorite drugstore formulas.

Nars Yu Satin Lip Pencil - I bought Nars Yu and Luxembourg as a part of the Limited Edition Nars True Nars Lip Pencil set a while back. Yu is a bright pink color, its a satin formula and feels comfortable on the lips. Yu will make for a beautiful bold lip in the warmer months.

Nars Luxembourg Satin Lip Pencil - Luxembouurg is definitely my kind of shade. Described as a bright watermelon by Nars. Its a stunning pinky, red color. Its a satin formula so feels creamy on the lips and has a glossy finish.

MAC Crosswires - MAC Crosswires is my all time favorite summer shade. Its a beautiful, bright coral shade. Its a cremesheen formula from MAC so has a nice creamy texture.

MAC Impassioned - MAC Impassioned is a bright pinky coral color. If you like bright lipsticks that pack a punch, Impassioned is the way to go. Its beautiful for both day and night.

Which are your favorite Spring/Summer lipsticks ?