Her Beauty Days

The haul contents were purchased at Priceline and Target.

Priceline

I have no reason to be here other than I wanted to check out some new beauty products (not a good idea!). I ended leaving the store with the following:

Beauty Essentials Nail Polish Remover (conditioning)
I think these were on sale; you can't go wrong with stocking up on nail polish!

Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Natural
I definitely do not need any more blushes in my collection, but naturally, I was drawn by those cute love hearts and pink packaging! Super happy that I purchased this for more than half price. I've tried it out and I love how I don't even need a mirror to apply this on - you can't go wrong with this shade!

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in 03 frosted apple
I just love the colour of this shadow. A bit out of my comfort zone but I'm quite interested in experimenting with shades other than neutrals.

Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 02 irresistible purr-ple
Again, something out of my comfort zone. When I saw this in person, I was just overwhelmed how gorgeous it looked! The name of the shade is quite fitting, I couldn't resist to not purchase it!

Essence Kajal Eye Pencils in 08 Teddy and 23 Love Me Lavender
At under $2 a pop in an array of gorgeous shades, I couldn't pass up.


Target

I needed to pick up an under eye concealer that suited my skin tone and has a bit more coverage (didn't conflict with the rules of the ban I think...). I settled on Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser in Medium earlier and found out that it was on sale at Target yay! Unfortunately or fortunately, Chi Chi was also on sale; I've always been curious in their eyeshadow palettes (reminiscent of the Urban Decay Naked palettes) so I decided to pick up their Bases palette because the shades look simply lovely, plus it's something I'll get a lot of use out of. "Ok, time to remove myself from the beauty section", I thought after picking up what I wanted. But sadly, you know how the rest of the story unfolds and my eyes quickly spotted the Chi Chi Social Butterfly Gift Set on special for under $5?! Let me repeat myself, "for under $5!". I loved the idea of a phone case inspired eyeshadow palette and the included phone cases, sporting the Chi Chi brand. Even though I'm not a fan of the iPhone 5 case with the colourful zebra print, the price I paid for the eye palette was a pretty good deal! Additionally, I can use the iPhone 4 case - what a cute nail polish pattern! Don't you agree this set is quite similar to Too Faced's Jingle All the Way Makeup Palette?!

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday, filled with the love from family and friends!
For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to create a makeup look that utilises a majority of drugstore products. Dissatisfied with the number of Valentine's Day makeup tutorials I've encountered that encompassed a pink theme, I had a play around with my makeup collection. I wanted a look that promotes healthy radiance, simplicity and wearable for younger beauty enthusiasts. Additionally, this combo is suitable for a natural and effortless everyday look.

I've recently discovered some new readers of my blog who aren't familiar with the basics of makeup, so this one's for you! Furthermore, I'd like to share with you how I put it all together, ready to face the day.

I applied the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light on random areas on my face with my fingers. I then used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection to blend the BB cream into my skin. I found that the BB cream's finish was dewy so I omitted a highlighter in this look.
To conceal my dark circles, I used the Benefit fakeup concealer in Medium, patting the product in gently with my fingers.
I dusted the Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent all over my face with my Real Techniques Powder Brush, to mattify and set my base.
For a romantic flush of colour, I applied the Essence Silky Touch blush in 20 Babydoll with my Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Eyes
I like to start my eyebrows off first; I combed the Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara in, to make my eyebrows more defined and in place. This is a great staple, a transparent gel mascara that is very natural looking on the brows.
For my eyelid primer, I used the Makeup Academy (MUA) Pro-Base Eye Primer. I was actually surprised at how well this product worked considering it is very inexpensive. For my eyeshadow base, I used the EcoTools Large Eye Brush from the Essential Eye Set to apply the lighter, "3D" shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates. I then blended the Benefit Hoola bronzing powder  into my crease with the Emily 217 Blending Brush (purchased from eBay), for a nice transition colour and added definition. For a bit of a highlight under my brows and inner eye corners, I used the same light shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates in conjunction with the EcoTools Highlighting Brush from the Essential Eye Set.
For long luscious lashes, I curled mine with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and applied two coats of the Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara, a smudge-free fibre mascara that promotes elongated lashes!

To finish off the look, I opted for soft red lips that aren't too dramatic using the Face of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Apple Crumble. These are the new limited edition lip crayons on the market; affordable (only $4.95) and reliable products, infused with a vanilla scent.

All of the Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes were purchased off iherb.com. You can use the code PCW095 to get $5 off your first order under $40 or $10 off your first order over $40.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you would like future FOTD posts composed in a similar nature to this one, do let me know in the comments below!
So tell me, how do you do your "special occasion" makeup?

Unscrewing the lid you get a nail polish applicator to transfer the product onto the cheeks and lips.
The product itself is of a milky nature similar to the consistency of Benefit's Posietint. After applying the thin layer to my cheeks, I blend everything in immediately with my fingers and the result is sheer (lilac/pink) yet buildable to an intense purple/fuschia shade.
The product blends in seamlessly on the cheeks in comparison to Benefit's Benetint. The tint is surprisingly very wearable and would look beautiful on all skin tones.
Application on the lips however, is a bit disappointing. I did not achieve a even stain and had to apply many layers, which is expected as I don't fare well with lip stains. Additionally, my lips looked dried out - not a pretty sight!
Despite the negative attributes, wear time was quite good depending on the base. Over a BB cream base, the stain lasts around 8 hours. Over bare cheeks, I presume the wear time would be greater.





Overall I love this product more than Benetint! If you found Posietint to be too light for your liking you might enjoy Lollitint. Additionally, if you've enjoyed using Benefit's Hervana you might also like Lollitint. The aforementioned stain could easily be the liquid version of Hervana - a great pairing if you ask me!

Lollitint retails for $30 (12.5 mL/0.42 fl. oz.) on the Benefit website and is available in Australia sometime NEXT MONTH at the usual Benefit cosmetics stockists.

So, beauties will you be embracing the new year with Benefit's Lollitint? I mean, for the prettiest (flirtiest) flush that's right in season (BANG ON TREND), why not?

I hope everyone's had/having a great time with family and friends during this period! (Happy holidays!)

Limited (trend) edition with Justin Bieber thrown in the mix? You've got yourself a winner.
Just...kidding. I honestly have a love/hate relationship with the beibs.
However, I just couldn't pass up on these newly released edition from one of my favourite brands Essence featuring the boy/man himself.

Would you look at that?!


All of the Essence products mentioned in this post are made in Poland.
To see if your Priceline store is stocking this trend edition, please refer to Essence Australia's Facebook.

I swear I'm not blushing! Believe me!

Aside from my love for pretty polishes, I do admire a good blush and a good French product.
I first discovered Bourjois cosmetics last year in Priceline when I picked up a few of their round pot blushes at a sale for my mum.
I never understood why I didn't try them out earlier because I've certainly been missing out!
I'll be showcasing one powder blush and two cream blushes from Bourjois in today's post.



I absolutely love the blushes; they are of high quality and I will definitely be looking into purchasing the two remaining blushes (Rose Tender and Sweet Cherry) from the cream blush collection.
I picked up my blushes from asos.com since I don't think the cream blushes are released on Aussie shores yet. You can certainly find the powder blush at Priceline for $20.

So, do you share my love for these blushes? Have you tried these blushes before? How are your experiences with Bourjois cosmetics?
Don't be shy; feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Sigh.
I don't know what to feel right now.
Looking at all this, doesn't make me feel any better. I don't think I have a problem but I just need to focus on other things at the moment. Do you understand me?
Yes, yes. Call me crazy. I know you told me to stop, a trillion times.
You're not the only one who tells me that.

I keep telling myself to stop spending so much and save up.
However all these constraints upon myself were to no avail; I gave in to the occasional sales.
Many times I have considered going on a spending ban/project pan/saving up scheme, because there are much bigger things in life than the frequent beauty splurges and accumulating an array of beauty items, such as saving up for a house! (I wish).

Guilty as charged, I admit.
I'll just casually show you my stash, in hope for admiration for my efforts. I'm kidding, I really do enjoy reading about other people's hauls and it's an enjoyable process, when I get to feature my own.

First up, are the nail polishes.

I love new makeup releases! Essence cosmetics have released a new limited edition line - 'Me & My Ice Cream'. I got my friend to pick me up the above products for a very affordable price before any imminent tampering could be done to the products. I love these products (they're so cute) and will provide an in-depth review upon request.

So the other day, I headed over to my drugstore makeup stockists to pick up some discounted products after perusing catalogues online. It's time I infused my collection with some new assortment!
In this post, I'll be sharing with you the contents of my haul and a little review on the products, where applicable.

I bought from two sources, the Chemist Warehouse and my local Coles.
I concluded this haul with a purchase from Ebay.

The haulage:



From the Chemist Warehouse, I picked up the new fragrance from Miss Spears, Britney Spears Island Fantasy (EDT) in 100 mL for a very reasonable $24.99. I had no intention of purchasing this beforehand but after a few quick whiffs and getting the friend's approval, I added this to my basket.



This beautiful summer scent is a "fruity floral" and marks the first EDT from the brand. "A potion of succulent fruits and colourful blossoms, evoking warm sunshine, ocean breezes and glittering beaches" in a gorgeous gradient green - blue bottle encrusted with diamond - like gems.

Definitely a "mouthwatering mix of citrus cocktail, mandarin, clementine, watery melon and red fruits intertwines with refreshing floral notes of jasmine, freesia and violet. A surprising finish of soft musky undertones and sugar cane makes the tantalising aroma carefree, flirty and feminine, just like Britney". If the aforementioned description didn't perk your interest then this fragrance might not be the one for you. Similarly, if you're not a enthusiast of fruity floral fragrances (especially the fragrances associated with the Fantasy line), then the same may be applicable to you.
I do find this fragrance a bit citrus-y sweet; it doesn't suit the Winter months (obviously). However, I do love spritzing this fragrance in my room just to elevate my spirits and of course, alleviate the winter blues. The name of the fragrance is most fitting; this will be great, applied in the summer months, especially when you're prancing at the beach.



I picked up three of the Maybelline Color Show® nail lacquers for $2.99 each.
Initially there was a plethora of colours and shades present but I came in a week after the sale and I managed to pick up the colours seen in the above image: Iced Queen (deep lavender), Born With It (profoundly pale pink), and  Impeccable Greys (creamy dark grey) for the cooler months. I can't comment on the formula or the performance of the polishes, but I must pronounce that I experienced a tad of difficulty in opening the bottles due to its design. The lids are of similar measurements and design as the bottle! I am most accommodated to lids that differ to the design of the bottle - providing a "grip" enabling easy opening of the product.


The last beauty product I picked up from the Chemist Warehouse is the L'Oréal Elvive Smooth Intense Anti-Frizz Serum. I couldn't resist this product, considering it was discounted at more than half priced ($5, RRP $10.99). I've finished this oil-based serum months ago and replaced with it L'Oréal's Elvive Extraordinary Oil. I prefer the fragrance in Smooth Intense Anti-Frizz Serum to the Extraordinary Oil. Both work great on damp or dry hair - they both smooth the frizz (especially the ends) and inject a boost of nourishment to achieve healthy looking hair! I must comment I'm very partial to the packaging of the Extraordinary Oil, a luxurious orange-brown glass bottle with a pump! I highly recommend both of these oils if you're seeking a cheaper alternative to those relatively expensive hair oils or a conditioning treatment for that frizz!

NB: L'Oréal Elvive Smooth Intense Anti-Frizz Serum contains argan oil whilst L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil contains six precious flower oils.

After the passing of a few days, I made my way over to Coles - my destination for the weekly groceries. Whilst shopping there I discovered (with immense jubilance) the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail glosses (two for $7 deal)! Initially, the double entendre-incorporated claim caught my attention, "Dare to go topless with our new nail polish formula that combines a base coat, high gloss colour, and a chip-resistant top coat in one simple step". Succumbing to my inner audacity, I picked up two polishes, a bit overwhelmed by the "challenge" of not using a top coat (or a base coat!).
The polishes I picked up are:

320 Midnight Magic - playful micro-glitters (blue, green, gold, purple) immersed in a beautiful charcoal base with a blue undertone. Upon application, this polish may produce a glittery or metallic effect depending on the lighting. This is definitely a favourite of mine! So far I'm loving it; you only need two generous coats for an opaque finish (I used three) to achieve the desired look. Love the pigmentation, formula and the finished look! Surprise, surprise, I did avoid getting those stained nails albeit I did not use a base coat! I highly recommend these "nail glosses"and I will be purchasing some more shades from this range in future.



295 Out of the Blue - a creamy bright blue shade! I haven't tried these on myself yet but this looks stunning on the sister's nails!

As well as shopping instore, I do shop via other methods. Some may classify me as an avid online shopper; such classification does possess verisimilitude.
One of my favourite places to shop online is the notorious Ebay!



I purchased the L'Oréal Nude Magique BB Blush (Universal Rosy Blush) for around $12 AUD from a UK seller, after trying it out in Priceline (RRP $22.95). My initial thoughts when I first encountered this product was "why is this entitled as a BB blush?" I recognise BB as an abbreviation for "blemish balm" or "beauty balm" and is mostly associated with facial day creams. I hold the presumption that most will accept the purpose of applying BB creams are for its skincare benefits and coverage of blemishes. So naturally, I was intrigued by the title of this blush!



The blush comes in a really small tube (15 mL) but a small product goes a long way! Less is more!
Be surprised as this product dispenses out as a transparent silicone-based gel (with a hint of pink) that reacts with your skin to produce a perfectly suited rosy colour! Consequently, a nice healthy flush is achieved! For those who aren't interested in being recruited to join the circus, you don't have to fret if you apply too much stuff on! I've discovered that the product applied does reaches it's pigmentation threshold and further application can diminish and tone down the colour upon your skin! Perfect!
This product lasts quite a bit on my cheeks and I will definitely repurchase once finished using it (which won't be until a very long time!). Oh, and by the way, this product is definitely guilty by association; I don't think there are any skincare benefits with product usage (it's time to give the "BB" the boot!).

And that concludes my haul!

I hope you enjoyed this post! I would love to read your comments - on your thoughts on the products I featured; have you tried any of these products before? What was your experience like?
Don't be shy!

Oh, and apologies for the inconsistency in the photos produced. I hope you didn't mind them!

Until next time, have a great day everyone!