Her Beauty Days

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

So, so excited for the new year, who knows what doors will open for me and what encounters I will come across.

Reflecting back on last week (Christmas!), I was greeted with a package from Benefit cosmetics on Christmas Eve. Perfect timing I would say! My little Christmas gift from me to me! The catalyst that drove me to order more goodies from the Benefit website was the inclusion of deluxe samples and the availability of limited edition sets! To see my first Benefit haul click here.

I present to you the haulage:

(sans outer packaging)

Benefit Little Love Potions! set ($36)

Limited edition gift set that showcases ten deluxe samples of best seller products! I bought this set to try other Benefit products such as the "that gal" brightening base primer, High Beam, Watt's Up! and the Bad Gal Lash mascara.

(Sugarbomb - included mirror, brush and magnetic closure)

Benefit Sweet-n-wow! set ($29)

Full sized Sugarbomb and a generous sized bottle of Posietint - what a great offer! Sugarbomb alone costs $28 (benefitcosmetics.com) containing more product than the other powder blushes plus the tint is a nice pairing. I've had my eye on this blush/face powder for quite a while; glad to purchase this for use in summer. Hello radiant cheeks!

Benefit Lollitint ($30)

OMGSH one of the products I'm most excited for! Say hello to Benefit's newest tint! This isn't available in Australia yet but will be in a few months time! Something to look forward to in 2014, don't you think? A review of this tint will be up soon.

(Left to right: Hervana, Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit)

Benefit Hervana ($28)

A beautiful favourite with many, of course I had to try this out!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit ($20)

A cream shadow like no other, this shadow has become one of my favourite products to date! Such a beautiful shade as well.

(samples!)

With every order on the Benefit website you have the opportunity to select two samples to add to your cart. I selected the Fake Up undereye concealor in 01 Light and the Stay Don't Stray primer in light/medium (top row).

With promotional codes you get promotional samples (bottom row)!
I'm lucky to receive generous samples of the popular Benetint and Cha Cha Tint, as well as the Total Moisture Facial Cream and Sugarbomb!

I can't wait to try and trial all of these products. Who doesn't get excited for new makeup?! If you can't already tell, I am a blush and eyeshadow fanatic! I hope you enjoyed reading/viewing this haul. If you would like to request my review on any of the mentioned products please leave a comment down below.

Wishing everyone the best and a happy new year! I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!

I originally planned to produce an empties post at the end of each month but failed to do so with the current changes happening within my schedule.

There's a considerable number of items to showcase here today, but for three month's worth - it's quite less than what I expected.

Moisturisers

1. LUSH Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser (10g sample)

This is one expensive moisturiser ($74.95 for 45g). I can see why, I absolutely adore the scent, the moisturiser itself fared well with my skin - my skin was radiant, plump and exhibited signs of good health in the mornings, after applying this at night. The only thing preventing me from purchasing the full sized product is the price-tag!

2. Olay Moisturising Lotion (150mL)

My HG moisturiser! I'm currently using another moisturiser at the moment but will definitely return to this one. I've included this product in my Skincare Tag, you can read about to find out what's so special about it!

3. Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion (50mL)

I love Sukin's face products but I wasn't accustomed to applying their lotions onto my body due to the scent. I'm just so used to applying body lotions with fruit scents! Overall, it's a great product but I won't be repurchasing.

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (40mL)

I purchased this when it was first became available at Priceline (remember that period?). I didn't notice much improvement but during the course I used this, I didn't get any pimples (yay!). I didn't use this alone as a moisturiser and had to top it up with my Olay one. If I see this on sale at Priceline, I'll probably purchase it again.

5. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion (354mL)

Marketing has done well in positioning this product. I'm wired to adore Aveeno's products' I've already repurchased this but in the variation designed to relieve stress.

Makeup Removers

6. Simple Eye Make-Up Remover (125mL)

This stuff is like water; it removes my eye makeup quite well. It doesn't leave any oily residue and is gentle on the eyes. I don't think this will work for waterproof mascara, but since I don't use that - it's perfect. I'm currently using the bi-phase makeup removers but will return to this eventually.

7. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (125mL)

I really enjoyed using this. It's gentle yet very effective at removing everything. I don't think I'll be repurchasing this due to the cheaper options available.

8. Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean! Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (70mL)
I purchased this makeup remover in my Maybelline September haul which I blogged about here.
It's a bit expensive in my book, luckily I got it on sale and it works great. A great substitute for my Lancôme Bi-Facil I might add.

Makeup

9. Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent (7.5g)
Love this finishing powder! It sets my makeup nicely, mattifies my face a bit, helps with oil control and it goes on colourless despite its white powder form.

10. Benefit They're Real! Mascara (3g sample)
This mascara lasted over two months. That's two months of perfect lashes - long, curled, voluminous and separated lashes were achieved! I'm also loving the bommy-knocker at the end of wand - it helps me reach the corner lashes!

11. ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss in Strip Tease
I received this from the company ages ago and it's time I gave it the boot. It's a really sheer shimmering lip gloss - quite average yet the pricetag implies otherwise. The inclusion of a mirror was handy but the scent was a bit sweet for my liking. I would not repurchase this; I don't find ModelCo's products worth their RRP.

12. Rimmel Vinyl Gloss Voluptuously Shiny Lipgloss in 110 Keep A Secret
One of my favourite glosses, likewise to ModelCo's lip gloss, this one is also on the sheer side. A great everyday shimmer lipgloss that would sure give you that luscious looking pout! I would repurchase this lipgloss in other shades (and possibly the same shade!).

Other

13. Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water (300mL)
Spraying this on my face = wonderful! The spray distribution is even, there are so many uses for this product and I've already bought backups. A staple in my skincare routine. Read my full review here.

14. Lux Luminous Touch Body Wash (400mL)
Love this body wash so much! (love Lux body washes in general) Even though I don't detect the presence of illuminators on my skin, it's what I've been looking for in a body wash - pleasant scent, nice lather and moisturising! Would definitely repurchase this.

15. Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo & Conditioner (50mL samples)
I really love the scent of this. It's quite an average shampoo and conditioner but I don't think I'll be repurchasing it - I'm interested in trying more natural products.

16. Jurlique Replenishing Foaming Cleanser (30mL sample)
I used this after I had the horrible reaction to Indeed Laboratories' Pepta-bright which you can read all about it here. This was a lovely cleanser to use, it didn't strip my skin of its natural oils and it was just so gentle on the rashes I received. The only thing I don't like about it is the scent - which is understandable since there are natural derivatives within the product.

And there you have it. Three months worth of empties!
What did you think of the items I've finished? Have you finished any items lately? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, I'd love to hear about it!

For myself, Christmas involves celebrating Jesus Christ's birthday.

It also involves enjoying the company of friends and family over good food.

Many will recognise that Christmas is a time of love, joy, hope and not least, it's a time of GIVING.

I'm EXCITED to throw this mini giveaway as part of my Christmas rituals and to thank all of you for supporting me through viewing and/or reading about my journey into the beauty world!

I've added a few favourites and miscellaneous items into the giveaway mix; all are useful during this festive season!

Giveaway contents:

1. The Bakery Shoppe White Chocolate Scented Candle - lighten up the mood and prepare yourself for the festive season!

2. Circa Home Pear & Lime Scented Soy Candle - something milder for the post-Christmas relaxation period

3. Revlon Luxurious color Perle Eyeshadow in 011 Lilac Shimmer - glitter and sparkles are all part of the festive season

4. E.L.F. Color Crush Palette - a great basic colourful eyeshadow palette with an included brush for testing out a few eye looks (so you don't waste your more expensive palettes/shadows!)

5. Olay Complete Touch of Foundation SPF 15 in Fair - a moisturiser with a hint of Max Factor foundation, great for the summer days, us Aussies are facing during Christmas! (suitable for medium skin tones)

6. Le Tan Wash Off Instant Looking Tan in Bronze - Summer days are calling in!

7. Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in 908 Graphite Gravity - go hard at night, flashing this unique nail polish!

8. Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish Nail Polish in 270 Hot Shot - can't go wrong with a pink mani for Christmas

9. OPI Nail Lacquer in On Her Majesty's Secret Service - another great polish for the night (I'm thinking New Year's Eve!) from the Holiday Skyfall 2012 Collection

10. OPI Nail Lacquer in In My Santa Suit - from the Mariah Carey 2013 Christmas collection! Pearly red - PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS!

11. Models Prefer Dark Chocolate Kohl Pencil - create those smouldering smokey eyes to capture your next victim at the party ;)

12. Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara in Black - a fibre mascara that great for the day

13. Sukin Facial Moisturiser - no matter what, hydration comes first

14. Nude By Nature Nature's Super Anti-Oxidant Foaming Cleanser - please remove all of that makeup please!

Bonus - rainbow candy cane! :)

The Extra Bits!

Fill in the Rafflecopter below!

Open to Aussie residents (sorry international ladies!) over 18 years of age or has parental consent.

Mandatory to follow via GFC and like my page on Facebook.

Giveaway starts NOW and will end on Thursday 19th December 10pm Sydney time.

Winner will be contacted via email and announced on my Facebook page on Thursday 19th (morning-midday)

I am not liable for any packaging that goes missing or arrives at a later date than expected.
Enjoy! xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monday, 30 December 2013

Benefit Haul #2

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

I present to you the haulage:

(sans outer packaging)

Benefit Little Love Potions! set ($36)

(Sugarbomb - included mirror, brush and magnetic closure)

Benefit Sweet-n-wow! set ($29)

Benefit Lollitint ($30)

(Left to right: Hervana, Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit)

Benefit Hervana ($28)

A beautiful favourite with many, of course I had to try this out!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit ($20)

A cream shadow like no other, this shadow has become one of my favourite products to date! Such a beautiful shade as well.

(samples!)

Saturday, 21 December 2013

Review: Models Prefer Eyeshadow Quad in Hook Me Up

Anybody remember this song?

Because that's the song that played in my head the moment I picked up the Models Prefer Eyeshadow Quad in Hook Me Up.
I picked this up on sale for under $5 (half price!) at Priceline a few weeks back, partially because they reminded me of the Wet n Wild eyeshadow palettes, with the suggested use embossed into the product. For my benefit, they take the guesswork out of things - eyeshadow application for beginners like myself have been made a whole lot easier!

The eyeshadow quad features four shimmer shades - a champagne base, a gold lid shade, a purple-maroon crease shade with a pink sheen (gorgeous shade!) and a bronze corner shade.
Pigmentation is quite decent; the crease shade is noted to have poorer pigmentation than the other shades, albeit the problem can be fixed with applying them in a wet nature and building the colour up.
The shades are velvety but not creamy as other products plus they aren't chalky either.
I really adore the shade combination provided; the shades compliment my brown eyes quite beautifully.
The packaging is one aspect which I really dislike - it's what I expected from a brand as such, cheap plastic packaging that would easily break at the "hinge". Additionally, I found it difficult to open the quad without incurring damage to my nail polish.

Wear time without a primer underneath - 2-3 hours, by the fourth hour I noticed a bit of fading.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the product, considering I only paid $5 for them. It's not a bad product; I would suggest this quad to beginners in makeup and to those looking for something more affordable (but if you're looking for something that would give you more bang for your buck check out this palette.)

The product is made in China.

Thursday, 19 December 2013

HerBeautyDays First Christmas Giveaway Winner!

Earlier this month I hosted my very first giveaway which you can read about here.

I know it's a bit delayed (sorry!) but I've finally selected a winner.

Congratulations to the lovely Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty!

Thank you to everyone who entered. I look forward to hosting another giveaway soon! It was a bit of fun; I've enjoyed its construction.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Essence Trend Edition Beauty Beats (Girl on Tour with Justin Bieber)

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?!

(courtesy of Essence)

I headed to the Priceline at Parramatta Westfields last week to find a freshly set up stand and picked up the following items:

(Left to right: 01 Groupie At Heart blush, 03 As Long As You Love Me eyeshadow, 01 Groupie At Heart and 03 I'm Backstage lipglosses)

Essence 01 Groupie At Heart blush ($4.25 AUD)

This has got to be one of my favourite products Essence has brought out. I love the embossed "boyfriend" all over the blush - looks really pretty in real life. The colour is of a rose-pink which at first I thought was matte but when swatched, there is a really flattering associated silver sheen. The texture is so velvety soft and pigmentation is surprisingly good for such a cheap product. This blush is much more superior to the blushes previously released from Essence. Perfect for "beliebers" and those seeking that natural flushed cheeks easily acquire after singing your lungs out at a concert (e.g. a Justin Bieber concert!). I highly recommend this blush - it'll make a lovely stocking filler too!

Essence 03 As Long As You Love Me eyeshadow ($2.85 AUD)
Would you look at that price? Cheaper than your cup of coffee.
This eyeshadow was not as velvet and pigmented as the blush but it comes close and is certainly buildable. I actually think the sheerness of it is perfect for younger girls! It's not chalky like other cheap eyeshadows. This eyeshadow does have a bit of fall out, nevertheless, it's another great stocking filler!

Essence 01 Groupie At Heart lipgloss ($3.50 AUD)
A gorgeous pinkish-red with a hint of coral that is perfect for summer. These are like the Essence Stay With Me lipglosses (mentioned here) which have great pigmentation and leaves a subtle stain on the lips. I love these lipglosses; very excited to see these on display.

Essence 03 I'm Backstage lipgloss ($3.50 AUD)
What a strange colour for a lipgloss! (one of the reasons why I purchased it). This gloss is like the former yet it comes out clear with a slight glittery blue tinge. Bored of your average clear gloss? Try this one instead!

(Left to right swatches : 01 Groupie At Heart blush, 03 As Long As You Love Me eyeshadow, 01 Groupie At Heart and 03 I'm Backstage lipglosses)

I'm loving this trend edition, it is perfect for the Justin Bieber fanatic and those looking for super affordable yet decent quality makeup!

For more information on the other products in this trend edition, click here.

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.

Saturday, 7 December 2013

Three Months Worth of Empties! (September - November 2013)