Collective Haul: Beauty + Entertainment

I still seem to go through phases where I buy nothing at all or place a couple of online orders around the same time. Does anyone else get excited for packages in the mail or is it just me?! I am really excited about the items (a little nervous for one but more on that later) and now that everything has arrived I can talk about them.

1. Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes in 10 Nude Mauve and 20 Lavish Mauve

I saw one of these blushes on sale in a shop for half price and although I’ve heard lots of good things about them I’d never swatched them for myself. The shade on sale wasn’t quite up my street but there were a couple of other shades that were. Before I commit to buying most makeup products I will research them and watch YouTube videos. Nude Mauve is a gorgeous brown-mauve and Lavish Mauve has more prominent pink-mauve tones. Both shades are suitable for my fair skin and apply beautifully on the cheeks. The formula is soft and buildable and the packaging is compact and feels sturdy.

Blush swatches:

Left to right: Nude Mauve and Lavish Mauve

2. xoBeauty “The Innocent” and “The Heiress” False Lashes

This is the purchase I was nervous about! I have never worn false eyelashes in my life and I feel like I will either be terrible at trying to apply them or I will get better with practice. xoBeauty is a brand I have purchased numerous products from and Shannon’s lash line gets a lot of love. I opted for natural looking styles that aren’t too long as I wear glasses. The Innocent are a short criss cross pattern that will add a nice amount of volume. The Heiress lashes aim to give a fluttery, curled effect and are slightly more dramatic. I haven’t tried the lashes yet but I will experiment on one of my days off.

3. Duo False Eyelash Glue (Clear, latex-free)

You can’t apply lashes without glue! On the xoBeauty site there are a few different glue options but I went for this one as it dries clear and is more suitable for sensitive eyes. My eyes aren’t overly sensitive but I liked the sound of this glue the best. The brush on applicator sounds really useful as well.

4. Lash Applicator Tweezer

xoBeauty have special tweezers which Shannon always uses to apply eyelashes and I’ve watched her use these in numerous YouTube videos – she makes it look so easy! The tweezers are nicely weighted, matte black and have a non-slip grip. The shape of the prongs is designed to aid with application and help fuse the false lashes with your natural lashes.

5. Louise – Heavy Love CD

Louise is a British singer-songwriter who found fame as one quarter of 90s R&B/pop group Eternal. Louise left the group in 1995 to pursue a solo career and released her fourth studio album in January 2020. It was a mission to get this CD, I pre-ordered a signed copy from Amazon.co.uk in August 2019 and during the week or two following release I didn’t get any update on my order. Amazon estimated the CD would arrive by February 3 (which it didn’t) and the next day I got an update saying there is an unexpected delay and delivery will now be between mid February and the end of March. I really wanted a signed CD and thought I’ll cancel my Amazon order and get one from Louise’s official store instead, it was more expensive but it was still signed. When I went to order from Louise’s store the signed CDs were sold out but luckily I found a company called Banquet Records who listed signed copies on their website. I tweeted to ask about stock and there were still signed CDs available. I cancelled my Amazon order, placed an order with Banquet Records and the order was dispatched within a few days.

6. Frankie Bridge – Open

In my life a lot of things seem to come back to music and this book is an example of that. Frankie is a singer I have looked up to for half of my life and my admiration for her multiplied when she revealed a struggle with anxiety and depression in 2011/2012. I am quite an anxious person and whilst I have never been diagnosed with a mental illness or been on medication some of the things Frankie says in interviews and this book resonate with me. In a way it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in some of my thoughts. I finished this book within 24 hours and it was great to learn more about Frankie. The book is written in such a kind way, it doesn’t come across as needy (not that I thought it would) and my only con is that it’s not longer.

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What was the last thing you treated yourself to?

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November Favourites 2018

November has been a whirlwind! I got offered a new job, began training for the new job whilst I was still working my old job and officially started my new job last week. I have been listening to music and singing most days which is still my most favourite thing to do and similar to last month, I haven’t read much during November. My mind feels very full with information and I’m already looking forward to the Christmas break to have a rest and wind down.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. xoBeauty Radiant Glow Highlight Powder – Aurora – This is the most recent addition to my highlighter collection. (Post on my collection *HERE*). The powder is very finely milled and so soft and easy to apply. This is the most subtle of my highlighters and it can also double as an all over face powder. Applying with a big fluffy brush works best and allows the product to really be swept over the skin. I am considering picking up the other shade of this powder too which is more golden.

2. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – I don’t often wear blush and highlighter together but with this mini duo I can’t go wrong. Orgasm is a flattering shade for a lot of people and if you want a blush shade that is versatile and a little glam, you should try it! The highlight looks quite plain in the pan but once it’s on the face it gives a lovely glow. The highlighter is exclusive to this mini, it’s a special Orgasm highlighter which I’d class as a peachy-pink champagne shade.

3. The Body Shop Metal Lip Liquid 018 Plum Titanium – It’s common knowledge I’m not a fan of matte liquid lipsticks but this formula from The Body Shop is super comfortable and velvety smooth. The pigmentation is good, the colour lasts all day and the formula isn’t streaky to apply. This has a slight fruity scent that is nice and doesn’t linger if you’re not a fan of scented lip products. Plum Titanium is a gorgeous deep red, perfect for Christmas! It’s a wearable red that doesn’t look strictly metallic, making it a safe option all year round.

4. Andy Brown – Cedarmont – I feel a little naughty having a copy of this CD. I originally pre-ordered a signed copy from the artist’s official store but the album release got cancelled and my money was refunded. I caught wind Amazon US had copies available and one buyer left a review confirming the CD arrived and is genuine. I ordered a copy myself and it arrived less than two weeks later. In short, the album is really good and I have been playing it on repeat since it arrived! I have loved and listened to Andy’s voice for years (he’s also the frontman of British band Lawson) and this album further proves his talent. The lyrics are heartfelt, catchy and this album makes me happy when I listen to it. I hope it gets the proper release it deserves. Standout Tracks: Talk of the Town, Put That Record On, Hold On, Keeper and Breaking Your Heart.

November’s Spotify Playlist:

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December Favourites 2017

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all had a lovely day and got spoiled with lots of presents. Best wishes for the rest of the holiday season!

It’s time for the last monthly favourites of 2017! December and 2017 have zoomed by and I can’t believe we are at the end of another year already. December’s favourites are more of a mixed bag than November’s; I’ve got beauty, skincare, fashion and music.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Dua Lipa – I can’t recall where I first heard of Dua and listened to her music but I have been listening to her songs since 2016 before she released her album. On first listen I wasn’t a big fan of the album apart from the singles but I decided to listen to it again a few months ago and something just clicked. Dua’s voice is deep and gravelly and very distinct. I started listening to the album more and more and purchased a physical copy at the end of November. Her songs are catchy and make you want to sing along – one of my top albums of 2017. Standout Tracks: Genesis, Hotter Than Hell, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), New Rules, Begging, Homesick and Last Dance.

2. Dannii For Target Tank Top – I bought this top in 2016 and have been wearing it more recently with the hotter temperatures. It’s a gorgeous mint green colour perfect for summer and the top is nice and flowy. The holes for the arms are quite low cut so I tend to layer a light cardigan type garment over the top to conceal that.

3. The Body Shop Honey and Oat 3 in 1 Face Mask – I bought this face mask all the way back in January in a Body Shop haul. In my Spring Beauty Edit I mentioned I wanted to start using this product more and I’m pleased to say I have been. I alternate between this and a Natio face mask. What I love about this mask is not only how good it smells but how easy and gentle it is. A little goes a long way and you only have to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. It’s simple to remove and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

4. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – I have had this primer for over a year but rediscovered it a few weeks ago. When I first purchased it I didn’t notice its benefits and it sat unused. A couple of weeks ago I tried it again to see if it would make my makeup last longer in the heat. I have been using this nearly every time I’ve applied makeup in December and it makes my foundation apply smoother. It’s a silicone based primer and I have been using it with different foundations – it works in conjunction with all of them.

5. Australia – Gangsta Rap – This was one of the first lipsticks I ever bought when I started properly getting into makeup and it is one of my holy grail colours. I would describe Gangsta Rap (awesome name btw) as a magenta-violet similar to MAC’s Violetta. I haven’t tried Violetta but it’s in that bright pinky purple vein. The formula of this lipstick is lovely and creamy and contains Kakadu plum and vitamin C. The lipstick applies evenly and has outstanding pigmentation.

6. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector – Opal (Mini) – I cannot believe I haven’t mentioned this until now! I have had Opal since February and it is one of my favourite highlighters to wear. The smallest amount of product is all you need and I can see this mini size lasting a while. The gold colour isn’t stark against pale skin and would suit a range of skin tones.

Best of 2017 playlist:

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Boxing Day Specials

Hello there! I know Boxing Day was a week and a half ago but last week was busy with my yearly wrap up posts and I haven’t had a chance to share what I purchased in the sales with you until now. Everything I purchased was on sale and I’m proud of the fact I didn’t purchase one beauty product! Let’s get straight into it!

(Image Credit)

1. Typo Mini Christmas Tree – Fluro Pink

I saw this mini Christmas tree as soon I walked into the store and instantly knew I wanted to buy it for my mum. She loves mini things and her and I both love bright colours. We’ve joked how next Christmas we’re just going to put this tree up instead of our big one.

Regular Price: $11.99 | Sale Price: $5.00 

2. Marikai Circle Chain Tote – Black

For a little while now I’ve been on the hunt for a new handbag and I found one that fits my criteria. Currently I’ve got a small shoulder bag and I still plan on using that for work but this black tote caught my eye. It’s a good size, has a zip closure which I like (safety first) as well as internal and external pockets. The bag also has a removable cross body strap if you want to wear it hands free. One thing I liked when modelling this bag was how lightweight it felt and the versatility in how you can wear it; hold it in your hand, wear it over your arm, put it on your shoulder or wear it across your body. The metal chains don’t make the bag bulky either.

Regular Price: $74.99 | Sale Price: $49.99

3. Kylie Minogue – Kylie Christmas (Deluxe Edition)

I’m not the biggest lover of Christmas music and despite being a HUGE Kylie fan I originally had no intentions to buy this album. What got me interested was the news of a duet with Dannii and the thought of a magical Minogue-tastic Christmas track. I listened to the album on Spotify when it was released and I’m glad to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It’s not cheesy covers that have been done to death, there are still Christmas classics but Kylie has put her spin on each track, old and new. In fact, there are six originals on the album! I can definitely see this being an album I have on repeat during the festive season and I can’t wait to get it out again next Christmas!

Regular Price: $29.99 | Sale Price: $23.99

4. kikki.K Reusable Tote Bag

As you lot already know I’m a sucker for kikki.K and I can’t resist a look everytime I pass by a shop, which unfortunately is not very often. At the back of the shop I saw a sale bin and was rifling through when I found this tote bag. The bag is made of umbrella-like material and is light pink with a cute little fox design. The bag comes in it’s own pouch and I plan on keeping this inside the black handbag mentioned above. This bag will be perfect for shopping and trying to keep bits and pieces dry from the rain.

Regular Price: $12.90 | Sale Price: $6.45

5. kikki.K Minimalist Phone Case

Sad news, last week I noticed a crack in my Lili Price geometric phone case and ended up purchasing this one from kikki.K as a backup. The crack is pretty small and I know it’s there but luckily it’s near one of the corners so it’s not too noticeable. This phone case is from kikki.K’s Minimalist collection which embodies simplicity and lots of black and white which I love. I had actually seen this phone case prior to purchasing my Lili Price one and seriously considered it as an option then. When I saw it again there was something telling me to get it, so I did. The message on the back reads: “Talk, Share, Inspire, Connect, Love” – simple but effective. I feel it relates to me as a blogger and how important it is to appreciate those things in life.

Regular Price: $12.90 | Sale Price: $6.45

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I hope you enjoyed seeing everything I picked up! As you can see I didn’t go overboard in the sales but I still got some good bargains. Let me know what you managed to pick up!

Going Postal

Today I finally received the copy of Halcyon Days I won on the radio over a month ago.

ZM ran a competition with the ultimate prize being the chance to travel around New Zealand with Ellie for this leg of the tour. Each day two people would phone in and play a game of Fan Wars consisting of three trivia questions about Ellie. The person who answered the most questions correctly was entered into the main draw. Unfortunately, I didn’t win my round of fan wars but I still got a free CD as no one went away empty handed.

I still hadn’t received my CD by mid June so decided to follow up with PJ, the radio host running the competition, via Twitter. Straight away she was lovely and asked me to DM my details so she could get another copy sent out. She tweeted me Wednesday morning saying the CD had been sent. I was so excited to see it had arrived today.