September Favourites + Highlights 2020

September has been an interesting month. A second wave of Corona Virus hit New Zealand’s shores in August and there has been a mixture of cases at the border and in the community. I feel as a country we will fluctuate between levels for some time. Also this month I received a letter with a date for my tonsillectomy – October 6th. I’m a little nervous anticipating what the pain will be like but in the long run I’ll be better off. I’ve got plenty of ice cream at the ready and I plan to rest and take it easy for a week or two. There’s been another hiccup with my mum, her magnesium levels have dropped right down again. The magnesium she was given in hospital isn’t available from a pharmacy and trying to find an alternative isn’t straightforward. Perhaps October will be a simpler month?

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Cotton On Body Cropped Fluro Hoodie – I purchased this hoodie last year and it is so comfy and cosy. I love the bright green colour and striped balloon sleeves, it’s certainly unlike anything else I own. The crop is not too short for my body and hits at the right place. It’s a good piece for the transitional months for layering too. I’ve included a picture of the hoodie below to give you a better idea what it looks like on.

2. Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Eye Primer – I only used this primer for the first time about a week and a half ago in my Full Face of First Impressions and boy am I impressed! I have not gone back to the Milani primer since trying this as it’s much kinder to my eyes. I don’t know if its seasonal but over the past few weeks the Milani primer has dried out my eyelids and made them sensitive. The Rimmel primer does set but not to the point where eyeshadow doesn’t apply on top and it feels like pigment is dragging across the eyelids. I like that this has a doe foot applicator, it’s easier to control how much to apply.

3. MAC Double Gleam Extra Dimension Skinfinish – Double Gleam is my highlighter focus for September and she is a beauty! I had heard so many rave reviews about this shade and it really is worth all the hype. If you have fair to light skin you will especially love this, it is the perfect lit from within glow and the type of shade that goes with everything. MAC describe Double Gleam as a beige that breaks silver and the unique cream to powder formula is lovely, it’s very soft and easy to build and looks flawless on the skin. It can be used wet or dry, I have only used it dry as I like the intensity that gives but I can imagine it would be even more glowy if applied wet.

4. GHD Gold Styler – At the beginning of the month I treated myself to a new straightener. In all honesty the straightener I had was fine and did the job but I would have to go over certain areas of my hair a few times as it is quite thick. Once my hair is straight it will stay that way until it is washed again. The reason I looked at a GHD is to cut down on the amount of time it would take to straighten my hair. I also really like that the GHDs remain at a constant temperature and you can’t accidentally hit a button on the side that bumps the temperature up. I have used the straightener once so far and it only took 10 minutes to do all of my hair, my other straightener would take about half an hour. The quality and technology is really top notch, the straightener plays a sound when you turn it on and another sound when it’s heated up (roughly 25 seconds later). Hair is left looking shiny, sleek and healthy.

Close up of the sparkly detail on the plates of the straightener.

September Highlights

• Steps released a new single and announced they are releasing a new album in November. Within minutes of getting the email announcing the album you can bet I had a signed copy pre-ordered!
• September has been a good month for new music in general with releases from Delta Goodrem and Kylie Minogue as well.

September’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Auckland Shopping Haul

In Friday’s post I mentioned there would be a haul featuring all the bits I purchased when I was in Auckland last week and I thought what better way to kick off a new week than with said post! A couple of items in this post have been on my wishlist for a while and I’m really glad I was able to pick them up. Let’s jump straight in!

1. Forever New Scarlett Quilted Small Bag

One of the things on my list was a little, elegant bag that could be used in the evenings if I go out or if I’m out in the day and don’t need to take a lot with me. I don’t own a lot of handbags and I certainly didn’t have any little evening bags. This instantly reminded me of a Chanel style bag with the quilting and the chain. The chain is adjustable and can be used in two different ways: it can be worn long across the body or over the shoulder or doubled up to form two straps. I used this bag on Friday night and went with the latter. The bag is nice and light and is fully lined with card slots and a zip pocket. Everything fits comfortably and it is the perfect size!

 

2. Forever New Lee Cosmetic Case

I have a few cosmetic cases in different sizes and I find depending on the amount of makeup you’re using or how long you’re traveling for, it’s not always one size fits all. For example, I would likely use this case for a week away rather than a weekend away. I really like the metallic, glitzy look of this case and how it’s structured on the bottom so will stand up. I also like that the material is malleable rather than stiff and allows you to pack contents more than one way.

 

3. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream – Buenos Aires

I know NYX has recently arrived in New Zealand and after hearing so many bloggers rave about their Soft Matte Lip Creams, I had to try one for myself! I Googled the shades, watched YouTube videos with swatches and narrowed it down to a few I was going to look for. I didn’t want to go down the usual pinky-nude route and I loved the coral tones of Buenos Aires. The shade makes me think of Tanya Burr’s lipgloss in ‘I Found Nemo’ if it was matte. I can’t wait to try this out!

 

4. Typo Twinkle Lights 1.5m

Another item from my wishlist: copper twinkle lights. I have seen these used by a lot of bloggers lately and I wanted to get my hands on some. I tried looking online and everything seemed expensive or didn’t ship to New Zealand. I haven’t decided whether I will use these for blog photographs or if I will put them in a jar as shown on the box. The lights are bendable so you can arrange them how you’d like and they come with batteries so you’ll know exactly which ones you’re looking for when these run out.

 

5. Typo Mini Marquee Light

I have always loved the look of these marquee lights and I’ve wanted one for ages! This is a mini light which measures 10cms high. Typo do make larger marquee lights as well but I couldn’t find a ‘C’ in the larger size. I do like mini things though and this will look cute sitting on my desk. These feature a hook on the back so they can also be hung.

 

6. Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Polishes

Ever since I purchased Bestival Blue from the same range back in June I have been a fan. Rimmel Polishes aren’t always sold in my city so I always make sure to look at the colours when I’m away. I really liked the look of the lilac tones of Go Wild-Er-Ness, we will be going into spring/summer soon and pastel shades always look so nice. I also picked up Neon Fest because it reminded me of fuchsia lipstick which is my favourite to wear and I don’t have a fuchsia-type polish so I thought, why not?!

 

7. Cotton On Archy Crop Pullover – Airforce Twist

I purchased this pullover on my last day in Auckland. I instantly fell in love with the colour and the style of it. It’s a cropped jumper which looks normal length on me because I’m short but I don’t mind that at all. The pullover features side splits and a high-low hem. The style of the neck is really flattering and sits nicely.

8. Royal Albert Diffuser – Sweet Pea & Hyacinth

I am one of your typical bloggers who loves burning candles but I don’t do it often enough. Sometimes I don’t have a couple of hours spare to let it burn evenly and it seems like I almost have to plan out when I can burn one. Home decor items always look lovely in store and I decided to take the plunge and purchase a reed diffuser. That way, I get the nice scent without having to burn a candle and worry if I’ve forgotten to blow it out or not. I chose the Sweet Pea & Hyacinth scent which is quite sweet but isn’t too floral or overpowering.

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So, that’s everything I picked up in Auckland! I made a list before I left and I managed to cross a few things off it. I didn’t want to go overboard and buy too much in case it didn’t fit in my suitcase but everything did. I was very clever with my packing and put most of the items inside the silver cosmetic case. What do you think of the items I bought?

Small Collective Haul

I don’t know about you but haul posts are some of my favourites to read and write. Last weekend I popped into town and had a list of shops I wanted to visit and I came away with a few bits. I was disappointed in The Body Shop as I have a 20% off coupon and I normally always have something on my ‘To Try’ list but not this time – I came away empty handed. The voucher expires at the end of May so if you have any suggestions on products I should check out, leave them in the comments! I also ended up going to a huge makeup sale and didn’t buy one thing – I’m pretty proud! (That doesn’t mean I didn’t buy makeup at all last weekend though).

1. Keira S/Slv V Tee | $10.00

I was browsing through the Cotton On website and spotted this simple, basic striped tee. I tend to come up with ways I could wear different pieces on the spot and this struck me as one of those casual, weekend tops that would look really good with a pair of jeans. The style of the tee is not fitted and it’s kind of slouchy and loose and hangs really nicely. The v neck on this is not too low and I like the slightly scooped hem and side splits. I am going through a real stripes phase in my wardrobe lately, it’s such a simple way to add impact.

2. Living & Co Plaque | $5.00

This is one of those purchases you tell yourself you don’t need but want anyway. I saw this and thought it was so cute and I can really relate to the quote. “There is no place like home.” I am a homebody through and through and I much prefer staying in to going out. Home fills me with that happy, cosy feeling. It also reminds me of Dorothy’s line in The Wizard of Oz which used to be one of my favourite films as a kid. This plaque can be hung or leaned up against the wall.

3. Rimmel Mascaras | 2 For $20

Rimmel is hands down one of my favourite makeup brands and my holy grail when it comes to mascaras. Their mascaras last for such a long time and their waterproof formula is so easy to remove. I have never experienced any irritation or sensitivity and I highly recommend giving Rimmel mascaras a go! I repurchased Scandaleyes Lycra Flex which is my favourite mascara that I’ve ever tried and while I may not have tried that many in total, using others made me realise why I love it and why it works for me. The brush has wire bristles (which I prefer to plastic) and despite being quite thick, product doesn’t clump and transfer onto my eyelids or below my eyes. This mascara provides length and volume all in one and doesn’t make eyelashes look spidery or brittle. I also purchased the Glam’Eyes Day 2 Night mascara. This one didn’t have the most favourable reviews online but I wanted to give it a go anyway. The two step application process is something I haven’t tried before and I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on me.

4. Derma V10 Sorbet Body Butter – Strawberries and Cream | $3.26

I saw this little tub and I fell in love! I smelt this and it reminded me of strawberry yoghurt but in a good way. I am a huge fan of The Body Shop body butters but this cost 1/12th of the price. I don’t know if this will deliver on it’s claims but for the price I can’t complain!

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There you have it, that’s everything I picked up! All of this cost me around $40 NZD and I think that’s reasonable for everything I got. Do you like the look of anything I picked up?

P.S. Don’t forget to leave me your suggestions for potential Body Shop products I can check out!

New In: My Wardrobe

Happy Friday lovelies! As you can probably guess from the title of today’s post I’m going to be talking about some new pieces of clothing I’ve purchased in the last month. I am someone who believes you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice clothes and I always try and buy when there’s a sale on – I am a huge bargain hunter! These items are all practical, key pieces every girl needs in her wardrobe. (That’s what I tell myself anyway!) Let’s get started!

1. Bella Beanie – Navy | $8.36

My Winter Beauty Wishlist shows a picture of a black beanie I had settled on after having no luck in the navy blue department. I originally wanted a navy blue one as I could pair it with a navy blue jumper and a pair of black leggings or a nice pair of blue jeans, a jacket and some boots. I saw this ‘Bella’ beanie from Cotton On and instantly fell in love! I like that it’s quite fitted but still slouchy and the pom pom on top isn’t too big and doesn’t take over. I can’t wait to wear this out and about!

2. Sara Suedette Biker Jacket | $62.30

One thing I didn’t have in my wardrobe was a smart jacket. I have a parka, a puffa jacket, a semi-casual button up jacket, a blazer and a bright raspberry trench coat but no smart jacket. The biker style is something I’ve never tried before either but I must admit I do like the way it looks. It’s casual but semi-formal and fitted all at the same time. Being suedette, the material is velvety soft and I chose this lovely grey colour. This jacket can be done up or worn unzipped but personally I think it looks cool unzipped.

3. Grey Jeggings | $15

The pair of jeggings on the left are the pair I purchased and the pair of jeans on the right are the inspiration behind the purchase. The jeans on the right hand side are from Dannii Minogue’s Petites clothing range and while they are stunning, I’m never one to turn down a bargain! I actually prefer the elastic waist and the style of jeggings as leggings are one of my favourite things to wear and are so comfortable. I also managed to save myself 50 bucks! I’ve worn these jeggings a few times already and the picture doesn’t do justice to how lovely they look on.

4. Dannii For Target Active Mesh Tank – Black | $14.10

One of my favourite things about exercise is buying workout gear! I only own one other tank top and it was hard not to be tempted by this one when Dannii Minogue and the fact it’s for petites is involved. I love how it’s not your ordinary black tank top (black’s meant to look slimming right?) It also features mesh panels and a reflective animal print back panel – hence the picture on the right. Working out in style here I come!

5. Dannii For Target Frock & Roll T-Shirt | $11.20

How cute is the slogan on this tee? When I first saw this tee I loved the simple but cute message and I’m so pleased I was able to pick this up; for a great price too! This is the kind of piece that can be styled casually or dressed up with a skirt and pair of heels. Over the past couple of years I’ve incorporated a fair bit of grey into my wardrobe and I’ve really come to appreciate how good it looks. The rolled up cuffs are also a nice added touch.

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What’s the latest addition to your wardrobe?

Disclaimer: All items are in New Zealand dollars and were purchased by me. Prices include discounts which may no longer be valid.

What I Do In a Day #1

Hey there! A couple of weeks ago the lovely Kaily left a comment on my What I Eat In a Week post and said I should write a “What I Do In a Day” one as well. I took her suggestion on board and basically this post will be me showing you what I get up to on a daily basis and what my normal routine is. I have included pictures as visual aids but mostly for Kaily’s benefit!  😉

Note: The day featured is Monday, March 28 2016. Due to Easter I had the day off work and this is not how I spend every Monday. Times and activities may vary.

11:20am – Wake up

11:25am  – Water, vitamins, antihistamine

11:33am – Exercycle – 10km

12:07pm – (Late) breakfast – crumpets with butter

12:16pm – Shower

1:00pm – Dry and straighten hair

2:15pm – FOTD, apply makeup

3:00pm – Went into town

4:30pm – Purchased suitcase

5:20pm – Weekly organising and blog planning

5:50pm – Listened to Mind of Mine on Spotify

7:00pm – Eat dinner and watch TV

8:50pm – Online shopping – biker jacket and beanie

9:37pm – Paint nails – Essie ‘Ladylike’

10:00pm – Computer/catch up on vlogs

11:57pm – Bed

I realise lunch is missing from that list but that’s because I didn’t have any and had a late breakfast. Also missing from the list is my nightly ritual of applying hand cream before I go to bed. I didn’t apply any on Monday night as I didn’t want to ruin my nails. #priorities

I hope you enjoyed this post and let me know if you found it interesting or would like me to turn it into a series!

Winter Beauty Wishlist

Hello lovelies – hope you had an amazing Easter with lots of chocolate treats! The last time I wrote one of these wishlist posts it went down a treat and it is actually one of my most popular posts. CLICK HERE to read it. Autumn has barely started but somehow I’m already thinking about winter, well the end of it. I’ve set myself a goal to purchase all of the items on this wishlist by the end of August, giving me just under five months. Read on to see what I’m lusting over!

1. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I am coming to the end of my tube of Maybelline’s Fit Me concealer and I have mentioned how much I like it dozens of times but I wanted a change and I know if I don’t find anything better I can always go back to it. I’ve lost count of the number of bloggers who have raved about the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer so I thought I’d give it a go and see if it’s as good as everyone says. I actually purchased this one at the weekend as I saw it for 30% off. I purchased the shade ‘1 Fair’ which is the lightest shade. I compared the tube to the Maybelline one and the colours look similar which is interesting considering I use the second lightest shade of Fit Me. Sadly, I won’t be cracking into this one just yet, I’m waiting until I’ve finished my Maybelline.

2. Real Techniques Starter Set

I have really stepped up my eyeshadow game over the past 12 months and my Real Techniques shading brush is my most used. It’s a great little brush; the size is perfect, it blends, the bristles are incredibly soft but lately I’ve been thinking I could do with another one or two eye brushes. I’ve heard bloggers praise the deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush which are part of this set along with three other brushes (the accent brush, fine liner brush and brow brush). I got my last lot of Real Techniques brushes from iHerb and I got an email from them saying I have some credit to use up – I’m thinking these would be a good choice!

3. Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush

I really like the look of this brush, it’s bright pink and it seems perfect for on the go reapplication. You can pop some product on the brush, place the cap over top and have it ready for later when your lip colour has worn off. I don’t particularly want it for that as lip product stays on my lips incredibly well but that adds to it’s versatility. I thought this might be good to use to apply lip products when you’re sick to prevent spreading germs or if a friend wants to use one of your lip products, they could apply it with this brush. I don’t like sharing my makeup (which I don’t) but this would help keep everything that little bit more hygienic.

4. Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine by Rita Ora – Bestival Blue

How beautiful is this colour?! About a year ago I was looking for a cornflower blue-purple nail polish but couldn’t quite find what I was after. I saw a bottle of this last month and very nearly picked it up (I wish I had). I literally turned to my brother and said, “this is the same colour as my work shirt, I could match my nails to my uniform.” Next time I see Bestival Blue, I’m buying a bottle!

5. Cotton On Faux Fur Rib Beanie – Black

I’ve always thought beanies look super cute and I’ve convinced myself I want one. I was thinking a navy blue beanie might be nice, but they don’t make one in this particular style so naturally I default to black. Black goes with everything. This one also has a cute little pom pom on the top.

6. Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer

I bought myself the matching hair straightener before Christmas and I love it, it makes my hair feel lovely and silky and it’s so easy to use. I don’t hair dry my hair very often but I would like to have one so that if I go away or am staying at a friend’s I can use my own. I currently use my mum’s and it’s really good for how old it is. My mum has had her hair dryer for over 30 years and it never misses a beat! What appeals to me about this hair dryer and the straightener is that they preserve your hair’s natural hydration. You can alter the temperature settings and there is special technology that protects the moisture balance of hair. The diffuser and concentrator nozzle also come with the hair dryer which is handy if you like to style your hair.

What do you think of my wishlist? Have you tried any of the things on it?

A Spot o’ Shopping!

Hello there and happy Monday! It seems ever since I started this blog I convince myself there’s another beauty product I ‘need’ and eventually end up buying it. Lots of people probably say this, but my collection isn’t too excessive and I do try to use everything regularly. The past two weekends have involved me nabbing some new beauty bits to try as well as a new pair of yoga/exercise pants. Read on to see what caught my eye!

1. Cotton On On the Run 3/4 Pants  – Blue Ombre Side Panel/Black ($10)

I’ll get the item that you’ll probably find least appealing out of the way first, (most of you are probably here for the makeup). I never used to enjoy buying clothes but I am getting to like having a browse now and again. Yoga pants are so comfortable and even if you don’t wear them for yoga and just wear them around the house you will not regret it! I love the blue ombre effect down the side and even though they are 3/4 length they are full length on me because I’m so short.

2. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail ($9.99)

I picked up a tube of this Fudge Urban lotion after hearing fellow friend and blogger Karen (Confetti and Curves) singing it’s praises. If you’re not tantalised by the delicious scent you will be by it’s promises. Miracle Ends promises to seal split and dry ends, repair and condition with Argan Oil and hydrate and nourish hair. This product can be used wet or dry and alongside styling tools to create smooth hair and a natural shine.

3. Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil – Hazel ($8.92)

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, Chanelle doesn’t normally buy brow products and you’d be correct. I really liked how my brows looked in my Vanessa White Inspired Makeup and filling them in slightly made a difference. I am lucky to have thick brows naturally so I don’t need to do too much. I picked the shade hazel as it isn’t too dark and has a slight redness to it which will pull on the auburn tones of my hair.

4. Rimmel Oh My Gloss! – #150 Glossaholic ($14.99)

When I first saw images and swatches of this gloss it reminded me of the Ellie Goulding x MAC plushglass in ‘Goodness Gracious.’ The gloss looks slightly opaque and is a warm, creamy pink. Pinks are my favourite to wear and this will be lovely for everyday wear or just throwing something on my lips that’s quick and easy. This would also look nice layered over lipstick to give it a bit more shine. Rimmel’s Oh My Gloss! contains Argan Oil and Vitamin E and is non-sticky and lightweight adding to it’s comfort.

5. Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Definer – Rich Brown ($13.16)

Another groundbreaking moment for me, I have decided to give eyeliner a go! I was tossing up between brown or black but went for brown in the end as it’s softer and won’t be as harsh while I’m learning to get to grips with applying it. I also figured if I can’t nail the application it might come in handy for filling in my brows. This eyeliner is a retractable pencil and has a smudger at the opposite end for subtle blending and smoking the eyeliner out.

6. Maybelline Dr. Rescue Top Coat ($10.99)

I purchased this top coat last weekend as my previous one became hard and set and had to be thrown out. I really like the way this one was portrayed and I have used it already and I’m impressed. The bottle is so cute and dinky and though it looks pink in the bottle it does in fact apply clear. This top coat vows to give your nails a gel like effect, glossy shine and a plumped up surface. I have never tried a gel polish before so I can’t comment on that but my nails definitely look glossy and have held up very well over the past week.

7. Max Factor Excess Shimmer – 20 Copper ($21.59)

I have been a huge fan of Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Foundation for the past couple of months and instantly wanted to try this product when I spotted it. These look very similar to Maybelline’s Colour Tattoos, they are sold in individual colours and housed in their own little glass pots. Copper is a mid-toned golden brown and the first thing I noticed when I swatched it was how incredible the texture is. It’s a mix between gel and mousse and dare I say it, the texture is more appealing to me than the Colour Tattoos. Everyone mentions how simple and easy the Colour Tattoos are to apply but this is literally one or two swipes and you’re done! These do not crease and last all day. Copper can be worn on it’s own or layered over eyeshadow to illuminate that smoky eye.

Were you out shopping this past weekend like I was – what did you pick up? Let me know if you have you tried any of these items.

Disclaimer: All prices featured are in New Zealand Dollars. Prices listed are those on my receipts and include discounts. Items 4, 6 and 7 were purchased using gift cards and prices reflect what it would have cost to purchase them myself.