GRWM: Drugstore Makeup Look

September 11, 2020September 9, 202016 Comments

In June I shared this look using as many luxurious makeup products as I could. It was a lot of fun to create so I also wanted to do a look using a full face of affordable, drugstore makeup. Most of the makeup I own is more in the drugstore price range, I love products that are good quality and inexpensive and sometimes drugstore products can’t be beat!

Products listed in order of application:

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive – I used to be all about a face moisturiser from Simple until 2018 when I tried this one from Olay and haven’t looked back. This is really nice, it’s lightweight, makeup looks good on top of it and it contains SPF 15.

2. Maybelline Master Prime Hydrate + Smooth – The more I have used this primer the more I have come to enjoy it. It is a little thicker than other primers in my collection but for work and everyday wear this is good. It soaks in quickly so you don’t have to wait before going in with your foundation if you’re short on time.

3. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Still all I use to fill in my brows.

4. Max Factor Miracle Match Foundation in 40 Light Ivory – I got this foundation as a birthday gift in 2019 and it sat in my drawer for about a year before I tried it out. I put this to the test with three other foundations at the start of the year (post *HERE*) and whilst it was one of the lower ranked foundations I don’t want to give up on it yet. The undertone of this shade is neutral which works well with my skintone and as it wears throughout the day my natural oils come out and I don’t mind how it looks.

5. L’Oreal Infallible More Than Concealer in 323 Fawn – I purchased this concealer in April after seeing it on Arna Alayne’s YouTube channel. I was a little worried this would be drying on my dry skin but it’s not at all, this still feels nice and creamy! This concealer is full coverage but blends into the skin easily and a little goes a long way. I do find if I use too much this can make my skin look a little pale. This does have a bit of a weird smell but once product is applied the scent disappears.

6. Rimmel Match Perfection Loose Powder – I am loving this powder lately. I have had it for a few years now but it still applies and looks the same on the skin. It’s translucent so it doesn’t alter how my base products look and it works particuarly well to set the L’Oreal concealer above in place.

7. Milani Eyeshadow Primer – I don’t enjoy this primer as much as Urban Decay’s Primer Potion but it gets the job done and keeps eyeshadow in place. It can make my eyelids a little dry.

8. Colourpop Lilac You a Lot Palette – Purple is one colour that really works for my skin tone and it was fun bringing out this palette for this drugstore look. I started by applying Zoned Out as a base shadow all over the lid then used Iffy to deepen up the crease. Finally I applied Fluff all over the lid with my finger for a pop of shimmer.

9. Colourpop BFF Mascara in Purple Prose – I have a back up of my holy grail Rimmel mascara that I didn’t want to crack open just for this post. The other mascaras in my collection at the moment are all high end and then I remembered this purple mascara I got from Colourpop last year. I love pairing it with purple eyeshadow and it’s fun to wear. Coloured mascara doesn’t take the place of regular black mascara for me but this does add length and volume to my lashes without looking clumpy and the formula is nice and doesn’t smudge. The more coats I apply, the more purple my lashes look.

10. I ♡ Makeup Goddess of Love Highlighter – This was my first highlighter and I still love wearing it. The pink, purple and silver tones look so nice on fair skin and this can be built up depending on the intensity you like. This highlighter looks natural on the skin and pairs so well with purple toned eyeshadow.

11. Dainty Doll Cream Blush in Billion Dollar Babies – I knew this blush would be perfect to add a natural flush to the cheeks. The cream formula is lush!

12. The Body Shop Rose Face Mist – This mist makes the skin lovely and dewy. It’s particularly nice on top of more matte foundations and if I’ve used setting powder. The rose scent is also pleasant, it’s not overpowering or too strong.

13. Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop – Not only is this my favourite kind of lipstick colour to wear but it also looks good with anything! I love these lip butters as they are nicely pigmented as well as making the lips look juicy and glossy. The formula is sheerer than a regular lipstick but this shade in particular still packs a punch!

The Finished Look

What do you think of this look? What are some of your favourite drugstore products?

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June Favourites + Highlights 2020

June 29, 2020June 28, 202025 Comments

June has felt like a very busy month and not always in a good way. My brain has gone back to feeling a little overwhelmed at times and I’ve had a couple of low moments. Everything with Corona is still changing constantly and New Zealand went from having 24 days in a row with no cases to reporting new cases almost every day for the past two weeks. I for one was unaware so many people were returning to the country all at once so that’s why there are new cases but there have been slip ups along the way too – people haven’t always adhered to quarantine rules. It’ll be interesting to see if we have to move back up into different alert levels over the coming weeks/months.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. MAC Love Me Lipsticks in Hey, Frenchie! and Très Blasé – Since falling in love with the formula of this range back in March when I purchased the shade Laissez-Faire I knew a couple of other shades would soon make their way into my collection. The formula is incredibly comfortable and the perfect mix between MAC’s satin and lustre formulas, the feel of a lustre with lasting power more akin to a satin. Hey, Frenchie! is a deep mauvey nude and Très Blasé is a light peachy beige. Très Blasé does pull pinky-peach on me which I don’t mind, it reminds me of a cross between two of my favourite MAC shades; Syrup and Patisserie.

2. L’Oreal Infallible More Than Concealer – I was a little apprehensive this concealer may not work for my skin as it is more on the matte side of creamy and I have dry skin but it looks so flawless once applied. I purchased the shade 323 Fawn after hearing Arna Alayne mention this numerous times on her YouTube channel, she has fair skin like me and her makeup always looks so beautiful. This concealer is full coverage and literally a few dots around my nose and on my chin is all I need. One layer is ample and this blends in seamlessly using my finger. Setting powder and bronzer apply nicely over top too and surprisingly product doesn’t sink into lines or emphasise dry skin.

3. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy – Intense Nude – A work colleague gave me this lipstick and I feel very lucky to own such a luxurious item. I hadn’t previously tried anything from Estée Lauder but I know it’s a renowned brand and the products are high quality. Intense Nude is a gorgeous pink-brown shade that’s not too far away from Très Blasé. The formula of this lipstick is extremely soft, it feels like you’ve got nothing on the lips. Colour fades evenly and lasts well throughout the day. This makes such a good work day lipstick and would also be a nice one for date nights.

4. MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance – I am enjoying using setting sprays lately. I featured The Body Shop’s Rose Face Mist in last month’s favourites post and I have also tried out Fix+ Magic Radiance numerous times over the past few weeks. This one is particularly good for dry skin or if you like a healthy glow – it’s packed with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and essential oils. It has a lovely fresh scent and gives a beautiful dewy look to the skin.

5. Normal People – Over the weekend I finished watching Normal People and really enjoyed it. I read the book a few years ago and the series is very similar, the author was heavily involved with it. I highly recommend watching it if you’re on the fence, certain scenes were emotional to watch and made me cry so have tissues at the ready. The series follows the relationship between Marianne and Connell as they navigate adulthood from their final days in secondary school to their undergraduate years in Trinity College. They weave in and out of each other’s lives and somehow always find themselves drawn back to each other. There is quite a sexual emphasis on Marianne and Connell’s relationship but as a reader/viewer you can’t help but hope they stay together.

June Highlights

Unintentional social media detox. Every once in a while I take a bit of time away from social media and go days or a week between posts. I try to upload when I’ve got something to say or share and try not to post for the sake of it.
I made two batches of chocolate chunk cookies. Photographic evidence can be found HERE. The second batch came out a lot better than the first, the key is definitely to crush up pieces of chocolate and bake them at a lower temperature. Let me know if you want me to share the recipe!

June’s Spotify Playlist:

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

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The Lockdown Me Spree

June 3, 2020May 30, 202011 Comments

I kept everything as ‘normal’ as possible over the lockdown period and I did end up making a handful of online orders. I was in two minds about sharing the items as understandably a lot of people have gone quiet online and are being super mindful of the content they put out.

I do want to say I 100% purchase everything myself and I am in no way bragging. I was fortunate to be in a position to work from home and continue earning my salary. I am very much a saver and also go through periods of time where I don’t spend anything.

Hourglass

Since sampling Hourglass’ Veil Mineral Primer last year I have wanted the full size, but I held off as this primer is pricey. I purchased the 56ml tube (which is the largest size) as value for money wise it works out the best. This primer feels like silk on the skin and makes foundation apply like a dream over top. It has SPF15 in it too.

xoBeauty

1. Round Face Brush – I didn’t need another foundation brush but I wanted to compare this to my Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush. These two brushes are bigger than my others and I tend to reach for them when my smaller foundations brushes are dirty. This brush is dense and by the time I’ve applied foundation my hand is sore from buffing but the finish it gives is nice and worth it.

2. Kelly Lip Pencil – I only own one other lip pencil but I thought this deep brown toned mauve would work nicely with MAC Viva Glam III and other nude/berry lipsticks in my collection.

3. False eyelashes – Since trying false lashes from xoBeauty in March I have been obsessed with how good they look and I wanted to pick up another couple of pairs in different styles:

“The Girl Next Door” were designed for the utmost natural girls in mind. These are lightweight, natural, and not too long. They are perfect for anyone with not a lot of eye space, or anyone with hooded eyelids. They have a zig-zag pattern that looks feminine and gorgeous!

“The Romantic” were designed for the girly girl who likes a bit of flirt, a bit of length, and a bit of volume! They are super full but do not take over your eyes, so they can be worn day or night. Tapered on the inner corner for comfort, and finished off with a beautiful flick and curve on the ‘Outer V’ to elongate your eye shape.

“The Glamourista” are ideal for any glamorous look! Even though they are slightly more dramatic, you can still get away with wearing them for any occasion, day or night, because they are so wispy and lightweight.

Chemist Warehouse

1. YSL – Black Opium – Since trying a sample of this perfume at the end of 2019 I knew I would pick up a full size eventually. Black Opium is a great everyday perfume or one for date nights – the main note is vanilla but it also has hints of coffee and it’s a very warm, sexy scent.

2. Concealers – Cream concealers are best for my dry skin and I want a back up option if I am unable to pick up Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer – the brand is not widely available in New Zealand. I’ve always been curious to try Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer and I’ve also heard Arna Alayne praise the L’Oreal Infallible More Than Concealer on her YouTube channel as a great full coverage option.

3. Revlon Diamond Shine Gel Envy Top Coat – This is the top coat I currently use and it is great so I picked up a backup. The width of the brush is perfect and the top coat spreads so easily. It gives a lovely shine to nail polish and doesn’t chip easily.

MAC

1. Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam – Double Gleam is a liquid-powder highlighter that gives a luminous, well-defined finish and is described as a beige that breaks silver. As I carry out my challenge of using one eyeshadow palette and highlighter per month I’m learning what textures I like and what works best on my skin. I have a few highlighters in the same colour family as Double Gleam but ultimately I enjoy being a minimalist and only keeping products I really love. I’m hoping Double Gleam will allow me to let go of a couple of other products I don’t reach for as often.

2. Love Me Lipsticks in Hey, Frenchie! and Très Blasé – I mentioned I was curious to try these shades when I reviewed Laissez-Faire, (also from the Love Me Range). Hey, Frenchie! is a deep mauvey nude and Très Blasé is a light peachy beige. I ordered both of these from the same company but there was a stock issue with Très Blasé so I am waiting for an ETA to hear when it will ship. If it doesn’t come back into stock I will look at getting it from somewhere else. I thought I’d mention it here anyway as I do intend to buy it.

Wearing Hey, Frenchie!

3. MAC Peachlite Strobe Cream – A little while ago I finished up a 30ml tube of Strobe Cream in the original Pinklite shade. I did enjoy using the product as a glowy moisturiser with no makeup on weekends or as a primer before applying foundation. I was curious about a couple of other shades; Silverlite and Peachlite. Silverlite was out of stock so I opted for Peachlite. Peachlite has a peachy pink sheen and is the shade of Strobe Cream that is probably the most universal and will suit all skin tones. I’ve worn Peachlite a couple of times since it arrived and my skin feels extremely soft and moisturised.

4. MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance – I have used the original Fix+ in the past and since MAC launched Fix+ Magic Radiance I have wanted to try it. I suffer with dry skin and this product is supposed to be super hydrating. Magic Radiance is loaded with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and essential oils. It aims to cool and soothe the skin, set makeup for extended wear and refresh lacklustre complexions. Fix+ is also great for spraying on your brush before applying eyeshadow or highlighter to make it more intense.

Hope you enjoyed seeing everything I’ve picked up recently! Have you treated yourself to anything during lockdown?

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Empty Products #12

January 15, 2020January 13, 202026 Comments

The first empties post of 2020! Let’s see how many products I can get through this year! In my bullet journal I will keep a list of everything I finish up and at the end of the year total them up. I’m aiming to be on a low buy in 2020 and not purchase products until I’ve used others up first and stop buying things for the sake of it. I do quite well anyway but there’s no harm in trying to do better.

Haircare

1. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

I was curious to try this range after trying the Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner from OGX. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and my hair does feel smooth and soft when I use it but I can get the same result from cheaper shampoos. These bottles do last me a long time but by the end I was looking forward to moving on to something else.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

2. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner

I prefer the shampoo in this range to the conditioner. The conditioner has a strong scent and it’s not one I find pleasant. Like the shampoo, the conditioner didn’t do anything revolutionary for my hair.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup

3. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

I don’t use a setting spray each time I wear makeup but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The mist feels hydrating and gentle when it hits the skin and the mist sprays evenly when the nozzle is pushed. The scent is nice and natural and contains elements of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. If you’re sensitive to scented products you should be fine with this one. This is great to dampen eye brushes to pack on eyeshadow too.

Repurchase: Yes.

4. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

If you asked me a year ago what my favourite foundation is I would have said this one. It has decent coverage, has a nice satin finish, a little goes a long way and the tube packaging is compact and lightweight. However, since trying a couple of high end foundations in 2019 this pales in comparison. The colour doesn’t match me as well as foundations from MAC and YSL and towards the end the product wasn’t sitting as nicely on my skin as it once did… possibly due to age? If this was a touch lighter it would be the perfect drugstore option for me.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthly Luminous Makeup in W 1-2 Porcelain/Warm Ivory

I researched this foundation before I purchased it and the selling point for me was how good it was for dry skin. I have no doubt this is good for dry skin but a lot of the times I wore this I would need powder as the foundation is so thin and slippery. It’s not the best for layering and one thin layer works best. As a result the coverage is very minimal and this seems more comparable to a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. The product didn’t cling to dry patches and the shade was ok. This wasn’t terrible but by no means would I try this again.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT

These little bottles are really travel friendly. I bought one in a different scent to pop in my locker at work for when I need a quick refresh but I didn’t end up doing that. The moringa scent is a delicate floral that’s nice for everyday wear.

Repurchase: Yes. I would also consider the Moringa Fragrance Mist which is cheaper and contains 70ml more product.

7. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy and Viva la Juicy Glacé rollerball

I received this double ended rollerball as a gift and both of these scents are lovely! Viva la Juicy is a vanilla gourmand and is my signature scent. Glacé is a fresh, icy take on the original containing notes of pear and sorbet. Both of these scents have serious lasting power and I found with the rollerball the scent really gets absorbed into the skin and lingers all day.

Repurchase: Not this exact rollerball but I do have full size bottles of both perfumes.

8. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture

This is not a bad perfume but it is my least favourite Juicy Couture scent that I have tried. The notes are stronger than what I usually like and nearly border on headache inducing territory. The lasting power is excellent and this scent does evoke compliments. If you don’t like sweet, overly feminine scents give this one a sniff.

Repurchase: No.

9. YSL – Black Opium

I purchased a YSL set of minis mainly so I could sample this perfume as I’d heard mixed reviews and wanted to try it before committing to a full size bottle. Black Opium is seriously sexy and contains notes of coffee, warm florals and vanilla bound by an undertone of white musk. I used this 7.5ml sample bottle up in a matter of weeks. The scent lingers all day and is one of those that is perfect for all occasions.

Repurchase: I intend to purchase a full sized bottle.

10. Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask

Antipodes is a New Zealand brand which I had heard plenty of good things about prior to trying this mask. For a mud mask this didn’t dry out my skin or irritate it at all. It helped to soothe skin and keep it clear from impurities but for the price tag I don’t think it’s outstandingly better than my favourite face mask from Natio which is half the price and contains more product.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

11. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

The black musk scent from The Body Shop is one I enjoy for it’s spicy warmth. This body lotion was satisfactory but didn’t feel as moisturizing as others I have tried in the past. The black bottle makes it hard to see how much product is left. Another product I’m glad to have finished.

Repurchase: No.

Body

12. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have used this anti-perspirant for about 4/5 years now and it features in almost every empties so if you’re a long time reader you’ll know how much I enjoy this.

Repurchase: Yes but I might buy a different product next time I need deodorant to give my skin a break.

What was the last product you finished up?

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Yearly Highlights + Signing Off For 2019

December 23, 2019December 22, 201931 Comments

Usually towards the end of each month I round up my favourite things but in December there hasn’t been anything new that I’ve come across that I haven’t talked about before. In lieu of December Favourites I’ve rounded up my favourite products of 2019. I will also be sharing some highlights from the year. This is my final post for 2019 as I want to give myself a break from posting between Christmas and the New Year. Thank you to everyone for taking time to read and comment and for showing support. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope you have the best day with your loved ones!

Base

1. Trying higher end foundations from YSL and MAC – 2019 is the year I stepped up my foundation game and ventured away from the drugstore options slightly. I got a sample of MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation which applied beautifully each time I used it and made me start looking into other high end foundations. After finishing the MAC sample I purchased a bottle of YSL’s Le Teint Touche Éclat in B10 Porcelain and it is such a perfect colour match for me. A little goes a long way with this foundation and like the MAC foundation it applies and sits beautifully on the skin. I have still got a couple of drugstore foundations in my collection and once I’ve used those up I can see myself heading more towards bases that are slightly more expensive but perform better. It takes me so long to finish a foundation that I’d rather it be one that I really like.

2. Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Light – I heard The Anna Edit talk about this product numerous times and I’d been curious to give contouring a go so I bit the bullet and purchased it. I wanted one shade that suited my skintone rather than purchasing a palette where most of the shades would sit untouched. This product is lovely to work with, the powder is soft and easy to blend and I don’t need to use much at all. I tend to use this over bronzer on days I want more definition.

Eyes

3. xoBeauty Heaps of Sweets Palette – This palette is a relatively new addition to my makeup collection. The layout and the number of different colour combinations excites me and makes me want to experiment with the palette. The pigmentation, formula and the combination of matte and shimmer shades is great and since the palette arrived I have not put it away, it’s sitting on top of my dresser within easy reach. Palettes like this that can be used for wearable everyday looks but also contain fun pops of colour are so versatile.

4. Zoella x Colourpop Group Hug Supernova Shadow Bundle – If I had to pick my favourite brand for 2019 it would be Colourpop! I hadn’t tried anything from Colourpop before and I remember asking on Instagram for product suggestions and someone mentioned that they didn’t like the Supernova Shadows. I didn’t purchase the Group Hug bundle in my first order but I am glad I picked it up in a subsequent order. The bundle contains the shades OG and Bellini and both are packed full of shimmer and glittery goodness. The pigmentation is stunning, especially Bellini, and they apply so smoothly and last all day. They are what I thought the Stila minis I have would be like but 100x better. Unfortunately this set has now been discontinued.

5. Colourpop Sol Palette – This is one of my favourite eyeshadow palettes in my collection and every time I use it I’m never disappointed, there’s not one bad shade. The warm, orange tones work really well with my hair and complexion and this palette is surprisingly versatile. If I had to pick one palette to travel with it would be between this and The Remix Palette from Shaaanxo and BH Cosmetics. One of the best nine pans Colourpop do in my opinion!

6. Colourpop Super Shock Shadows – One of the Colourpop products recommended to me were the Super Shock Shadows. This product is what the brand first started off with and having a creamy, highly pigmented texture with no fall out it’s easy to see why they are so popular. Across the four Colourpop orders I placed this year I purchased eight shades in total. My top picks are Slave2Pink (neon pink glitter loaded up with blue), Bouncy (cool toned bronze with gold and violet duo chrome), Nillionaire (bronze with pink and gold ultra-glitter), Dare (shockingly neon purple with hot pink and violet glitter) and I Heart This (taupe with silver ultra-glitter).

Lips

7. Revolution Jewel Collection Lip Toppers – These sheer, non-sticky glosses are packed with stunning shimmer to switch up your favourite lipstick. I have two out of three shades; Fortune (iced silver shimmer) and Exquisite (duo chrome sheer pink with cool silver shimmer). They can be worn alone or layered over lipstick for a high shine finish and colour shifting duo chrome effect. Fortune is my favourite!

8. L’Oreal – Bois De Rose Lipstick – A work colleague gave me this lipstick and the colour reminds me a lot of Syrup by MAC which I completely finished a couple of months ago. Bois De Rose has more of a rosy tone whereas Syrup has more of a purple-berry tone. The formula of this shade is lovely and creamy and it is such a lovely colour for everyday wear.

Accessories

9. YSL Black Opium – The 7.5ml perfume sample of Black Opium did not last me long at all, it’s finished already! I instantly fell in love with the scent and in the near future I definitely want to pick up a full sized bottle. The combination of warm, sweet vanilla and coffee with a hint of spice is extremely sexy.

10. Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch – I purchased this watch last year and whilst it was an investment piece I love wearing it! My wrists are tiny (which I have a weird fascination with) and Daniel Wellington watches accommodate that. When you order from Daniel Wellington you can customise your watch by choosing the size of the dial, the colour of the dial and the colour of the strap. I chose the Petite Melrose in rose gold with a white 28mm dial. The watch goes with everything and looks dainty and elegant.

Top 5 personal highlights from 2019:

1. A personalised signed album from Claire Richards – Claire Richards has one of my favourite voices in the music business and she released her solo album in February 2019. Through Claire’s website fans could pre-order personalised signed copies of her album.

2. Securing tickets to So Pop 2020 – Speaking of Claire, Steps were announced as one of the acts for the So Pop 2020 series of concerts alongside The Pussycat Dolls, Jesse McCartney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and others. It hasn’t properly hit me yet that I’ll be able to say I’ve seen my favourite band in concert even if they aren’t the headline act – 10 year old Chanelle never thought this would happen.

3. Finding a denim jacket – I knew that when I purchased my denim jacket from Pagani it is one of those timeless pieces that goes with everything. I often pair it with leggings for simple, casual outfits when I’m not sure what to wear and it’s a great layering piece that can be dressed up and dressed down.

4. Purchasing new perfumes – Halfway through the year I purchased a couple of new perfumes and I’m really pleased with all the scents in my collection at the moment. Girly, vanilla based scents are my favourite and you can’t go wrong with Juicy Couture in my opinion. The fragrances next on my list to buy are Viva la Juicy Rosé and a full size of Black Opium.

5. Being more social – I am by no means a social butterfly but I have been on my fair share of dates, attended a few quiz nights and been out to dinner with work friends this year.

December’s Spotify Playlist:

I hope you are able to look back on 2019 and the decade with fond memories. If 2019 didn’t go the way you planned I hope 2020 will treat you better and bring plenty of happiness ❤

I will still be reading posts and commenting but this is me officially signing off – see you in 2020!

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Empty Products #11

November 4, 2019November 2, 201921 Comments

My fifth empties post in a year! I am proud of how dedicated I have been to using products up and the speed with which I’m getting through things. There’s a lot of great products in this post and 80% of them I would be happy to purchase again. Let’s get started!

Haircare

1. TRESemmé Heat Tamer Protective Spray

I have had this heat protector for a few years as I rarely use styling tools on my hair. The scent is pleasant, it’s like a fruity version of The Body Shop’s Vitamin E scent with less rosy notes – there is no hair spray, chemical type smell. The spray makes hair soft and look shiny without looking oily and it is good value for money. It costs $7 (NZD) for 300ml. If you do use styling tools regularly and had to purchase this a few times a year it’s still good value.

Repurchase: Yes.

Makeup

2. L’Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara

Paradise Extatic is the European/New Zealand version of L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise mascara. My initial thoughts are I don’t like Paradise Extatic as much as I liked Lash Paradise. I found Paradise Extatic dried out quicker and the formula got clumpy and thick after not being open for very long at all. Paradise Extatic didn’t build and layer as well as I remember Lash Paradise doing and my lashes didn’t look long and fluttery. The performance of this particular tube of mascara was average. I’ve seen people compare Lash Paradise and Paradise Extatic and this has come out on top but for me it’s the other way round. The only way this is superior to Lash Paradise is that the colour on the outside of the tube doesn’t flake and peel off.

Repurchase: Yes but Lash Paradise in the pink tube.

3. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

I have talked about this concealer numerous times over the years on my blog so I’ll keep this short. It is my favourite creamy concealer and as far as value for money, shade match, coverage and pigmentation goes it wins hands down!

Repurchase: I already have.

4. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW13 (Sample)

I recently reviewed this foundation *HERE* and I’m including this little sample as an empty because it gave me 27 uses which is a lot more than the week’s worth of product the poster stated. The colour match could not be more perfect for my skin and this foundation blended like a dream, it is the nicest looking foundation I have tried to date. Cheek products sit nicely on top, the formula is comfortable – the right amount of dew and matte – and product didn’t break down on my face throughout the day.

Repurchase: I am considering buying a full size of this foundation once I finish up a few others in my collection.

5. MAC Syrup

I am sad I have finished this lipstick but also proud. Syrup was my first ever MAC lipstick and my first ever MAC purchase so it holds a special place in my heart. Syrup is the most beautiful pink-purple mauve berry and such a hard colour to dupe. It has a lustre finish meaning it’s incredibly comfortable to wear and has a nice natural shine.

Repurchase: Definitely – one of the best lipstick colours I have ever owned!

6. MAC Patisserie

I actually thought I would finish Patisserie before Syrup but as it happened I used both of these up within a week of each other. Patisserie is also a lustre finish and is the perfect peachy-pink nude. When it comes to nude lipsticks pink undertones suit me best.

Repurchase: I’m sure I will at some point.

Skincare & Fragrance

7. Antipodes Hosanna H20 Skin Plumping Serum

I received a deluxe sample of this serum as a gift with purchase but I didn’t enjoy it. The serum has a strong medicinal scent and I didn’t notice any benefits to my skin when I used this. It didn’t irritate my skin or dry it out further but I didn’t see any plumping effects either. The serum seemed to soak into my skin awfully quickly and it felt like I hadn’t applied any product.

Repurchase: No.

8. The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist

Aside from Fix+ by MAC this is the face mist I have enjoyed using the most to set my makeup. The strawberry scent is lovely and fruity and the spray feels light and refreshing on the skin. This mist gives my skin a smooth, dewy look.

Repurchase: Most likely.

9. Britney Spears – Prerogative 30ml

Prerogative is probably my favourite fragrance from Britney Spears so far. It has notes of amber, pink pepper, apricot, lily, espresso foam and a velvety, gourmand twist. The scent is quite light and not the most long lasting but it’s a good everyday perfume for work. My only slight gripe is the bottle. The packaging is simple and sexy but as the bottle sits on an angle I worry perfume could leak out.

Repurchase: Maybe.

Body

10. Victoria’s Secret Ruby Guava Hand Cream

A work colleague gave this to me and the packaging is super cute! I didn’t know Victoria’s Secret made hand cream. The scent is fruity and a little stronger than what I usually like. This also didn’t feel as moisturising as other hand creams I’ve used in the past.

Repurchase: No.

11. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 200ml

Shea is my favourite scent from The Body Shop and this is actually the first 200ml tub of this scent I have finished up. I’ve used a couple of smaller 50ml tubs in the past but this is softer and creamier despite being the same scent. I never tire of this scent and it’s perfect for any time of year.

Repurchase: Yes!

What was the last product you finished up?

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7 Products I Want To Use Up

October 21, 2019October 20, 201927 Comments

I’ll start by saying I don’t hate any of these products. These are simply products I want to focus on finishing up so I can move onto using other items in my collection and products that don’t seem like they are too far away from being finished. I have divided the products into two categories; makeup and body/fragrance.

Starting of course with my favourite, makeup!

1. MAC Fix+ Setting Spray 30ml

I will be a little sad when I finish this setting spray as it feels lovely on the skin and has a nice, fresh scent. The nozzle sprays the right amount of product and the mist doesn’t feel too wet when it comes into contact with the skin. This also works well to spray on brushes to intensify eyeshadows and for picking up pigments to make eyes look more glittery. The sooner I finish this the sooner I can move on to the two face mists I have from The Body Shop and then look at purchasing a full size of Fix+.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/5.

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

This is my third or fourth tube of this concealer and I love it – it’s my holy grail! This concealer is the perfect shade for me, works well with every foundation, provides even coverage and pigmentation and can be layered to provide the level of coverage you’re after. I already have another brand new tube waiting in the wings for when this is finished. I’m guessing I only have enough product left for another week or two which I estimate to be another 5-10 uses.

3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

I have had this foundation for coming up two years now and for a long time it was reserved for being my foundation to use for nice makeup days or special occasions. Last year it took a back seat when I focused on finishing up Rimmel’s Match Perfection in the shade 010 Light Porcelain. Up until the MAC foundation I sampled this was the one I liked most and compared everything too. The foundation provides light-medium coverage and still looks natural whilst giving a satin/demi-matte finish. The tube feels almost empty, I’d say there’s only a handful of uses left.

4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup – W1-2 Porcelain/Light Ivory

The formula of this foundation is extremely dewy and one light layer is enough. This foundation isn’t the easiest to build up so I prefer to go in with a concealer that does layer and build up well to cover redness and uneven skintone. This foundation is nice for the colder months when my skin is drier due to it’s high water content. This foundation was purchased in March 2018 but wasn’t used properly until this year as along with the Max Factor foundation it took a back seat so I could finish the Rimmel foundation.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/3

Moving onto body and fragrance

5. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

I don’t dislike this scent but it is not my favourite for a body lotion. The Black Musk fragrance mist from The Body Shop is lovely and after using this body lotion it has made me realise I prefer it as a perfume rather than a scent for the body. This lotion also doesn’t feel as moisturising as others I’ve tried from The Body Shop and with the bottle being black I have no idea how much product is left, I’m guessing 1/3 or 1/4 going by how light the bottle feels.

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT 30ml

Since purchasing three brand new perfumes a couple months ago I am trying to finish up a few of my other scents. These 30ml bottles from The Body Shop are such a good travel size and I used to like taking them with me when I stayed with my ex as they are easy to transport, smell good and have decent lasting power. I haven’t needed to transport perfume and haven’t found myself reaching for this as much as I did. I’m currently alternating between this and the next perfume for days at work and I’m enjoying the floral element this brings.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/4

7. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture 100ml

Out of all the Juicy Couture perfumes I have tried this is the one I’d be least likely to repurchase. The scent is stronger and more heady than what I usually go for but the fragrance notes are still nice and I have received compliments on this in the past. One thing this perfume is missing for me is the prominence of the vanilla and sweetness other Juicy Couture scents have. The lasting power of this perfume is excellent though.

Juicy Couture begins with sweet fruit notes of watermelon, mandarin, and passion fruit over a floral bouquet of gardenia, hyacinth, marigold, lily, and tuberose. Juicy Couture finishes on warm, sweet base notes of caramel, crème brulee, vanilla, patchouli and woods.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/10

Have you got any products you’re looking to finish up?

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GRWM: Girls Dinner

September 6, 2019September 5, 201921 Comments

On Monday I went out to dinner with some of the girls from work. If you saw my post on Instagram earlier in the week you may be aware I was worried about the dinner. Social situations make me nervous and not being a very adventurous eater magnifies the nerves. Evenings out aren’t something I do as I don’t usually have company and part of me feels like I don’t deserve it. I knew I wanted to go because I felt grateful to be included and it was a big deal for me. I made everything out to be worse in my head than it was but when you worry so much it’s a natural instinct. If a similar situation arises again I will be less nervous which is a positive.

Not only was I nervous about the food/dinner – I stepped out of my comfort zone with my outfit. The restaurant had a dress code so it meant I had to get a little glammed up. I wore a dress AND heels and wanted to do nice makeup. This look features some newer products in my collection and products I’ve been reaching for a lot recently.

(Products have been categorised and listed in order of application under each category).

Base

MAC Strobe Cream – Pinklite – I applied this kind of like a primer and to give my skin more glow. I wanted this look to be soft and dewy.
Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair – One of my favourite foundations that I’ve tried to date; good coverage and a satin finish.
Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer – 1 Fair – The pigmentation and creamy consistency pairs so well with the Max Factor foundation. I had a bit of redness I wanted to cover up and also I wanted my skin to look glowy and this concealer isn’t as matte as my MAC one.
The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist – This smells good, feels lovely on the skin and keeps makeup looking fresh. This was the last product applied before my lip colour.

Cheeks/Eyes

Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Used this to fill in my brows.
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder – Light – I hadn’t used this for a few weeks and I missed it. Often in the morning when I’m getting ready for work I skip contouring as I’m short on time but I do really enjoy how this product looks.
Urban Decay Primer Potion – This little 5ml sample has lasted me over a year and is still going strong.
The Body Shop Honey Bronzer – 01 Light Matte – This was dusted over the tops of my cheekbones, down my nose and across my chin. I also applied this in my crease as my transition shade.
BECCA – Royal Glow – I used my ring finger to apply this highlighter all over my eyelids as a base shadow and used it to highlight my cheeks as well.
Zoella x Colourpop Supernova Shadow in Bellini – Bellini is a high-impact, ultra glittery shadow with a metallic rose gold base. This shadow is so easy to use, I swipe product onto my finger from the applicator and transfer it to my eyelid. Product dries quickly and lasts all day, this shade looks a foiled shadow when set.
L’Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara – This is starting to dry out and I feel like I haven’t had it open very long. It definitely doesn’t seem as long lasting as the tube of Lash Paradise I had. I’m not ready to let go of this mascara just yet as the dark, thick fluttery lashes it gives are so pretty.
MAC – Warm Soul – I wanted a hint of colour on the cheeks and I knew the highlighter and strobe cream would give the glow factor so I went for this light pink-beige blush. It gives a lovely natural flush.

LIPS

L’Oreal – 302 Bois De Rose – I mentioned in my August Favourites I wanted to do a makeup look for the blog with this lipstick and here it is! It’s a great shade for everyday wear and I knew I’d be eating so wanted something that would fade gradually. This shade gives me MAC Syrup vibes, this is a satin finish and more pink but super pretty!

The Final Look:

Let me know what you think of this makeup look! What type of look do you go for if you’re going out?

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August Favourites + Highlights

August 30, 2019August 29, 201917 Comments

Looking back over my mood tracker for the year, August has been a real mixture of feelings. The day this post goes up will be my last day at work for two weeks and I am looking forward to having a well deserved break. I have worked at the library for over two years now (105 weeks to be exact) and minus the two weeks off I have coming up I have had a total of three weeks off work in that time. I’m looking forward to relaxing and sleeping and just taking some time out. I’ve spent most of August counting down and getting everything ready for my last day to be honest. I’ve still been reading and made some online orders too!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick – 302 Bois De Rose – This lipstick was gifted to me by a work colleague and boy did she choose well! I love how wherever I’ve worked I’m known as the lipstick girl and people gift shades to me they haven’t used or buy shades with me in mind. I don’t own any L’Oreal lipsticks but the satin formula of this shade is stunning! Bois De Rose reminds me a lot of MAC Syrup which is in no way a bad thing. The scent of this lipstick is lovely and the pigmentation and lasting power are excellent. I’d love to do a makeup look for the blog wearing this shade soon.

2. Zoella x Colourpop Group Hug Supernova Shadow Bundle – Products like this remind me why I love makeup. Both of these shades are impressive, have really good pigmentation, last all day and go with any makeup look. These are easy to apply and the shimmer stays on the eyelids and doesn’t get all over the face. I love a bit of sparkle and these deliver in spades! Literally a bit of bronzer all over the lid and through the crease, either OG or Bellini applied over top, two coats of mascara, lipstick and you’re good to go! Simple, no fuss products are my favourite!

3.Silver ring – I purchased this ring over two years ago but I’m really bad at wearing jewellery. I go through phases of wanting to wear it and then won’t wear any at all for ages (minus my rose gold Petite Melrose watch from Daniel Wellington). This ring is stirling silver and features a cubic zirconia stone in the centre with five smaller stones either side. The style of the ring is simple and elegant and I have enjoyed wearing it again this month.

4. NESCAFÉ Gold Crème Brulee Latté – I rarely drink coffee but when I do I tend to go for something milky and not overly strong. I enjoy the Vanilla Latte flavour from Nescafe and when I saw the limited edition Creme Brulee flavour I wanted to give them a go. I haven’t had coffee in a long time and I’m not someone that needs it daily to function. These lattes are lovely and smooth, the coffee taste isn’t overpowering and the sweetness of the creme brulee adds to the pleasant taste. A nice little treat when I need something to warm me up!

August Highlights

My second Colourpop order arrived! If you haven’t seen what I got yet, CLICK HERE.
Treated myself to lunch a couple of times this month, it was pie and chips weather.
Got a haircut and a third layer put back in.
Ordered three new perfumes online: Viva la Juicy La Fleur, Viva la Juicy Glacé, and Olympéa by Paco Rabanne. All smell lovely.

August’s Spotify Playlist:

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

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GRWM: Mexican Quiz Night

June 17, 2019June 15, 201937 Comments

At the end of May I went to a Mexican themed quiz night with four work colleagues. We didn’t have to dress up but I knew I wanted to do bright, glowy makeup and incorporate colourful flowers into the look. The week prior to quiz night I purchased a headband with coloured flowers attached and it topped my makeup off beautifully. I kept my outfit simple wearing black pants and a black top and a black and white striped blanket wrap over top to look like a poncho. I absolutely adored the makeup I did and I hinted in a previous post about recreating the look and sharing it on the blog – I had a few requests to do so.

(Products have been categorised and listed in order of application under each cateogry).

Base

Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser – At the moment I’m working on finishing up this travel sized moisturiser from Simple. This particular moisturiser is lovely on my dry skin and it would be great if this was more readily available in New Zealand and came in a full size.
Max Factor Smoothing Miracle Primer – Smoothing and moisturising, a pea sized amount of product is all that’s needed.
Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair – My favourite foundation that I’ve tried to date, good coverage and a satin finish.
Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer – 1 Fair – The concealer that works best for me! The pigmentation and creamy consistency pairs so well with the Max Factor foundation.
The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist – Not only does this smell good but it feels lovely on the skin and it keeps my makeup looking smooth and soft. This was the last product applied before my lip colour.

Cheeks

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder – Light – I wanted my cheeks to look sculpted and chiseled, this shade is a perfect match for fair skin such as mine.
The Body Shop Honey Bronzer – 01 Light Matte – This was dusted over the tops of my cheekbones, down my nose and across my chin. I also applied this all over my eyelids to set the eye primer and act as a base shade.
Dainty Doll Blush – 004 You Are My Sunshine – A dupe for NARS Orgasm. I need such a small amount of this blush as it is very pigmented but it gives a lovely flush to the cheeks. I applied this with a big fluffy brush and really concentrated application between my highlighter and contour.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – Opal – I have always been a fan of this highlighter but over the past few weeks I’ve been having a real moment with it! The glow it gives in combination with the blush makes my skin look super glowy and healthy and the formula is like butter.

Eyes

Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Used this to fill in my brows.
Urban Decay Primer Potion – This really does make a difference to the longevity of my eye makeup.
Colourpop Sol Palette – OOO was applied through the crease and lightly over my eyelids before using my ring finger to apply Floaties all over.
MAC Melon Pigment – Melon was applied over top of Floaties to add extra sparkle and to tie the orange tones from the Sol palette in with the peachy-gold blush.
L’Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara – I tried Lash Paradise last year and loved it! I picked up Paradise Extatic (The European/NZ version) to compare the two and so far so good. Lashes appear dark and fluttery and the mascara provides good coverage in one coat but I still apply two!