Empty Products #9

It’s funny to think as I sit and type this up I’m already halfway towards finishing products for the next empties installment. I’ll keep the intro short because I do give mini reviews of all the products mentioned and this post is a wordy one!

Makeup

1. H&M Precision Makeup Sponge

I won this sponge in a blog giveaway a couple of years ago and I finally decided it was time to let it go. The sponge is in no way bad but I haven’t used it to apply foundation in a long time. The sponge is lovely and soft and bounces across the face easily. The sponge washes up well and is nice but I don’t use it anymore.

Repurchase: No. Not because the sponge isn’t good but I prefer brushes to apply foundation.

2. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Technically this would class as a haircare empty but because I use this to wash my makeup brushes I have included it in the makeup category instead. The shampoo cleans brushes so well and this product lasted for countless washes. As this is a baby shampoo it keeps the bristles super soft too.

Repurchase: I have.

Skincare & Fragrance

3. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Funnily enough I won this cleansing balm in the same giveaway as the H&M sponge! Over the past year I have regularly incorporated this balm into my evening routine and I love it. The balm is creamy and effective at removing makeup and doesn’t leave a greasy film on the skin or break me out. The balm is unscented and suitable for all skin types.

Repurchase: I have!

4. Natio Clay & Plant Face Mask Purifier

I have used this product for a number of years and I still enjoy it and find it works well for me. The squeeze tube makes application easy and the texture of the mask is not too thick. Using this mask 1-2 times a week is more than enough and after rinsing the mask off skin feels soft and clean but not stripped or dry. The scent is barely there and this would suit a range of skin types. I have dry-sensitive skin and this isn’t harsh in the slightest.

Repurchase: Yes. I’ve finished up two tubes previously and it’s a lovely mask. I’m using another mask from a different brand at the moment.

5. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive

I tried this moisturiser on a whim after using my beloved Simple Rich Replenishing moisturiser for the longest time and this is certainly comparable in terms of price and what it does for my skin. Possibly this is slightly more hydrating than the Simple moisturiser and makeup applies over top like a dream. This has an SPF of 15 and doesn’t have a sunscreen smell.

Repurchase: Yes, this is a nice day moisturiser for my skin.

6. Clinique Moisture Surge

I purchased a 30ml tube of this moisturiser as part of a set with a lipgloss around Christmas time. I had heard a lot of people talk about how good this moisturiser is and how it is one of their favourites and I wanted to see what the fuss is about. Whilst I didn’t hate this moisturiser it will not be making it’s way to holy grail status. I think for combination or oily skin types the gel-like texture would be more suitable. I like something that properly sinks in and feels hydrating. I’m glad to have tried the product but for the price I don’t see myself picking this up again.

Repurchase: Probably not. My skin didn’t feel nourished and product didn’t soak into my skin as much as I would have liked.

7. Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser

I discovered this moisturiser a couple of years ago and I love the fact it comes in a compact 50ml tube. This moisturiser would be even better if it either a) came in full size or b) was as readily available as other Simple products in New Zealand. The moisturiser is light and creamy and feels lovely on the skin. Makeup also applies like a dream over top of this one and the brightening effect the mango extract gives the skin is subtle but beautiful.

Repurchase: Yes but sadly this isn’t easy to come across.

Body

8. The Body Shop Early Harvest Raspberry Body Butter

One of my favourite bloggers, Rachael from Helpless Whilst Drying, loves this scent and when I saw it I wanted to try it. This body butter gets big brownie points from me for being a beautiful baby pink and having the texture I know and love; soft, malleable and moisturising. The scent is nice for spring/summer which is when I used this. I try and match scents to seasons e.g. fruits and florals for spring/summer and musky, heady scents for autumn/winter.

Repurchase: Maybe. This isn’t a permanent scent and there are other scents I would choose first.

9. Victoria’s Secret Vanilla Lace Body Lotion

This body lotion combines two of my favourite scents, vanilla and musk. Both of them work well with my body chemistry and they match my girly/sweet personality. The scent of this lotion is similar to the Vanilla Chai scent The Body Shop released a few Christmases ago but less spicy and more musky. The lotion soaked into the skin quickly which is what I like when I’m getting dressed and the texture was nice and easy to spread.

Repurchase: Yes but I think this has been discontinued.

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Features in every empties. Love the scent, keeps me feeling fresh and does what it says on the label, keeps white clothes white and black clothes black.

Repurchase: Of course.

11. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream

I am unable to use shower gels and body washes due to my skin being extremely sensitive to SLS which is a common ingredient used in soap. Soap for washing my hands is fine but if I use anything like that on my legs the skin dries out and gets itchy and leads to eczema. I picked up this 60ml sample of Almond Milk & Honey shower cream as it doesn’t contain SLS and I was curious to see whether my skin would still react. I can confirm my skin was fine but I didn’t use this over consecutive showers, I used it once or twice a week to ensure my skin didn’t dry out. The product felt nice and creamy and made my skin soft but I didn’t enjoy this scent as a shower cream, I’ve used the hand cream from this range in the past and liked it better. Whilst this didn’t irritate my skin I wouldn’t pick up the full size. It is nice to know that other shower creams without SLS could work for me though.

Repurchase: No.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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GRWM: Mexican Quiz Night

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!

Lips

•  NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream – Fuchsia Fusion – My favourite shade of lip colour to wear and all the glitz and glam I needed!

The Final Look:

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What do you think of this makeup look? Have you created any looks recently that you can’t get enough of, if so what products did you use?

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Empty Products #5

Each of my empties posts seem to get bigger and this is definitely the biggest one yet! There are 20 empty products in this post and for future posts I will keep to the 10-15 product mark to make the posts easier to digest. I have been amassing these empties since the end of 2017 and I finally got around to sorting them into their categories and taking pictures.

Haircare

1. TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo & Conditioner

I must have had these for about 12 months now. I shampoo the top of my hair and condition the bottom so they last longer than if I applied shampoo and conditioner to both parts of my hair. My hair isn’t dry or damaged but these two keep it nice and soft and not greasy.

Repurchase: Maybe. Definitely not the worst shampoo and conditioner I’ve tried.

2. Daily Defense Argan Oil Treatment

I hadn’t tried a hair treatment before and the smell of this one is lovely! When I started using the treatment a couple of times a week and more regularly I noticed my hair seemed softer and the ends looked tidier.

Repurchase: Maybe. These kind of treatments aren’t essential to my routine but if my hair was dry and brittle I would.

Makeup

3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige

This is my favourite foundation! The texture is lightweight, the coverage is buildable and it blends nicely into the skin. The packaging is travel friendly and easy to store in your makeup bag. The formula is in-between dewy and matte, I don’t like overly dewy foundations. Powder can be applied over the top but the foundation also looks fine on it’s own.

Repurchase: I have but in the shade, 100 Fair. I would consider Ivory Beige again too because I can make the colour work by using less product.

4. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

I’ve loved and used this mascara for three years. I found out a couple of months ago the Extreme Black shade (which is better than regular black, don’t ask me why) is being discontinued so I purchased two brand new tubes online. The wand is really good for getting into the lower lashes and the wand has proper bristles as opposed to being a plastic wand.

Repurchase: Yes!

5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer  – 1 Fair

Ever since I tried this concealer I have stuck with it. I really like the creaminess and pigmentation and how easily it blends into the skin. It covers redness well and makes my skin look more flawless than other concealers I’ve tried.

Repurchase: Yes.

6. Nivea Pearly Shine Lip Balm

I had this lip balm for about five years but started using it more regularly in the last two. In all that time it applied, smelt and worked the same. I would wear this during the day or apply it before bed and wake up with soft lips the next morning. The pearly tint is subtle and pretty.

Repurchase: If the price is right. I’ve seen this lip balm selling for $7 or more, whereas other Nivea lip balms cost around $4.

7. Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

I didn’t like this. I found you had to re-soak the cotton pad for each nail as the product didn’t go very far.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

8. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

I received this as one of the prizes in Stash Matters’ giveaway in 2017. The pot lasted me the best part of a year applying most nights. The formula is lightweight and fragrance free and good for a number of skin types. The cream itself is lovely and the pot is convenient for travel, the 50ml size isn’t too big.

Repurchase: Maybe. This is another product where price becomes a factor. This is a nice night moisturiser but I really like MAC’s Studio Moisture Cream.

9. Revlon Fire & Ice Rollerball

I got this rollerball in a gift set a few Christmases ago and I love the rollerball more than the bottle of fragrance that was also in the gift set. Fire & Ice has been around since 1994. It’s more mature than my other scents and lasts well throughout the day. The warm vanilla element is beautiful.

Repurchase: If I find the rollerball.

10. Impulse – Into Glamour

Into Glamour has featured in a few of these empties posts so it’s a well loved scent by me. I haven’t been using Impulse much lately as I’m trying to use up a couple of fragrance mists from The Body Shop for my project pan.

Repurchase: Yes.

11. Simple Brightening Moisturiser

The formula of this moisturiser is thicker than others by Simple which I prefer. It has mango goodness to help brighten the skin and make it look more radiant. When I use this moisturiser as a base under makeup, makeup always looks nice. The moisturiser has SPF and like other products by Simple is fragrance free. This small size is perfect for travel and when I stayed with my ex-boyfriend.

Repurchase: I have.

12. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

This has been my go to daily moisturiser for years. The amount of product for the price you pay is such a good deal.  If you have sensitive or dry skin you should try this! In my opinion the replenishing rich moisturiser is better than the hydrating light moisturiser also by Simple..

Repurchase: I am currently using a moisturiser by Olay but I’m sure I will at some point.

13. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy

This is my favourite perfume and the 100ml bottle lasted for around three years. I don’t wear this everyday, I tend to save it for special occasions or days I feel like wearing it. The longevity is amazing, the scent lasts on my skin all day. I feel like this scent suits my personality, it’s girly and sweet but sophisticated and fresh.

Repurchase: Already have.

Body

14. Body Fleur Sugar Petals Body Lotion

I got this body lotion a couple of years ago and would use it on and off because I thought it irritated my skin but it didn’t, the heat was irritating my skin as I’d use this in summer. The scent is a mix of fruit, flowers and shea and it would make a lovely perfume!. The lotion contains aloe vera and is very moisturising and soft.

Repurchase: Yes, but this has been discontinued.

15. The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter 50ml

This body butter is one of The Body Shop’s cult classics! The texture is softer and not as firm as others from The Body Shop and I prefer the soft, malleable texture. The body butter soaks in quickly, keeps skin nourished and the strawberry scent is gorgeous.

Repurchase: Yes.

16. The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter 200ml

One of these big tubs usually lasts me around six months. The scent of this is a mix between chocolate and the (discontinued) Brazil Nut range from The Body Shop. I have the Cocoa Butter body lotion and it doesn’t smell as good.

Repurchase: If the range comes back, only the body butter 😛

17. The Body Shop Mango Hand Cream

I liked the tropical, fruity scent of this hand cream and it did feel more moisturising than the strawberry hand cream but I prefer other scents more.

Repurchase: Maybe.

18. The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Cream

This hand cream had more of a gel formula and didn’t feel as moisturisng as the mango one. I prefer the strawberry scent but the mango formula.

Repurchase. Maybe.

19. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear x2

I’ve used this anti-perspirant for years and it’s featured in every empties.

Repurchase: Yes.

20. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant  – Fresh

Still a good anti-perspirant but I don’t like this scent as much as the Clear one.

Repurchase: No.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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ANZAC Day Makeup

ANZAC Day is national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that falls each year on April 25th. The date marks the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 during World War One. For many New Zealanders the Gallipoli landings lamented New Zealand’s role as a distinct nation as it fought on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire. ANZAC Day was first marked in 1916.

For this makeup look I took colour inspiration from poppies. I wore red lipstick to represent the petals, green eyeshadow to represent the leaves and black mascara to represent the middle of the poppy.

Products listed in order of application:

1. Simple Kind To Skin Rich Replenishing Moisturiser  – My trusty everyday moisturiser, this soaks into skin quickly and keeps it hydrated. It is fragrance free and doesn’t irritate.

2. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel – You know the routine by now. This is all I use to fill in my brows.

3.  Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – Over the past month I have found ways this foundation works better and it’s still a great colour match for me year round. The trick is apply one layer rather than two thinner ones.

4. MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NW10 – This concealer applies and adheres to the skin easily and doesn’t take long to blend either. It’s good for covering blemishes and redness.

5. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte – Wearing this bronzer with the Rimmel foundation completes the look and adds more colour to my face without going overboard. If ever I feel a little pale I reach for this bronzer.

6. Qianyu Eyeshadow Palette – This sparkly green is best applied with the fingers and the shimmer is so beautiful. The shade isn’t messy to apply and there’s no fallout. I originally bought this palette for the blue shade but use the green more.

7. the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer – I wanted a subtle glow and instantly knew this was the highlighter for the job. It is incredibly versatile and I can’t think of a look it wouldn’t go with.

8. L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – I am still loving this mascara and how dark it makes my lashes. The brush is super easy to work with, there’s no smudging or flaking and my lashes look longer than they actually are.

9. Dainty Doll Wonderbalm – Sometimes when I wear matte lipsticks I apply a light layer of this to my lips 20 minutes before my lipstick to ensure my lips don’t dry out and this balm almost acts like a lip primer and prolongs the wear time.

10. MAC Ruby Woo – The most pure red in my collection! Opting for a raspberry red, orange red or berry red wouldn’t have felt right.

The Finished Look:

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Do you like my makeup interpretation of a poppy? Does your country have a remembrance day?

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Valentine’s Makeup: Berry In Love

February 14th is the day of lurve and it is fast approaching, this Wednesday can you believe! Whether you chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day or not I wanted to share a makeup look I created that you could wear on the day or for any other special occasion. I didn’t go for traditional pinks and reds, I wanted to change it up a little and incorporate two of my favourite things: silver eyeshadow and a bold lip.

Makeup Used:

1. Simple Kind To Skin Rich Replenishing Moisturiser – My go to day moisturiser and has been for years. This soaks into the skin well and doesn’t cause any irritation.

2. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – I fill my eyebrows in with this pencil and they are done! Simple but effective!

3. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – This primer has been a saviour with all the warm weather lately, it definitely makes my makeup last longer. A few tiny dots is all I need for the entire face.

4. Max Factor Lasting Finish Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – This foundation always applies so nicely and the coverage is great! It wears well throughout the day and it is my current favourite (it has been for a while now).

5. MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NW10 – This concealer works well with every foundation I have tried and I love how easy it blends into the skin. The concealer is not drying or cakey feeling and like the foundation, lasts well throughout the day.

6. Revlon Colourstay Quad in Addictive – I used the cream shade (top left) as a base for my eyelids before going in with MAC’s Silver pigment. I wore the pigment previously on it’s own without a base shade and it didn’t last that well.

7. MAC Pigment in Silver – I have always been drawn to silver more than gold (though I do wear both on my eyes). This pot of pigment will last me a long time, small amounts applied in a dabbing motion with a small shading brush are the most effective although I am yet to try applying this with my finger. I love the frosted look silver gives my eyes.

8. I ♡ Makeup Goddess of Love Highlighter – This is my favourite highlighter! I knew it would be perfect for this cool toned look because it pulls purple but still looks natural and gives a lovely glow.

9. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – Holy grail mascara alert! I am currently using shade 001 Black but I normally use 003 Extreme Black. I do notice the difference, and I do prefer Extreme Black just because it gives my lashes more intensity. When this mascara dries out it is at it’s prime! The tube I’ve got is still slightly wet so I can’t wait until it dries out more.

10. Elizabeth Arden – Luscious Raspberry – This lip sample was given to me by an old work colleague and the colour is absolutely beautiful – the name suits the shade perfectly! This is a cross between a lipstick and a gloss, it has the colour payoff and feeling of a lipstick but it applies like a gloss without the sticky feeling. It feels nice and creamy and lasts all day.

The Finished Look:

What do you think of my Valentine’s Day makeup? Do you have any special plans for Wednesday?

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Christmas Nails & Makeup Tutorial

The Christmas countdown is on, there’s only 4 days to go! Personally I really enjoy doing my makeup on Christmas Day and making myself look nice. I knew this year I wanted lots of glow and sparkle and that’s exactly what I got! I’ve included a step by step guide as to how I achieved my Christmas look, how I applied each product and a list of the tools I used. Enjoy!

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First I want to show off my Christmas nails! I wanted them to tie in with my makeup so I went for a neutral shade, Tiramisu For Two by OPI and did an accent nail (ring fingers) using Glow Your Own Way by Essie.

Makeup Products and Tools Used:

Step By Step Guide:

1. Moisturise. My go to everyday moisturiser is the Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser from Simple.
2. Fill in brows using Rimmel’s Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel.
3. Apply a pea sized amount of primer. I am currently loving the Ultra Face Base Primer from Makeup Revolution. This has been sitting in my collection unused for a while and I decided to give it another go. It has been helping my makeup stay on longer and aids with application of foundation.
4. Next I apply Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I dot the foundation over my face then blend it in. I tend to go in with a little more product on my chin and around my nose as I suffer from redness in those areas.
5. Using my middle finger I pat concealer onto my nose and chin, again to cover any redness, or any blemishes I have. For this look I used the Studio Finish Concealer from MAC. I have the shade NW10. It is so creamy and blends like a dream. I also run my finger over my eyelids so the concealer can act as a primer for eyeshadow.
6. *For eyeshadow I used the Iconic 1 palette from Makeup Revolution. Starting with a Real Techniques Oval Shadow Brush I apply the first shade in the palette all over the lid. Taking a Real Techniques Tapered Shadow Brush I blend the darkest matte brown into the crease and outer corner of the eye. The fourth shade from the left is applied all over the lid with a Real Techniques Shading Brush. The second and ninth shades are applied in the centre of the lid with my finger to complete the look.
7. I used Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Lycra Flex in Black on my lashes. This mascara in the shade Extreme Black 003 is my holy grail. It gives volume and length and makes the lashes look fluttery.
8. Dipping my Real Techniques Tapered Blush Brush into Dainty Doll’s Powder Blush in You Are My Sunshine I dab lightly over the apples and tops of my cheeks to give a nice flush of colour. This is my favourite blush and a great dupe for Orgasm by NARS.
9. Using the other side of the same Tapered Blush Brush I apply highlighter to the tops of my cheeks. I chose Mary-Lou Manizer from theBalm.
10. Fuchsia Fusion from NYX was an easy lip colour choice! Fuchsia is my favourite colour to wear and the sparkles add extra glitz to the look.

*Shades used in eye look:

The Finished Look:

I love this makeup so much! Before I commit to a Christmas Day look I always trial the makeup look beforehand. I wore this makeup out for an evening of shopping and I felt beautiful. It’s not the most traditional look but I didn’t want to do the usual red lip and gold eye.

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Do you wear makeup on Christmas Day? If so, what will you be opting for this year?

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Simple, Understated Makeup

Some days I don’t feel like wearing a bold lip (not very often, though) and like to keep the rest of my makeup simple by using the least number of products. I have worn this look a few times over the past month and wanted to share it with you. Because the look is so simple it works well with a bold lip too!

Products Used:

1. Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser – This is my go to everyday moisturiser. It preps my skin for the rest of my makeup and doesn’t irritate it. I have used this for years.

2. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – I bought this pencil in March 2016 and while it is getting smaller I’m still on the first one – value for money wise you can’t go wrong! This pencil lifts my brows, fills in gaps and makes them look that bit neater.

3. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – I love the smell when I spray this on in the morning, it’s so fresh. I use the face mist to give my skin an extra moisture boost as I can get dry skin and this prevents that.

4. Max Factor Lasting Finish Foundation – This is my go to foundation for those days I want flawless coverage. I only need the tiniest amount – a little goes a long way – and it covers all my redness and smoothes out my skin tone. This looks even more flawless when applied using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – This concealer has become my holy grail. It works like a dream when used with the Max Factor foundation mentioned above. The shade is perfect for me and the consistency is creamy and moisturising.

6. Teeez Smokey Rose Eyeshadow – I don’t have many single eyeshadows but this one takes the cake for prettiest packaging! The colour can be applied using a brush or fingers and it has a subtle duochrome effect which turns it into an everyday colour. This pulls green with a hint of pink on me and does indeed look like a smokey rose.

7. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – This mascara has fast become one of the best I’ve ever tried. The shape of the brush allows it to reach the inner and outer lashes making it look like you’ve got more lashes and really opens your eyes to make them look bigger. The washable formula lasts all day on me and is easy to remove. 

8. Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick #45 – I only purchased this lipstick two months ago but I find myself reaching for it a lot lately. This shade is such a beautiful pink nude that is inoffensive and suits a number of skin tones. The pigmentation is great and the formula is super creamy!

The Finished Look:

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What do you think of this makeup look? What are your favourite products for easy, simple makeup looks?

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Summer Makeup Menu – Just Peachy

Summer is in full swing in New Zealand! February is usually our hottest month and the past couple of days have been particularly balmy. I haven’t done a makeup menu in a little while and I wanted to do one to coincide with summer and the warm weather we’ve been having. Peaches and corals have been my inspiration for this look and I have a few makeup products which fit the brief perfectly. I hope you enjoy this post!

Products listed in order of application:

1. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser – This has been my go to moisturiser for a number of years and never lets me down.

2. Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel – This pencil is what I have been using to fill in my eyebrows for nearly a year now and there’s still plenty left!

3. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – I spritz this on my face after applying foundation to give my skin an extra little bit of moisture.

4. Max Factor CC Cream – 40 Fair – I purchased this CC cream from eBay and have only started using it recently. The colour match is spot on and the product feels nice and light on the skin which is what you want in summer. You don’t want to feel like you’re wearing lots of makeup.

5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – This concealer has become my holy grail. The coverage it provides is outstanding for the price point and the product is creamy and moisturising.

6. The Body Shop Swinging Silver Eye Palette – This palette is one of the key products for this look. I simply applied the peach shade all over the lid.

7. Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara – I applied one coat of volumising mascara to my top and bottom lashes.

8. Dainty Doll Powder Blush in 004 You Are My Sunshine – This is the second of three products that inspired this peach look. This blush is hands down my favourite and is a great dupe for NARS’ Orgasm.

9. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – I don’t think I’ve matched a peach eyes with a peach lip before but when I think about peach lips, this shade is the epitome of peach. It’s the perfect mix of pink and orange and the shade is natural yet everyday appropriate.

Chanelle’s Note: I didn’t apply powder as I wanted this look to be dewy and glowy.

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What makeup products do you associate with summer? Do you have a go to look for the warmer months?

My 22nd Birthday!

Hello everyone! As some of you might know it was my 22nd birthday this week (Tuesday to be exact) and I wanted to share my makeup menu, and give you a little run down of what I got up to on the day.

This year I was torn between having a lunch/dinner and inviting people along or just having a chilled, relaxing day. I opted for the latter and I did really enjoy the day. As a present from my mum I had a massage. I’d never had one before but the massage therapist was lovely and I felt so relaxed afterwards. I then came home and had lunch before my boyfriend picked me up and we went on a short walk. Later that night we ate pizza down by the lake and he took me on a drive.

Presents:

• MAC Matte Royal lipstick (brother) – I asked my brother to buy this for me. I have been curious to try a dark blue/navy lipstick for a while.
• Massage (Mum) – I had never had a massage prior to this but it felt very relaxing and I’d love to go back again.
• Skechers for work (mum) – For the majority of the time I’m at work I’m on my feet so comfortable shoes are a must. I got a pair of ‘Stellar’ Skechers which are black/grey as well as being lightweight and super comfy.
• Gift card (boyfriend).
• Atomiser with Juicy Couture perfume (boyfriend’s parents).

Outfit of the Day:

Left To Right:

Top: Keira Short Sleeve V Neck Tee (Cotton On)

Shorts: Daisy Cheeky Denim Shorts (Glassons)

Jumper (for the evening): Slouch V Neck Jumper (Glassons)

Makeup Menu:

• Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
• Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist
• Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer  – 1 Fair
• The Body Shop Honey Bronze Matte Bronzer in 01 Light
• Maybelline ‘The Nudes’
• Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper
• Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara
• MAC Ruby Woo

Finished Makeup Look

I am a big fan of this look – I used a number of my staple products and paired them with a classic red lip.

Random balloon pictures – who doesn’t love balloons?!?!

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Thank you for reading this post and a big thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to wish me happy birthday!

Christmas Makeup

Hey everyone! We are now less than a week away from Christmas! I enjoy seeing how people plan to do their makeup on Christmas Day and I wanted to share the look I’ve opted for this year. If you’re stuck for inspiration and not sure what to go for, I hope this post is of some use to you!

Last year, I went down the traditional route of a red lip and a sparkly eye. This year I am keeping my eyes sparkly and going for gold (literally). I have also gone for a gorgeous plum/berry lip colour, à la MAC Syrup. I was applying the shade one afternoon and the idea popped into my head to use it as my Christmas lip colour this year.

PRODUCTS:

1. Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser – You know how much I love Simple moisturiser. I have realised I actually prefer this to the Light Hydrating version.

2. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel – I have been using this exact pencil to fill in my eyebrows since March and I’m still lovin’ it!

3. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – I love this product for spritzing on my face before applying foundation. It gives my skin an extra boost of moisture and makes everything look more flawless.

4. Max Factor Lasting Finish Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – I went for this over my trusty Rimmel as I wanted more of a matte look and this foundation lasts really well throughout the day.

5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair – Again, you know I’m a huge fan of this! It’s creamy, high coverage and moistursing – enough said.

6. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Powder – This helps stop any excess oil and takes away any leftover shine after applying foundation.

7. Dainty Doll Cream Blush in 003 Billion Dollar Babies – This blush is very subtle but that’s why I love it. It gives the most natural colour to the cheeks and there’s not a look this shade doesn’t go with.

1. Maybelline ‘The Nudes’ Palette – A light wash of the gold shade in the second row of the palette is applied as a base.

2. Makeup Revolution Iconic 2 – The second shade from the left is applied over the top of the Maybelline shade to add extra sparkle.

3. Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara – One coat of lengthening mascara is applied to the top and bottom lashes before a coat of volumising mascara is applied to the top lashes.

1. Revlon – Sugar Plum – This shade may not scream Christmas at first glance but it’s plum/berry tones make it the perfect accompaniment. It’s bold enough to make a statement but not too bold that you will notice when it starts to fade. It’s smooth formula will make reapplication a breeze if necessary.

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What do you think of my Christmas makeup? What look will you be wearing on the big day?