Makeup Basket of the Week 26.8.12

Happy Monday, lovelies!! I hope you all had an amazing weekend. Mine was busy! I miss the boring humdrum days when I had nothing to do and nowhere to go... which is precisely why my Makeup Basket this week is a day overdue.

Doh!

But, better late than never. And I was in the proper frame of mind to take pictures while I was sorting through everything and putting it all together! Hooray for a calm, collected mind.

It probably won't last, but I'll revel in it while I can.

Onto the basket for the week!


.: FACE :.
====================

Concealer: Avon Personal Match Stick Concealer "Medium" / Revlon Photoready Concealer "Light Pale"

Foundation: Innoxa Line Defying SPF20 "Linen" / Australis Stayput "Nude"

Powder: ELF High Definition "Translucent" / ELF Tone Correcting Palette

Highlighter: Hard Candy "Tiki"

Blush: Alverde "Flamingo" / Catrice Nymphelia Unbeleaf'able "Dancing Nymph" / Revlon Cream "Rosy Glow" / Australis Paparazzi Perfect "Poser"

* * * * 

.: EYES :.
====================

Brows: Revlon Brow Fantasy "Dark Blond"

Shadow: ELF Giant palette / Designer Brands Cream-to-Powder Shadow "Ivory"

Mascara: Essence Multi Action (lower lashes) / Rimmel Scandaleyes (top lashes)

Liner: Models Prefer Matte Black Kohl / ELF Liquid "Black"

* * * * 

.: LIPS :.
====================

Liner: OM She Botanicals "Spice" / Essence Lipliner "Hot Chocolate"

Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter "Berry Smoothie" / Laura Mercier "Sandcastle" / Avon Ultra Colour Rich "Cosy Mauve" / Avon Beyond Colour Lip Plumping Lip Conditioner

Lipgloss: Hard Candy "Nude Beach" / ModelCo "Showgirl Red" / ELF Shimmer Gloss "Citrus Chic"

* * * *

.: NAILS :.
====================

Orly "Beach Cruiser"

* * * *

Don't forget to stop by my channel if you want to see the video, since it's up now. Also don't forget to subscribe if you want to see the amazing gift box haul which goes live tomorrow!! 

Until next post, my loves... 

Aggie x

Weekly Wishlist: Deborah Lippmann

I have been so spoiled recently! One of my amazing YT sisters sent me a lovely package (video will go live on the 28th) and she so very generously sent me one of the most luxurious and gorgeous nail polishes I have ever owned.

To say I'm in love is a complete understatement.

And I'm well aware how this sounds -- it's nail polish. Oh, but what a nail polish!!

I have my very first ever Deborah Lippmann polish in "Mermaid's Dream".

The start of an addiction.

I love this nail polish. I love everything about it -- and I don't care in the least that it took me ten minutes to get off my nails either. This polish glides over your nails. It took 3 beautiful strokes to get my nails covered fully, and four days to start wearing. The above picture shows two coats, making it rather opaque (otherwise it is sheer but would look marvellous over a coloured base) and finished up with Sally Hansen's Double Duty.

 I checked out her website and I put together my wish list. After all, Christmas is coming and I will be pointing my husband, friends and family in her general direction.

My first weekly wish list:

1. Glamorous Life | 2. Let's Go Crazy | 3. Ruby Red Slippers | 4. Since I Fell For You | 5. Superstar

6. Across the Universe | 7. Believe | 8. Boom Boom Pow | 9. Candy Shop | 10. Dream a Little Dream of Me

Which ones are your favourites and/or must-haves? 

Aggie x

Free Eyecream with Purchase!

Doing a spot of shopping yesterday at Coles, with my dear husband who was suffering "The Man Flu", I spotted the most recent edition of "Good Health" magazine, and couldn't resist buying it.

After all, it came with a FREE eye cream... and who can resist a free eye cream? Especially when it's Burts Bees?!

I couldn't wait, and started using it last night. It applied with minimal effort - I only had to "break" the seal on the silicone tip by bending it slightly, then squeeze the tube. The product dispensed in small dots that I applied directly to the orbital bone. It has a lovely, creamy consistency and absorbs quickly without leaving your eyes feeling dewy or heavy.

The real test (for me) was waking up this morning. Generally speaking, when I use eye creams, I wake the following morning and my eyes are still quite puffy and/or tired looking. So, like with all new products, I went into it with a neutral feeling. (I've long since learned not to be hopeful about skin care)

I was pleasantly surprised this morning. There was no additional puffiness! I did not use the cream this morning, but my under eye area still feels moisturised even now, some six hours later. I'll reserve my final thoughts for when I'm done using this and it can go into my Empties video but my first impression is pretty damn good.

So, if you're in the market for an eye cream and are hesitant about spending $30 or more? Pick up a copy of this month's Good Health mag and score yourself a free one!

Aggie x

Gifts from around the World

Being part of the beauty community on YouTube ultimately means you make friends with likeminded women from around the globe. It is, without a doubt, one of the best things I've ever pushed myself to do.

And when you make friends in the beauty community - at least in my experience - you sometimes get the opportunity to receive gifts in the mail. (Sometimes you also get the opportunity to do a makeup swap too!)

Very recently I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of some beautiful gifts! From the beautiful Austrian twins Brigitte & Cornelia, I received some gorgeous Catrice & Alverde eyeshadows and blushes! Since I am obsessed with blush these days, this was just perfect. The twins have such amazing taste in makeup (both high-end and drugstore) and I feel very blessed that they would pick out such lovely products for me. At some point, I hope to send them something just as lovely.

The second box that arrived on my doorstep came from one of my subscribers - Lu, a self proclaimed nail polish whore. Of course, once I knew that, it was only fitting that I send her some beautiful Aussie polishes. Even though it wasn't necessary, in return she sent me a box of so many goodies, including brightly coloured hair ties for my little people and a lip balm! They loved it of course - my six year old wanted to eat it because it smells like Jolly Rancher Watermelon. SO GOOD.

The third box that arrived a few days later, came courtesy of another of my subscribers - Ute, from Germany and she wanted to send me something in return for the Australis Nudist Palette I sent her. Like Lu, Ute also sent some goodies for my little people: a pair of Hello Kitty hair clips, and assorted hair ties (6 took the HK clips, leaving the hair ties for 3) as well as two lego kits, both of which contained the same lego Princess doll so they were both very happy with those! (And so was I, how lucky that they both got the same toy! No fighting!) And I am absolutely in love with everything she sent me, too!

I am absolutely so blessed to be on the receiving end of such amazing gift boxes, and I know how fortunate and lucky I am that I have "met" so many wonderful ladies on YT - truly, if I had not kicked myself in the butt and forced myself to make my channel and put myself out there, I would never have met these ladies and I would never had made such fantastic friends. I am so thankful and so happy to be part of the YT beauty community, made all the better and richer for the friends I have made.

Thank you ladies, from the bottom of my heart!

Aggie x


PS: You can watch my YT video to get a better look at everything. Don't forget to subscribe!

Makeup Basket of the Week 12/8/2012

Happy Sunday everyone!

Today's post is completely inspired by a handful of my wonderful YouTube girlfriends who have been doing these weekly makeup baskets for quite some time. If you're unfamiliar with the idea, it's basically shopping your stash and putting some of it aside for use through the week.

For a long time I didn't do this mainly because my makeup collection was just so tiny (what with being an incredibly late bloomer in makeup and all) but now I think I have enough going on that I can actually do it! This might be quite the challenge for me because I really never have any idea what I'm going to wear before I put it on. I generally just 'wing it' and go with how I'm feeling.

But I do love a challenge.

So, this week's basket is thus:

makeup basket #1

Primer (if req'd): Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer

Foundation: Innoxa Line Defying SPF 20 "Linen"

Powder: Lacura Pressed Powder "Beige", ELF High Def Powder Translucent

Eyebrows: Revlon Brow Fantasy "Dark Blond"

Eyelid Primer: ELF Eyelid Primer

Eyeliner: Models Prefer Kohl Pencil "Matte Black", Physicians Formula Shimmer Sticks for Blue Eyes "Brown" & "Blue"

Eyeshadows: Wet'n Wild "Petal Pusher", Models Prefer Duo "Naked Truth"

Mascara: Essence Multi Action, Maybelline XXL Pro Curl, Rimmel Scandaleyes

Concealer: Avon Personal Match Concealer "Medium", Revlon Age Defying "Light Medium"

Blush: Revlon Cream Blush "Rosy Glow", Fox in a Box "Smooth Talker", Lacura "Sunset"

Highlighter: Hard Candy "Tiki"

Lip Liner/Crayon: Face of Australia "Perfect Pink", OM She Pure Botanicals "Spice", Face of Australia Lip Crayon "Sundae"

Lipstick: Wet'n Wild "Stoplight Red", MAC "See Sheer"

Lipgloss: Hard Candy "Nude Beach", Face of Australia "Morning Mist"

I purposely chose conflicting eyeshadow palettes in the hopes that it might inspire me to do something a little outside of my comfort zone. I hope to do at least one eye-look video, and I should be able to do some FOTD videos this week as well. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss them!

Have a fabulous week, my friends!!

Aggie x

Nail of the Week: Calypso Gold

Face of Australia Barbados Collection

Calypso Gold (2 coats on the acrylic nail)

When I saw this at BigW (months ago), it was the only one on the shelf so I picked it up and literally carried it around the store for the length of time I was there, just trying to decide if I should buy it. I'm pretty sure the price was less than $5 but I didn't know whether or not I would like it. Just looking at the bottle I was sure it was going to be quite sheer, and I didn't want a sheer gold.

But, since it was less than $5 I decided to buy it. It took me months to get around to painting the acrylic nail and when I finally did, I was so happy to see it wasn't sheer at all!

It applies so beautifully and smoothly, and it looks fantastic.

2 coats w/Sally Hansen's "Double Duty" top coat

I've had this on for three days and it's only just started showing signs of wear on two nails though it does seem to "dent" very easily even when dry. I don't like that so much, but I do love the colour and I think the wearability is quite decent!

I have a couple of other colours from this collection, and now I'm excited to see how I go with them!

Aggie x

Nails of the Week: Two Shades of Blue

I'm still trying to find the perfect shade of blue. I think I'm close with Sally Hansen's "Blue Me Away", but it was too bright for how I was feeling.

Some days you just don't want bright, you know?

I decided on two shades of blue.

Butter London: Big Smoke | Australis: Unnamed Colour

I already knew at least one of these colours wouldn't survive the week, but I didn't know about the other one. As usual, I applied two coats of each and I was pleased with how they turned out. I then applied my favourite top coat ever: Sally Hansen's "Double Duty".

After having a smudging problem with my Orly polishes after 10 (very long) minutes of drying time, I decided to torture myself for approximately 20 minutes of not doing anything. I don't like smudging, what can I say? I'm happy to report that afterward they were completely dry, and quite smudge-proof. I went to bed, cautiously optimistic.

And this is how they looked the next morning:

Fail.

Sigh. A chip already. Signs of wear on my ring fingernail. Who knew polish could "wear" during sleep? I must have been a busy girl! I wish I could remember what it was I'd done...

So much for the Australis colour pots. I'll probably continue to wear them and use them up but I won't repurchase them.

A day later, my pinkie polish (Butter London) peeled right off. One day of wear for Australis, two days for Butter London. No thumbs up from me, I'm afraid. Huge disappointment in Butter London as well. A $17AU nail polish should last me at least one week with no top coat... particularly since I own much cheaper polishes that do.

Or perhaps I might just need a different top coat.

Aggie x

Review: Face of Australia Lip Crayons

So by now you're probably already aware that Face of Australia have launched their own line of jumbo lip crayons, in similar vein to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, the Tarte Lipsurgences and of course, the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (boy what a mouthful, Revlon). These are limited edition, and currently only available in three shades: Cupcake, Sundae and Macaron.

Sidenote: I hope they release more colours for Spring/Summer!

Going on, they glide across your lips better than a lip balm does. In fact, they are downright silky in feeling, and incredibly moisturising. Their scent is not overpowering and definitely not something that would make you cringe so that's a big bonus.

Let's take a closer look:

Cheap and unappealing

Packaging: I don't like it at all. It looks cheap and poorly made. If I did not already like FoA, I would not buy these based on the packaging alone. Instead, I would definitely opt for Australis' lip crayons which, despite being pricier, look classier and better over all. Truly, Face of Australia, it's time to step it up.

Wearability: By themselves, they don't last long at all, particularly if you're eating and drinking. You will need to reapply often. I highly recommend using a lip liner as a base to fill in all over your lips, and then applying the crayons over the top for a beautiful glossy finish, that will leave your lips ultra soft.

Swatched L-R: Cupcake, Macaron, Sundae

Colour Payoff: These are not deeply pigmented. They are definitely more of a tinted lip balm in crayon form. This is another reason I highly recommend using a lip liner underneath; this way you can mix it up and make your own colour combinations.

Use: What scored big points for me (sorry, Australis) was the twist-up bottom versus having to use a sharpener. For me, this means extreme ease of use which means I can throw it in my bag and not ever worry about being caught out. Another big bonus is that a mirror really isn't even needed. Because they apply so effortlessly, it really is like using a tinted lip balm and when you're in a hurry or for those times win you  just don't have a mirror, you can glide these on and you're good to go.

Twist-up bottoms score a big thumbs up!

Verdict: I love them. Kudos to you, Face of Australia! For them to be perfect (for me), I would suggest much better, prettier packaging and a bit deeper colour. There is no reason these couldn't easily compete against the Chubby Sticks or Lipsurgences with a few tweaks. I would definitely repurchase these, and in fact I do plan on it if they release more colours, and I would not hesitate to (repackage) and give them as gifts.

Where can I buy these? You can pick these lovelies up from any BigW for $14.95. I've also been told you can pick them up from Kmart (though mine currently do not carry them) and also Priceline. If all else fails, definitely check the website.

I'd love to know your thoughts on these babies! Would you buy them? Have you? What are your thoughts?

Aggie xx

Nail polish Spotlight: Ulta3

I love nail polish as, I think, most girls do. I especially love finding bargain polish and polish that doesn't wear after a day or two of use - with or without a top coat.

When I first spotted this brand, it was at Coles and when I saw the price tag of $2 neat, I decided I could not pass up this opportunity.

I admit, I did not have high hopes. After all, it was a brand I'd never heard of, it was from Coles of all places, and it was only $2. I mean, you get what you pay for. So, I thought it might be nice to have a splash of colour on my nails for a day or so before I had to change it; especially considering my Butter London debacle (more on that later).

You can well imagine my surprise to find out it lasts a solid four days before any signs of wear start showing on the tips. This does include using a top coat however, so without using that, I get approximately two days before wear starts showing; maybe more accurately a day and a half. But that's ok. For a $2 nail polish, I'm completely ok with that.

Application is a little bit streaky and could be sheer depending on the colour. The darker and brighter colours tend to have more opacity on the first application, but still streaky which does settle as it dries. I have never been left with horrible streak marks on my nails. It does seem quite thick, however, and I can't put more than two coats of colour on before the topcoat else I find it dents or gouges easily.

Ulta 3 has a wide variety of colours to choose from. If you can't find any at your local Coles grocery store, try your local BigW, ChemMart or Terry White Chemists.

Ulta 3 Polish Swatches!! (external website)

They are definitely worth picking up. Just remember to pick yourself up a really good top coat to get maximum wear! My personal favourite is Sally Hansen's "Double Duty" topcoat. 

Have a fabulous day!

Aggie x