Favourites | October 2013

Generally I don't have monthly favourites because I'm not brand loyal and tend to try new things all the time. I'm also incredibly hard on the products I try and if I don't absolutely love it, I'll never talk about it; I have to reach for the product(s) at least every other day to feel like it has even a chance at becoming a favourite.

This month, I feel like I've hit the jackpot. With the exception of two products, I've used everything here every single day. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.

[ L-R: Rosken High Potency Vitamin E Cream, Body Crystal Deodorant, Dirty Works Body Scrub, Rosken Dry Skin Cream ]

I actually came across the Rosken Vitamin E cream while watching Aussie Beauty YouTuber Ruby Golani and she went on to explain it had been the best thing for her skin. In that moment, I decided I'd give it a go as well and I've not looked back. My skin is combination and this doesn't break me out or cause any irritation whatsoever. It plumps up the fine lines I have around my eyes, and I swear I look a couple of years younger. Hey, I'll take it. I am pushing 40, after all. I use this twice daily.

The Body Crystal I picked up at Coles one weekend while I was out shopping and I didn't want to get yet another aluminium based deodorant. I've not had good experience with body crystals, and for years I was convinced they were just a hippie gimmick but for some reason on that shopping day, I saw this and decided to give it a go. I use it daily. Review coming soon.

Dirty Works "Glow Girl" Buttery Salt Scrub has been my best friend this entire month. I'm almost out of it now and I will be repurchasing it because it's just that good. And you know what? If I can avoid dropping $30+ at The Body Shop, then you can bet your sweet bippy I will. Review here.

Rosken Dry Skin Cream came to the rescue of my ultra parched hands, nails and elbows one day when I was out shopping and had used up all the EOS hand lotion I had in the car. I don't know about you, but I cannot stand the feeling of dry hands and arms! I spotted this in Coles, it was on sale for all of $6 so I snatched it up. I haven't looked back. It's been the best damn hand cream I've ever used and use it daily.

[ L-R: Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream, Designer Brands Nail Polish Remover, Designer Brands Chubby Lipstick ]

I've featured the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream in a FoTD once or twice, and for good reason. Even though I don't have oily skin, I do get a little shiny through my T-zone so this works very well against that. It doesn't eliminate it 100% of course but my face doesn't look like an oil slick by midday and that's what counts for me. I often use this BB Cream on its own with a setting powder over the top and it gets me through the day, but I will sometimes use it sheer as a primer when I need a little bit extra coverage.

I stumbled on this Twist'n Go nail polish remover from Designer Brands quite by accident one day, and since it was only $6, I snatched it up without a second thought. Like the image suggests, you stick your fingernail into the container, and watch it get swallowed up by some black sponge-like material (it's a little rougher and harsher than actual sponge). Then you twist your finger into it, and all the nail polish comes right off. It's like magic!! I love this stuff. I have yet to try it on glitter polish however, but a review is in the works so stay tuned for that.

I don't typically like lip crayons too much (I'm really more of a lipstick girl) but after swatching this one, I knew I had to buy it. They retail for around the $9 mark and are totally worth every cent. They have beautiful payoff, and are fabulously creamy and soft on your lips. This particular colour that I bought is #411 "Enchanted Rose" and is a gorgeous warm pink with brown undertones. There were two other colours in the stand with this one, however neither of them suited me. I hope DB makes more of these; they are wonderful.

If you've tried any of these products, or if you happen to try them in the future, I'd love to know your thoughts!

♥ Beauty Haul | Little Basket of Goodies ♥

Thanks for stopping by! x

Review: Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub

I don't often find many things to rave about but here I am this month with a new absolute favourite! In fact, I love it so much it's made my must-have list!

Dirty Works Glow Girl Buttery Salt Scrub - RRP $9 

I am in love with this product. I first found it a couple weeks ago while shopping at my local grocery store and since it was dirt cheap and I was in the market for a body scrub, how in the world could I pass it up?

First and foremost is the lack of fragrance. Despite that fact that parfum is a listed ingredient, there is no scent to this body scrub other than just smelling clean. (perhaps is "clean" is a scent?!) I do not like my scrubs to be fragranced because I find that it tends to linger on my skin after washing off, and inevitably interferes with the fragrance of my body butters. And added fragrances tend to upset the balance of my skin as well. This scrub is just perfect.

The consistency is similar to yogurt, and the actual scrub granules are not harsh at all. It's not gentle enough for the face however, so avoid that.

As you wash it off, your skin feels buttery soft and smooth and perfectly primed for your favourite moisturiser - or, if you're like me: self tanner.

This is an absolutely brilliant body scrub and if you're in the market to try out something new, put this one on your list to try out.

In Australia you can buy the Dirty Works products exclusively at Coles.

Ingredients: Aqua, Pumice, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycine Soja (soybean) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum, Isopropyl Myristate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Prunus Persica (peach) Kernel Shell, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Maris Sal (sea salt), 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene.

#FOTD - MAC Tan & bareMinerals The Truth

Face: 
Smashbox Photo Ready Hydrating Primer, Revlon Whipped Foundation in #200 Sand Beige, Australis Fresh & Flawless Powder in Natural, Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer in #12 Fair/Medium, It Cosmetics blush in Pretty in Peony

Eyes: 
bareMinerals Prime Time Eye Primer, MAC loose pigment in Tan, bareMinerals shadow in Fate, Apropos and Serendipitous from The Truth palette, Rimmel Scandaleyes Kajal Eyeliner in Black, Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara (top), Australis Megalash Mascara (bottom)

Lips:
MAC Myth, Rimmel Lipliner in Tiramisu, Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N3.

Thanks for stopping by! x

#FOTD | Aromaleigh - Tantalize

Spring has officially sprung in Southeast Queensland, which means it's time for outdoor activities, and tons of fun in the sun. To that end, we spent Sunday morning at the beach taking in some much needed sun - even though it didn't get above 23C and was slightly windy.

I got more sun than I'd intended (particularly my face, shoulders and one lonely patch on my thigh) so for today's look, I needed to mix in a darker colour so I didn't look mismatched.

To start with, I used the Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream as my primer. It works beautifully underneath foundation just as well as it works by itself. It helps close in my pores and doesn't settle into any of my fine lines and wrinkles.

Over that, I took my ELF Stippling brush and lightly brushed the MUFE F&B foundation over my skin. This has been my favourite foundation for a few months now. It's light enough that I can wear it solo and not feel like I have makeup caked on, but it can be built up if I need more coverage. It evens my skin tone and gives it a very, very subtle glow and just looks like skin. I love it.

Since the foundation is not dark enough for my Spring/Summer skin, I had to blend in some of the Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish Balm. The colour I have is in medium and it is ridiculously dark. I cannot wear it by itself; I will never be that dark. Literally one tiny dot of it is enough to do my entire face, and that's using a stippling brush.

Today I just used it around the perimeter of my face and across my cheeks and chin to warm up my skin. I only used the tiniest of tiniest amounts, and it blended right in with the tan I now have. This is one BB cream that I definitely have to have a light hand with.

For eyes today I wanted to dig into my Aromaleigh pigments, and I chose this beautiful rusted brown colour. Using a spray of my Australis Finishing Spritz on my flat shader brush, I applied it over my lids and slightly into the crease, blending it out with my little finger. It was unnecessary to use any other colour.

It was hard to choose a blush that I really wanted to wear (I kept leaning toward my Sleek Blush by 3 in Sugar but forced myself to choose one of the other blushes I own) so I ended up settling on two of them.

First up I used the Alverde Liquid Rouge in #10 Lovely Pink, and used that as a base. It is a striking cool toned barbie pink, and while I did really like it by itself, I felt like this look needed to be warmed up. Enter theBalm Fratboy which is a lovely peach/pink (oh don't you just hate that description!) and it has just the appropriate amount of warmth I was looking for.

For lips I wanted to stick with a cool toned pink, and I finally settled on Rouge Coco #11 Legende, by Chanel. You can't really go wrong with Chanel lips I think.

This really is a perfect look when you're not doing too much but still want to look put together.

Products used but not mentioned: It Cosmetics "Bye Bye Undereye Concealer", L'Oreal Shocking Extensions Mascara, Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara, Rimmel "Addiction" Lipliner, Rimmel "Tiramisu" Lipliner, 1000hour Heated Lash Curler.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! x

Mani Mondays | Orly

This week's theme is NEON!

Some people love their neons, some people hate them. Personally, I love them and this particular neon is my (current) all-time favourite. 

In sunlight

Here on the beautiful, sunny gold coast of Australia, we seem to be saying goodbye to the last vestiges of winter and moving into the gentle warmth of Spring which I am embracing wholeheartedly!

Officially it's not Spring until September 1st but we're two weeks away - nobody's counting. As far as I'm concerned, when our temperatures stay consistently between 22-30 we're in Spring. I love the Gold Coast!! There is no place better.

I love everything about this polish. I love how bright it is - even against pasty pale skin - and I love that it's loud and obnoxious and in your face. It's an absolute must have for anyone who loves pink. Oh hell it's a must have for anyone who loves bright, bold and utterly obnoxious.

Top: Direct Sunlight | Bottom: Shaded Outdoor

Pictures are two coats on the nail, no bottom or top coat. It dries relatively quickly between coats, and unfortunately for me, dents and chips rather easily. It's probably not the fault of the nail polish but more my fault since I'm ridiculously hard on my nails.

And I wonder why I have a hard time with them.

Linking up with the other beautiful Mani Mondays maniacs: Lindsay, Kimberly, Genevieve, Kat, Anca, Jaimie, Marianne and Jessi.

Please feel free to pop over to the Official Facebook Page and join up with us! We would LOVE to have you!! x

Mani Mondays | OPI & Femme Fatale

It's Mani Monday time again and this week's theme is "accent nail".

I have to say I'm not altogether thrilled with the colours I chose for this mani, especially because I wanted to use something with burnt orange.

I don't actually own any burnt oranges.

Ho hum.

Femme Fatale "Nightsong Grotto" over OPI "Lucerne-tainly look marvellous"

If I was after an actual Winter look, I'd be satisfied with this. It's gloomy enough with just a little hint that Spring is on the way (and my Jasmine are blooming, so this mani definitely mimics nature right now) but it's just not what I wanted.

I've gotten lots of compliments though, so I guess I chose well enough.

I'm not entirely thrilled about the patchy application of this OPI polish though. You can see how it's thinner in some areas where my nail is just barely visible. Not a fan of that. And today is the second day I've worn this polish, and already it's showing obvious signs of wear and chipping on some nails. Clearly my Sally Hansen "Double Duty" is no longer doing its job.

Ho hum.

Top left: Direct light | Bottom left: Indirect light

I'll likely end up removing this combination by tomorrow night, in part because I'm not happy with the colours, but also because I'm one of those people who can't wear polish that's chipping and wearing off. And also, Spring is on the way! It really is too glorious of a day to have gloomy hands - whatever was I thinking?

Trouble. Also known as Lyssa. 

One of my three cats. She usually runs from the camera but today she was too interested in trying to get in the way of my shots. She's long and lanky and extremely vocal.

Thanks so much for hanging out with us today!  I'd love to hear any suggestions on burnt oranges (what's your favourite?) and chip/wear resistant top coats!

Linking up with the other beautiful Mani Mondays maniacs: Lindsay, Kimberly, Genevieve, Kat, Anca, Jaimie, Marianne and Jessi.

Please feel free to pop over to the Official Facebook Page and join up with us! We would LOVE to have you!! x

Mani Mondays | OPI "Sprung"

Oh dearest blog, I have neglected thee! I am sorry. I had the best of intentions, truly I did. Every other day I sat down with the intention to do a blog post and then got waylaid doing other things.

Like playing WoW.

And watching my YT girls.

And blog surfing.

And... well... you know how it goes if you have a blog. Or even if you don't but you're a procrastinator. Like me. That was a lot of sentence fragments. If I was using Word, it probably would have exploded.

But back to my neglect. My dear, dear friend Lindsay came up with the outstanding idea of #ManiMondays - and it's even on Facebook so you know it's legit - where she posts a weekly theme and we get off our arses and do it, take a photo and upload it to Instagram, to our blogs, make poster sized images and plaster them all over large obnoxious offices...

This week's theme is "anything goes" which pretty much translates into: Alright, you're on your own this week. Suck it, eh? *

Did I mention Lindsay is Canadian? It's one of the reasons I love her.

OPI - Sprung | Outdoor

For this week's theme I chose OPI Sprung and goodness gracious is it ever beautiful. I picked this up for a mere $10 at my local Giant Chemist (along with 5 others - previously unhauled so this is a little sneaky peak for you) and I'm ridiculously giddy about it, especially because if you're a polish fanatic and live in Australia, you already know that OPI retails for the ridiculously over-inflated price for $20. Ahaha. No, seriously.

Prior to my unhauled haul I only owned two OPI polish, both liquid sand and both gifted to me from a friend when she returned from her 3 weeks in the US/Canada. But now... oh now I see why so many people rave about OPI polish and why they adore it so.

We do love a good shine, don't we? Isn't it beautiful? If you love shimmery bronze polish, you'll be needing this one. And yes, you may say that I enabled you.

Feel free to follow me on Bloglovin' - link is at the top right. Feel free to join us at Mani Monday's Facebook page, especially if you're a nail blogger or polish junkie and always use the #ManiMonday hashtag on Instagram so we can find your pictures!

Thanks for stopping by!

x

* Totally kidding, eh. This week's theme was simply just an intro post for everyone involved.

❊ TAG: 50 Random Facts ❊

Hello!

Since I've picked up a bunch of new subscribers in the last month or so, I decided it might be fun to do the 50 Random Facts tag, and it was! It was also harder than I expected, and around question 30 I started really having to think hard about things you guys might not already know. I can't remember everything I've previously said, of course.

If you have precisely 4 minutes and 18 seconds to spare, take a break and learn 50 (new) things about this Aussie mama!

Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe! ;)

x

✬ #EOTD | Dramatic Pink ✬

This is one of my favourite looks; I just love how it turned out. Of course, this isn't quite the average, every day look one might to wear to the office, but it is super fun and pretty and if I worked retail in one of those funky boho stores, you can bet I would wear this there.

For this look I used the BH Cosmetics Party Girl palette and the Urban Decay Naked palette.

How:

1. Prime the lids with Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Beige
2. Using the BH Cosmetics "Party Girl" palette, I took the brightest pink and packed it all over the lid
3. Using Urban Decay Hustle, I swept it into the crease and concentrated on the outer-V, building the colour until I was happy with the depth
4. Taking Dark Horse, I concentrated that slightly in the outer-V and lightly into the outer crease
5. I used Sin slightly in the inner corner and Wet'n Wild Brulee under my brow arch
6. A pair of Ardell #105 lashes and black liner finish off this look

Face
=============
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer - Light
L'Oreal BB Cream - Medium
ELF High Def Finishing Powder
Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil - Soft Brown
Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer - #12 Fair/Medium
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush - Rose
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip liner - #005 Pure
Buxom Lipgloss - Creamsicle

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more EOTD & FOTD pictures!

Thanks for stopping by -- have a beautiful week! x

✬ #EOTD | Urban Decay Naked ✬

How:

01. Elf eyelid primer all over the eyelids
02. On a crease brush, I swept Hustle into the crease and into the inner corner
03. Same crease brush, I blended Buck above the crease and into Hustle
04. Using a flat shader brush, I took Sin and placed it on the inner third of my eyelid
05. Same shader brush, I took Toasted and put it over the remainder of my eyelid
06. On the crease brush, I used Darkhorse and placed it on the outer-V and the outer crease
07. On a fluffy blending brush, I took Virgin and swept it under my brow arch
08. Same fluffy brush, I took Half Baked and put it over the tear duct
09. With a clean blending brush, I blended out all harsh lines
10. Using a felt tip eyeliner, I lined the top of my eyelid and did a kitten wing
11. Using a smudger brush, I smudged out the harsh black line with Creep
12. I tightlined with Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips pencil in black
13. Using Urban Decay Perversion, I lightly coated my lower lashes in place of mascara
14. On a pencil brush, I smudged Darkhorse under my lower lashline
15. I used Ardell Demi Wispies lashes to complete this look

Face Products
=====================
Smashbox Photo-Finish Hydrating Primer
Rimmel 25 Hour Lasting Foundation - #103 True Ivory
Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - Natural
IT Cosmetics - Brow Universal Brow Pencil
Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer - #12 Fair/Medium
BarryM Blush - Raspberry
Rimmel Exaggerate Lipliner - #018 Addiction
Dior Addict - #863 Rose Bustier

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more EOTD and FOTD pictures!

Thanks for stopping by -- have a beautiful week! x

Sunday Window Shopping | Free People Footwear

Mandalyn Ankle Boot - $163.48AU

I really don't know what it is about these shoes that are particularly attractive to me, and I wouldn't quite wear them in this fashion, but I have to say that I love them. I love the style, I love the colour, I love that they look like you can slip them on and dash out the door without a moment's hesitation. Unfortunately (for me) they seem to run small according to the reviews, which means I'd have to go up a size and it seems they don't carry these in a 41euro. Too bad.

Buckle Back Ankle Boot - $256.61AU

I already have the perfect Silver jeans to go with these boots. After a month or two, I would even have the cash to go and buy them. And if they came in a size 11, I would most definitely do so. Like the above shoes, these also run small and the website advises going up a size when ordering. Sound advice - if they carry the size you need. Ho hum. Also, I want those tights or leggings or whatever they are covering her legs. WANT THEM.

Legion Lace Mid Boot - $567.02AU

These are my absolute favourite boots in the world. Sounds dramatic, I know. But still - look at these boots. Don't look at the price - it would take me half a year or more to save up to buy them and IF my size was in stock, that's precisely what I'd be doing. But. These Boots! THESE BOOTS. I want them with my whole heart. MY WHOLE HEART. I might not even take them off once I put them on, truth be told. And, of course, like with most Free People attire, it runs small - though how in the hell they can make size elevens fit small, I'll never know.

#NOTD featuring Femme Fatale {Dragonscale}

The Company: Femme Fatale Cosmetics
The Nail Polish: Dragonscale

Actual product description: Dragonscale is white based translucent nail lacquer with a golden green shine and golden flecks. Dragonscale has a colour shift, changing to a reddish copper depending on the angle of light.

It's difficult for me to start this post without shouting how much I love it: the colours, the finish, the way it looks on my nails. As I sit here typing, it reflects yellow gold because of a lemon EOS lipbalm I have nearby. When I was outside taking pictures, it was the most incredible opalescent colour, not unlike mother of pearl but with less pink and grey hues. 

The consistency is not too thick nor too runny and application is slightly streaky however it dries to a perfectly even finish. 

Top: Direct sunlight | Bottom: Shaded outdoor

Please excuse the mark on my ring fingernail; this is what happens when I'm overly excited to take photos and my polish isn't quite dry enough.

These pictures are two coats on the nail, and even though I typically leave a 2-3min gap between coats, today I was far too impatient and did not. Aside from the fact that I knocked my nail and got an indentation, this polish does dry relatively quickly. (I do not use any type of quick-dry top coat) 

Indoor, indirect light

I absolutely love this colour. It's classy, it's beautiful and it's a definite must-have in my oh so humble opinion.

Base: None
Top: Femme Fatale "Dragonscale"

edit: Day 2 - no visible signs of wear.
edit: Day 3 - visible & obvious signs of wear, minor chipping.

Find me on Instagram for more #notd pictures! Search for "ezriblue" or use the top right link!

Snapshots: Miss Four

Cat lover. Fashionista.

My ever inquisitive, ever questioning little ray of light. I can't believe she starts prep next year.

☼ theLook: Pardon My French | NYX Love in Paris ☼

Happy Weekend everyone!!

For today's look I am using the NYX "Pardon My French" (Love in Paris) palette. I have to say that overall I am not impressed with these colours as they are not particularly pigmented but admittedly they blend well and I experienced no fallout.

A thousand apologies for how tired and haggard I look - I've had broken sleep all week long.

Products used to create this look:

FACE
==================
Smashbox Photo-finish Hydrating Primer
Revlon Colourstay Whipped Foundation - #200 Sand Beige
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer
Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - Natural
Alverde Blush - Flamingo

EYES
==================
Elf Eyelid Primer
NYX - Gold, Peach, Brown, Peach/Champagne
Wet'n Wild - Brulee
IT Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil
Physicians Formula Gel Eyeliner - Black
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Black Eyeliner
NYX Jumbo - Pure Gold
Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara

LIPS
==================
MAC - Myth
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Buenos Aires
Estee Lauder - Fireball
YSL - #1

Thanks so much for stopping by - have an amazing weekend! x

#NOTD featuring O.P.I

The Company: O.P.I
The Nail Polish: Tiffany Case (Liquid Sand)

I received this beautiful polish from a very good friend of mine who had just returned from her two week trip to the USA & Canada and since she knows of my penchant for polish, and that I owned precisely zero OPI's, she so kindly picked up two for me. Both Liquid Sand.

I love this polish and I can see why OPI is a favourite brand of so many people. It's fabulous.

Tiffany Case applies thinly, with no streaks. It's an absolutely beautiful sky blue with tiny, shimmery silver particles that dazzle in direct sunlight. (I can only imagine what the gold would look like!) Once it dries, the finish feels like sandpaper, though not as sharp; perhaps well used sandpaper. It's not even a little bit unpleasant.

Top: Outside natural light | Bottom: Inside fluorescent light

Since this is my very first textured polish, I only put one coat on. (Truthfully, despite the fact that I use the foiling method to remove glitter, the very thought of more than one coat on my nails was a little scary) You can see it's slightly transparent in places.

I took these photos less than 24 hours after I applied this polish and you can already see some visible signs of wear (though I don't know if two coats would delay that). Since this polish isn't really designed for a top coat, I can't say I'm terribly disappointed, especially for someone like me who is quite hard on her nails on a daily basis. Just in the last 24 hours, I've washed hair twice, dyed hair once, washed dishes numerous times and done a batch of laundry.

Overall I am not disappointed. Given the chance I would happily buy some more of these, though of course not at Australia's ridiculously over inflated prices. $20/bottle? Hahaha no.

Base Coat: None
Top Coat: OPI "Tiffany Case"

Are you following me on Instagram? Top right for link!

Snapshots: Vying for a spot

Almost as soon as the heater is turned on, two of the three felines are right in front of it. When the dog is not quick enough, she is relegated to laying just outside the cone of warmth. If I was not a cat person, I would think this scene wasn't intentional.

Of course, I know better.

☼ theLook: NUDE'tude Pretty in Pink ☼

The NUDE'tude palette by theBalm is one of my all time favourite palettes. I feel like I can create a lot of very pretty, very wearable looks with it and it is, without a doubt, my go-to palette when I can't decide what to wear.

Today's look is using just three colours: Sassy in the inner corner for some brightness, Stand-offish all over the lid for a beautiful golden pink wash of colour, and Sexy in the outer corner and crease for some definition. I chose not to use an upper lid liner today but instead tightlined using a very dark brown rather than black, which makes my lashes appear thicker at the root.

Products used to create this look:

Face
===============
L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream - Medium
Revlon Age Defying Concealer - Light Medium
Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - Natural
Catrice "Starlight Expresso" Eyeshadow for contouring
Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer - Fair Medium
Tarte Blusher - Dollface

Eyes
===============
ELF Eyelid Primer
Maybelline Colour Tattoo - Inked in Pink
NUDE'tude - Sassy
NUDE'tude - Stand-offish
NUDE'tude - Sexy
Wet'n Wild - Brulee
Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil - Soft Brown
Max Factor Mascara - False Lash Effect
Tarte Mascara - Lights Camera Lashes

Lips
==============
NYX Lipliner - #810 Natural
MAC - Myth
NYX Aqua Luxe Lipstick - Lotus

Thank you so much for stopping by -- have an absolutely wonderful weekend!! x

#NOTD featuring Femme Fatale {Gilded Rose}

Gilded Rose (right)

The Company: Femme Fatale Cosmetics
The Nail Polish: Gilded Rose [Discontinued]

Actual product description: Gilded Rose is a clear base glitter topper absolutely jam packed full of gold holo, rose and garnet in various shapes/sizes.

This polish was included as a complimentary sample, and at first I wasn't sure I'd ever wear it. It seemed too froofie for me somehow; too much pink and gold for my taste. Originally I had planned on giving it away, however as I was sitting having coffee one afternoon with a friend of mine, we started going through my stash and it dawned on me that I could use it over gold and it might look quite nice. I would not use it over black; that would be too much of a contrast for me, and definitely not my style.

I grabbed my Face of Australia nail polish in Calypso Gold which is an absolutely beautiful pale champagne colour. This was the result:

Over Face of Australia Calypso Gold (indoor lighting)

Not bad, but definitely not my style. I'd tried layering it over lavender as well as a hot pink and neither of those looked particularly good in my opinion. The gold had the most promise, but even still - far too sweet looking; too feminine for my taste.

It applied well, and I didn't find the consistency hard to work with. The glitter did not disperse evenly, so some finagling was required but it's nothing I would consider a deterrent. I also did not find it particularly globby.

On my ring finger you can see where the glitter star has lifted, despite using two coats of Sally Hansen Double Duty. Of course it irritated me as the day wore on, and I was forever playing with it, flicking my fingers across it, until I had driven myself crazy enough to just pull it off altogether. It did not even last a full day.

Unfortunately this polish is a complete miss for me. While it is a lovely blend of pink and gold glitters, it's just not for me. Luckily, I do have a friend who is absolutely in love with it, and who will give it a very well loved home.

Base: Face of Australia "Calypso Gold"
Top: Sally Hansen Double Duty
Glitter: Femme Fatale "Gilded Rose"

Are you following me on Instagram yet? Top right for link!

#NOTD featuring Femme Fatale {Displaced Dreams}

The Company: Femme Fatale Cosmetics
The Nail Polish: Displaced Dreams

Actual product description: A sheer pink base filled with squares in various sizes/colours, highlighted by a scattering of iridescence. This polish is suited for layering, wearing alone may require extra coats.

I don't remember how I heard about Femme Fatale, but after having a few friends on YouTube who buy a lot of indie makeup, my transition to the world of indie polish just seemed natural. I found and followed them on Facebook and Instagram, and spent a while on the website drooling over the polish choices and never quite knowing which to choose first.

A few weeks later, I saw a post on their facebook page announcing a new upcoming collection, and my eyes widened! They would be releasing a collection of polish based on a MMORPG that I had been playing since beta: World of Warcraft. I immediately told my husband I would be buying some (if not all) of the collection and he readily agreed. (As an aside, he's still waiting for me to buy the indie made Optimus Primer eyeshadow base)

This was my first foray into the world of indie nail polish, and I have not been disappointed. I made a large purchase - eleven polishes total - and received two mini samples which are just adorable.

Femme Fatale is an Aussie based indie company and I am all for supporting my Aussie sisters. The fact they sent me two free samples really hit a good spot with me - it's all but unheard of in this country. Big label web stores don't generally include free samples, so to get two from an indie company was a big deal for me.

When I finally narrowed down which of the eleven to put on first, I selected a base and got to work. 

Over Revlon "Candy"

Like the bottle shows, the base of Displaced Dreams is a very sheer lavender-pink colour, however it's not terribly noticeable over Revlon's "Candy" pink and dries almost completely transparent. This is only one coat of both polish on the nails, and no top coat.

Displaced Dreams is not as thick as I originally thought it would be. It's not a thin polish by any means, and does require some glitter adjustment when brushing it onto the nails but it's nothing that requires effort and is definitely not a deterrent.

The index finger received the most glitter (my own fault for randomly globbing it on) and in the left picture you can see the sheer lavender-pink base has pooled almost at the end of the nail. I would not be so careless in future applications. ;) Live and learn.

I didn't pay much attention to drying time since I was busy playing World of Warcraft anyway (damn Nat Pagle quest fish) but I did wait an easy five to seven minutes between hands and they were quite dry by then.

I've had this on my nails now for two days and there are no signs of wear. Some of the larger glitter squares curled upward and out of irritation I removed them, but adding a top coat may prevent that; something to remember for future applications.

I am not 'easy' on my nails at all and the polish has held up well under hair washing, dish washing, clothes washing, counter scrubbing, sink cleaning - you get the idea: general household duties. Considering there are certain Big Name polishes *cough*ButterLondon*cough* that fail under much less pressure, Displaced Dreams has earned a spot in my polish rack.

Base line: I love this polish. And I'm pretty certain I'm going to love the entire line!

Base: Revlon "Candy"
Top: Femme Fatale "Displaced Dreams"

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Mothers Day

Excitement this year was only just barely contained.

A more perfect day does not exist. My people rule.

☼ theLook: Taupe and Grey ☼

Happy Friday!! Today's look features beautiful shimmery taupes and matte grey shadows followed by gorgeous purple liner to create a very wearable look. If I did it over again, I would switch the purple eye liner for black, and keep the purple to the lower lash line. Let me know your thoughts! x 

PRODUCTS USED
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Maybelline Colour Tattoo - Barely Beige
Catrice - Starlight Expresso
L'Oreal Infallible - Tender Caramel
Flower Beauty - Orchid-ing Around
NYX Eyeliner - Pretty Violet
Max Factor 24hr Falsies Mascara
Tarte Eyes Camera Lashes Mascara


FACE & LIPS
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Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation - #53 Light Beige
Australis Pressed Powder - Natural
Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer - #12 Fair/Medium
Kiko Blush - #102
P2 Lipstick - Via Medici
Beauty Flower Lipgloss - Baby's Breath