Products I Regret Buying 2015

One of my favourite videos to watch on YouTube are products I regret buying videos, so I thought I'd put up a post on products I regret buying. In no shape or form is my word gospel, but these following products are products that really didn't work for me. It may be the colour, or the formulation, but here are my thoughts on the products I regret buying.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation
I really wish this foundation worked for me, but unfortunately I think my skin is too dry for this to work. The colour is fine but it just clings to my dry patches.

Australis Face and Body Tint
When this foundation was released, many believed it would be a dupe for the MAC Face & Body foundation. Unfortunately, it is not. Should you try to layer this product at all, it balls up. Do not recommend, and have only used it the one time.

Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer
I have used a significant amount of this primer, and it is super moisturising. Unfortunately, it made me break out every single time I used it. I like the primer but not enough to have pimples. It did take me a while to realise I was breaking out because of this primer.

Rimmel BB Cream in Light
This BB cream had a strange tone to it. It reminds me of the original Garnier BB Cream, which I wasn't a fan of (love the one for combo to oily skin, though!). This BB cream comes out grey toned but once blended goes quite orange. Doesn't match my skin at all.

MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation
I used to adore this foundation, but I regret purchasing a second bottle once I had used up the first. Since I first tried this foundation, my skin has definitely become dryer. This foundation does not work well with my skin at all anymore.

Revlon Photoready Powder in Translucent 
This powder has shimmer in it. No matter how little you use, you can see glitter on your face. Not a fan of this powder at all unfortunately.

MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish 
This is an annoying one. Everyone seems to love this product, but I find it too gritty. I do occasionally pull it out and try to use it, but for the most part I find myself asking 'why did you ever purchase this?' It might work better on more medium skin tones, but for us fair girls, I would recommend picking up MAC Lightscapade instead. On a brighter side, this Mineralise Skinfinish does work good as an eyeshadow.

MAC Studio Fix Powder 
I have used a lot of this powder, and that was before I noticed my skin going very very dry. This powder is heavy duty - when I went to MAC (about two years ago now) and the lady suggested this powder, I should have really done my research and told her I wasn't down with the super full coverage face. The flashback on this powder is not flattering at all.

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait 
I love the Revlon Lip Butter's for the most part, but this one is basically glitter in a tube - and this is not a look I like on my lips at all. The colour is gorgeous swatched, but once it is on the lips you can feel how chunky the glitter is.

And those are the products I regret buying!

Thanks for reading,

X

Shop My Stash #5

I'm behind by a week on this one, but better late than never, right? These following 5 products will be on my to-use list for the next two weeks.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Tousling Spray Gel
This is a hair product I have that has just been sitting around. Time to pull it out and try use it up!

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder in 010 Brighten 
I picked up this product almost two years ago, and have hardly used it. It does say it is a finishing powder, but this is definitely a highlighter - much like the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes. I've really been loving highlighting recently, so I'm sure I can use this product no problem!

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder in Bashful Plum 
My blush mission seems never ending. The one blush I can use over and over again is Benefit Coralista. This shade seems like it would be a good one for winter, so I'm going to try it out (and hopefully fall in love).

Almay intense i-color in 031 Trio for Browns 
A friend of mine (view her beauty blog here) gave this to me as a gift and the first shade in the trio I can't stop staring at. It has slowly become harder to go all out with eyeshadow when I'm at work, but I'll try my hardest to reach for this one over the coming weeks.

Elf Eyelid Primer in Sheer 
This eyelid primer is almost used up, so hopefully I can add this to the Empties bag soon. This is a relatively cheap primer, and it does the job well.

Thanks for reading,
x

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #5

David Jones Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser 

I got this cleanser in a set of samples from David Jones a couple of months ago. The next cleanser also came in the set, and although I enjoyed this cleanser the Burt's Bees I enjoyed more and would repurchase it over the David Jones. This cleanser worked well. 

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser 

I LOVE THIS. The scent is pleasant, and it feels so refreshing to use. I've repurchased the full size, and I think I've found my holy grail cleanser. 

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel 

I'm not really one for sickly sweet smells, but I absolutely adore this shower gel! I got the smallest size available, but I'll have to stock up before its gone. 

Bioderma Cleanser

I purchased the smallest size available from eBay awhile ago to try this product out. This is a super soft cleanser and removes makeup. I definitely will repurchase this, and now it's available from Priceline which makes it super accessible to Australians. 

Alpha Keri Intensive Ointment

I use this on my eczema, and will continue to repurchase this product.

Schwarzkopf Taft Flexible Hairspray 

I actually did like this hairspray, but I don't really have a preference with hairspray. This one was quite flexible, did not leave my hair stiff. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge 

This is amazing at cleaning makeup sponges. It just drags out foundation in no time. I love it, will continue to repurchase. 

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover 

I purchased acetone free because I have acrylics on. This works well, and I'll most likely repurchase it in the future. 

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream

I've mentioned this in empties before, and I will continue to purchase this day cream. For when my skin isn't super dry, this works wonderfully. 

Vaseline Total Moisture Dry Skin 

I love this moisturiser. I use it allover my body. A pack of three of the large bottles were available at Costco, so I stocked up last time I was there. I'd recommend this to anyone with dry skin. 

MAC Fix+

I've been through at least 3 bottles of Fix+ now. I love this stuff, and will continue to repurchase it. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Deep Treatment

This was a sample packet I purchased in England. I liked this, but it isn't my favourite deep treatment. When I go back to England, I will be stocking up on this stuff though as it is good value for money.

Johnson's Baby Conditioning Shampoo

This is my go to brush cleanser. It leaves my brushes soft and cleanses well. Will continue to repurchase. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in 10 Fair Clair 

I thought I'd never use this under eye concealer up, but I got there! I did enjoy this, but at the moment I am loving the Rimmel Match Perfection more. This is a good under eye concealer, and I recommend it!

Revlon Colorstay for Normal/Dry Skin in 150 Buff

I loved this foundation, but the bottle always leaked! I'm happy they have changed the packaging to include a pump, and I've already repurchased this foundation. 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15

I was so happy when I finished this foundation up! I love this foundation, and I've repurchased it in NC20. My perfect shade is between the two, however, so I will repurchase NC15 soon. 

Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie 

Favourite for eczema. This is like a clay, and I wash my legs (which is where I have eczema) with this stuff when it flares up. Works to calm it down, will always repurchase. 

Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream

This isn't my favourite night cream, but it was quite moisturising. I'd recommend this to anyone who doesn't need a super hydrating night cream for an affordable price. 

Clinique Moisture Surge 

This was a good moisturiser, quite hydrating. This is on my list of potential hydrating day creams.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water 

I decided to try out the Lush toners. This was the first one I have used up, and I also am trying Eau Roma Water. I loved the scent of this, it didn't dry my skin out and I think is perfect for us dry skinned people. I think I will have a comparison post later on once I have tested them all out. 

Johnson's Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes (x5)

I bought a bulk of these from Costco, and while I used them up I find them too harsh on my dry skin. 

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads

These always feature in my empties. Can't say much about them, they do the job! 

NYC Glamour Lashes

I picked these up when I was in England, I mentioned the first pair in my last empties post. These were okay, nothing super special. 

Eylure Katy Perry Lashes in Oh, My!

These lashes are full on, and I love them! I wore them to a friends 21st, and I loved the look! I adore these lashes, and definitely will be repurchasing a pair for New Years Eve!  

ModelCo Flutter False Lashes in Flamboyant 

These were also another pair of full on lashes, and I wore them to another 21st. I loved these lashes too, and when I bought them they were only around $9, which I think is quite reasonable. 

Manicare Glameyes Taylor Lashes

I don't really remember these lashes, so I can't really comment. The past two months have really been about lashes. 

Daiso Lashes

For $2.80, you really can't go wrong. Every time I go into Daiso, I pick up at least 2 pairs of lashes to add to my drawer. 

Mini Haul - David Jones Christmas Shopping Event Sale

On Tuesday it was the David Jones Christmas Shopping Event. It runs morning to night, and usually is 20-30% of items. I only picked up four beauty/makeup related items, but I though it was worthwhile to share them.

First I got the David Jones Beauty Daily Brush Cleaner. I deep clean my brushes as often as I can, but it's always good to have a brush cleaner. This item was 25% off.

Revlon was 30% off, which is an awesome deal. I couldn't toss up between trying Nearly Naked or repurchasing Colorstay, which I've recently run out of. I ended up picking the Nearly Naked foundation in 120 Vanilla, and I think it is a little light for me but I can make it work. I tried it out yesterday, and I wasn't the biggest fan as it seemed to cling to dry patches.

Finally, I purchased the Burt's Bees Cream Cleanser. THIS TUBE IS HUGE. I've tried a sample of this, and I loved it. When the lady showed me the tube, I couldn't believe how big the product was! There was 25% off Burt's Bees, and originally this was around $22 dollars, but for the amount of product I don't think it's bad at all full price!

And those were the four things I picked up from the sale event. I apologise for the lack of posts recently, I'm in the exam period at university and super stressed. Normal posting will resume at the end of next week, I promise! 

Shop My Stash #2 - How Did It Go?

This post is a little late, it should have been up on Sunday. Sorry! To see my original post, click here.

In all honesty, I haven't reached for much makeup over the last two weeks. My days have generally involved staying home and doing university work, or going to work, or just catching up with friends. During the first week, I did try and use these products, but for simple makeup I really only reach for foundation, concealer, some powder in my brows and mascara, and maybe a bit of bronzer. I really have been trying to incorporate blush into my routine, though! 

The first product isn't in the photo here, because I used it up. That is the Maybelline The Falsies Mascara. I have a tonne of mascara to get through, but I absolutely adore this one and will repurchase it eventually. I found the Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara in a cosmetic store about fifteen minutes from my house last week, and have been loving it! These two are definitely my top two drugstore mascaras. 

If you look closely, you would be able to see that the Sleek Storm Palette looks a little worse for wear. This would be because I bought a Z Palette and all the other three Sleek palettes I own are depotted and in that palette, but this one is so hard to do! I shattered the black quite a bit, and have only been able to get one of the shadows out. Once next week is over (and most of my assignments for the semester are done), I'll try open the palette up again. Besides that, I did use this palette quite a bit for the first week. The shadows are lovely and pigmented, and I absolutely adore the first two shadows in the palette. I definitely recommend this Sleek palette if you are looking to buy one, or the Au Naturel Palette. Both are super pigmented and can be used for both neutral day and night looks. 

In my blush endeavours, I have found theBalm Frat Boy blush to be the most long lasting blush I own. In the summer months, I think I will get a lot of wear from this. It is super pigmented though, so a little goes a long way! I would definitely recommend this blush, and I do want to try some more of theBalm blushes. 

The Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 022 Sun Bronze, like I said in the original post, was the first bronzer I ever bought. I've probably had this for over four years, and a couple of weeks ago I did some research on make up expiry and I should probably throw this out (I'll have a post on this soon, I promise!). I find it a little too warm, but in summer this would work out. I recommend this bronzer, though (if they still sell it, I'm not too sure). 

The Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights in 200 Pink Light is a product I was really excited to try. Because I haven't been wearing too much makeup, highlighter isn't a step I'd go out of my way to do. This does work as a primer also, but I don't like too much shimmer on my face. For a luminous look, though, I'd try this out. You could even mix this in with your foundation. I think in summer I'd get more use out of this, because it is a liquid highlighter and at the moment I prefer powder highlighters. 

And that's how my second Shop My Stash went! This week I won't be doing one, and I'll try to next week, but it depends on how much time I have! No point doing a Shop My Stash and not being able to use the products! Thanks for reading, and if you haven't already, follow me on Bloglovin'! 

Shop My Stash #2

First up is the Sleek Storm Palette. This palette is a recent purchase I made when I was overseas in England, and I haven't really used it all too much (because I have a million eyeshadows). However, this week I aim to get some use out of it and I've already put it on for today. Into hour four and there is absolutely no creasing! I love Sleek eyeshadows.

This blush was the first theBalm blush I bought. theBalm Frat Boy is a lovely, peachy shade and the packaging is absolutely adorable. 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 022 Sun Bronze was the first bronzer I ever bought. I hit pan on it ages ago, but I just want to give it a go and hopefully make the pan a little bigger! 

Revlon Photoready Skinlights in 200 Pink Light is a new product to me, which my Mum got in a Revlon gift set last week. I want to give this product a go, but I'm not too sure what to do with it! If it is only a skin illuminator, this is such a huge bottle! I've tried it out as a primer today, because I really don't want to mix it with my foundation (don't like shimmer, remember?) The colour of the product looks to me like Benefit High Beam, but I don't have it to compare. I've also popped the product on my cheek bones.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara is an absolute favourite of mine! I bought this tube late June, and it's about dried up. I want to finish as much product as I can, so that's why I decided to include it in this weeks Shop My Stash!

And those are the products I've grabbed for this weeks Shop My Stash! So far, the products are working well and I absolutely love the Sleek palette! The second shade from the top row of the palette reminds me of Urban Decay Booty Call! 

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #3

I feel happy writing these posts, because I know that I at least use up some of the products I'm purchasing. 

Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie

I discovered this towards the end of the June, and I repurchased a back-up when I was in England because of the significant price difference. It is quite expensive though, so I only use it on parts of my body with eczema and it has helped. 

Vaseline

Who doesn't love Vaseline? I use this as a lip balm and in the hope that smothering them on my eyebrows will help them grow. 

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads 

A repurchase, and next time I'm in Kmart I will pick up another packet. You can never have enough makeup remover pads. 

Nivea Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion

I brought two of these travel size bottles with me to England, I used one up there and brought one back with me. I really like this body lotion, and would repurchase it after I have finished up all the others I have scattered around! 

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo 

My favourite dry shampoo, and my favourite scent. I will end up repurchasing this, but at the moment I have the original Batiste scent Dry Shampoo because it was $4 at the Reject Shop and I picked up 2. 

Priceline Cotton Tips 

These were alright, nothing fancy. Not much to say about cotton tips though. A repurchase if I go to Priceline.

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Facial Cleansing Wipes (x2) 

I actually really like these wipes. They're not that expensive full price either, so I don't mind picking them up when they're not on sale. They were on sale at work recently though, so I picked up a back up of the Green Tea and Original. 

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

This is expired, although I hardly made a dent in it. I did repurchase the Mint Julips, but when I was in England they had a Popcorn flavour that I've only seen in Australia once (I think it was around Christmas) so I picked it up and I love it! This will always be a repurchase product for me (although only once a year because it doesn't expire for a year and I'll never end up finishing one whole tub [and now I have two, good job Sarah]) because it is awesome if you have dry lips, especially if you want to rock a matte lip. 

Bio Oil

I use this on scars, stretch marks and stuff like that, although I've become really lazy. I'm not allowing myself to repurchase this until I finish up the Cocoa Butter equivalent I decided to try out, but the scent is so sickly that I hardly touch it. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

This is a travel size of the stuff that my Dad got me when he purchased the Vice Palette for me last year when he visited England. I finally finished it up when I was in England, but I'm going to keep the bottle because it is a good travel size spray bottle. 

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Deodorant 

This stuff was alright, but nothing amazing. Not as good as my favourite Rexona deodorant, lol. 

Juicy Couture Peace, Love and Juicy Eau De Parfum 50mL

I've had this bottle for a while, and I kept it with my other perfumes long after it was finished (about a year) to remind myself to repurchase it, because I really enjoyed the floral scent. I couldn't find this one, but Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture smells about the same so I picked it up. I enjoyed this perfume and if you love floral scents, check out Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture. 

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara

The lid of this mascara ended up breaking, so I decided its time was up. I have a back up of this anyway, but this is my go-to brow gel. Definite repurchase next time I go to Priceline. 

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

This just ended up drying up, so it's time to chuck it. I love this mascara, but I've accumulated so many lately that I will wait to repurchase this. 

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara

I really have a love/hate relationship with this mascara. I love what it does, but hate the formula. This one is dried up, but I have another one in my collection. My Mum absolutely loves this mascara, though. 

Lush Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion Sample 

When the lady at Lush recommended me this, there was none left so she gave me a sample to trial out. I ended up loving it, so I picked it up in England. 

YSL Parisienne Sample 

I finished this up and have already purchased the 50mL bottle of this perfume. I adore the scent. 

Youngblood Mineral Primer 

I received this with an order I made off of Lipstick Republic, and I took it away with me overseas. It was an okay primer, but it didn't do anything amazing for me so I won't repurchase it. 

OPI RapiDry Top Coat

I was never really a fan of this top coat. Since discovering Seche Vite, I don't want to touch the others I own. However, I have a smaller size of this that came with a mini pack of OPI polishes and will use it up. But after I do use all the other top coats I own, the only one I will repurchase will be Seche Vite. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 100 Ivory

I am so happy I finished a bottle of foundation! I have a lot of foundation, so this is an accomplishment. I did like this foundation, but the shimmer in it is so noticeable (this is the same reason I don't like the MAC Mineralize Moisture foundation). If you don't mind the shimmer, I recommend this one, but I won't be repurchasing it. 

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream Sample

I received this sample at Heathrow airport, and I really like this moisturiser! I will repurchase the full size, but I have two other day moisturisers at the moment and I'm trying to reduce the size of my collection. 

Katy Perry Purr Shower Gel 

This was an okay shower gel, but because of my eczema it isn't the best. I was happy to use it up though, and it smelled just like the perfume - which I love! 

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #2

Not going to lie, I have a LOT of empties for this post. So on to the post!

Johnson's Baby Skincare Wipes
I just like having baby wipes, I don't really remember much about these wipes, and I don't really have a preference with baby wipes so I don't know if I'll repurchase these.

Heinz Baby Basics Wipes
I hated the smell of these wipes. It's apparently a "fruity" scent, but it is horrible. Will not be repurchasing these.

YSL Parisienne Sample 
I LOVED THE SMELL OF THIS PERFUME. Absolutely loved it. I got two samples of this perfume when I purchased by YSL Rouge Volupte Shine (a review will be coming soon). I'm trying not to use the other sample so I have a reminder to buy it when I get back from overseas.

Dove Colour Care Treatment Mask
I love this mask. I use it about once a week, and it makes my hair feel so nice. I bought another tub of this, although in the Heat Protectant form, but I'll definitely repurchase this one when I'm done with that.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes for Normal Skin
I used up four of these! I love these face wipes, they are my absolute favourite. Always repurchase.

Lady Gaga the Fame Perfume 
I loved this scent, and I will definitely repurchase this once I'm back from overseas... although it is on sale at Priceline for $25 so I might just make an exception.

Revlon New Complexion Oil Control Makeup
I think this bottle is just old. I used this in the summer (even though I have dry skin) because it was darker, and if this is still available I wouldn't repurchase. I didn't really like this foundation all too much.

Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder in Natural 
I repurchased one of these during Priceline's 40% off sale, but my skin has become so dry I can't set my liquid foundation. I love this powder though, but I guess it only works for me in the warmer months.

Schwarzkopf Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protectant
I've already repurchased a bottle of this, it's my favourite heat protectant spray.

St Ives Apricot Scrubs
This was a small bottle I bought from Priceline for around $3. I liked this scrub, and will probably repurchase it.

Nivea Firming Body Lotion 
I've had this body lotion for a very long time. It got to the point were I was forcing myself to use it. Probably won't repurchase.

Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream 
This is my favourite night cream. When I went to repurchase they were out of stock with this one so I bought a different night cream. I love the smell of this one for some reason.

Formula 10.0.6 One Smooth Operator Pore Clearing Face Scrub (Zinc + Oat + Pumice) 
This was a good scrub. I'd probably repurchase it, but I wasn't really a fan of the smell.

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads
Essential products. I've used up two. I'd repurchase these, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go into Kmart just for these.

Swisspers 50 Cotton Tips Travel Pack
I recently got my tragus repierced, so I need cotton tips to clean it. I bought this travel pack when I went to Canberra in April. They were a good travel size.

Terry White Chemists Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free
Because I have acrylics now, I need acetone free remover. I like this one, and have repurchased it over and over when I've had acrylics.

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo 
Favourite dry shampoo ever. I will repurchase this over and over. And they've now got an even bigger bottle which makes me happy.

Garnier Fructis Dry Shampoo Pure Volume 
FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY. This was the first dry shampoo I ever tried, and I hated it. The product is fine, but the smell is just horrible, and the idea of using this in my hair just isn't a pleasant one. I've finally used this up, and I will never repurchase.

Rexona Deodorant Sexy Fragrance
This is my favourite deodorant. I have two empties of this, one in the new package and one in the old. Always repurchase.

DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer
I love this spray to quickly dry my nail polish. I will continue to repurchase.

Target Essentials 200 Cotton Tips 
I liked the container of this, mostly. Easy to refill it.

And those are all the empties I've accumulated over the past two months! I'm so happy I can now chuck the bag out!

Thanks for reading xo

May Favourites

I apologise for my lack of posts the last couple of weeks. Exams are coming up, and I've had a good amount of assignments taking up my time. And last week, my Macbook decided to die, and I've just gotten it back. However, on to my somewhat late May favourites!

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
This pencil matches my eyebrows perfectly, and it's all I've been using (besides a brow gel) all month to fill them in.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
I LOVE THIS LIQUID LINER. This is the best purchase I've made in a while. If you're looking for a new liquid liner, I highly recommend this.

MAC Fix Plus
I've mentioned this product before, and as my skin has become dryer in the colder months I've loved to use this to hydrate my face, and set my makeup.

Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette
I only got this palette recently (see haul here) but I've absolutely loved using the second browbone shade as an all-over lid colour, 

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara 
This product has been in my routine for a couple of months or so, and I always forget to mention it. I use this to set my brows in place, and it works wonderfully.

Revlon Colorstay (Normal/Dry Skin) in 150 Buff
When I first bought this product, I wasn't that impressed. But since my skin has become drier, this has been a favourite foundation that I've reached for.

(L to R: Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil, swatched heavily and lightly, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, the second browbone shade in the Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette, the second crease shade in the Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette) 

So these were my favourite products in May. There's not much, but experimenting with makeup hasn't been on the top of my list this last month. These are the essential products I've been reaching for.

April Favourites

I'm going to try not repeat products in my favourites consecutively, but let's be real - some products are just always going to be my favourite.

Beauty:

Too Faced Matte Eye Palette
I've had this palette for about a year, and it's sad to say I've only just started appreciating it - because the Midnight eyeshadow has become a perfect colour to lightly fill my eyebrows in.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream
THIS SMELLS LIKE HEAVEN. It soothes my lips, but honestly every time I open it I go to heaven because it smells amazing. The only complaint I have about this product is the packaging - but honestly, it doesn't bother me that much - it's just not all too hygienic.

Sigma Small Angle E65 Brush
I love this brush to apply powder the brows. It is perfect. I think I'm going to have to purchase a back up of this brush.

NARS Laguna Bronzer 
I'm very happy I added this bronzer to my collection this month, and I have been using it on a daily basis since I got it. It's not completely matte, which does bother me a little, but for bronzing as opposed to contouring (still loving my Sleek Face Form for contouring) it is wonderful.

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation in 150 Buff
This may be my new holy grail foundation, I'm not going to lie. It is so easy to apply, the coverage is great and the colour match is good. It's the first foundation I'd be comfortable to wear without setting or applying powder on top, because it is so seamless. I love to apply this with my fingers or a brush. I just love this foundation! I have the original Revlon ColorStay liquid foundation in the same colour, and I really didn't like it. This, however, I love.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush
This is my holy grail dry shampoo. I may as well include it in a favourites ;) It does it's job well, and the smell is amazing.

Edward Beale Argon Oil Leave-in Treatment
I've been using this product for about four months and I still have quite a bit left. I put it in my ends specifically every time I wash my hair, and it leaves my hair smooth and for some reason I love the smell of this stuff! I would recommend this leave-in treatment and it's fairly cheap from Priceline.

MAC Brule Eyeshadow
This has recently become an eyeshadow I can't live without. It's a perfect allover lid colour, and brow highlight. It's matte, which I prefer in a brow highlight (not the biggest fan of shimmer).

YSL Parisienne Perfume
I received two samples of this when I bought my YSL lipstick recently, and I am hooked on this smell. I'm going to have to buy a full size of this, but it won't be until after I go overseas... although it goes on sale in a few days at Priceline and I just received my Sisterclub voucher so I may have to purchase it...

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer
I bought this primer last year and I loved it. I was in Target earlier this month and they had a sale on Maybelline cosmetics so I decided to pick this up again. I love this primer. It is silicone based, and I like to use it especially on my t-zone.

Random:

Lm Candles 
If you live around Sydney, I HIGHLY recommend my friends at Lm Candles. I'm a little bias as I personally know the girls, but their candles smell divine and they are always adding new scents. I've just finished burning a Watermelon candle, and the one pictured above is Grape. If you love candles (who doesn't) please check out their facebook page. You won't regret it ;)

Tegan and Sara
Their new album Heartthrob is just on repeat, always. I saw them at Groovin the Moo on Sunday in Canberra (for the third time!) and it was amazing just like the first two times. You need to check them out. NEED.

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #1

These are over the last two-three months or so - I keep forgetting to do this post. I don't think I'll do it monthly, because I don't go through products that quickly. But I think I've hoarded enough empties to do this post.

Australia 3 in 1 Wipes
I hated these wipes. I still have half of them left, but I couldn't use them. The wipes are extremely dry, not moisturising at all. My skin has become really dry lately, and I could not use these wipes at all. I will not be repurchasing these, ever.

Swisspers 25 Facial Cleansing Wipes
I love these face wipes. These Swisspers ones and the pink Johnson's ones are my favourite. It does the job, and the wipes smell nice which is a plus. I may repurchase when I run out of the wipes I have now (I went to Costco and got a 6 pack of the Johnson's face wipes for $20, which is awesome!).

Target Essentials 80 Cotton Pads 
These cotton pads did the job, and I had no issues with them. I don't really go into Target much, but next time I am in I probably will repurchase these.

ELF Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15 in Pink Kiss 
I hate lip glosses. I hate glossy lips, to be honest. I wasn't a fan of this, but it came in a bulk lot of items I purchased last year that had a few products I wanted to try. I don't use this at all, so I'm just going to throw it out. I would not repurchase this, or any other of the ELF Super Glossy Lip Shines.

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara in 01 Black
This is a baby sample of my favourite mascara, I love the wand of this mascara and will definitely be repurchasing when I run out of the full size. This has dried out, but I don't think there was much product left anyway. I kind of forgot that I had this mini sample.

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream
I mentioned this in my March Favourites. I love this day cream, have repurchased it since and will repurchase it again.

Girlz Only Dry Shampoo in Party Nights
This dry shampoo is only $2 at Target, which is amazing. I bought this a while ago, and I can't really remember the scent. It worked well, but the nozzle broke and it still has a bit of product left inside. I might try some other Dry Shampoo's from Girlz Only (I think there is 3 scents), but I wouldn't rush out to repurchase it.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush
THIS IS MY FAVOURITE DRY SHAMPOO EVER. It is a little pricey, but it works wonderfully and the scent is my favourite. I have repurchased it since I ran out, and I've nearly run out of that one, but I will repurchase this over and over again.

Redwin Sensitive Skin Vitamin E Cream
I use this as an all-over body moisturiser, and I love it. I love the smell, and it's good at moisturising. I've already repurchased this since running out.

Maybelline Expert Eyes Eyeshadow Quad in Island Shimmer
This product isn't very pigmented. It is quite shimmery, so the only way I think it could be used is as an inner corner highlight. I don't really like it, nor think I need it. I might see if my Mum wants it, but otherwise, it's being thrown out.

Benefit Erase Paste in Light
I decided to depot my Erase Paste because I thought there would be a bit more product in there to last me another month or so. I'm so glad I did, because there was so much product left! I've depotted it into a Clinique eye cream jar, and there is quite a lot of product in there. When I run out of it, I will be repurchasing. It is a great under eye concealer.

Australis Primer
I got this in a set four or so months ago. For $15, I got the Australis Ready Set Go Translucent Finishing Powder, the Australis Makeup Finishing Spritz and this primer. I've tried this primer before, and didn't like it, but the set was worth it as the two products I wanted alone would have cost almost $30 - with the primer, over $40. I used the primer up, but I wouldn't repurchase.

Fennel Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover
I picked this up in a chemist a couple of months ago. When I have acrylics, I use acetone free nail polish remover so it doesn't destroy the acrylic. This nail polish remover was good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to repurchase this particular brand.

Katy Perry Purr Perfume 100 mL
I've had this bottle for almost a year, and have just finished it. I love the smell of this perfume, and have already repurchased a smaller sized bottle. The only complaint is the packaging design - I have dropped this perfume a million times, it has fallen over a million times, and in the picture you can see that the bottom has actually chipped. Nonetheless, I love this perfume.

Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator in 01 Golden Lights
I have had this for about five years I think. It's still got a ton of product, but it is old, and I think I should chuck it out.

Ulta3 Perfect Finish Loose Powder in Champagne
This colour is too dark, and too orange for me. I probably used it once, but it was too dark. Time to chuck it.

Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in 115 
I loved the Maybelline Fit Me range last year. I've been through two or three of these powders. I've fallen in love with the MAC Studio Fix Powder though, so I probably won't repurchase. However, this is a very good powder for setting foundation.

And that's it for my first empties post! Thanks for reading xo

Favourite Brushes

I just gave my brushes a wash, so I thought it was a good time to make a post about my favourite brushes. This post will cover face and eye brushes.

Face brushes (L to R):

Revlon Blush/Contour Brush - I got this brush in a Revlon set ages ago, and I'm not too sure of the name. I prefer this brush for contouring, as it is significantly smaller than the Sigma F40 (Large Angled Contour Brush) that I also own. 

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush - For the longest time, this was my favourite brush to apply liquid foundation with. I've had it for over a year, and now it does have a bit of shedding, particularly when I wash it. I still love this brush, and I use it in conjuction with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush I will mention below. 

Nude By Nature Kabuki Brush - I was on the hunt for a kabuki brush, and while in Priceline with a friend a couple of months ago she pointed out a set of brushes that Nude By Nature had, and it was only $30! The kabuki brush was enough to convince me to purchase it, and I'm so glad I did! I use this brush to apply powder, and it is a dream. It is so soft, blends well, and looks flawless. It is definitely my favourite brush of the set. 

Real Techniques Buffing Brush - When I received my last quarter voucher from Priceline, I decided to purchase the Real Techniques Core Collection, as it was the one that appealed to me most! I'm so glad I did, this brush has been a real favourite in applying liquid foundation since I purchased the kit!

Real Techniques Contour Brush - Contouring my face is probably one of my favourite steps in a completed makeup look. This brush is amazing. It is a small domed brush, that makes applying contour in the cheeks a dream. 

Eye brushes (L to R):

NP Set Crease Blender Brush - This brush is wonderful. I have quite small eyelids, and this is a great blending brush for all over lid colour, and to focus colour in a particular place.
Urban Decay Doubled Ended Shadow and Blending Brush - I received this brush with my Naked 2 Palette, and for the longest time I used this brush for a completed eye look. It is a great multitasking brush, and it is still an essential when I'm doing an eye look.
Sigma E65 Small Angle Brush - This brush is wonderful to use when filling in your eyebrows.
Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush - Best. Blending. Brush. Ever. I love this brush. It does look a little big, but it is a wonderful blending brush.
Sigma E55 Eye Shading Brush - I use this to pack colour all over the lid.
Sigma E30 Pencil Brush - The day I discovered pencil brushes was a good day. They are good for crease work, and with small eyelids, they are wonderful. This is my all-time favourite pencil brush. If you don't have one in your collection, I recommend getting one!

And those are my favourite brushes! What are your favourites? :)

Purple look (eyes and lips) - a tutorial

Last week I was experimenting with white liner with eyeshadow on top, and I came up with this look

I only really did the eyeliner, and then I thought to try out my Lime Crime Airborne Unicorn lipstick, and I loved the two together! To the tutorial :)

Step 1: Foundation. I used MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and a loose translucent setting powder by Face of Australia to set it.
Step 2: Apply an eyeshadow primer. My favourite is the original Urban Decay Primer Potion. This may not be a step you need to do with this look, as next will be eyeliner to which we apply the eyeshadow on top. However, I always use an eyeshadow primer and recommend it.
Step 3: Line your top and lower lash line with white eyeliner. The white will really pick up the colour of the eyeshadow and give it something to stick to. I used the Rimmel Khol Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in 07 Pure White.
Step 4: Now to the fun part! Using Urban Decay's Omen (which was in the Fifteenth Anniversary Palette and they've now released as a single eyeshadow) on a slanted eyeliner brush, apply on top of the white liner on the top and lower lashline.
Step 5: For the inner corner, I applied Mary Lou-Manizer.
Step 6: Apply black eye liner to the tightline, and a nude eye liner to the water line. For black, I used Rimmel Khol Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black (not too sure of the number), and for the nude Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal in 005 Nude.
Step 7: Curl eyelashes and apply mascara! For this I used Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara
Step 8: Contour your face (if you want). I used the contour shade in my Sleek Face Form Palette in Fair.
Step 9: Apply blush! I'm currently testing out the NARS Exhibit A blush, and I used it for this look!
Step 10: For a more adventurous purple wearing, apply Lime Crime lipstick in Airborne Unicorn.
Step 11: Finishing mist. I used MAC Fix Plus.

And there you have it! A relatively quick look that adds some nice colour, with or without the lipstick. What's your favourite way to wear purple? ;)