Project 10 Pan - Finale

I have been debating ending this project, or continuing, but I am really disheartened and think I need a break from these products. I have tried my hardest over the last few months to use up as much product as I can, but I think I just need a break now. In saying that, I'm still happy with my progress - out for 10 products, I have finished 3 completely. Out of the 7 remaining, I have hit pan on 3 of the products, and on the cheek trio, I have finished one product completely and hit pan on another. The remaining products cannot be measured on a "pan" basis.

At the last update, there was a significant dent in the Sleek highlight, and I have now hit significant pan on the product. The blush has not gone down much, but does have a tiny dip. I did end up hitting the bottom in the ELF eyeliner, and the pan has increased in the ColourPop eyeshadow. 

I have made a good dent in the Rimmel and NYX pencils, and will continue to try and use them up. The bareMinerals lipstick is the product I had the hardest time with. It's a nice shade, but I really dislike the finish of the lipstick - it is too creamy and glossy for my liking, and in all honesty, I like changing up my lip products on the daily. 

I mentioned in a previous post I would continue to use up the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project was done, as I cannot see inside the packaging to track my progress, but the product is getting old. I really like the formula of this brow gel - it really holds brow hairs in place. Once you cut the weird brush wand you can make this product work. I would consider repurchasing this product, but only if it was on sale. I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it. 

I think I won't start another Project Pan until next year. I have a few ideas on what I can do next year. But on the other hand, maybe I can do a mini Project Pan for the rest of this year - maybe a Project 5 Pan? Finish 5 by the New Year?

I really did enjoy doing this project, and although I didn't use up all 10 products up, I did make a significant dent in the products I do have left. The products I do have left can always be put into another Project Pan at a later date (I might even do a Project Pan Roulette!)

Thanks for reading,
X

Project 10 Pan - Second Update

I haven't done an update in about two months, but have had some significant progress since my last update on my Project 10 Pan. Click here to see my introduction post, and here for my first update.

First, onto the products I have finished up!

I have finished the Lady Gaga EDP, L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation, the NYX HD Concealer and the bronzer/contour shade from the Sleek Face Form Palette. I'm quite happy with my progress so far, 3 full products used up, and 1/3 of a palette used up completely! I still have a smaller bottle of the Lady Gaga EDP, and I most likely will repurchase this perfume when that one is used up as I quite enjoy the scent. I don't think L'Oreal sell the Nude Magique foundation anymore, but I could be wrong (a quick google and search on the L'Oreal website shows they don't sell this foundation, but have other variations of products in the Nude Magique line). Once I had purchased products to mix with this foundation (I loved mixing it with the Body Shop Lightening Shade Adjusting Drops), I found I went through this foundation quite quickly as I was able to create a shade that matched me a lot better (this foundation was a little dark as in Australia we are just getting out of winter and I am at my lightest in skin tone). I would consider repurchasing the NYX HD Concealer, as I found it was a great brightening concealer for under the eyes. 

In regards to the highlight and blush shade in the Face Form Palette, I just want to hit pan. This Project would go on forever if I attempted to use up both products.

For the ELF Cream Eyeliner, I have made a significant dent in the middle, but I'm not too sure if I've hit the bottom as yet. I have used this as a base, to tighline and waterline, under the lash line as a base for shadow. A small amount of this product goes a long way. 

The pan has increased in the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Glow. I use this as a base whenever I wear eyeshadow. I have technically completed the "hitting pan" part of the project with this product, but I would like to use it up. 

I will continue using the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project is done, and then chuck it in the bin. As the packaging is not clear, I can't mark any progress for this product, but I have been using it consistently. However, it has been in my collection for a while and getting a bit old, so I think it's almost time to get rid of it. 

I have made okay progress on the Rimmel Eye Pencil, and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. The bareMinerals Make Your Move Lipstick is a little hard for me to use, but I am trying. The colour of the lipstick is nice, but the formula and finish are not my favourite, so I have been trying to work out different ways to wear it. I do need to make a more conscious effort to use this lipstick (I have worn it a few times since the last update), but there's just other lipsticks I prefer much more. 

I am happy that I have been able to clear out three products from my collection by using them up. Overall, I don't think I'm going to make much more progress on the ELF Cream Eyeliner, as it is quite hard to see the progress I have made, but there is a nice dip in the middle of the product, and I will continue to incorporate this product into my eye looks. I would love to use up the Rimmel Eye Liner and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. And of course, I want to hit pan on the highlight and blush shade in the Sleek Face Form Palette. 

Overall, I have used up 3 out of 10 products, and hit pan on 1 out of the remaining 7 (hopefully by the next update I would have hit noticeable pan on the ELF Eyeliner, and at least one more shade in the Sleek Face Form, be it the blush or highlight shade). I am quite proud of the effort I have made in this project so far.

Thanks for reading,

X

Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #8

It has been almost a year and a half since my last empties post. I have only been accumulating these empties for the last month-two months, as I had stopped collecting my empties.

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in 105 Ivory

I adore this powder. It works really well on my dry skin. I have already repurchased it, and I think I have found my holy grail drugstore powder. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3

It has taken me about three (or maybe four) years to use this powder up. When I first purchased it, I liked it, but as time has gone on my skin has gotten dryer and this powder really emphasised my dryness. Towards the end, I was just using this powder on my chin where I have a bit of scarring and pimples to cover it up, as this powder has got a lot of coverage. I would recommend this powder for people with oily skin, but not dry skin. 

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light N10 

I actually really loved this foundation. I have dry skin, but it did not emphasise my dryness whatsoever. I got this in a set of bareMineral goodies, so I also got the matte version, which I didn't like as much. I ended up purchasing the pressed version of this foundation, and unfortunately it does not perform as good as the loose, as it really emphasises my dryness. I probably would repurchase this as the undertone was fabulous, matched me pretty well, and did not dry my skin out whatsoever. The only downside is it is very messy because it is loose. 

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colourless Powder

I adore this powder. Last year at IMATS, I repurchased two bottles of this powder, and will repurchase two more this year at IMATS. I use this daily to set my undereye concealer, and I have minimal creasing with this product. 

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
This is my holy grail concealer for under the eye. A couple of weeks ago I Back To MAC'd five empty bottles, and I'm almost done with another one of these. This will always be a repurchase for me.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
I actually quite enjoyed this primer. It reminded me a lot of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer, which I also enjoy (and have repurchased over and over). I would repurchase this, but only when it is on sale (or at Chemist Warehouse where I initially purchased it - makeup is always discounted there).  I don't think this product is a great pore eraser (it has a silicone feeling, but doesn't fill in pores all too well), but large pores aren't a skin issue that I experience.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (x2)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is a primer I have repurchased over and over. It is the one I use in my freelance kit, and it works great on my skin as well. It is great at smoothing and slightly hydrating my skin.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray 
This is another holy grail in my collection. I have one sitting in my freelance kit, and one sitting on my vanity. Always a repurchase (and can we talk about how great it is that NYX is now stocked in Priceline???)

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray 
This spray was okay. I didn't notice too much when I used this verse when I didn't use it. This product claims to be redness reducing, pore minimising, and oil absorbing. Redness is my only real skin concern out of the three, and I don't think this spray made much of a difference. However, this spray was nice as a pre-makeup treatment and it was a hydrating spray.

Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara (x2)

This is my holy grail brow gel. I go through this brow gel quite consistently, and whenever I see it in the shelf at Priceline or Target, I tend to pick it up as a back up. When the product starts to change colour and the tube is getting a bit empty, that's when I tend to chuck it and grab a new one. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I love this mascara. I'm currently using a deluxe sample size of this mascara that's almost done as well, and I have a back up deluxe sample waiting to be used. I do find this mascara tends to dry out quickly, so I prefer going for the deluxe sample size as opposed to the full size (there was a point where at Mecca you could purchase the deluxe sample size). 

Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

This mascara was in my freelance kit, and I never used the wand so can't comment on that (my only comment is the wand is actually huge), but this mascara has a good waterproof formula. I did use it on myself a few times (with a disposable wand), and I found the formula good.  I would repurchase this mascara for my freelance kit. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 

This is a deluxe sized sample that I picked up on sale at the Sydney Domestic Terminal earlier this year. I wasn't expecting much from this mascara, but I actually love it. I have quite a few unopened mascaras and I'm trying to keep my unopened mascara collection to a minimal, but I would consider repurchasing this mascara in the future.  

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP

I'm sure this perfume has been in my empties before. This is my holy grail perfume. I go through a bottle a year roughly, and will always repurchase. I abolsutely adore this scent. If you've never smelt Flowerbomb and are a fan of floral scents, make it a point to smell this perfume, and thank me later. 

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick 

This is the first MAC lipstick I have used up. Last year, MAC Velvet Teddy was on my lips about 80% of the time. I have repurchased this lipstick, but tend to lean more towards Whirl. I think when the warmer months come around, I will reach for Velvet Teddy more as it is a lighter shade compared with Whirl. 

Blistex Click Cool Spearmint Lip Balm 

Years ago, I used a peppermint lip balm and it was the most soothing, wonderful lip balm. I saw this in Chemist Warehouse a while ago (it was in a duo with a peach scented lip balm as well), and put it in my basket without a second thought. I loved this lip balm, and would repurchase if I saw it in stores again. Mint lip balms are so refreshing. 

Target Essentials Cosmetic Pads

I actually really enjoyed these cotton pads. Next time I'm in Target, I'll pick up another pack. 

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads 

I tend to pick these up every time I'm in Kmart. They're cheap, and they do the job ok. 

Woolworths Select Make Up Pads

I don't really remember these cotton pads all too well, so I'd say they're about average. Probably would only repurchase if I was in need of cotton pads and in Woolworths. 

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Calming Facial Cleansing Wipes

I don't use face wipes every day, but when I do, these are one of my favourites to use. They are gentle on my sensitive skin and do a good job at removing makeup. Most importantly, these face wipes don't dry my skin out. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

I love this mask from the Body Shop. It is a great leave on, overnight mask, and very moisturising. Last year when my Dad was sick and the chemo was drying out his skin, I purchased him a few of the products from the Vitamin E line from the Body Shop, and they worked well for him too. If you have dry skin, or dehydrated skin, I would recommend checking this out at the Body Shop. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Unfortunately this oil made me break out. Towards the end (once I had figured out it was the oil breaking me out), I used it in my hair only. I wouldn't repurchase this product as I prefer other oils in my hair, but I'm happy I was able to use the product up (and that I only purchased a small travel size as opposed to the full size)

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I love this micellar water. I use this to remove makeup (I tend to use a cleansing oil first, and then go over with the micellar water). This is fine to remove light makeup, but not great for heavy makeup. I also use this to remove swatches on my arm. This bottle has lasted me well over 6 months, and when I purchased this (it was from the Priceline 40% off skin care sale a while ago), I did purchase two bottles, and have already started using the second bottle. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge

For a while, I couldn't find this product in Daiso. When I did, I purchased 10 bottles. I have used up more than just this one, but have not kept them. I find this is great for removing makeup from sponges, and also great to break down liquid or cream products on brushes (I find it works better than my usual baby shampoo) when deep cleaning them. If you haven't tried this product, I highly recommend it. I still have a few left, but will definitely repurchase when those are used up. This product is also $2.80, so you really can't go wrong. 

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon 

Rose Jam is my favourite scent from Lush. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a few bath bombs from Lush, and had to purchase two of these. I wish Rose Jam was a scent they had year round. Would definitely repurchase this. 

Manicare Mascara Brushes Duo Length & Define 

I either use these mascara wands in my freelance kit, or when I wax mine or my Mum's eyebrows. These are decent, and I would repurchase. I know I can purchase mascara wands cheap on eBay, and I should do that for when I wax brows, but I do like the shape of these wands for when I apply mascara on clients. 

Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm 

I think this product was off when I tried to use it. The scent of this was horrible. I'm just chucking it in the bin, don't want to put this near my face again. 

By Terry Baume De Rose 

I enjoyed using this lip balm at night, and the sample ended up lasting about a week. I do have another sample to use up, but this product is quite expensive and I didn't find it revolutionary by any means, so I would not purchase. 

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream

This sachet lasted a few uses, and was quite nice. I do need to get into using eye creams again (whoops), but I do prefer the Benefit eye cream I used to use to this one. It was a nice hydrating cream, though. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light 

This was basically a one time use sachet of the oil. I used this in my hair to moisturise after washing.

I have quite the collection of samples, and want to work my way through them, so hopefully I have a few more to include in my next empties post!

Thanks for reading,

X

Project 10 Pan - First Update

Back in June, I posted my introduction post for my Project 10 Pan, which you can view here. It's been over one month, so I thought I was overdue for an update post.

1. L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation in 120 Ivory
To be honest, I think this foundation is just a little bit too dark for me. Because it is quite watery based, I can't mix it with a lot of foundations that I own, besides the MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation (or I've been thinking of purchasing The Body Shop Shade Adjusting Lightening Drops). I think I've only used this foundation two or three times, so there is actually no real progress with this product.

2. NYX HD Concealer in Fair 
I actually quite enjoy using this product, and it is the one getting the most use in this project. I apply my MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW20, and then for extra highlight under my eyes, I apply this concealer on top. I have made significant progress on this concealer, and I'm actually thinking I'm going to end up repurchasing this once I am done.

3. Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 011 Sable Brown 
I have made some progress with this product, as can be seen in the photo at the end of the post. I don't apply pencil liners on a daily basis, so I do need to remember to use this.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
For the first couple of weeks I forgot to use this product - whoops! But I have used an okay amount of this. When I wear eyeshadow, I put this on top of my MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. If I'm not wearing any eyeshadow, I tend to put on a bit of the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow' as it is fairly neutral and matches my skin tone.

5. Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - Fair 
I did end up repressing the contour shade in this palette, to try and use it up fully. I feel like I have made a dip in the highlight shade, but can hardly see any progress in the blush. The blush shade isn't really appropriate for this time of year, but I have been trying to use it with a light hand. The dip in the highlight doesn't really show in the photos, but it's there.

6. bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move
I hate to say it, but I really dislike this lipstick. I have tried to use it a few times, but even, as you can see below in the photo at the end of the post, that has made hardly any significance. This lipstick is too glossy and feels really sticky - and to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the colour. If I am wearing a lipstick, I prefer it to be matte. I might try mix this with a lipgloss and see if that makes me like the colour a bit more, but I am really struggling at the moment to use this product.

7. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow'
As this is actually a product with a pan, this is the first product I have hit pan on in the project - go me! I do want to use this product up, but this is a good start. As mentioned earlier in the post, I like to pop this shadow on my eye lids for the days where I am not doing an eye look, just mascara.

8. Lady Gaga 'Fame' EDP
I have tried to use this perfume on most work days. I do love this scent and think it is a great winter and summer scent. I just feel like I have hardly made any progress with this perfume. The bottle is tapered, so maybe once I use some more and get to the smaller end of the bottle, it will show more progress. But I will persevere!

9. Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown
As I mentioned in my introduction post, I ended up cutting the weird bristles of the brush so that the brush is in a uniform shape. I can't monitor my progress with this brow gel as the packaging does not allow this, but I have used it every day and quite enjoy this product. The brow gel definitely holds the brow quite firmly - more than my usual Essence Brow Gel does.

10. ELF Cream Liner in Coffee 
I actually didn't take a photo of this cream liner in the introduction post. I have tried to use this product a few times, and I have used it in the waterline and it works okay. I think with this product, I just want to hit pan and then I'll call it quits - I'm not the biggest eyeliner wearer as I do have hooded eyes, and I find that wearing eyeliner on my eyes tends to close them up quite a bit.

And that is my progress so far! For the next month, I'd really like to make a significant dent in the highlight shade of the Sleek Face Form palette, and make some progress on the L'Oreal Foundation and the bareMinerals lipstick. 

Thanks for reading,

X

Project 10 Pan - Introduction

I have wanted to do a Project 10 Pan for quite a while. I have previously attempt one a few years ago, but that did not go down too well. I will not buy any products (unless they are limited edition), until these ten products are used up. Can I just say, it is so ridiculously hard to come up with ten products you want to use up? I have been going over the products I own for weeks and finally have come up with 10 products.

So these are the ten products I've come up with...

1. L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation in 120 Ivory 
I do really like this foundation, but I haven't reached for it for a while. This is actually the second bottle I have purchased of this foundation, so there is not much progress with this one so far.

2. NYX HD Concealer in Fair
I like this concealer, but find it hard to wear with glasses. I will try use a little bit daily on top of my MAC Prolongwear (or underneath), and hopefully I will be able to use it up.

3. Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 011 Sable Brown 
This is an older eye liner pencil in my collection, and because it is a brown, I figure it will be less harsh than black for day-time, work appropriate looks.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
I actually own three of these, so I've decided to try and use one up. Before I discovered MAC Painterly Paint Pot, this was my go to eye base. I'm sure if I start wearing eyeshadow to work more frequently, I will be able to use this one up.

5. Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - Fair
As you can see from the photo below, I have used up a significant amount of the contour shade and hit pan on it. I believe this will be the hardest product in this Project 10 Pan to conquer. I would like to hit pan on both the highlight and blush shade. I've hardly made a dent in either product, so it will be great to monitor my progress on this one. This was actually one of the first products I reviewed on my blog, and if you are interested, you can see the post here.

6. bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move 
I received a sample of this lipstick in a Mecca Beauty Loop Box. It is a nice, neutral everyday colour, so I don't think it will be too hard to use up.

7. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow' 
This shadow is matte, light beige, so think it will be a good base on top of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. If I don't want to wear much eyeshadow, I could just use this as an allover eye colour with some shadow in the crease.

8. Lady Gaga 'Fame' EDP
I actually own a small bottle of this perfume that I keep in my handbag, so I would like to use this one up. I have had this bottle for about two years, so I'd like to use this up before the perfume goes off.

9. Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown
I've had this brow gel for a while, and would just like to use it up. The brush is in a weird ball shape, which I probably will cut, but I do quite like this brow gel. There are a few more brow gels I want to trial out, so I'd like to use this one up before doing so.

10. ELF Cream Eyeliner in Coffee 
This is a matte brown cream eyeliner. I thought a brown would be easier to use up than a black, as I could apply this lightly as a brown base, or as an eyeliner.

I have marked on the L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation, NYX HD Concealer and Lady Gaga Fame my starting point for reference photos in future posts.

Here is my starting point with the Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal in Sable Brown, bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk:

The rules of the Project 10 Pan challenge are simple - no buying makeup until you've used up (or hit pan on) the ten products. I will say that if there is anything limited edition that comes out that I want, I will allow myself to buy it - and if I run out of anything that I don't have a replacement or back up for, I can repurchase. I do think the Sleek Face Form palette will be the hardest to hit pan on - and it might take quite a few months- but I hope I am able to do so (I might even try use up the contour shade completely).

Wish me luck! (and thanks for reading),
X

Current Favourites

I thought I would combine Favourites for this month, considering I haven't done a Favourites since March. These are products I've been loving over the last three months that have really been stand out products.

Since taking off my acrylics, I've been using the Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Strengthener to strengthen my very weak nails. I've been using this for about a month or so, and I'm very happy with the results - my nails have been growing! Slowly, my nails are recovering from acrylics, although I'll probably end up putting them back on really soon.

I picked up the Rimmel Kate Salon Pro Nail Polish in 706 Classical Red a couple months ago when I was looking for a darker red for the winter months to wear to work. I absolutely adore this shade, and it's what I've been wearing every three weeks or so (I'm actually wearing it on my toes and finger nails right now!). I definitely recommend this one for winter, and these polishes are opaque in two coats (and are relatively cheap!)

The MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt is a great sculpting powder for lighter skin girls like me! I've done a review on it here, so check it out for more detail. 

I've been using the MAC Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil at night to remove any remaining make up after cleansing. This oil hasn't broken me out, and this is my second time purchasing this product. The travel size is $15 (which is what I have) and has lasted me for a while, so if you're interested in trying out this product, I'd recommend grabbing the travel size first. 

My go to base product is the Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin in Light. I've mentioned this product before, and although I have drier skin, I find this one works amazing on my skin and the coverage is great! I wear this as my base 80% of the time - it's reliable, it works, and I love the coverage for work days. 

Since using up the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, I've been applying the MAC Strobe Cream after moisturising for added luminosity. I love this cream, and I'm probably going to always repurchase this cream. Definitely recommend it for those wanting dewy and luminous skin, or those with dry skin.

Since bleaching my hair lighter and lighter, I've been using the muk intense muk Repair Treatment  at least once a week, and I love the way my hair feels after using it. The blonde process hasn't been too kind on my hair, but I've been trying my hardest to use moisturising products in my hair to assist in repair.

I picked up the People for Plants Hydration Gel up about a month or so ago, and I use it every night before moisturising. I've found my skin hasn't been extremely dry like it has been in the past, and this gel has definitely assisted in that.

The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams have been a hit with me over the last few months, and here I have pictured Abu Dhabi. It is a darker nude, but I find it a perfect shade in winter, even though I am light skin toned. Since starting work full time, nude shades have been my best friend, and I love rocking this one. To see my review of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, click here.

I've really been enjoying layering the bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara and the Maybelline Colossal Volum Cat Eyes Mascara. The Maybelline separates my lashes, and the bareMinerals adds a lot of volume. A combination I've been enjoying a lot recently.

My absolute favourite and signature scent - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. This has been my favourite perfume since I was sixteen, and I will always repurchase it. Back in April I bought a mini set of Marc Jacob perfumes and Marc Jacobs Dot was an instant hit. I love this scent. It is more of a summery scent, but when you get the chance, I recommend giving it a try - at least spray it and see what it's like! 

The two palettes I've been using recently are the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette and the MAC Spoiled Rich Eyeshadow Quad. I think the Naked Basics is my favourite palette ever, and it's a great every day palette. See a more detailed review here. The MAC Spoiled Rich Quad was limited edition from last year, but if I wear any colourful eyeshadow, it tends to come from this quad. Next to Urban Decay, MAC makes my favourite eyeshadows. To see my review of the MAC Spoiled Rich Quad, click here.

And now for a totally random favourite (and possibly the best) - my new 2013 Mazda 3! 

This is my baby Mazzy, and I absolutely adore this car. I bought her in April, and we've been inseparable ever since. Work is an hour drive from where I live, so I thought a new car was a good investment - my old car was on its last legs. I had been eyeing of the Mazda 3 for months, and although it is a much bigger car compared to my Getz, Getzy (and where I work, small cars are much easier to park), I just couldn't think of any car I wanted as much as this one. I'm so glad with my new car.

And those are my favourites from the past couple of months!
x

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams - review and swatches

For today's blog post, I wanted to share with you the lip products I've been loving since I started working full time. When NYX came to Target in Australia, it was a very happy day for all beauty lovers. I picked up my first of the Soft Matte Lip Creams about four months ago, and it was love at first application.

I'm not too sure of how many are in the range, but I own five - Monte Carlo (a beautiful red), San Paulo (a deeper pink shade), Stockholm (a light, lovely nude), Antwerp (a lighter mid-tone pink) and Abu Dhabi (a darker nude). 

The application of these lip creams is through the use of a doe foot applicator. They apply extremely creamy, and when dry, give a lovely matte lip. They are pigmented, and I find for most (bar Monte Carlo) one application is all I need. They need about 5 minutes or so to completely mattify down.

T: Abu Dhabi, San Paulo, Monte Carlo

B: Antwerp, Stockholm 

These lip products are relatively cheap - from memory, $12.95 in Target, and are available online for purchase as well (at a cheaper price). I love matte lips, and for work, these are wonderful. Once on, they won't go anywhere for a while, and after lunch are easy enough to apply. I love using a lip scrub before any lip application (especially with matte lips), so I recommend doing so. But if you are a lover of matte lips, I would recommend checking out these NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams!

Thanks for reading, 

x

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #6

I haven't done an empties post since last December - wow. I have used quite a few products up over the past four months - even a few makeup products, which is quite surprising for me!

Schwarzkopf Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protectant Spray

This is my go-to heat protectant, and I have already repurchased.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

I absolutely despised the scent of this (I love the Cocoa Butter lotion) and it took me ages to use this up! I think I will just stick with Bio Oil. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

My favourite dry shampoo. I have repurchased, and got two mini's of these from the Easter Show! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry

Not a big fan of the scent. When I was in England last year, I purchased the full size of this because it was ridiculously cheap and I wanted to try out the scent. I used it up because it was a free sample, but I would not purchase this scent. The dry shampoo does work well though, it is the scent that turns me off it!

Nivea Moisturising Fluid SPF 15 

I liked this moisturiser - quite liquidy, blended in nicely - but there are others I prefer. This comes in a relatively small tube, so it is good for travel - which is why I bought it - I took it overseas last year. 

Benefit POREfessional Sample

I got this sample from a Benefit counter around Christmas, and only recently tried it out. Because I wear glasses, makeup tends to move around my nose, and I used this primer on my nose and it worked quite well! I probably will end up buying this, but not at the moment. 

Nivea Rich Regenerating Night Cream

I'm not too sure about regenerating, but this is a rich night cream and keeps my skin quite hydrated. Would repurchase, I prefer this one to the other Nivea night cream I am using at the moment. 

Beauty Care Co Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free 

I liked this nail polish remover, relatively cheap and because it is acetone free safe to use on acrylics. Would repurchase. 

Starlet Nail Polish Remover with Vitamin E 

I liked this nail polish remover as well. Relatively cheap, and gets the job done. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I got this sample (and another one) last year, and I liked it. It was moisturising, but I didn't really see a difference. I do have the other sample still, so maybe I will. 

Maybelline Clean Express Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

This was one of the makeup removers that is half liquid and have oil, and you mix it up. I like the concept, but this made my face so greasy! Would not repurchase this, there are other makeup removers that work much better. 

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

I like this setting spray, and I have repurchased it. Next I want to try the Urban Decay Setting Spray for dry skin, but that will have to wait for now. 

Pure Acetone 

I picked this up from a nail store, it was about $5 and pure acetone works great at removing nail polish (who would have known!). I will end up repurchasing this when I return to that store. 

L'Oreal Youth Code Youth Booster Serum

I liked this serum a lot, and I probably will repurchase this.

Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer (x2)
I've used up two of these primers in the last four months, and I do like this primer. It is quite hydrating, and I enjoyed using it, but I think there is a better primer out there for me.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes
I've had this mascara since July last year, and it is time to bin it. I did like this mascara, the brush was nice, but I don't think I can justify the price of this mascara. Maybe next time I travel overseas, I'll pick it up duty free.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara 
I love this mascara, and when I get around to going back to the store that sells this in Australia, I will stock up on a few. I have previously done a review on this mascara, which you can view here.

Covergirl Clump Crusher in Black Brown
This is another mascara I liked using. I'm not too sure if I will repurchase this one as I have found other mascaras I love since, but I do recommend this one for separating lashes and for lengthening.

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
My holy grail for setting brows. I have repurchased this over and over again, and will continue to repurchase.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in 01 Ivory
I used this up a while ago, and I did enjoy it. But I used it up so quickly - maybe under two weeks. I have found things that work better, but this was a good concealer for highlighting under the eyes.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 Vanilla
I love this foundation. I need to repurchase it, but that will have to wait. Light to medium coverage, and great for dry skin.

Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin in Light
I love this BB cream! Although it is for combo to oily skin, I find it works well on my dry skin, and I much prefer it to the original Garnier BB cream. Since using this up, I have repurchased another tube.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat 
My holy grail top coat. Have repurchased this, and will continue to repurchase. This stuff dries super quick, and if you haven't tried it - I'd recommend it.

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion
I've had this sample for ages. I'm not the biggest fan of the original Primer Potion, but I love the matte one (Eden).

Manicare Disposable Mascara Brushes
Love these for coming out the brows. I keep these in my makeup kit as well.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
I adore this shower scrub! So much so that when I repurchased it I bought two. The price is fairly decent for a body scrub, and I adore the smell of this.

Redwin Vitamin E Cream
When I'm sunburnt, I cover myself in this stuff. It is relatively cheap, and works well as a body moisturiser as well. Will repurchase this eventually, probably in the summer time.

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream
I have mentioned this in previous empties posts, and I do love this moisturiser, but I have found better ones suited for my dry skin. I am still on the hunt for the perfect moisturiser, though.

Eylure Katy Perry Color Pop Lashes in Ka-Pow! 
From memory, these are the purple lashes - which I wore for my 21st! I loved these lashes, although I wish they made them in just normal black. I absolutely adore the Katy Perry lashes by Eylure.

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes
I don't really remember these in particular, but the Swisspers Naturals are my favourite kind of face wipes. I would repurchase these.

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Facial Cleaning Wipes (x2) 
I prefer these out of the bunch of Swisspers Naturals range. I love the range, and will continue to repurchase these wipes.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Facial Cleansing Wipes for Dry Skin
These may be for dry skin, but they did not work well with my dry skin. I found them quite harsh, and I would not repurchase these.

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
I don't really remember these wipes all too much, but I don't remember having a bad experience with them, so I probably would repurchase these if they were on sale.

Daiso Eyelashes (x2)
Here I have two pairs of Daiso lashes. I like Daiso lashes - they are cheap ($2.80) and have some nice styles. Not my favourite kind of eyelashes, but for the price, you really can't go wrong.

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads
Always in my empties, always a repurchase.

And those are my empties over the last four months! Thanks for reading,
x

What I've Bought Recently #2

This week, I bought a car. A brand-spanking-new car. So you'd think I'd quit on the spending for a bit, right? Apparently no. These are all the new things I've bought recently!

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C2 is a foundation I've wanted to purchase for a long time, and I finally did. I've only used it today (bought it yesterday) and it is light weight foundation, but I am loving it so far! 

I picked up the Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover for Light/Medium Skin Tones from Priceline two weeks ago, but I haven't actually tried it as yet. I'm a little nervous because of my dry skin, but I want to give mineral makeup a go. 

For the past couple of days I've wanted a dark red nail polish, so I picked up the Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish in 706 Classical Red yesterday. Put it on last night, and so far so good. 

The tube of MAC Viva Glam Rihanna is absolutely gorgeous - and so is the colour. I have a lot of red lipsticks, but nothing that is a frost finish. This lipstick is super pigmented.

I mentioned the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint in 120 Pure Ivory in my March Favourites (view here), but it is a recent purchase so I thought I'd include it in this post. 

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW20 was mentioned in my last What I've Bought Recently post, but unfortunately yesterday I was doing makeup on a client and the bottle dropped and shattered everywhere! I had to go to MAC straight away and buy another one, this is my absolute favourite under eye concealer and I will repurchase again and again. 

I think I have found a holy grail product for my brows, and that is Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep. I apply this before powder throughout my brows, and fill in where I need to after. Absolutely adore this, and lasts all day! 

The only real question I have about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp is where has it been all my life? I picked this up this week - and I am in some serious love. There was a 3 for 2 offer on NYX products, and I might go back to Target today and see if the sale is still on. I absolutely adore this - it is matte, but not drying, I've had it on today for 2 hours now and there is no sign of cracking or drying out. I adore this product!

I was in Mecca Maxima last week, and saw the bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara, and what caught me was the price! Cosmetics in Australia are fairly overpriced, but this was only about $23 so I decided to pick it up. I haven't had much use out of it so far, but I will do a review of this mascara at a later date. 

I picked this Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara yesterday as it was on sale. I used it today and so far so good, and the brush reminds me of a bigger version of the Benefit They're Real mascara.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer was also included in my March Favourites, but it is a recent purchase and I thought I'd include it. It reminds me of the MAC Strobe Cream but in a primer purchase, and I definitely will be repurchasing this. 

As part of the 3 for 2 in Target, I grabbed the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 630 Cashmere. I haven't tried it yet, but I think it will be a lovely base for different gold and bronze eyeshadows.

I've tried Bioderma before and loved it, and I saw the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Priceline, so of course I picked it up. I really like it, and it's great for dry and sensitive skin. 

And those are the products I have picked up recently. Reviews of products will be coming soon!

February Favourites

It's my favourite time of the month - monthly favourites. This month, I started working a full time job and I've found myself reaching for products that I know work. The products in this post are relatively day-time, work-friendly products, but I adore them and have been reaching for them on a daily basis.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
I picked this concealer up in February (see post here) and I absolutely adore it! I have a nice combination of dry under eyes where you can see the lines under my eyes with any concealer but this. The hype around this concealer is true - and if you have been considering purchasing this concealer, I recommend doing so.

Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin
I'm sure I've mentioned this BB Cream before. I have dry skin, and I've tried the original Garnier BB Cream and hated it. I decided to pick this up one day because everyone seemed to love it, and although it is for combo/dry skin I figured it is a BB cream, so it will be moisturising. I was right. I've just repurchased this, and this has been my go-to for face makeup during the week.

MAC Syrup 
Another new product to my collection, and I absolutely adore this lipstick. It is mauve, but because of the lustre finish I find this extremely flattering for work. It is a no-fuss lipstick as well, I can apply it without a mirror if I need to. Absolutely adore this lipstick, and I do want to try out more lustre lipsticks from MAC.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
A repurchase product. They offer this in Dewy and Matte, so a majority is catered for. This sets my makeup in place and I find it to work relatively well in keeping it in place all day. As long as I still have eyebrows by the end of the day, I don't care what the rest of my face looks like.

NARS Laguna Bronzer
I've hit pan on this - and I'm quite proud of myself. In the beginning, I was a bit iffy with this product, but I love it and it blends beautifully, and looks natural. I cannot imagine my everyday makeup routine without this, and although it is included in the One Night Stand Blush Palette (see review here), I will be repurchasing a full size when I run out of this one.

And those are my favourites for February! What have you been loving?

What I've Bought Recently #1

Firstly, I want to apologise for my absence on this blog. Two weeks ago I started a full time job, and I need to get into a routine where I am able to post frequently. I've just been extremely tired after work, and on the weekends.

I thought I'd start a new 'series' on this blog where I feature new products I've bought recently - and lately I've been on a bit of a MAC high, not that I'm complaining at all! These are the majority of new products I've added to my collection.

Let's start with MAC 

First, a repurchase item - MAC Strobe Cream. The pro stores offer travel sizes of some products, so I picked this one up again. I love this, especially when my skin is more on the dry side to add some extra luminosity. I do tend to use this on top of another moisturiser once it has set in, though. 

I picked up the travel size of the MAC Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil. The lady at MAC said this is the one more suited for dry skin. I've only used it a few times, when I have really stubborn eye liner and eye makeup on, and it works well. So far so good.  

 MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 is something I've wanted to pick up for ages, and I finally did - and I am so glad I did! If you want a concealer THAT WILL NOT CREASE, even if you have super dry under eyes, some lines under your eyes, this is what you need to purchase. This has become my favourite under eye concealer.

MAC Costa Chic is such a summery colour. Both a friend and I picked this up when we saw it at MAC. This is a frost finish, but it doesn't appear too much of a frost when swatched. I want to do a review of this lipstick, so expect that soon! 

I really just liked the look of MAC Syrup. This is a lustre finish. I purchased this and Jubilee about 2 minutes after I found out about my new job because I thought I would need some work appropriate lipsticks. This one is on the purple side, but because it is a lustre it isn't too strong in the purple colour and quite a nice shade of Autumn and Winter in my opinion. 

MAC Jubilee is another work appropriate lipstick I picked up, more on the nude side. It is a lustre finish also, meaning it isn't super pigmented but quite moisturising. 

MAC Amber Lights eyeshadow - an eyeshadow I've been eyeing for a while now. It's absolutely gorgeous. When I finish filling my MAC palette, I'll put up a review of the palette and all the shadows I have. 

The NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray is another repurchase item. I picked this up when NYX was first introduced into Target, and I love it. It's only $14.95 and a good quality setting spray for the price. 

The Essence Maximum Definition Volume Mascara is something I picked up in Target because it is relatively cheap and I actually adore it! The brush is nothing spectacular, but it it awesome at separating lashes. 

NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel is another product I picked up because I liked the colour of. It reminds me of the Viva Glam Nicki gloss by MAC, and on top of a nude lipstick, I love this. Alone it works well too, although I'm not the biggest gloss girl. 

Sinful Colors Easy Going is a nice light pink shade I picked up for the new job. But once getting to the office, I realised everything is pretty casual (and was told so), so any colour goes! 

When I was in Melbourne last month, I picked up this Loreal Infallible in 013 Burning Black for $5. This is a dark red/black shade. I haven't tested this out yet, but the shade is absolutely gorgeous.  

When I was in Target picking up the NYX and Essence products, I saw this Loreal Infallible in 033 Tender Caramel in the clearance bin for $2. It reminds me of MAC Cranberry, and when I do get around to testing it out and it is similar, I might do a blogpost on it. 

And those are most of the recent products I've added to my collection - I'm sure some will pop up in favourites very soon! Thanks for reading guys! I've really missed this, so I'm going to try my hardest to be more consistent with blog posts.

November Favourites

November wasn't the best month, and this post is a little late (blame my MacBook's logic board thx), but better late than never, right?

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 010 Ivory 
I picked this under eye concealer up on a whim and I'm so glad I did, it has replaced the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in my eyes. This is more yellowed toned, and I prefer it to the pink of the Maybelline because my under eye circles are more purple than blue and the pink doesn't help to counteract the purple as well as yellow does.

NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray
When I saw the NYX stand at Target I was ecstatic. I picked up this, and a brow powder set that is too red for my brows (especially now that I'm back to brown). I love this setting spray though. I had been using the Urban Decay All Nighter, but my skin is so dry lately that it makes my skin look super dry. This doesn't, and prolongs makeup wear. They had a matte version as well, so there is an option for both dry and oily skin.

Lush Let The Good Times Roll Facial Cleanser 
This cleanser smells heavenly. It smells like popcorn. It is amazing. I don't use this every day because it isn't the most gentle on my skin, but when I do my face smells amazing.

Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer 
I picked this primer up a while ago and I have really enjoyed it. It is quite hydrating, which works well with my dry skin. Works well as a primer, and probably will repurchase soon as I'm nearly finished with this one.

MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette in Light 
I picked this up two or so months ago. I also have the Medium in my makeup kit. These are the Studio Finish concealers from MAC. I've hit pan on the NC20 concealer shade as it is the main shade I use on myself. It contains 4 concealer shades and 2 corrector shades, which makes it a versatile palette.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara
I picked this mascara up when I was coming back through Heathrow Airport, and I wasn't the biggest fan at first. Now, once it has significantly dried up, I love it. The wand just does something with my non-existent lashes, and I love it.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Guava
Such a summery colour! Currently wearing this on my toes, and later today I will put it on my nails. I love the formula and opacity of the Gelly polishes.

And those were my favourites in November!
Thanks for reading x