And we come to the end of Non-stop January

Phew! The month of January 2013 has passed and it certainly has been a crazy one! I have loved posting everyday, though it is certainly not something I could keep up for any longer, it's not sustainable at all!

I guess this is more for my interest than yours, but I thought I might put down a few stats from the series, because all up I think it was pretty successful.

My most viewed post was actually one of my 'What do you think?' Wednesdays posts, settling the debate regarding whether youtube or blogging is superior!

The post that gained the most comments was my Essence haul. Often hauls are popular, this one was no exception!

I posted 3 NOTD posts - one a fruity french nail, another a sparkly purple glitter, and the third some speckly nail art. The sparkly purple glitter NOTD was one that I was really, really not impressed with but I got the impression it was everyone's favourite!

So there were a couple of quick facts about Non-stop January. Posting shall resume as it once did, with two or three posts a week (instead of seven!), primarily consisting of reviews.

Thank you for all your support, I hope you enjoyed!

Rimmel London 3 in 1 blush - Spring Flower

Getting creative at the beach!

It is not unusual for me to see a product on a blog, vow to purchase it and then put it off for months (even years sometimes) as I discover 'bigger and better' things to spend my money on. Every time I purchase one of those 'bigger and better' things, I love it for a while and then remember how much I really want this one product, as though the other purchases were simply temporary distractions along the way.

This Rimmel London 3 in 1 blush in the shade Spring Flower was one of those products that I wanted so badly for so long but just never got around to purchasing. I don't know why really, considering it's not terribly expensive and there was no real reason why I couldn't have just purchased it straight away, but it didn't make it into my collection until about a month ago, perhaps slightly longer.

As I spent so many months thinking about it but not ever using it, I talked myself into thinking that it was going to be the greatest thing since the invention of the wheel, and it basically earned HG status without me having even tried it. No matter how good it turned out to be, I guess I had built it up so much that it was only ever going to come as a disappointment.

I'd seen a couple of positive reviews on Rimmel blushes in the more recent months so it wasn't like I was completely weird to have thought this blush was going to be awesome, but I really, really wasn't impressed with this one.

The pigmentation is hopeless. As you can see in the pictures, when I attempted to swatch it using my fingers there was just no colour payoff whatsoever, let alone trying to use a brush for application. The lightest of the three shades appears to be all white shimmer and no colour - certainly not the kind of blush shade I was hoping for. The middle shade, a peachy pink, is also quite frosty/cool looking and a huge disappointment. The third, darkest shade, appears as a rosy pink and has the highest level of pigmentation. All mixed together they become a light pink, almost on the peachy side. 

I have seen glowing reviews regarding the pigmentation, so I am wondering if maybe I just got a dud. I've seen really heavy swatches for this, but no matter how hard I tried or how many times I went over and over my swatches, I just couldn't build up the colour to a good standard.

When I apply it to my face with a brush, you can see the blush. It is there, visible and all, but in comparison to some of my other favourite blushes this is just not even close. As it has a bit of shimmer in it, it becomes more noticeable when it catches the light but I also feel it becomes a little frosty too. 

The lasting power is pretty poor - it lasts about two hours before it fades and I am unsure as to whether it is still on. I think this is primarily because I am unable to get a decent amount of colour when I apply it initially and therefore the slightest fading makes it look like it is completely gone.

It is quite a chalky texture, more so the lightest shade than the others. I don't feel as though it applies well on the skin and I struggle to get it to blend nicely (a problem I never have with powder blushes).

In terms of the packaging, I really like the size and design, and I think the blush itself looks lovely. It comes with a pathetic little brush that I wouldn't dream of using. It still baffles me as to why companies include adding these useless brushes in.

When it comes down to it, had I not convinced myself that this was going to be the greatest blush ever created, I probably would have liked this a lot more. The pigmentation (or rather lack of) is my biggest problem with this, especially as I have seen other swatches that indicate otherwise.

Unfortunately I can only give this blush 6/10. A huge disappointment, although I will use this regularly as opposed to discarding it. 

"What do you think?" Wednesdays - Are makeup use-by dates worth listening to?

I have a confession. I have never ever (and probably will never ever) taken notice of use-by dates or 'throw out' guidelines when it comes to makeup. Every product is treasured in my collection and therefore I would struggle to throw out something that I've not yet used up.

I've always had the view that use-by dates on cosmetics were solely put in place so that the companies can get you to purchase more of their products more frequently, but is that really the case?

First of all, I must explain myself a little in that if I came across a product that was looking a bit dodgy - has changed colour, separated, lumpy, so on and so forth - then I wouldn't hang on to it for much longer, however if it still looks fairly good then I wouldn't consider chucking it out for a second!

Now that you know that, back to the topic. Use-by dates. Before writing this post I was aware that there were such things as use-by recommendations for makeup but I didn't know what they were for each product so I looked them up and here is what I have found.

Mascara - 3-6 months
Moisturiser - 3-12 months
Foundation - 12-18 months
Powder - 2 years
Concealer - 12-18 months
Blush - 2 years
Eyeshadow - 2 years
Eyeliner/lipliner - 2 years
Lipstick - 2 years
Perfume - 2 years

Of course, the answers vary according to who tells you what, but this is about average in general.

I don't know about you, but I certainly have products that have outlived their recommended time period and according to the 'rules' they should be thrown out. Am I going to? No way.

I imagine for some of you, this might evoke a response of disgust. You might find the prospect of keeping a makeup product too long much like eating mouldy yoghurt that has been stewing in the dark depths of the fridge for a couple of months, in which case I can understand why this post and my attitudes towards the topic might gross you out. However, in my view unless there is some detectable change that I can notice (even smell or taste change - like for a lipgloss) then I would carry on using it as I always had. After all, I paid for it and therefore I want to get maximum use out of it.

I appreciate that there is the flip side of the argument whereby you tell me that germs are too small to be seen and that there is a fair chance I have hoards of bacteria breeding in my eyeshadows ready to attack my eyeballs at every opportunity. You may be correct, but I've not yet found such to be a problem.

I also think that some products are more susceptible to acting as lovely breeding grounds, like mascara. I would be hesitant to apply a mascara that has been opened for a couple of years, especially because it is bypassing the skin barrier and going straight for the eyes, thus making it considerably easier for it to infect me!

When it comes down to it, I am pretty relaxed about it all in that I never even consider makeup use-by dates, instead waiting for a product to go funny until I throw it out. I probably could be a little more careful and put practices in place that extend the life of my products, but until I actually come across major problems with it, I think I shall remain careless and continue ignoring the guidelines.

How do you feel about makeup use-by dates? Do you care about them at all?

Santorini Sun Sunless Tanning Lotion - Golden Caramel Brown

 Have you any idea how difficult it is to take a non creepy, non awkward, somewhat flattering photo of your legs? It's impossible. Either your legs appear obscenely large, in contortionist type positions or strangely...creepy.

The reason, in case you were wondering, why I was taking photos of my legs was because I wanted to review the Santorini Sun Sunless Tanning Lotion. So if you wish to read on, please excuse the horrible awkward photos of my legs and just understand that the sole reason I put them on this post was so show you the effects of this product. Sorry in advance!

This was the first time that I had ever used fake tan in my life. I was absolutely terrified. I couldn't bear the thought of turning out orange and because I had no idea what to do, I knew it was quite likely that I would end up resembling a large carrot.

I researched* how to apply fake tan (*asked several friends on their fake tanning tips) and discovered that exfoliating and moisturising was the key, especially on ankles and elbows. Playing it safe, I decided to just apply it to my legs first, and whilst I knew it would be weird that I would have tanned legs and pale arms, I wasn't ready to risk transforming my whole body into a carrot just yet.

Then came the actual tanning part. I exfoliated, moisturiser and then went for it. I sprayed the lotion onto my skin and rubbed like crazy. All of this was done at lightning speed for I feared that it would stain my skin and I would forever be a streaky mess.

The lotion is tinted which allowed me to get a good idea of where it was that the product had been applied. It was also quite dark and green based (which scared the bejeezus out of me) but I have since been informed that those two qualities are in fact good things because it means that it won't turn out orange. Okay then!

I applied the lotion very sparingly and the results were exactly what I wanted - super subtle and glowy golden. I had nothing to be afraid of with this tan because it isn't too dark and can be applied with ease.

Legs after fake tanning

I asked a couple of people whether my legs looked strange, and after a series of head shakes I revealed that they were in fact, fake tanned. Such knowledge evoked a response of, 'Well now that you mention it...' but I was just pleased that they didn't consider my legs a strange shade of orange!

Even though I was satisfied with the almost non existent tan that I had achieved from my stingy application, I figured for the purposes of the review I should probably add a bit more and see how tanned I could get without it looking horrid. Sooo...I put on some more the following night.

It all turned out well and gave me a lovely glow. As you can see in the photo, (my apologies for not having taken a 'before' photo), I still look stupidly pale. Like a ghost. I realise that, I do, but it doesn't bother me that much. I am incredibly impressed because I am highly intolerant of tans - or at least the fake looking ones. Even the slightest fake tan that is noticeable bothers me to no end, so for this fake tan to pass my acceptable radar it must mean it is pretty darn impressive.

That said, if you want a darker glow then this isn't really for you. I guess you could probably layer this (I'm not interested in trying that out, I really, really don't like orange skin).

Other information you might be interested in is that this has no distinct fragrance and is applied by spraying it onto the skin and then rubbing it in. I personally found it easier to spray onto my hands and then to rub that in the desired areas, although you do risk super dark palms so it is up to you how you wish to apply it.

I did receive this product to try out (I'm not really a fake tan kind of person) but if I was to need a fake tan again I would definitely go for this one again because of the simplicity of application and lovely colour it left. This retails for $29.95

TAG - Confessions of a beauty blogger

I wasn't tagged or anything but I think this is a fun post that I have seen floating around the place.

1. How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts?
This is really hard to say but for each post it takes about half an hour to an hour to write, half an hour to take photos and upload them, fifteen or so minutes to edit, and then another ten or so minutes of mucking around. That said, some posts are considerably shorter or longer than others. It's too hard to say really.
2. Are you a spender or a saver?
It comes and goes in waves. I'll save my cash for a couple of months and then in one shot I'll spend a whole heap. Then I'll save it all up again and then spend it all at once. I am much more of a saver than a spender though.
3. When is it easiest for you to write your posts?
Definitely at the end of the day from about 7pm - 9pm.

A familiar sight to a beauty blogger!

4. What makes writing posts comfortable for you?
Writing is a way for me to relax, it's just something that I do. Blogging is nice because I can unwind from a long day and write about something that I enjoy but something that isn't too brain stretching, so it relaxes me. I don't know what makes writing comfortable for me, I just like it.
5. How long do you spend getting ready everyday?
During the week I take about half an hour to shower, dress and do my hair and makeup (unless I wash my hair, then it takes an additional 15 minutes to blowdry it). On the weekend I don't spend any time on it at all, unless I'm going out, and then it can take up to an hour to get ready.
6. What is your favourite post on your blog?
I don't really have a favourite post, but I do enjoy my post on 'Beauty blogger lingo' because it was quite humorous and other bloggers were really able to connect and shares my experiences.
7. Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers than they have?
The first people who immediately come to mind are Cherie and Mishelle. They have wonderful blogs and deserve more followers, please check their blogs out.
8. What's one thing you're excited about in the coming year?
I'm travelling to Cambodia in the middle of the year as part of a group to build houses for orphans and the surrounding community. It's going to be a pretty harrowing experience, and I expect I will come back a very different person, but it's an incredible opportunity that I am really looking forward to.
9. What has been your favourite blogging moment?
Definitely when I gained my first follower, as well as the first time I was contacted to review a product for a brand. Those two experiences were points where I really went, "Oh my gosh, people actually want to hear about what I have to say!" Even so, every new comment and follower reminds me of how awesome blogging is!
10. How long does it take to prep for a post?
I don't really have to 'prep' for a post...I just write it when I come up with an idea. Testing out the product and getting a really good idea of what it is like for a review is what takes the longest.
11. Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or pyjama bottoms?
Jeans. I don't think I've ever written a post in my pyjamas.
12. What's your worst makeup/hair habit?
Makeup - I'm pretty lazy when it comes to removing waterproof mascara. If it doesn't come off with ease, I tend to avoid potential lash loss from excessive mascara removal and just let it come off in its own time. I also touch my face a lot, and I can't resist squeezing my pimples. Terrible I know (and not a bad makeup habit anyhow!) but who can resist?

Hair - The fact that I am so careless with my hair. I do not look after it in any way. I literally just wash it and tie it up - no treatments, fancy products, nothing at all. It's no wonder I have so many split ends...

So there it is, I enjoyed writing this tag and I hoped you enjoyed reading it. Feel free to tag yourself if you are interested.

NOTD - Speckly nails!

I saw this NOTD on Tram's blog Beauty with the Beautifool and I liked it so much I decided to give it a shot.

I achieved this using two Ulta polishes - French Pink and Watermelon - and used the nail polish brushes to make the dots.

A day at the beach

Happy Australia Day!

My Makeup bag collection

Let me get this straight: I have absolutely no idea how I acquired this many makeup bags. Seriously, are the breeding in my cupboard or something?

Since I have so many I figured I may as well show you them all.

1. Green and white with stripes - I posted about this one here, but basically I picked it up from the Op-shop (it was new) for $2. It was originally from Clinique.

2. White bag with red trimming - Perhaps the most boring one of the lot, this one was also from Clinique but I picked it up new from the Op-shop (it was years ago though).

3. Clear makeup bag - I bought a whole heap of Formula 10.0.6 skincare products (most of which I really didn't like) and this was the bag that they came in. I'm not a fan of the clear plastic, but it is handy when you need to find things quickly and easily.

4. Small pink plastic with black trimming - Basically I haven't got a clue where this came from!

5. Cream with gold trimming - I was given this as a gift, I believe it came from Avon. It's more like a pencil case than a makeup bag though.

6. Floral printed bag - this is a silky material and came from Sportsgirl, though this was another gift. I use it for jewellery when I am travelling.

7. Silver and white striped bag - I have no idea where this came from, but it is pretty appalling (all the stitches are falling apart and it is very poorly made) and I'm not keen on it.

8. Red and white striped bag - Yet another gift, this one is from Tommy Hilfiger and I imagine it would have cost a fair bit to purchase!

9. Pink and white printed bag with black trimming - This is a really good size for a weekend long trip, for those who pack an excessive amount of makeup. It lets you pack a fair bit but not go too crazy!

There it is, my makeup bag collection. It's not a terribly thrilling post but everyone needs one, and I'm quite nosy and like looking at other people's makeup bags!

Essence Quattro Eyeshadow - To Die For

 First of all, I took photos of this prior to actually using it but they were all deleted off my camera, so my apologies!

The Essence Quattro in 'To Die For' is a collection of four neutral eyeshadows for the measly price of about $5. I had seen a couple of reviews on this particular shade and it caught my interest, though it was certainly never an 'I must have' type product.

Let's start with the packaging. Simple, though slighly bulky, the clear plastic with the black print allows you to see the shadows (a big plus for me) without having to actually open the quad. The arrangement of the shadows themselves is okay - I prefer them all to be the same size but I never actually run out of eyeshadow anyway so it doesn't really matter.

I love the shades in this quad, although the two brown shades on the bottom are remarkably similar. Perhaps at more golden type colour or mid toned brown would have been better. All the shades are shimmery, the fourth shade not as much as the others though, and have a medium level pigmentation (except for the third shade which is highly pigmented).  My favourite is the second shade, which appears to be quite pink toned but is in fact a gorgeous peachy champagne type colour I use all over the lid.

I like that the shades have no noticeable 'chunks' of glitter (like some of the cheaper eyeshadows you can pick up have) and that they have a pearly/shimmery type finish instead of glittery. I can't stand it when an eyeshadow has more glitter than colour, and this is certainly not the case.

I've been wearing these shades almost every day in various combinations, and I am fairly pleased with them. The lightest shade is a little chalky. I don't use it as an inner corner highlight as I had hoped to do, because it gets into my eyes and irritates them. On the lid it is fine, but just not in the corner of my eye. The second and third shades have a lovely silky finish and blend well. The fourth shade has the poorest colour payoff and needs to be built up for adequate colour.

The lasting power of this is nothing remarkable but it's certainly not awful either. It last the duration of a normal length day, though it has faded by the end. This is without using a primer though so I expect the lasting power could easily be extended with one. In terms of creasing, it does crease, though not to a terribly concerning extent. Once again I rarely bother with primer when it's just an average day and the mild creasing at the end of the day doesn't bother me too much.

I think considering the price especially, Essence has made some really great eyeshadows though they aren't something I would rave about or go to great lengths to pick up. I like the wearable nature of these shades and that I can use them with ease as they blend well, have good colour payoff and last the duration of the day. When you think about it, for five dollars (just over a dollar per shade) it's amazing value and nothing to turn your nose down at.

Like the other Essence eyeshadow I own in 'Cappuccino please,' it is a nice shadow that is worth picking up, but certainly not a holy grail kind of product.

I give this 7/10.

Not sure why my hand looks green in the bottom picture!

"What do you think?" Wednesdays - Youtube vs Blogging

Youtube vs blogging. The age old debate regarding which of the two is better. As a blogger and not a youtuber I am very much aware of the fact that I am biased in my opinion, but when I sat down to write this I tried my very best to be open and understanding about both! For the purpose of this post, when I speak of 'youtubers' I am specifically referring to those who make beauty based videos, and when I write about bloggers I am making reference to beauty bloggers in particular.

I think you need to split this debate into two categories in order to cover all the positives and negatives: the person making the posts/videos and the people who read/watch them.

The positives and negatives for those who create the content

As a youtuber, you are required to record yourself on film. Obvious right? Well the way I interpret that is that you have to make yourself look presentable every time you wish to make a video whereas a blogger has the freedom to wear their pyjamas and look like a dog's breakfast if they wish, and their readers wouldn't have a clue. Who has the time and energy for that? Not me.

Another benefit that I think bloggers have over youtubers is that creating a post takes significantly less time to write, edit and post as opposed to the trauma it seems youtubers go through as they try to upload their videos!

As a blogger I think you are less subject to criticism and attacks. I personally have been so lucky to have had nothing of the sort, but it seems that all youtubers suffer from those who just like to make life difficult and leave unnecessary comments on a regular basis.

I feel that youtubers have a wider range of viewers and can get regular 'subscribers' more easily, whereas bloggers really have to work at it to build up a strong group of followers.

Bloggers have more privacy than youtubers, generally speaking, and are able to control their content more easily. What I mean by that is that a youtuber has to film a video somewhere, most likely somewhere in their house, so their viewers have already seen a chunk of their lives that a blogger wouldn't necessarily reveal.

Also, what would be considered a perfectly good post on a blog, if read out like a script for a video it would probably seem ridiculously short and half-done. It means that youtubers have to think of more to say in order to make a video last longer.

I think bloggers are able to post more regularly without having to devote their whole life to their blog (thus allowing them to have a job, social life etc) whereas if youtubers wish to make videos as frequently, they really need to commit to being a youtuber in a way that bloggers don't have to do.

In terms of freedom and variety, I think that both bloggers and youtubers have the option to get really creative with their content and that whilst youtubers can play around with music videos and creative challenges, bloggers can turn to the creative writing type side and online based diaries.

One of my favourite things as a blogger is that you can write a post and continually go over something to refine it and make it better during the editing process. Such luxury is not available for those who make videos, unless you write a script prior to filming, in which case the video comes out horribly. The improvisation side of filming is not something that I would be terribly comfortable with, I much prefer being able to write something and edit it later when I come up with a better way to write it.

Bloggers are able to personalise their blogs more than youtubers, particularly their layouts, backgrounds and general blog design.

Lastly, blogging is easy and free from too many expenses, whereas youtubers (who are really serious about what they do) need good quality cameras and perhaps even lighting set ups too, which all add up.

The positives and negatives for those who receive the content

The positives and negatives are abundant for both those who read blogs and those who watch videos. I think that videos can be more to-the-point and can convey more information more easily, especially when demonstrating the use of a product or describing shades and characteristics of a product. In saying that, there is nothing better than reading a hilarious post which has been perfectly written by a talented blogger about a subject you are interested in.

Whilst I appreciate that many may differ in opinion to me here, I really feel that one's character can often be understood a lot better through text and writing than video. This might seem strange, but I know with me at least, that on camera I behave quite differently to my usual self, whereas through writing I am myself.

I do think that videos require a lot less 'effort' to watch than blogs posts do to read. I know that after a long day I would much prefer to watch youtube videos than scroll through pages and pages of posts.

On a more personal level, I much prefer blogging as both a blogger and a reader of blogs. I love to write my posts, including all of the pictures and responses to comments that come with it, and I also love to read other people's posts. I don't see myself as someone being suited to making youtube videos whereas I've always kind of viewed myself as a blogger.

Despite this, I don't think that there is a definite winner as both videos and blog posts are good for different things, and people are suited to different things too.

I would love to have your input, especially if you have had experience in both areas and can make a better comparison than me!

Alina Professional Step One Foundation Primer

This is my second ever primer, so as outlined when I reviewed my first ever primer, I have limited knowledge when it comes to primers and I'm not really able to make comparisons between too many of them. Despite that, I've come to realise the importance of them and the magical qualities that they do have, all thanks to this Alina professional One Step Foundation Primer that I was so lucky to be given to try out.

The main, and perhaps most important quality that I think of primers having is the ability to extend the wear time of your makeup. Whilst I've never really had a problem with disappearing foundation or eyeshadow, there is no denying that by the end of an eight to twelve hour day your makeup does not at all resemble the fresh look that it once did. It is worn out, faded, smudged, smeared and in some cases completely gone whether you like it or not. Primer doesn't prevent this from happening completely, but it does (this particular one especially) extend the life of your makeup for up to a couple of hours longer, before the signs of wear begin to show.

This primer in particular was outstanding at doing such. I was blown away when I came to take off my makeup at the end of a twelve hour day, including at 60 minute moderate intensity gym session, only to see that the majority of my makeup was pretty well in tact. I think that is amazing.

Another thing that primer does is create a good base for your foundation. Prior to ever trying primer I was highly skeptical of such, being unable to imagine how it would be able to do so. I'm now completely convinced that yes, primers DO create a better, smoother base. The results with my foundation and concealer are visible. Yes, perhaps I am imagining it, but if you tried this out I expect you would imagine it too!

Other positive points about this is that it feels lovely on the skin and soaks in right away. It also says on the box that it can be used on the face, eyes, neck and lips - not just the face like the majority of primers I have come across. The packaging is, in my opinion, perfect. It's classy and simple but looks quite expensive and professional.

I love this primer so much, but I will only be using it on special occasions or nights out because it costs $39 (a big step up from the Face of Australia one which costs $11.95, though admittedly is not as good as the Alina one) and I'll turn to the Face of Australia primer for more everyday type situations.

It can be purchased from the website Makeup Australia.

I give this primer 10/10.

What's inside my beach bag?

The beach is something that I think everyone associates with summer. These are the essentials that I have in my beach bag:

 

Bathers - I don't particularly enjoy swimming, but snorkelling at the beach is amazing! Even if I don't get wet I think bathers are that much easier to be wearing when you get all sandy.

Footwear - Thongs of course are most appropriate for the beach, my favourite pair are my love heart Havianas.

Towel - I think a towel is my most important item because I'm not keen on sitting/lying on the sand without something underneath me. This towel is from Honey, Ocean and Earth and I think it is so pretty!

Accessories - A hat is essential in the sun, as well of course is the bag to carry all your stuff in. My bag is from Target and I wrote about it here.

Entertainment - A good book and some music is important while relaxing on the beach. This summer I re-read The Hunger Games and listened to Florence and the Machine!

Beauty - I don't bother with makeup when I'm at the beach but sunscreen is highly important, as well as a moisturising lip balm. I like mine to have a bit of a tint, so most often I use the Nivea Fruity lip balm in Guava.

Those are all my beach bag essentials, perhaps with the inclusion of a drink and a snack. I do spend a week or so at the beach every year on a holiday so I get to pack my beach bag and use it often. What's inside your beach bag?

 

 



TAG - Why do you wear makeup?

I pinched this tag from several people's blogs - I hope you don't mind!

1. When did you start using makeup?
When I was about 12 I started becoming interested in makeup. I remember my Mum teaching me how to apply different products properly. I wore tinted moisturiser, the lightest coat of mascara and lip balm and that was enough for me. I then started wearing more makeup (blush, eyeshadow, bronzer...the works) when I was about fifteen. Initially Maybelline, BYS and Savvy were the only brands I was actually aware of. Thank goodness my knowledge of brands has expanded since then!

2. What was the first makeup product you bought that you loved?
I always loved my lip balms, but the first real makeup product that I remember loving was my Savvy by DB lip gloss in Pink Diamond. I lost it, bought another one, lost it, bought another one, used it up and then bought the one that I still have now. It has since been discontinued.
3. What is your most used eyeshadow?
For an everyday look, my Bloom Eyeshadow duo in Waikiki (the champagne shade) and for a more dramatic look, my Essence eye souffle in Pas Des Copper (my favourite eyeshadow ever) The problem is that it is now discontinued, therefore I am too scared to use it because I know I won't be able to replace it.
4. When did you begin loving makeup?
When I was about fifteen and started discovering all the brands and different products. It was then that I actually learned about techniques for application and watched/read FOTD videos/posts.
5. How do you feel without makeup?
Going without makeup doesn't really bother me. I feel most confident with a BB cream or foundation, but as for mascara, shadow, blush etc. I am totally fine to go without. If I know I'm not going to be venturing any further than the local supermarket for the day, I won't bother applying any makeup.
6. What do you like about makeup?
Makeup is so much fun. For me, fashion is alright, something I do pay attention to in the sense that I want to look good, but makeup is what excites me the most. If I have the choice I wear jeans and a black shirt so that I can do whatever I want with my makeup, whether it be simple eyes and bright pink lippie or smokey brown eyes and a neutral gloss. I just find it so enjoyable transforming my face and enhancing the features that I love the most.
7. Three Holy Grail items.

My Essence eye souffle in Pas Des Copper, Maybelline Baby lips lip balm(s) and Covergirl lashblast length mascara. 
8. Why do you wear makeup?
Makeup to me is just a fun way of presenting myself to the world, a confidence booster and a way for me to relax. Wearing makeup means that I am able to blog about makeup, which for me has been a lifesaver last year in terms of helping me relax and stop thinking about some of the not-so-nice things that have gone on offline. It has introduced me to an amazing world of blogging and beauty and that is really quite special.

OOTD - My casual summer look

This outfit is nothing terribly exciting, but I think it shows how an otherwise boring outfit can really be dressed up with a few accessories here and there.

It is simply a plain black top paired with tan/beige shorts accessorised with a summery scarf (yes, I do believe there is such thing as a summery scarf!) and a brown bag (pictured below).

I chuck on whatever jewellery I feel like on the day and because this look is so versatile, anything goes really!

NOTD - Purple sparkles

First up let's get this out there - this NOTD was way out of my comfort zone. Glitter polishes are not something I am familiar with, and unless I am dressing up as a crazy character or attending a crazy disco party (because I have totally gone to a thousand of them) then I don't ever wear them, not even on my toes. In addition to that, dark purples, blacks and blues are not polishes I tend to wear on my fingernails either. I have no idea why I decided to combine both of my nail polish 'fears' in one NOTD, but here is the result, and I don't like it.

When I saw the Essence Snow White polish in Evil Queen, I loved it. I thought it was just the greatest thing and I imagined myself using it all the time. I have since changed my mind.

I still think the whole glittery polish itself is quite pretty (mind you I only like it on other people) but the formula was really hard to work with. I couldn't distribute the hexagon shaped glitter chunks evenly, and the more I went over it to spread them out the more base coat I found myself stripping off, leaving uneven bald patches. Sounds pretty, doesn't it? It also made the base purple colour considerably darker in colour, and I'm not terribly keen on the result. Perhaps even more frustrating than all of that, was that it took so long to dry. I applied this two hours before I went to bed, and then when I woke up the following morning it was all smudged and had imprints in it. It looked awful. And, to top it all off, I found this ridiculously difficult to remove (because I removed it almost as soon as I put it on!) Not impressed Essence!

The bast coat was a Mini Miki polish that doesn't appear to have a name.

So basically, I really, really don't like the way this NOTD looks. I think it looks strange, tacky and just poorly done. I can almost guarantee that should anyone else have attempted to do this they would have been successful at creating a look I was jealous of, but I just didn't nail it this time (excuse the pun).

All about SPAM take 2- the most amusing...and the strangest!

Back in October I did a post on some of the Spam comments I had received. I found it a fun and amusing little way to keep track of some of the funniest comments I had received (and it also meant that the spammers got to have their comments displayed!). It was a win-win situation for both me and the spammers!

Anyhow, since accumulating some more spam comments I have decided to do another post on it. Here are some of my most recent comments...

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Yep, I think it might be an issue with your internet browser. Comment guys and let me know if this happens to you as well...hahaha!

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This comment was posted on my 'Homemade lip balm, body scrub and face mask' post. Your roomate sounds like a knowledgeable guy!

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Thanks for the encouragement, I will continue my writing. I'm not sure what you are referring to with specialists though, considering you posted this comment on my giveaway post! Haha!

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Thanks for the compliments, man!

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Okay, what?!

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A personalised spam message? I'm impressed. As for the blog title, it seems you've already chosen one on your site!

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The mango baby lips balm is near to my heart too, my contact details can be found on one of the pages of my blog.

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This was posted on my last post about spam - you think I'm the expert, you're the spammer!

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And perhaps my favourite of all spam comments...

"bear grylls."