My go-to eyeshadow look

Lately I have been super lazy with my eyeshadow looks, preferring to stick to a set 'look' that I have found works really well for me.

I begin covering my entire lid with the golden shade from the Bloom eyeshadow duo in Waikiki. This has been my staple 'base' shade since I first bought it and I will be devastated when it runs out!

Next is the third and fourth shade from my Maybelline quad in Autumn Spirit placed on the outer corner of my eye and in the crease. These shadows blend in beautifully, and it means that I can create this look in no time at all with very little effort.

I then use my Inglot Shadows. I use number 07 in the inner corner as a highlight, and shade 406 on my lower lashline in the outer two thirds.

Lastly I brush on a coat of mascara. Lately I have been trying to use up Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Bold Volume lifting mascara. This isn't one of my favourite mascaras but I don't want to waste it so I am trying to use it up.

It's pretty simple and nothing too crazy but I love how it compliments my eyes and works with every outfit. Paired with a baby pink lip or bright red, it looks beautiful, and it is so easy to do.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

Monthly Favourites - August

I have kind of been on an unofficial spending ban this month following my trip to Cambodia where it really hit home how excessive my makeup collection had become. Sticking to the products I owned and ignoring the ones that I wanted to buy, I really came to appreciate my collection a little more and get some really good use out of the products I have. Here are my favourites for this month...

Face: Let's start with the face product, my ultimate favourite for this month. When I purchased the Rimmel Wake me up Foundation I had no idea that it would become such a staple for me! I don't wear this everyday because my skin hasn't been too bad at the moment and a BB cream has been sufficient, but this is my go-to product on the weekends and any special occasions. I am sure you have heard other bloggers and youtubers rave...they have good reason to!

Lips: For lips this is most definitely an everyday kind of product - my Maybelline Baby lips in Pink Lolita. When I first purchased this I didn't use it nearly as much as my non tinted Baby lips, but the tables have turned and now I much prefer a bit of colour. It's not too overpowering and looks quite natural, but it still adds a lot to an overall look in one quick and easy swipe of colour.

Eyes: I've been stuck in a rut with my eyeshadow this month, and I love it! I have found an overall look that really works and I just go back to that when in doubt! I will have a post about it, but the main shadows I use are from the Maybelline quad in Autumn Spirit.

Nails: My nails favourite is easily the Essence Colour and Go Polish in English Rose. A beautiful, neutral rosy shade perfect for all occasions. Enough said.

Other: Last but definitely not least is my Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cool and Crisp Fresh. I love dry shampoo, which is terrible because it makes me so lazy. I use this all the time and I won't be stopping any time soon.

It's so strange to think that we are at the end of August! I remember being back in January and thinking that this year couldn't go quick enough and here we are now! Anyhow, that's my August favourites!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

Lush Shower Gel - Honey I washed the kids

Lush is famous for their shower gels. With Snow Fairy coming in at Christmas for a limited time only, naturally it was the only one I ever took an interest in...and I decided to set my heart on getting it in February back in 2012 (just after it became unavailable).

While I waited an entire year I decided to fill the gap where Snow Fairy sat (despite even having ever tried it at the time!) with the substitute 'Honey I washed the kids.' I actually went into the Lush store to buy the soap version but it was sold out and I was offered this. 'Why not?' I thought, you can't go wrong with anything honey flavoured!

It turns out you can, you can go very wrong. I don't know what it is about this but I really don't like it.

I don't quite understand why I have been unable to warm to this - it smells identical to honey and has the same beautiful texture as Snow Fairy but I just can't stand it. I decided to pass it on to my Mum to see what she thought about it, and despite being the kind of person who normally loves these kind of things, she wasn't a fan either.

I don't understand! Why don't I like a natural, sweet smelling, honey flavoured shower gel? All of these factors are ones that I would normally adore! Perhaps it is the sheer intensity of the fragrance that I find off putting, for it certainly is strong, but whatever it is I much prefer the sickly sweet artificial smell of Snow Fairy.

One thing that I do love about this is the packaging. Lush's basic, earthy approach is so effective and really catches the eye. It supports their organic, natural approach to their products and looks brilliant.

As for the shower gel itself, it works like a charm, lathers up well and your skin feels completely clean and refreshed after the shower.

At $8.50 this isn't too expensive, but I personally wouldn't buy this again because of the fragrance. Having said that, I know that many don't appreciate Snow Fairy (which I love) so in the end whether or not you buy this will be determined solely by your taste. Make sure you give this a good whiff before you hand over the cash!

I give this 4 out of 10.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

NOTD - FOA Glitterati Polish in Dancing Queen

It seems that the only nail polishes I ever use these days are FOA ones, but they are just so darn good!

Today's NOTD features one of the highly popular Glitterati polishes, Dancing Queen and a Rubi Polish in Purple Haze as a base.

Let's start with the Rubi polish. There is not one thing I could recommend about the Rubi polishes, they are simply awful. They do not last on the nails, they chip instantly, I had to apply 4 coats to get the polish opaque it was streaky and watery. The only remotely nice thing about the Rubi polishes are the bottles - a direct rip off from OPI.

As for the FOA polish, I am highly impressed. Normally I have lots of trouble getting an even glitter payoff across the entire nail and 3 or 4 coats are required for a decent amount of glitter. With this polish it took one swipe to get the glitter look achieved in the photos as it is so glitter dense. It doesn't take too long to dry, lasts an acceptable amount of time and doesn't cost a fortune. I am highly impressed, although the removal process is hell and takes a horrendous amount of time to get this polish off (as do all glitter polishes).

I quite liked this polish with a lavender background. I think almost all colours would work, but next time I might go a bright red!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

Travel Times 5

When I was in Cambodia we were able to take a little boat ride down the Tonle Sap River to see all of the floating villages. There are literally floating villages aligning each side of the river and those living there rely on the river for a living. I was astounded by their way of life, and I only saw the tiniest glimpse of it! We passed a floating school, church, restaurant, supermarket, timber yard and apparently there was even a floating pig farm! 

Floating supermarket

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator

Illuminator. Perhaps the least used makeup product I own. Even though I think it is absolutely gorgeous and when applied well makes such a difference to an overall makeup look, my laziness or lack of time often overtakes and I find it left in the back of my makeup draw collecting dust.

But not for much longer! I've decided to get more use out of this beautiful product, starting with a long overdue review!

I was lucky enough to win this as part of a giveaway prize, held by the lovely Sophie from Born to Buy. Being the first Nude by Nature product that I would ever own, I was quite excited to have it as an addition to my collection. Even more exciting was that it was an illuminator of a golden based tone and in liquid form. Could it be any more ideal? I think not.

This illuminator is stunning. It is so beautiful. It is, as mentioned, a golden illuminator with slight peachy orange/pink tones to it. I love the texture of this product - not too thin that it is painfully runny, but not too thick that it is difficult to work with. It has a fine shimmer running through it, as well as (unfortunately) the occasional larger glitter particle. This is one of those products that, although looks stunning, must be used sparingly and in the right places! When it is used well it picks up the light and creates this incredible glow. Ahhh, I love this!

The packaging is gorgeous, with the brown tones of text and background with the flowery pattern behind. Nude by Nature hasn't seemed to have stepped a foot wrong with the appearance of their products.

This has a decent lasting power, making it through the whole day, although I find that it 'moves' over the face a little (largely due to the way I touch my face all the time I would imagine) and it ends up in places it isn't meant to be. For a glittery product, that can end up being a little bit of a problem.

I like to apply this with my fingers...in fact, I think it would be really difficult to use with a brush. Fingers give you more control and blending power! This has a slight scent, though nothing that stands out, and smells quite fresh.

I love that this golden, warm toned illuminator is so easy to use and can be applied flawlessly. As $22.95, admittedly it isn't the cheapest option out there but my lord it is beautiful!

I give this 8/10.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

Michika Complexion Synergist Rejuvenating Anti-Fatigue Facial Mask

Facial mud masks are not something I enjoy. In fact, I dislike them so much that they made it on to my well received "Beauty things I hate" post. As much as I hate to admit it, they do work remarkably well though, hence why I continue to use them.

Cloth masks, however, are something that I have never tried, so when I received an email about the opportunity to review the Michika cloth masks I was really excited! I couldn't wait to see how a cloth mask compared to their horrid mud mask cousins.

For my first cloth mask experience, I am impressed. I do not have the same hatred for these that I do with mud masks, in fact I am willing to go as far to say that I...enjoyed using it! Incredible!

Within this lovely box of goodies can be found 5 cloth masks, sealed in little silver bags soaking in magic - or at least a whole assortment of vitamins and antioxidants that equate to magic.

According to the back of the box, "Complexion Synergist is a one step easy treatment that rejuvinates, rehydrates and refreshes even the driest and most dull skin. Complexion Synergist works as 3 in 1: a moisturiser, toner, boosting serum and protecting the skin with a powerful shield of antioxidants."

I am a huge fan of this, because it worked like an absolute charm for me.

Basically what you do is you take it out of the little packet and enjoy how beautifully cold it is as you slap it on and meld the edges to the curves of your face. Try and get every bit of your skin covered, and if you are lucky and have a spare twenty minutes to spare, lie down and just relax with it on. If you are like me and have a backlog of blog posts to write, just put the eye flaps down and carry on with your work (although I wouldn't recommend putting yourself in situations where others might see you, it could be a frightening sight!). Wait a blissful 20 minutes then peel the mask off, rubbing in the excess serum and marvelling at how amazing your skin feels. This does have a strong scent, a fresh 'plant' based kind of smell, and I liked it.

I applied this on a Saturday morning and I am glad I did because I found that it is so super duper moisturising that it feels quite heavy on the skin, even after having rubbed it in. I suggest that although it may be a little inconvenient, use this on a day where you aren't planning on wearing makeup because you can avoid washing it off and let it spend the whole day soaking in and giving your face the most intense moisture refill it will ever have. I have been struggling with dry and flaky skin, but after this it was so plump and refreshed.

A week later and my skin was in pristine condition. Though I can't give 100% of the credit to these masks, I know they contributed to my blemish free, soothed and moisturised skin.

If you are a fellow mud mask hater or just looking for a darn good face mask, then I would suggest giving this a try. Yes, you can look a little silly and it does go on for longer than most of my 10 minute masks, but it feels so good and works a charm.

For $7.90 (the current special!) there is no reason not to give these a try! If you are interested check out their website here.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

*CLOSED* Giveaway - Revlon & Australis lip and nail products!

It's YouReview's 2 year anniversary and therefore, giveaway time! I thought I would buy some of my favourite products to giveaway, so I included my favourite shades of the Revlon lip butter and Kissable Balm Stain. I also found some other cool bits and pieces to include in the prize - I hope you like it!

It is international however I am aware that you can't send nail polish to some countries from Australia. If you know that is you, I am sorry but you won't be able to enter.

THE PRIZE
- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic
- Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie
- Australis Parisian Pretty Gift Set
          - Mint condition lip gloss in Meow with your mind
          - Nail Colour in Sinfully Sweet
          - Nail Colour in Today's News
          - "Love" earrings
- Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipgloss in Bellydance
- B.liv skin samples: Shrink and tighten serum, Submerge me moisturiser and Off with those Heads blackhead gel

Total value: $76.70

THE RULES
- It is an international giveaway however be aware that I cannot send nail polish from Australia to some countries. If you win and I cannot send the prize to you because of this, a new winner will be drawn.

- You must be a GFC follower of this blog to enter
- Those under 18 please get permission to enter as you will have to supply your address for me to post it to you should you win!
- All of the products in this giveaway are brand new and purchased by myself
- I am not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur in the mail
- If the winner does not respond within 7 days after I send them an email, a new winner will be drawn
- This giveaway closes at Midnight on the 20th of September 2013
- To enter, follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter widget

If you choose to promote this giveaway on your blog, whether it be in a post or in your sidebar, choose one of the pictures - either the one with the fireworks at the beginning of this post, or the one below with all the cute little insects! I couldn't decide which was my favourite! Please link the photos to this post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get in quick...someone's got their eye on something!

Travel Times 4

Ta Prohm

I would do just about anything to be back at the Temples of Angkor exploring all the incredible temples and their secrets! The photo above was in my favourite temple, Ta Prohm - which coincidentally was the one where the film Tomb Raider was shot...a film I have not seen. It was stunning - all the trees had taken over the stone and it looked so unreal and magnificent.

The Bayon temple was another cool one, full of carved faces of the King. Lastly was Ankor Wat, the largest and most famous...home of the steepest set of stairs I have ever seen too!

Angkor Wat

Bayon Temple

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner

My experiences in the past with toners are not good. Think intense oil stripping, skin peeling and red blotch inducing kind of experiences. It was for that reason that I decided to do away with a toner from my skincare routine, and stick with an assortment of mismatched cleansers, moisturisers, serums and oils. It worked remarkably well.

But then I went overseas for a couple of weeks and my skincare went out of the window, and I found myself returning with clusters of pimples on each cheek, a pretty unsightly look I tell you!

Around the same time I was contacted regarding Arbonne's skincare line, RE9 Advanced. I was sent a toner to try and here are my thoughts!

First up is the packaging. You can tell from the moment you set eyes on this that it is expensive (and it is!). Classy it its middle name and even though I really don't like orange much, this makes me love it. Complete with gold lettering, this is sophistication at its finest!

The product is unlike other toners I have used in that it comes in a spray bottle. Being the terribly lazy person that I can be at times, I failed to go out and buy suitable devices to apply this with (namely those cotton wipe things) and instead used a folded up tissue. It worked just fine.

I use a couple of sprays of this before bed each night following my cleanser. It is refreshing, smells quite pleasant - almost (almost) a little fruity - and most importantly, doesn't leave my skin resembling the Sahara desert. It feels fresh and as though it is really getting in there and cleaning your skin out, but doesn't strip my face bare...and for that I am an enormous fan.

Sheri from Behind the Frames also completed a review on this product and Mishelle and Sleep and Water commented saying how frustrating it was that Arbonne didn't have a list of ingredients in the toner on their website. Well ladies, you are in luck because I painstakingly typed out the ingredients just for you. You might think that being the Chemistry student that I am, it wasn't as bad as you might imagine. You were wrong, it was every bit as awful as it looks! Haha!

Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Glycerin, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 80, Laminaria, Digitata Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Thioctic Acid, Butylene Glycool, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Tryglyceride, Polyamino Sugar Condensate, Stearamine, Urea, Lecithin, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene

For those of you like me whom to which that all means nothing, I trust that it has all the magical vitamins and antioxidants that it claims to have, and that I am now one step closer to beautiful skin. I will however note that being the biology lover that I am, the ingredient 'Urea' sent some alarm bells ringing - (urea is the primary component of urine) but apparently heaps of skincare products have it in them and that it is good stuff for the skin. Hmmm!

All up, I love this toner and it has become yet another mismatched addition to my crazy looking skincare loot. Just like their makeup it is of an excellent quality and looks stunning. It isn't cheap at $53, and being a high school student I don't think that I could afford to splash out on this one, but if you are a skincare fanatic and appreciate some of the more luxurious things in life, I think this may be for you!

I give this 9/10.