2014 Empties

I'm not good when it comes to empties, I've just got too many wonderful products to choose from that I never really get stuck on a product that I completely use up. Nevertheless, I've decided to post an empties for 2014 because I actually used up some makeup products and I'm hoping it will encourage me to get through some more in 2015!

Garnier BB cream 
I loved the Garnier BB cream when it first came out and then when the oily skin version came out (the one pictured above) I couldn't believe that they had made the formulation even better! This is a product that I literally use every single day and I've already repurchased it.

Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer
This was the first concealer I ever bought and I don't even know if they even sell it anymore, but it was pretty good. As the name suggests, it was more for under the eyes but being the unexperienced, new to makeup kind of girl, I just used it on whatever I felt like! I won't be repurchasing this again (if it is even still being sold) because there are better ones out there.

Face of Australia Concealer in Neutral
I really, really like this concealer and I've already picked up another one because it's affordable, a good colour match (despite there only being three shades available) and it does the job well. Face of Australia is one of my favourite brands too!

Essence Clear Brow and Lash Gel
This is my annual empty, I've used up a tube of these every year for a while now I just love it so much. Even when I'm having a no makeup day (and I mean not a scrap of concealer or mascara or anything) I still use this because I have nice thick brows that look amazing as long as they are tamed! I've already got a back up or three of this!

Covergirl Lashblast Length Mascara
I loved this mascara to death and continued using it wayyy beyond its use-by date (don't do it!). Having discovered so many other mascaras I've now realised that this wasn't quite as incredible as I thought it was, however it still is relatively good and served its purpose well.

Face of Australia Pressed Powder in Beige
Technically I only hit pan on this one but I am going to count it as an empty because that's a big achievement for me! This powder was okay but I wouldn't buy it again because I've tried others that are superior (although admittedly more expensive).







Girlz Only Dry Shampoo in Party Nights
Though this isn't the best dry shampoo in the world, it's $2 and it works just fine for me! Dry shampoo has made me the laziest person and I just love it. I've already repurchased a couple more of these.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh
Well what do you know, another dry shampoo! Batiste make really good dry shampoos so if you're willing to spend a little more then definitely go for their products. I've not repurchased because I'm stingy and find the Girlz Only ones work well enough for me.

Dove Deodorant 
I used up way more than one deodorant this year but I only showed this one because they were all Dove roll ons. I don't know why I tend to purchase Dove ones, I guess it's just habit!

Herbal Essences Split Ends Protector Mask
I quite enjoyed this product although it was by no means a huge favourite or anything. I think it did improve the state of my hair, but I've used other intensive conditioners since and I feel as though they all do pretty much the same thing.

Michika Complete Synergist Cloth Masks
This was the first time I'd ever tried one of these masks and I really enjoyed the experience! They were richly moisturising and left my skin feeling amazing. I'm not sure I'd buy these again, or any mask for that matter, because I just don't ever get around to using them.

So there are my empties, probably a dismal amount compared to others but not bad for me!

Covergirl Lip Smoochies in #luv u

Being a bit of a beauty fiend, very rarely do I come across a product in Priceline that I've not seen or read about before. When I saw the completely foreign 'Covergirl Smoochies' on sale for $3 I knew I couldn't go past it. I have a love for lip balms, particularly those that are tinted and more like a lip butter. This appealed to me on many levels and for such a bargain I had to try it out.

I can see why this initially slipped my attention. It really isn't packaged in a way that I find appealing, and by looking at this I would assume that it is targeted towards younger girls. Now having tried this product I think this may be true because it is a tinted balm that isn't too pigmented, however I would recommend it to adults too because it's just perfect!

I personally don't like the green and pink colours together and certainly dislike the name 'Smoochies' with the 'oxxo' and the horrendous shade name '#luv u." Perhaps I'm just being picky but I think it's just painfully childish. Another thing I can't stand is when a lip product extends beyond the tube so every time you pull the cap off you are at risk of taking a whole chunk out of your lipstick...of course this lip tint is like that!

When it comes to the product itself, however, I simply cannot complain. This is a gorgeous rosy berry shade that suits my lips perfectly. It is most definitely a shade that is wearable for every day but just adds that extra touch to make your makeup look complete. I like that it is not too pigmented but also contains a noticeable amount of colour.

It has a slightly fruity fragrance however there is that underlying traditional lipstick, waxy type scent. I don't notice the fragrance at all when it is on my lips.

Because this is more of a balm than a lipstick, the lasting power isn't amazing however I think it is perfectly reasonable. Due to the fact that this product can be applied without a mirror, it really doesn't cause any kind of inconvenience. I find it to be relatively moisturising and it feels lovely on the lips because it glides on and feels almost silky to wear.

Overall, this is a lovely product however I think it would have been better received in the beauty world had the packaging and overall 'feel' of the product not been so...immature. There really is no point targeting makeup and beauty products to children of 10 years old so I think brands should stick to the classy packaging like Revlon does because it appeals to a larger group of people.

What do you think, am I just being picky?

Monthly Favourites - April

April is over and this year is totally flying by! I hope you all had a lovely Easter, I myself enjoyed simply lazing about reading and writing and lying in the sun! Almost all of my favourites for this month are new additions to my collection and I am so thrilled that I have some new things to play with! If there isn't a review on my blog already there will definitely be one coming up soon!

Lips: This was the most unexpected favourite of all, simply because I didn't even know these existed until I was in Priceline and saw the Covergirl Smoochies Lip Balm in the shade 'Luv u' for only $3. I had no idea what colour to pick up so I went for a nice Berry looking shade and I have worn it every single day since purchasing it because it is just so natural and flattering. I am a huge fan!

Face: I rediscovered an old favourite of mine, the Maybelline Superstay foundation. Somehow I have gained a little bit of a tan so it matches my skin almost perfectly, and as a result I've been using this more often. It is a medium to full coverage foundation so I don't wear it everyday, but I just love the gorgeous finish it gives.

Eyes: Without a doubt the eye product I have been reaching for most this month is the Loreal Colour Infalliable Shadow in Tender Caramel. I managed to grab this little bargain for $2.10 at Target and it was the best buy because it is such a beautiful brown shade. I cannot recommend this enough!

Nails: I have two nail favourites this month, the first being an Essie mini polish in Meet me at sunset. I have adored this bright orange shade and I am so lucky to have won it in Erin's giveaway! The other polish I have enjoyed wearing is the Essence topper in Black Dress and White tie. I don't always give into special effect polishes but this was irresistible (and for obvious reason too!).

Other: Lastly is the other category, and this month I have decided to include not a product but a hobby I have really enjoyed. I've been struggling a bit lately and have found writing (whether it be poetry, blog posts or journalling) to be so very helpful and enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone because it really helps sort your thoughts out!


I hope you've all had a lovely April!

Updated "How much is your face worth?" TAG

Back on October 26th 2011 I completed this highly enjoyable yet somewhat shocking tag and since the products I use on a regular basis have changed drastically, I thought it would be interesting to see how much the results have changed. I don't use any of the products featured in that last post on a regular basis... except perhaps the BYS blush and the Maybelline Baby Lips. Oh how I have changed!

I know for a fact that I use more products of a significantly more expensive nature, though a lot of them have been given to me either as gifts or to complete reviews on for my blog, so I don't feel too bad for what I believe will end up being a ridiculously expensive face!

I will also admit that I don't use these products everyday (this is more makeup than I would wear on a normal day) but I would wear this if I was going shopping or out for lunch or an occasion like that. Of course, my lip products and eyeshadows are forever changing too because I have so many to play around with.

Face:
Alina Professional Primer - $39
Garnier BB Cream - $15
Maybelline Superstay 24 hour foundation - $22
Catalina Geo Concealer - $40
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer - $18
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - $19
Nude by Nature Illuminator - $23
Bourjois Blush - $20

Eyes:
- Inglot Eyeshadow Palette - $31
- Bloom eyeshadow duo - $10
- Urban Decay Ink for eyes eyeliner - $20
- Covergirl Lash blast length waterproof mascara - $18
- Essence Clear Brow Gel - $3.50

Lips:
- Maybelline Baby lips - $4
- Revlon lip butter - $22

Total: $304.50

I am not really surprised at the grand total because makeup in Australia is crazy. Thank goodness all the products that I purchased myself I managed to get on sale!

It is a bit strange to think that I could have made it so much more expensive though, with a $65 dollar blush from Bellapierre, Primer potion from Urban Decay and a $50 foundation from Arbonne, the addition of a bronzer, lipgloss and more expensive lipstick.

Have you ever counted up how much your face is worth? Do you think it would be a bit too much for comfort?

Most Worn Things for Summer TAG

I saw this TAG on Cherie's blog and whilst I was reading it decided I had to do it too. I worked out well then, when I saw that she had tagged me! Thank you Cherie!

Basically it is a collection of your most worn things for the summer (which I am terribly sad has come to an end).

1. Nail polish
Though I don't wear nail polish a whole lot, I think my most worn nail polish for this summer was any of my favourite reds, like my polishes from Essence, Innoxa or Ulta.

2. Hair Product
Though I am painfully lazy when it comes to my hair (and unfortunately I am finally starting to see the results) I do use at least one product on my hair - the Salon Confidential Repair Ends Mender, which prevents and heals split ends.

3. Bag

This was so easy as I use the same bag all the time, just my regular, boring, brown 'satchel' style bag with buckles. I also loved my $15 purse, the greatest buy I have had in a long time!

4. Shoes
Though they look a little wintery, my most worn shoes would have to be my black flats from Rubi shoes, with the little bows on them. I wore them so much that the soles fell off but I had a backup anyway!

5. Clothing item
This is a tricky one, but I guess it would have to go to denim shorts in general, which I wore to death!

6. Accessory
I don't wear a lot of jewellery - not because I don't want to but because by the time I have figured out my clothes and makeup I just forget to put on jewellery! I do, however, always remember to put on my favourite ring.

7. Foundation
In summer I like BB creams and tinted moisturisers more than foundations. Subsequently, my most used foundation was the Garnier BB cream. I don't love it (I find it really quite greasy) but it does the job.

8. Bronzer/Blush
I used blush more than I did bronzer (strangely) and I continually turned to my Bourjois Blush in Rose Frisson.

9. Lip product
As lip products are my absolute favourite, I use so many. It was really tough to pick my most used lip product but in the end I realised that my most travelled was my Nivea Fruity Lip Balm in Guava. Gorgeous!

10. Mascara
Unlike my most used lip product, this was a no brainer - my Covergirl Lashblast Length Mascara in waterproof was my one and only choice. Occasionally I would change it up with my Avon daring curves one, but because it was not waterproof it didn't tick all the boxes for me.

11. Eyeshadow
I stuck to neutrals all summer (of course) but I changed which palette they were from. I explored an Essence quad, Australis palette, Maybelline Quad and Essence eye souffle but in the end it was a Bloom eyeshadow duo that I used most, though only the bone/champagne shade.

12. Fragrance
Of course, my Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. Incredible.

My Daily Summer Face

Summer is a time of lazy makeup - natural, bronzed and beautiful - but as lazy as possible. This is what I reach for most days with the occasional change of lipcolour or inclusion of a bit of eyeshadow.

Alina professional primer - I haven't yet completed a review of this product but it is coming up fairly soon. This is an incredibly effective product that I am highly impressed with. Despite wanting to be lazy with my makeup, this step is one that I can't leave out because it ensures that I actually have makeup remaining on my face after a hot day.

Garnier BB cream - I alternate between the Garnier BB cream and the Face of Australia tinted moisturiser. I don't like to use foundation in summer unless it's absolutely necessary because it just feels too heavy and gross in the heat, so a tinted moisturiser or BB cream is perfect.

Maybelline Bronzer in Forever Warm - Once again I alternate between a couple of different bronzers, but basically I just brush them on carelessly to give me a bit of a summery glow on my otherwise ghost-like skin.

Face of Australia concealer - Without a foundation I find that I need a concealer to cover up my blemishes, and this stick concealer by Face of Australia is perfect for the job.

Essence eyebrow gel - This simply keeps my brows in place, nothing all that exciting!

Face of Australia eye definer in charcoal - Once again this is a product that I am going to review. I've never been a fan of pencil eyeliners but after having left this in a hot car for a day it has softened, making it so easy to apply. As liquid and gel liner is a little harsh for an average summer day, I use this along my top lashes to make them appear thicker and bring out my eyes a little.

Covergirl lashblast length mascara - The most important feature of this mascara is that it is waterproof. It gives a lengthening, natural finish that I am a huge fan of.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lipstain in Smitten - Whilst this is more of a wintery colour, I love the fact that it is a low maintenance lip colour because after you have applied it, it literally stays on for hours!

Pressed powder (not pictured) - I then finish off my skin with a pressed powder, either Maybelline Dream Matte powder or Face of Australia pressed powder.

Now that I think about it, for a 'lazy' routine I do actually use quite a few products, but all of them are quick and easy to apply and result in a natural but lovely makeup look.

What are your staple summer products?

Top 3 Tuesday - Mascara

Mascara is one of those products that most people would consider an absolute staple, but if I am really honest with you, they don't excite me that much. Don't get me wrong, I think an amazing mascara can make the world of difference to a look, but when it comes to makeup shopping, I always gravitate to the lipsticks and blushes and then eventually get around to checking out the mascaras at the end.

I have a very specific taste in mascaras. I like long, defined lashes with a smidgen of volume - none of that clumpy stick-your-lashes-together rubbish. I like natural looking lashes the best, but I am appreciative of the dramatic(ish) look too.

1. Covergirl Lashblast Length Waterproof mascara
I love this mascara so much, but I know it isn't for everyone. My good friend had this too and absolutely hated it, whereas I think it is perhaps that greatest thing I own (well not quite, but it is good!). Length and definition is what this is all about, and I love that it is waterproof because I am subject to severe cases of panda-eyes.


2. Avon Daring Curves Mascara
I only just started using this mascara and I am really quite impressed. It is a little clumpy, so I do need to run a comb through my lashes after application, but it is darker and gives a glossier finish than my Covergirl one which is a welcome change.

3. Natio Maximum curl waterproof mascara
This is just one of those mascaras that I change my mind about all the time. One day I love it, the next I hate it and tell myself that I will chuck it out ASAP, then the next day my opinion of it is somewhere in the middle. In my initial review I gave it a 5 out of 10 (which is appropriate because it represents all those 'in the middle' days), but honestly, some days I would give it a 7 or 8 and others a 2 or 3. It is very natural looking, but drying and requires effort. It is lengthening and defining, but not overly glossy or black. In short, I wouldn't bother with this product if I was you, but since having it in my collection, I have been using it often.

Close but not close enough...

For my close but not close enough this week is Maybelline's lash stiletto mascara. I picked this up for $2 not realising that it was in a light black/grey shade, but I seem to be able to wear it without any trouble. I absolutely hate the wand, which looks like a terrifying razor-blade-like contraption that is much too dangerous to put near my eyes. The formula is okay, a little wet and requires a bit of fiddling about with, but lengthening to a satisfying extent.

Covergirl Waterproof Lash Blast Length Mascara

I have been using the Covergirl Waterproof Lash Blast Length Mascara in Very Black for so long now, but have never thought to write a review.

When I look for mascara there are two main things that I want - length and definition. The volume side of things doesn't bother me too much, although I don't want terribly spidery lashes, so a good balance of the three is ideal. I also prefer waterproof mascaras as somehow I always end up with panda eyes if I dare to wear a non waterproof one.

This mascara gives me everything I want - length and definition without making my lashes look horrible and spidery. The formula is not too wet and not too dry and doesn't clump during application. It really does make my lashes longer (or at least give the illusion that it does) and it is brilliant at defining every lash. Because of this, I don't like using it on my lower lashes because I find that it makes them much too long!

I am a big fan of the long rubber brush - the bristles are flexible but still coat the lashes remarkably well. It is easy to apply mascara to the lashes in the inner corner due to the long, thin brush.

Because the formula is waterproof, it is relatively difficult to get off. It can be a pain but I consider it to be worth the hassle. Sometimes waterproof mascaras can make my eyelashes all hard and crunchy, but this formula means that I don't have to worry about them snapping off should I happen to bend them accidentally.

I rarely apply more than one coat because I find that the results after the first application are to my liking, but it does allow nicely for a second application, although begins to get clumpy after a third.

I am able to wear this for a whole day without it flaking or smudging. There was one time where I had an allergic reaction (to what I still don't know) and was rubbing my watering eyes continuously where it did spread a little black under my eyes, but that was an unusual once off, so I'm not going to hold it against it.

The tube is (obviously) yellow which I wasn't particularly fond of in the beginning, but I have grown to like it. Not that it matters of course, it is all about the product!

I cannot remember how much it cost me at the time, but as far as I am aware, they sell for approximately $17.95.

If you tend to gravitate to lengthening and defining mascaras then it is likely that you would be a fan of this, but if you're more of a volume loving kind of girl then I wouldn't say that this is for you. I give this product 9/10.

The colours of the rainbow tag

Gianna tagged me to do this post which I am so excited about! It's called 'The colours of the rainbow' tag and involved finding makeup products from all colours of the rainbow. It is ideal that the actual product is of that colour, but packaging can also be included.

Red
The product I chose for this was my Savvy by DB lipgloss in Ruby. I love this lipgloss range as posted here and Ruby is such a gorgeous red colour with very slight golden shimmer. It is perfect when you want a red lip but not too bold and in your face. I love it! I was debating whether to post my Innoxa nail polish in Hot Chilli because that really is such an amazing colour, but since it is discontinued I decided to go with the lipgloss.

OrangeThis was a bit of a tricky colour, but I decided that my Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox mask would have to be my Orange product.

Yellow
The only yellow product I actually had is my Covergirl Lashblast length waterproof mascara. I was trying to find my review on it to link and then realised I hadn't actually posted one which is unbelievable because I use this almost every day!


Green
This was near impossible this colour...I actually don't have any green products. Okay, I have green nail polish but I don't exactly wear it because I am not exactly a green nail polish fan. Is it possible to fail a tag, because I think I just have...

Blue
Another fail. I have no blue product...except for blue nail polish which I never wear. Oh dear.

Indigo
Aaaannnddd yet another one I cannot complete. Okay, I do have Indigo eyeshadows but I never use them. So that would be cheating, wouldn't it. I also have dark blue eyeliner. I never use that either.

Violet
This tag has reminded me of an old eyeshadow I bought ages ago on sale and never used. It is my Maybelline Shadow Stylist loose eyeshadow in Rich Violet. I really should try and use it more often, apparently lilac eyeshadow is good for green eyes...

So, since I really mucked that tag up, I decided it was only fair that I include a couple more colours to make up for it!

Black
For black I chose my Australis eyeliner. Even though I gave this product 2 out of 10, we have been trying to make things work. We are getting there!

BrownI was going to choose a bronzer but in the end I had no choice but to select my Maybelline mousse eyeshadow in suede sensation. I love this eyeshadow so much and have had so many compliments on it. I was debating whether to select my other Maybelline eyeshadow in the Autumn spirit too. I can't believe I haven't done a review on the mousse eyeshadow. I know it is discontinued, but it is so wonderful I think I'll do one anyway. I know you can get it at some Cheap as Chips shops too despite the fact that it is discontinued...

Gold
Another shadow that I absolutely love is my Loreal Paris Shadow Minerals eyeshadow in 10 Gold. Yet another product I cannot believe I haven't reviewed since I use it so often!

SilverI must go with my two silver polishes that helped me create this look that I got so many lovely comments on from you all. They are so lovely!

Pink
The easiest colour of all, pink! I have so many lovely pink lipsticks, lovely pink blushes and my new illuminator, but in the end I had to go with my Lush Bubblegum lip scrub. It is just that amazing.

 Well, this tag has shown me that in the colours that I do have like brown and pink and red I have thousands of products, and then in the colours green and blue I have nothing! I think I may need to extend my makeup products out a bit. Then again, I would never wear any blue or green product anyway...brown, pink and red are my favourites.

This tag has also shown me that some of my favourite products have not been reviewed. What have I been thinking! I must get on to them right away!

If all my makeup disappeared tag

I saw this tag on lovely Gianna's blog, Makeup & Me. When I first read the heading of the post that she had written, I thought it said 'All my Makeup disappeared!" I was shocked and clicked on the link about 100 times, thus resulting in a jammed computer and several 'ding ding ding' noises coming from my computer. Whoops. When it finally untangled itself, I realised that there was an 'if' written in front, which allowed me to relax a little. I mean come on, how bad would it be if all your makeup just disappeared!

Okay, so the tag involves choosing the ten products that you would repurchase IF all your makeup just magically disappeared. I am also going to include a nail polish for the fun of it.

1) BYS Colour changing polish in Salmon

I adore the colour of this polish when it's cool. It's the most amazing mix of pink, red and coral. I could stare at my nails all day when I wear this. It's funny, because reading other people's blogs on the Internet, so many people have said how much they disliked the colour and the fact that it is matte(ish). I must be weird, but I don't care - I am in love with this colour!

2) I would have to keep my Innoxa foundation in Sandstone, because to be honest, it is amazing. I never used to wear foundation, but when I found this super light foundation that covered and evened out skin tone, I fell in love. I will admit that I haven't tried that many foundations in my time, but this is the best one that I have come across.

3) My Covergirl Lash blast water resistant mascara would also be something I would repurchase. It doesn't clump, it really is water resistant and it creates the most beautiful, long, lovely lashes. Ahhhh....

4) My Nivea tinted lipbalm in Guava would definitely be a repurchase. The review I did on it was the first review I ever did (hence why it is so dodgy!!!) and I love it so much. The colour is this subtle pink berry kind of colour, and makes your lips smell gorgeous, look so juicy and feel so moisturised. Amazing!

5) The lipstick I would repurchase is the Loreal lipstick in the shade Pink Fever. If you read the review I wrote, I will never need to explain why I love it ever again! It's just perfect.



Pretty in Pink



6) My BYS blush in the shade Pretty in Pink is something I would also repurchase. Apart from it being so cheap, it is such a nice colour and works with any look I create.

7) My Savvy by DB lip gloss in Pink Diamond I would repurchase. Every girl needs a bit of gloss, and this gloss is just gorgeous. Silky, glossy and smells lovely. Perfect!

8) Maybelline Baby lips in Antioxidant Berry. So cheap. So wonderful.

9) The eyeshadow I would repurchase would be my Maybelline Eyeshadow palette in Autumn Spirit. It has four colours that are so wearable, and I wear them ALL the time.

10) The last product I would repurchase is my Rimmel London Anti-fatigue concealer, because sometimes, well, you need a little extra coverage!

Oh that was so hard. I didn't get to include any of my Rimmel London 60 second polishes, or my new BYS Sassy Salmon lipstick, or my other Savvy lipgloss.That was near impossible, that tag!