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!

HUGE Collective Haul: Fashion, Makeup, Jewellery, Books & More!

I have accumulated so much over the past three months through Christmas presents, op-shops, post Christmas sales, New year sales, giveaway winnings and birthday presents. This is an enormous haul, I know, and I have spent a lot of money, but what can I say? It's the festive season, I'm a saver by nature and I don't splurge often so it was definitely a treat. Keep in mind it was also over three months!

Makeup

- Revlon cosmetic bag and manicure set - Christmas present

- Girlz Only Dry Spray Conditioner - $2

- Maybelline Colour Show Sequins Polish in Rose Bling - $2.97 reduced from $5.95

- Face of Australia Glitterati Polish in Studio 54- $6.95

- Face of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Peach Parfait - $5 reduced from $7.95

- BYS Blush Trio in Endless Summer - $5 reduced from $6.95

- Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia - $3.40 reduced from $5.69

- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Set in Adore - $19.97 reduced from $40

- Model's Prefer Sweet Kisses Eyeshadow tin - Won in Amanda from Thai Tales' Giveaway 

- MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup - Incredible birthday gift from a beautiful blogger

Source for photograph of formal dress

Fashion
- Rubi Shoes Flats - $5 reduced from $15
- Sunglasses - $3 from Op Shop
- Firmoo Glasses - $15 reduced from $54 (with their Get your first pair free program)
- Flowery dress - $4 from Op Shop
- Red dress - FREE from Op Shop
- Photosynthesis Shirt - Christmas present ($20 from Think Geek website)
- My Formal Dress! - $120 from Swish Clothing, reduced from $300

Jewellery
- Colette Black and Gold Necklace - $6 reduced from $12.95
- Colette Black and Gold Square ring - $4 reduced from $7.95
- Lovisa Blue stone ring - $3 reduced from $9.99
- Lovisa Turqoise ring - $3 reduced from $7.99

Miscellanious
- Typo Notebook - $2 reduced from $9.95
- Green Tea Kimmidoll Candle - $6 reduced from $12
- Strawberry Champagne Our Eutopia Candle - $5 reduced from $15
- Lana Del Ray Born to Die The Paradise Edition CD - Christmas present
- Unwind trilogy by Neil Schusterman - Christmas present
- Giant Mug - $4 reduced from $15
- Decorative glass jars with gumballs inside - $2 each reduced from $6 each
- Washi Tape - $1 per tape reduced from $3 per tape
- Perfume by Patrick Suskind - Christmas present
- Wonder by R.J Palacio - Christmas present
- How I live now by Meg Rosoff - Christmas present
- Three printed and framed photographs - Birthday present

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here.

My Hair Routine

Today's post is a result of Nivedita's request and she asked me if I could post my hair care routine. Well here it is, but I'm telling you - it is so very boring!

Just quickly, I have long, straight, relatively thick hair that generally does what it is told and requires little effort and attention. As a result, I give it very little effort and attention. I have always wanted super curly hair but it takes so long to do and doesn't last. The photos to the left show my hair both naturally (straight) and having been curled. Only in the past couple of months have I noticed split ends being a bit of a problem but a quick trim would solve those issues.

So basically I wash and condition my hair every second day. I use whatever shampoo is in the shower at the time, which this week turned out to be a Sunsilk Expert Perfect Straight hair shampoo and an Organic Care Balance Conditioner. Basically the shampoo and conditioner that I use comes down to whatever was on special at the supermarket. I have no thoughts or opinions regarding these, because in my opinion all shampoos and conditioners work the same (though some do make my hair greasy).

When I condition my hair I brush it through using a wide toothed comb to make my life easier once having gotten out of the shower. My hair due to its length can get unbelievably knotty so I do everything that I can to avoid that.

Now here is where the big decisions come in. At the end of my shower I rinse my hair thoroughly in freezing cold water. It completely ruins my shower, gives me this crazy kind of brain freeze and leaves me shivering and cursing but it makes my hair super shiny. I always have to weigh up whether shiny hair is worth the trauma but usually it does win out.

If it is summer I just brush my hair and leave it to air dry, but in winter I blow dry it. I then chuck it up in a ponytail or plait, the only two hairstyles I ever wear (I am ridiculously boring). 

The next day I don't bother washing or conditioning it, but I do put some kind of product through it . If I am having trouble with dry, split ends I'll put my Salon Confidential Repair Ends Mender through it. If it is a matter of frizzy, knotty hair then I'll put my Herbal Essences Dangerously straight leave in cream through it to calm it down a little. 

Other products I use occasionally are the Girlz Only Dry Shampoo for when my hair needs a bit of a clean but I'm too lazy to do it properly, the PPS leave in moisture spray for when I want a change from my Repair Ends Mender and my Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt spray for when I want to pretend that I have curly hair, even though the product doesn't work one bit on me. 

So that really is the extent of my hair routine. I am absolutely shocking when it comes to different hairstyles - I literally wear a boring ponytail or plait every single day, and I never, ever, ever wear it down (because it just gets in the way!). There really is no point in me having such long hair because I just don't do anything with it!

Thank you so much for the post request Nivedita, I wish I could have made it more interesting for you!

Girlz Only Dry Shampoo - Party Nights

This dry shampoo is terrible. Why? Because it encourages even more laziness in my beauty routine. Yep, this dry shampoo can squeeze another day out of my already filthy hair in the spray of a can. Another reason why it's terrible? Because it costs only $2 (last time I checked they were on sale at Target for $1.40) so I always have a spare can handy.

I going to say now that this review is probably not going to be as accurate as it could, simply because this is the first dry shampoo I have ever tried. I never felt compelled to purchase a Batiste one because I didn't want to pay such money to fix a problem that could be resolved by simply washing my hair. However, when you walk past these shiny cans of goodness in Target, you really don't have an option to resist.

My hair has natural tendencies to get really oily in the scalp and terribly dry at the ends, I guess that comes with having long hair. I wash it every second day, but since this product has come into my life it stretches to two days between washes way more often than it should.

Prior to trying this, my knowledge of dry shampoo was minimal. I knew that some made your hair go white, I knew that some were greasy and that some contained properties that could only be described as magical. I didn't realise how much I needed this product either!

This dry shampoo is very effective and does its job well. I don't really know how well because I have nothing to compare it to, but let's just go with well. It doesn't leave any white residue, it doesn't make my hair go crunchy and it doesn't look strange. I will admit, it isn't as good as if I just washed it and the greasiness of my hair is still questionable, but significantly better than without the dry shampoo.

I love the smell of this spray (it was my favourite out of the three different ones) and it's rather tempting to use it even when I don't have to, simply so I can make my hair smell nice.

I hate the packaging, but even more I hate the brand name. I don't know much about marketing and advertising, but I can guarantee more people would give this seemingly dodgy brand a chance if they just had a half decent name. Girlz only? Honestly? You could have at least spelt it correctly.
I do like this product, but as I said - sometimes it's worth to stop being lazy and just wash your hair. I would suggest you take this and guard it with your life when going on holidays, because it is then that you really appreciate the hair wash in a can.

I give this product 7 out of 10.