Shoe Haul - Mr & Mare + ZU

Hello Lovelies,

First off, I'm 5'11'' and quite awkward when it comes to my height and have been avoiding wearing anything that has even the slightest heel for my entire and recently I decided to defy all notions and wear heels and embrace being incredibly tall.

I sort of went a bit of a binge of shoe buying, which something I was completely new to. The white ones of the right were the first pair that I bought and wearing them in was quite painful but after surviving the feet torture, they are now my go to sandals since they are super comfy. They are by a brand called Mr & Mare which I found at the Universal Store.

The other two pairs were bought together on a shoe buying excursion. The middle pair were from ZU and when I tried them on it the store I was convinced that I was gonna love them, but since I'm still in the "wearing them in" stage, I haven't decided whether they are comfy enough for daily wear. We'll see though, they have potential.

I've always wanted a pair of huge chunky boots and these were super cheap and classy, not to mention comfy as all hell. I've worn them out dancing/dinner twice for 6+ hours and the only thing that hurt was my little pinkie toes but other than that I could easily dance and walk even after all that time!!!!

xoxo

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 Review

Hello Lovelies,

It's been awhile again and I'll initially apologize then get straight into it, since even though I've been swamped with life and planning for my upcoming month abroad, I still want to type up what I've been loving (or hating). I'm hoping to schedule a few posts that will come up when I'm overseas :D

When the big hype of micellar waters came about I was personally a little hesitant since they honestly looked like expensive bottles of water. After humming it over in my head and reading all the fabulous reviews of the Bioderma one, I ventured into Priceline to pick some up and found out that a tiny bottle of the stuff was $30 and since I'd never tried this type of product I needed to try a cheaper alternative. One of the staff members suggested the Garnier one and after reading that it removed makeup and was soothing, I was anxious to try it out myself, the fact that it came in a huge bottle was also a big selling point.

As I'm typing this post I'm on my second bottle of the stuff, and there has never been a skincare product I've repurchased!!!! I'm not gonna blurt out that this product is some sort of holy grail since it doesn't particularly do anything extra for my skin, but as a makeup remover/light facial cleanser it totally takes the prize.

I found that Garnier really found a way to remove makeup in the simplest form, and doesn't have any weird extras like perfume. For example, I had been previously using an Elizabeth Arden makeup remover I got for Christmas and it was alright but left a slimy residue on my face and the smell was a little too much for me and I would also have to use and excess of 3-4 cotton pads just to get everything off. In regards to the Garnier one, I use one saturated cotton pad per half of my face and occasionally I use one extra all over if I was wearing heavy makeup. Side note; I have extremely sensitive eyes due to an incident in middle school and I found that even when this stuff got in my eye (on rare occasions) there would be no irritation.

Personally I would recommend this to everyone's sister, mother and brother !!!! The makeup remover is strong but the cleanser part of this product is extremely light, but does a decent job to make me feel refreshed even if I'm not taking any makeup off.

What's your go to makeup remover/cleanser?

xoxo 

Sleek i-Divine Oh So Special Palette Review and Swatches

Boy has this little baby been on my wishlist forever! I honestly don't know why I didn't buy it earlier, especially seeing how cheap it is. There are so many looks in this palette and I'm finding it quite versatile, so much so it's been replacing my usage of my Urban Decay Naked Palette. OOH SHOCK!!! Now before I start rambling on about my love and adoration of this product, I'll show you some swatches.

Hopefully you'll agree with me that the pigmentation is spectacular. These all had NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk underneath for a base. They show up incredible on the lid and I have to admit that they blend incredibly well. The packaging of the palette has a couple of pros and cons, firstly the mirror is amazing, I find myself constantly using it to do my makeup when I'm away from home. Secondly, it's a very tiny palette and occasionally when I'm trying to open it, I find it a little tricky and I feel that I may break it.

Overall I would give it a 9/10 and would love to try out some other Sleek palettes for comparison.

What's your favourite or go-to palette at the moment?

xoxo

L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Wings Mascara Review

Hello Lovelies,

Exams are finally over and now with a month of holidays I aim to try and get back on top of blogging since as you know, I've been so incredibly slack, but to be honest I miss it and I really want to let you all know what I've been loving and hating. Even though I'm in crazy savings mode for my USA trip in December, I've been able to take advantage of some of the sales that Priceline have been having here and there. A couple of months ago I bought the L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Wings mascara because there was a 40% sale on all cosmetics going on and since this mascara normally retails for $20-30 AUD I jumped at the chance to try it out. Because I've been using it for a while now I feel that I've definitely road tested it enough to give it a fair review.

Here's what L'Oreal claims about the mascara:

"Complete your winged eye look with volumised and fanned out lashes. False Lash Butterfly Wings mascara instantly volumises at the roots and stretches your lashes outwards for a winged eye effect."

First off the bat, I love the asymmetrical brush it's kind of brilliant, especially for giving extra volume for the outer lashes. I find that the formulation isn't clumpy and is extremely black, which is a big tick for me. In regards to completing a winged eye look, it definitely enhances one but I find that this mascara is perfect for any type of semi dramatic to hella dramatic eye look. The lasting power is pretty great which is either a good or bad thing depending on preference. For instance I love that it lasts all day but I dislike that it will take forever to come off. I think this mascara is best for the top lashes since I find that using on the bottom lashes it lengthens them a little too much and i tend to get a lot of mascara under my eye.

Summary:

Formulation: 9/10
Brush: 8/10 (love it for the top, but doesn't work that well for bottom lashes)
Lasting and holding Power: 8/10
Shade: 10/10 (blackest black ever, really darkens those little babies)

Total: 8.75

I would totally repurchase this mascara or at least another L'Oreal mascara since this is the first one that I've bought and well I love it, almost as much as Maybelline's Falsies!!!

What mascara are you loving at the moment?

xoxo

Miscellaneous Mondays - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Hello Lovelies,

Some of you may know I've been reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn as of late and I finished it this morning and well even though it's over I can't get my mind off it. Simply put, this book quickly became one of the best books I've ever read. I loved every second.

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller about the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her 5th wedding anniversary and it's implications on her husband, Nick Dunne. The book is divided between the two characters, with real time action from Nick and diary entries from Amy. Before the disappearance both Amy and Nick were having some trouble's in their lives and especially in their marriage.

Both characters are created beautifully and are incredibly flawed people and each of their imperfections is part of what makes them so perfect for each other in such a weird and complicated way.

I'll try my best not to spoil anything since the twists and turns in this book is the reason why I was so hooked. I was changing my opinions and my alliances so quickly I didn't even know where the book was heading. The whole way through I felt like I knew the characters and I was drawn instinctively to their misfortunes.

Gone Girl had me yelling at every point of interest and I honestly couldn't put this down. I also wanted to tell everyone everything what was happening but every member of my family either wanted to read it themselves or wants to see the film adaption that's coming out later this year.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery/crime book, it's so perfectly constructed that I sincerely tap my hat to Gillian Flynn.  

What have you been reading?

xoxo

First Impressions: Gillette Venus & Olay Pink Razor - #Blogmas

What Gillette Venus & Olay Say about this razor:

The Venus & Olay^™ razor’s 5-blade technology exfoliates^† for surface skin renewal, while Sugarberry-scented Olay Moisture Bars help lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness.*

• 5 razor blades get Venus close
• Olay Moisture Bars help lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness*
• No need for separate shave cream
• Sugarberry scent
• SoftGrip^® handle for confident control
• Hang razor on the in-shower holder to air dry between uses
• Easy-to-change cartridges

My Thoughts:

Honestly I can't say I've been more amazed by a razor in my life. I've been so prone to getting horrible razor bumps, or the razor getting really dull very quickly, or my legs/armpits getting extremely bad razor burn. Last week I was at the point where I was completely fed up and I had seen this one in ads and thought, why the fuck not a change would certainly be better than this discomfort, especially since it's Summer.

When I used this for the first time today, I was blown away. The Olay bars were so moisturizing and I was just really happy. At first I thought that because of all the extra moisture I wouldn't get a close shave that I was happy with, but boy was I wrong, the precision is wonderful and I couldn't be more pleased.

There is only one DRAWBACK to this razor and that is that this bad boy is a little on the pricey side. The razor only comes with one cartridge and the replacement ones are $20 for 3. But I think for a product that can overwhelm me this much, the price shouldn't bother me that much.

What's your favourite razor? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

xoxo - Happy Holidays

Essence Sun Club Bronzer Review and Swatch

 In the last couple of months I've been semi addicted to trying out as many essence products as possible, since they are very inexpensive and so far I've been quite impressed with the quality. I'd heard a few good reviews on this bronzer and since summer was nearing when I bought this (featured in this haul time) I took the very tiny leap in purchasing it and giving it a go.

 

My first impressions were quite good but after using it for a week or so I noticed a few drawbacks to this product. In my opinion, that shade is a little too orange for me and doesn't go that well with my complexion. I have cool undertones and since this bronzer emphasizes the warm tones, it really just sit well.

That would have to be my only drawback and that has nothing to do with the actual product quality. I found the actual quality to be great. The packaging is simple and clean, would be better with a mirror but for such an inexpensive product, I'm not complaining. I would have to say my favourite thing about this bronzer is that it is scented and smells like coconuts. It may be a bit strong for some people, but personally i love the smell. As you can see in the swatch above the pigmentation isn't too bad and as the packaging suggests it would be a very lovely soft bronzer for lighter skin tones.

Overall I would give this product a 3.5/5

Have you tried many Essence products? I would love to hear your thoughts :)

xoxo

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Powder - First Impression

This starts off a little sad since the main reason I was even looking for a new foundation is because I'm nearly finished with my bottle of Revlon Colorstay which as you all know, is amazing and I absolutely love it. I was seriously just going into Priceline to get a refill but their new foundation and powder combination caught my eye. One, because they had a special to get both items for $30 which is crazy since each product retails for about $26 each so I was stoked and jumped at the purchased and two, because from all previous experience with Revlon foundations, I was fairly certain that I would like their new line.

With every makeup purchase comes a makeup promise and with Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation and powder there is no exception. Revlon's byline for this foundation is:

"Makeup so refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. So the only one that knows you are wearing makeup is you. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage."

Alongside the ad campaign featuring Emma Stone, I was drawn in and their promise of a 'nearly naked' finish that is also buildable.

When I met inside Priceline with the product line I was firstly impressed with the very helpful color wheel that accompanied the display as well as readily available and well labeled testers. I also pulled out my phone and went on their site to ensure that I picked up the right shade, which happens to be 130 Shell for the foundation and 010 Fair for the powder.

In regards to the packaging, I think that the simplistic design is great and very appealing to the eye but I must say that I am quite disappointed that there is no pump included but I suppose with such a lightweight formula is might've been hard to include it. The powder's packaging is a little big for my taste since I do like putting my powders in my purse when I'm on the go but it is very consistent with the foundation is staying simplistic and nice on the eye. My only bad thing to say in regards to the packaging of the powder is the little powder puff that's included has kind sharp edges, so learn from my experience, only press down, don't swipe underneath your eyes.

Today was the first time I used both products separately and together and I feel that I'm just going to fall head over heals for this one just as I did with Colorstay. The coverage is medium to light but definitely buildable and from the small amount I poured onto my hand (about 10-20 cent coin size) I felt that I got adequate coverage. Paired with the powder, everything just came together and it added a sense of being polished but at the same time flawless. I didn't find it cakey at all but I suppose on the amount of product you use that might change. I have oily/combination skin and I felt that at the same time is was controlling the oils it wasn't bringing out any of my dry patches.

In my opinion, this foundation and powder combination is perfect for people that want light to medium coverage that would be perfect for everyday work/school wear.

Vera Wang Rock Princess Perfume

Just as I was looking over my past couple posts I realized I hadn't mentioned any perfumes and to be honest, I'm a little obsessed to beautiful fragrances and thought I share with you one of my favourites. This beauty right here isn't a new one for me, I purchased it a little over two years ago, but because of it's incredibly scent i tend not to wear it on an everyday and save it for the special occasions. In regards to the scent, I love it, I am hopeless at describing scents but when I spritz it on my body I have to admit I feel a tad regal. Look at that packaging. It's gorgeous. I just love that little crown on the top of the bottle. That there is the 100ml bottle which I'm fairly certain is the largest size and I'm glad that I forked out the money for the larger size because it will last for quite some time and definitely add that royal touch to special occasions.

Review: Revlon Double Ended Smokey Eye Brush

So you may have seen that I bought this and featured in one of my recent hauls, and I only have good news about this brush. Now I don't own that many brushes but when it comes to eyeliner brushes I've tried a few and well the ones that normally come with gel liners are too thick and sometimes with liquid liners the control is just too tricky (well maybe just with me). This brush is amazing. 10/10. I just picked it up because of the sale that was on and boy am I flippin' glad for it.

Initially I used it purely for gel eyeliner since I was disappointed with the brush that came with the Maybelline gel liner and I found it so much easier to apply and the control made it better it make it easier to build, just in case I felt like going a little out of the norm of a simple wing. In this instance I am talking about the angled end of the brush. The bristles are very thin but like I already mentioned the ability to build is very easy. I gave it a wash and then tried it with eye shadows the other night to create a smokey eye and well I'm continuing the theme of "let's keep lovin this brush". I used it with some of my purple shadows and well it's just perfect for the looks I tend to go for.

On the other end, the rounded pencil brush, it is perfect for either blending upper lid liners/shadows but i much prefer to use it to blend lower lash shadows and liners to round out the eye look. It isn't too dense or sparse and works superbly, the shape is just brilliant.

The only thing slightly negative thing I have to mention about the brush is the fact that since it's double-ended when I place it in my brush holder I am scared about damaging the bristles of one end. Revlon did place a brush cover for the shader end and I recommend keeping that so that the brush is protected.

All in All 10/10.

Review/Swatches: Essence Lip Liners

Personally I am very new to using lip liners and just wanted to add a few to my makeup collection. So I picked up three from Essence and they were roughly $1.50 from Priceline (Australia's Drugstore) and I've been trying them out for the last month and have been have been quite impressed with both with the longevity of the product and the pigmentation.



The three that I picked up were 07 Cute Pink, 08 Red Blush and 10 Female Fatale and below i have swatched them on the back of my wrist, with no primer of any sort and in the order that I mentioned them.



For a better example of the pigmentation I have also swatched them on my lips. Once again no primer or lip balm of any sort, also I am not wearing any face makeup.

(07 Cute Pink)

(08 Red Blush)

(10 Female Fatale)

In my opinion the consistency is quite creamy for it's price and does last quite long but after wearing the liners for a while now I can find them a tad drying so i always apply a lip balm before application and that helps a lot and plus my lips become moisturized.

I haven't tried many of Essence's products but for the extremely cheap price and moderate selection, I am looking forward to trying more from their collection.

First Impression: Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightner

I picked up this little turquoise beauty just over a week ago and have used it 3 times, so I reckon a first impression/review was in hand. Firstly, I took advantage of the mid-year sales that were happening and ended up getting it for half price which is a super duper bargain since it's retail price is around $100 AU. For a long time I have been using the same hair straightener and although I liked the fact that I actually owed a contraption that could shine up my frizziness, I was always settling for the results and had a lot of problems with hair getting pulled out and the buttons being in weird places, low and behold I bought a new one. I read a lot of good reviews about the Shine Therapy one and it's features really dragged me it. Some of these features include Moroccan Argon Oil infused plates and a Smart Sensor that detects the amount of moisture in the hair to ensure that there is no burning.

Enough of the technicalities, here's the run down so far. The heat-up time is pretty impressive and although I haven't pushed it up to the highest temperature setting, I doubt that will be necessary. It's sleek design feels comfortable in my hand and I don't feel that I might slip and burn all my fingers. I absolutely love the fact that it has the swivel cord, I can't even begin to tell the amount of times I've had the cord clasped around my arm. Now, for results, which I am in love with. The finish product turns my naturally frizzy and wavy hair into a natural straight look that strays away from the "if my hair could get any straighter I could poke someone's eye out" look.

I can't wait to keep using this product and enjoying the amazing results it gives my hair. Overall I give it a rating of 4/5 :)