Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is by far my favourite holiday; I love being surrounded by my family, a gorgeously lit Christmas tree and delicious food. An added bonus is being lucky enough to give and receive presents. Every year since I was a little girl I have made my Mum a Christmas Wish list and prayed I’d receive everything on it.  Now, to be honest with you I’ve been working on this wish list for a few months and my sister was given a copy in October... it’s safe to say I get pretty excited about everything Christmas related.

Zoeva Makeup Brushes

Now I’m sure you all either own a set of these brushes, or are dieing to get your hands on them. I’m lusting after the cream and rose gold set; I mean have you ever seen a more beautiful set of brushes? I know I’d feel a little too guilty to buy these for myself so I thought they’d be the perfect gift idea.

Erin Condren Planner

Ahhh doesn’t this planner just make you want to cry with happiness? I have wanted an Erin Condren vertical weekly planner for a very long time but with the hefty price tag for Australian customers I’ve never been able to justify spending the money on myself. I would be absolutely lost without my trusty planner and am hoping someone I love is kind enough to gift me one this year!

Pandora Ring

I have an extensive list of Pandora rings that I love and this one in particular really caught my eye. I love stacking my rings so I think this would make a great addition to my Pandora collection.

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows

I have heard so many good things about the Makeup Geek eyeshadows and naturally that has made me absolutely desperate to get my hands on them. I’ve heard the foiled eyeshadows in particular are gorgeous and their pigmentation is impeccable. Hopefully Santa will be making me a little palette this year.

While Christmas is by no means all about giving and receiving presents, it really is such a special feeling exchanging gifts with your loved ones. What’s on your wish list this year?

Milani Baked Blush Review

As I'm sure you've all seen, Milani have a range of incredible, well-priced, baked blushes. Here are my favourites... 

Let's start with the packaging, as it seems to be something that has a large affect on my initial attraction to a product. The packaging of these blushes is absolutely gorgeous for such a low price... I mean look at them! I was definitely drawn in by the packaging and I guess I got lucky when the product was just as great. 

Whilst I think the packaging is super cute, I'm not a huge fan of the little brush that's included in each blush. It definitely isn't very good quality and honestly I can't imagine trying to apply anything with it.

All the blushes have amazing pigmentation which is consistent across the entire range. I absolutely love the shades with shimmer in them as they give your skin a gorgeous glow. They can actually come across as quite intimidating when you first swatch them, but the shimmer and glitter is dulled down slightly once applied. Here are the shades I have... 

Dolce Pink 

Corallina

Luminoso

Delizioso Pink

My favourite is definitely Dolce Pink... what's yours?

Chanel Soleil De Tan Review

I picked up Chanel Soleil De Tan a couple of months ago, but as it's nearing summer here in Australia I've started reaching for it more and more often... 

Let's start with packaging... if you ask me 99.9% of Chanel's products are gorgeously packaged, with this cream bronzer being no exception. The packaging is simple and sleek whilst allowing the product to be easily accessed and used. It's just one of those products that makes you feel good when you pull it out of your makeup bag when getting ready for a night out with the girls.

When I purchased this I was on the hunt for my first cream bronzer and was testing out both this and the Clinique Chubby Stick. The Chanel product definitely complemented my skin tone much better and I found the contrast was not as stark as many other cream bronzers I had swatched. Initially I also found that when swatched it was very smooth in consistency so I decided to splurge.

After a few months of experimenting I've really come to love this product. It glides on easily considering I have very dry skin and doesn't make my foundation look muddy or cakey. As I do with the majority of my make-up collection, I use this product differently when I am pale and when I have a fake tan. When I'm pale I tend to either skip contouring and bronzing altogether or only apply the products very lightly. With the Chanel Soleil De Tan I apply it beneath my foundation on all the highest points of my face, I find that by doing this I avoid.... well... looking like an orangutan... and at the same time accomplish a more bronzed, contoured face. However, when I have a fake tan I use the product after applying my foundation and I've found that it blends in perfectly with my Nars Sheer Glow but less so with my Estee Lauder Doublewear, as this foundation can be quite drying.

Overall with the right foundation and the right technique for your skin this product is an exceptional addition to your collection, especially if you love luxury beauty products.

What's your favourite cream bronzer?

Australis Metallix Eyeshadow Review

Up until a few months ago I never really gravitated towards cream eyeshadows... until I found the Australis Metallix Eyeshadows. 

Australis Metallix Eyeshadows - RRP $9.49 

Australis have released 6 shadows into their permanent range and I managed to get my hands on two of the most gorgeous cream eyeshadows I have ever used. Immediately I gravitated towards the golden shades and picked out Pearl Jammin' - a gorgeous champagne and Gold Gaga - a vibrant gold. 

I originally grabbed them because I thought they'd be a dupe for the Stila Magnificent Metals eyeshadows. While I wouldn't say they are a dupe as they don't appear as 'foiled' on the lids, I actually think they are 10 times better.... and they are a quarter of the price, who doesn't love a bargain?

The eyeshadows are a mixture between feeling like a cream shadow and a foiled shadow. Whilst they're more pigmented than a cream they are also more lightweight than a foiled - Australis have created the perfect combination of the two types of shadows. 

I generally apply these shadows with my finger and wear them alone however I have also layered a powder eyeshadow on top to create a slightly different texture. They are blendable and DO NOT crease at all! 

I honestly can say that these shadows are a must-have in any beauty lovers collection! They are perfect for a night out or applied lightly for everyday wear. 

Have you tried any of the shadows? What shade should I get next?

Haircare Essentials

Finding the right products for your hair can sometimes seem impossible, after trying hundreds of different products I have finally found a group of products that work well for me...here are my haircare essentials.

BB Hairdressers Invisible Oil - This is by far my favourite haircare product that I have ever owned. I run this through the ends of my hair after every wash and it has changed the way my hair behaves and looks. I dye the ends of my hair blonde so they need a little extra care, and this product allows me to tame some of my frizz whilst nourishing my ends at the same time. It may seem expensive at first, but you honestly need the smallest amount of product and it will make a world of difference to the condition of your hair.

BB Hairdressers Invisible Oil Protective Primer- Whilst I may have said that the Invisible Oil is my favourite haircare product, this heat protector from the same line is equally as good. I have naturally dry, curly hair so it can often be difficult to straighten or curl. This primer totally transforms my hair and completely eliminates frizz leaves my hair feeling smooth. Again this product may seem pricey but it is well worth the extra money. I highly recommend every product from the Bumble and Bumble Invisible oil range!

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque - I have been using this deep repair masque for over a year now and I happily repurchase it every time! It really helps keep my hair strong and prevents my ends from splitting. It tames my frizz and leaves my hair feeling strong and healthy after every wash.

Urban Fudge Hair Spray - I often find myself gagging or coughing at the scent of hairspray and dreading having to use it in the morning.  Until I tried this hairspray by Urban Fudge, it is the best smelling hairspray I have ever used. It still smells a little like hairspray but it isn't obnoxious at all! It also leaves a lovely finish and doesn't leave your hair feeling crispy and greasy. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo - I'm honestly not too picky when it comes to dry shampoo and have only tried 2 or 3 different brands. However, this one is by far my favourite. This dry shampoo works well at reducing the appearance of grease and can make my hair last for up to 4 days without washing. It's easy to massage into the scalp and doesn't leave white residue in your hair. It comes in a range of different scents but for whatever reason I always gravitate towards the original formula. I highly recommend trying this one out as it works perfectly well and isn't too pricey.

What are your haircare essentials?

How to maintain 'Summer Legs'

Whether you're currently heading into Winter like myself, or you're lucky enough to be getting ready for Summer, I'm sure many of you either want to maintain or prepare your 'Summer Legs'. Here are my favourite products for keeping my legs looking as good as possible. 

Exfoliate

Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub - As an avid fake tanner I have tried my fair share of body scrubs and this one is by far my favourite. I'd like to point out that while the delicious smell of maple syrup is an absolute bonus it isn't the only reason I love this scrub.  The scrub is the perfect combination of being abrasive and gentle. I've always preferred scrubs that are quite fine and don't contain large chunks as they remove dead skin or tan much better, and this is the perfect one. If you are after a new scrub to keep your legs looking fresh this season, I highly recommend this one. 

Shower Oil

Loccitane Huile De Douche Shower Oil - To leave, not just my legs, but my whole body feeling soft and nourished I love using a shower oil. This one from Loccitane is made with Almond Oil which gives it a beautiful, subtle scent of almonds. As you apply this oil, it begins to lather into a milky texture that leaves the skin feeling super hydrated. You can use this on its own or if you're after super hydrated skin you can also moisturise after. 

Moisturise

Soap and Glory Girligo Moisturizing Mist -  Yet another product from Soap and Glory... I can't seem to keep my hands off their products... they just smell so good. This is one of my favourite ways to moisturise, as I'm definitely prone to being a tad lazy when it comes to moisturising. You just quickly spray the product onto your skin and it takes 5 seconds to rub it in due to its thin consistency. This works absolutely beautifully over the Loccitane shower oil and provides me with that little bit extra nourishment that my scaly  legs seem to need in winter. 

Gradual Tan

St. Tropez Gradual Tan in Medium/Dark -  I love using gradual tanners in between my fake tans, just to keep my legs looking as fresh and dark as possible. I generally apply this in the morning, just before I start my day. However, if you are using this gradual tan by itself I would recommend using it overnight for the best results.

What products do you use to maintain your 'Summer Legs'?

MAC Starter Kit / Essentials

When I started becoming more and more interested in investing in high end makeup MAC was the obvious place to start. Except, when you're new to the world of high end makeup even the MAC store alone is a very daunting place. So whether you've got no idea where to start and you want to know what's worth the money, or if you're a beauty addict like myself, with an expanding make-up collection, here are my favourite products from MAC...

TOP 3 LIPSTICKS

Mac Blankety - If you've followed me for a while now, you'd know that this lipstick is what I reach for when I'm after the 'Kylie Jenner Look'. It's the perfect dark nude for when I'm pale and a basic nude when I'm using fake tan. It's probably my most reached for Mac Lipstick because of the formulation, it wears off perfectly and is quite matte without being too drying. 

Mac Velvet Teddy is a newer lipstick in my collection. I recently picked it up so I had a darker nude/brown for when I'm using fake tan. It's very "Kylie Jenner" and it looks absolutely gorgeous when I am tan and I even use it occasionally when I'm pale. It's a matte lipstick so it is a little drying but it stays on all day... even when you're stuffing your face with food. 

Mac Hue was one of my first lipsticks from Mac and I go through phases were I wear it to death. I generally use this one when I haven't fake tanned. The colour is perfect for my light skin tone and it leaves a glossy finish. I generally steer towards this lipstick when I'm after something light and easy. If your lips are dry it can often stick to dry patches but looks absolutely gorgeous if your lips are in good condition. 

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer - If you haven't ever heard of this concealer than I will genuinely be surprised. I have been using this concealer for a few years now and will always ensure that it's in my collection. It works brilliantly to cover up blemishes and you honestly need the smallest amount of product. It's one of my all time favourite concealers!

Eyeshadows

Mac Satin Taupe - I had seen this particular eyeshadow being raved about years before I actually purchased it. It really is the perfect satin taupe eyeshadow. The formulation is creamy and easy to apply and can be worn with so many different looks. If you are after a versatile shade that can be worn day or night I highly recommend picking this one up. 

Mac Omega - As I'm sure you can tell by the giant hole I've left in this shadow, it is my all time favourite Mac eyeshadow. It actually reminds me alot of the Urban Decay shadow 'Naked 2'. I use this shadow mostly to fill in my eyebrows but it also doubles as the perfect ashy crease colour. This is a must have in every girls collection.

Mac Soft and Gentle - This is by far one of my favourite highlighters in my entire collection and believe me, a little goes a long way. I don't think I'll ever need to repurchase this one, simply because you get so much product! It is a gorgeous shimmery golden highlight that can be applied to your highlight points and your eyelids. As an eyeshadow it provides a subtle shimmer and looks perfect when paired with a bronzer in the crease. 

Mac Well Dressed - This. Blush. Is. Perfect. and is the only blush in my entire collection that I've actually come this close to finishing. I always find myself falling in love with new blushes and neglecting my older ones, however I always come back to well dressed. It is a gorgeous pink that is mostly matte but when applied to the skin gives a subtle glow. If you have pale skin you need to get your butt down to your Mac store and purchase this blush. I'm 99% sure that it's my favourite blush of all time and I know so many people who would agree with me.

Sorry for the sad state of the packaging for half of these products... they really are well used and very loved. If you haven't tried any of these products I really do recommend you pop into your MAC store and at least swatch them.

What are your favourite MAC products?