Preachin' the Peachy-Pink // Behind the Frames

Today we have a very special post - a guest post by Sheri from Behind the Frames featuring her favourite peachy-pink products! This is some what of a 'colab' (as all da cool Youtubers would call it) as I've shared all of my favourite peachy-pink prods on Sheri's blog, so be sure to check it out! Sheri has to be one of my bestest blogger buddies and we've known each other for something like 2 years! It is so awesome to finally have her over on my blog and I promise you, we will meet each other in the flesh - ONE DAY. Anyway, enough of me - keep reading for your daily dose of Sheri charm ;)

So Apparently I Like Nude Lipstick Now?

BACK AT IT. Sorry for the momentary lapse in post/s last Thursday. Uni assessment has finally caught up with my procrastinatory ways! It pains me to have missed a post (for the first time EVER), but I've got to get my priorities straight! I can't promise that the schedule will be back 100%, but I'll try and have a post up at least once a week. Anyway - onto today's post: my sudden affection for nude lipsticks?! If you remember back in the early days, I was all about dem bold lips. I rarely wore nude shades, considering that most of the ones I tried clashed terribly with my skintone and made me look dead. Well, quite recently I've been reaching for nudey/neutral shades more and more because I've found some that actually suit me! Let's get into them, shall we?

Empties #7

Slowly, but surely, I've been making my way downtown through quite a few products! Sort of justifies the huge amount of hair and skincare products I've come into the possession of...right? Anyway, let's dig into the empties!

The Best of 2014 // Makeup

Kiddies, it's time for the big 'un. The pinnacle and summation of 2014, documented in makeup products. I didn't want to make this post too long, and really tried to pick the products I used and loved most throughout 2014. I also didn't want to repeat anything from 2013's favourites, so products like the Dolly Wink Eyebrow Powder or Lorac Pro Palette which I used and loved immensely, haven't been included. Speaking of 2013's faves, looking back, while a lot I still like, others I've completely ignored. Funny how opinions change! Also, APOLOGIES for the slightly grainy/off photos, the weather was shitty this day, and I had to edit the crap out of them! BUT anyways, I've done reviews for most of the products, so they'll be linked where applicable!

NOTD // Stack the Deck

A few weeks ago was my friend's birthday party which was slightly Alice in Wonderland themed. A couple of friends and I ended up going as Tweedledum, Tweedledee and Tweedle...daa, yeah...haha! It wasn't full on dress up though but it was a heap of fun :) I ended up doing my nails somewhat card inspired, but who am I kidding, it's really just red, black and white - close enough...right?

To make things interesting, I threw a couple of glitter polishes into the mix; Ulta 3 Stop the Press and Sportsgirl Party Popper. I've already done a NOTD with Stop the Press  here that you can check out. Party Popper is a really pretty glitter combination that has matte coral, white and grey hexagonal glitters of varying sizes. The glitter coverage is really good and was easily applied using the dabbing method. I love how it turned out and I think it would look really good over a range of shades!

On a couple of nails, I did a jelly sandwich using Essie Marshmallow which is a white jelly polish. I really liked the milky, layered effect. My pinky finger almost looks like cookies and cream!

The other polishes I used were a random black, Revlon China Flower and Sportsgirl Snow. I really like the end product actually! Although it was a bit random, there was a colour theme and I got a few compliments too!

Collective Haul // June 2014

It seems there is no shortage of hauls on this blog...oops. But! I bought majority of this on sale (of course), what with all of the EOFY sales and it means more blog content - yay! Let's dig in shallst we...

Antipodes Moisture Boost MINIs - Divine Face Oil (10mL) and Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream (15mL)

I didn't end up picking up the Priceline Skincare goody bag GWP, though it did look really good this year! I ended up buying this little duo from Antipodes though, it was 20% off coming down to $15. I've really been wanting to try out the brand, and apparently this deluxe sized set is limited edition so I decided to pick it up while I still could! They also have a nighttime version, though that was sold out.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

I bought this from a shop at my local shopping centre, it's sort of like a watered-down Priceline. A couple of friends got me a voucher for there for my birthday and I decided to buy this MUCH raved about lip balm. It's  quite expensive ($20) so I was glad I had a voucher! I've been using this for the past week or so and I'm not sure how I feel about it...

Rimmel Matte BB Cream in Medium

I got a sample sachet in the mail from a facebook promotion Rimmel was doing. It took forever to arrive but I finally got it and ended up really enjoying it! Medium is a really good shade match for me and I was pretty impressed by the formula - longevity, finish and coverage. It came with a $3 off coupon which I decided to use, bringing it down to $10.

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation in 52 Light Beige

Bourjois is 30% off currently at Priceline so I decided to take the plunge and pick up this foundation (came to around $20) - I've been hearing really good things about it, particularly from Anna, and even that it's comparable to Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua. I intended to pick up the luminous primer as well but they were sold out (probably a good thing actually...). The shade range is horrendous. There are only four shades, and they are hella dark, like I'm the second lightest shade?! Ridiculous. Regardless I think it's a good match for me and I'm super excited to use it!

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 02 Frambourjoise and 04 Peach Club

I bought these a week and a bit ago when all Bourjois lip products were $10 each. These have been getting RAVES - the best liquid lipstick according to Anna, so of course I had to pick them up. They are retailing for something like $24 which is ridiculous, but ain't that the world we live in. And by we, I mean Australians. I needed to take advantage of the $10 offer, that's less than half price! Sadly, I doubt they will be this cheap again. Although the shades offered are really nice, I don't think it's the best range. These were the two that appealed to me most.

Maybelline Colour Elixir in Caramel Infused

Again these are coming into the market quite expensively - something like $18. I picked mine up for 10% off (~$16) at some VIP event they were doing at the Priceline nearest to me, but they're currently on sale for like $13. I had a swatch of them all and surprisingly I was content with just one. This shade seems to be the perfect 'my lips but better', and I'm really enjoying the formula, but more of that in a review post.

Sportsgirl Party Popper and Galaxy

It ain't a shiwashiful haul without a Sportsgirl nail polish ayy. As you can see, these were reduced (only way to go), and are super awesome matte glitters! The colour combos are really pretty and I'm really excited to give these guys a go.

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in China Flower

This was actually in a duo I picked up for $10, the other shade was Pink Pineapple which I decided to save for a gift. I've already worn this and I must say, the formula was really nice. Basically opaque in one coat, shiny and it's a really striking, warm red. Can't say I was the hugest fan of the scent though (something about it reminded me of toilet cleaner? Like Duck or something? Idek.), but it actually grew on me slightly as it wore.

Noughts & Crosses Kimberly Shorts

I picked these up from Dissh for only $20! I thought that was a really good deal as they were $60 full price. I'd seen these a few months ago when they were full price, and I really wanted them, so when I saw them on clearance I just had to pick them up! They've got ma fave neon peachy-pink shade throughout, and a cool metallic gold and neon aztec-y print. Plus they're high-waisted - ma fave. Definitely won't be wearing these till Spring/Summer rolls around, but boy I'm excited to!

So that was my haul for the month, I'm really excited about the products I picked up actually! And technically I didn't pay full price for anything - those be my bargain hunting ways ;)

Matchy Matchy

There's something about colour coordination that I love, in moderation though. Matching accessories, clothes and especially makeup! Once I started wearing coordinating lip and cheek combinations, there was no going back. It's almost OCD how much I need the lip and cheek shades to be at least in the same colour family - it's even better if my nails match too ;) These are just a few of my favourite lip and cheek combinations, where in some cases, it's like each product was made for one another! Just so I don't keep repeating myself down the way, all of the combos compliment each other so well, and really bring a look together!

L-R: Maxfactor Soft Pink, NYX Peaches and Cream, theBalm Toile, NYX Antwerp

Maxfactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink and NYX Butter Gloss in Peaches and Cream

These two products are basically as pink as I'm willing to go on any sort of a regular basis. They're both that really pretty medium pink with quite warm undertones - an almost peachy pull. I love the formulas of both of these, and the combination has a really brightening, fresh-faced effect.

theBalm Instain Blush in Toile and NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp

There is something about this particular shade that is rather unique in my collection. Different to my typical peachy-pinks, they have a deeper, more reddish quality that almost gives them a strawberry type tinge. While the lip is more of a bold option, I feel like the blush perfectly accents it.

L-R: Tarte Exposed, Clarins Nude Caramel, Essence Natural Beauty

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12hr Blush in Exposed or Essence Silky Touch Blush in Natural Beauty and Clarins Rouge Hydra Nude in Nude Caramel

This is the somewhat "my lips and cheeks but better" option - neutral and natural but not too nude. I've professed my love for the Tarte and Clarins combo already here, but I thought I would throw in another option, which actually looks to be better suited. Natural Beauty is a bit more of a peachy-brown-mauve with a sheen that gives a lovely glow to the cheeks. Either of these is perfect when I want more of a 'nothing-y' cheek and lip!

L-R: Estee Lauder Fresh Plum, Soft Amethyst

Estee Lauder Tender Blusher in Fresh Plum and Signature Lipstick in Soft Amethyst
Want a fresh Autumnal duo? These are your guys. Sadly they're both discontinued - oops. Sorry! I really wish they weren't though because together they are perfect for getting the cooler, more purply-plum tones for A/W without going super dark and vampy. The blush really is pretty much the perfect accompaniment for any purple/plum/cool lip colour. 

L-R: BYS Leftmost shade, MAC Morange, Revlon Audacious, BYS Rightmost shade, Maybelline Vibrant Mandarin

BYS Blush Trio in Coral Me In (leftmost shade) and MAC Amplified lipstick in Morange

I thought I wouldn't get much wear out of the leftmost shade in this BYS trio because it is pretty much a straight up orangey-peach, but quite contrarily, depending how light-handed you are, it goes hand-in-hand with bold shades like Morange. You might think it's orange overload, but actually with a more subtle cheek it really pulls together the look.

BYS Blush Trio in Coral Me In (rightmost shade) and Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious or Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids in Vibrant Mandarin

Gee, I have a thing for corals. The blush shade is a really great coral that has the perfect mix of pink, orange and red, making a great shade to go with basically any coral. I think colour-wise it best matches Audacious, but really it looks amazing with either lippy! Again with a bold lip (and the cray pigmentation of this trio), a light hand is advised!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and perhaps took some ideas or inspiration from it! I have many more combos that I could have mentioned (like the abundance of peachy-pink blushes and lip colours), but I thought these were the most notable from my stash!

What are your favourite lip and cheek combinations? Do you like to go matchy-matchy?

The Beauty Scenario Tag

I was tagged by the amazingly awesome Sheri to do the Beauty Scenario tag! This tag was created by one of my favourite youtubers, Lily Pebbles, and basically asks you what you would do in a number of beauty related scenarios! Let's dive in!

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations and only keep one high end and one drugstore. Which do you keep?

I don't own too many foundations, and only one or two that actually suit my skintone at the moment, so both of these sort of 'won' by default - though I do love both of them! For drugstore, I would keep the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid makeup in the shade Natural Beige. Firstly, it's really hard to get here in Australia, so I would definitely want to keep it. I do really love its medium coverage, dewy/satin finish and the shade is spot on for me. I actually only own one high-end foundation being the Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation* in shade Honey Beige. I do really like this foundation, it has good medium if not slightly more coverage and a nice satin finish that lasts really well on the skin.

2. You go to an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

I would definitely ignore it completely for a number of reasons. Firstly, wouldn't it be awkward telling a complete stranger they have lipstick on their teeth in general, let alone an interview situation? Like "oh, I'm gonna have to interrupt you, you have lipstick on your teeth", I think it would be quite embarrassing for them and just plain awkies. I'd tell a friend any day but in this case, nup.

3. You're not feeling yourself and you need a pick me up lipstick. Which do you go for?

I would definitely go for a bold lipstick shade. I actually think that my lips are one of my best features, my eyes and eyelashes are not great, and I really don't have great bone structure, so I actually do feel pretty good when I put on a nice, bold lipstick to draw attention to my lips. I particularly love matte shades as I know they'll be longer lasting, and less likely to transfer onto my teeth/move around! I really like my corals/oranges and deep berry, plums. Just a couple of my faves are the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious and the Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Colour in the shade Sugar Plum Fairy.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years; how would you do your hair and makeup differently? 

Weeeeell considering I'm still in my teenage years, I wasn't sure how to answer this. I think I was pretty lucky because I only started wearing makeup after I got into beauty Youtube channels and blogs, so I did have a basic knowledge of dos and don'ts, and I don't think I looked terrible? Hopefully? I will say that I was a stinge and didn't buy a whole lot of the essentials. I used to fill in my eyebrows with black eyeliner...Eek! But the eyeliner was pretty crappy - not very pigmented or creamy, and I brushed the heck out of them with a spoolie, so I didn't have crazy black eyebrows at least! I would go back and just be like, buy an eyebrow pencil or kit bro, just do it. Oh I used to also wear the original Garnier BB Cream which was quite orange, sheer and made me quite oily. I would stop that right in its tracks!

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott cut, but they hear you wrong and give you a pixie hair cut. Do you a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your Mum crying hysterically, b) Cry in the chair and things get awkward or c) Complain to the Manager and demand a refund? 

Now, realistically, I would hopefully notice them getting too short and stop them, but I'll go with the hypothetical. I think I would be a combination of a few of the options. Considering my hair is pretty long, and they cut basically all of it off, I'd like to think that I'd be like, "What?! Umm, I asked for a shoulder length hair cut, not a Pixie cut!", and hopefully the hairdresser would react and give me a refund. I probably wouldn't get all up in their grill and demand a refund but bish cut off all my hair, I would be pissed! Knowing me though, I'd probably chicken out and go for option a, but I don't think I'd be crying hysterically. I am super shy and literally suck at asking for things. My mum would probably then come out and demand a refund lol, that's just who she is.

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which 'do it all' palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

I would definitely grab the theBalm Balm Jovi palette. It literally has every colour product in it - an amazing range of eye shadow shades and finishes, a highlighter, blush and two lip colours that you could also use on your cheeks. Also, it's super thin and travel friendly!

7. Your house has been robbed (don't worry, everyone is safe) and your beauty stash has been raided. What's the product your really hope is safe?

Basically anything that's remotely expensive or limited edition, because I probably couldn't afford to repurchase right away, or it's no longer available! I have a couple of products that I'd really, really hope were safe; the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed because these are still really hard to get here in Australia, and my friend got it for me all the way over in New York, and the Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Venetian Rose because I love the colour (it's the perfect nude-y peach) and it's a discontinued shade.

8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven't noticed, b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs?

Well certainly not c, because that's just plain rude. I would only really lend my makeup to close friends, and people I would trust with it. Also, I think that hopefully they would notice if they'd completely wrecked my product and offer to replace it anyways. Besides, they're my friend, and I think we would be on good enough terms that I could just ask them to repurchase it for me, if it was really ruined. 

That was a pretty fun and interesting tag to do, thanks Sheri for tagging me. I tag Vanessa, Jen, Nhi, Yige and Monica & Linny if you guys haven't already done it, and anyone else who would like to!

*Product was sent for consideration.

Monthly Favourites // April 2014

April was a good month this year. Majority of it was spent on school holidays and also there were a LOT of public holidays - what's not to love? I have a few new products to share, many of which are from my last collective haul. I also have a couple of random favourites which will be at the end! 

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

The newest addition to my cleanser collection and one that I'm enjoying a lot. I will definitely have a full review up of it in due time, but so far I really like it. I wouldn't exactly call it a balm cleanser because it actually doesn't really melt down into an oil (that's what I perceive a balm cleanser to do). It's more of a very thick, pasty cream cleanser. The texture takes a bit of getting used to on the skin because it's not very 'slippy', so it requires a bit more force when working it into the skin. Due to this, I feel like it's really getting in there and cleansing my skin, if that makes sense? My skin is left feeling clean but also very moisturised!

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I've been using these every night since I bought them (replacing the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightener Toner - for now) and have definitely noticed a big difference in my skin. In the 2 or so weeks I've been using them, my skin has been brighter, smoother and I've even noticed my acne scarring to be slightly lighter! I will definitely keep using these and will have a review up after I've used them for a decent while.

Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation in shade Honey Beige*

My last post was a review of this so I won't talk a lot about it. I've just found this to be an excellent all-rounder foundation. It has good medium coverage, satin-matte finish and excellent lasting power. My one qualm is that the shade I have is too pale, but I've been mixing it to make it work :)

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This little bundle of squishy goodness has been amazing for applying foundation, and my pick for when I have time and want a particularly good finish on my foundation! I have a review soon to be published, but I really do love the way this applies my foundation and finally I have tried a face sponge! Yay!

Dolly Wink Eyebrow Powder in Dark Chocolate

I know, I know - this is not a new product or a new favourite, but I've been particularly liking it this month. I slightly reshaped my brows and just plucked in a bit more of an arch, so when filled in they look a lot more structured and just better. So I guess you could say my brows have been a fave this month? But this powder is seriously amazing and looks so natural with my blacky-brown hair.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Complex

I did not expect to love this as much as I do - but I'm just in love with the colour! It is such a flattering, pale peachy-brown nude that goes with basically everything. Great formula to boot too.

Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Movie fave! Gah, this movie was AMAZING. If you guys didn't already know, I'm a huge Marvel fan (though I haven't read the comics, even though I sort of want to? But so many things to read, and not enough time! D:), and this installment was by far the most developmental to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), and just amazing. The action was choreagraphed beautifully, there were some great political/worldly issues in there, still had some classic Marvel humour, and of course who doesn't love a little Chris Evans?

Giffing!

I also learnt how to gif this month (thank you Yasmin!) and made a few edits for my tumblr, including my sidebar during the holidays. I've always wanted to learn and it's actually not as hard as it looks. I had fun giffing scenes from a few tv shows and movies and it really makes you realize how dark the lighting is in them! Recolouring them is crucial! Fun stuff giffing is. Fun stuff.

Anyways, those were my April favourites! What have you guys been loving this month?

*Product sent for consideration.

Collective Haul // April 2014

It's haul time again! Whenever I go on school holidays I tend to execute some major spending sprees, then vow to go on a ban 'til the next holidays (which succeeds mainly because I don't have the opportunity to go shopping). Regardless, here is what I've bought mainly in April, though also between now and my last haul in January. 

Nail stuff first as usual! 

Maybelline Color Show Brocades in Knitted Gold

The Brocades collection released fairly recently and I'd seen some swatches online of them and they looked so pretty but I was really only keen on this shade. I'm so glad I snagged it when I did (in Woolies of all places and it was the last one) because whenever I check out the Maybelline stand, this shade is sold out. My previous post was a NOTD featuring it so check it out if you'd like to see some swatches!

Illamasqua Speckle

Man oh man, as usual I had my eyeball out for those bargains. Illamasqua is one of the few high end brands that I actually notice clearancing their stock (I guess others send them to outlet/corporate stores and the like), so I made sure to check out their counter. Sure enough, they had all their speckle nail polishes for $5! FIVE DOLLARS! I was so excited, but managed to limit myself to just one. I wore it over the Easter break as I thought it was perfect for the occasion!

Sportsgirl Pink Icing

I can't seem to go a haul without a Sportsgirl nail polish can I? This is one I had my eye on for a while, but as usual I waited until it was on clearance. They had their 30% off further reduced so it came down to $3-ish. I'll have a NOTD up, but it's a good 'un. They have a white version out right now.

 Essence Blush Up! in 10 Heat Wave

Do you see this?! IT'S AN OMBRE BLUSH. FROM ESSENCE. AMAZE. Literally when I saw it, I couldn't make faster grabby hands. Ombre blushes are seriously fascinating, and this is reminiscent of that one from MAC and that one from Estee Lauder (you know the ones I'm talking about...maybe). Nonetheless the shade is totally up my street, and y'all know I love Essence blushes. It was on the more expensive side of Essence ($6.95) but still super affordable!

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Libido

Yup - that crazy bright red blush right there? I bought it *sheepish face*. This, like the nail polish, was on clearance - for half price ($14). Initially I scoffed at it like, "pfft I would never wear that!" and went home to promptly read some reviews of it because I couldn't get my mind off of it. Every single review was glowing. GLOWING I tell you. So I went back the next week and bought it! I'm guessing they are discontinuing this particular shade because it's probably not selling very well? I'll have a review up of it soon but trust me, it's not as scary as it looks (and might I add, a lot more orange).

Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Lipstick in Peach on the Beach

FINALLY! Gawd it feels like an eternity that I have been wanting this product! Every time I went into Priceline, this shade was sold out - even the tester had been used to it's last! I must be the last person ever to finally get this. I was so over it that I paid the rather high price of $15. I'm just glad to have it and gosh darn hope that it lives up to my expectations!

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms in Audacious and Complex

I've already reviewed these here - and I like 'em. I bought the pair for buy one get one free from Priceline.

Sportsgirl Pucker Up lip crayon in Fruit Tingle

This pencil was on sale for quite cheap (around $3) so I picked it up because I love the colour! However, it appears slightly sallow on me, and makes my teeth look a lil' yellow. I probably could have gone without it (who am I kidding? I could have done without all of this), but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it!

L'oreal Colour Riche Moisture Matte lipstick in Cherry Crush

I've also already done a review on this here, in short - it's amazing. Can you tell I was having a bit of a matte lip moment?

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

I got this mini in their mascara swap where you trade in an old mascara of any size or brand to get a free mini. It's still going on until May! I'm super excited to try out this crazy popular formula but won't open it until I finish my current mascara.

Skincare bits!

Puretopia Refresh & Balance Facial Mist & Toner

I picked this up on account of Sarah's good words about it, and my need for a new morning time toner. It was also on sale at Priceline for around $10 which pushed me over the edge to purchase it!

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

I was in pretty desperate need of a new spot treatment as I'm coming near the end of my Lush Grease Lightning which I really wasn't a fan of anyway. I was completely stumped as to what to buy, and ended up going with this one as it's basically the be all end all of spot treatments, and one of the only to solely target cystic acne - which the majority of my pimples are. I decided not to faff with the cheaper ones and just go for the top! I've already tried a sample and I was quite satisfied with the results!

Lush Ultrabland facial cleanser

I decided to pick this guy up as I'm actually speeding through my current cleanser and I wanted to get a new cleanser before the end of the holidays. I've heard some pretty great things about this one, and the Lush girl talked it up HEAPS. I also really wanted to try a Balm Cleanser, if this can be classified as one. It was quite expensive at $17.95 for the 45g tub, so hopefully I don't use it up too quickly.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I stumbled across this lil' tub at David Jones on clearance for $11! I was mad excited as recently I've been hearing raves about the brand, and though I hadn't heard a ton about this particular product (just that Meghan really likes them), it sounded like I would really like them. I'll have a full review up on it but they are basically toning pads that help exfoliate and brighten the skin! Just what I need amirite?

L'oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 hair mask

I was in need of a new hair mask as I've basically finished my current one. I'm not too fussy when it comes to hair masks and basically take whatever I can get. I have heard really good things about the L'oreal ones so I bought this one despite not reading any reviews or it not being on sale. Hopefully it works out!

Smart Skin Moisturising Facial Cleansing Wipes

Needed new face wipes and I decided to switch to these as I was starting to find the Beauty Care Co ones to be a tad dry. I'm quite liking these - they're very moist and remove most of my makeup. They're the same price ($2) and can be bought at Woolworths.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Miracle Complexion Sponge and Travel Essentials set (not pictured)

I made an iHerb order with my sister and bought a few Real Techniques goodies I've been wanting for a while. I've already reviewed the travel trio, and other reviews are in the works. I haven't included the sponge or the other brushes because they're quite dirty at the moment!

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads

I purchased these guys because they're still the cheapest I've found! $2 for 200.

I now have a few jewellery picks that I bought, and thought hey why not feature them?

Lovisa two gold necklaces and gold rings

Lovisa was having 3 for 2 and I wanted to pick up some things - I was mainly inspired by a few pieces some of my fave UK youtubers have been wearing. I thought these pieces were pretty nice, and I've actually gotten a ton of wear out of them these past holidays!

Sportsgirl Star sign necklace

This guy was on sale for only $2 and it was the last Taurus one left! I really like how dainty it is and just thought it was a cute necklace.

Phew! That was a long post - as basically all of my haul posts are! I hope you enjoyed reading about what I've been blowing my money on! 

Matteburst

Aah yes, I'm to contribute to the onslaught of Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm reviews, but what can I say, I really would like to share my thoughts on these! As soon as they were announced, there has been much hype surrounding them and they were just recently released here in Australia where I bought a couple during a buy one get one free sale. Revlon also brought out a range of Lacquer Balms which contain chunky shimmer - an element I am not a fan of - besides, the Matte Balms are where it's at!

Complex, Audacious

Like basically all other crayon type lip products out there now, these are housed in a twist-up packaging with a matte exterior matching the colour of the product within.

The last lip product I reviewed (a L'oreal Colour Riche Moisture Matte lipstick) was based on the similar premise of a non-drying matte lipstick, so naturally I'll be drawing a few comparisons. The texture of these Matte Balms is creamy and almost balmy feeling (as the name would suggest) but without the slip (obvs) and providing a velvet, soft matte finish that isn't chalky or dry looking. Their texture is very similar to the L'oreal, also being quite airy and light feeling on the lips. One difference between the two is that I'd say the Revlon catches on dry areas the slightest bit more. Don't get me wrong though, for a matte lip product, it's excellent at not accentuating dry patches or looking dry on the lips. I've heard people say they find the Matte Balms hydrating, which I wouldn't particularly agree with. After four hours of wear, I find my lips to feel and look a bit dryer than when I first applied, and a few dry flakies/patches start to appear, and a little more accentuation of lines. It's not badly drying and it's definitely still comfortable, but just a little harder to reapply straight on top. I find the L'oreal doesn't dry out my lips at all. The pigmentation of these balms is very good - you can get full blown opacity within a few strokes.I find lasting power can be upward of four hours depending if you are eating. The product does wear away in the centre of the lips and depending how bright the colour, it can look obvious. The brighter colour I have (Audacious) does stain slightly but nothing impactful.

Eek! My face looks quite pale in these photos... These lip swatches were done on pre-exfoliated lips.

Audacious is a bright orange toned coral that was the definite must have for me out of the range. It is super bold but still very wearable and can look more orange or more coral depending on the lighting. I'd say it's somewhere between MAC Morange and Maybelline Vibrant Mandarin. It's a stunner of a shade and I think it will be lovely for Summer!

Complex is a light peachy-brown nude shade which I first heard raves about from Suzie and Anna. I initially dismissed it because nudes are notoriously horrible on me, but the more I stared at the swatch on my hand, the more I fell in love and decided to risk it and take it home with me (it was basically free anyway...)! I'm so glad I did though because this is probably the most flattering nude-nude (for me) on me. Because it is very much warm and peach-toned, and not pink, it doesn't clash with my skintone or make me look dead, but is a shade I can wear with heavy or light makeup. As you can see though, this lighter shade does accentuate dry patches a bit more than Audacious, and has a slightly shorter lasting power but isn't too obvious when it wears off.

I absolutely love the shades I picked up, and their formulas are in general lovely for a matte lipstick - a finish typically associated with dry and chalky looking lips. While I do like these, I would say I prefer the L'oreal option more, but they are very similar. The Revlon Matte Balms retail for AUD$17.95.

What are your thoughts on these matte lippies?