Collective Haul | Birthday and Bits & Bobs

Howdy! So on Saturday, it was my birthday! I thought I would do a bit of a haul on the things I bought with my birthday money. I also bought a few other things that I didn't necessarily use my bday money for, but were essentials! That's my excuse anyway...haha.

So, I've pretty much gotten all of what was on my first wishlist (all the things I really wanted at least) and the thing I was most excited about were the Real Techniques brushes!!! It was actually perfect when iHerb had their 20% off sale on the brushes, which made them even cheaper (along with a discount code)!! In my opinion that is a totally awesome bargain, keeping in mind iHerb sells the brushes at American RRP where Priceline sells them for more than double that! 

I bought the;

Core Collection (includes the Buffing Brush!) for $14.39 (full price $18).

Starter Set for $14.39 (full price $18)

Stippling Brush for $7.99 (full price $9.99)

Blush brush for $7.19 (full price $8.99)

I also picked up the Queen Helen Mint Julep Masque for $3.84, which is crazy cheap for the amount you get. I've heard really good things about this.

So with a $10 off code, it all came to a mere $41.80. Crazy!

You can use my discount code TKZ374 (First orders only) for $5 off or $10 off if you spend more than $40.

Kmart is quickly becoming my favourite store (lol, but seriously.) as lately it has been having really good sales and their stuff is so cheap. Across the board; clothes, shoes, candles, other essential shiz. CHEAP.

Anyway, I picked up three of the Face of Australia Glitterati polishes as they were having $4 off FOA, these worked out to be 75c (like I said, CHEAP)! I got Studio 54, Dancing Queen and Lookin' for some hot stuff. Sadly these were the only shades in stock, I'm still looking out for the milky ones!

I bought the Beauty Care Co Makeup remover pads and green tea facial wipes. Both were $2 each. Firstly, how cheap is that! You get 200 pads for $2! I usually get the Woolies ones (80 pack for $3) but no more!

Kmart also had a sale on some lippies for $5 each. I picked up the Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in the shade Salsa.

One more thing that I picked up from Priceline, the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Camellia Perfume. It was $15 for 100mL, pretty cheap. A spur of the moment purchase, but I really like the scent!

I went to Daiso which recently opened up in the Myer Centre, Queen St Mall. I was super excited as I've already been to one in Hong Kong and I had a blast! Everything was $2.80. I didn't go crazy at all and definitely could've bought more. Sadly though the Makeup Sponge detergent was sold out which is what I really wanted. They literally have everything, sweets, drinks, storage pieces, crockery and some cosmetics and skincare, and MOAR.

I picked up a sheet mask because I've really wanted to try one! I got the Collagen one (not that I really need it) but I'm hoping it will provide some moisture to my skin. My friend who was with me bought the Q10 one so we swapped so we could try both (you get 3 in a pack)!

More skincare bits:

I managed to buy the Origins Clear Improvement mask which was on my wishlist for $34 from Kit Cosmetics. I also grabbed a sample of the Drink Up Intensive mask (to which the SA was quite sour about...). Sadly at both Kit and Mecca, they didn't have the Soap & Glory cleanser that I wanted. Hurmph, I'll have to go online then.

Another thing to cross off my wishlist is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo which I'm super excited to get using! I bought mine from Terry White Chemists for $25.95. Not every store stocks LRP so you can find a local stockist here.

Lastly is a freebie which arrived just in time for my birthday! You can get this little Neutrogena sample pack for free as they are celebrating 50 years. As at the writing of this post, it is still available here. Simply follow the gift app directions and you'll be on your way!

So those were my self-gifted gifts for my self, haha. I also did get some other things from my sisters (Blackmilk leggings!) but I seriously need to go on a spending ban now!

Empties #1

Hi guys! So today I have my very first empties post! I've been collecting these empties since before I even started blogging! It takes me ages to finish products so don't expect another one of these posts for a good long while! I actually have quite a few products to talk about so I'll try to keep it brief!

First up, I have a few hair bits:

Kerastase Nutritive Thermo-reactive intensive nutrition shampoo:

I really liked this shampoo! I found it really moisturising but not to the point where it made my scalp oily. Sometimes my scalp gets a bit itchy and I found that this was nicely moisturising that I didn't experience that itchiness much. I've also tried the conditioner from this range which I really liked.

Repurchase? Maybe in the future, but I try different shampoos all the time!

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisture & Shine conditioner:

I have used this range of shampoo and conditioner a few times (by times, I mean bottles worth) and while I liked it, it didn't do much. It's targeted for dry/damaged hair but I didn't find it particularly moisturising. It's pretty average in my opinion.

Repurchase? No, like I said, I like to try different ones.

Moroccan Oil:

I really enjoy using hair oils but I find they all pretty much do the same thing. It was nice and moisturised my hair, made it feel soft and look shiny. This one was noticeably thicker in consistency though, so it may weigh down finer hair. It smelled really nice and this sample lasted me quite a while.

Repurchase? Maybe in the future, though I have a couple of hair oils on the go currently.

Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Oil Miracle Gold Shimmer Treatment:

This was a plain hair mask but it was actually shimmery, which was a bit weird but the shimmers didn't stay, they rinsed out as normal. This was pretty typical, it made my hair soft and shiny, but nothing that really wowed me and it didn't help much with damage or preventing it.

Repurchase? No, If you have any good and cheap hair mask recommendations, let me know!

For skincare:

Coles 4in1 Cleansing Wipes:

These claim to do a multitude of things but I didn't find that it lived up to those claims. The wipes themselves weren't super moist, and the actual towlettes were actually kind of scratchy. They removed makeup fine but waterproof mascara took time and effort. They left my skin feeling slightly dry.

Repurchase? No

Simple Refreshing Facial wash gel:

This was a pretty simple (hah) cleanser, pretty basic. Good if you have clear or sensitive skin, but it really doesn't do much. I used it in the morning to get rid of the oils and grime from overnight, and it did a decent job. This was just a travel size though it lasted me ages.

Repurchase? No, I've actually got another travel size of this that I'm yet to use but I wont purchase after finishing that one.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist:

This was just a sample size but it lasted me pretty well and I got a good idea of whether I liked it - which I do! Really moisturising but still very light on the skin. I just really like it!

Repurchase? I would definitely consider purchasing though it is expensive, I really want to try some cheaper alternatives.

Clinique Anti-blemish solutions spot treatment gel:

I had a smaller size of this though I found it lasted me a long long time. Overall, I wasn't a fan. It worked in the first two weeks or so, but then I just found it quite alcohol-y and didn't really get rid of pimples very well.

Repurchase? No

EOS Summer fruit lip sphere:

I enjoyed this, probably my favourite scent out of the ones I tried. I like it because it is thin in texture, therefore nice under lipsticks. But it is still nicely moisturising. I got all the product out by 'depotting' it. Stick a knife in the line next to the rim and it should pop out.

Repurchase? I've still got a few of them on hand, but I probably would in the future once I run out of them all.

MOR Lip macaron in Peach Nectar:

This lasted me a whole year! I use it every night and I find it thick and moisturises well, I can still feel it the next morning. As you can see, I've put the excess EOS lip sphere in here so technically that one isn't completely finished but whatevs. 

Repurchase? Probably not, I've actually got two more of these since I bought it in a three pack so I have heaps more to go through.

The Body shop Body Butter:

I'm kind of 'eh' on this product. It was super thick and even maybe hard to spread? But I didn't even feel it was that moisturising for how heavy it was.

Repurchase? No

The Body Shop Shower Gel in cherry Blossom:

A shower gel. I find they all do the same thing. I liked the scent, pretty subtle and floral. I don't generally use shower gel, I really like the Dove beauty bars. I received this as a gift so I took it travelling and what not.

Repurchase? No

Onto the Miscellaneous:

Kmart candles in Comforting Vanilla & Jasmine and Fig & Papaya:

I talked about the scents here so I won't waste my breath (or finger muscles?). I will say that I emptied out the wax using the freezer method. Simply put them in the freezer for a couple of hours and pry out the wax using a knife. It should pop out pretty easily.

Repurchase? Definitely, my two favourite scents from the range.

Oral B Satin Floss:

Hmm, I don't really know why I included this? Haha, didn't really like it though. It was kind of like tape? So too thick for my liking.

Repurchase? No

Blink Eye drops:

My eyes get pretty dry and red at times, this one did the job.

Repurchase? Probably

Whowheeee, that was a looooong post. If you stuck it out till the end, good job! Haha, well I probably won't have another of these posts for ages so enjoy it!

Wishlist #2 | Skincare Splurge

Hello! Today I have another wishlist post, pertaining more to skincare. I am actually quite content with my makeup collection (of course, there's always room for more) but I find what needs a huge overhaul is my skincare routine. These are the products that I've really been lusting for. They are more on the pricey side as I've used 'drugstore' skincare products for a long time and I feel like a more luxurious change!

1. Origins Drink Up Intensive

I've heard a lot of good things about this mask and sometimes I really feel like my skin needs an extra boost of moisture. This isn't high on my 'priority' list but I definitely want to pick this up sometime.

2. Origins Clear Improvement

I've already sampled this mask and with my few uses, I already know I love it! It really cleans out the skin and draws out impurities, so I am eager to pick up the full size!

3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

This has gotten some serious rave reviews in helping clear up skin. I suffer from acne-prone skin and I have a few really stubborn bumps that refuse to go! So I'm really hoping that this will help.

4. Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

I first heard about this from Emma and since have read many rave reviews! I'm pretty sick of my current cleanser, it doesn't seem to really benefit my skin very much so I'm hoping that this one will!

5. Dermalogica Microfoliant

This is probably the brand's most popular product and while I don't think I'll be grabbing it any time soon, it has definitely earned it's place on my all-time wishlist! I feel like my current exfoliators couldn't hold a candle to this one! 

Hopefully some of these will feature in a haul sometime! What luxury skincare products are on your wishlists?

Intergalactic Gloss

Hey guys! So today I am reviewing the ever hyped up Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers! I was going to buy these instore when they arrived but I couldn't resist when I was on ASOS ordering my semi-formal dress...

Anyhoo, I picked up two shades; 101 Celestial and 501 Stellar. Celestial had actually been out of stock but I was browsing and it came back in stock just long enough for me to reserve it in my cart! Lucky! 

I really love the packaging of these, they are housed in plastic tubes and on the bottom it fades from black to clear so you can see the colour inside. I really like the top of the tube which is like a crystal shard or something, very space-y.

Stellar is a really bright and bold pink. It is very warm and almost borders on a coral-tinged pink.

Celestial is a pinky-brown mauve shade, perfect for daily, MLBB (My Lips But Better) wear.

They come with doe-foot sponge applicators. I really like these applicators. They have a dip in the centre which pools the product so you have enough for the entirety of your lips and don't have to keep dipping in for more. They are also quite flexible, so they move and adjust to your lips, making application quite pleasant. They are also pointed so it is very easy to get precise application. Who knew you could write so much about a bit of sponge?

On to the formula, they are called lip lacquers, so to my interpretation they are liquid lipsticks, though I have heard them called very pigmented lip glosses. In my opinion, when I think of a gloss, it still has a slight translucency to it (even if it is very pigmented) and to me the Apocalips are very opaque. They are glossy but not to the extent of a lip gloss, which to me would be much more glossy. I would say they are maybe a bit glossier than a glossy lipstick. But as I said, the pigmentation of these are amazing! The texture is really nice and lightweight. Not sticky at all which is awesome! They remind me a lot of the Lancome L'absolu Creme de Brilliance lipglosses in terms of their lightweight, non sticky feel.

In terms of how they wear, I have heard that they are not as long wearing but I would tend to disagree. I wore Stellar for a good 5 hours, albeit I didn't eat or drink much. What I find that I dislike is the way they wear. They lose their glossiness after about 3 or so hours (these timings aren't super accurate) and begin to settle into the lip's lines and dry, flaky bits which it didn't accentuate upon initial application. Despite this, I found the colour stayed pretty well, though they didn't stain the lips very much. It was very easy to wipe away with a tissue.

These are scented, and I've heard a lot of people dislike the scent, though I actually like it! They smell pretty much the same as the Spring Kate Moss lipsticks which I think smell like grape hubba bubba. Artificial, sweet and fruity.

So overall, I'm a fan! I like their texture, pigmentation and I think they last pretty well. I would probably only have to touch them up once during the day, which is not a problem for me. I probably won't pick up any more as I've pretty much covered my bases with a nude and a bright. You can currently pick these up off of ASOS for $7.16 for 5.5mL of product.

Have you guys tried these? What are your thoughts?

Monthly Favourites | April 2013

Hey guys, it's time for my April Favourites! I am just baffled that we are already almost halfway through the year - where did it go?! Anyways, these are the products I've been using throughout the month.

For the makeup bits:

For base, I've been absolutely loving the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation. I picked this up off of Ozsale and have been using it for the past 2-3 weeks. I just love the finish, texture and coverage of this product! It's a dream to blend and looks so natural on the skin. I'll have a full review up soon though!

For blush, I've been using the Essence Home Sweet Home blush in the shade 02 Wool-d you cuddle me which I have a review on here. It's a really pretty peachy-pink shade that looks really nice and natural on the cheeks and imparts a beautiful glow. I find it also lasts a really long time too!

On my lips has been the L'oreal Nutri-Shine lipstick in the shade Pink Nude which I have a review on here. Awesome, super flattering peach-pink-nude shade. Love.

For mascara I've been using the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus which was actually in my January Favourites also (review here), while I've been using it throughout the months between, I've just been gravitating towards it a lot this month. It keeps my curl and looks wonderfully natural which is just my cup of tea!

Eyeshadow wise, gotta give it to the Maybelline Color Tattoo in the shade Bad to the Bronze which I've also reviewed here. I don't often wear eyeshadow day to day, on weekends if I want to though, this has generally been my pick! So easy to slick on, beautiful shade to boot! Though it does crease on me, so a primer is needed underneath.

For some sort of 'skincare' bits:

As the aforementioned mascara is waterproof, to remove it I love Lancome Bi-Facil. This is an awesome eye makeup remover that removes waterproof mascara really easily, I just soak a cotton pad and hold in over for 30 seconds, wipe it away a couple times and ta-da! I only have a mini and probably won't purchase as it is quite exxy, but a lovely product!

Lately, I've been really getting into face masks and absolutely adore what they do for my skin. This month I've been loving the Origins Clear Improvement mask which is a white clay and active charcoal mask that really cleans out those pores. It makes my skin feel super clean and fresh and helps bring acne to the surface, and I've found it's helped with it in general. I've used this sample size 3 times and am itching to pick up the full size!

I've been using the Trilogy Rosehip Oil for a few months but particularly this month I've been loving it. Especially after face masks, I find it really helps inject some moisture back into my skin and brightens and smooths a bit too. I just use 2-3 drops and press it into my face and it works a treat!

So those were my favourites, some old and some new!

What have been you guys' faves this month?