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.

Liquid Perfection?

Hello friendlies! Recently I was sent a few Arbonne products to review, one of which was a foundation. I've already reviewed a couple of their products here, and have one more in the pipeline. The foundation I'm reviewing today is the Arbonne Perfecting Liquid foundation*. I was quite excited to receive this as I've heard pretty good things about it, and it's been a while since I'd tried a new foundation!

The foundation is packaged in a nice sturdy, plastic bottle with a very nice pump that doesn't get too grubby due to its nozzle (handy!). I actually like that the bottle is plastic because it's not too heavy nor will it crack/break if you drop it. The way the foundation is dispensed is through one of those plastic pusher-uppers (clearly not in with the lingo) which is good because it means you get all the foundation out and there isn't any left hanging out on the sides!

Onto the formula! On the scale of liquid foundations, the Perfecting Liquid foundation* has a thicker, more creamy liquid consistency - one that doesn't easily go running all willy nilly. It still blends very easily with a brush and especially with fingers, or my latest love - a sponge. The coverage is a good medium and slightly buildable, though I find it can tend to look slightly heavy when built up, especially if it's not blended well into the skin. I find I like one layer with a tad more over particular problem areas and that's just about the most coverage I really want. It's finish is definitely satin-matte, where it's definitely not matte or dry looking, but it also isn't really dewy at all. I actually really like the finish because it looks quite 'normal' and skinlike. I was actually most impressed with the wear time and longevity of this foundation. I found it lasted a good eight hours without getting oily (set with a powder, of course - but no primer). After a while, I do get a wee bit shiny on the nose (as I typically do) but in my other 'shiny' areas like the forehead, I was actually looking pretty good, with only the slightest 'healthy glow' coming through. I also found the foundation didn't break up or wear off weirdly at all.

The shade I have called Honey Beige is actually one or two shades too pale for me. I did get away with wearing it alone once but I had to heavily bronze up my face, even then I still looked a tad ghostly. I have since been mixing it in with my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in True Nude which is my darkest foundation. Their textures are quite similar, but their finishes differ. Wake Me Up is quite a bit more glowy, so a mix of the two is really nice and gives a healthy skin finish. Although it's too pale, because it's quite yellow toned I can work with it. Perhaps if/when I lighten up during this coming winter (WINTER IS COMING) I'll be able to use it alone, however mixing it has been quite good as I actually get some use out of that Rimmel foundation!

All in all, I think this really is an amazing all rounder foundation that I think would suit many skin types - and a foundation that I really cannot fault. I actually think it's worth the rather steep price tag of AUD$56, and is definitely a foundation I recommend if it's within your price range.

*Product was 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! 

NOTD // With Golden Needles

Time to share my monthly mani with you all! Today features a polish that I've been wanting for a while but was only released in Australia recently. It is the Maybelline Color Show Brocades collection that I believe was released around the holiday season in the US? Today I'm sharing my pick from the collection; Knitted Gold.

In sunlight

In shade

The polishes in the Brocades collection are basically shimmery/metallic polishes with glitter particles within them - aka shiny overload. They are certainly blingy nails combining two of the most metallic polish components. I can see why this was targeted as a holiday collection! I also imagine it would be extremely hard to remove which is why I used my Essence Peel off basecoat first. I do NOT want to deal with that bish of a removal. Knitted Gold has a champagne golden base with light pinky-gold glitters of varying sizes. The result is very shiny and blingy even to the point of too much on all ten nails! I think in future I'll wear this polish as either an accent nail, or a glitter gradient over a similar metallic polish. Don't get me wrong though - the effect is gorgeous and would be so pretty for a special event or the like, but for day to day wear for the average gal I think it's a bit overkill. Knitted Gold was the only shade that really jumped out at me because I thought it looked the most 'classy'? Or the most fancy I guess - the other shades are more colourful like bright green or red which I'm not sure was really to my taste. There was a deep blue shade that I think would've looked absolutely stunning!

The formula was very good and you got heaps of glitters on the brush. I used two coats, and that was mainly to build up the metallic base which isn't opaque in the first coat, or even the second as you can see in the sunlit photos, but it looks fine in the shade. Speaking of, as you can tell the polish appears slightly different depending on the lighting. In full sunlight the glitters are definitely more apparent, where in the shade I think it's a lot prettier as it's more pulled together on the nail.

If you're in the mood for a shiny, blingy nail I definitely recommend these Brocades nail polishes. They retail for AUD$5.95 each and I believe are limited edition, so grab them while you can! Have you tried any of them?

Autumnal with Arbonne

Arbonne is a brand I've been interested by recently as I'd seen it popping up on quite a few beauty blogs I follow, and gaining quite a number of glowing reviews! I'd never taken the step to ordering any of their products because a) they are on the higher end of things and b) they are online or via consultant only which I wasn't the hugest fan of, especially for the amount of money they cost. However, when Arbonne offered to send me some products to try, I was absolutely ecstatic! With the coming cooler months and its associating trends, these are a couple of products I was sent.

First up is their eye shadow in the shade Cabernet*. The packaging of their shadows is very nice, a sleek black plastic compact with a clear window through which you can clearly see the shade inside. While the packaging isn't the most luxe, or reflective of its price - it is very functional with a easy-to-open clasp that snaps shut securely.

The formula is lovely and a pleasure to use. The shadow is soft, but not so much that it kicks up a lot of powder, or causes a lot of fallout.The pigmentation of this shade is actually medium in my opinion. Due to Cabernet's dark colour, I was expecting full blown pigment but actually it's quite light and more of a formula you build to your desired opacity. In that sense, I quite enjoy it because it makes the shadow a bit easier to use and in a multitude of different ways, such as a smokey eye or a soft crease shade. In saying that, this wasn't that amazing to blend - it did blend well however it took a tad more effort as the shade sort of stuck where it was applied. This could be down to the primer I used though, but ultimately it did blend pretty seamlessly.

In the pan, Cabernet appears to be a shimmery, deep plummy purple. However, when swatched - what I'm guessing is - the brown base comes through a lot more. It therefore takes on more of a deep warm brown, with a plummy tinge. It is also less shimmery and more of a satin-matte with minimal shimmer and more of a slight purple/silver sheen.

Eyeshadow in Cabernet, Lipstick in Jam

Arbonne's Lipstick in the shade Jam* is cased in a very thin and long square tube.The tube has a decent weight to it and the lid closes pretty securely. The lipstick bullet itself is also very skinny making it very easy to get a precise and even coverage, despite it not having a pointed tip.

For the most part, I agree with their description of the formula provided on the box and website. It does glide on very well and has quite a thin balmy texture with a slight shine. It's pigmentation is not completely opaque though, so I don't agree with the 'full coverage' claim. It is very pigmented however still retains the slightest translucency. Don't get me wrong though, the lipstick is certainly buildable and you can get impactful colour from it. I also wouldn't agree that it 'intensely' hydrates the lips. Because of its balmy texture, it isn't at all drying, and could be considered hydrating but definitely not to an 'intense' extent. The longevity is pretty good. The sheen wears down rather quickly but this particular shade does stain the lips slightly meaning you could probably go without reapplication if you wanted - even after light eating. 

Jam is on the deeper side of things, being a berry toned red. It is very wearable and because of its rather buildable pigmentation, you can wear it sheerly or as a somewhat bold lip. Either way, it very much fits in with the Autumnal trend of a deeper berry lip. In the swatch below I'd say I've applied it to a medium pigmentation.

I've been thoroughly enjoying these two products and they'll both be getting a lot of use these coming cooler seasons. I'm not sure however that they are worth the rather hefty price tags (AUD$27 for the eyeshadow and $37 for the lipstick) but they certainly are lovely products that I do recommend.

* Products were sent for consideration.