October & November Favourites

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog which has definitely not been ideal for me. I've been struggling with my health and after spending three weeks in hospital It's taken me another month just to get back into the hang of everyday life. I hope to do a more in depth post later on, or even starting another blog to document my experience of struggling with mental illness.

As we get closer to the end of the year, I have a new goal of posting every day in December! There are lots of things to be excited for (it's my birthday tomorrow!!) and I'm really happy to be diving head first into my writing again, and of course sharing my love of beauty with you.

I thought to best way to start off would be to take you through both my beauty and non-beauty favourites from the last couple of months!

Beauty

Two of my most recent beauty favourites are both new finds for my base - and are definitely on the other ends of the spectrum when it comes to coverage. Firstly, is the Super BB Cream by ChiChi ($22.95). I've heard a lot of reviews impressed with this BB cream's coverage but to be honest I find it to be pretty similar to other light coverage products on the market. The reason I've been reaching for this a lot is that it lasts SO LONG! In this Australian heat, a long wearing base is essential for any makeup look and this will last all day when set with a little bit of powder. Such a fantastic everyday base and is also great value as you get 50mL.

My other favourite is another base product, again in the drugstore price range. I picked up the Australis Full on Foundation ($12.95) in the recent Priceline 40% off sale and I have been very impressed. This foundation, marketed as "heavy coverage" is so easy to apply, blend and covers imperfections flawlessly. I swiped the product straight onto my face and then blended out with a fluffy brush and that was it! I have tried Australis face products before and they really did not work for me so I was pleasantly surprised, especially as the shade 'Nude' was the perfect shade for me. Another great affordable foundation!

My final two favourites also fall into the same category - nails! I've been really enjoying painting my nails as a little motivation to grow them out after my anxiety resulted in the total destruction of my nails. My favourite nail treatment is the Ultra Strong Nail Hardener by Essence ($4.10) and I was so excited to see that it was back in Essence stands as part of their Australian range. I always use this as a base coat and it keeps my nails nice and strong as well as preventing staining. Essence is available at Target and in Priceline.

Finally, after lots of trial and error, I have finally found my perfect top coat and my no.1 essential for doing manicures at home. The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat ($15.45) ticks all the boxes: fast drying, glossy gel-like finish and makes a huge difference in extending the life of your manicure. Whilst I do think it's a little pricey, I always stock up at either Chemist Warehouse or Priceline when they have their big sales as I do go through this quickly!

Non-Beauty

Having some extra time on my hands meant I have been able to spend some more time exploring Youtube. I have been particularly loving watching daily vlogs and a few favourites include Zoella and Lindsey from BeautyBaby44. 

My favourite beauty guru of the moment is the incredible Tati of GlamLifeGuru. She is just amazing, posts videos five times a week and gives amazing tips and reviews. She is currently planning her wedding and has started a 'Wedding Wednesday' series including little vlogs of all the wedding craziness!

I've also been obsessed with the Divergent trilogy and can hardly put them down! They are a great easy read and a must if you have enjoyed the Hunger Games series.

And finally, I hate to admit it but I have been slightly addicted to the new Candy Crush Soda Saga app. I'm really terrible at computer games at general but really like those type of puzzle games. I hate how it drains the battery on my phone though! 

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I hope you all enjoy my presence back in the online beauty world and I am very excited to be back! One of my favourite beauty bloggers' Sarah from More Than Adored is hosting another photo challenge on instagram which I will also be taking part of every day in December so don't forget to follow me there and definitely get involved too!

                                  

Happy 1st Day of Summer! 

xx Catherine

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My 'Go-To' Lip

It's crazy to think that only a year ago I owned one lipstick (and went through my mum's collection whenever I needed a red!). Now with a collection of close to 70 lipsticks, lip glosses and liquid lipsticks (oops!) I still pull out that first lipstick I owned whenever I'm stuck for what to wear.

Preppy by Australis is part of their Go Long Longwear lipstick range and is a mauve-pink nude with a matte finish. I remember buying this shade because of the name but it is and absolutely gorgeous nude shade for my skin tone making it my go-to lipstick for everyday.

I also love layering the NYX Butter gloss in Creme Brulee on top when wearing Preppy at night for an extra glam look and creating the perfect nude lip for a smokey eye.

Australis is available from Priceline, KMart and Big W. The Go Long Longwear lipstick range retails for $12.95.

NYX is available at Target and the Buttergloss range retails for $9.95. I'm not 100% sure if Creme Brulee is a shade available in Australia, but you can also purchase NYX online from crushcosmetics.com, beautyjoint.com and cherryculture.com.

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*NEW* Australis Velour Lips

I've been following new beauty releases for about a year now and I remember one of the very first products I got super excited about was the Australis Velour Lips. For a drugstore brand, Australis did an awesome job at pushing these out into the market just as the liquid matte lipstick trend was skyrocketing and when they were first released it was almost impossible to find any in stock. In the last month Australis has released another five shades to Velour Lips range, this time the shades are more muted and wearable but still just as pigmented and long lasting. I own 4 out of the 10 shades available, 2 from the original collection and 2 from the new release shades.

L-R: PAR-EE, TOK-I-O, LUN-DUN, MI-A-MEE

While the formula itself does dry down VERY matte and tend to be super drying on the lips, I find applying a layer of lip balm first makes a huge difference to how comfortable these feel on the lips and doesn't jeopardise the pigmentation or wear. However, I do find because they do dry so matte, applying more than two layers can make the product go clumpy and ball up. This isn't much of a problem with most shades as they are very pigmented, however, I did have problems with TOK-I-O, which was the least pigmented and most patchy of the bunch. This shade in particular didn't last as long especially when eating or drinking which was not a problem with the other shades.

PAR-EE 

TOK-I-O

LUN-DUN

MI-A-MEE

For only $9.95 I definitely recommend the Australis Velour Lips - they are amazing value for money. I have been trying these out over the last week and have gotten compliments every time I've worn them!

Wearing MI-A-MEE

Australis is available from Priceline, KMart and Big W. The Velour Lips range is $9.95.

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Update & Favourite Autumn Trends

Last week at uni can only be described as the week from hell. With the end of semester comes so many assignments and to say I'm stressed out would be the biggest understatement of the year. But that's all the boring stuff... I've had some really exciting things happening beauty wise and in relation to my blog so I cannot wait to share these exciting things with you all...(maybe even a completely new makeup storage!!)

Today I really wanted to write about some of my favourite trends from Autumn as we end into winter in only a couple of weeks. Enjoy my top 5 Autumn trends which I will totally be wearing into winter as well !

1// Matte Lips

To be honest sometimes I can be a little lazy with my makeup, especially when I have to get to uni for a 9am class. This usually means basics - foundation, powder, a little bit of blush, mascara and of course lipstick. And if I'm going to be at uni all day I really don't want to have to worry about touch ups AT ALL. That's why I've been loving these matte lipsticks, put them on in the morning and they are going to stay on all day between eating and drinking and running around campus. I've especially been loving my new lipsticks from Shanghai Suzy and of course my ultimate favourite nude is Australis Go Long Lipstick in Preppy. For Autumn I've been mixing it up between bright berry/pink shades, my go-to nude pink or a peachy coral.

2// Cream Blushes and Cheek Stains

Because I prefer a matte base, I always like to add a little extra glow to my cheeks with a cream blush. I love that subtle pop of colour that gives the impression of watercolours or flower petals floating in water. I mentioned the Sportsgirl cream blush I'm loving in my last weekly beauty edit and my other favourites are the Stila Convertible Colour in Lillium and the Benefit Lollitint which I love on my lips as well.

3// 'Lit From Within'

Continuing the glowing cheeks theme I have absolutely been obsessed with highlighting, again particularly with liquid products. The Australis Mineral Highlighter in Pearl is so gorgeous, if you don't have this in your collection you definitely need to get on it ASAP! Super affordable and so beautiful.

4// Sculpted Cheeks

I've really been getting onto the contour bandwagon especially since I've got the hang of my Real Techniques contour brush. For an everyday contour (if I have the time) I love using the NYX blush in Taupe which is fabulous for creating a really natural shadow effect. For night time looks I can't go past my favourite bronzer, Hoola by Benefit. Combined with MAC blush in Melba and topped off with the Australis highlight is my ultimate go to 'dressed up' look. Check it out in my FOTD here.

5// False Lashes

Ever since I've figured out how to apply false lashes I can't get enough! I'm obsessed with long flirty lashes, corner lash accents and really full ones to add volume as well. Since i've always lacked a little bit in the lash department all my greatest lash dreams have come true. I can definitely see myself adding lashes to my looks all throughout winter.

I hope you enjoyed this post, hopefully things will get back to normal this week and here's a little sneak peek at my new makeup storage (eeek!!) - I'll be doing a makeup collection post in the very near future.

Have a beautiful week!

xx Catherine

FOTD: Arctic Monkeys Concert

Last week I went to see my favourite band live, The Arctic Monkeys. My outfit was pretty standard - band shirt and denim jacket, so I thought I would do something really exciting with my makeup. Something about this event screamed a red lip to me, so I paired a classic red lip with a winged liner and long lashes. Read on to see how I got this look!

Monthly Roundup: April

After a failed attempt at filming a favourites video at the end of March I have so many favourites to share with you this month! I've been trying lots of new products and this month's roundup will include some little reviews.

// Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Such a fantastic affordable concealer. It is really creamy, easily blended out and provides great coverage under the eyes or over blemishes. I've been reaching for this everyday and much more than my high end concealers so it makes it into my favourites this month! Maybelline is almost always on sale at either Priceline or Target so you can definitely get this at a great price but normally retails for $14.95.

// NYX Love in Paris palette in 'Madeleines and Macarons'

I don't think I've used any other eyeshadow palette this month! This palette from NYX is absolutely gorgeous and had really beautiful matte and shimmery neutral shades. Whilst the shadows themselves aren't the most pigmented I've ever tried, they definitely blend well, have minimal fallout and are not chalky at all. They have a fantastic staying power that is even better with a primer underneath. Overall I think this is an amazing affordable eyeshadow palette with really cute packaging too. The fact that I've used it every time I've done an eye look this month speaks for itself. They retail for $16.95 from Target or $10 online from cherryculture.

// Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

Hands down my favourite skincare product this month! My skin has recently become quite dry as the weather gets colder which I'm not used to at all. This has been so helpful adding moisture back into my skin after cleansing and it is also really refreshing. Recently repurchased and absolutely recommend! Probably my favourite from the Sukin range. Sukin is available at Priceline and selected chemists.

// New Lipstick Discoveries

R-L: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm, Ulta3 Matte Lipstick, Sportsgirl Lipstick, Australis Colour Inject Lipstick.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect everyday lipstick or just that one lipstick that I'll fall head over heels for. Unfortunately, April was not the month and I'm still looking for my one true lipstick love. However, here are a few fun ones I've recently discovered and definitely recommend:

• Sportsgirl 'Pout About It' Lipcolour in Berrylicious - I am beyond impressed with this lipstick from Sportsgirl. It is super matte while still being comfortable on the lips and really longlasting. The best thing is its really affordable at under $10. Berrylicious is probably the craziest lip colour I own, being a bright purple but I loved the formula so much I can really see myself pulling this one out quite a lot!
• Ulta3 Matte Lipstick in Harem Pink - Another fantastic affordable matte lipstick. The colour is definitely the defining feature of this lipstick though, its so beautiful and I've never seen anything like it! I wore it in my $20 Makeup challenge which you can check out here.
• Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Ballet - I pull this lipstick out whenever I'm not sure what to wear on my lips and am never disappointed! Such a beautiful peachy pink with a really nice sheer, moisturising and build able formula.
• Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive - My favourite of the Matte Balm colours. I go on about these enough and you can check out my full review here.

I've definitely made some progress with more of my beauty goals I set myself at the beginning of the year which is very exciting! I've officially mastered applying false lashes and have been shopping for all different types of lashes ever since. I've found a few great pairs from Ardell as well as really affordable ones from Daiso! I even picked up this adorable eyelash holder from Daiso, its so cute I couldn't not have it.

Thank you to all my new followers and everyone who reads and posts a comment! I love hearing all your feedback.
Wishing everyone a wonderful month of May <3

xx Catherine

Spring Inspired FOTD

 

I wore this look out to a friend's birthday the other night and absolutely loved it! I was inspired by my new hair colour which is much lighter than my natural hair so I decided to go with something more along the lines of spring trends despite it getting colder down here in Australia.

What's on My Face? #2

The usual 'bad day Priceline visit' - I really need to stop my terrible habit of emotional shopping! But I am very happy with all these new goodies and expect lots of reviews coming up!

Stay All Day - Long wearing makeup look

With uni starting again next week, I'll be back to the daily grind - attempting to juggle study, work and social commitments. This usually means long days, many hours in the car and maybe physical activity (although pretty unlikely tbh...) and I need my makeup to look fresh and last all day. I actually wore this look for a law revue rehearsal, dance class and then all night long when I went out clubbing.

Flawless Base; by Benefit

Another weekend, another trip to Benefit! Mum and I visited the Brow Bar for a wax and tint and then headed over to the beauty counter where some of the lovely staff treated us to a mini makeover/makeup lesson. I absolutely love visiting the Benefit counter because the staff are always so amazing and friendly.

I wanted to focus on complexion and try some products to create a really flawless base. The product I tried on my face was the Play sticks 3-in-1 foundation, concealer and powder. WOW! Just with one layer applied with a paddle type foundation brush it created the most flawless, full coverage base that looked liked it just melted into my skin but didn't feel like I was wearing such a full coverage product.

Look how much a difference a brow tint makes!

Since I just bought a new foundation last week, and the Play sticks are on the more pricey side, I decided to buy the Hello Flawless pressed powder instead since I was desperate for a new pressed powder! I have been using the Australis Fresh & Flawless and I was surprised that it didn't work for me considering it is widely reviewed as a great product, but even the lightest shade was way too dark and orangey for me. This shade is "I Love Me Ivory" which is a much better match for my skin tone. This is also beautifully finely milled and just takes the shine off without looking cakey - everything you need in a powder!

Although you're paying a little extra for Benefit products you're definitely getting a fabulous quality product in cute, sturdy packaging (I love how they close with a magnet) and it even comes with both a little brush and a sponge which is a really nice touch!

Overall another amazing experience at Benefit. I was super impressed with the products that created a truly flawless base. The Play stick has definitely gone on my wish list and I'm thinking of ordering it on the Benefit website to save some money.

xx Cat ^.^

Easy Makeup for School or Work

If you're anything like me you probably wake up about 10 minutes before you need to get out the door in the morning and/or generally struggle to fit in doing your makeup for the day as well as getting dressed, eating breakfast and making sure you haven't forgotten anything. That's why when I go to work I like to keep my makeup as simple as possible. My main rule is - never leave the house without filling in your eyebrows! However I always feel like a little bit of mascara goes a long way (waterproof if you're working long hours). In this look I've evened out my complexion using a primer, concealer
 over my blemishes and under my eyes and then finished off with some powder mineral foundation - this way I can get a little bit of coverage without messing around with liquid foundation when I don't have the time. Finally finish the look off with a little bit of nude lip loss or I usually just use a lip balm to keep my lips hydrated throughout the day!

Products used:

• Australis Primer
• Napoleon Perdis Concealer in Amber (discontinued)
• Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation in Classic Ivory 
• Revlon Colour Stay Eyebrow liner in Blonde
• Maybelline Waterproof Mega Plush Mascara
• Napoleon Perdis Luminous Lip Veil in Sand

Pink for the Faint Hearted

I always envy girls who have the confidence to pull off bright pink lips and lust over gorgeous pink shades of lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows whilst thinking that I just couldn’t pull it off! With my hazel, greeny eyes I’d always stuck more with purple shades but with as we start to get into summer I decided to be bolder in my makeup choices. I’m definitely not one to ever have worn bright pink (or even pink at all!), especially since I’m super pale. However,  was inspired by the beautiful shade 'Peaches and Cream" of the NYX butter glosses and wanted to create a pink look that put me out of my comfort zone. I think this would be perfect for a daytime summer party, or if you are going out at night, instead of contouring your eyes with browns, at a bit of sparkle with silver or smoke it out with some grey or black shadow.

For the Face:

I used Clinique 'Redness Solutions' foundation in 01 Calming Alabaster - applied with a paddle foundation brush this gives AMAZING coverage, especially if you have trouble with redness like I do, particularly around the cheeks and chin. However, I prefer a matte look and the Redness Solutions makeup is more to the satin/dewy finish which just doesn't work with my oily skin. I always apply a power whether its a translucent finishing powder, or for a little extra coverage Australis' 'Fresh & Flawless' pressed powder in Natural. For blush I used the shade on the far left in my NYX 'Butt Naked' palette which is a beautiful peachy/pink with little gold specks, similar to NARS 'Orgasm' blush. I also used the bronzer on the far left and the more golden highlighter on the far right (all shades in palette pictured below.)

For the Eyes:

For a pop of pink colour of the eyes I used a shade from my Australis Paparazzi Perfect Eyeshadow in 'Frock n Roll' but to really make the colour stand out I recommend using an eyeshadow base in a white or beige colour. I used the NYX jumbo eye pencil in 'Milk'. 

I am absolutely OBSESSED with my eyelashes here - I have never made them look so long and full! I used Lancome's Hypnose mascara first to create length and then from the same range the Hypnose Drama to add volume. The shapes of the brushes in the Hypnose range are all very interesting and different and along with a fantastic formula are great for creating different looks.

For the Lips:

This is a very NYX inspired look from all the new products I have tried recently! Firstly I used the shade 'Tokyo' of their soft matte lip creams which is a beautiful, bright light pink and then to add a glossy texture and even more bright pink the butter gloss in 'Peaches and Cream'. I am absolutely obsessed with the beautiful colour, pigmentation and glossy texture of the butter glosses and can't wait to get my hands on some more. Very excited I can now just pop down to my local Target and pick some up!

Finished Look:

Hope you enjoyed this look!
Cat ^.^