Beauty Graveyard // Empties July 2016

My last beauty graveyard post was in March and I just couldn't put off this post any longer as my little bag of empties started overflowing! This post mentions everything from hair, skincare and makeup bits, so grab a cup of tea and get comfy.

Starting off with hair products - I'm so surprised I've finished so many hair products because I hardly do anything with my hair to be honest. Of course, it wouldn't be one of my empties post without a Schwarzkopf Ultime Biotin Volume Dry Shampoo. I go through this stuff like its going out of style, but it's my fave dry shampoo and I still have heaps of backups from the last Priceline 40% off haircare sale. Also from Schwarzkopf I've finish up an Ultimate Oil Elixir Serum. I really enjoyed this because it left my hair feeling super soft and incredibly shiny and I would usually use this before blowdrying my hair. I haven't repurchased but would consider repurchasing in the future.

I've also finished up some high-end hair care as well. I've been using the Michael Van Clarke 3 More Inches for the last couple of months and really enjoying it. I finished up both the shampoo and conditioner in travel sizes and since repurchased the full sizes. I do much prefer the shampoo as it is really clarifying but doesn't take all the weight out of my fine hair. The conditioner isn't my favourite however, as I feel like other conditioners leave my hair feeling much softer. Not too sure yet if I would repurchase the full sizes again, I'll probably try something different. Finally, I finished up the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer. I love this stuff as a heat protectant and isn't heavy at all in my hair. Already repurchased.

Next up are some body products. Nothing too exciting here, another Rexona Clinical Protect which is my favourite deodorant and of course I've repurchased. I also used up a Mitchum Clinical Deodorant, which I didn't mind at all in terms of its effectiveness but the packaging was so annoying and incredibly difficult to wind up so I will not be repurchasing. Finally, I've also used up a travel size of the Korres Guava Body Butter. This stuff is heavenly! Such a pretty, non-overwhelming scent and so moisturising. I did originally buy this as a hand cream to keep in my handbag, but it is a little heavy and takes a while to sink into your hands so I would recommend this more for the body. Haven't repurchased because I have too many body butters/moisturisers but definitely will in the future!

I've finished up a heap of skincare in the last couple of months! I'll start with the products from Origins. First is the High Potency Night-A-Mins Cream. This is a really beautiful night cream packed full of essential oils. It really does re-energise your skin overnight and leave it looking really fresh and bright, however, I had a bit of sensitivity to it because of all the essential oils and it left my skin really itchy. Next up is the Original Skin Renewal Serum. This serum was great at adding a little extra hydration to my skin, but to be honest I hardly noticed any difference when using it - and I went through the whole bottle, would pass. Finally, is the Never a Dull Moment Scrub and WOW I love this stuff. It smells delicious and I noticed such an immediate difference in my skin after using it. I usually leave it on my skin as a mini mask and let the enzymes work a little longer. Fantastic at leaving your skin super soft and glowing! On the most part I love Origins products and they work really well for me but I have decided not to purchase their products anymore because they are not cruelty free.

I've also finished up a deluxe sample of the Kate Sommerville Gentle Daily Wash which I absolutely loved using particularly in conjunction with my Clarisonic. It gave a really deep clean without being harsh or stripping. Would definitely consider purchasing the full size (when I don't have 7 different cleanser already!). Another sample size I've used up is the Korres Wild Rose Moisturising Cream, another product I loved. I loved the scent of this, how hydrating it was and how it absorbed really quickly as well as working wonderfully under makeup. Would consider purchasing the full size. So many travel sizes! I'm also finished with my Josie Maran Aragn Milk which I included in my May Beauty Favourites. I have purchased the full size of this because *love heart eyes emoji* - just obsessed! I've also used a Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen which is probably the only eye cream I've been consistent with using because it works so well! Its really refreshing and gives a nice amount of hydration without being too heavy. Every other eye cream I have used in the past has been too heavy and given me milia under the eyes so I absolutely swear by this stuff! Already repurchased. And finally for skincare, I'm getting rid of my Clarisonic Acne Brush Head. I was kindly gifted this at a Clarisonic event last year and it is only just launching in Australia in the next month. I really loved this because the bristles were longer than the regular sensitive brush head which means you could get a deep cleanse without it being too harsh. I just repurchased the Sensitive brush head again to get me through but will probably go back to this one in the future.

Finally onto makeup bits! Firstly I had a big mascara clean out and got rid of all the mascaras that has been floating around in my collection for way too long and just ready to give me some sort of eye infection. The Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara was nice and gave heaps of volume but it had a plastic bristle wand which I don't really like. Won't repurchase. Next up, Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara, god I hate this stuff which is such a same because I'm a huge fan of their other mascaras. Again, its the plastic bristle issue but I find this just makes my lashes so clumpy, obviously will not repurchase. Another, plastic bristle brush, the Maybelline Lash Sensational is one I actually really love. I really liked how this made my lashes look, added heaps of length and separation. Will not repurchase though as Maybelline tests on animals :( Finally the Josie Maran Black Oil Mascara, again quite nice but is quite natural and didn't give me the length that I like from a mascara. I think this would be better suited for someone with longer lashes. Will not repurchase.

I'm finally getting rid of the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper. If you read my review on this product I was less than impressed with this product. Maybe you would like it if you like your brows to feel hard and crunchy. Not even going to link this product because seriously you don't want to buy it. Moving onto some of my favourite products ever, first is the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. This is my favourite eye primer ever because it allows you to blend shadows really easily over the top, which I sometimes have trouble with if I use either the UD Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. This tube lasted me about a year too, so it's great value and I've already repurchased! I also loved the Kevin Aucoin Precision Brow Pencil and much prefer this over the Anastasia Brow Wiz. Will repurchase once I finish my current brow pencil. I also used up a Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, which I didn't warm to immediately but it's definitely my favourite liquid liner now I've got the hang of it and I love that it is so intensely black. I've already repurchased. Finally is the NARS Larger than Life Long-Wear Eye pencil in Rue Bonaparte. A product I constantly rave about its a perfect beige shade for the waterline, repurchased of course.

So glad I can finally throw out all of these products!

Let me know in the comments if you use any of these products and if you like any of the ones I didn't!

xx Cat

Shopping My (Sample) Stash

For about six months I was subscribed to both Bellabox and Violet Box as well as receiving the first Marie Claire subscription box. Subscription boxes are a really fun way to discover new beauty. Bellabox provided samples from popular brands and for cult products, while Violet Box truely opened my eyes up to the world of Indie Makeup brands and I discovered some real gems.

However, after six months I've accumulated more samples than one would ever need. I've discontinued both my subscriptions so I actually have a chance to properly try all my samples and hopefully find some new favourites and of course save some money!

I love to organise things so made the most out of this Ikea organiser to have all my samples easily accessible - and I've already discovered a few gems!

 

//Elizabeth Mott It's so BIG Volumizing Mascara [$25.00]
This one came in my last Bellabox and it's definitely a great find! Firstly, I would never have come across the brand if I didn't receive it in my box and secondly its the kind of mascara that's right up my alley - texture that's quite wet, medium sized fibre brush and gives both length and volume.

//KMS California Hair Play Moulding Paste [$31.99]
Now this is a real surprise find because I would never in my life have bought a hair styling product. I wash and brush my hair and that's about it. However, I rub just a little bit between my fingers and then brush it through my hair when its wet adding texture and volume - kind of like a 'beach waves' look. This sample was from a Violet Box way back!

//Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy [$18.95 - $21-95]
Best smelling hand cream ever!! My little sample pot has almost run out and I'm so tempted to buy a full size as it adds so much moisture to my lizard hands! Another great find from Violet Box.

I've linked below some of my subscription box reviews if you're interested - and a heads up, I would definitely give Violet Box ago if you are a beauty lover who already has a large stash.

September Violet Box

July Violet Box

Bellabox - September, August, July, June

xx Catherine

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Review: Unico Hair Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner*

My hair has always been really thin and as a result of this (and laziness) I never really did much to take care of the little amount of strands I have. My hair has always just sort of sat flat against my head or I would scoop it back into a bun. However, I recently had quite a dramatic haircut and have started wearing my hair pretty short. Ever since then I've been looking to add some volume into my hair to really emphasise my awesome new cut.

I was really excited to try the Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner* from Unico Hair as other volumising products had left my hair way too light and uncontrollable! However, I found after using the Unico Hair volumising products my hair had the amount of volume I was after but didn't strip away the weight that I really need to stop my thin hair flying all over the place. My hair had 'bounce' rather than 'I've been out in a windstorm' look.

Individually, the products also perform really well. The shampoo provided a good clean, removing all the oil from my hair, whilst the conditioner is amazing at adding moisture back into the hair leaving it feeling so soft and looking healthy and shiny.

In terms of packaging, I think it is brilliant that this shampoo and conditioner comes in short, round plastic bottles which makes them so much easier to store in the shower. I hate really tall shampoo bottles that are always being knocked over. The packaging is also simple and sleek which definitely appeals to me. The smell of the product is also gorgeous. It has a subtle fresh and natural smell which I have definitely been enjoying.

Unico is an Australian company and you can learn more about their products here. Their range of hair products are available to purchase from Adore Beauty.

xx Catherine

*These products were kindly provided for my consideration. Honesty as always.

My Schwarzkopf Experience

A few months ago I was invited to a Beauty Heaven member event to try the new Blonde Ultime Hair Range from Schwarzkopf. The new range is a collaboration with the ultimate blonde supermodel Claudia Schiffer and includes a really interesting and innovative range of products. At the BH member event, we had the opportunity to try the Ultime Iconic Blondes range of at home hair dye.

Watch the video from the event

I've now cut almost half my hair off since the event so the colour blending into my existing ombre is gone but it was amazing how well the colour blended in considering it was from a box. Even since my hair cut the highlights at the top of my head still look amazing. I'm in love with the colour and it really suits my skin tone, which surprised me considering i've had so many blonde/orange catastrophes in the past. If you are considering adding blonde highlights or want to do ombre at home I would highly recommend this product. It's so easy to do yourself and the colour range is beautiful. 

As well as the Blonde Ultime range, the Essence Ultime haircare range was released and contains a variety of products including shampoo and conditioner, hair sprays, oils and masks. Myself along with the other three members who attended the event were gifted a few of these new products to try and to look after a newly dyed hair! I received the shampoo and conditioner and Shine Boost Spray from the 'Diamond Colour' range for coloured and highlighted hair.

First of all all the products smell absolutely amazing! I really like the shampoo and conditioner, particularly after my hair was bleached with the blonde dye, it really made a huge difference to control frizz and dryness. Similarly, the Shine Boost Spray does exactly as it says! I've never seen my hair look so healthy and shiny.

Thank you so much to Beauty Heaven for the fabulous opportunity! It was amazing to see the Schwarzkopf HQ and get some great hair advice from the hair experts.

xx Catherine

*These products were provided as part of the BeautyHeaven Member Trial Team program. As always, my opinions are honest and my own.

40% Off Haircare at Priceline

I love when I see this on the Priceline Website! The best opportunity to restock on your favourites or pick up some new products to try. Let me know in the comments if you got anything!

Happy Shopping!
xx Catherine

Weekly Beauty Edit #2

1// Priceline 40% off sale

Let's be honest, Priceline's famous 40% off sale is a very exciting even and I am still very excited about it. Came back tomorrow to see my haul (in a video!).

2// MAC Lorde Collaboration

When I first heard this news I was very very excited. The first time I heard 'Royals' I bought Lorde's entire first EP and I've been obsessed ever since. She is so quirky and fantastic and I love her makeup looks in her music videos and on the red carpet - dark lips and smokey eyes. I will definitely be picking up something from this collection when it's released.
Read all about it here.

3// Bold cheeks

I have recently been loving toning down with my eye looks but going a bit bolder on the cheeks. Benefit's Hoola Bronzer is now an everyday staple for me and it gives me to most beautiful, natural glow. While I've been building up the colour on my cheeks a bit more, I still like to keep with natural colours - pinks and reds look really nice on my pale skin tones. This week I've been loving Tarte Amazonian 12 hour blush in Natural Beauty and NYX Powder Blush in Peach.

4// Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

I received this in the David Jones Beauty sample bag and WOW as soon as I finish this sample I will definitely be purchasing the full size. Its a gel like texture, similar to the Australis primer, but thicker and much more effective. It makes my skin smooth for easy foundation application and makes a significant difference in the wear time of my makeup - exactly what a primer needs to do. After using it for a few weeks - I would definitely recommend.

5// Voluminous hair!

My hair is very underwhelming - its super fine and dead straight which is mostly a blessing because I don't need to do much to it but also its just very boring and hard to style, mostly it just looks flat. However I have recently been using some products from Aveda; the Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo as well as the Volumizing Tonic. The shampoo smells delicious and even just using it with my normal conditioner I have noticed a huge difference in my hair after it dries. As I do have layers, rather than them sitting flat it adds a little extra bounce to my hair. I'm also absolutely in love with the volumizing tonic! Spraying it in my hair when its wet gives amazing volume to my hair as well as really nice waves that last all day.

Have an amazing week :)
xx Catherine

Review: Girlz Only Dry Shampoo

After running out of my Batiste dry shampoo I started looking for a cheaper alternative. Although I loved the product, something was holding me back from repurchasing straight away. So when I found the Girlz Only dry shampoo in Target for only $2 each I picked up a couple to try. Let me first start off by saying there is a HUGE variety in this range, which is excellent for the price - you can find everything from dry shampoo for brunettes, volumizing and even dry conditioner. I picked up one of the original formula and one extra volume.

When first trying the original formula I was fairly disappointed. After spraying I didn't find much product came out and it definitely wasn't as intense as the Batiste. Not only that but the smell was fairly unpleasant and after brushing it out I found it hadn't made any difference to the oiliness of my hair.

However, the XXL Volume-Plus provides much better results! The smell is also more pleasant and has that extra intensity in terms of reducing oiliness in my hair. I also love how it does give noticeable extra volume to my hair which is so important for me because I have such fine, flat hair. Not as good at 'cleaning' the hair as the Batiste I found, but a great product for everyday styling.

Overall for the $2 price tag, I was pretty impressed. Although I wouldn't repurchase the original formula, I absolutely fell in love with the XXL Volume-Plus and will stock up on a few of those!

xx Cat ^.^

My Favourite Beauty Tools

Long before I started really exploring the world of makeup I was always interested in beauty in general. I liked to keep my eyebrows waxed and shaped, hair and skin healthy and enjoyed doing my own manicures and pedicures. Here are a few of my must have beauty tools to keep you looking fab all the time. Its so easy to do things like pluck your eyebrows and do your own manicures in between seeing a professional, extending the life of your beauty treatments and making your money go that little bit further.

My absolute favourite beauty tool EVER is the La-Tweez Professional illuminating tweezers. After experiencing a horrific burning incident when getting my eyebrows waxed a few years ago resulting in awful blisters all over my eyes I swore to never get an eyebrow wax again and learnt how to shape my own eyebrows. I am so lucky I found these tweezers because I really wouldn't have been able to keep my eyebrows in acceptable condition without them. The best part is the little light that is positioned really well in between the two arms of the tweezers, giving the perfect angle and brightness of light onto your eyebrows making it super easy to see all the little hairs that you wouldn't be able to see in natural light. They are available online from a variety of different sellers, so your best bet would be to search around for the best prices and shipping options to your part of the world.

I always have a hairbrush with me wherever I go and am definitely one of those people who obsessively brush their hair. Something that I only got my hands on very recently but have already fallen in love with is the Tangle Teezer Compact Styler and it and has made my life so much easier as I don't have to carry around my full size brush in my bag! It actually is so fantastic at detangling hair without any pain or discomfort at all and definitely doesn't make you feel like you are pulling your hair out of your head. In Australia you can purchase the Tangle Teezer range from http://www.tangle-teezer.com.au/.

This is more of a novelty item, but just makes doing my own manicures at home so much more fun! The Sportsgirl Mini Nail Dryer is a mini fan that you place your hand under and when you press down the fan starts and dries your nails! I love using this especially if I'm a little bit rushed because it saves me flapping my hands about and looking silly! Although its sold out online, I have seen it in stores recently and you can pick it up for $14.95 AUD.

Finally, for my pedicures, I like to keep my feet nice and smooth with the Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi. I was absolutely so excited when I received this as a gift because I never need to go to a salon to get a pedicure again! It works really well to buff away the hard skin on the bottom of your feet leaving them so smooth and it doesn't hurt at all - way easier than an old school pumice stone. You can purchase this from Priceline for $49.99 AUD.

xx Cat ^.^