Monthly Roundup: August & September

Yep. It's that time of the month again...MONTHLY FAVOURITES TIME! I really enjoy writing these posts as a bit of a summary of all my beauty adventures of the last couple of months and sharing some of my favourite products. This post is a chatty one, so grab a cup of tea and make yourself comfortable :)

You may have noticed in the last month or so my posting schedule has been a little all over the place. I was involved in my university's Law Revue which is a comedy sketch show. This year I was busy choreographing one of the dances. It was a lot of hard work but also so much fun.

Anyway...on to the post! As usual I will start with my beauty favourites.

Some of the skincare products I've absolutely been obsessed with lately are the Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Moisturiser ($9.99) and Hydraluron from Indeed Laboratories ($34.99). These products, used together have completely transformed my skincare routine. As my skin became dryer during the colder months, having a moisturised face makes such difference to dry patches showing up under foundation.

Hydraluron is an incredible serum that "increases skin hydration below the surface". A cult product that I believe is definitely worth the hype. The hydrating moisturiser from Simple is another product that blew me away. It claims to be a 'light moisturiser' but for me it is incredibly rich but at the same time soaks into my skin so quickly it's like a big drink for my face! You can literally feel it soaking in and adding extra hydration. Another skincare product I have been absolutely obsessed with is the St Ive's Blemish Control Apricot Scrub ($9.99). Everything about this is so great - the smell, the perfect amount of exfoliating particles, the effects - and it has made a huge difference to the texture of my skin.

For makeup, I have particularly been enjoying the Benefit Tints and have been reaching mostly for Posie Tint ($55). I am guilty of being heavy handed when it comes to colour on the cheeks and the Benefit Tints are great for overcoming that. Posie Tint is a beautiful light pink colour that gives a gorgeous, natural glowy finish to the cheeks. These tints are really great products - super easy to blend and as a stain, they will look fresh all day.

Finally, I lost all inhibitions when I found out I could get my hands on the new limited edition Rainforest After Dark Palette by Tarte ($54.95) in Australia, through the website www.myqty.com. I pretty much put my credit card details in straight away and never looked back. This palette is absolutely incredible - from the gorgeous AND practical packaging, most beautiful blush colour (which is also limited edition!!) and the combination of both killer face products and eyeshadows. The quality of the products inside the palette as well as the fact that it is a limited edition makes this palette such amazing value - its basically a whole face in one palette. www.myqty.com also has other hard to get cosmetics like the Lorac Pro palettes and Urban Decay.

If you have been following my blog since the beginning of the year, then you may remember I made 'beauty resolutions' for myself to try and achieve throughout the year. Since we are closer to the end of the year now, I wanted to give you an update on how it was all going.

• The resolution I am really proud of achieving is my makeup storage. I absolutely love my set up and it is the perfect size for me. Check out my storage blog post here. Also I am planning to have a makeup collection video up in the next few weeks so you can see some new additions to my vanity!
• Another goal of mine that I feel I've really made progress towards is having a regular skincare routine. My skin has improved so much after having tried so many products and seeing what works for me. I also think I have become much better at paying attention to what my skin needs and taking care of it accordingly. I have to say, most of the improvement in my skin can be attributed to my Custom Oil Cleanser from Pristine Oils. Check out my review here.
• Finally, I definitely need to continue to work on cleaning my makeup brushes regularly. Whilst I've become much better at having my face brushes and sponges cleaned, I'll occasionally reach for a blending brush and stuff up my entire eye look because the brush is so dirty...oops! Definitely need some improvement on that one!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Have a beautiful day :)

xx Catherine

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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

Monthly Roundup: February

With my spending ban over at the beginning of the month, February has definitely seen a big increase in my makeup collection! I am so happy with some of the new products I've tried this month and as a result have made some good progress with my beauty goals for the year!

This month my favourite post was my OOTD - check it out if you missed it and I will definitely be doing more of these in the future; it was so much fun to put together and got such an overwhelming response!

Picks of the Month:

• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Inked in Pink - I wore this so much in February with just a CC cream, big lashes, bronzer and a pink gloss. The perfect everyday look that takes no effort but actually looks like you have! I love the Colour Tattoos for how long lasting they are and picked up Bad to the Bronze for autumn.
• Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser - I have had so much trouble with my skin this month but after using this every night my skin has regained its moisture and has even helped with calming down breakouts. I don't know what I would have done without it this month and I desperately need to get some more! I love the Natio skin care range and would definitely recommend.
• Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush - A product I already reviewed this month that just makes applying foundation a dream and creates an absolutely flawless base. 

Ardell Glamour Starter Kit

How fantastic is the little Ardell starter kit! I went into Priceline to pick up some lash glue and found this for the same price as the glue. Now I have no excuse to keep avoiding lashes!

The Ardell Glamour Started Kit retails for AUD$14.95 and is available from Priceline stores.

xx Cat ^.^

so...this finally happened - officially on my way to achieving one of my 2014 beauty goals. I really can't believe I was using some of these on my face - that will definitely teach me to wash my brushes more often!

Monthly Roundup: January

I thought instead of just doing monthly favourites posts, I'd take the chance at the end of each month to stop and reflect on things I've been loving in terms of makeup and fashion and also to update on the progress of some of my beauty goals for the year.

This month has been very exciting in terms of my blog. In the first month I reach 1 000 page views, received a lot of positive feedback from readers and have been able to really expand my horizons by reading so many other beauty blogs and most importantly being inspired by all the other beautiful beauty bloggers out there :)

Pick of the month:

I never thought I would find a mascara that came close to my favourite - the Lancôme Hypnôse, however I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious. It absolutely outdid all my expectations and most notably gave so much length to my lashes and made them look really curled as well without even using an eyelash curler. As pictured below it has a really big 'fluffy' fibre brush which is definitely the type of brush I prefer. Although the Lancôme Hypnôse still remains my favourite, the Revlon Lash Potion has a much dryer formula which makes my lashes look curled and super long all day because they aren't being weighed down by a heavier formula- however, it does smudge much faster than the Lancôme Hypnôse. I am super happy I stumbled across this mascara and will continue to repurchase!

Spending ban update:

I'm so so so excited that my two month spending ban is finally coming to an end! I did cheat a little and bought something with a voucher - but still haven't spent any money on cosmetics and I am really proud of myself for following through with the challenge. I can't believe I haven't bought a single makeup item for two months and have so many things I want to try. Get ready for a few hauls coming in the next few weeks!

That's all I really have to update you all on this month ! I am really excited for my next couple of posts so please come back to check them out :)

xx Cat ^.^

Day 4 - New Year New You: Nails

Until late into 2013 I had always had awful, chewed up nails until I finally decided to break the awful habit. One of my beauty goals in 2014 is to continue to grow my nails, keep them nice and strong and mostly find other ways to let out my stress when i'm feeling nervous rather than chewing my fingers!

I've made a little nail care bag which has everything I need to keep my nails nice and healthy.

Day 3 - New Year, New You: Skincare

Its no secret that when you have a regular skincare routine your skin is going to improve. Whether it clears any acne or imperfections you have or whether your skin becomes less erratic there is definitely benefits to having a consistent skincare routine. I've been pretty good with my skincare in the last couple of months so my goal for 2014 is to continue taking good care of my skin as well as trying some new skincare products - I really want to try face masks!

My current skincare routine is:
Morning before putting on my makeup

1. Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub
2. Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
3. Sukin Facial Moisturiser

Night after taking off makeup with makeup removal wipes

1. Natio Ageless Gentle Cleansing Milk - perfect for taking off left over makeup late at night because it doesn't foam which is really easy when you're not in the shower
2. L'occitane Immortelle precious essential face water
3. Revlon Age defying DNA face serum (this is just a sample I got so I don't feel I would need to repurchase an anti ageing serum)
4. Natio Antioxidant Facial Moisturiser

Day 3 - New Year, New You: makeup wish list & spending ban update

It's officially been one month since I began my spending ban and I'm really excited because I reach my savings goal which is super exciting and during the Christmas period it was really nice to focus on buying gifts for others rather than buying things for myself when I felt sad or just on a whim. I didn't exclude skincare from my ban and I have probably over compensated a bit in the spending of skincare which I hope to cut down on a bit in the second month but since I didn't ban myself I'm not feeling terribly guilty. Not buying any makeup at all has been super hard, especially because I got $200 of gift vouchers for MAC and also some vouchers for Myer and when all the Christmas gifts went on sale I was finding it difficult to control myself. However, I decided to wait until the end of my ban to use my vouchers and I feel good about the decision. The month without spending has also been great to see what I really want to add to my collection and time to find reviews and watch so many videos of tutorials etc. so I have some sort of wish list which I will indulge myself with at the end of my ban period. The great thing about this is I have so many vouchers so I wont need to be dipping into my savings at all to treat myself!

My Wish List

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer 
• Benefit Benetint
• Real Techniques face brushes
• Stila In the Light palette 
• YSL Rouge Volute Lipstick in no.1 Nude Beige 
• From MAC - mostly face products; blushers, highlighters, setting powders/powder foundation as well as a few lipsticks

My goal for 2014 is to create better spending and saving habits. I made a good base for myself in 2013 by saving money for the first time ever and I'm really proud of myself for that. It was a year of experimentation of saving and earning money and balancing that all with studying, wanting to go out and wanting lots of clothes and makeup. So this year its time to refine my skills! I'm aiming to save $1000 more than I did last year which I don't think will be too difficult and regulate my spending so I can have things that I want but not going crazy.

See you for a new goal tomorrow!
<3 Cat ^.^

Day 1 - Welcome to 2014! New Year, New You

I'm not really one for new years resolutions because I know if I want to achieve something I'm very determined at will work hard at it if it is important to me. Just recently starting up this blog in the last month of 2013 I'm really keen to put a lot of effort into writing quality posts and sharing with you my adventures in exploring makeup (and hopefully watch this blog grow). To start off 2014 I will be posting everyday for the first week of January along the theme of 'New Year, New You' sharing some of my beauty goals for the year.

To start off - skills: the beauty things I really want to get better at this year

1. Contouring - I have only just started using bronzer and it really scares me to be honest, I really want to be able to apply bronzer to create a really natural look along with perfect blush and highlighter.
2. Foundation - I definitely need to play around a lot more with foundation application to achieve that flawless skin finish, I think this has a lot to do with the brushes I use so trying different brushes for foundation is a goal for this year.
3. Cleaner eyeshadow - I've always loved eyeshadow and have been experimenting with all sorts of looks for a few years now. Although I feel pretty confident mixing colours and creating a 'look' I really want to perfect my skills to create a really clean look as my eye makeup tends to look a bit messy if I don't spend a lot of time on it.
4. Applying false eyelashes - let's just say my ability to apply falsies is nonexistant 

For Christmas, Maddy bought me a voucher for a 3 hour makeup class which I'm really excited about and hopefully I'll learn lots of things!

Cat ^.^