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

Review and Swatches: Ulta3 Lip Paint

I recently picked up two shades of Ulta3's new lip release 'Lip Paint'. These retail for $5.95 and are available from selected pharmacies. After recently falling in love with there moisturising and matte lipstick formulas I was super excited to try these. I have the shades Expressive Fuchsia and Radical Red.

First of all I adore the packaging. I think its really cute and looks like a little paint tube. The lid screws on properly so you won't have any trouble throwing these in your handbag. The only thing is that the colour of the tube is not the true colour of the product so swatching is a must!

The formula is actually much less liquid-y than I was expecting which made application very easy. I was expecting something similar to the Rimmel Apocalips which I find gets quite messy, but along with the firm doe foot applicator the product was very easy and 'no-fuss' to apply to the lips. This is probably the best part of the product because with such bold colours and glossy finish you definitely want a perfect application. The product does have a minty smell, similar to the Revlon Balm range which I personally love but may not be for everyone.

Finally, both colours were absolutely gorgeous and bright. Expressive Fuchsia is a gorgeous blue-based pink and I think it would look fantastic on darker skin tones. Radical Red is again a blue-based shade and a red that I don't have anything similar to in my collection. I love the glossy finish of these as well and I recommend two layers for complete opacity.

Overall, very impressed with these liquid lipsticks and the fact that they are so easy to apply means I'll be reaching for them often. I also really want to get my hands on the other shade Manic Mauve.

Hope you enjoyed this review and let me know if you've tried any of the Ulta3 Lip Paints.

xx Catherine

p.s. I hope you all have a fantastic Easter and long weekend!

$20 Makeup Challenge

I have been planning this post for a while and am so excited to finally share it with you! The $20 Makeup challenge is pretty self explanatory - create an entire face of makeup with products that cost less than $20 combined. It is definitely harder than it seems, especially in Australia where its difficult to find a drugstore foundation for $20 or less. However, there are quite a few affordable options available in Australian stores and I have chosen products from four different brands to showcase them. I've got little reviews for all the product as well!

Nailed It! Summer nail trends

Here are a few of my favourite summer nail trends:

Corals and Pastels

I can't get enough of corals - lipstick, blush and of course nail polish. 'Coral Crush' by Maybelline is my favourite (and super affordable). I also love 'Coral Me Beautifu'l by Essence, another great affordable option. On my wish list is Tart Deco by Essie and I can't believe I missed out on the 2 for $20 Essie sale on at Priceline because I was on my spending ban :(
Corals are fantastic to wear with bright summer colours - especially turquoise. As well as this - my absolute favourite shade on my nails this year has been 'Diva Violet' by Max Factor. Purple is my favourite colour and this is such a gorgeous pastel shade.

Sparkles!

The holiday season is upon us! With Christmas just past and New Years only a few days away - this means lots of parties and therefore lots of opportunities to wear glitter nails - although I'm so obsessed with sparkles I love to wear them on a daily basis either as a statement nail or over a bold colour.
I found the Modern Family collection by Nicole by OPI and fell in love with this glitter polish inspired by the character Haley on Modern Family one of my favourite shows! This is such a fantastic collection and I can't wait to get my hands on more. For more affordable options - these polishes from Colour by TBN and Ulta3 are both available from discount pharmacies or drugstores for less than $3!

My next post will be an easy work or school makeup look so stay tuned!

^.^ Cat