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!

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 #5

1/ /Lush Ballistic Bath Bombs
The bath ballistics are definitely my favourite product from Lush and having a bath in one is simultaneously super exciting and also really relaxing. Especially when I feel my skin is looking a bit worse for wear or it needs a bit of a 'pick me up' the bath ballistics make my skin feel so so soft and refreshed. They are super moisturising and contain all beautiful natural ingredients. My favourite is Phoenix Rising and I recently picked this limited edition mothers day one called "Mumkin" super cut and smells like raspberries mmmm.

2// Shopping Beauty in Australia 
So many exciting developments in the last couple of weeks means that getting your hands on cosmetics in Australia is going to get a whole lot easier. Sephora officially confirmed they will be opening a store in Sydney by the end of the year which is really  going to change beauty retail in Australia. As well as this you can now shop on iherb in AUD$ which will save you money in conversion fees and makes shopping just that much easier ! iHerb is the best place to buy Real Techniques brushes at US prices and they also stock Elf, Physicians Formula and a whole heap of skin care and health foods.

3// Dr Dennis Gross CC Cream

I recently picked this up from Mecca and wow! I've been wearing this every day to uni and it is the perfect everyday base. The best thing about this is that it looks just like skin but smooths everything out, reduces redness and gives me that extra confidence in my skin. A full review will be going up this week!

4// Sportsgirl Blush

I really love cream blushes and this one is perfect for a slight flush of colour and shine. Because I'm really pale I have to be really careful to not being too heavy handed with blush application but this gives such a perfect subtle pop of colour. I like to use this on a stippling brush but would also work just as well dabbed on with your fingers. Unfortunately I think these are being discontinued which is why they were on sale but if you're in Sportsgirl check their sale section and you might be lucky enough to pick one up! 

5// Cara Delevingne 
My current girl crush ! She is so beautiful and her entire outfit for the recent Met Ball blew me away.

Here are my three posts from the last week so you don't miss out!

• Beauty tips from my mum! - Mother's Day Special
• Empties - What I'm throwing out
• Huge Haul!!

Until next time,

xx Catherine

HUGE Collective Haul

I've been shopping up a storm recently and can't wait to share all my new goodies with you !!

First up, I placed an order with crushcosmetics.com.au. This is one of my favourite Australian online shops to get US drugstore makeup and is where I first ordered NYX from before it became available in Australia. They have now expanded their range and stock Wet n Wild, Milani, Elf, Jordana as well as Sleek and you can also get both the Beauty Blenders and Real Techniques sponges from them as well. They have super fast shipping and even though the prices are definitely higher than shopping on cherryculture or beautyjoint, if I'm not doing a huge order I don't want to wait 3 weeks or pay heaps on shipping.

I picked up products I've been dying to try for ages including the Beauty Blender, Milani's blush in Luminoso, the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yoghurt and Wet n' Wild palettes in Comfort Zone and Walking on Eggshells. I also added some Ardell lashes to my cart to qualify for free shipping.

Secondly, Priceline recently had their 'Gift of Beauty' promotion, where if you spend $60 on certain brands, you get a free gift bag! Gift with purchase is definitely my favourite things ever so I definitely jumped on this offer.

To reach the $60 threshold I picked up a few lipsticks I've been wanting for ages: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'As you want Victoria' (which I forgot to photograph) and the Maybelline Colour Sensational Bold Matte in 'Mat 1'. I also finally found some stock of the new Maybelline Colour Sensational Stripped Nudes collection and picked up 'Tantalising Taupe'. I swear, the search for this shade had me scour all the Priceline and Target stores in inner Sydney! I also picked up the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser and this absolutely gorgeous Custom Eyes palette from Revlon in '020 Naturally Glamorous'. Like I needed another nude palette... I just couldn't resist the beautiful quilted texture!

And onto the gift bag! Unfortunately both shades of the BB cream and the foundation were way to dark for me but I will be happy to regift. This does however bring down the value of the bag and I think that Priceline could have done a better job in making the bag really great value for money. Overall most of the products are really fun and ones I wouldn't have picked up myself so I can't wait to give them a try.The bag itself is also quite cute!

Another item I've been lusting over for a while and an EssieButton induced purchase, the Body Shop Honey Bronzer in '01'. This is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it throughout winter, where I feel my Hoola bronzer will look a bit muddy on my particularly fair skin. How amazing is the honeycomb texture!?

Finally, after seeing the Shanghai Suzy lipsticks keep popping up on one of my favourite beauty blogs More than Adored, I just had to place an order. What first struck me about these lipsticks were how affordable they were and the shades available were all beautiful and definitely on trend. Shipping was quite fast too - so my first impressions were definitely good. I can't wait to try these out!

The shades I got were; The Gossling Lippie, Miss Simone, Miss Melissa and  Miss Sophia.

Since I've pretty much ticked everything off my current wish list and given my Priceline card a good workout, I'll be putting myself on a definitely needed spending ban. I really want to give all these new products a good test and provide some in depth reviews. So now you know all the exciting things coming up!

Until next time,
xx Catherine

Empties - What I'm Throwing Out #1

If you don't read many beauty blogs or watch beauty videos on YouTube you might find it strange that I'm showing you my rubbish! However, I love these posts because after finishing a product you can really get a sense of how it works and give a really good review. So here are all the products I've used up in the last couple of months as well as products that were so bad I had to throw them out anyway!

// smartskin Moisturising Facial Cleansing Wipes
The smartskin wipes are my most used because they are only $2 from Woolworths. To be honest I can't justify spending more than that on wipes and these do the job particularly as I have a pretty thorough cleansing routine after I take off my makeup anyway. I use these for everything as well, wiping up spills, cleaning makeup bottles, getting lipstick off surfaces - so these are cheap and multipurpose!
Repurchase: Definitely, already have a few back ups!

// Purex Visage Daily Control Facial Cleansing Wipes
These were ok, fairly similar to the smartskin wipes but perhaps had a little bit more moisture to them. They were thinner though and I found myself putting my fingers through them often. I'm pretty sure my mum bought these online and I just took them from her bathroom.
Repurchase: No, I wouldn't know where to get them anyway

// wotnot Facial Wipes for oily/sensitive skin
I got these as a sample and wow these are very luxurious! Amazingly soft, so moisturising and the wipes themselves were so big - I liked having the extra surface area when removing my makeup.
Repurchase: I loved these, but to be honest I don't think I will purchase them, mainly because of the price.

// Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
I've already talked about this heaps on my blog! Check out my review from my Monthly Roundup.
Repurchase: Already have!

// Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub
I have really enjoyed the skincare from Sukin and this scrub was no exception. It is a really gentle scrub that uses natural ingredients like bamboo and walnut shells that work really well to exfoliate the skin. While I found this worked well to maintain my skin, It didn't have any outstanding effects. However, if you have normal skin and don't experience any breakouts or other skin concerns this is a fantastic gentle scrub.
Repurchase: Possibly in the future, I'm keen to try some other scrubs out though.

// Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser
Again, another product I have already reviewed and you can check out that review here. My favourite night time moisturiser!
Repurchase: Already have!

// Kosmea Rosehip Oil
I was so happy I received this sample in my David Jones sample tote and adding rose hip oil to my skincare routine has made a huge difference. It is fantastic in adding moisture to your skin and for me I have found its smooths my skin, reduces pores and adds a little extra glow as well! 
Repurchase: Definitely. I already purchased some more rosehip oil but from Trilogy.

// Revlon Age Defying Face Serum
This was a sample and it was ok as a serum and worked particularly well in the summer months when my skin was more oily than it is now. To be honest, I used this without much thought as it was a sample and I know I'm not looking for any anti-ageing products so unfortunately this review isn't very helpful.
Repurchase: No.

// Girlz Only XXL Volume-Plus Dry Shampoo
This is a fantastic dry shampoo and its only $2 at Target! I definitely recommend this version over the original as it gives a more intense clean as well as having a nicer scent. As it is marketed to, it definitely adds extra volume to your hair so a great option for those with fine or limp hair.
Repurchase: Definitely! I do have a few dry shampoos going at the moment though, so not right away.
// Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Repairing Lotion
My favourite body lotion, this is a really light moisturiser that has a thin consistency which makes it super easy to apply and is fast absorbing. My skin gets really dry and this is the perfect moisturiser for everyday to lock in the moisture and the thin consistency makes it perfect for everyday application - just slap it on and go. 
Repurchase: Already have ! This time in mango flavour mmmm
// The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower gel
I absolutely love this shower gel mostly because the smell was so fresh and fruity. It was a foaming showergel which meant the easiest way to apply it is on a soft sponge or loofa. I definitely recommend these shower gels and this scent in particular is great if you love citrus.
Repurchase: I don't tend to buy these kind of things for myself so probably not.
// Dove Clear Touch Roll On Deodorant
I have been converted to roll on! This deodorant is amazing because there is no residue left behind and my fears of roll on feeling wet and gross were all gone after finding this one. This doesn't have a notable scent which I prefer but there are others available in the range. I find I keep dry and fresh all day so this is definitely a great deodorant to try if you struggle with perspiration.
Repurchase: Already have!

And on to the products that I couldn't bring myself to use anymore...

// Simple Eye Make-up Corrector Pen
While the idea of this is appealing, unfortunately it doesn't work. I found it just made things messier, the tip got dirty and I couldn't clean it and in the end you can use a cotton bud with a little bit of makeup remover on the end and it will do a much better job at cleaning up little mistakes.

// Essence BB Cream
This is just one big orange mess! It provides little coverage, is so difficult to blend out, smells awful and worst of all is the most unflattering doritos-orange. Its so bad I am upset about the $3 I spent on it, which is a shame because Essence have some really fantastic affordable products.

// Revlon Nail Art Nail Polish 
I had two of these and have had to throw them both out. The formula of the nail polish is awful and is so hard to apply without having so many streaks. Also because of the double ended packaging when stored standing up, one end is going to get stuck in the lid and go all gloopy. I don't know I just really didn't like this product and think its a bit gimmicky.

I apologise for the extremely long post but I hope you found some of these reviews helpful.
Have a beautiful day,
Catherine xx

Mum Knows Best - Mother's Day Special

With mother's day coming up this Sunday I thought I would dedicate this post to my mum!

I recently did makeup for my mum when she went out for her birthday dinner with friends. I used my Kate Somerville CC cream on her which looked amazing but was a shade too light. Then added some of her favourite blush from Natio and a natural eye look using her Benefit 'Big Beautiful Eyes' Palette. Finally, mum finished the look off with her favourite lipstick from Maybelline.

My mum just turned 49 and has amazing skin and so I thought I would ask her for her beauty secrets.

What's your best beauty tip?

Moisturise everyday and always wear lipstick! Moisturising is one of my anti ageing tips as dry skin makes you look old. I also feel naked without lipstick.

What is a new product you've tried recently you really like?

I really like the Australis Fresh & Flawless powder! It gives neat, even coverage. It lasts longer than other powders I've tried and gives a smoother coverage.

Most embarrassing beauty moment?

I have dark curly hair and got it dyed blonde when I was a teenager. I couldn't afford to keep up with the regrowth and had a lovely dark stripe down my head and the blonde turned orange !

I hope you enjoyed this post !
xx Catherine

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