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Sam xx
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Beauty Blogger Insider
By Kimberly Nissen
Your day job: I am a full-time blogger, freelance writer and online consultant. I pretty much have many hands in many pies.
Your beauty philosophy: Beauty to me is everything. Yes, being beautiful on the inside is important but let's face it, if you don't look good on the outside you don't feel good on the inside. I think there is no reason people can't try a little harder to present themselves a little better, no matter how busy you are.
Best hair/beauty tip: I know this sounds so basic but washing with the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. If you don't know your hair type, see a professional hairdresser and find out. It doesn't have to be expensive products, just make sure if you have fine hair you use lightweight products, if you have dry hair use intensive moisturising products, and so on.
Product you couldn't live without: SPF 30 Sunscreen. There is nothing I fear more than aging, and the one truly proven way to slow it down is to protect your skin from the damaging sun rays.
Number one foundation, concealer, mascara and lipstick: All of these products change for me on a nearly weekly basis, sometimes more. Right now my #1s are Giorgio Armani Foundation, Lancome Concealer, MAC Mascara and Tom Ford Lipstick
Favourite nail polish brand and colour: That is a terribly unfair question so I am just going to narrow down to the two brands I am loving most right now, Deborah Lippmann and SpaRitual.
Most recommended must try product: One product is really difficult as everyone has different needs, but I would recommend that everyone must try La Prairie skincare products at least once in their life. They are so divine and an absolute pleasure to use.
Most recommended must try product: One product is really difficult as everyone has different needs, but I would recommend that everyone must try La Prairie skincare products at least once in their life. They are so divine and an absolute pleasure to use.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Ready, Set & Go..
Australis Ready, Set, Go finishing powder
Let me just first start by saying I'm in love with this product at the moment. If it were human I'd propose and have its babies, LOVE! And now that I sound like a crazed lunatic let me explain why.
My number one beauty pet hate has always been that my face gets shine throughout the day no matter what foundation I use, especially in my T-Zone area (forehead, nose and chin). I've tried various pressed powders but found that they get quite cakey.
Australis' Ready, Set, Go finishing powder in true translucent is extremely fine and silky, it leaves your skin looking and feeling a velvety, matte, skin like texture. It's silica based and provides no extra coverage. Plus, the results last ALL DAY!
I apply it with a powder brush after applying all other makeup except for mascara. A little goes a long way, so pick up a small amount of the powder on the edge of the brush then swirl the brush around in the lid. This will cover the entire brush with a small amount of the finishing powder. Be sure to apply in a dabbing motion rather than swiping it on as the brush may move your foundation and cause it to look uneven. To achieve a dewy look without the oily appearance only apply the powder to the T-Zone and around the jaw line.
So I hope that justifies my passionate love affair with this product. If not then you'll just have to try it for yourself to know what I'm raving about.
Australis Ready, Set, Go finishing powder in True Translucent is $12.95 and available from Priceline, Target, Kmart and Big W.
Have you tried this product? What's your favourite Australis product? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter I would love to hear from you.
Sam xx
The product was purchased with my own funds and am in no way affiliated with Australis. All options are my own. I simply tell the world if I love something :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
I double dare you!
Each week Andra of Fox in Flats proposes a 'Dare' to make everyone step a little out of their style norms! This week I'm catching up on the dares that took place the last few weeks. The above images are my inspiration for the following dares;
"This week, I’m daring you to bring on the bling, get your glitter on and shake those sequins in the sparkling sun. All week. From morning till night, regardless of the occasion, company, or mood you’re in."
"Anything that makes me squirm a bit is worthy of a challenge, so pucker up for a week of hot, hot pink… Dare you to wear bright hot pink lipstick for 7 days in a row."
Sam xx
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Beauty Blogger Insider
By Rosemary Slade
Beauty Philosophy: Take care of yourself! Eat well, exercise, take your vitamins, remove your makeup properly and your natural beauty will shine through. But of course it never hurts to highlight your features.
Product I couldn't live without: Kosmea Rosehip Oil. Keeps my skin hydrated, helps reduce scarring & is a wonderful anti-aging serum too!
Number One Products;
Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear.
Concealer: MAC Studio Sculpt.
Mascara: Face of Australia Impact Curl in Black.
Favourite nail polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in Petal Pusher. The prettiest nude pink ever! Perfect for every day. Plus, the quick dry gives it even more brownie points!
Must-try product: I have TWO!!
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer, it's a beautiful natural highlighter. Great to mix with your foundation for an instant glow or pat it along your cheekbones, nose, temples & forehead for sun-kissed goodness. I use shade number 3.
The other is Benefit BrowZings in medium: cannot live without. The ultimate brow kit!! Takes your brows from blah to boom in under 5 minutes. Must try!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Colour Dilemma
So I've decided to be brave and colour my hair a bright colour to raise funds for the Leukemia Foundation.
Click her to sponsor me! Please be as generous as you can. The money you give will help fund important research into leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood disorders.
I'm off to the shops now to purchase the colours and need your help deciding which look to do! Let me know by commenting below or on Twitter.
Sam xx
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
'The Beatles' Mani
Often when sick and bed ridden I get very bored, which has only fueled my nail art obsession. What else is there in the world, other than technology, that can occupy a girl confined to her bed? Plus this time round I wanted to try something a little but different.
I browsed my Pinterest 'Nails' board for inspiration, as usual, and decided to go for something really unique; The Beatles!
Products used;
- Nailtex Foundation II (Base Coat)
- China Glaze 'Nude' (2 Coats)
- Glamnails Nail Art Pen in 'Jet Black' (To precisely outline shape)
- O.P.I 'Black Onyx' (To fill shape)
- CM nail polish '1 Black' (To fill fine areas)
- Seshe Vite fast dry top coat
I get my products from a wholesaler but if your curious as the where you can find any of these products comment below or tweet me and I'll send you a link :)
Sam xx
Friday, March 9, 2012
Can never have too much..
So when I arrived at uni more than an hour early this morning I decided to have a little poke around my handbag to see exactly what had accumulated in there. I found 4 lipsticks, 2 tubes of paw paw ointment and 2 sticks of baby lips. Thought I would do a little review of each of the lipsticks. Please forgive the poor quality images, this entire post is being done on my iPhone.
Coral Colour Moisture lipstick in 'Hint of Berry'
"Moisturising Lipstick delivers a rich uniform colour in a creamy smooth formula. It's superior blend of care ingredients include naturally derived lanolin, Shea butter, vitamin E and oils of Avocado, Jojoba and Evening Primrose to leave lips smoother and healthier in appearance."
I'll give any lipstick a chance and while i'm not a fan of the transparent blue packaging this one really surprised me! I've worn it down to a bit of a nub already. It goes on so smoothly with an opaque coverage that really makes the colour pop. The finish is somewhat glossy and makes my lips look so soft and plump!
The product stays so well, leaving my lips evenly stained with the colour for hours after application. For $7.95 its great, I'll be definitely be purchasing some more colours. Available at random pharmacies and online at www.coralcolours.com.au
Australis Colour Inject Mineral lipstick in 'Boogie Woogie'
"Long lasting, moisturising and nourishing lip colour. It’s an injection of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It contains Kakadu plum which is the world’s highest known source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is not only soothing, but also naturally stimulates collagen formation. Moisturising, smoothing and lip defining peptides are added to help make this the hottest thing on everyone's lips!"
You'b be lucky to find me without one of these babies in my everyday handbag! It's just a beautifully thick, creamy, velvety texture that feels so lush on your lips.
After approximately three hours the creamy texture is gone but you are left with the colour still perfectly stained on your lips for a good three hours or so after that as long as you don't eat. Six hours of colour is fantastic for my busy days. LOVE!
Australis Colour Inject Mineral lipstick is $12.95 and available in 20 shades from Priceline, Target and Kmart.
Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in 'Birthday Suit'
"Lasting Finish promises fresh, only-just-applied looking colour and an intense finish which delivers up to 25% more colour impact."
This product is one of the only lipstick I own that have a slight wearable shimmer and while its not as creamy as I like my lipsticks to be its still one of my favourites!
The colour lasts much like the above Australis lipstick but has more of a matte texture feel on the lips.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick is $9.95 and available from David Jones, Coles, Priceline and Kmart
Face of Australia Lip Quench in 'Iced Almond'
"Enriched with natural moisturisers and emollients including Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E & Shea Butter, this rich, creamy lipstick provides beautiful colour in a hydrating formula that protects your lips from harmful UV rays. Nourishes and protects whilst delivering smooth, even colour that caresses the curves of your lips. Maintain soft and supple lips and protect them from the ageing effects of the sun for totally kissable lips."
Firstly, I love that this product is SPF30+ which is important for us Aussies! It has a creamy texture that I've found lasts approximately an hour and a half before I need to reapply. This is mainly because the milky pastel colour dry on my deep pink lips isn't a good look. People with lighter lips could get away with leaving it a lot longer.
Available now in 13 shades from Priceline, Big W, Kmart stores and online from fashionaddict.com.au for $9.45.
What in you handbag? How many lip products are in there? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter.
Sam xx
All of these items featured were purchased with my own funds and am in no way affiliated with any of the brands mentioned. I simply buy something if I love it!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Two Tone
They two-toned nails seemed to be a big trend at NY fashion week with Donna Karen (above) and Thakoon both featuring the nail look in their Fall shows.
Achieve this surprisingly simple and elegant style by painting the nail bed in a neutral taupe shade and finish the tips with a dark tone. I used China Glaze's 'Nude' and OPI's Black (Left).
Sam xx
Monday, March 5, 2012
London Fashion Week Favourite
Burberry
This look is unassumingly sexy and worn. Key makeup artist Wendy Rowe dreamed up this look that polished off the chic understated mood of the collection. The soft brownish taupe smokey eye, strong brow and faintly pink lip is bold but very wearable!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Soon to be featured..
The last few weeks I have purchased quite the collection of new stuff. There's a few things in there I've never tried before, like the Essie polish (beautiful colour may I add), Lush toner and the Glamnails nail art pen. As much as I try to stay away from lipsticks I just simply cant resist.
Applying a deliciously creamy, pretty coloured lipstick just instantly lifts my mood!
My favourite at the moment is DEFINITELY my collection from Australis' Lip Injection range. They are just perfect in my eyes. Chances are I'll end up purchasing nearly every colour! Can't wait to review and share just how amazing they are.
I plan to feature, review and swatch all of these products in the next few weeks. As well as a few more I forgot whilst taking these pictures. So stay tuned!
Essie Nail Polish in Whisper
Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Fashion (Limited Edition)
Face Of Australia Pressed Powder
Rimmel Colour Show Off Lipstick in Tell No One
Manicare Glamnails Nail art pen
Lush 'Breath of fresh air' spritz toner
Nailtek Ridge-filling base coat
Australis Show Stopper Gloss Stick in Fairy Floss
Savvy by DB eyeliner in Smoke
Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Glitzy Gold
Australis Eyepencil in Hello Sailor
Australis Mega Lash Mascara in Electric Blue
Australis Bronzing powder
Face of Australia Lip Quench in Iced Almond
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Birthday Suit
Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Salsa, Boogie Woogie and Tonky Tonk
What have you purchased or tried any amazing new products lately? I'd love to hear about them! Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter.
Sam xx
All of these items featured were purchased with my own funds and am in no way affiliated with any of the brands mentioned. I simply buy something if I love it!
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