L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis

102 Macaron Noisette, 211 Opulent Pink, 613 Blue Reef

Let me start by just saying WOW! These little pocket rockets are blowing my mind with amazingness!!

As you may know I have quite an extensive nail polish collection, consisting mainly of OPI, China Glaze and Orly. I'll be the first to admit I'm a slight nail polish snob. I just loath streaky, slow drying, easily chipped nail polishes. Which is why I usually stick to what I know. To be honest I probably would not have tried this product had it not been gifted to me.

What they say..

"A trend driven, fashion inspired nail polish collection with a formula that combines rich pigmented, pearlescents and optical effects.. The unique liquid gel formula with a built-in top coat is designed to prevent the polish from spreading too thinly to avoid the runs, drips and bubbles of classic polishes. The innovative new flat and rounded brush is designed to anchor the product towards the centre of the brush for a comfortable and even one stroke application." 

 613 'Blue Reef'

I found the formula to be smooth, creamy and pigmented. Perfectly opaque in two coats. The colour you see in the bottle is what you get! 

And the brush!! Wide, flat and rounded. I've never used a brush this shape before. Wish it had been in my possession my whole life. It was a complete dream to use! The rounded edge splays perfectly to get an easy, shape edge close to the cuticle. The width cut application time down significantly, two strokes per coat max. While the flat shape means minimum pressure required to spread the formula evenly. I tell you.. A DREAM.

Oh and the colour range.. a 36 shade collection, soon to be 42! 

The 5ml L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis collection is currently available for $6.95 from Priceline, Target, Kmart and Big W.

As I only applied it 24hours ago I cannot comment on how well it wears. So in the next few weeks I'll be posting a Part II review. Until then, have you tried the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis collection? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter I would love to hear from you.

  

Sam xx

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The product featured in this post was provided to me for consideration however this did not influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. 

Excuses, swaps & dorkaliciousness

Firstly, Let me apologise for the lack of posts the last two weeks or so! On top of my final university exams I've also been fighting a killer cold. Although, now that's all over (thank god!), I have time to work on whatever my heart desires.

Relaxation . Fun . Blog . Career 

Includes but not limited to:

Publishing posts frequently. Catch up on product back log.

Organising myself for my final semester of uni and graduation.

Searching for and securing a new job.

And of course..

Sam & Mitch time! 

However, for my first err.. order of business I was thinking of organising a Beauty Blogger Christmas in July Swap. Anyone interested? I haven't really finalised any details as I wasn't sure if many people would participate. I was thinking it could include something along the lines of the following;

A holy grail product

A product from your favourite international brand

A product from your Favorited Australian 

A surprise

(To the value of approximately $40)

As well as three of your unwanted products

(Products you have you've barely used that just weren't for you)

How it works is each lovely lady participating will be matched with one other. The pair exchange addresses, stalk each other to get a feel of who they are and what they like, compile the products for swapsies and post them off to arrive sometime around July 29th.

Sounds easy and super fun to me! :) Who's in? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter would love you all to join in.

  

Oh and I realise that using all funky different fonts sort of makes this post mildly resemble a ransom note but I was bored and wanted something a little bit different.

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Ps. Here's a bonus dorkalicious photo of me and my boy.. we're a HOOT!

Beauty Torture

So, three weeks ago I published this post about my amazing hair-piphany that came about on a trip to Melbourne, where my only option for clean hair was to use my boyfriend's Head & Sholders  'Smooth and Silky' Shampoo with Herbal Essences 'Long Term Relationship' conditioner. I began a 'Beauty Experiment' to attempt to determine the direct cause of my new found hair amazingness.. The shampoo? The conditioner? Or the two combined?

We're you curious to find out? No. Well I was, only the "experiment" has taken a turn for the worse and the outcome is something I never expected!

Following the first two or three times I used the combination my hair issue/scalp irritation has become quite strange so I've been occasionally alternating back to my Neutregena T-Gel Shampoo and Sunsilk's 'longer and stronger' conditioner routine. But the last three days have been hell! I'm not going to go into detail due to possibly sharing too much. Lets just leave it at there's been blood.

On an irritation scale, one being the unrealistic silky smoothness in a Pantene commercial and ten being so irritated "shaving all my hair off is my only option if I wish to remain sane", I'm usually at a tolerable and controllable four. However, I'm now sitting at majorly uncomfortable nine!

I'm actually loosing sleep over it. Cannot put my hair up in a high pony or top knot (the usual) as it pulls on my poor inflamed scalp. French braids are my only option if I wish to get my hair off my face.

A family friend, who's a highly regarded dermatologist, has so generously fitted me in to his busy schedule at the crack of dawn tomorrow! After describing all of my symptoms in detail on the phone today he advised me that I may be allergic to Head & Shoulders!! Apparently it's not uncommon. Tomorrow he'll be having a close look, prescribing the appropriate remedies and giving me something called x-ray treatment. I'll be honest, that sounds scary to me.

When I get my answers I'll update you all again. This is just all so mind blowing to me! I'm not allergic to anything, I'm slightly lactose intolerant, but not allergic. Why can't my scalp just be normal, my hair smell like flowers and just be this amazing when I wake up in the morning?.. *swoon*

Have you suffered from anything similar? What did you use to sooth it? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter I would love to hear from you.

  

Sam xx

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Be Lara Bingle

As the images above highlight, I may have over sold this post in the title. Obviously one cannot become  Lara Bingle, but I can give away some tints to achieve her uber chic, glowing amazingness!

Le Tan Face Tan Radiant Glow

An instant tan specifically for your face which you can build up over a few applications to your desired intensity. I've been using it over my moisturiser as part of my night time routine a couple of nights a week. I don't always apply an all-over application. Sometimes I just apply a small amount along my hair line and blend it downwards in a circular motion. Cheeks and over my nose is also where I concentrate the product as these are the places the sun regularly kisses. 

$7.99 available from Priceline, Big W, Target & online

Napoleon Perdis Off-Duty Tinted Moisturiser

This tinted moisturizer lets the skin glow naturally as its a light to medium coverage. Pair with your favourite concealer to correct any problem areas (spots and under eye area).

$48.00 available at David Jones, Napoleon Perdis stores & online.

Face of Australia Curl Impact Mascara

Long, curled defined lashes on top with bottom lashes left relativity naked. 

$11.95 available form Priceline, Kmart and Big W

MeMeMe Cosmetics' Arch Angel

This product is perfect for defining and highlighting. Use the tinted comb applicator end to define brows and hold them in place. Then use the other end to highlight the outside third of the brows and dab a bit in the inner corner of each eye. 

$24.95 available online

Australia Bronzing Powder

The final element of that glowing sun kissed skin. Bronzer! Apply small amounts at a time to your cheeks, ears, temples, hair line and jaw line. I like to use a buffing brush as that's what works for me as it gives a flawless finish. Then use the bronzer to define your eyes in whatever shape flatters your eyes (Let me know if you'd be interested in a post on this specifically)

$12.95 available from Priceline, Big W, Kmart and Target

Face of Australia Lip Quench in 'Iced Almond'

The perfect sheer nude lipstick for Lara's look. Plus it's super moisturising and is SPF 30!

$9.45 available form Priceline, Kmart and Big W

Osis+ Dust it Styling Powder

Lara always has an effortless, messy texture to her locks. Dust this product through a centre part and run your fingers back and forth on either side of the part. Voila!

Osis+ is available at Hairdressing salons, Price Attack & Hairhouse Warehouse. 

Alternatively you can call 1800 251 887

Well that's how I 'be' Lara Bingle, cant wait to see how she does it! Her reality show 'Being Lara Bingle' premieres tonight 8pm on channel 10. I'll admit I'm a little excited.

Will you be tuning in? What are your thoughts on these products? How do you use them? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter I would love to hear from you.

  

Sam xx

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Love this look!

The Toi Et Moi up-do was by far my favourite 'runway to everyday' look at MBFWA. I was lucky enough to chat with hair director Stephen Seago (of ROAR hairdressing), for KMS California, before the show to pick his genius mind for tips on perfectly achieving the look at home. It may seem like a basic top knot but just know there is no donut/padding required and it will maintain its stylish messy texture all day without budging. 

Get this look:

• Prep hair with Freeshape hot flex creme and Freeshape quick blow dry lotion to get a smooth glossy finish.
• Which a soft paddle brush section 2 pony tails, 1 on the crown and the other just in front
• Back comb the pony tails to create lots of texture and apply Hairplay dry wax
• Lightly brush the outside layers of the ponytail to create a smooth finish
• Bring both ponytails together forward towards the face and then in a clockwise wrap motion to form a bun
• Secure with bobby pins and apply Hairstay maximum hold hairspray

The video below features a glimpse backstage as well as a quick look at the last 4 steps. Watch to see just how quick and easy this look really is! (Ps. This is my first ever Youtube video.. eek #excited, be sure to let me know what you think of it!)

For KMS California stockist enquiries contact 1800 506 060

Will you be giving this look ago? What did you think of my little video? Want me to try and include more videos? Let me know by commenting below, Facebook or Twitter I would love to hear from you.

Sam xx

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May Favourites

Products

Maybelline's Limited Edition One by One Volum' Express Satin Black Mascara

Australis Eyeshadow Primer

Loreal Paris NutriShine by Colour Riche in 301 Sandalwood Beige

Rimmel London Match Perfection Cream Gel Foundation

Posts

Michaela of Lather Rinse Repeat had me giggling like the little girl that I with this post reviewing Ulta3 Eyeshadow in Truffle. Witting and super funny!

Rosemary of Lashes and Lattes and Kimberley of Pop Couture posted a photo-a-day challenge #30daysoflippy - Follow the links to their blog for more info on what its all about!

Miscellaneous 

This month I had my first 'Love Link' (that I know of) which was super exciting! Thank you Kim of Kimbalikes.com :) Oh am I'm LOVING gnocchi - I'd eat it every meal of the day if it was better for you. Yum!

Sam xx

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