September Empties

I have been wanting to do an empties post for awhile, but being as OCD as I am I tend to throw everything away the minute that it is empty. This month, I finally made myself keep everything, and I now have a little list of empties to share with you. Go me!

1. Akin Pure and Creamy Cleanser and Toner: This is a lovely cleanser, it smells divine and feels amazing. My only problem is that is doesn't remove make up very well. I needed to use a makeup remover over (like the Dove Foaming Makeup Remover) before cleansing with this. I still can't decide if I like that or not.

2. Select Enriching Moisturizing Shower Milk: smells just like the Palmolive Milk and Honey shower gel, but is a little bit cheaper. Would I repurchase? Yes.

3. Loreal Everstrong Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner: love this shampoo and conditioner. This is my second set since it came out. I am using up the rest of my David Babaii Hydrating at the moment, and then I will see who wins to be repurchased. I love both, so much.

4. Nivea Invisible Anti-perspirant in Pure: I liked this, but after awhile I think I got used to it, it didn't seem to work any where near as well. Would I repurchase? Probably not.

5. Elizabeth Arden Perfume in Pretty: this has been my signature day scent for a few years now, and I still love it. Would I repurchase? Definitely yes, although at the moment I am hanging out for a sale on Stella by Stella Macartney...

6. Loreal Lash Architect 4D Mascara: I liked this, but I am now getting rid of it because although it isn't empty, it is now very clumpy. Would I repurchase? Probably not. As a rule, I prefer Maybelline mascara over Loreal (and I have 4 mascara's in my draw to use up before I buy any more).

7. Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer: I really like this, but it is a little oily and helps my mascara leave black marks on the top of my brow bone. Also, it runs out pretty quickly with every day use. I don't think that I would repurchase this.

8. Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield Foundation: I love this foundation. It's the easy-ness and the SPF that get's me. Would I repurchase? I already have.

Lucky Last:
9. Pearl Drops Intensive Whitening Toothpolish: I have been using this whitening toothpaste on and off for ages, and I think it works a lot better than most of the generic whitening toothpastes out there. Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

YAY for empties! Now to keep using up things so that I can make way for new things....

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend (AKA. Heaven)

I just had one of the best weekends of my life. What was the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend I hear you ask? It was where 85 of Australia's best beauty bloggers got together for a weekend of meeting, greeting, and learning about blogging and product. There were information sessions and masterclasses, better blogging sessions and IMATS. All in all, it was amazing!

Jacie and Kimmi did a fantastic job organising this weekend, and I really want to thank them for all of the time and effort that they put into organising the weekend. Bring on ABBW 2012!

Well it just leaves itself open, doesn't it?

Bloggers lining up for IMATS

Manicure at the Royal and Langnickel Beauty Bloggers Haven

Bloggers at IMATS

Jackie from BD giving us her top 10 points for dealing with PR

Sarah getting a Orly Manicure at the Maxted Thomas PR event

Super excited to be at a Beauty Bloggers GALA!

Yolly, Dana and Myself at the Maxted Thomas Gala

Myself, Sarah and Annika with Tess from Alpha-H (and also a Brissie Beauty blogger)

Alpha-H Liquid Gold 3 step system (which really is gold), which we learnt all about at the Alpha-H event

The founder of Alpha-H: Michelle Doherty

Face of Australia Masterclass

Playing with all of the FOA products which were used to create the looks

Key note speaker - Bahar Etminan

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

So Excited for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

Haircut = check.
mini do it yourself (I ran out of time to book an appointment) facial before I leave = check
Scrub off every remnant of nasty Queensland fake tan for the sophistication of Sydney = check.

So, now that I have packed, printed my tickets, remembered to throw my toothbrush into my bag (hang on, did I do that yet??) I am off to Sydney for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend. With Saturday morning at IMATS (I think I am going to die and go to heaven) and 3 days after the weekend in Sydney to explore somewhere I have never been, you can bet I am crazy excited right now.

See you all Thursday!!

Yes, I have an ENORMOUS suitcase, what of it?

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Packing for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, Part Two

Yesterday I mentioned that I was allowing myself a toiletries bag, and a makeup bag. This is the contents of my makeup bag:


Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in Alabaster: my go to foundation when I don't want any SPF (therefore perfect for night time and photos). 

Benefit Brows a-go-go: because defined brows are so so important, and if I am going to meet some of the most influential beauty bloggers in Australia they are going to notice my brows!

Nude by Nature Mineral Eye Primer: (which I am hoping will double as face primer too, as it is so small, and I have to pack light

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer: powder illuminator

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Rude: because I am in love with the apricot peach shade of this, it is divine

Inglot Bronzer in 80: its not summery enough to crack out my huge Australis bronzer and go crazy, plus, it would simply be too big

Benefit They're Real Mascara: I love, love, love this mascara. Perfect

MAC powder blush in Pinch o peach: This has been my go to blush for years and years. It is perfect for my skin tone. When I want to rock a red lip I shall use this instead of Illamasqua. 

Rimmel lasting finish lipstick in Alarm: Staying power you don't normally see in a cheapy lipstick. Or any expensive one, actually. 

Poppy King Lipstick in Moment: because I need to carry something which makes me feel expensive

Rimmel Professional Liquid Eyeliner: again, go to eyeliner which goes EVERYWHERE with me, and has been repurchased numerous times. 

Revlon Age Defying Spa Under eye concealer: I am guessing there will be serious eye baggage happening sunday morning...

Face Of Australia concealer in Neutral: because I am already getting some excited little stress pimples, and this concealer is perfect to hide them all.

Convergirl Eye Enhancers in Sheerly Nudes: yes I know that this has a try me sticker on it, one of the perks of working in a pharmacy is we sometimes get brand new testers given to us if they weren't needed for the stand. I just happened to love these colours. Plus, this is the perfect cheapy nude palette which is neutral enough to suit almost every lipstick.


Australis Ready Set Go translucent powder: necessary to hold makeup on all day.

Make up brushes in Manicare brush roll

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Packing for the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

I am only allowing myself one toiletries bag and one makeup bag for Sydney, as apparently we need to pack light, and I am staying on for a holiday, so therefore need to pack more clothes.Therefore, everything needs to be multi-tasking, travel size, or can be used everyday.

In my toiletries bag I have packed:

Hissyfit Saving Face Tinted Moisturizer: coverage, sunscreen, lasts all day. Perfect for schlepping around Sydney with Tim on our mini holiday after ABBW


Nivea Q10 eye cream: Has SPF you see

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25+: I tend to use this as a primer under my foundation during the day, as it packs an SPF punch without being oily.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: because my stupid skin is starting to get pimples, and I may need to murder them overnight.

Clinique Moisture Surge (travel size): SPF free moisturizer for night time

Moroccan Oil (travel size): small enough to carry, is almost like carrying 3 styling products (moisture, de-frizz, smoothing). 


Batiste Boho Dry Shampoo (travel size): because I don't think I will have enough time to wash my hair in the morning, with 3 other girls fighting for the shower.

Pearl Drops Whitening Toothpaste (+ toothbrush, which I always forget)

Biore Pore Unclogging scrub (travel size): I needed a good cleanser which would remove makeup. I haven't ever tried this, so I shall let you know how it goes.

John Frieda full repair shampoo and conditioner (travel size): haven't tried this, and thought that this would be a perfect time to start.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion: sunscreen is necessary. enough said

Rexona roll on deodorant: deodorant, also necessary

Aveda replenishing body moisturizer: I really like this moisturizer, it seems to really work, instead of just creating a barrier on your skin

Reach Dental Floss

combs

single disposable razor

I am so excited for this weekend!! Plus my mini break after the ABBW, this is going to be epic!


{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Endota Lucky Leaf Competition

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was one of my favourite books when I was little (books are always better than movies, fact) and thanks to Endota, there is now a real life Willy Wonka golden ticket hunt. Except this time, you are hunting for a leaf. And not in a chocolate bar, in one of Endota Spa's Specially Marked Packs of Skincare. But still, you know, similar.

The details: Beginning October, purchase a specially marked Endota Spa Skincare Pack and look inside... the person who finds the lucky leaf will win $600 of Endota Spa Organic Skincare products, and $250 towards the charity of your choice. 

No leaf? Don't despair, there are also 4 lucky malachite stones to be found, with the finders of these recieving Endota Organic Skincare Packs as well. Hurrah!

The competition runs for a minimum of two months, and the winner will be anounced on Endota's Facebook Page.

I know what I will be buying myself for a mid-semester exam finishing present....

Good Luck everyone, and happy leaf hunting!

Image Courtesy of PR.

Endota's Website: http://www.endotadayspa.com.au/home



{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray

Dear Mr. Babaii,

What a title Mr Babaii. There is some alliteration for you!

I had only been using Bohemian Beach off and on, but recently I realised just how much I really do like this product (I have been spraying it in my hair after washing, or when I tie it up, or the second day when I want my hair to smell lovely again). This product adds mess and texture to my wavy hair, making my hair look beachy and summery and wonderful. I have also found that it works really well in conjunction with your Hydrating shampoo and conditioner, which are my most loved shampoo and conditioner pair. Together, Bohemian Beach adds back the mess and texture that your silky smooth Hydrating takes away. I love them. 

I do have to say however, Mr Babaii, it took me the longest time to love your beach spray. This was not because the product isn't wonderful, I know that it is. It is because the top of the bottle leaks. I therefore couldn't lie the bottle down, or take it anywhere with me. As I live between my house and my partners house, I therefore hardly ever used your beach spray, despite it being in my possession since the start of the year, until I started staying at my house a bit more.

Bohemian Beach does make my hair feel a little bit crunchy, but in a good way. It genuinely feels like I just got out of the beach and let my hair dry, not the terrible crunchy that you get from hair spray. Plus, Bohemian smells delightful. Is there anything more summery than coconuts? I think not.

Thank you Mr. Babaii for creating a fantastic product,

Kind regards,

Tegan

the effect it gives my hair. When down, it looks similar to how my hair was for the Hair Extension Virgin Challenge

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

A lipgloss which has rekindled a love for lipgloss

Long title, I know. Its true though. For about two years, when I have worn something on my lips it has either been lip balm, or lipstick if I want some colour. I am not about to give my lipstick up, no siree, but I have started to fall for this little lipgloss, Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss in 01.

Why? It can do the coolest trick. It is one of those wicked sweet products which changes colour, due to the pH of your skin. That is, it comes out of the tube clear, you apply it with the little brush that it comes in, and on your lips, like magic, it turns pink, over about two seconds or so. I really really really like the pink that it comes out as on me, it is a really bright, hot pink. I tried it on my housemate, it came out a reddish colour on her, which also looked lovely and suited her skin so well.

General lipgloss points: it is sticky, so be careful when going out on a windy day, your hair is bound to get stuck in it. However, it isn't really thick (like Kim Kardashian's gloss), so I feel much less Playboy Bunny wearing it. It also smells delightful, the same smell as the other Bourjois glosses. Plus, it isn't super shiny, much more balm like shine than gloss shine, which I also like. I much prefer to not look like a walking disco ball.

The colour that it turns out on my lips. My lips are naturally a very pale lilac type colour.

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Playing with Instagram

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Two Housemates, Two Different Nail Polishes

My best friend is indie and bright. She has amazing colouring (half cast Filipino/Australian), loves vests and the Kooks and brogues. I am pale, wear an awful lot of florals/girly clothes, but have almost the same music tastes. We have been friends for 8 years now, and she is also my housemate.

We currently both have new nail polishes, and I thought I would show you these today.

Dearest Katie had her heart set on a pastel but not orange nail polish, one of which we found on Tuesday, Kit's Hot Trot. It is a lovely colour, and suits her skin so well. I do think that it would suit whitey me too though, it is such a soft orange. Her thoughts on application: because the colour is so pale it needed three coats to build up. Other than that, she does love the formulation (not thick and glunky, fairly easy to spread). She did say that she wished that it contained a maxi brush though. We both have a lot of Rimmel nail polishes, and once you go maxi you don't tend to go back.

nail polish on Katie in direct sunlight

My new colour, which I LOVE, is from the new Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless collection. The colour is Vice, and it is a gorgeous deep cerise. These nail polishes are inspired from the Boot Girls (prossies who had different coloured boot laces to let you know what they were "in to"), and they have a very interesting rubber finish. I like it, because it is awesome and quirky and different to everything else out there, but I do also really like my shine. The one negative with this formulation - it dries really quickly. It is therefore hard to get a smooth coat unless you really load up your brush. Still, that is easy to fix, and the colour is so worth it.

Hot Trot and Vice in the sunlight

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

The Hair Extension Virgin

As the title implies, I have never worn hair extensions before. When BD gave me the opportunity to try out the new Lady Jane Hair Extensions however, I figured that I would give it a go. Why not?

Before Hair Extensions:
  Hair prep for photo shoot: wash with David Babaii Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. 

Yes, my hair is my natural colour. Mousy blonde brown. Sigh

Yes I know that I look like a whale in my oversized white shirt, It's comfy, Ok

Applying Hair Extensions:


The Idiot that I am, I decided to just go ahead and apply the extensions without looking at the instructions. After stabbing the little "combs" into my head a few times and wondering why they kept slipping off my hair, I looked at the instructions. They are clips, not "combs". Aha. Idiot. Once clipped in, the hair extensions stayed quite well. I have seen some of my friends with these extensions lose them halfway through the night. Backcomb the area you want to put them in, to add more grit, is my suggestion (and also, funnily enough, the suggestion on the back of the box).

"Length" ones: come in 3 little pieces in the box. I applied these to the base of my head, with one little layer of my own hair underneath. The colour blends really well into my hair when my hair is down. They also don't really pull or feel really heavy. They also don't feel itchy either. I am quite enjoying my foray into hair extensions. The only thing is, I have the 30cm ones, and they are pretty much the same length as my hair. This is good because you don't get those obvious long strands, and you get volume. If you are after making your hair a lot longer though, they also come in 45 cm strands which might be helpful to hit up.

You can see that they blend right in, and are not all that noticeable.

Volume and Length: one really long piece, with many clips. This one feels really really heavy in your hair. Really heavy. It does add a heck of a lot of volume to your hair though. My hair (which is already really thick) was even thicker. Crazy. I should have straightened these ones, so that I could see how long they really came to, but I didn't. Oh the curse of shoulda, woulda, coulda but didn't! The length that they were curly was the perfect length for my hair anyways.
One thing that I noticed - the width of the strip was too long for my head. I had it ear to ear, and it was bunching up a bit. That could be a little bit awkward if you are after a seamless straight finish. One good thing though, this type has a lot of clips, but the clips are so easy to put in and remove (once you read the instructions) so I didn't mind.

I tried to tie this one up into a ponytail, and they ripped and pulled on my hair. So I stopped. As you can see by the pictures though, they do add an awful lot of thickness to your hair. I had an entire fistful of hair trying to tie it up!

The verdict: I like the length ones (the ones that come in 3 little strips) better than the volume and length ones, which come in the one long strip. Only because the volume and length one was too wide, and therefore didn't sit properly (and I am someone who most hats don't fit because I have a BIG head). Next time I give them a go I think I shall have to straighten them, and see what they look like.

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

Yes to Carrots Pomegranate Conditioning Lip Butter

I purchased this the other day on a whim. Basically, I was in Priceline with my friend who was buying many things (you know how everything ALWAYS runs out all at once) and I wanted to buy something too. Plus, I was getting a little sick of my Lanolips, I wanted something which I could apply without my fingers.

I have found that I really like this lipbalm. Why? Two reasons:

1. It smells delightful
2. It doesnt leave my lips sore, in fact it helps to heal them.

I know the second one sounds a little silly. Lip balms are supposed to make your lips feel lovely right? In my experience, I have found that many lip balms actually dry my lips out more (the presence of menthol or petroleum jelly tends to do that), which means that I need to reapply, using up the product faster. Sneaky.

Yes to Carrots contains Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Soybean Oil, Carnauba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea butter, as well as Aloe Vera to make sure that my lips become lovely and conditioned (and after Saturday'd windy nightmare my lips are still recovering) and they stay that way. Love.

Plus, it contains SPF 15 (from Zinc Oxide). Necessary for summer, unless you want half of your lip chopped off when you are older from skin cancer.

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet

PRIMPED.com Look Book Event - Brisbane

I have been wanting to go to a Look Book event since I started reading PRIMPED, probably about two years ago. Friday night, by wish was granted. Myself, my lovely plus one (hand model for me in some of these photos), and a lot of the Brisbane Beauty Blogger girls went along to DJ's, to learn what the new trends of this season are. The lovely Eliza Ashe, acting editor of PRIMPED, with her team of helpers took us through the night, and showed us a few new must have products.

So, with no further ado the new trends of this season are....

1. Whitening and Brightening in Skincare: Paula from Comvita had a little chat to us about the Comvita whitening and brightening range -Olive White - and it sounds amazing. One thing I learnt, always use a serum, as they are much stronger than a moisturizer (they contain more active ingredients). You can also mix your serum with your foundation if it is a hydrating serum to get skin care + coverage.

2. High performance sunscreen: Louisa from Invisible Zinc took us through their Environmental Skin Protector, and Silk Shield Foundation (which you all know I adore...). Two products you should definitely look into.

3. Jewel Tones for Eyes: bright pops of colour for your eyes, matched with straight, full eyebrows, are the new trends in eye makeup according to the Rimmel Rep. Her other two top tips? Ditch eyeliner under your eyes, eyeliner on just the top is much more modern. Plus, soft brush strokes and lots of blending saves your jewel tones looking drag queen-esque.

4. Mascara: Steph from Lancome took us through their new mascara offering, Doll Eyes. Plus, she gave us a few great tips, such as pulling the mascara wand straight out of the tube, don't twist it as it comes out. This prevents that crusty product buildup on the top of the tube. Plus, to prevent smudges under your eyes, don't make the mascara on the tops of your eyes too heavy, as this can pull your lashes down, causing problems. Plus, black mascara is wonderful on everyone, except those lovely ladies with white hair. They should stick to brown. Great news for me, because I don't plan to give up my black mascara any time soon!

5. Sugar Scrub and Body Butter: Louise from Burts Bees took us through the merits of sugar scrub and body butter. Namely, dry body brushing is too harsh on the skin for most people, and therefore sugar scrubs are a wonderful exfoliant option which is much softer on the skin. I tried some of the Burts Bees pomegranate sugar scrub (which was in my goody bag), as well as being a wonderful exfoliant it smelt good enough to eat!! Plus, something that I never knew: body butter is a barrier cream, to lock in moisture, therefore helping your skin to repair underneath. Lotion is thinner, and adds moisture to the skin. Interesting.

6. Haircare: Justin from the hair care department reiterated the fact that hair for this season is all about volume and texture, by showing is this amazing Mousse which comes out as a liquid and foams up in your hands. It's by Prive and costs $39.95, if you are interested. You should be, it looks amazing. Volume without the crunch of aerosol mousse (Prive Concept Vert Volumising Froth).

7. Nails: Finally, Karen from OPI took us through the nail colours for this season. Namely, grey and charcoal. In fact, OPI skull and glossbones is the new it colour of the season. Plus, in exciting news, the new OPI breast cancer nail polish (in which 100% of profits go to breast cancer research) is a PINK shatter. YAY! Other tips, is that a nail polish thinner is one of the most important things that you will ever buy to restore old polish back to life. I didn't know this, but you know the smell that leaves when you open a polish bottle? That is a little bit of the solvent leaving the bottle. Therefore after awhile your polish will dry out and go crusty. The thinner adds that back in. Win.

Brissie Beauty Bloggers with Eliza. From Left: Me, Sarah from Hip and Haute, Eliza, and Anni from Haute Style

Goody bag goodies!

{Facebook} {Bloglovin} {RSS feed} {Twitter} {Hello Cotton} {Google Plus} {Pinterest} {Instagram}
Pin It
Tweet