Maybelline Master Smoky Review

During a recent trip to Priceline I decided to pick up this eyeliner for the reason that I have really enjoyed the eyestudio line by Maybelline. And I must say this did not disappoint.

The eyeliner comes with a sponge that can be used for smudging, this is because it is marketed as a product that can help you create that perfect smoky eye. Then there is the retractable eyeliner on the other side, which is helpful as you do not need to sharpen it regularly. 

So far I really enjoy using this product, it is extremely soft to apply and easy to smudge if desired, however, after a while I found that it set. This meant that it stayed in place during my busy day and did not run down my face (which is always a bonus).

Colour wise I chose smoky charcoal which to me is a dulled down black with almost hints of navy in it. I really like this colour as I have been applying it to my upper lash line and a tiny bit on the outer lower lash line then smudging it out for an everyday look.

Top: Smoothly Applied, Bottom: Smudged Out Slightly

So what are some of your favourite Maybelline eyestudio products?

M xoxo

NOTD: Knitted Gold

Ever since I read essiebutton's post on Maybelline Colour Show: Brocades in Knitted Gold, I knew that that nail polish had to be in my life. However, as I live in Australia it took me a few weeks of stalking the shelves of priceline to finally see it. When I spotted this beauty by itself I knew that I would have to snatch it up asap.

I would describe this unique colour as having tiny yellow gold sparkles as a base, then these beautiful rose gold hexagonal sparkles on top. So far no chips have occurred in the two days of wear (which is saying something for me). I can tell that even when it starts to chip that it won't be to much of an issue for its lightness of colour.

I do have two coats of a nude nail polish by Essie in Sand Tropez because I feel that it gives the look extra dimension and only one Knitted Gold coat was needed as it had a base to go off. 

So what do you think about this new shade? What are your favourite nail polishes at the moment?

M xoxo

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara Review

As I have started getting into filling in my eyebrows more often, I have decided to include a clear mascara to tame my brows throughout the day. In now way at all are my brows unruly on their own, however, sometimes throughout the day my brows will fall out of their striking place.

Recently I have been using Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara and have been really enjoying it. It does the job for me, because lets face it all brow gel does is brush your eyebrows into place then hold it throughout the day. I can confidently say that it kept my brows in place throughout a busy day as well as holding the colour that I applied with a powdered eyeshadow. The no frills packaging does not bother me one bit as it only cost $3.50 at my local Priceline. The spooly brush is easy to use, however, I do see some people having a problem with how large it is, but it does the job fine in my opinion.

What is your favourite eyebrow product?

xoxo M

The Liebster Award

I was first confused when I saw these post popping up in my feed, but looking into it the award seems like an amazing opportunity for smaller bloggers to get known in the world of blogging and feel supported in the internet community. I was so grateful when the lovely Jessica from Girlycopyright nominated me, so many thanks again!

There are a few basic rules that go with this award... 

- Make sure to include the person that nominated you

- Answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you

- Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers (make sure you let them know)

- Create a new set of 11 questions that your nominees can answer

My nominees include:

http://a-is-for-aileen.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.lolas-patchwork.com/

http://www.beautyinthesky.net/

http://shiwashiful.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.thai-tales.com/

http://dolcebeautyx.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.justplaindelirious.com/

http://jademusing.tumblr.com/

http://heylandy.blogspot.com.au/

http://allherprettylittlethings.blogspot.com.au/

http://bubblesandblush.wordpress.com/

My questions from Jessica:

1. What made you want to start blogging?
I wanted to get out of my comfort zone really. I have been watching and reading all kinds of blogs for many years and I was inspired to become apart of that community. As I have grown older I have lost many of my hobbies, so I thought that attempting to blog would be such a fun and personal one to start.

2. What is your favourite meal?
Now this one is hard, I think i'll have to cheat and say that I love so many different types of food. Currently i'm loving mexican, italian, indian, thai and greek food, not to mention I enjoy a good pub lunch.

3. What is your go to beauty product?
I'll have to stay something involving lips, whether that be a stain, stick, gloss or balm. I think that my face just looks more alive and fresh when I have a coat of gloss or colour on my lips.

4. Where was the last place you went on holiday too?
I went on a little trip to the Gold Coast in Queensland with a few of my best friends for New Years Eve. I had the best time ever chilling, eating and partying with these beautiful girls. Not to mention I now have many memories with these girls, whether they be hilarious or cringeworthy.

5. Do you prefer watching something at home or going to the cinema to see it?
With out a doubt I love watching movies at home. There is something about the cinema that gives me the creeps. And there is nothing like snuggling up in your own house watching a movie with no distractions.

6. What is your favourite moto?
I try and live by the saying that my dad taught me when I was a little girl, "Treat others the way you would want to be treated". So basic yet so rewarding.

7. Do you have any pets?
No I don't, when I move out I want to get a bunny rabbit. I just can't deal with their cuteness.

8. What is your favourite song at the moment?
Probably would have to be Iggy Azalea's "Work". Love that song.. so much sass.

9. iPhone/ Android/ Blackberry?
As much as it annoys me, iPhone. Just because it is pretty easy to use and I can connect it to my beloved Mac.

10. Where is your favourite place in the entire world?
Thailand! I have so many beautiful memories from that amazing country. The few times I have visited there I feel like I learnt so many lessons and shared different experiences.

11. If you stay in on a Friday night, what would you like to do? 
Have a little dinner party with my friends. We would cook together or for one another and just basically have a good ole' fashion feast.

All right now it's my nominees turn:
1. Was there any blogger who inspired you to start blogging?
2. If you could only put five makeup products on for the rest of your life what would they be?
3. Where is one place that you want to travel to?
4. Doesn't matter how far fetched it is, what is one life plan that you would want to achieve?
5. Who is someone that you look up to?
6. Describe yourself in five words?
7. If you had infinite money, what would your perfect day look like?
8. Where is your favourite place in the world?
9. What do you do to relax?
10. What are some of your favourite activities to do?
11. What is your favourite perfume?


Thank you all for joining in on the fun, and a special thanks to Jessica for nominating me

M xoxo

Skin Care Routine

For many years I have struggled with controlling acne, however, after many different medications and topical applications my skin has decided to chill down a bit.

So that leaves me dealing with my combination, leaning to more oily skin type. Every morning and night I have a basic routine, then add different products depending on what my skin is telling me.

1. I'll firstly wash my face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser which was recommended by numerous doctors and dermatologists. I find that this super gentle product removes the majority of my makeup, leaving my skin prepped for cleansing time.

2. Currently I am using Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, which has been working well with further cleaning, leaving my skin vibrant and not striping natural oils. I switched to the cleanser as it was the fraction of the cost from a cleanser from ASAP, which I may go back to one day. But all in all the Neutrogena cleanser does the job perfectly fine and I love the fact that it has no nasties in it.

3.
a). Morning: I'll apply ASAP Moisturising Daily Defence in the morning to my face as it is jam packed with SPF 30+ which should be in every skincare routine! This is a lovely light weight cream that sinks into the skin nice and fast. I also feel as if it hydrates the skin extremely well.

b). Night: This step took me a while to get used to but I can't imagine my routine with out it at the moment. I'll pop ASAP's Clearskin Gel on my face at night as it targets all of the impurities that my be manifesting under your skin. It is a strange gel that smells a bit weird, but when applied you feel nice and fresh, like your skincare is actually working.

I'll add these products to my routine whenever I feel as if I need to target an area.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub: Recently I was told to be careful of this product by a beautician, as it can be quite harsh. However, I'll use it whenever my skin is looking tired or has that gross build up forming (we all know what I'm talking about.. yuckk).

Beauty & me Avocado Oatmeal Face Mask: Not so much this brand but if I see any avocado clay based mask I'm into it. These masks freshen the skin as well as unclogging pores (which my oily skin asks for a lot).

Rose Hip Oil: My holy grail product at the moment, I feel as if this product just adds a glow to my skin. I have also noticed my red acne scars fading since using this. I'll apply just before my moisturiser, so that the oil can be locked in.

Apple Cider Vinegar: My my this household item has so many uses! I know that my mum loves rinsing it through her hair, leaving it nice and shiny. I'll pop this in a small spray bottle and use as a toner whenever I feel as if my pores need a good ole' clean. Learn from my mistake at avoid from the eye area.. ouchhh.

So what are some of your favourite products in your skincare routine?

M xoxo

2013 Beauty Awards

These are all of my beloved, must have beauty products that I have been depending on in the year of 2013.

Complexion favourites:

Sunspirit  Rose Hip Seed Oil

I use the smallest amount of this oil just before I moisturise day and night on my face. I honestly believe that this product gives your skin a more healthy appearance. I have also seen an improvement in the fading of my small red acne scarring which makes me feel over the moon.

Australis Makeup Finishing Spritz

I have recommended this product to so many of my friends and a few of them have come back to me raving about it, so I know that I'm onto something here. I use this lightweight mist to set my makeup (which I believe works to a certain degree), to blend all of my face products used and to freshen up when I'm feeling a tad blahh.

Revlon Colourstay Foundation in Natural Beige

Currently I am using the 'normal/dry skin' formula but I must say that I can not tell the different between this and the 'oily skin' formula. With out a single doubt this is my to go to foundation. I wear it everyday knowing that it will not budge, even on long days, sweating, everyday wear and my oilyish skin. This foundation gives my skin a natural finish yet covers all of the nasties that occur on my face. 

Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover in Medium

Just like the Revlon foundation I have gone through countless bottles/ tubs of this product and I will continue to do so for a very long time. This lightweight powder can be used to set your liquid/cream foundation or be used alone for a more natural appearance. When my skin is just not having the best day and is looking a bit sad really i'll brush this on and it adds instant colour and creates an even skin tone.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze

Another product which many of my friends and I rave about (so I know that I'm not the only crazy one here) is this matte bronzer. I spoke about this product further in my Bronzed and Ready post. This powder just adds a beautiful glow to your skin without look orange.

The Balm Cosmetics Mary - Lou Manizer

I can not rave enough about this highlighter, I have been using it everyday for over a year and it has not even made a dent in the product, you literally get given a life time supply of highlighter. This product gives your complexion a beautiful subtle champagne glow. 

Eye favourites:

Stila In The Light Eye Shadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette has so many beautiful combinations for either a smokey sexy eye or a more subtle everyday look. The palette contains mostly shimmer shades, mixed with a few matte shades which are perfect to be used when blending. I have a more in depth post on the palette describing its amazingness further.

Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara

When I wear this mascara I get so many questions about what fake eyelashes I use! This product literally creates volume and length to my lashes like crazy. It also does not budge throughout a long day or night. I apply this using numerous coats allowing for drying time between each of the coats to create a false eyelash effect.

Relvon Grow Luscious Mascara   

 With claims of creating stronger lashes, I feel as if this is actually true as my lashes seem healthier and have less fall out when I religiously apply this product. This mascara is a perfect everyday product for me, it gives my lashes natural yet noticeable length and volume.

Maybelline Masterprecise Liquid Liner 

This is the easiest to use, most long wearing liquid eyeliner I have ever used. The pigmentation of the liner does not fade nor budge throughout both the day and night. You can create a soft line on the top of your lash line to produce the illusion of thicker eyelashes to a dramatic winged look.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

This is probably my favourite eye product out at the moment. I use it as a base or just as a eyeshadow on its own. It lasts all day through all of the elements. When I pop this on my eyelids it just adds an extra dimension to my face, it looks as if you have spent a good 15 minutes on shading and blending, when in reality you used your finger and swiped it onto your lid. 

Lip Favourites:

Korres Lip Butter in Quince

This lip butter is extremely moisturising whilst adding such a beautiful, light, natural sheen to your lips. I can't really describe the smell of this product but it just feel luxurious and fancy.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten

I have written a blogpost on my love for this product so I will not rant on. But this lip product is long lasting and provides the most amazing bright colour to your lips. I just can't express my lust for this product in words.

Hair Favourite:

John Frieda Frizz- Ease Hair Serum, Extra Strength Formula

This product does what it says that it does, end of. The smallest amount tames the wild frizz that is my hair. It also does not leave a greasy texture when applied lightly to the hair.

What products won your 2013 beauty awards?

M xoxo

Beauty in Bloom

I was feeling a little down in the dumps a few days ago so I decided to have some chilled time and read through a few books that I haven't read in a while.

Beauty in Bloom by Natalie Bloom, founder of Bloom cosmetics, is an inspirational 'beauty' book. I feel as if this is not your typical beauty book as it talks about the importance of finding inspiration in your everyday life.

This book contains the uses for and basic application tips of different types of makeup products. My favourite part being "Indefinable Beauty", which discusses the importance of having grace and respect for yourself.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely amazing! These gorgeous pictures were created using watercolour which gives a soft and calming feel to the book.

What books inspire you?



xoxo M