The Winter Edit

After seeing a video colab by Lily Pebbles and Anna from Vivianna does Makeup I felt inspired to do something similar. It is officially winter here in Australia and I loved the idea of a summer edit so I thought I'd do a winter version for all those suffering through the chilly months!

Skincare

Left to Right: Say it with Scent green tea hand and body lotion, Nivea lip care Sun, Nivea lip butter caramel cream, Korres lip butter Jasmine

When it comes to skincare for winter theres a basic theme...moisture! Something about the cold air plays havoc with my skin during the colder months which means I need to keep up with the moisturizer or otherwise things could turn disastrous.
Hand cream for me is a huge must in the winter as my hands tend to just shrivel up from a lack of moisture which is not a good look on anyone!
Lip Balm! Same goes for lipbalm my lips just dry out so a good lipbalm tends to be on me somewhere at every point of the day! I don't have a specific lip balm as any will do!

Makeup

Left to Right: Lime crime Centrifushia, Topshop Mischief, RiRi Woo, Topshop Beguiled

When it comes to makeup in winter I tend to go for the darker shades of everything including lips, something I feel you can only get away with in the winter months. Rocking a deep burgundy lip in the summer is bound to receive some negative attention but in winter its completely acceptable. Dark reds and pinks are also on top of my lipstick lists in winter, they just look so glamorous and add a bit of chic to any outfit.

Nail Polish

Left to Right, OPI Dating a Royal, Mecca Miranda, Mecca Thaisa, OPI Malaga Wine, Covergirl Wine to Five, OPI Black Onyx

I steer clear of the pastels in winter, something feels a little wrong applying a lavender shade to my nails. Instead I opt for a wine colour, a deep purple a navy or even a black. The darker the better when it comes to nails in my opinion however nothing can beat a classic red!

Food

Arkadia Chai Tea in Vanilla

Nothing beats a hot beverage during those cold winter nights. My favourite drink of the moment is this Vanilla Chai latte. I've always been obsessed with Chai but this one beats every other version that i've tasted. If your a fan of the stuff I'd highly recommend it!

Clothing 

 Glassons Cutout Boots (No Longer available), Betts Cutout Boots, Lipstick Cutout Boots

Boots are an essential part of my winter wardrobe. Nothing beats being able to slip your cold little toes into a pair of thick socks then straight into a comfy pair of boots. This season has been all about the cutout boots, and while they might not be the most practical of shoes (especially in a torrential downpour)  there is something about the look of them that has enticed me into purchasing some...or three (sorry i'm not sorry)

Both beanies are from asos and are no longer available

Beanies are another major part of my winter ensembles. My head tends to get cold and stay cold and there is nothing more comforting then slipping on of these over the ears! They also work wonders for days when you can't be bothered washing your hair, just slip one on and no one will know...it'll be our little secret I promise.

Lifestyle

A major part of my winter here in Australia is the AFL or the Footy as we call it. For those who don't know what it is i'm not even going to bother explaining it as it is way to complicated, google it if your really that keen. Being at the footy all rugged up is one of my favourite things to do, the atmosphere is incredible and its something that you should experience if you've never been to a match or if your visiting Australia!

Left to Right; Skins Complete series 1&2, Misfits Series One Two & Three

I'm also adding DVD's into this category as there is nothing quite like a movie night in with your girls eating chocolate... drinking chocolate...just having chocolate in general, you see where this is going.

There is my winter edit! Hope you enjoyed
Elizabeth xx

Empties #1

I've been going a tad crazy trying to keep all the products i've used up in my room, fighting the urge to just throw them out as I use them has been rather difficult, however I have managed to rack up quite a good little stash of things I've used.

While it is a tad creepy seeing what people have in their trash it is a good way to review products as you have used the entire thing and are able to give your full thoughts on it!

So here is my trash for this month...just kidding here are my empties!

Johnson's face care daily essentials refreshing facial cleansing wipes

These are my favourite face wipes, this is why I have so many packets of them! They are incredibly durable and thick which allows you to really go to town when removing and makeup you may have on! They don't have any sort of scent and are incredibly moisturizing leaving your skin soft after use! I would highly highly recommend these to anyone who loves face wipes!

Sally Hansen Strengthening Polish Remover

I really liked this nailpolish remover to begin with but when it ran out and I bought the Cutex Strengthening nail polish remover I realised how dodgy the Sally Hansen one is. Its not terrible, but its not amazing either. It also bears the highest price tag of any nail polish remover that I've ever used coming in at $8 its really not worth it when you can usually get the Cutex version for around $2 and it does a way better job. Don't think i'll be repurchasing this one!

Katy Perry Lashes in Sweetie Pie

My Katy Perry Lashes finally died on me and after over 10 uses thats pretty good going for a pair of falsies! They were a tad difficult to apply though but that could be purely because I suck at applying false lashes however they looked so pretty once they were on, not too long and not too voluminous they basically looked like I'd had extensions put on. I would definitely repurchase these babies as they really enhance any eye look!

Benefits Hoola

I've had this bronzer for over a year, nearly a year and 6 months actually! and its finally left the beauty world and gone on to beauty heaven. I love this bronzer, its the perfect shade for paler people like myself and works great for darkening your complexion or applied as a contour. Its a matte bronzer which I prefer and doesn't look too muddy or orange on the skin. I already have a backup ready to go for this one and everything thats how much I adore it.

Rexona Women Naturals Anti- Per-spirant Deodorant in Pure

This deodorant was one of the strongest smelling deodorants i've ever owned. So strong that it lingered on clothing and on the skin all day, covering up everything even the smell of my perfume. While some people might enjoy that, I really didn't. I want a deodorant that covers up smells without smelling itself...if that makes any sense. I love my perfumes too much to have them covered up by a chemical soapy smell. Definitely won't be repurchasing this one!

Fudge Salt Spray

I'm a major fan of salt sprays and this one was no let down let me tell you that. Firstly it smells like a tropical holiday, like pineapples and coconuts which is a major pro in itself but teamed with a medium hold and wave making ability its amazing! However its kinda on the pricey side, at $24 per bottle I haven't had the guts to pay full price for it yet but when i'm a little more cashed up maybe i'll splurge on it once again.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh

Dry shampoos are literally my life, I cannot get enough of how they can add life to freshly washed hair and cleanliness to that second or third day hair without having to wash! Batiste is my favourite brand and its really easy to get a hold of here in Australia, however I will say it is double to price of the american ones. At $10 a bottle I cringe when buying it purely because it doesn't last me that long. However I love it too much to not have at least one bottle at home. This scent is also really great it just smells clean and isn't that what we want when our hair hasn't been washed in 3 days? Yes, yes it is.

 So there are my empties! Hope you enjoyed

Elizabeth xx

Makeup Starter Kit: Drugstore

My first steps into the world of make up were awkward...like really awkward. I had a sachet from a magazine with a little bit of what I thought was moisturizer in it...it wasn't, it was foundation and it was 3 shades to dark for my face. I saved this sachet for a special occasion thinking it was some miracle worker and the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I applied it to my cheeks only and then went out into the world...the boy I liked at the time looked at me with wide eyes and said "why is your face so orange?!" I. Was. Mortified.

I wish someone had of been there to guide me into the vast world of makeup and told me what I was doing wrong, or what products do. So here I am guiding you through a simple starter kit (everything being purchased from the drugstore), so you don't make the same horrible mistake I did!

Brushes!

Top to bottom: Elf Powder Brush, Maybelline Eye Liner Brush, Sinful Colours Shader Brush, ELF Kabooki

Starting off with brushes! While they aren't a necessity they do make applying your makeup a little easier. Here I have 4 brushes that would work while doing your entire face! A flat top brush for applying liquid foundation. A kabooki brush for applying all your powders, so setting powder, bronzer and blush. A blending brush for applying all your eye shadows and an eyeliner brush for gel liner, this one came free with the eye liner that I chose which was handy! Unless your planning on doing crazy things with your eye makeup I don't think you need more then 1 brush for them, even when i'm doing a smokey eye for a night out I still only use that single brush!

Tip: A kabooki can also be used for contouring the face, just squish the side together and the brush should fit perfectly in the hollows of your cheeks!

Face Products!

Left to Right: Maybelline Super Stay Concealer 24hour, Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, Jordana Blush Powder in Sunlit Bronze, Maybelline Mineral Power Blush in Soft Mauve

When it comes to face products I've narrowed it down to 5 basic products that are all great quality, quite cheap and are easy to find! Starting off with a foundation, while some people don't like to use foundation or might not need it, i've decided to include it for those who might want to even out the skin tone or cover any blemishes. The tip with foundation is to read the bottles! I know it can be quite overwhelming walking around the drugstore with so many choices, so my tip is to choose a brand that you like and read what all their foundations claim to do. Then see if you can colour match to your skin, apply a small amount of the foundation to the jaw line to see if it matches. Setting powders are another tricky product, if your like me and can never get the colour match right opt for a translucent one! Blushes and bronzers are a personal choice, choose colours that flatter your skin tone and colours that you like!

Tip: You don't always have to wear both blush and bronzer! If you not feeling one or the other skip it there are no rules for this!

Left to right: Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Country Woods, Maybelline Eye Studio in Blackest Black, Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof in Very Black. 

Eye shadows are completely optional, however the palette I have chosen to include is completely neutral and you pretty much can't go wrong when working with them. Sweeping any of these colours all over the lid looks amazing, even just using the lightest colour to highlight points on your face also looks great. Eye liner is another optional product but I just feel like owning one doesn't hurt! This one comes with its own little brush and is easy to apply for people who aren't so good with the whole eye liner thing like myself. Mascara is something that I wouldn't skip on buying, it can change your entire face and sometimes its all I wear when I can't be bothered applying my entire face!

So there you have my simple starter kit! Let me know if you want me to do one of these but using MAC products!

Elizabeth xx

Skincare for Beginners!

I'm going to confess something here...I'm terrible with my skincare, and I mean terrible. For some reason I'm still 15 years old in my head and only applying moisturizer to my legs under fake tan, when in reality I'm 20 and need to start thinking about taking care of the skin all over my body not just my legs! So I'm easing into it...
None of these products are super fancy or super expensive all of them were under $10 which for someone who doesn't really know anything about skin care seems like a good deal.

 For the Face

Left to right: Garnier Dark Spot Corrector, Garnier Youthful Radiance Day Cream, Garnier Youthful Radiance Night Cream, Anatomicals Eye Cream

 I would recommend 3 basic items if your starting out with skin care:

A daytime moisturizer

This one is from Garnier and is the Youthful Radiance Day Cream, which is a lightweight daytime moisturizer, its not heavy on the skin whatsoever and sinks right in which makes it easier when applying makeup afterwards.

A night time moisturizer

Sometimes i'm too lazy in the mornings to apply moisturizer but I always remember to at night, it just makes your skin feel amazing and hydrated when you wake up. This one is the Garnier Youthful Radiance Night cream, its super heavy consistency means that it takes longer to absorb into the skin which is great for using over night. Note: I would not recommend putting this on before makeup as it basically will slide straight off your face which is not pretty!

An eye cream

I would also recommend an eye cream, while this isn't a super important step for me as I don't have any wrinkles its a preventative measure for the future! This one is from Anatomicals and is called Eye Cream You Scream We All Scream for Eye Cream (adorable name I know). It has a light weight formula which I enjoy applying right before bed.

Extras

I've also been using this Garnier Dark Spot Corrector just on any pigmentation on my skin, while I would not say that this is a must buy product it is nice to have something to help with any darkness you might have on your face!

 Face Wash/ Makeup Removers

Left to right: Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover, Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub

When it comes to face wash I seem to be a bit better in sticking to a routine, these two are both from the Neutrogena Naturals range which I have talked about before (see shower with me post). One is a makeup remover/cleanser and the other is a facial scrub. Both of these I use in the shower and seem to work wonders on my skin!

Left to right: Johnsons Face Care Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes, Swisspers Cleansing Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I am the laziest person ever when it comes to removing my makeup at night time, and what does a lazy girl do when she doesn't want to wash her face? She uses makeup wipes! I have ones for the face which are the Johnsons Face Care Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes. These are my favourite wipes of all time, unlike others these are thick and remover makeup easily in one swipe. For the eyes these Swisspers pads remover even stubborn eye liners and mascaras without having to tug on the eyes! I would highly recommend wipes for removing makeup if your like me and just can't be bothered with anything else.

For the Body

Anatomicals body Moisturizer, not another rough day please

There is no need to spend a tonne of money on a body moisturizer, this one from Anatomicals smells amazing and is super moisturizing and it was $4 from ASOS, it doesn't get any better then that. I would also recommend a body scrub, mine just ran out so I don't have one to show you but a scrub is nice for when your skin needs a bit of extra care.

Extras

Left to right: Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream, Say it With Scent Green Tea Hand and Body Lotion

While these aren't entirely essential they are just nice items to have around incase you need them. A lip balm is always handy for those times when you get dry lips and the same goes with a hand cream, you just never know when you might need them!

So there are my skin care items for beginners! I hope this helps anyone who is as useless as I am when it comes to skin care

Elizabeth xx

Mini Haul: Beauty and Fashion

I should know by now that there is no point in going to a shopping center with the intention of not buying anything...because I will always buy something...without fail. Seeing as I bought some goodies I figure I should share them with all of you!

Beauty

All of the following purchases were made at Priceline which for those who don't live in Australia is probably the equivalent to a 'drugstore'.

The first item I picked out was the Physicians Formula Happy Booster Instant Blushing Glow Mood Boosting Effect Blush in Natural (that was a mouthful) after hearing great things about this brand and these Happy Booster products I thought i'd give one a try! and with the entire range at %30 percent I thought why not?! This one was $13.78

 

The next item was one of the Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. These are another raved about item that I've never tried and at $11.95 reduced from $18.95 I couldn't pass it up!

I've always thought that it would be worth picking up an eye makeup remover and when I saw these Almay Moisturizing eye makeup remover pads for 6 bucks I just grabbed them without hesitation.

I've been looking for the perfect nude look for quite some time and have realised that matte nudes don't look too great with my complexion so after looking through the lip glosses I stumbled upon the Inoxa stand which is another brand i've never tried. This Antioxidant Lip Glaze in Guava is the perfect pink for me, plus it smells like coconut which is always a plus! This one was $11.95.

Lastly I grabbed another COVERGIRL Outlast Shine Brilliant Polish in Midnight Magic which looks like the night sky, its a colour that I don't have in my collection and at $4 dollars it makes a nice little addition to my nail polish family. 

Fashion

I've only got a few fashiony bits and they're accessories, after seeing that Mimco was having a 40% off sale I literally just gravitated straight into the shop and to the Pouches stand. This little beauty was only $35 which is half price! I feel like the colour will be great for winter and is a timeless addition to my Mimco collection,

The last couple of things are midi rings! I've been a little obsessed with the whole midi ring trend recently but haven't really been able to find any that fit my fingers and that I like. These two however I love, they are both from Sportsgirl and fit me perfectly.

What's On My Face: Weekend Edition

I thought I'd start a new little series on my blog called "What's On My Face" which is by no means an original idea but I really enjoy these kinds of posts. So to start off this mini series I decided to show you whats on my weekend face!

The Face

When the weekend rolls around I tend to spend more time on my skin care (even though I should be doing this regularly...) my makeup also tends to be little heavier then during the week, more shadows more base, basically more everything! The reason? I have more time! Also I try to apply my makeup in a way that can transition easily into makeup for a night out so that if someone decides to spring an event on me last minute I am always prepared!

So here are the products that I use when i'm getting ready for my weekend...

Prime Prime Prime!

Priming is a step that I usually skip during the week which is a major slap on the wrist for me I know...I know... but on the weekend I turn into a completely different person. I'm moisturizing, im using a primer I'm basically a skincare god! (just kidding...) I start by removing any excess makeup from my face using a face wipe, these Johnson's face care daily essentials ones are my all time favourite. I then go in with my Roc Hydra+ 3 en 1 moisturizer which is amazing for using under makeup as it melts into the skin quickly without leaving any stickiness on your face. Finally I apply my Porefessional primer by Benefit which smoothes out the skin leaving it prepped and ready for whatever you decide to layer on top!

Base!

I start by applying my Garnier Roll - On Anti-dark Circles  under my eyes and on any blemishes or skin discolouration that I might have just for some extra coverage, I then apply my foundation. My current foundation of choice is the Rimmel Match Perfection which gives a light enough coverage for me and lasts pretty much all day, mines in 081 Fair Ivory. I then use concealer under my eyes to cover up the lack of sleep that is visible there, this Healthy Mix anti -fatigue concealer is the one im using it isn't great but it does the trick! I powder the skin lightly with my Stay Matte powder my Rimmel in Transparent and then add a little colour back in with Benefits Hoola and Coralista. I then highlight my face using Revlons ClourStay finishing powder in Brighten.

For The Eyes!

To start off my eyes I fill in my brows using Macs Eye Brows in Fling. I'll prime my lids with the Smashbox photo finish lid primer, I then reach for the Naked Palettes. I use Naked from the original Naked palette all over the lid and then Tease from the Naked 2 in the crease and in the outer v for some extra definition. I then apply YDK in the inner corner for a bit of sparkle. Lashings of mascara then follow, my current obssession is the Bourjois Beautyfull Volume mascara!

Don't Forget the Lips!

I then apply the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in number 8 all over the lips for a glossy finish!

So that is my weekend face! Hope you enjoyed 

Elizabeth xx

What's In My Bag: Night Time Edition!

Seeing as I love the whole "What's in my bag?" post I thought I'd do another but instead of doing a day time every day bag I'd show you what I take with me when i'm going out.

The Bag

The bags that I tend to take out with me are hard box clutches. They are just so much easier to hold and tend to fit in your hand perfectly (they also don't get in the way when dancing....something I do but am not good at) It also has a gold chain strap which can go cross body or just on the shoulder in case I get sick of carrying it around all night. This particular bag I got from dissh.com.au and you can purchase it here:   

The Contents 

When it comes to things I bring out with me I tend to reach for all the mini things that I own simply because they fit into the teenie bags that I use. The first things that go in are my I.D, debit cards and my phone (without these three things there is not point leaving the house). 

Left to right: Hollywood Fashion Tape, Fabric Bandaids

After the important stuff goes into the bag I then reach for the bandaids and hollywood tape. My skin blister like there is not tomorrow even when i've worn the shoes for years, it is incredibly annoying to be out and to have blisters beginning to form on your heals so bandaids for me are a must! Same with the hollywood tape, have your top fall down is not a good look on anyone...this tape keeps things in place and being out with your gals there is bound to be someone who needs it, its just a handy thing to have!  

 Left to Right; Nivea Lipbutter in Caramel Cream, Lancome Juicy Tube, Lime Crime lipstick in Centrifuschia, Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume Sample, Dior J'adore fragrance sample)

 Next are the little touch up items that I might need through the night. I always bring a lipbalm as I have dry lips so its a must. Then i'll pack whatever lip combo im wearing for that night, usually a lipstick and a lipgloss (here I have a Juicy Tube and Centrifuschia by Lime Crime) just incase my lipstick smears off and I need to re apply. I also bring a couple of little perfume samples, these things are a great way to use up whatever samples you have and they will fit into any bag your bringing as they are so small.

Left to right: Hair Tie, davroe hair wellness ultimatum strong hold non aerosol spray)

Lastly (if I have room) i'll chuck in a mini hairspray, this isn't 100% necessary but it doesn't hurt to have it with you, especially if your rocking a hairstyle that took more then 5 minutes to do and you want it to last! Also a hair tie is always required for the trip home when all you want to do is put your hair up in a messy bun. 

Hope you enjoyed 

Elizabeth xx