Lash Lash Lashes!

Lashes can really make an eye look that extra bit wow, and totally change everything about your eyes. Some like natural, some dramatic, some on occasion and some every day. I'm here to show you my fave lashes and some tips on making the most of your eye look with lashes.

I personally only wear lashes for a special occasion, or if I'm going out at night and really want to glam up. I also don't believe is spending a lot on lashes either if I'm being honest. There are so many awesome brands and styles that look just as great, for under $10. Maybe if it was an uber special occasion (like your wedding), then I totally get that, but these lashes that are $30 odd for one pair? That's crazy! Haha.

My favourite lashes:

Minx 2.0 (I've sadly run out)

Flirt (I've just used these and can't find them. The reason I need to buy a lash case haha)

Socialeyes ~
I absolutely adore these lashes. When I first received them, I was very intimidated, they are most definitely the longest lashes I've ever worked with, however, these are also the lightest lashes in the world (maybe exaggerated, I haven't tried all the lashes in the world). Other than getting used to the length, it feels like you're wearing nothing!
Tease 2.0 ~ a nice half lash ~ $4.95
Minx 2.0 ~ a beautiful spiky, thick criss cross style ~ $6.95
Playing Coy ~ a mix of long and short lashes in between ~ $4.95
Flirt ~ a natural lash, similar to Ardell 105s ~ $5.95
Ravishing ~ a spiky, slight criss cross style, that's a medium density but not as full as the Manicare lashes ~ $6.95
Available: SocialEyes.com.au

Ardell in 105 and 120 ~ 
105 ~ extremely natural and blend very easily with your natural lashes.
120 Demi ~ good curvature for a more natural look along the lash line but nice and dense.
Available: Priceline, Madamemadeline.com
RRP: $9.99 from Priceline. $3.50USD from Madame Madeline (good for bulk lash purchase as everything's cheap, but postage is around $15AUD, they do have very fast shipping and ship to many countries).

Manicare Glam Eyes in Alessandra ~ 
Something a little more dramatic, full and a mix between natural, wispy and criss cross. Perfect for a glam, night look.
Available: Priceline
RRP: $11.99

House of Lashes in Ice Queen ~ 

I bought these as I've heard good things about HOL and I thought these were really cute (you all know my love of glitter and these are limited edition!).
Available: Houseoflashes.com
RRP: $7USD


Lash accessories:

Socialeyes lash glue ~
This is perfect as its a wand style vs something like Duo, which I find messier. Also, completely vegan and latex free!
Available: SocialEyes.com.au
RRP: $6.50

Eyelash case ~
Perfect for those who wear falsies very regularly without losing them.
Available: House of lashes
RRP: $6USD

Top Tips for Lash application:

~ If you're new to lashes, half lashes are a great way to start and get a feel for wearing them, without starting in the deep end, so to speak, and feeling overwhelmed or like you're not "doing/applying them right".

~ If you're a little more "progressed" and want to try full strip lashes, a great way to get the hang of them, without having them stick up in your inner corner, is to cut your full strip into 3 sections, once you've first adjusted the right length to your eye. This way the lash is more controlled and you can take your time before the glue dries. 

~ Lashes with thin/ clear lash bands are much easier to start with and feel lighter on the eye too. 

~ When applying any lashes, make sure that you don't accidentally start the end of the lash band past your lash line on the outside (preferably  it should be 1-2mm inwards), as it can make your eye look "dragged down" vs open and flattering. 

~ Individual lashes do require a stronger glue, and once applied you should wait for them to fall off. Don't pick them off as this can ruin your natural lashes. 

MAC Techniques: Trend 2015

On Thursday the 19th, I attended a MAC Techniques workshop. I haven't attended ones for YEARS, so it was nice to go to one and learn something new. The Technique class I went to was "Trend", which is based on the recent Melbourne Fashion Week trends and what we'll be seeing, and doing in the new season.

These are the top tips we learned for taking our makeup into Autumn:

* Natural but pretty makeup is key this season. Less drama. Less harsh lines. 

* Skin is returning to a velvety powdered finish ~ however, this is only through the t-zone. The cheeks are still taking on a glowy, more dewy finish.
* Contouring is still in, but rather than a straight line, its focus is much more angular, think 135° angle vs 100°

* Brows are still remaining defined, however, it's with less harsh lines/ more natural. Using a MAC 239 brush is perfect to create these brows. 

* Bold eyeliner is still in, however, it's being paired with minimal lashes ~ nothing dramatic here!

* Or in reverse: Massive, thick, voluminous lashes with little, to no liner. 

* Burgundy is the next big thing in colour! 

Other great tips I learned:

* Highlight before you contour. This will naturally shadow you, so you know exactly where you should contour! 

* Try fluidline as an eyeshadow base. like duh right? I can't believe I have never thought about doing that. 

* Try a MSF with some fix plus as a nice sheen over eyeshadow, or as a highlight. 

* A nice combo: A cream colour base with strobe cream sponged on over the top as a cheek highlight.


After the demonstrations, the MAC artists made themselves available to answer our questions or queries about the products that were used or any techniques people may have wanted to master. It was a really good night, and I'm appreciative that I had been invited to it (not that you have to exclusively be invited, a work colleague had asked If I wanted to go). 

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these master classes, I highly recommend it. You also get nibbles and drinks to snack on throughout the session and a cute little "study book". There are different types of master classes, like beginner classes, glamour, trends etc. 

Technique classes are $120 but is completely redeemable in products.
Each class runs for 2 hours. 

Call your local MAC store to find out more, or when the next class is. 

Review: Makeup Store glitter liquid liner

We all know how much I love I love glitter. I don't care how it comes, I want it! I'm very much a Weka in that way (FYI: a Weka is a New Zealand wood hen that LOVES shiny things, not dissimilar to a magpie, but they're a brown, ground bird). 

However, I'm also pretty lazy in that I do not like making my own glitter liner, I'd rather just buy a tube than mess around with something so pedantic as glitter, and trying to create a smooth line. 

That's where this baby comes in. The Makeup Store glitter liner. Ahhh, it's pretty majestical.
The liner I'll be reviewing for you today is Chocolux. A really pretty chocolate browny bronzey, shade. You can already tell I'm into it huh?!

The brush is nice and thin with medium density, so you can manoeuvre it around nice and easily but it doesn't kind of "flick/ flop" around like soft, flimsy brushes do. When I looked at the brush when I pulled it out of the tube, I didn't think it would deposit much glitter but I was definitely wrong. It coats the perfect amount. Not too thick (you know when you get those ball like chunks on some?) or too sparse. Sure you can go in for seconds to create a thicker line if thats your style, but it definitely isn't necessary. 

L-R: MAC Pinkphonic, Girl Groove, Makeup Store Chocolux
1 swipe vs layered.  

The brush is also nice and smooth and doesn't drag along your lash line, so even if you're in a hurry, you can master this with ease. So even if you can't be bothered, you can still inject a touch of glam into your look. 

It dries quickly, so it doesn't transfer to your lid if you sneeze or something by accident. Which is super handy. 

It wears very well, although I have only tried this as it's intended purpose as an eyeliner. I never experience any fallout and it lasts well throughout an entire day (10-12 hours) without any transference or sliding due to lid oiliness (although I tend to only get oily in my actual crease). I don't find that any flakes off during the day and it doesn't feel overly crunchy or crusty on my lashline either. 

Removing the liner is also a breeze and you don't have to fiercely scrub at your eyes to remove it. I just use my Garnier Micellar cleansing water to remove my eye makeup. 

Size comparison to a MAC glitter liner. 

I highly recommend this liner if you like your glitter liners. I have several from MAC from long, past years and this is definitely my fave and my recommendation for a glitter liner. I definitely want to grab a few more, namely Showstopper (silver), Lux (green) and Dancing Queen (cobolt blue). I cannot think of a single thing I don't like about the liner at all. Maybe more colours could be cool, like an orange or bright pink? Either way I'm sold and then some! 

Purchased from: Beautybay.com or you can email Makeup Store directly at enquiries@makeupstore.com.au
RRP: $35

Review: Maskd Green mask

Maskd is a new Australian brand created by a beauty therapist, Carli Lansdown, using natural ingredients. The Maskd motto is simple: "refresh, revive and relight your face today". 

I tried this mask over 3 days (once a day), as suggested by the website Maskd.com.au (for an intense skin revival course). I also asked my partner to try it out one night with me as he likes to occasionally dabble in my lotions and potions. So you'll also hear/ see his thoughts on it as a "once a week/ one time/ occasional user", which could be handy for those who like to use masks only on occasion, or forget about them (which is me half the time). 

The mask is said to:

Smooth lines and wrinkles

Soothes damaged skin and reduces scars

Permits fresh, and glowing skin

Allows natural oil flow

Moistens dry skin

Reduces blemishes

Improve application of makeup

My skin is combination, normal cheeks and oily t-zone. I only get hormonal acne, which is just starting to rear its ugly head (it's almost that time ugh!). I also have quite a congested nose with large pores. No blackheads or any other congestion on my face. 

Use 1: (first night)
I applied a thin layer all over. I didn't have any tingling or stinging sensations at all, but felt slightly hot in one small area on my left cheek and forehead, which started about 5 minutes in and stopped about 8 minutes in. To me, it smelt like plastic, quite a strong scent of it. It was initially concerning to me that a "natural" face mask would smell so heavily of plastic, but it did soon wear off and left a more natural and organic scent (like walking past an Endota Spa) . My partner thought it smelt natural. 
After 15 minutes I washed it off with the washcloth provided. It left my skin feeling very fresh, radiant and only slightly tight. 
My nose looked immediately less congested and the pores slightly smaller, but they did oil up again quite quickly. 
Afterwards I applied my Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream to moisture (as directed to do by the website and as I usually do after a mask anyway).

I definitely prefer this mask over the one we currently use (Sukin Purifying mask) and can't wait to use it again tomorrow night.

My Partner: (Oily skin with occasional acne. Suffers from blackheads and large pores)
He felt a stinging sensation straight away but he said it subsided within 3 minutes of wear. Not strong but definitely quite noticeable.
Afterwards he said his skin felt smooth and liked the way that it felt. 
He liked it and would use it again. He does prefer more "mud" style masks though as he says they give more of a "burning sensation", which he apparently likes.

Use 2: (third night, I was tired and missed a night)
Weirdly, I found this application was more hot and tingly than the first time, even though it says that with each use, those feelings reside more and more. 
A pimple I had on my chin cleared up much quicker than usual (2 days vs about 7), so I am putting that down to the mask pure and simple, as my hormonal acne doesn't budge very quickly. However, I have noticed that I've had some small white heads come up on my forehead that weren't there before I started the masks, but, that could just be the mask doing it's job by drawing the crap out of my skin, so I'm not particularly surprised. 
After the use, I definitely noticed that my nose pores were definitely smaller and again, cleaned out nicely. 
Again, my face felt fresh, radiant and smooth. 
At this point, I haven't noticed any kind of improvement as to applying my makeup or it lasting longer. So that's neither here nor there for me as I don't feel like my makeup could last any longer if I tried. 

Use 3: (forth night)
This time I found more of a stinging effect on my face (both cheeks), rather than just a tingling sensation. This lasted for nearly the whole time I had the mask on. Although this was the only application that I did wash my face twice before applying it (as the instructions say to do). 
The pores on my nose are definitely looking much better, and through prolonged use I can only imagine how good they'd look. 
Again, I found my skin, fresh, radiant and definitely much smoother, although less tighter than day 1 after use. 
Not seeing any difference in regards to fine lines and wrinkles, but I do believe you'd have to be using this stuff for a while yet.  


I really liked this mask, and the way it made my skin feel after each use. I loved how it actually made me feel like it was doing something for my nose pores as the only thing that even comes close to helping them are the Biore nose strips. I can see this being a big winner for those with acne. Obviously I don't have much but it did wonders for the *cough* one pimple I had. 
I find you'd have to have long term use to see any real difference in fine lines and wrinkles, as with any skincare. 
The only thing I didn't like about it was the very plasticky smell when you first apply it. 

I would definitely recommend Maskd. As I previously stated, and still hold true to, I like this much better than my current mask, and am struggling to think of a previously used mask that I like better than the Maskd one (possibly MAC Volcanic Ash Mask, but I honestly think it's too close to call). I will be buying a full size tube as I know this is going to be a saviour for my "monthly" skin. 


Where to buy: Maskd.com.au or ebay.com.au/usr/maskd1 for international shipping!
RRP: $49.95 (50ml)



Product was provided for me for the purposes of this review. Thought and opinions are 100% my own and genuine. 

How about those antioxidants?

I bet you don't really think about antioxidants much huh?

What are antioxidants? What do they do? Are they bad? What do they do to your body? Etc etc. Well good old trusty Google had this to say...

1. "Antioxidants are compounds found in foods that neutralise or 'mop up' molecules called free radicals that can harm our cells. Damage caused to cells by free radicals is linked to certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables."

So basically they are GOOD little things that can help you stay looking younger and help to combat things like sun damage (as an example, that's also beauty related) by helping to repair the cells in your body, these "free radicals" they're talking about.

The biggest source, as it says, is fruit and vegetables, so a healthy diet, lots of water and green tea and skincare with antioxidants, such as Rosehip Oil or Vitamin C, all benefit your skin (and body) and provide these antioxidants.

Anyway, this post isn't actually about skincare, it is about a few other products I love to use that are time efficient, easy to use and drink, to help you keep that fresh, younger looking skin with food aids, which can also really help for those who either can't afford, or "forget" to eat healthy. Hey, we're all human (I may or may not go on delicious food binges and forget about healthy stuff for a week few days...)


2 products I love and try to have on a daily basis, that are brimming with antioxidants are these:

Nutra Organics Acai Berry Blend (morning)
I like this in the morning due to being all fruit, it still has a lot of sugar, so is best to have ample time to burn away through daily activities. You can top this on your toasted muesli (or whatever you like for breakfast), mix it into some plain yogurt, smoothies etc. It's pretty unlimited in its use. It contains all of the *important* antioxidant berries with Acai being the main star. It also contains blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, beetroot and goji berries. It's freeze dried so it's a powdered form of berries, which means for a teaspoon, you're basically eating a punnet of berries... 1 tub lasts me for about 3 months and I usually just have roughly teaspoon in a glass of water. I've been having this stuff for probably 3-4 years now and I truly believe it has played a big part in me not getting sick as often as I used to.
Buy: Nutraorganics.com.au
RRP: $49.95 ($10 shipping)

Matcha Maiden Matcha Green Tea (night)
Matcha is a Japanese green tea (shade grown) that is a stone ground, powdered version with over 100x the antioxidants and 1 cup compares to the health benefits of 10 cups of regular green tea. I find it less bitter than bagged green tea can be, and some do find it also slightly sweeter. A bag usually lasts me 3 months as you only need the tiniest amount (I'm talking 1/4 of a teaspoon). Again, it's another product with many uses, like sprinkling it on your breakfast, bake with it (mmm cupcakes) etc. 
I like this at night as a hot tea when I'm relaxing and almost ready for bed.
Buy: Matchamaiden.com
RRP: $24.95 for 70g (free shipping)


As always, like anything, these supplements are always best accompanied with a good diet, water, exercise and a good skincare routine (preferably natural).