Recent empties: episode 2

Hi guys! Back with another edition of recent empties... I have a lot that I've used up since I did the last one of these. I'm focusing on using up what I have, rather than buying more stuff. Very novel right?


The Body Shop Satsuma body butter (jumbo size)
This has taken me FOREVER to use. I'm not a super moisturiser, and just use them when I remember (which is rare, but I'm getting better!). This is my favourite Body Shop scent and I like that it's thick and I feel moisturised for a long time after using the body butters. I also learnt that I definitely prefer smaller packaged things so I feel like I can get through them, rather than something so massive like this, especially when I don't use a product often enough (my staples, however, could benefit from being bath sized in packaging haha).
Would I re-purchase: Yes, but not this size.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $8.95 (mini/ 50ml), $24.95 (regular/ 200ml) and $39.95 (400ml/ jumbo)

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream (full size)
I love this and even though it's more directed at dark circles, I love it for keeping my fine lines at bay. It's moisturising but not too heavy. This is a must have in my skincare regime.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: $112

Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum (full size)
Ahhh the skin elixir that is Vitamin C. I swear this is "my secret" to youthful skin. It's just so good! Vitamin C is chock full of good things that do good things for your face. This serum absorbs quickly and makes my skin feel smooth and preped for other skincare and makeup. If I only could use one thing for my skincare routine, this is it. The thing to look for Ascorbic acid if you want a Vitamin C fix.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: $58

Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream (full size)
I love Seaweed (see my post below), and this is another staple in my skincare regime. It moisturises and plumps up my skin and makes it feel uber soft. The only thing that I've found is that I can't use it in conjunction with The Body Shops' Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, it gives me these weird hives/ break out all over my face.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: Mecca Cosmerica and mecca.com.au
RRP: $33

Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel (full size)
I loved the smell of this but I didn't feel uber hydrated. It was nice and felt good on my skin, but I've definitely used much better moisturisers. I felt like it absorbed too quickly and I thought it would really sit on the skin more given its gel nature.
Would I re-purchase: Only if I was out of and every where was sold out of my faves
Available: Priceline stores and online
RRP: $24.99

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque (full size)
I've had this for a while but I feel like it didn't do much for me. My partner liked it enough but he's not a regular mask user and likes other things better. I didn't end up finishing it and just tossing it as it's quite old.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline stores and online
RRP: $15.99

Excuse the dried out clay. as you can see, it was well tested (!?)

Socialeyes lashes in Tease 2.0 and Polished
These are 2 of my fave lashes ever. They've got a thin, very flexible clear band and are super comfy to wear. I personally prefer half lashes for myself and the Tease 2.0 are perfect.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: socialeyes.com.au
RRP: Tease 2.0 $4.95, Polished $5.95

MAC False Lashes mascara (sample)
This is my second sample. Same thoughts as last time. It's ok and I prefer it layered with something else.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: $42 (full size)

By Terry Baume De Rose (sample)
I found this sample and thought I'd give it a go. It's rose scented and normally I dislike anything rose scented and although the scent is initially really strong, it dissipated pretty quickly. The lip balm is thick but not uncomfortable. It did make my lips soft and they felt slightly plumper after using it. If it weren't for the rose scent, I would like this.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: Mecca.com.au
RRP: $84

Batiste XXL dry shampoo (mini/ sample)
I love Batiste dry shampoos, but I didn't like this  like some of the other "flavours". It didn't make my hair massive and give it much volume, I would recommend a Volumising product for that. It did soak up the oils from my hair and revive it.
Would I re-purchase: Not this particular one, but a Batiste dry shampoo, yes
Available: Priceline and most supermarkets
RRP: $12.99 (200ml), $19.99 (400ml)

Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective spray (full size)
This has been a staple product in our house since I first discovered it. It works well and smells great. My partner dislikes all other protective sprays but loves this. I'll be honest, he's a little "protective" about his hair... I guess that's a Leo for you haha.
Would. I re-purchase: Yes, already have
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99

Moroccan Oil treatment (full size)
This is my holy grail hair product! If I could bath in this I would. My hair is in better condition thanks to this baby. And the smell? OOOHHH I DIE! If they could make this into a fragrance, or candle or something, I would be one very happy camper. Even though it's an oil, it doesn't make your hair greasy at all. I also find it makes my hair dry quicker too. 
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have 
Available: Most hairdressers, adorebeauty.com.au, catwalk.com.au 
RRP: $59.95 

Redken Refining Sea Polish (full size)
This is basically a "liquid pumice" that you use to exfoliate the hair. I loved the feeling of rubbing this through my hair and the results afterwards were amazing. My hair always looked so shiny and healthy. I'm so sad they discontinued it. Exfoliating shampoos, in my opinion, just aren't the same. 
Would I re-purchase: Yes, if it were not discontinued
Available: Discontinued 

What have you guys been loving this month? Beauty staples that you purchase again and again? I wanna know! :) 

Review: Madam Glam gel nail polish

I received these a while back, but had to buy all the equipment associated with doing gel nails at home, like an LED lamp etc. I'm also quite new to gel nails, and definitely a novice for an at home session so I gave these a few trials before I wanted to write this review up.

I received the shades:
* Quicksilver (soak off gel polish) ~ glittery white silver
* Plum Addict (soak off gel polish) ~ a rich plum
* Dancing in the Moonlight (colour chameleon gel polish) ~ glitter pink when warm, glitter purple when cold
* A La Mode (colour chameleon gel polish) ~ warm bubblegum pink when warm, dark purple when cold

Quicksilver

Quicksilver

Plum Addict

Plum Addict

Dancing In The Moonlight

A La Mode

First Impressions:
I am especially taken with the colour changing "chameleon" gels. I love anything "gimmicky", glittery and fun like that, so these are right up my alley! My fave shade out of all 4 I received is definitely Dancing in the Moonlight.
I applied a thin layer, cured for 2 minutes, another thin layer, another 2 minutes and repeat again. Both Quicksilver and Dancing in the Moodlight applied thicker, due to being a heavier, glitter base, but I was able to get thin layers quite easily.
All 4 brushes aren't too thin, and definitely not as wide as a lot of polish brushes are. They move easily and feel very controlled when applying the polish. I personally found there was a tendency to go "outside the lines", but I'm not especially careful when applying nail polish. I'll happily scrape/ clean up the residue with my other nails. However, if you do that too, I'd recommend cleaning up before curing, as it's much tougher to clean up. Or you could find a bottle of that latex product that people seem to be using more frequently. 
The nail application goes on smooth without too much fuss and cure evenly too. 

Again, with the 2 glittery shades, Quicksilver and Dancing in the Moonlight, being thicker, they were opaque by 2 coats, both Plum Addict and A La Mode were opaque with 3 coats, all of which you do want to be thin so curing is quicker and you get a more even, smooth finish. 

Being the novice that I am, especially when it comes to gels, these are easy to use and complete novices, and of course, pros, won't have an issue using them. 
On my second "real" go, it took me maybe 25 minutes to do both hands and feet. They're fantastic, as once cured, there's no drying time, so you're good to go without having to be cautious about wrecking your polish job. 

They smell plasticky, and do smell compared to other nail polishes. I'd advise doing them in a decent space with good air flow, which you should be doing anyway. 

Easy to remove? On my fingers, a few nails peeled off (with assistance), and I just picked the rest off (naughty naughty!). On my toes, I just used a non acetone nailpolish remover, it did take a fair effort and time, so I would advise buying an actual soak off remover to make the process easier and quicker. 


After a month:
I don't know what it is, but I cannot keep these on my fingernails, but my toe nails? These last forever!
Fingers: I believe that it was completely my non prep as to why these polishes didn't work on my finger nails: (a list for total transparency)
* My finger nails were too smooth (I buffed and shined my nails before use).
* I didn't use a base coat, so the polish didn't stick as it should.
* I'm pretty hard on my nails (yes, I use my nails for everything like opening cans etc, which you "shouldn't" do... They are tools to me lol).
* I used just a normal OPI top coat afterwards.
So maybe this review is flawed as I didn't do everything, or really, anything, to get the best performance out of these polishes. On my fingernails, they lasted just under 2 weeks.

Toe nails:  All of the shades lasted well over a month, until I took them off to put another shade on. I didn't buff my toe nails and I don't do anything crazy, or strenuous with my toes haha. So I'm going to say it was these 2 main reasons that my fingers didn't last as long. Each colour remained opaque and chip free from application. You could see my nail grow out before application was altered in any way.


The colour change polishes didn't faulter in any way, from application to removal, they kept changing colour from warm/ hot to cold, and under water.


Would I purchase?:
After my personal shittiness with my fingers, I would still say yes. These work very well on my toes and last longer and don't chip like normal polish. There are a TON of amazing colours from neutrals, through to neons and glitters and my personal faves, colour change chameleons. You can also buy everything you need like base/ top coats, starter kits etc on the website. I bought my LED lamp on Ebay for like $5.


Available: madamglam.com
RRP: from $19.95USD

Madam Glam ships worldwide


All Madam Glam items sent to me for consideration, as always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Farfetch Wishlist; and what's in my makeup bag!

I'm an online shopper. I love spending hours just trawling through websites, especially the beauty ones! I've been a long time lover of the website Farfetch and wanted to show you what's on my beauty Wishlist and to tell you Farfetch have opened up it's NEW beauty boutique Space NK Apothecary. 

These are my TOP 5 Wishlist items!!! (this excludes those amazing Sophia Webster wing heels!!)

~ My Daily Essentials Makeup Bag ~

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Benefit High Beam

NARS Luminous Silk foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy concealer

Hourglass Dim Light Luminous powder 

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Anastasia Beverley Hills Dip Brow Pomade

MAC Painterly Paintpot

MAC Vanilla pigment

MAC Blacktrack fluidline

Ardency Inn Black Modster eye pencil

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara

MAC Creme Cup lipstick

Sneak Peak into my goodie bag!

All my daily faves!! 

All prices in AUD$. 
All items available on Farfetch.com/au

All pictures from Farfetch.com.au and as an entry to the Farfetch Beauty Blogger competition.

Review: Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour eyeshadow

I have seen this product raved about so much, that naturally, I wanted to try it out. I got the shade Rainforest Green, which is a beautiful emerald green shade, which is metallic looking and ever so slightly shimmery.

The package is quite unique, in a glass bottle that looks like a dropper. It's got a doe foot applicator and thinking about it now, it's very similar like those YSL and Giorgio Armani cream to powder eyeshadow that have been coming out recently, except this is with Coconut water.

First Impression/ use: 
I don't know what it is, but *spoiler alert* it is a hot mess of a product. Is it me? Is it the product? I really have no idea. Let's talk about it a little to see what the deal is.

I followed the instructions, so I know it's not that. I shook it to disperse the product around, as instructed, yet the bulk of the product stayed at the bottom of the bottle. I shook it harder, Nothing. I then took the applicator and tried to jimmy/ swish the product from the bottom to get it moving around. Nothing. So I'm basically left with this watery, slightly coloured, liquid. It applied like crap (because it's just "water" is a guess....).

Second point: It didn't dry. Whatever colour payoff I did get, was then also let down by the fact that it took forever to dry and I couldn't even open my eyes fully as the colour transferred to my upper lid/ crease area. So this is definitely not a product for those with hooded eyes.

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second use: (swatched)
I wrote the start of this blog a while back and just hated this, however, just to make sure my opinion was the same, I just shook it up and swatched it on my hand and it's now "working". It swatched perfectly and mostly dried down, but it did take a good couple of minutes to do so. It wasn't wet to touch, but it was easily smeared when touched, so it never 100% fully dried.

L-R: Swatched with about 5 layers; blended out
(photo in natural sunny light)

Second use: (eyes)
As I went to use this properly, I shook it but when I gently scraped the applicator on the sides to remove excess product, it broke off! Really not having a good time with this product. I still wanted to continue testing this out, but it was uber tricky after the applicator broke on me, however, I persevered and just used a concealer brush on my eye. First layer on both eyes (one primed with a paintpot and nude eyeshadow; one completely bare) and it creased and was ultra sheer. Second layer I blended out with my finger, and it is very easy to blend. I think it applied pretty much the same on both eyes (primed and not primed).

The broken applicator :(

After 6 hours wear, it still looks the same as when first applied, so the product hasn't moved, but the lid looks extremely sheer and creased as noted when first applied. So it didn't get any worse, except for the lids. 

This is not ideal for those who like good coverage, have oily lids or are time limited. I would not recommend this to anyone who is a novice at makeup either. I feel like I have a very good handle on makeup, and just couldn't make it work. 

The 1 pro I can see out of this product. It washes off so easy. Like, just add water easy. Also could be a con though, if your eyes water or you cry easily or at photos of kittens and puppies, you're going to look like a hot mess.

It's seriously such a shame that this failed so hard for me, when opaque (swatched), it is the most prettiest emerald shade that sparkles perfectly. The only way I can see this working is if you have a lot of time up your sleeve and you love the grungy look. 


                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would I repurchase?: 
I'm so tempted to get the rose gold shade, Rio De Rose Gold, but, no. I will not be buying any more of these after the experience I had. 

Available: Mecca Maxima, Kit Cosmetics and mecca.com.au

RRP: $25

PS. if you know how you're actually supposed to use this product, please let me know. 

Cosmopolitan does fragrance?

The Story behind Cosmopolitans debut signature scent:

"Cosmopolitan is the go-to guide for young women forging careers, developing their individual style and finding their place in life. With content designed to enlighten, entertain and inspire, at the heat of the magazine's pages lie a very clear message: Believe in yourself and live the life you want. Now, the fun, fearless spirit that defines Cosmopolitan is available in fragrance form".

Front of the bottle

The side of the bottle

The Cosmopolitan perfume is housed in a beautiful art-deco inspired ombre orange and pink bottle which has faceted sides with a smooth front and back. The lid is a clear, faceted knob, which comes off easily but is secured onto the base of the nozzle (I have fragrances where they just fall off and not secured, which is super annoying!), so this is a bottle you could easily chuck in your handbag and not worry about the lid falling off easily and spraying everywhere. 

It smells warm, and it conjurs up an image of something you would wear on a warm summers evening, having a few drinks with friends. It is very pleasant and is not overwhelming or strong when first sprayed. On first smell it reminded me as if Hilary Duff's 'With Love' and Viktor and Rolf's 'Flowerbomb' had a baby. I believe that to be the Bergamont, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vanilla and Caramel coming out. I personally don't find that much of a difference between the notes, and felt like it smelled relatively the same throughout the whole wearing time, except for the sweeter top notes like pineapple and mandarin which did fade as time wore on. 

After a few hours I can still smell it, not as strong as when first applied obviously, but it definitely lingers for a long time and every so often I caught a whiff of the scent which was very peasant and dare I say, "heart warming", as in a comforting way.

This is definitely a fragrance I would purchase again and I personally would pitch the demographic for this across a very wide range, from say late teens - early 40s, larger than the Cosmopolitan magazines demographic. It's fun and playful but warm and not sugary sweet like some of these "cheaper" fragrances can be. I think this is very wearable, even for those closer to middle age. 

The price is also definitely a plus, and is rare for a Parfum to be priced the way it is (parfums are usually much more expensive than a toilette for example due to the % of oils in the fragrance). 

I would recommend this for those that like warm vanillary scents, or very subtle "flowery" scents. 

Cosmopolitan Notes:

Top: Pineapple, bergamot, cardamom, mandarin, nectarine and red berries

Middle: Saffron, heliotrope, jasmine, pimento berries and carrot seed

Bottom: Tonka, patchouli, musk, sandalwood, vanilla and caramel

Available: Priceline, Terry White Chemists and Nova Chemists

RRP: 50ml $39, 100ml $49

Cosmopolitan fragrance press sample and Cosmopolitan Story courtesy of CMB Partnership PR.

All opinions and thoughts 100% genuine and my own. 

All about Seaweed

Okay, so I'm a little obsessed with seaweed. Huh? Like sushi? Well yes, I LOVE sushi, but I'm also talking about beauty products...

Reasons to get into seaweed:

* It's a great natural product, full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for good health.

* Seaweed has anti-oxidants too, which can help protect skin from free radicals, which accelerates ageing.

* Seaweed is a natural anti-inflammatory.

* Seaweed (food) is a great source of iodine (which most people don't get enough of in their diet), which helps promote thyroid health.

* Seaweed has proven to help stimulate hair growth and thickness.

* Seaweed aids in skin renewal.

* Seaweed aids in skin suppleness.

These are my fave seaweed products that I just adore, and highly recommend:




The Body Shop Seaweed face cleanser
Ugh. I love everything about this. The smell, the way it lathers up, the way it makes my skin feel. This ticks all of the boxes that a cleanser should. I've tried many cleansers, but I always come back to this. It cleans without making your skin feel too tight or oily afterwards.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95










Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
I love the texture of this. It also absorbs really fast and my skin feels so fresh after using it. It keeps my skin well hydrated overnight and I don't look "tired" in the morning.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au and beautybay.com
RRP: $29




Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner
These 2 both contain Marine Extracts which help promote scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair. They are gentle enough to be used everyday (not that you should...). It's quite mild but cleanses nicely without feeling like you're stripping natural oils in your hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and light and doesn't weigh down my roots, which I like in my shampoo/ conditioner. It smells fresh too.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: Shampoo $33, Conditioner $35






Other products that look great and worth a shot:

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner
This contains no alcohol so it's not drying like other toners can be. Purifies and refreshes the skin. Those with redness and acne prone skin would really benefit from using this as seaweed helps reduce redness.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95

Makeup Store Seaweed eye dust
Ok, not technically a seaweed product, but this is such a pretty shade and perfect for those who love green and olive shades. Makeup Store eye dusts are pigments which are versatile, depending on how creative you want to be. Apply with some fix+ on a brush for more intense pigmentation.
Available: Makeup Store stores and online, beautybay.com
RRP: $35 (Makeup Store), $27AUD (Beauty Bay)

Welcome to 2016!

Hi guys, and welcome to 2016! 

How fast did last year go? Time really does gain momentum the older you get, and it's a little scary. It definitely makes me want to smash out those goals so I have somewhat of a fulfilling year. I don't believe in 'New Years resolutions', because, if we're all honest with ourselves, who actually maintains and keeps up with them? Certainly not me for one. 

As I get older, all I can see is the importance of self growth, both mentally, spiritually and *try* for physically as well (haha who am I kidding, anything sugary and salty are my friends, and what exactly is "exercise".... Lol). 

Anyway, welcome to 2016, Melz Manor style... There will be considerable changes to my life this year, which will mean more blog posts and I'll be really trying to focus my efforts on photography (one area of my blog that really needs work and attention).

I really want to start doing FOTD, pictorials and the like (obviously that does depend on my camera skills haha), so I'll be putting much more effort into that too.  

A massive THANKYOU to everyone who reads my blog, even a single post.

It means the world to me that people from all over the world are somehow finding my blog and having a squiz... And of course, to the VERY generous companies willing to send me samples of their products. I am forever grateful, and humbled that you would even consider working with me. 

As always, any suggestions are welcomed in regards to posts, reviews etc. 

What are your goals for the year?