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! :) 

Recent empties

I'm here with a round up of what I've used up recently and a bit of a mini review of each product. 
Thinking about it, I never use up makeup haha (probably because I have so much, lets be honest!), I think I've only ever used up a Stila Kitten eyeshadow... wow! haha. I do have a couple that I've hit pan on, but they are LE stuff, so I use it sparingly, of course!! 

Anywho, let's move along, shall we?

TBS Peach body wash, TBS Seaweed cleanser, Glamourflage toner

The Body Shop Peach Body Wash (full size)
This smells so good! I'm on a bit of a peach fix at the moment and loving it! Perfect for summer. I really like The Body Shop body washes. 
Re-purchase: Yes, but I'm not sure you can still get it. It was Limited Edition
Available: The Body Shop stores and online

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash (full size)
This is my go-to body wash. I love it, and it's usually limited edition (although I'm guessing they may have made it permanent now...?!), so I stock up on this when I get it. I also interchange scents/ body washes, but always come back to this. It's the perfect accompaniment to my go-to fragrance, CKin2U (which is also fruity/citrusy). 
Re-purchase: Always
Available: The Body Shop stores and online

The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser (full size)
This is my all time favourite face cleanser. I recommend this to anyone and everyone that wants to hear about it haha. I LOVE seaweed almost anything lol.
Re-purchase: Yes. Have and will continue forever (probably...)
Available: The Body Shop stores and online 

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey toner (full size)
I really enjoyed using this. It has Witch Hazel in it as a primary ingredient which I like to help keep my skin clear. 
Re-purchase: Yes

Available: David Jones

Chi Chi hand cream, MAC Fix +, MAC Opulash, Beauty Bay mascara, MAC False Lashes

Sukin Hand and Nail cream (full size)
Not a fan of the scent of this, but it doesn't linger for too long, which makes it alright. It does moisturise quite nicely and I like that it's natural (which I'm getting quite into lately). 
Re-purchase: On the fence with this one. Probably not though
Available: Priceline

Chi Chi Hand Cream in Pomegranate (full size)
This was all right. I'm not a massive fan of hand creams but my hands get so dry that it's becoming necessary. This did smell really nice though.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Myer, Target

MAC Fix + Rose (full size)
This was ok. I'm not a fan of rose scented stuff and honestly, it probably took me over 2
years to use this thing up (it was from the previous release). I much prefer the Charged waters, plain Fix+ or the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
Re-purchase: Not the Rose scented, but other Fix +, yes 
Available: Not available anymore, but the original at MAC stores, counters and online

MAC Opulash mascara in Violet (full size)
This was so old it needed to be thrown out. I barely used it, and I now think if I wanted a coloured mascara, I'll just use a mascara fan brush and a coloured fluidline. Cheaper and not so much waste. 
Re-purchase: No, unavailable as it was LE
Available: Not available anymore

Beauty Bay mascara (full size)
I bought this as I was making an order on Beauty Bay and needed a new mascara. It was quite dry and although it wasn't a bad mascara, it did nothing spectacular for my lashes. I ended up pairing this with MAC False Lashes mascara, using this one as a base and together the 2 ended up being quite nice. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: beautybay.com

MAC False Lashes mascara (sample)
I like this paired with Beauty Bay mascara, using the False Lashes mascara last. Probably wouldn't buy a full size though. I like other mascaras better. It's not too watery or dry. Just about right. It didn't curl or lengthen, but did separate my lashes, which I personally like and want in a mascara. If you're after something new, this mascara could be worth a shot. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: MAC counters, stores and online

Organix Marine Extracts shampoo

Organix Marine Extracts shampoo and conditioner (full size)
I did not like the smell of these at all. I usually like marine/ sea like smell, but this wasn't good at all. I also don't think it did much to my hair either, although, that's probably not too fair of a judgement as I used other things alongside as I really couldn't stand the smell. It took me almost a year to use these up. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline, most supermarkets

MAC Odyssey lipstick (full size)
Okay, so I had to chuck this. It has that gross plastic crayon smell to it. Sad day to see haha.
Re-purchase: No, I barely used it when it was good
Available: MAC stores, counters and online

Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Peel treatment (5 day pack)
These are awesome! I use these once a week as an "in house" treatment on my at-home spa days. I like that these do work but without your face actually peeling and looking funky. There's no down time, however, you are recommended to stay out of the sun (as with any peel/ harsher skin treatment). You can use these any time (day or night). I like to use them at night so there's no chance of me seeing the sun, and I let the treatment do its work alongside beauty sleep and the whole rejuvenation process. I'm thinking of trying out one of the other Dr Dennis Gross treatments and seeing how those go. Highly recommend! 
Re-purchase: Yes, and I have, and will continue to
Available: mecca.com.au

Favourite Winter lipsticks

I love dark vampy lipstick, and winter time is perfect for bringing out those sultry shades.

These are my faves and what I'm wearing this season!

MAC Russian Red (matte)
A Red can be a winter classic. Russian Red is blue based which fits in with those colder months (vs being yellow/ orange based). It's a great way to use a little colour against those blacks, greys and other darker shades.
Purchase: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: $36

Shanghai Suzy Mrs French Winter Maroon (matte)
I love Shanghai Suzy, and this range of winter shades are amazing. This is a beautiful plum and very wearable. This sways more burgundy than MAC Rebel. It also smells like grape bubblegum
Purchase: Shanghaisuzy.com
RRP: $12.95

MAC Rebel (satin)
This is my ultimate go to shade for winter, but then again, I definitely wear this all year round. It's a beautiful plum, which sways purple vs burgundy. This is a staple in anybody's lipstick stash.
Purchase: MAC store, counters and online
RRP: $36

Colourpop Pitch (matte)
This is such a 90s shade. Deep chocolate brown. I like this version as its so cheap, so you can try it out without breaking the bank. Pitch has full coverage, and even though it's described as a matte, its a very nourishing matte and not that flat, traditional matte.
Purchase: Colourpop.com
RRP: $5USD

OCC Sebastian
Cheating a little bit, this is a pencil, but OCC do do this in a lip tar to match (Or you could also try MAC Stone when that comes out, which is a matte). This is very on trend right now, that kind of stone, dark beige lip. If you want to try out this colour but it washes you out a little, try using this as an ombre lip on the outside with a nice nude in the middle (I like MAC Patisserie for an ombre look).
Purchase: Lipstickrepublic.com.au
RRP: $20 (lip tar $24)

Swatches T-B: Russian Red, Mrs French, Rebel, Pitch and Sebastian. 

What shades are you loving for winter? 

A random collection of comparison swatches

I'm someone who really seems to struggle with finding comparison swatches, or even swatches in general. I can never find 2 swatches of products in the one swatch when I want, so I thought I'd post a collection here of all the swatches that I've personally struggled to find. I'm sure I'm not the only one!

I hope you find this useful, and I'll keep adding to this as we go along.
All swatched on MAC NW20 skin with lightbox lighting. Click on pics for better resolution.


MAC Toldeo Chlorofill pearl glide vs MAC Sourpuss technakohl vs By Terry Green Fizz Aqua Print eyeshadow:

MAC Lady Danger lipstick vs MAC Neon Orange lipstick vs MAC Morange lipstick vs MAC Good to Go prolongwear lipstick:

Too Faced Melted Sugar vs Too Faced Melted Nude lipstick:

(Not so) Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 2)

This is the follow up post for all the ladies who LOVE makeup and are beyond the needs of someone who requires a basic brush set. This is for the ladies who glam it up with the WORKS. Think ALL OF THE contour, highlight, ALL OF THE COLOURS!!!


Face brushes:
* A powder brush:
This is a necessity for those who either do a lot of powdering or bronzing. You want something quite large so blending (especially for bronzing) is seamless. You don't want harsh lines, just the jealousy of those who think you've just gone on holiday!

* A fan brush:
For those who highlight, everyone needs one. It is perfect for all places. Cheekbones, down the nose, the cupids bow, above the eyebrow. You especially need this brush if you own The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer. Any other brush is too much for Mary-Lou, that baby is INTENSE!! 

* A contour brush:
This is really for those who are really into their contouring (obviously). There are many choices and preferences out there so I think this is a trial for yourself thing. I've heard mixed reviews on the NARS Ita brush. Some like a fluffy, large angled brush. I have the MAC 109, however, I'm not much of a contourer unless I've got the time or a special occasion.
TOP TIP: Highlight first as this will naturally shadow you so you know the right place to apply your contour.

* A concealer brush:
This is just perfect for those who LOVE their bold lips. This is the perfect tool for cleaning up those lip mistakes that sometimes happen, or to clean up the edges on your brows. I personally don't actually use a concealer brush for under eyes as I find they don't blend out under eye concealer nicely. 

Eye brushes:
* A larger shader brush: 
I like to have a back up shader brush that is larger for any additional work I might wanna do involving packing on colour. 

* A small, synthetic shader brush:
This is perfect for creamy products like paint pots, or any stickier bases for priming the eyelids, and still keeping it all compact on the lid. My fave is the MAC 242. 

* A smudger brush:
This is a great brush for detail work and highlighting the inner corner and brow bone. 

BONUS JUST FOR FUN BRUSH:
* A mascara fan brush:
Save money on coloured mascaras by investing in one of these. You can use these with gel eyeliners to create a fun mascara (which are notorious for drying up quickly). 

Brush lines I Recommend:
MAC
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: from $37AUD

Zoeva
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: from $11.30AUD
Zoeva also do really affordable sets of brushes too, if you're looking to get a few at once.

Bdellium Tools
Available: bdelliumtools.com
RRP: from $9USD
Bdellium also do affordable sets of brushes. They also come in cool colours like pink, purple, yellow and green. 


Disclaimer: To be clear, all of these are "nice to haves", of course no one actually NEEDS anything more than the basics. Take from this what you will, but they are still very handy brushes to have, and brushes I reach for daily/ semi-daily. 

Red powder/ makeup brush photo created and taken by Love Lanner - lovelanner.com

Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 1)

Some people may think that brushes are an unnecessary expense when it comes to building your stash up, but to me they are a necessity. There are many reasons why you should invest in some decent brushes. Here are the top ones:

1: Better application.
You can achieve and do so much more with a few brushes. Have you ever tried to blend out eyeshadow with only your fingers, was it seamless? I'm guessing not. Would you build anything with no tools? Probably not; so therefore you can guess that your makeup is only going to look MUCH better with tools that fit the job. Especially if you want to go above your basic 1 eyeshadow and eyeliner look (or whatever your simple eye look involves).

2: Sanitation.
Like it or not, your fingers are a breeding ground for bacteria. Every time you put your fingers into your products (especially cream/ liquid), you're contaminating your products which will end up resulting in a much shorter life span for your product.

3: Product.
When you use brushes you actually use less product, especially with products like foundation, which fingers do absorb a lot more product. Think of how much you will actually save by using a brush, especially something like a duo fibre brush.

4. Longevity.
If you look after your brushes and clean them regularly, they should last you many, many years. They really are an investment and worth getting some decent ones that you can get longevity out of. 


These are a few of the essentials you'll need to get started:
Face brushes:
* A foundation brush:
I think this comes down to personal preference. I use a flat "paint brush" style, but duo fibre brushes are also good for seamless application and use the least amount of product. You could also try a beauty blender. They're also pretty good.

* A blush brush:
This is going to create a glow that you can build up (depending on the blush of course), and helps create a blended application, which is what you want. You can also use the tip edge to apply your cheek highlight too.

Eye brushes:
* A good dense shader brush:
This is a basic packing brush to pack on your eyeshadow. Mostly used for lid colour, you can use the edge to smoke out eyeshadow on your bottom lashline. There are many sizes to a shader brush, but for bare minimum I like the MAC 239 as it's the perfect size to get started and suitable for pretty much all jobs.

* A fluffy crease brush:
Again, these come in all shapes and sizes. You want something that's not super dense, long bristled or flimsy. A good crease brush makes blending out your crease eyeshadow so much easier and looks much more effortless. I LOVE MACs 217 brush. I have 2 of these and use them Every. Single. Day without fail. If I had to pick only one brush to use for the rest of my life, this would be the one. Some people also like to use these to buff out their concealer too. It's probably the most versatile brush.

* A pencil brush:
This is a handy brush to have for more detailed work, like under eye lining, a smokey eye, a cut crease, inner corner highlighting etc. Its pointed on the tip, so it gives you a lot more control than the other 2 previous eye brushes.

* An angled brush:
This is going to be your best friend if you love eyeliner and using gel eye liners. It's also a great eyebrow brush too. It's easy to work with and you retain control which is what you want when working with eyeliners.

Lip brushes:
I actually don't use a lip brush for anything. I own one but couldn't tell you the last time I used it. I do not think they're necessary. Just take your time with application, good lighting and a mirror and you'll be fine. Or use a lip liner.

Brush Cleaner:
You don't need anything fancy to clean your brushes, just a regular routine so you don't spread bacteria and to help extend their life span. I just use shampoo for a deep clean and for a quick "spot"clean, you can just use isopropyl alcohol which you can buy from most supermarkets. Just make sure you don't get water inside the ferrule (the metal bit of the brushes). 

Top tip:

* Something to also think about is the different type of hair you want in a brush. Most brushes are either natural (usually animal like pony, goat etc) or synthetic (fake) hair. Synthetic brushes are typically better for creamier products like gel liners, cream blushes etc. Natural hair is better for powder products. 

Brush lines I Recommend:
MAC
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: from $37AUD

Zoeva
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: from $11.30AUD
Zoeva also do really affordable sets of brushes too, if you're looking to get a few at once.

Bdellium Tools
Available: bdelliumtools.com
RRP: from $9USD
Bdellium also do affordable sets of brushes. They also come in cool colours like pink, purple, yellow and green. 


Blue powder/ makeup brush photo created and taken by Love Lanner - lovelanner.com

Colour Smash: Orange

Up next in these colour style faves is ORANGE! Oooh my, how I love my oranges. Orange lipstick is my ultimate go to shade and I'd own every single one of I could!

L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

MAC Morange
A bright, amplified lipstick, not for the faint of heart, or colourshy. I do find this does tend to get a bit patchy if you don't have super smooth lips, so I'd definitely exfoliate before breaking out this little number.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36

MAC Neon Orange
Ok so this shade is pretty much identical to Morage. In shade and in finish, making this 
also an amplified finish. This is probably my favourite orange lipstick there is. 
Available: MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36

MAC Lady Danger
This one's a matte finish lipstick. I wasn't sure how to swing this shade red vs orange, but I think it definitely sways more orange. I never understood the fascination with this shade until I "purchased"* it. It is stunning! If you really want to make a statement and feel glamourous/ sexy, this is the shade you need. Even if that's not what you're about, you still need it.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36
* by purchased, I mean b2m'd. Which is how I get most "classic" MAC lipsticks these days. However in saying that I got this for "free", I would most definitely purchase this again.

MAC Good to Go
This lipstick is the pro long wear creme formula, so it's long wearing and more of a matte finish. I would describe this as Morange that is longer lasting on the lips (due to its finish of course). Maybe just slightly darker. I find this creamier too.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $40

L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

With Flash/ L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

Bobbi Brown Nectar shimmerbrick
Ooh the shimmer shimmer. I love BB shimmerbricks. They are definitely my fave products from her entirely line. These are great highlighters to accompany a similar toned/ coloured blush on the cheekbones. You could also use these as an eyeshadow too. 
Available: at BB counters, online, Mecca Cosmetica and meccacosmetica.com.au.
RRP: $72

MAC Peaches
This is a beautiful peach blush shade that looks very natural but is buildable if you want something a littler more of a statement. It is a sheer tone formula with little to no shimmer or sparkle. 
Available: at MAC stores, counters and online.
RRP: $40

MAC Orange
This eyeshadow is a matte finish and is great to have as you can use this as an accent/ crease colour to use with browns or bronzes, or even a festive, colourful, summer look which you can pair with pinks, fuchsias and what have you. I would definitely recommend a nice bold orange eyeshadow to have in your collection. 
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $33

OPI In My Back Pocket
I love OPI nail polishes. Good formula and an amazing selection of shades and textures.Oranges are my fave in summer, and look great against a tan.
Available: David Jones, Myer and selected nail/ beauty salons.
RRP: $19.95

The Body Shop Satsuma body wash
This is the most delicious, citrusy scent! It smells so fresh and invigorating. It is limited edition (as all good things in life are), however, it does come out very regularly and a must have! (Usually after Christmas). There is always a good solid selection of Satsuma goodies to your liking too, not just the bodywash. I also have the sorbet and soaps. 
Available: The Body Shop (yes, it's available now)
RRP: from $9.95

The Body Shop Vitamin C Mircodermabrasion scrub
An intense scrub that is described as an "at home microdermabrasion ". You use this no more than twice a week and it does wonders for my skin. If you're after something stronger than a normal scrub, this is the ones for you!
Available: The Body Shop
RRP: $34.95

MAC Genuine Orange chromagraphic pencil
This is a yellow based pencil that is multipurpose, so great for use as a lip liner, and if you're a little more adventurous, an eyeliner (the reason I bought it).
Available: MAC PRO stores or maccosmetics.com.au
RRP: $32


What are your orange faves?

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. 

Things that I'm REALLY REALLY excited about! (summer preview)

As much as I love makeup and pretty things, there's actually been very little that I've been super duper excited about, for quite a while now. Well Ladies and Kittens, here I am with a couple of things to show you that I'm REALLY REALLY excited about. Not like "it's my birthday party tomorrow and I know there's gonna be cake excited" but "OMG I'M GOING TO TOUCH, FEED AND PLAY WITH BABY TIGERS AND LEMURS" EXCITED! I am literally a ball of energy when I think about these things and I cannot contain myself juhdiuehfiuseknldshguiejkcnslkdikhf is the only way is the only way I can put it haha. 

GET EXCITED WITH ME...

Credit: @Evachen212 instagram

NARS Dual Intensity blush duo:
Slated for release in the US Spring (so Autumn for us Southern Hemispherians). 
These are a blush duo with the recent new-ish formula of "dual intensity". A product that can be used wet or dry, depending on what kind of intensity you're after. 

Credit: @invictusxv instagram

Credit: @invictusxv instagram

MAC "Wet and Dry" collection: 
This is the (US) summer collection that is renowned for amazing packaging. This year it is no exception and it is STUNNING! This should be released in late May/ early June. Guess what I'm treating myself to for my birthday? 
If I own only one thing from this collection (granted there's not a lot we've seen yet), it is definitely that highlight trio! But let's be realistic, I'll probably buy everything. 

Credit: @fifi_dazzles instagram

Anastasia Beverley Hills "Pink Champagne" eyeshadow: 
Ok, so this isn't new, but ever since I saw this, I've wanted it. It is finally being re-stocked from next week onwards. It is such a pretty, metallic baby pink shade. Perfect for day or night looks. I have absolutely nothing like it and I have a lot of pink eyeshadows. It's a must have to me. 
PS. For you liquid lipstick lovers, the Liquid Lipsticks have also been re-stocked on the website now, so go get 'em before they sell out again and you have to endure an even longer wait! My picks: Vamp, Sweet Talker and Neon Coral. 

Credit: @Sssamanthaa instagram

Saucebox and Batalash eyeshadow palette collaboration: 
Ummm. How can you NOT be excited about this? Samantha from BatALash is slowly but surely taking over the world, and I like it. She is totally my girl crush and inspires me to no end. The Batalash beauties have teamed up with Saucebox to create an eyeshadow palette with some awesome shades, which will no doubt, create some awesome looks. 


What have you got your eye on coming up?