What I'm Currently Using: haircare

Soooo, I'm definitely not the best when it comes to hair. I'm definitely a pony girl and the most elaborate style I can achieve is a French braid (messily, of course). I wish I was one of those girls who ALWAYS has cute hair, even the ability to do a nice frontal side braid thing would be nice.

However, I definitely try to take care of my hair as much as I can. Of course, I still do the wrong thing occasionally. I still over-straighten my hair, which is one hard task to try and un-do after years of straightening over the same piece of hair to make it as straight as possible! It seems to be the reason I always have 2 spots near my temple that are always broken and wispy. I'm only learning to not tie my hair up when it's wet, but I have finally stopped brushing my hair whilst wet. I also dye my hair... A lot... Since I was 12... All kind of colours.... So you can imagine the mess going on. I'm also trying to grow it long, so refuse to cut it, coz we all know that's how we get long luscious hair without extensions, right? Right? Please tell me I'm right? I honestly think it would be so much easier, and god have I been tempted, to just shave my head a-la Britney 2007. So, if you're like me, and also about as brave as what I am, aka not brave at all, here's a heads up on my fave products I use to prevent more damage from occurring...

First up, let me just say, I'm pretty *lazy* and wash my hair max twice a week. I hate washing my hair. Even if I do use awesome stuff. Ugh! Worst beauty job for me.

Shampoo/ Conditioner:
I rotate a lot so I'm currently using Tresemme Platinum Strength shampoo (the black with purple writing new one) and Tresemme Thermal Recovery conditioner (the white with red writing one). I like them both so far (been using for about a month) and would recommend them.

Treatments:
Moroccan Oil treatment oil:
UGH! THE SMELL! Why hasn't someone made this scent into a perfume, or candle, or something! I LOVE the smell SO MUCH! I use this every time I wash my hair, on my mid lengths-ends of my hair and around my temples on those wispy bits. This is my holy grail hair product and will buy religiously. Definitely makes my hair more smoother and in better condition.

Redken Anti-Snap treatment:
I mix this with my Moroccan Oil treatment. I would definitely recommend this for those with extreme damage like I do. I focus this product on the ends of my hair and those front wispy, damaged bits.

Redken Natures Rescue Refining Sea Polish:
This is a pumice like hair exfoliator that I use when I remember. More so, because it has been discontinued vs, when I remember to use it. This is something you use all over to really clean and smooth the hair, and I really work it into my scalp to remove all the dead skin/ hair cells for a "deep clean". Even though it's an actual scrub, it doesn't harm the hair follicles at all. My hair always feels so clean and fresh when I use this. 

Moroccan Oil Repair hair mask:
I use this when I remember or when I can be bothered, so usually once every 2 weeks, which you really shouldn't be using it more than that due to the product being protein based, and more protein in the hair can actually cause major hair breakage. Definitely makes my hair SO much smoother after using this. Again, the smell is lush!












Heat protection:




GHD heat protectant spray:
I buy this when I have cash because well, I have a GHD, so I should use products that go with my device right? Haha. I just like nice things.

Tresemme heat protectant spray:
A fraction of the cost of the GHD stuff, I can't really tell the difference but the boyfie likes this, so I buy this one too.









Styling Products:
Moroccan Oil strong hold hairspray:
Bought this purely for the smell. If you have plenty of cash laying around and wanna blow it on pointless stuff, then this is your item. It honestly doesn't work any better or worse than any other hairspray I've used (usually Tresemme hairspray), so definitely not a "must have". It doesn't leave your hair crunchy though, which is good, staying power is good too. It definitely is a quality product, but there are same quality products for cheaper.

Paul Mitchell smoothing Gloss Drops:
I use this after straightening to make my hair nice and shiny and to smooth any fly always. This is my fave smoothing product I've ever used. It's not greasy and doesn't leave your hair feeling heavy or looking oil slicked and greasy. I'm pretty sure this too has been discontinued, and that makes me really sad.

Batiste Cherry dry shampoo:
I rave about this all the time and is my fave dry shampoo. Highly recommend trying this range. I wanna try the Wild one next!

Schwartzkopf Instant Volume powder:
To be honest I'm not really a fan of this. I'm not sure if it's because I'm not using this properly or the product isn't 100%. When this runs out (or I've had enough), I'll be purchasing the Kevin Murphy Powder Puff Next, as I've heard nothing but good things.




Tools:
Straightener:
GHD: Pure edition
I use my good old trusty GHD! I love it, and highly recommend it. I got the white one from the Pure/Evil collection about 6 years ago. My original one did break after just past 2 years of use, but GHD head office are beyond amazing and replaced it for me, even though I was just out of warranty. The customer service is top notch. If you have a GHD and haven't registered it on their site, seriously go do it in case something like that happens to you. Also, does anyone else feel the need to buy more than one as they're always coming out with awesome new coloured ones? No? Just me, ok then (for the record I only have this one but am very tempted to buy one of the blue/green birds of paradise one ... It's just SO pretty!).

Hair Dryer:
I still use the one my mum bought me for my birthday when I was like 14. I lost the diffuser for it though haha. Still works like a charm too. It's a Remington metallic purple one.

Hair brush:
I've actually been really lazy and haven't bought a new one since I did that post about washing your hair brush. I do have a Lady Jayne shower comb though for when I get out of the shower (obviously...).

Hair Decoration:
I'm starting to use more hair decorations like headbands and those currently fashionable hair pieces that sit around your forehead (think gatsby, Shannon Harris or Karissa Pukas). I also am loving the hair bun for an elegant style bun, and they are SO easy to use. I get all my hair accessories from eQuip.

Something REALLY handy!

Ok, so I know it's not a beauty related item but I definitely thought this product is worth raving about and super handy to have.
If you're anything like me, you're constantly on your phone (to be honest, I may have a slight addiction to my phone) and it's always SO frustrating when you're out and you lose charge on your phone/ it dies. We've ALL been there, let's be honest.

This little device is a self-powered phone/ iPod/ digital camera/ USB device charger that you charge up, then take anywhere to re-charge your device, at a later date, wherever and whenever you like. I keep mine in my handbag so I can re-charge at work if I need to.

It comes with a cable connector which has jacks for the above items but importantly, for a lot of people, an iPhone 5 jack (I will gladly be able to give my boss a charger when she asks now haha);
and a car charger which you put into the cigarette lighter port thingy (Do all cars still even have these?) so you can charge while you're driving. It only takes roughly (depending on what you're charging I guess) an hr and a half from 0-100%.

It's about 10cm long and will fit into pretty much any bag/ glovebox/ wherever you might want to keep one etc

It comes in different colours too.
There are also other models for iPads and such too.

Available: smartercharger.com.au
RRP: $39.95 (for the basic phone charger)


* To make a long story short, I was gifted this but opinions are my 100% my own, I've had one before and highly recommend them, obviously. 

High end makeup haul

This has been the stuff I've been lemming for AGES and what I've collected over the past couple months, I know it's not a lot because hello bills/ being an adult/ buying practical shit. But here it is, my LOVES!!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Highlight powder in Dim Light.
Been wanting this for ages but could never justify spending $62 on it. Fortunately, I put some feelers out for a cp on specktra.net and a wonderful girl, JaimieLee, came to my rescue and picked this up for me, along with the NARS concealer. Unfortunately, along with the tax and shipping etc, it ended up costing the same as if I had picked it up myself. Oh well, still a majorly generous thing for her to do for me and I appreciate it SO much! Anyway, onto the product. I don't know why I was thinking this was smallish, but I was so surprised when I got it! It's HUGE! I mean it's pretty pricy and it makes sense but I was genuinely shocked haha. This powder is finely milled and definitely makes a difference to my face. I find it has good coverage and isn't cakey. Worth every cent and definitely worth checking out.
You can check out Jaimielee's blog here:
Hippopotamuslee

NARS creamy concealer in Vanilla.
Again, been after this from seeing countless beauty gurus using and recommending it. I've been using a temptu concealer palette and wanted to try something different. I really like it, as it has good coverage and it blends out very easily.

YSL Touché Éclat #2 Luminous Ivory (limited edition leopard print).
I have had my eye on this since it was first released about 4-6 months ago in Europe. I've also been stalking my closest DJs for a while to make sure I got my hands on it. Australia FINALLY released it last week of June and I got my hands on one from Mecca Cosmetica. I love, love, love this and it is a repurchase but I was really lemming the leopard print casing. I'll be getting another one as a back up.

Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzing pearls.
Another repurchase of my fave powder. Beauty Bay had a special on all Too Faced beauty products so I thought I'd take advantage and get another one. I'm no where near finished my first one so a pure backup for when I'm ready. I love the glow this gives and is fast becoming my fave face powder.

Too Faced Glitter Glue.
I've never tried this before but I've seen quite a few recommendations on it and now it means I've actually got something sticky to use with my MAC glitters. You can read my review on it below.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation in 4 (light sand).
I got a sample of this years ago, liked it and I've always wanted to buy a full size bottle, but the fact it's $92 has me running to the hills. However, I use strawberrynet.com.au quite often and they had 10% off all Australian orders (+ an extra 4% off for my 5th order), so it came down to around $60, so of course I bought it.


NARS Schiap lipstick.
Another item I have wanted for yonks! Like YONKS! Strawberrynet.com.au now has this stocked so I bought this too. This shade is a semi-matte.

NYX Pencil Lip liners in Tangerine, Bright Pink, Deep Purple, & Purple Rain.
I needed some lip liners to "round off" my collection, and Cherry Culture we're having a sale so I thought why not. My local Target doesn't sell the pencil lip liners, only retractable ones (which I highly dislike). Pencils are always a winner for me. The only colours I *need* now, are a nice crisp red and a lilac (which I really should just invent/ come up with as NO ONE IN ANY BRAND SELLS, and no, light purple eyeliner doesn't count. I want an ACTUAL light purple LIP pencil!)

Shanghai Suzy lipstick in Miss Amy (Baby Pink). 
A total random purchase. I saw Chloe Morello's tutorial on YouTube and needed the lipstick. So I bought it. It smells like grape bubblegum. It is amazing. They're only $13. It's matte.
ShanghaiSuzy.com (where you can too, smell the deliciousness that is grape bubblegum in a lipstick).

L-R: Shanghai Suzy Miss Amy, NARS Schiap
NYX Deep Purple, Purple Rain, Bright Pink and Tangerine. 

What's next on my shopping list:
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter
Inglot AMC holographic lip glosses
Makeup Store Atomic lipgloss
Makeup Store glitter liner in Chocolux and Showstopper


What's on your shopping list?
What do you think about what I purchased, do you love or dislike anything and why?

Shameless Plug...

Go check out my instagram and follow me! melz_makeup

What's your Instagram?  
I'm always looking for new people to follow and see peoples work...'m always looking for new people to follow and see peoples work. See you over there!! :D 

Now also on YouTube: Melz Manor
Watch my first awkward video. Tutorials and more to come! 

Thanks for your support and stopping by! 

Review: Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour

Since Limecrime came out with their matte liquid lipsticks, Velvetines, I've been dying to try them. However, hearing of the constant negative reviews of their/ her business, I've been really put off with handing over my money to such a company (you can google the dramas, I'm definitely not going to go into it). I was almost ready to succumb because they looked so cool, and the colours looked awesome, BUT I was on instagram, and I saw a picture for these. Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour. I was super intrigued, so a few days ago I checked them out at my closest Priceline. I am so glad I did.

These have amazing pigmentation and holy crap do they stay on! I tested them out on my hand whilst on my lunch break at work and afterwards I tried to wash them off. I furiously scrubbed (with water only) to try and remove them. They.Do.Not.Budge!!!!!!!
These wear for a good 4-5 hours before they start "coming off". By :coming off: I mean wearing from the middle of my mouth outwards, as you can see in the pictures. They're slightly sticky while it's drying, bit nor uncomfortably so. Once dry, again, they don't budge, and they're comfortable. They don't feel tight at all. The gloss also never cracked and only slightly bleed on my lips.
They're also easy to remove with a makeup remover.

One wipe. True colour vs. the ones below. 

Initial application.

After 5 hours. 

After eating.

After 7 hours. Starting to fade from the inside of my mouth. 

They also have a decent selection of shades, with shades covering pretty much all bases (you've got red, nude, peachy pink, mauve, bright purple, bright fuchsia and a couple of other shades which I'm forgetting now, but deeper nudes/ roses).

I bought the shade Icon (bright mid purple), and I'm definitely going to go back and get Hollywood Baby (peachy pink) and Rodeo Drive (super bright fuchsia).

I can't compare them to the Velvetines, but if you're after a cheaper/ *different version* of something same-samey, these are definitely it. I'm going to buy an Australis Velourlips next to see how they compare.

Would I re-purchase: Definitely!!!!! These are seriously awesome for the product, and the price. I highly suggest going to at least check them out.

Available: Priceline

RRP: $7.99  

Review: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue

I love glitter. It's just so unicorny and makes everything in life that little bit better. I really don't know why it took me so long to get this. I've had glitter for YEARS, this has been out for YEARS. I dunno, I guess it seemed boring vs coloured stuff haha. Anyways, I eventually got this and of course that meant 

I had to do a glittery eye (awwwww yeahhhhhhhh :D), however, as a cautionary to my tale (maybe not, maybe its obvious….), I am an idiot and did a full face of makeup then went to add glitter and needless to say, out came the stickytape and I won't be repeating the same mistake again. I felt like I was swimming in glitter. 

OKAY okay, back to the actual product vs my mystical ways of being awesome… The glue comes out a white cream and dries clear. Its very sticky, but not uncomfortably so. I used a makeup brush to apply this, however, I do feel like I shouldn't have, and should have used a cotton bud (q-tip) instead. I'd like to say it's quicker to dry than say, eyelash glue (so you have something more comparable to guesstimate/ work with), so you do have to work reasonably quickly (glue one eye, add glitter, glue other eye and add glitter to that one too).

I packed quite a bit of glitter on, over a fully "product-ed" eye. The glue definitely isn't shy and really hugs the glitter like they're old buddies from way back. The glitter stayed nice and dense throughout the day and I didn't notice too much fallout (as much as you can from a fine glitter like Jewelmarine).

I wore my makeup for about 9 hours and there was a bit of creasing on my eyelids (slightly more than usual) due to oiliness from my lids (which happens with basically all eyeshadows, everyday after a full day). 

When I washed my face that night, it took a bit more grunt work (and cotton balls) than usual, but not extensive, red eye causing scrubbing or irritation. I just used my Bioderma Crealine H20 makeup remover with cotton balls and followed with my usual The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser. Maybe I had too many layers of makeup to judge, but there wasn't any sticky residue or anything once all product was removed. 

What I used: *when I use my other source of computerage, I'll upload eye shots.*

Mac Delft Paintpot (as base)

Laura Mercier Peacock Sequin eyeshadow 

MAC Jewelmarine glitter

Would I re-purchase: Yes I would, although now that I'm getting older, I don't wear glitter as much, so I probably won't need another tube if I'm being honest. 

Available: Beautybay.com
RRP: $28 (currently on sale for $23)


*TIPS*
~ Do your glittering before the rest of your makeup (obviously, no?!)
~ Use a cotton bud (q-tip) to apply glitter glue. Unless you like gunky brushes…

Holidays and bloggers block...

I haven't been on "holidays" (annual leave from my job), in something like 2 years. Naturally, with that time off, I thought I would set myself little side projects to do, like baking, setting up our walk in robe (too many clothes, not enough space = making the spare bedroom into a wardrobe), and blogging. I wanted to spend a good amount of time just blogging. I don't know what it was, but I got lazy. Nothing has been done and I'm due to go back tomorrow. It's official. I have bloggers block. 

I have a few posts ready to go, just need to photograph content, but I cannot get them out. Tried to write a review. Can't get it out. What do you do when bloggers block strikes? 

I've also been toying with the idea of starting a YouTube channel. I feel like everyone and their cat has a YouTube channel, and everyone wants to be YouTube famous. So I feel like, what's the point? However, the reason I want to do it, is purely so I can put out more content. I could do actual tutorials rather than a FOTD and the products used, which would be more helpful. You guys could also get to know me better, see an actual personality instead of just my writing. Everything just seems so.... I don't even know, just so.... 

I know it may sound strange, but maybe why I'm reluctant to write, is the fear of nothing to write about. I realised today, whilst updating my wish list, is, I'm actually about to obtain everything on my makeup/ beauty wish list. What then? That will kind of conclude the haul side of things. As a late 20 something, you no longer feel the need to buy every thing in sight like a late teen/ early 20 year old would. That's being practical. My love of beauty is still the same, but I know that I don't need that 54th red lipstick and I'd rather have money for a house deposit sooner, rather than later. Writing this definitely makes me think it would be wise to start videos. Maybe I'm just being irrational, and there will always be something to write about.