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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. 

June favourites: what I'm LOVING this month!

This month I thought I'd do something a little different to a haul, because well, I guess hauls can get a bit boring and showy, so I thought I'd show you some of my favourites instead of what I'm just buying!

MAC MORANGE (lipstick) & TEMPERATURE RISING (lip pencil). 
I don't know what it is, maybe the fact that it's now cold here in Australia and I'm subtlety trying to get those summer feels, but I'm really into my bright lipsticks. I just don't feel right with nudes. Dark colours aren't really doing it for me either. But brights are where it's at for me. Reds, oranges, neon pinks, I'm right there! This month Morange is my go-to shade! I seriously can't get enough of this shade! I find it so strange that as a pink based skin tone, this colour should look like shit on me. Maybe it does, I don't really care. I'm in love. I team this with another favourite (and honestly my favourite lip liner, Temperature Rising). Unfortunately, Temperature Rising is pretty old, from the To The Beach collection from 2010.

TOO FACED SWEETHEART BRONZING BEADS.  (Bronzer/ highlighter)
I've heard so many not-so-good reviews on these but I love them! I think I actually prefer these over my usual MAC Natural skinfinish. I am definitely a fan of a subtle glitter/ highlight/ sheen thing going on over my whole face, and these definitely give me that. It might be a little too much for some people, or not quite the look they're going for, so I probably would skip them if that's not for you. I like that these aren't powdery or build up product heaps so that it looks cakey. I wouldn't call them bronzing either, but they do have a mix of bronze, pink, white and peach hearts so it's a mixed bronzing highlight situation, which is perfect for my face (NW20 for reference). I think the main reason that people aren't so crash hot for these is the amount of product you get. In the pictures, the container looks full to the top but you get maybe half that in reality. Even though the quantity is a little disappointing, these last forever. I've had these for about 6 months now, using them pretty much every day and I feel like I've barely used them. I highly recommend these, unless, as I said, you're not a fan of subtle shimmer, glimmer, glitter, facial highlight. Whew! (Soz for the novel).

MAC CANDY YUM YUM. (Lipstick)
Oh my, this lipstick is definitely yum yum! My fave pink lipstick. I'm sure everyone on this planet (well the beauty planet, that is), has heard of this phenomenal, stunning, coveted lipstick. If you haven't, then you need to get on the candy train. This is definitely for the brave hearted, however, it is MUCH more wearable than you might think. I seriously think every girl needs this shade in their life. Not. Even. Kidding! Thankfully this shade is now permanent!

MAC SOUL SERENADE. (eyeshadow)
Wowwwwww! What a stunning shade. I do not understand why this shade wasn't one of the first to be sold out. It's a stunning (there's that word again, haha) deep, almost gunmetal, brown with amazing pigmentation. I only own 3 of the extra dimension eyeshadows and I seriously want more. These eyeshadows are highly pigmented (as I said), buttery soft and easy to blend. These eyeshadows alone make me wanna board the MAC train again in a BIG way. They might be smaller in size for the price vs the original eyeshadows but they are worth every cent. Next time they're released do yourself a favour and go buy them (all).

FRANK. (body scrub)
Holy moly this scrub is great. It smells like jaffas (coffee and orange) and works a treat. What I especially love is the almond oil making your skin softer than baby's bums and kittens at Christmas time afterwards. Perverted, but I seriously can't stop feeling myself up once I'm dry. They've also come out with a Coconut and Chocolate versions too. Only down side: it's a bit messy. It's also apparently good to do selfies with too.
Go buy it here: frankbody.com
$14.99 (with free shipping!)

The Body Shop HONEY lip balm
If you've ever had braces you'll understand how a good lip balm is SO important. Especially at times when you're getting them on, or through each brace tightening. I received this lip balm as a gift for my birthday last week, and it has been a godsend! I also had a new wire put on my bottle teeth so it's rubbing and my lips are dry. I already had the chocolate and cocoa butter Body Shop lip balms, but they're creamy vs waxy, like the honey one is, which I feel like it suits my dry lips better. Very moisturising with a subtle honey scent.

Swatches of Soul Serenade, Temperature Rising, Morange & Candy Yum Yum.

A couple of extras faves for the past month!
I very rarely hear new tracks and get excited, I'm "sorry not sorry" stuck in the 90s. I love my Spice Girls, Britney, Christina, N*SYNC etc, however, my man played this and I.FELL.IN.LOVE! You know when you hear something SO good, you get goosebumps? Yeah, this is it for me.
Robot Koch ~ Happy People
Check it out here: soundcloud.com/robot-koch
Or YouTube it! ;)

A really random love this month. PESTO. Yes that delicious smashed basil dip. I've been mixing pesto with Mayo to make "pestonaise". It is DELICIOUS! I'm having it as a salad dressing or on crackers. I first discovered it on pizza, and since then, I've been hooked! Haha.


What I'm not loving:
This weather. Totally not beauty/ makeup related, but I hate the cold. I get cold easily and it stays with me. My birthday was also this month and it's miserable because no one wants to go out, because, suprise, suprise, it's too damn cold! Rarrrr!!!! However, I do like my warm drinks, so that's something positive... Also, bed....

What are you loving this month? What are your all time faves? Do you prefer hauls vs favourites?

Are your feet happy?

Not everyone has zillions of dollars to get pedicures every week, or even every month, but taking care, and pampering your feet is SO important. Not only does it make you feel good, and a foot massage is heaven in a rub, but the majority of us spend all day on our feet, and not always in comfy shoes, and our feet very often get neglected. I know most peoples feet are not the most attractive, but they definitely deserve better than they fare as they are one of the most hardworking and constantly used parts of our body. It really doesn't take much to keep your feet in tip top shape without spending heaps at your local salon (except maybe half an hr - 45 mins). These are some of the things I do when I have a foot pampering session...

You will need:
A foot spa
Pumice or some kind of skin remover thing
Foot soak (crystals or powder)
Foot cream or moisuriser
A nail polish of your choice

Set the mood:
I put on some incense, or a nice candle, and pour myself a cup of green tea to really relax and get myself in the mood to wind down.

A great investment is a foot spa! They're much cheaper these days than they used to be, and can really relax you and really set the "spa" mood!
You don't need something super expensive, something from Target or Big W will do the trick!
Target has one that comes with all your extras like foot cream, foot soak, skin scraper thingy etc for $60. Big W has just the foot spa for roughly $25...

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a foot spa with the vibrational settings on for more than 20 minutes as it can disrupt your heart!!!!!!! If you have a heart condition to begin with, I STRONGLY suggest talking to your doctor first! 

Take off your old nail polish and trim those nails.
Now that you have your foot spa running with warm water, add some salts or powder and get that baby vibrating and get those feet relaxing.
After about 5 minutes and your feet have softened, I like to use a gel exfoliating scrub with a pumice stone and buff that icky dead skin off.
Let feet soak for another 15 mins or however long you like NOT EXCEEDING 20 MINS.
Dry off and turn off your foot spa.
Paint your toe nails and let dry.
Moisturise these feet, or better yet, get your partner or whoever, to give you a foot massage and pop on some socks.
Mmmmm good morning soft feet!

Now repeat every 2 weeks or so, depending on what you like and when you have time to relax!

My foot faves:
~ Planet Earth foot spa from Target (my amazing partner bought this for me for my birthday a few years back!)
~ The Body Shop pumice stone
I actually loved The Body Shop Lemongrass foot products, but alas, it's discontinued. I bought in bulk when it discontinued so I'm still using it, and I don't know what I'll be trying out when I run out but these seem well received and will be what I might look into:
~ The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak or Foot fizzies
~ The Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice foot scrub
~ Lush Volcano foot mask
For moisturiser, I use The Body Shop body butters. On rotation is: Satsuma and Shea.

I clearly use a LOT of body shop products don't I? I honestly haven't found anything else that I really like... Can you recommend me something, or a new brand?


Little extras to help aid your feet day-to-day:
* Wear comfy shoes. I know it sounds obvious, but seriously, how many times have you worn shoes because they look hot vs comfort. Ok, I do understand when you go out for a night on the town, but day to day, on your job? Seriously, do your feet a favour and just get something comfortable!
* Gel cushions for your shoes. These are amazing and definitely buffer against wearing heels for a long period. Most shoe places sell them.

What every girl needs in her makeup collection.

These are what I deem as the essentials to having the "perfect" collection. I think I've covered pretty much everything, even as a basic starter kit. However, in saying that, it is MY opinion as a makeup junkie who loves products. Even if you're starting to get into makeup and are kinda confused on what products you should be getting (old me would have said EVERYTHING! Haha), these are some great all rounders that can create a lot of looks without needing to get everything in sight! In saying that,  you don't need all of this, eg, I've listed great highlighters, and blushes, but if you have one, as a starting point, you don't really need them all, unless you want 1 white based & 1 pink based highlighter etc. you make the rules about your collection. Makeup should be fun and how you see it!

I also realise a lot of it is MAC, and high end, as these are the products I use and love and know they're great! Sometimes it is worth investing in higher quality products, however, there are definitely some great cheaper products around, eg, Chi Chi.

Face:
Primer:
Honestly, there are so many great ones out there, it's probably one of the 2 things (the other being foundation), that is total personal preference and trial and error. Choosing can also depend on your skin type eg, dry, oily, sensitive etc; your skin needs eg, combatting redness etc. My only recommendation is, if you can, get samples that you might like to try out and give them a go!

Foundation:
Again, can't really recommend due to different skin types and issues previously mentioned. Also, what finish you like and type of coverage you're looking for. However, these are the ones I like (my skin is combination, I prefer medium coverage and a dewy look).
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
MAC Mineralize
MAC Studio Sculpt

Concealer:
You don't really want something cakey in this area, as we're trying to combat those pesky things like dark circles and fine lines, which, something cakey can emphasise these things. You need something creamier, but good coverage.
My picks:
NARS creamy concealer
MAC Pro Longwear
YSL Touché Éclat

Bronzer:
Bronzer is serious playtime, and used for sculpting and creating flattering angles to play up or downplay what you like or don't like.
My picks:
MAC Golden
NARS Laguna

Blush:
Blushes come in all sorts of colours, textures, finishes. These ones are what I find the most flattering and compliment pretty much any makeup look.
Pink:
MAC Dainty Mineralize (mid pink with subtle shimmer)
MAC Dollymix (mid pink)
NARS Orgasm (peachy pink, with shimmer)
Hourglass Ambient Etheral Glow (soft pink)

Peach:
NARS Deep Throat (peach)
MAC Peaches (true peach)
MAC Nuance (shimmering peach)

For those who like their blush as the featured look: (with a lighter hand, building up as you go!)
NARS Angelika (bright pink with shimmer)
NARS Cactus Flower (cream; bright watermelon/ poppy)

Highlighter:
A great highlighter adds dimension to the face and reflects light off the angles you place highlighter on. If you're just starting out or prefer a simple product, I'd pick a powder over a liquid, as they can be tricky to use.
My picks:
Powder:
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
Bobbi Brown Pink shimmerbrick (or any shimmerbrick really, I love them all!)
NARS Albatross
Too Faced Candlelight Glow (good value, as it has white and pink)

Liquid:
Benefit High Beam


Eyes:
Eyebrows:
Unless you have rich, dark eyebrows, I don't know of anyone who couldn't benefit from some kind of filler, be it powder, pencil or a gel.
My picks:
MAC Brow creme fluidline
Anastasia Beverley Hills brow Pomade
Benefit Gimme Brow

Eyeshadows:
Everyone needs a decent range of basic eyeshadows, which can help create, define and accent a look. Different textures are also important. These are the basic shades I LOVE!
Stila Kitten: the PERFECT champagne shimmer for the brow and tear duct highlight.
MAC Vanilla pigment: a white based shimmer, again used for highlighting.
MAC Pink Opal pigment: a pink reflective white highlighter. My absolute favourite must have!
MAC Vanilla: a neutral white.
MAC Vapour: a white duo chrome which reflects pink.
MAC All That Glitters: another amazing shimmery champagne.
MAC Beauty Marked: the perfect deep purple with red reflects for a smokey eye that isn't black.
MAC Bronze: lovely as a blended out shade for day wear, or smoked up for evening.
MAC Club: the most beautiful shade! Brown with blue reflects. Duo chrome finish.
MAC Swiss Chocolate: a brown, a great crease colour.
MAC Plumage: a smoked out dark teal.
Chi Chi Bronzes palette: a good palette for those who love their neutrals/ bronzes.
Chi Chi Neutrals palette: a good set of base colours to create any look.

Sometimes you wanna get a bit more creative with your looks and colours. For something a bit different, bold and fun, these are my recommendations:
MAC Humid: a great mid green shade.
MAC Shimmermoss: a beautiful shimmery mid turquoise shade.
MAC Freshwater: the best vivid mid blue.
MAC Deep Truth: a deep blue which is great for smoking out a blue eye.
MAC Parfait Amour: a bright mid purple.
Chi Chi Metallics palette: a good collection of colours, with a metallic finish for a bit of dimension.

Eyeliner:
Everyone will have their own preference in which they like, be it gel, liquid or pencil.
Gel:
MAC Blacktrack fluidline
Bobbi Brown Black Ink gel eyeliner

Liquid:
Maybelline Hyper Glossy

Pencil:
MAC Smolder


Lips:
Obviously the following recommendations are for those a bit more daring and like to wear brighter colours. Even if you're not a fan of bright colours, or really shy, I do highly recommend at least getting use to and discover your own fave shade of red lipstick. It might only be a lipstick, but it can totally transform, not only the way you look, but also how you feel and how you carry yourself. It can really boost your mood, especially if you're not feeling 100%!

Lip Pencil:
Chi Chi Nude

Lipstick:
Red: EVERY girl needs a go-to red lippy for when they want to add that extra sex appeal, or simply to brighten up their day. There is really no other makeup product that can do what a red lipstick does!
My pick:
MAC Russian Red

Nude: A nude lip is perfect for a smokey eye as the look is then not overdone and compliments each other. To find your perfect nude, make sure it's not too light (no one likes the "foundation lips" look, and the right texture. These picks are really great all rounders (great for pretty much every skin tone).
My picks:
MAC Creme D'nude
YSL Rouge Volupte in #1 Nude Beige

Orange: Definitely not for the faint of heart. I love orange lips, and orange tones are perfect for summer. Definitely accents a good tan!
My pick:
MAC Morange

Pink: There are 2 shades of pink a girl needs. One bright/ deep pink and a lighter, baby pink. Pink is girly, romantic and good for everyday wear.
My picks:
YSL Lingerie Pink (light)
NYX Paris (medium)

Berry: This is a perfect winter shade and very bold. Definitely the colour of the season, you can pick something more dark and purple toned or something more red toned.
My picks:
MAC Rebel (purple based)
MAC New York Apple (red based)

I hope this was of some use to you. Do you recommend any products that are MUST HAVES for everyone?