Travel Make-Up Bag

WHAT'S IN MY TRAVEL MOOK-UP BAG?

Well, I had like, half an hour to pack my make-up bag [to Melbourne for 4 days] and here were the products that I chose to bring with me. Good news is that I did not regret bringing any one of these products! Yay! Some, I did not even use.

My go-to make-up bag is this red bag by The Face Shop. A friend (?) from Singapore had sent me this last year, and it has been my bag since! It's very spacious and pretty, but I need a new one. Which bag do you use as your travel make-up bag?


❶ BASE

Skin has been real good to me, so I didn't bother with the primer and powder. As long as I have my Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation ($19.95), a long-lasting foundation with a natural, dewy finish and medium/full coverage. Easy to apply, so it's perfect for on-the-go's!

Brought this along, but never used it -- Face Of Australia Eye Lights Under Eye Concealer* ($12.95).


❷ BRUSHES

Four of these brushes are by Royal & Langnickel's Silk Green Line*. The Powder Brush was once, what it was supposed to be used for, a powder brush. However, it's now my bronzing brush. I seldom powder anymore, with my new foundation!

Then there's the blusher brush, that I use to apply blushers and highlighters.

The next two are for my browns! Small slanted brush for drawing in the tail of my brows and the squared tip brush to fill in the inside of the brows. Its width fits the size of my brows purrrfectly!

Traditional synthetic foundation brush by Nude By Nature*. Nothing special.


❸ PALETTES

Three palettes, or technically 2 palettes and 1 small shade for my brows. I've only brought the Le'lan Vital palette to use the dark brown for my brows.. Eehm. So bulky. I really need a new product for my brows!!

BYS Blusher Trio 'On The Bright Side' ($6.95) was the palette I selected to suit my pink lipsticks. Blushers and lip colours always need to match-up in my beauty world, so only brought along a set of pink blushers/lippies.

I really like the bronzer of Face Of Australia's Glamazon Leopardess Contour & Highlight Kit* ($9.95). It suits my skin much more than my previous favourite, Australis' Jumbo Mineral Bronzer. My FAVOURITE HIGHLIGHTER OF ALL TIME IS STILL The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer, but I didn't want to risk breaking that again, so nah.


❹ EYES

My favourite felt-tip liner, Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner ($13.95). Long lasting and easy to use, good stuff!

Another item I've brought, but never really used is Australis' Lash & Brow Extender ($10.95). Also needed a brown eyeliner for lazy-eyeliner days, so Savvy by DB's Brilliant Bronze ($7.95) was my pick!


❺ LIPS

No lip-glosses allowed, because I'm always lazy to touch-up. I actually brought 3 products along with me, but one died on the way home, so here are the two left.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo ($12.95), a long-lasting red that I could always depend on! Yes! Then there's Face Of Australia Lip Quench in Peaches & Cream* ($9.45). Many dislike the scent of this, but this is one of my favourite pink shades!


❻ MISC

Other small products and items:

Random eyelash curler, Face Of Australia Sharpener ($4.95), Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm* ($6.95), Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (sample) and The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream (sample).


That's all! Even though I only spent half an hour to collect these, there were no times that I gasped, "ah I should've brought..." during the trip. These were perfect!

Rewind back, I wouldn't change a single thing!

OK. I lied. Maybe more lipsticks..

polls & surveys

Disclaimer: Products marked with (*) were provided for consideration only. 

Handbag Declutter: October 2014

WOO. Another handbag declutter post. Last post was posted a few months ago. I only remembered about these posts, because I realised my schoolbag was getting heavier and heavier! (｡•́︿•̀｡) 

Needed to be cleared!


1 & 2. INTER-COLOR Lip Liners
Yeah, I use lip liners on the go. These two were from Vietnam, but can be found on eBay for less than $1. Doesn't last that long, but works as a base or solo. Cute Pink is really perfect for Spring, Dark Pink is okay. I thought it was a berry-coloured, but nop!

3. Face Of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Pecan Pie*
This looks like an ugly brown, but it's a really good MLBB colour for one of those days where you just want to tone down from all the pinks and corals.

Pecan Pie, Fandango, Cute Pink, Dark Pink

4. Australis Colour Inject Lip Gloss in Fandango
I love this product! Somewhat sheer, but the formula is thin and close to non-sticky! This shade was not made with opacity though! Gives me nice, juicy-lookin' tinted red lips. Love!

5. Face Of Australia Lasting Looks Lipstick in Coral On*
I usually use this as a dab. Just a really lovely coral colour.

Coral On, Tangerine Queen

6. Face Of Australia Lip Paint in Tangerine Queen*
Posted about these in depth here. On days that I want glossy, orange lips (basically, the whole of last week), this is what I run to!

7. essence Lipstick in Colour Crush
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I hate the formula of these, I don't know why it's in my bag. They remind me a lot of NYX Round Lipsticks -- pigmented and smooth, but not creamy and glides everywhere. I really need to get down to swatching these though. Urgh.

Colour Crush, Miss Behave

8. Models Prefer Infinite Colour Lipstick in Miss Behave
I don't know why no one has really looked into these. These are AMAZING. They last long (a tad drying after a few hours), pigmented, creamy and cheap. Why guys, why?!


And of course, the two lip balms -- Burt's Bees* and Blistex Lip Conditioner. Nothing too fancy, just some regular lip balms. One for the handbag, one for the schoolbag.

Have you tried any of these lipsticks?!

Ah, now that I've cleared em... My bags will be much lighter! Yay!
But that also means.. made room for the new clutter..


Disclaimer: Products marked with * were provided to me for review consideration only.

Mani-Monday: Sweetpea

Yay! Another Mani-Monday post.

I hope you've all had a lovely weekend! I've recently finished my exams, so hopefully I'd be able to make use of the time I have [wisely].

Haven't decided what to do yet, but here's another Australis polish that needs to go, hence a quick swatch before I pass it on to friends/family!


Australis' Sweetpea ($7.95), a bright mint green.

Yeap. Unlike other duller mint greens in my collection, this one is quite bright on my nails. Very pretty. It was a tad streaky at first, but took 3 coats to even out. Pretty average!

Although it's the only brighter-mint in my collection, I'd have to let it go. I just don't see myself wearing this too much in the future, so I'm sure one of my friends will help me make use of it!

It's also one of the better greens, so I'd like them to have it, rather than let it sit and rot in my collection..

What's on your nails to start the week?!

Disclaimer: Product was purchased by me.

Mani-Monday: Peek-A-Boo!

In midst of clearing out my nail collection (I have way too many nail polishes), so I thought I'd start a Mani-Monday series to brighten up everyone's Mondays.

Lucky me, life of a jobless uni student, so every Monday is already brightened. Don't jelly arh!

My first brand to clear out is.. Australis!

Peek-a-boo ($7.95),a creme lilac that goes on smooth and silky. I don't quite like these lilac colours so this one will definitely have to go to a friend, or my Mum's collection. She loves these light purples.

A quick snap of this other polish too. It's labelled "Aqua", but it's definitely the wrong label. It is most likely discontinued though, since I couldn't find it on their site.

Just a metallic blue. Probably will find them in those $3 Australis clearance bins. Worth getting though! Lovely formula, lovely shade with lovely pigmentation.

Daz all!

What's on YOUR nails this Monday?

Disclaimer: Both products were purchased by moi. 

Recent Empties ♡

Reporting back with my latest empties, haven't done this in a while!

These empties are from.. um, too long ago to remember.. They've been cluttering in my room for yonks, and only until last week that I felt bothered enough to take snaps and record a vlog for them.. (¬▂¬)

❶ Maybelline Total Clean Express Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover (discontinued)
Finished! Love these dual-phase make-up removers, with the prices I've purchased them for.. Still have a few more, and I can only hope that they newer removers that replaced these are repackaged versions.

❷ Sukin Cream Cleanser ($9.95)
I loved their foaming cleanser, but this one just didn't do it for me in terms of removing ma make-up and the "grime". Ironically, I used this at the END of my routine (wth, right?) to tone [by putting moisture into my skin] for its creamy formula!

❸ Palmer's Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes* ($7.49)
Worked well, but would've worked better if I hadn't let most of em' dried out! The price though...




❹ LUSH Love Lettuce Face Mask 
OMGAH, I LOVE this mask. This was my second tub and I love love love it so much! It's grainy, so as you wash it off, it also exfoliates.. leaving the skin feeling incredibly smooth. It's probably more suited towards oily skin-types, but I love it anyways. Sometimes it's a tad drying, but nothin' a tad of moisturiser can't fix!

❺ LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub* -- chuck out
Throwing this out.. I kinda grew out of the idea of [using] these lip scrubs. Hmph. It's not a bad product, it's just not a necessity anymore.

❻ NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose ($8.95)
Throwing this out too. Absolutely hate the formula. Urgh. Probably the cheapest "highly-raved" lippies back in the day, but the formula is.. urgh. Definitely a "miss" for me.

❼ Australis Curved Ink Eyeliner* -- chuck out
LOVE the idea of this, and it definitely worked for me after a few times practising. The formula is really disappointing for me though. Although it was dark and easy to use, the formula is smudgy and not crease-proof as claimed.

❽ U Little Beauty Dreamtime Enriching Night Cream* ($24.95) -- chuck out
Not a fan of this moisturiser. Used it halfway, but I can't stand it anymore. It takes years to blend, before it settles and seeps into the skin. Not the best in terms of being moisturising, and it's a night cream.. I'd pass. I was really fond of this brand's Happy Clappers hand cream though!

❾ Bioglo Rose Essence Sleeping Mask
I really like this! Reminds me a lot of the Laniege Sleeping Pack samples that I used to use, except that the consistency is a tad thicker. Very hydrating like that though, would repurchase if the store that sold this (eCosway) didn't have their stupid and impractical "MEMBERS-ONLY" system. Urgh.

❿ The Face Shop Chia Seed Sebum Control Moisture Cream 
Really lovely gel-product, almost like serum in a jar! It's weightless, hydrates, and instantly smooths your skin. Slightly like a primer, but I won't be OTT and claim that it'll smooth your skin that much. I'm not sure of it's price, but I think it's fairly expensive. It was $50 in Vietnam, so... eep. Bye-bye to the best serum/moisturiser I've ever used!

That's 6 empties along with 4 products I'm chucking out. Eeehm.. Call it an "empties" anyways!

What's the latest product you've finished?

Drop me a comment!

Brb. Repurchasing LUSH's Love Lettuce mask and price-checking that awesome TFS Chia Seed cream!


Disclaimer: Products marked with * were provided for review consideration (from yonks ago). 

Priceline 40% OFF Haul + [INT] GIVEAWAY!

It's a late, late haul, I know. But nay, I did not go all-out-hoarder like most other beauty fanatics! Besides the fact that I barely had any moola on hand, it was also because I've finally came down to the conclusion that I have soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much to finish off. Urgh.

Just the idea of that, stresses me out!

So for this time's 40% off sale (I was in Melbourne), I've only picked up a handful of things.


Da-da-dum-dum!

BE lipstick ($1.80/$3 RRP)
Not that I needed another pink lippy, but hey! They'd never have sales on these, and it was only $1.80! Yap, that's my justification.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner ($8.37/$13.95 RRP)
Baddest eyeliner out there (in a good way), this one! Super black, long-lasting, easy to use, doesn't dry out after a few uses AND it's less than $10 after the sale! Mine was running out so this was a necessity.

Australis Velourlips ($5.97/$9.95 RRP)
Been lusting over these for yonks now... Not gonna find a sale better than these, so.. Yap. I reached for the shades that's not too familiar in my collection -- Rio-d & Ho-chee-min. Funky, bright coral and a light, light pink!

essence Lip Liner in Wish Me a Rose ($1.20/$2 RRP)
Posted about this here. Beautiful shade, and formula is extremely creamy.


OK. Important pieces that were "must-haves". THESE:

These Models Prefer packs ($12/$20 RRP) are as is. I've purchased one to split to my group of friends as stocking stuffers, and the OTHER one is for YOU!

Well, not for every one of you'se (sorry, I wish I could), but for the one who wins this giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Simple and easy-af giveaway. I was thinking of hosting it on Instagram, but not everyone follows me there and/or uses Instagram, so here's it!


Good luck folks!

Mani-Monday: Perfect festive red!

These limited edition beauties landed on my desk not too long ago, by.. YES! You know who!

These aren't new, but since they're limited edition, I thought I may as well put up their posts ASAP before they slip off the shelves!

We'll start with this beautiful, metallic, festive red, Red Hot Chilli Pepper ($4.95).

The formula of this one (the only of the three that I've tried so far), is... breath-taking! I was so stunned with the first coat I applied, just because it's so ridiculously pigmented, smooth and silky! I could really get away with one coat, but it looked too flat in the image, so I had to chuck on another coat.

This reminds me a lot of Face Of Australia's Flaming Lava that I posted about a few Xmas' ago, but brighter.

Anyways, what do ya think? Pretty? 

I think red, gold, silver and coppers are the ONLY shade I'd wear with a metallic finish. I'd pass on other metallics, especially pinks! I really dislike metallic pinks!

Yeap, I'm a strange, strange person..


Disclaimer: Product was provided for review consideration only. 

New On Shelf: Australis, Face Of Australia, Models Prefer, Ulta3, Ardell

Hay yo! Another month, another post!

My pocket has been sooooo emptied from my dental fees and Christmas presents for the past weeks, that it's not funny. Urgh. I won't be joining you in this month's "I'd really like to see...", because just the slight thought of it.. is not good.

OK. I FORGOT. JUST AFTER 10 SECONDS OF WRITING THAT PARAGRAPH, I remembered I had won a $100 Priceline Gift Card from Every Little Polish (thanks Rose!) and also got my hands on Rimmel's latest lip range.

Actually no, those need to be saved for purchasing my mother's favourite Biore cleansers.. Forgot. (҂⌣̀_⌣́)

Face Of Australia Eye Lights Under Eye Concealer ($12.95/2 shades)
I've mentioned this twice, still trying to trial it for an in-depth review. FOA says, the click-pen highlighter "provides coverage for dark circles, uneven skin tone and fine lines. Also reflects light for a dewy and fresh look". 

Face Of Australia Lumi-tint ($12.95/4 shades)
YAY??? Something [extremely] different! Like tinted-highlighting sticks that can be used as a cream blush, highlighter, and the "darker shades can also be used for subtle contouring". Made to suit all skin tones, and sensitive skin types!

Ardell Lashes

Both items ($9.99) are of the same range, offering a slightly flared look. Permanently curled, weightless and waterproof. Suitable for those with "small, large, round, almond-shaped or deep-set eyes". 

We also have 3 additions (or launches) to the Natural Half Lash range, which is suitable for all eye shapes. Mainly enhances density along the outer edge of the lashline.

• Lash Accents 301 Black ($9.99)
• Lash Accents 318 Black ($9.99)
• Lash Accents 305 Black ($9.99)

Ulta3

I'm not sure when these products were launched, but.. Umm!!! I'll go through them quickly anyways, since most were made for the upcoming Christmas season.

Perfect Balance Foundation ($9.95/5 shades)

A lightweight, oil-free foundation that offers a glowing complexion and smooth finish. One layer for a sheer tint and build-up for a fuller coverage. 

Perfect Balance Primer ($8.95)

Creates a smooth base for foundation, and helps to ensure make-up stays put throughout the day! Also contains argan oil to hydrate the skin.

I've mentioned their Advent Calendar ($24.00) in my last #NOS post, but they also have other Christmas packs...

• Candy Cane ($12.95) contains some limited edition and some popular Ulta3 shades.
• Lip & Nail Pack ($4.00/6 sets) contains a nail polish and their Moisturising Lipstick.
• Colour Me Pretty Lipstick Crayon Pack ($12.00), a Christmas pack containing 3 lip shades.

Nails, Nails, Nails! ($10/7-pack or $20/15-pack), a twist on Santa's Ho-ho-ho! The gift pack contains a range of nail colours to suit every festive function. Pastel, fluros, glittery, shimmery -- all in here!

Watercolour Nail Art ($10/set of four or $2/ea) -- special effect colour tints that add a wash of transparent colour to the nails. To be applied as a tinted top coat over a white base polish. Would LOVE to see how this works...

Next brand!

Australis Bronzeyed Girl Eyeshadow Palette ($9.95)

Models Prefer Soft Touch Mineral Powder ($16.99/3 shades)
I've seen some beauties on Facebook raving about these, a cheap and efficient [baked] highlighting powder, although it's marked as a "finishing powder". Wot?

I really wanted these during the 40% Priceline sale! Raaar. Instant regret for not picking up one.


That's all! 

online survey

I don't know about you, but I'd love my hands on those MP Soft Touch Powders, FOA Lumi-tints and SEE how those Ulta3 Watercolour lacquers look on the nails!

Let me know if there are other products I've missed out on!

Drugstore Beauty Launches for Australia -- October 2014

HI you cutie patooties. Gah, things haven't been going too well for me in the past fewer days (some personal problems). So much that I've decided to put my reports and assessments on hold. Seriously no motivation.

But I thought I'd focus on something different rather than laying in bed, melting away in this 30 degrees Sydney weather (love it!). So here's this month's launch post! Not on the 10th, or 15th! Actually on time... Ok. Somewhat, the 3rd isn't too bad.

*******

Innoxa Skin Perfecting CC Primer ($24.95)

Helps to conceal redness, bright dull skin and minimise the appearance of skin discolourations. Formulated with micro-fine pearls to luminise the skin, they said, so I'm gonna assume the product will be pearly. Ah, stuff like this never works for my skin, whether used as a base or worn alone (this one says you can wear it alone). Ditto, anyone?

Australis Mix It Colour Correcting Foundation ($15.95)
As we all know, yellow, purple and green pigments are the three main colour-based correctors when it comes down to perfecting the skin. I've read the description of this new water-based foundation range by Australis over and over, and I'm just not getting it.

(A snapshot, because I couldn't find any press images!)

Says "Mix it", but there are 4 similar shades of foundation. Not sure if the 3 pigments are infused in the foundation's formula, or they are actually available in solo yellow, mauve and green. Either way, doesn't sound too appealing to me. Pass!

Australis AC ON TOUR Contour & Highlighting Kit ($16.95)
Looking pretty promising this one... It's a highlighting and contouring kit. Trio of highlighting shades and contouring shades as you can see! I'm sure we all know what to do with these shades, so I'll cut it short. There's no OTT claims for this, so that's good. 

Couldn't find proper images, so again, a snapshot >_<

Sally Hansen Spring Racing Colour Collection ($9.95)
A new range in collaboration with Kate Waterhouse. SH fans will notice that the raneg is $9.95, instead of its usual pricing, which is $14.95.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Full Coverage 25 Hour Foundation ($17.95/7 shades)
Rimmel decided to take it up a notch this month, with their new 25-hour lasting foundation. Hahahha. A"comfort serum" is also embedded in the formula. It claims to:

• Provide instant perfect coverage that feels comfortable and lasts all day
• Blends flawlessly, seamlessly, instantly and easily
• Sweat, heat, humidity and transfer proof for up to 25 hours

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer ($?)
Up to 8 hours extended make-up wear, according to Rimmel. Has a skin perfecting formula, visibly blurs and minimises pores and imperfections. Skin will look instantly smoother and appear brightened.

Short launch list this month, so I thought I'd add in some skincare products!


Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion ($6.50/2)
In-shower body lotions. Pretty straight forward! There's two scents to this range -- Honey Indulging and Cocoa Indulging.

Cetaphil Suntivity SPF50+ Ultra-Light Lotion ($20.95/100mL)
Hoorray for all the sunscreen-junkies! SPF50+ sunscreen. I've been so out of the beauty blogosphere lately, I'm not sure if this is the first one (probably not) to launch with SPF50+ or not. Whether yes or no, it's still one to celebrate for, methinks!

Non-greasy, 4 hour water resistant, oil-free, fragrance and paraben free are some good stuff I've picked from the list of description about this!



Sukin Calming Night Cream ($19.95/120mL)
Claims to soften and soothes the complexion overnight. Sounds exactly like what I need. The cream has been formulated with actives of cucumber, chamomile and aloe vera to soften the skin.

Sukin Moisture Rich Body Creme ($14.95/250mL)
A moisturising body cream that features a fragrance of orange, lavendar and vanilla (sounds yum!) complemented by myrtle and lime. Formula with cocoa butter, shea butter, sesame and jojoba to hydrate. Rose hip oil and aloe vera too, for a bunch of other basic-moisturizing claims. Zzzz..

That's all for this month! Not bad products, tell me how you like it with the poll below!

survey software

Thanks for visiting this spot. Your support of these monthly launch posts means a lot to me. I hope I could return to blogging soon after I get everything back on track.


Mwa x