Perfect Gift Packs for Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

Have you decided what you'll be gifting out to friends and family for the upcoming holiday season?!

I know we still have more than a month to go, but I'll be [most likely] leaving for China before Christmas, so I've been pondering around for Christmas stocking stuffer ideas!

If you're on the same page as me, then here's some ideas so we can get our gifts together before then!

Models Prefer Read My Lips Moisture Lust Lip Balm Collection ($20.00 @ Priceline)
My face when I saw this at Priceline: ✿♥‿♥✿
So cheap! You get 5 GLOSSY balms and 5 MATTE balms. Could gift this in a pack OR purchase this as a set and divide them up into stockings. I want it for myself though. Hahaha.

• Savvy Eye On You Eyeliner Kit ($10.00 @ Priceline) -- This is a bit hard to split up if your friends don't like the bolder, brighter eyeliners. And the white one too. It's a nice basic kit for one though!
• Savvy Gloss It Girl ($10.00 @ Priceline)

• Savvy Cast A Shadow ($10.00 @ Priceline) -- Cream eyeshadow kit! 
• Models Prefer Special Effects ($20.00 @ Priceline) -- For all the nail freaks!

Revlon Whimsical Gift Set ($29.95 @ Priceline)

Not a fan of Models Prefer, or Savvy? Here's one for you! A pretty good deal. Five balms for $30, is $6 a balm!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Naturally Beautiful Pack ($13.99 @ Chemist Warehouse)

Good gift for one! Or good pamper pack for myself, haha. 

Palmer's Luscious Lips Gift Pack ($4.69 @ Chemist Warehouse)

I'm not sure about the quality of these but the Dark Chocolate & Peppermint (sounds yum!) received a 4/5 stars on Beauty Heaven. 

Revlon Sorbet Kisses Gift Pack ($24.99 @ Chemist Warehouse)

Another good deal on Revlon's lip products! Their lip butters though! I have three friends and this would be perfect for them. 

Those are just some quick updates! You may have seen some of these mentioned in my previous SOS post, hehe. 

Let me know if you've spotted any other great deals around town!

I'll share with you my Christmas gifting ideas soon though! 

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia -- June 2014

Another month, another drugstore launch post! Can you believe we're in June already? Time flying by way too fast!

Just been bumming around after exams. All day listening to my favourite radio station, KIIS Radio whilst getting updated with what's new in the beauty blogosphere -- all the new products, and the drama (this post makes me LOL). Sure feels good to have some free time to yourself, but I've also been snacking on A LOT of chocolate, so I've gained some weight too! Eeeeep.

Sipping on a hot chocolate as I'm putting this post together...

************

Australis SmokifEYE Eyeliners ($7.95/4 shades)

Australis' NEW eyeshadow liners, which are described to feature a soft formula that is smudgeable and easy to blend. I think these may lean towards being an eyeshadow product, rather than being a pure eyeliner product. At least that's what I feel anyways.. We'll have to see how these perform when testers are available!

Australis Full On Foundation ($12.95/6 shades)

Another newbie by Australis! A cream foundation, with a buildable heavy coverage. Yea, in a stick form, to add to it. The product is described to "hydrate and moisturise" whilst providing strong coverage and maintaining your natural complexion. Absorbs excess oil, and has SPF30+. 

Lanolips Banana Balm ($15.95)

This is more of a beauty product, but it's exclusively available to Priceline as a "special preview" before  going on counters next month! I've never tried Lanolips despite hearing such good stuff about it. This product is a creamy 3-in-1 lip balm. Ultra moisturising and protects with a soft sheen.

Nivea Lip Care Additions ($3.98)

Nivea strikes back with two new additions to their lip care range! In two delicious flavours, there's... 

• Peach (Fruity Shine range)
• Olive & Lemon (Pure & Natural range)

In addition, their entire Lip Care range has been revamped with an added "super-moisturising" Hyrda IQ formula. 

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks  ($13.95/13 shades)

Not exactly new, but revamped! Yeap. The entire collection. New n' improved lippies with a brilliant burst of rich, pure colour infused with creamy moisture. 

Rimmel BB Cream Mate ($12.95/3 shades)

An new addition to their existing BB cream range, this is the Matte version, I suppose. Similar to their original version, this is suppose to offer coverage to minimise the appearance of blemishes, control shine, but contains less SPF than the original -- SPF15 only. Also supposed to rebalance oily skin with some fancy ingredients!

Savvy by DB

Savvy released two new ranges recently, which has made somewhat a big hit in the blogosphere, I believe. They are the High Shine Lip Lacquer and Ultra Matte Lip Colour. 

I've swatched both products in store, and I'm very temped by the Ultra Matte Lip Colours! I haven't shared with you my favourite products lately, but I've been loving matte liquid lip products, so I've always been on the lookout. Glad they've released these! I've always seen them featured on blogs, so give them a good research perhaps?

The High Shine Lip Lacquers are totally not my thang. They seem a bit too wet, and too glossy for my liking. All are up to you though! ;)

P.S. Don't have photos for these, but feel free to check them out on Amy's and Angie's blog.

Innoxa Lush Lashes Mascara ($19.95/2 shades)

After last month's packed post of mascaras... I'm getting a bit tired of writing up blibs for mascaras.. Haha. Innoxa's new Lush Lashes Mascara is described to be formulated to create "volume, length, curl and definition whilst conditioning the lashes". Also features a curvy brush to help ensure lashes are coated evenly. 

Face Of Australia Dark Side Nail Collection ($4.95/8 shades)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah! A NEW nail collection?! Yes please! Can you guess what this collection is inspired by?

YES! The new collection is inspired by the most evil villains of all time. 

Sorry for the slack image. Snipped it from their advertisement. Hahaha................................. -_-"

essie Snakeskin Collection ($16.95/6 shades)

Never featured essie in my launch posts, but considering that they are now made to be available at Priceline... I can't find any reasons to exclude them! Their newest [limited edition] nail collection features "warm, autumnal tones with a snakeskin finish". Yes. It's a magnetic-nail based collection. 

For anyone who hasn't seen nor heard of magnetic nail polishes. Basically, you paint them on like regular nail lacquers, and then hover the magnet plate (usually at the top of the cap) over the manicure for a pattern transform. 

Revlon Highlighting Palette ($26.95/4 shades)

Available in four palettes, these highlighting palettes features a combination of shimmer shades in one convenient palette. The brick highlighter helps to achieve a multi-dimensional look and enhance and illuminate the skin. Described to be "easy to blend with a lightweight feel".

...And that's all for this month's launches!

Let me know which products you will be chasing after!

Ah, I'd love to chase after those Savvy by DB Ultra Matte Lip Colours, but... Ummmm. Yeah. I think I'd have to, haha! I'll look for neutral shades that I know I'd wear, although I don't remember if they had any. Will have to check em' out! 

OH! And... Face Of Australia's Dark Side nail collection! *~*

Drugstore Beauty Launches for Australia -- April 2014

Hey guys! I'm late again :(

Sorry, this first week of April is actually when assessments are due, and tests begin for two of the language classes I'm taking. Yosh, Chinese and Japanese baby!

I'm still on to my FOA Screen Siren swatch post, please be patient! I appreciate it very muchies :P

~

Manicare Facial Cleansing Brush ($11.95)
I've received this in my mail box right after publishing last month's launch post... >_<
This brush, however, is supposed to gentle exfoliate the skin whilst effectively removing embedded impurities that a make-up pad or cotton wool can't get to. Described to be suitable for all skin types. Deep cleanses when used in conjunction with your daily cleanser. It's like a toothbrush for your face!!

Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies only. 


Nivea Q10 Plus CC Cream ($19.55/1 shade)
Half skincare, half cosmetics... kinda. A multi-tasking moisturiser (moisturiser?!??!) that provides colour correction and Q10 anti-wrinkle properties in one simple step. Sounds alot like a tinted moisturiser to me... Eep. Has anyone tried?

Innoxa Skin Perfecting BB Powder 5 in 1 ($26.95/2 shades)
Described be a lightweight multi-tasking powder, it is supposed to help:

• Improve the skin's texture
• Minimise skin imperfections
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & pores
• Absorb excess oil
• Correct the skin tone
• Calm & sooth

Fragrance free, with a fancy anti-ageing formula. 

Revlon ColourBurst Balm Stain/Matte Balm/Lacquer Balm 

Okay, I'm sure you've heard a TONNE about these. Especially with the BOGO offer at Priceline which ended recently. 

• Balm Stains: Offers a lightweight flush of colour, comfortable and moisturising, and has a slight peppermint fragrance.
• Matte Balms: Offers a medium-buildable colour payoff with a true matte finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.
• Lacquer Balms: Medium-buildable colour payoff with a high shine finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.

I haven't tried these, but I've swatched them in store. I'm actually not too interested in any other ranges besides the Matte Balm range. I felt like the Lacquer Balm range was really sheer though, and that the Balm Stain range didn't really excite me. I do wonder if it actually stains though, or does it only provide the "stained-look", hence why they're described to provide a "light-weight flush of colour".

Face Of Australia High Definition Primer ($13.95)
I know they've always had their 4-in-1 base primer, but here's one that's "specially formulated to help make-up glide on easily". Has a lightweight formula, described to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and large pores, and is suitable for sensitive skin.






NATIO

• Complexion Perfection Foundation Sponge ($5.95) -- An application sponge which is designed for fast and flawless foundation application.
• Tinted Lip Balms ($4.95) -- Aww!! These look so cute! They are a limited edition collection. Buttery lip balms that delivers a low-sheen colour with high moisture. 

NP Set Eye Slicks ($14/3 shades)

A creamy eyeshadow with a cream-to-powder formula that's described to "last without creasing". 

PHYSICIANS FORMULA

Eek... Some new launches by Physician Formula. Urghhhhhh, Why do I feel like they release such similar sets of products every 2-3 months, but in different packaging? The products don't seem to make a hit, and they are bloody pricey.  

• Shimmer Strips All-in-1 Custom Nude Palette for Face & Eyes ($24.95)
• Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil - Deluxe Edition ($29.95)

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint ($24.95/6 shades)
I'm sure you guys have seen these in store! I think it may have been released last month... This foundation features a lightweight formula, and offers a "nude velvet finish".  Although I don't know what that actually means, I must say that I'm in LOVE with how it looks! The packaging is oh so nice! *-*

essence Metal Glam Collection
A spankin' new collection by essence!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Credits to Beauty In China >

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Eye Shadow ($4.50/4 shades) -- Highly pigmented, metallic-based eyeshadow.
• Lip Gloss ($3.50/3 shades) -- Shimmery lip gloss for the "metallic effect".
• Highlighting Powder ($5.35) -- A white hold highlighting power with a soft cream texture (?) and subtle shimmers.
• Blush ($4.95) -- A cream blush, offers a powdery apricot finish (?)
• Stick-on Jewels ($3.50/1 style) -- Stick on jewels for the body.
• Nail Polish ($2.95/4 shades) -- Long-lasting metallic nail lacquers.
• Gold Topper ($3.50) -- Top coat with gold flakes.
• Nail Stickers ($3.50/3 styles) -- High-shine metallic nail stickers.
• Stick On Eyeliner ($3.50/1 style) -- Adhesive stick-on eyeliners. Reusable.............?!

Ahhh, as much as I love seeing new collections by essence, the way they describe their products are just whack. What is a an "apricot finish"? A highlighting powder with a "soft cream texture"? And.. reusable stick-on eyeliners!?!?!?!?

No waaaaaaay. 

And that's all for this month! I apologise that this is a late post, but I had a loooooooooot to do!
As per usual, let me know...

How do you like the products this month?

Which ones have you already tried?

I've actually went to purchase the Gold Topper from essence's Metal Glam collection. Nagging my sister to do a NOTD-duo post with me, featuring the lacquer. Hopefully, she'll get to it soon, since I'm done with my part!

Besides that, I also tried to get my hands on the Revlon Matte Balms when they were on BOGOF at Priceline, but the shades I wanted was sold out!!!!! Urgghhhh. Can only cross my fingers and toes that I can find them at the markets. My heart pains paying the full price, haha.


Time for me to get down to my overly-late FOA Screen Siren Collection post.. Please look out for that!


Thank you for reading, and being patient with me!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xx

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel in Wintermint

OH MY GOD. I've had these photos taken for forever now, but never remembered to post about them. Yeah, this happens way too often.... that's why there are folders and folders of raw images stuck on my desktop.

Sigh!

My sister purchased these polishes by Revlon lately, from the new Parfumerie range! Yes, they are scented. Individually scented.

Wintermint is a pretty.... mmmhm... Should I say "pearly" or "frosty"? Not sure. It seems to be neither, nor is it shimmery. The finish is very strange (as you could see in the swatches below). It looks sandy like those sandy-textured lacquers, with a bit of a metallic-base sheen.

Yes! It's a light-mint based polish, with small blue glitters and reflective micro-glitters.

Okay, now the SCENT!

If you like or don't mind scented nail polishes, you won't have a problem with this. However, if you're like me, one who can't really stand scented nail polishes, then... these are probably not for you to play with. The scent is not faint. Adding to that, they are also rather pricey so in my opinion, I don't think it's worth paying $16.95 for one-time use if you can't stand the scent. Do consider this, before any purchases!

Back to Wintermint though..

Does it have a minty-scent?! YES!
Do I like it? NO!

Why? Umm.... The scent is rather strange, it's minty, but I can still smell the chemical spice. The mix of both scents makes me want to puke a bit every single time I touch my nose, ESPECIALLY when I'm applying my face creams! God!!!

In all, yeah, I can't really stand scented nail polishes. However, Wintermint is one of a kind. It's nothing you can find from any other ranges from other brands, so.... Yes!

+1 for the colour!
-2 for the scent!

Jokes. 

Have you tried Revlon's Parfumerie Nail Enamel range?!

By the way, after looking back at this colour, I've realised that it matches the colour theme of my blog a lot! Hahaha!


Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel, $16.95, available in 24 shades, at Priceline, Big W and other Revlon stockists.

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia - March 2014

Hello wello cello!

Greetings from uni, because 1 hour breaks (before a 3 hour language class) are just SO perfect to catch up on launch posts!

There are many, many new launches this month, from both "drugstore" and department store brands! Quite exciting actually. I think I'm just in the mood to spend and splurge! >~<

I'll try to keep you posted on the department launches, but for now, no promises yet! What I can promise you is that, one of these products to follow will surely make your heart thump! ^_^!

~

FACE OF AUSTRALIA (FOA)

Australia reppin' brand, FOA is launching some new, eggciting products for the month of March! A quick rundown....

• Glamazon Leopardess Contour & Highlight Kit ($9.95) - Contains a matte pressed powder to contour and sculpt the features, along with an illuminating powder for your convenience. Also contains a large mirror. Travel and handbang friendly! I have these at home, I'll get swatching this weekend! Promiseeeeeee. 

• Glamazon Minx Blush & Highlihting Kit ($9.95) - For those who are not a fan of contouring, here's one for ya! A blush to replace the contouring powder. Same same packaging. 

Screen Siren Limited Edition Nail Polish Collection ($4.95/8 shades)

Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, this collection features creamy nudes, pop oranges and poppy greens! Haven't heard too much about these, but the green and purple looks wonderful! Don't you think?


NATIO
Rarely do I see features of Natio. Glad to share a few new products by them, which will be launched towards the end of the month! P.S. I think this brand needs more TLC.... >_>

Natio Bloom & Glow Brow Finishing Gel ($12.95)
Shapes and frames the eyebrows with natural colour, volume and hold. Available in 1 neutral brown shade only. I've been looking for something like this, but what I need to pay attention to more is ANY Natio stand near me.... = =^

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream Blush Stick ($17.95/not sure how many shades)
I'm pretty sure Natio would have more than one shade in this range, just didn't state how many. The formula of these claims to apply smoothly, and easily with a buildable application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream to Powder Foundation ($19.95/2 shades)
A lightweight foundation that leaves a shine-free powder finish. If I'm not wrong, this formula is cream-based, but applies and wears like a powder (lightweight and matte). Described to offer natural coverage that evens the skin tone without masking. Available in two shades, because we are only available in two shades.. /sarcasm

Natio Bloom & Glow Mineral Face Illuminator ($17.95)
A bloom-embossed palette that features ivory and rose pink tones to lift and brighten the complexion. Also said to suit all skin types. Available in a golden ivory/soft rose duo.

Natio Bloom & Glow Pen Eyeliner ($14.95/1 shade)
Looks super chunky, this pen eyeliner. It accentuates eyes and define lashes. The wide barrel and soft tips facilitates precise application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Shine Lipstick ($14.95/2 shade)
A lipstick. Creamy and moisturising, they say. Available in a wide range of 2 shades. 

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara ($25.95)
Described to be "double-ended". Combines volume with a black lacquer finish. There's a thickening base coat offers high volume, meanwhile, the top coat leaves the lashes with a glossy coating that smooths and seals. Eep. Double-ended mascara... Only seen the fibre mascaras, none of this yet!

Bourjois Paris Black Jack Mascara ($22)
An intense black mascara that has been "formulated with micro-particles of gold for a shimmering effect". Described to be volumising, clump-free and paraben-free. The "shimmering effect" sounds scary.




L'Oreal Paris False Lash Butterling Wings Mascara ($25.95)
A lengthening-based mascara. Designed with an "Amplifying Brush" which will stretch and lengthen each lash to the outer corner of your eyes. Yes plz. My Asian lashes needs something like this, but I won't buy into the price..... and the name. Eek.

NP Set Bronze Blush & Go Duo ($28)
Yessssss, a drugstore brand. Half drugstore, half department... since you can find this Big W too. This is a powder duo, featuring a bronzer and a blusher. Formulated with some fancy antioxidants... basically, vitamin A-Z.

WOTNOT Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin ($7.95)
OKAY. No sarcasm here! Really loved these wipes in the original formula. Now formulated for oily and sensitive skin users. I have a review of the original here, which left a bit of oil on my skin after removing my make-up. Felt iffy at first, but I grew to love it for my drier skin. Hope these will work out for those with oily skin types too.


The following is NOT a cosmetic product, but I feel like the brand is really worth a mention.

Cedel Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair ($8.99)

So that's a wrap up for this month's freshly launched products and sarcasm! ^_^ Hahaha..

Let me know which of these newbies made your heart thump!

I've actually received a kind care parcel by FOA yesterday, containing their whole collection of Siren nail lacquers! I'll get down to swatch them soon! ^_^

NOTD: Valentine's Day ft. Revlon & Face Of Australia

Hey u, yeah u.

Sharing with you my thoughts on Revlon's Parfumerie Nail Polish today! My sister purchased them recently, but I've yet to post about the haul (yeah, my sister purchased it, but I shall include it was my haul -- makes sense, right?). ^_^?!

For V-tines this year, I've decided to stay away from the fancy nail art. Feeling a bit ceebs, and I've came to realise that nail art + Tram just doesn't go well together. Haaaaaaaaa.

So I've decided to go for colour and glitter co-ordinations instead. Well, not co-ordinations, but just one co-ordination. Heh.

Take a look at the pink lacquer, Revlon's Parfumerie in Powder Puff.

Applies pretty damn sheer. Had to apply four coats for a full coverage, but it's quick drying. Super glossy though, can skip top coat. Contains fine shimmers on a light pink base. This new range was made to contain individual fragrance per shade, but, um, it's quite strong. As in, you can smell its scent from touching your lips. Has a perfumery floral scent. Don't you go and sniff this straight from the bottle though!!

Now, the glitter!

I've chose Face Of Australia Lookin' For Some Hot Stuff!, from their Glitterati collection. I loveeee the look of this glitter coat over a black base, so I wasn't sure how it'll turn out over a pink base. Contains red, black and white glitter. Didn't think the black would look too nice, but it turned out okay...... I think!

Then of course, the curiousity in me wondered how well it'll look if I turned the manicure to a jelly sandwich. Whipped a coat of Powder Puff over again, but I'm not too sure how I feel about it.... LOL!

A bit messy. I've never tried jelly sandwich manicures, so I'll have to research up extensive guides next time before I try again... HAHA.

What was on your nails this V-tines guys?!

x