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November 30, 2011

November Beauty Favourites

Yes, November. Far out! Where does the time go? There's only 26 days until Christmas and I have barely started my Christmas shopping. Eeek! 


Because of my participation in Project Pan I haven't really changed up my routine since October so you'll see a lot of similarities between my last favourites post and this one.


Firstly I'm just going to list and link most of the products I've been loving and already reviewed so I don't have to repeat myself 
This month I've been using my Napoleon Perdis Stick Foundation and Revlon Colorstay Foundation a lot in an attempt to use them up. I've owned both foundations for a while now and haven't used either of them recently. It's been a nice surprise and I'm loving my Colorstay foundation all over again now. I'm trying to use my foundations up so I can buy Revlon's New Complexion Oil Control Make Up when I've finished Project Pan


Earlier this year I bought Maybelline's Mineral Power Finishing Veil Powder and I love it. It's the perfect setting powder that keeps my face matte all day. Occasionally I'll have to touch up, but that's fine with me. It's a great compact powder and perfect for my handbag!


I've been loving using Napoleon Perdis Set Cruise Blush in Atlantic, as featured in last month's favourites
Recently I started using my Napoleon Perdis China Doll eyeliner and I don't know why I ever stopped using it. It's a fantastic gel eyeliner and works so well with absolutely any look. 


Last month I reviewed the ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Duo and didn't have very good things to say about it. Recently I revisited the product and I have to say I like the bronzer. When used with a very light hand it makes the perfect contouring colour.


My Benefit Dandelion blush works well with the ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Duo when applied properly. I don't apply this blush to the apples of my cheeks, however. Applying it that far in makes my face look red and unnatural. This way I receive a nice pink flush. 


Well ladies, I think that's everything. This favourites post has been a little all over the place, sorry! Comment below with your November favourites.


Remember to check out the Mikki and Me Giveaway. It's a great giveaway prize and you won't want to miss out!


Always look your best,
Sophie
x


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Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil

Maybelline Mineral Powder Finishing Veil in Light
Earlier this year I bought Maybelline's Mineral Power Finishing Veil Powder after using their Mineral Power Perfecting Powder Foundation as my setting powder and loving it. I really liked the way it set my foundation and decided I wanted a compact for my handbag.

I really love this powder. It sets my foundation extremely well and keeps me looking matte and  feeling smooth all day long. Being the albino that I am, I bought it in the colour 'light' and I'm really impressed with the colouring. The powder provides me with a small amount of additional coverage in the perfect colour.

Prior to applying this powder I will set my concealer with a translucent powder so I don't know how it goes with concealer, but it's fantastic at setting foundation.

Anyway ladies, I don't have too much to say on this product other than 'Get on eBay and check it out!' ** I would definitely recommend this product.

**Unfortunately this product has been discontinued but it can be purchased online. 

Remember to check out the Mikki and Me competition for a great prize!

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 29, 2011

Mikki and Me Giveaway

Anyone that knows me knows my beautiful nephew, Alexander, is one of the most important people in my life. After having him, my sister became a part of an online mother's group. One of the mothers in this group has since opened an online clothing store, Mikki and Me

Mikki and Me is a site I visit frequently in an attempt to find cute items for the always growing Alex. The owner of the store, Liza, became tired of finding generic baby items when trying to find something for her daughter and created Mikki and Me. It's an online store that stocks cute, one of a kind items for young children of all ages and everything in the store is absolutely gorgeous.

You might be asking what an online store for children has to do with Born to Buy.. Well, we're getting there.

Recently Mikki and Me started stocking items for Mums, Aunties, sisters and, well, females! Being their Facebook friend, I receive constant  store updates, so I can always see what's new or what's on sale. 

A few weeks ago I was on Facebook and saw their new range of pocket mirrors. Ladies, these aren't just any pocket mirrors.  They're one sided mirrors with absolutely beautiful designs on the other side.

They're so lovely that I bought three; one for my sister, one for me and, oh, one for a lucky winner!

Vintage Rose Green
My sister's
Freedom Flight
Mine
Brown Curious Owl
GIVEAWAY MIRROR!
Other side of the mirrors
Now you've seen all three mirrors, including the giveaway mirror, it's time to find out how you can win one of the third mirror shown, Curious Brown Owl. To enter the Mikki and Me giveaway ensure that you 'like' both Mikki and Me AND Born to Buy on Facebook (both Facebook pages are linked to the names and yes, we will check). Please also comment on this post, saying your favourite item in the Mikki and Me store, http://www.mikkiandme.com/.


That's not all though, ladies and gents. The lovely Liza is also offering Born to Buy viewers 10% purchases made whilst this competition is running. How exciting! To redeem your 10% off, use the promotional code 'BORNTOBUY'.

This competition, as well as the 10% off offer, will run until December 6. Winner will be announced on December 7. 

Goodluck ladies and gents.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 24, 2011

Collective Haul

Over the past few weeks I bought a bunch of hair and face products that I want to share with you all(some online and some in store). I was going to post these products in individual hauls, but that would have meant random little hauls all over the place. 
Other the past month (about that, I think) I've bought the following
  • Two EcoTools brush sets
  • Nude By Nature tinted moisturiser
  • Benefit Dandelion blush in travel size (off eBay)
  • L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
  • Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in Black/Brown
  • Rimmel Stay Matte foundation
  • Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
  • Essie nail polish in Jazz
EcoTools Brush Sets - 5 and 6 piece 
The 5 piece EcoTools brush set contains the following..
  • Mineral powder brush
  • Concealer brush
  • Eye shading brush
  • Baby kabuki brush
  • Hemp & cotton zip cosmetic case
The 6 piece EcoTools brush set contains the following..
  • Blush brush
  • Eye shading brush
  • Angled eyeliner brush
  • Concealer brush 
  • Lash & brow groomer
  • Hemp & cotton case
All in all, my thoughts on the EcoTools brushes are very purpose specific. I really like the eyeshadow and concealer brushes. They're super smooth, easy to clean and work very well. I don't like the face brushes, however. I can't really explain why, sorry. I just don't.

Nude By Nature Tinted Moisturiser in Nude Beige
For all information related to this tinted moisturiser, click here for a full review.

Benefit Dandelion Blush - Travel Size 
I got this blush 'cos I've always wanted to try it. I love baby pink blushes and I love Benefit. What more could I want? I like this blush, but I'm glad I didn't buy the full size.. I think this will last me for a long time.


L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
I bought this online after reading amazing reviews about it online. I bought it online 'cos I feel that it's overpriced in Aus. It arrived about 4 days ago and, unfortunately, I've been too unwell to try it out as of yet. I really can't wait to though and, as soon and I do, I'll be uploading a review.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in Black/Brown
For all information related to this mascara, click here for a full review.

Rimmel London Stay Matte in #100 Ivory
For all information related to this foundation, click here for a full review.

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
After seeing this on one of Arose186's hauls (I've been trying to find it for about an hour, but I can't) I decided I really wanted to try it. I've been using one pump in the ends of my hair for about a week now and I think it's doing something. My hair feels really smooth when it dries with the product in so that's always a bonus. WARNING: Only use the recommended amount (one pump) otherwise your hair will look like a grease ball. 

Essie nail polish in Jazz
I started work placement/experience last week and decided my black nail polish wouldn't really be appropriate so I set out for a nice nude colour that would work with any outfit. A hair salon near me sells Essie nail polishes and I've always wanted to give them a try so I had to go in and check it out. I bought Jazz as it looked like a perfect everyday colour. For the most part I like it. At times I find it's too nude, and washes my fingers out slightly, but it's a great colour and is definitely workplace appropriate. The Essie website describes Jazz as 'a neutral creamy beige-taupe.'

If you've bought anything new recently, let me know. I'd love to hear what's new and exciting.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 23, 2011

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer

After I completely fell in love with Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser, I decided I wanted to try out more of her products so I bought a sample size of the Oil-Free Foundation Primer off eBay.

I've been using this primer for a few months now and, unfortunately, I'm not impressed with it. I don't know a great deal about primers (my favourite so far has been the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Foundation Primer) but I know this one didn't do what it was 'meant to' for me.

Foundation primers are designed to create a 'smooth canvas' for make up application, foundation in particular, and keep it in place and look 'fresh' all day long. I didn't find that this primer smoothed my face out at all. It felt exactly the same to me. 

This product also didn't prolong the wear of my foundation. I didn't necessarily find that my foundation lasted less time, however it certainly didn't increase the time period. Also, regardless of the fact that it's Oil-Free, my face still required blotting throughout the day.

The consistency of this product is nice. It's a very thin and smooth primer that blends into the skin really well. However, within minutes it was completely absorbed into my skin, making it feel more like a nice moisturiser than an oil-free foundation primer.
Regardless of the fact that I didn't like the product, it was very economical. I bought this 14.7mL sample of the primer in August (with it arriving at the start of September) and there is still product in the tube. A small amount of product (smaller than a pea) was enough to cover my whole face. 

I've recently bought a new primer but I haven't been well enough to try it out yet, sigh. As soon as I've formed an opinion of it, you all will be the first to know what it is! If you have a primer that you love, please comment below!

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 22, 2011

Just a little update #2

Hey there, everyone!

Just wanted to share some stuff with you, including my Project Pan progress. 

This past week has been a great one as far as Project Pan is concerned. Woohoo! I've finished two products and I'm almost finished with my third. Yay! I've used up one of my Napoleon Perdis Stick Foundations (in Look 2) and my MAC lip glaze in Hue. Since dyeing my hair red, I haven't really touch said lipstick. It's a beautiful, soft pink colour which looked so pretty with my dark brown hair (featured in my 'Nude Lip' post). I haven't felt that the colour worked well with my red hair but I've discovered that a light application looks natural, yet refreshing.

Are any of you doing Project Pan? If so, how are you going?

I've been sick since Saturday which sucks! Feeling sick is the worst. I break out so bad whenever I'm unwell which is the icing on a really disgusting cake, haha. Just wanted to tell you all so I could have a bit of a whinge.

I'm not sure if any of you remember, but about a month ago I posted a haul after I went to MAC and bought a bunch of stuff. I bought MAC's Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium. Yes, Medium! I was colour matched by a MAC make up artist in store and, even at the time, I thought the 'medium' shade was a bit 'over the top'. Anyway, I've owned the product for about a month and used it about 4 times. Why? It just looks stupid. The colour is all wrong for me. I look like I have a bad sunburn AND a bad fake tan all at the same time. How does that even happen?! I called MAC today and, given that I still have my receipt, I'm able to return it. Yay! Given that I'm not allowed to purchase at the moment I'll just keep the $47.00 but that sounds good to me!

I haven't told anyone on the blog about this yet, but last week I subscribed to Glossy Box. My first box should arrive sometime next week and I'm so excited about it.

I think that's all I can think of tonight. I'm so tired and my throat's so sore, but I wanted to put something up for y'all. Thanks for reading this, ladies. While I have you here, can people recommend a good eye cream to me? I've never used one before but I'm thinking I should start. Please recommend anything you like, as well as why. Thanks!

Hope you're all going well and I have so many exciting things to share with you in the next week or so.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 20, 2011

Napoleon Perdis Stick Foundation

For the past week, I've been using this foundation as part of Project Pan (for some reason I have four of these sticks..). I have this foundation in two colours and somehow both seem to work well for me. With that being said, I use the darker one in summer. 
Left to Right: Look 1 (lighter) and Look 2 (darker)
Look 2, my summer colour
If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm a full coverage girl. I have fairly unpredictable skin, as well as discolouration, so I like to know that everything I hate about my skin is being covered up. This is where my Napoleon Perdis Stick Foundation comes in handy.


The foundation stick is very easy to work with. When applying, I draw a small lines of product on both my cheeks, my forehead and chin. Although the packaging recommends blending it with a brush, I use my fingers. I find that my fingers warm the product and allow it to blend really well, for a natural but flawless finish. This product has a cream to powder consistency, meaning that it dries quite matte - A plus for people with combination/oily skin, like myself. Although it's probably unnecessary, I still set this with a powder. 


This product has great staying powder. I use my Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer before applying and, as mentioned above, set it with a powder (either a translucent powder or my MAC Mineralized Skinfinsh Natural in Medium). Halfway through the day, I'll check my face to see if there's any oil or shine. I found that most days there was little to no shine and it didn't need any additional powdering. 


After wearing this product for a few days, I started to break out. Bummer, I know! BUT it's not actually from the foundation, I've discovered. A few days later I started to feel very sick, which makes sense. Whenever I get sick, I break out a few days before. I'm so glad that the breakout hasn't had anything to do with the foundation, as I really like it. Yay!


The only down side to this product, as far as I can see, is the price. I recently looked on the website and it now retails for $60.00. I know for a fact that it wasn't this much when I purchased it, 'cos I couldn't have afforded it. Although the product is good, for $60.00 you could buy two bottles of Revlon Colorstay Liquid foundation, another favourite of mine. I'd recommend that people consider prices when deciding on an everyday foundation.


Would I recommend this product? I would. The coverage of this foundation, as well as the staying power, is very impressive and I'd recommend any girl try it out.


Have any of you tried this foundation? If so, what did you think? If not, what foundation are you loving at the moment? 


Always look your best,
Sophie
x


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November 18, 2011

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

November 18, 2011 | , , , , 0 comment
Before I decided to take part in Project Pan, I decided I wanted to try the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation. I watching a lot of YouTube and one guru, Hayleyistcb, swears by it. I'm not a ridiculous fan of Hayley, but it definitely sounded good enough to try. When purchasing the foundation I was unable to buy the Stay Matte powder as the store didn't sell it. 

The Rimmel website describes Stay Matte foundation as the following.
"Unique Natural Shine Control Complex for up to 12 hours flawless matte coverage Long-lasting shine control formula combats the causes of shine all day long. Full coverage that hides imperfections. Skin looks fresh and naturally matte. Sensitive Skin Assured: Fragrance Free. Oil Free. Paraben Free. Talc Free"
Firstly, this foundation is definitely not full coverage. I found it to be very sheer, even more so than my Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser, which was quite disappointing. Due to my uneven skintone and unpredictable skin, I tend to opt for medium to full coverage products. The watery and sheer texture of the product made it slightly difficult to blend, however it was definitely still manageable. 
Swatches of #100 Ivory 
Unfortunately, this product did nothing to keep my skin 'matte' or combat my shine. In fact, I found that it was quite the opposite. As I do with all my face bases, I set this foundation with my Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation (trying to use it up for Project Pan), a pressed powder I use to keep my face matte.

Regardless of the fact that I followed the same routine, my face was very shiny by about midday, possibly even earlier. After this, I found I was reapplying my Maybelline Mineral Powder Finishing Veil Pressed Powder hourly to mattify the shine. 

I also found that this product seemed to lift to the 'surface' of my skin. I'm not sure if that's the best way to describe it, but it's what I feel happened. Although it was fairly natural looking when applied, by midday my face looked 'cakey', built up and gross. I was on work experience for the day and, to be honest, I was embarrassed.

Sorry this review is so negative, ladies. I wanted to tell you all what I found, hoping that you didn't make the same mistake I did. However, at the end of the day it was on sale so I think I got it for under $10.00. Not bad for a foundation I'd wanted to try for a while.

Would I recommend this to others? I would not recommend this to people with oily skin. Definitely not. It might, however, be good for people with normal to dry skin who like the finish of matte foundation.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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November 17, 2011

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I've never been one for mascara on my bottom eyelashes. I always find that it looks, well, spidery and ridiculous. No one wants to look like that. I'm sure you all know what I mean. On the days I felt that my eyes needed and extra 'pop' I'd apply mascara to my bottom eyelashes and pinch of the excess, leaving the colour but removing the length. Although this worked, it was a very messy project that left me fingers black.

My opinions of bottom eyelash mascara completely changed when, after watching MeghanRosette using it, I bought the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara in Black/Brown.

I really like this product. The brush head is the perfect size for applying mascara to bottom lashes. It really is. The brush head also works really well to apply product to the upper inner lashes. 

I bought this product in Black/Brown, rather than Black. When purchasing the product, I figured that Black/Brown would work better as I learnt how to use the wand. Although the colour is more brown than black, it's a great colour and works well with black or brown mascara. 
Black/Brown swatch
When using this mascara, be sure to wipe the wand on the tube to remove excess product. It could just be me, but I find that, without wiping, the wand has far too much product on it and the application looks terrible. Wipe the wand, however, and the application is perfection. 

Be sure to apply this product carefully. If this mascara is carelessly applied, it may transfer to the under-eye area. Trust me, once the product is on the under-eye area, it's going to be a mission to get it off. Your best bet is wiping excess off with a cotton bud and attempting to conceal it. I had to do that once, when I first bought it.
Top lashes: Two coats of Max Factor Lash Extension Effect in Black
Bottom lashes: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in Black/Brown
Would I recommend this product? Definitely. I've been using it for about a week and I definitely love it already. I've read that other people have had difficult removing it, but that's been very easy for me too. If you're interested in this product, check it out in Myer or David Jones. You won't regret it.

Always look your best, 
Sophie
x

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November 14, 2011

Just a little update #1

Hey everyone. For something different I thought I'd just share some stuff with you. 

Firstly, I'm struggling with this Project Pan thing. To be honest, I'm not sure why I did it to myself. I'm perfectly content spending all my money on beauty products and foregoing food. But no, I had to stay up late and write a post whilst wanting to save the world! The next day I woke up and had to remember what I'd done. Silly, silly Sophie. Oh well! On the up side, I'm going to try and save some money in time for Christmas! Also, it should mean I can go on a big 'spend up' once I've used up 5 products. 

PROJECT PAN UPDATE: At the moment I'm using up a foundation a powder. I hit pan on the powder a few days ago so it's very exciting!

On the weekend I went into Myer and David Jones. It was probably a really stupid idea, given the fact that I'm not allowed to spend any money (and I didn't give into temptation, by the way!), but I wanted to get samples of the Clinique 3 Step skincare system. I thought I was being really sneaky and got the same samples from both stores so I'd have double as long to try it. Being sneaky failed me, unfortunately. When I got home I realised that the samples from David Jones were actually for people with dry skin. Grr.

Ooh, ooh! My first Lust Have It! box arrived yesterday. I'm not sure why it was delivered on a Sunday but, to be honest, I don't care! I haven't yet posted a review of any of the individual products, although there is a contents and initial thoughts post.

As you all may or may not know, Beauty Box recently combined with the international beauty box company Glossy Box. I was a  Beauty Box member (although, due to poor timing, I never received a box) but wasn't sure if I'd switch over to Glossy Box. Anyway, I received an email saying that if I subscribed before Friday, I'd be reimbursed in GlossyDots (for a free box) for the box I paid for at Beauty Box. With an offer like that, how could I refuse? Now I can't wait for my box to arrive. Yay!


I'm really excited to do a big collective haul really soon! I have a heap of new things that I can't wait to show you all. The haul includes a bunch of different products from a range of brands. As soon as the last product arrives (I bought it online), that bad boy will be up!


I think that's about it for today, people. As usual, comment below. 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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