home                     about & contact                     pr friendly                     advertise                     disclaimer                     product directory                     FAQ

January 31, 2012

January Favourites, 2012

I've decided to change how I do my favourites posts. From now on I won't have super long explanations for each product unless I feel it's warranted. A lot of the products I feature have been reviewed on this blog previously and, if that's the case, I will link them. If they product hasn't been reviewed, chances are I plan on reviewing it soon. I just think this way these posts will become a lot shorter and easier to read. I am, however, totally open to other suggestions.

So, now that's all out of the way, let's get into my favourites!
I'm loving my sample subscription boxes. They're awesome ways to test out new products (what girl doesn't like that?) and I just love having something to open every month. At the end of February I'll be reviewing both of the boxes I've received and give my recommendations. Until then, here's what I got in my January GlossyBox (there was no LustHaveIt box for January). 

The last thing I'm loving this month is my new make up set up. It looks bloody awesome, if I can say so myself. Last week I bought myself a beautiful white Queen Anne dressing table off Gumtree. The dressing didn't come with a mirror but I bought a beautiful while and gold one that matched perfect. I'm in love. The storage I'm using for my make up at the moment is the same as I had before but I'm looking into buying some acrylic storage. Once I'm more organised (an hopefully when I can get my hands on a better camera) I'll upload a video of my new storage. I have actually uploaded one of my old storage but I don't think the post ever uploaded. Oh well.


As usual, ladies and gents, I'd love to read what you've been loving this month. Comment below if you'd like to share.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Click here to find out how to get a free Clinique mascara 
Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

January 28, 2012

Free Clinique Mascara!

As you may have seen from my latest sample haul, I LOVE samples. They're a fantastic way to get to know/try new products and they're completely free!

Anyway, I recently read about an upcoming Clinique promotion that I had to tell all my Born to Buy viewers about. Head into your local Clinique counter (locations will be listed towards the end of this post) and swap the mascara you're currently using for a six week sample of one of the following mascaras; High Impact mascara, High Lengths mascara and/or Lash Power mascara. I'm not sure whether you'll get to choose which you get but, either way, who's complaining? 

This promotion is running from February 12 'til February 26. It's going for two full weeks so I hope you all have time to head down and grab a deal.

Head into one of the following stores to take advantage of this incredible deal.
David Jones: Elizabeth Street, Bourke Street, Rundle Mall, Queens Plaza and Hay Street
MYER: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Chadstone, Doncaster, Highpoint, Carindale, Karrinyup, Maroochydore, Chermside, Chatswood, Penrith, Indoorpilly and Carousel. 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy
Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty sale ends on the 31st of January. Click here for more information. 
Head into Priceline ASAP to take advantage of some ridiculously awesome sales. Click here for more information.

January 27, 2012

Glossy Box January, 2012

My third Glossy Box arrived today, finally. Once again, there's ben a lot of confusion with the shipping this month. The box was shipped two weeks ago today, so I expected it to arrive sooner.

Anyway, it's finally here so I'll just get into it. 
The GlossyBox packaging is awesome. The pink boxes are the perfect size for, well, everything and I've just started using them as drawer dividers (stay tuned for a make up set up video/post very soon!).


The box contains a card that details the products included (including an overview and the recommended retail price) as well as an introduction to the box. This month's box has a focus on inner beauty, as stated in the information card.

I only received this box today so I'm unable to review the product. Instead, I'll type out the information provided to me so you're able to get some insight into them.
NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser - RRP $5.40 for 250mL/ $7.99 for 400mL
This box contained a 30mL sample bottle.
"Treat dry skin with this best selling product from NIVEA, our favourite classic moisturiser brand. Enriched with vitamin E and almond oil, you'll see great improvements in your skin from this product."
This is the perfect handbag sized product. Every girl needs a moisturiser in her bag and this one will fit perfect.
Sheer Cover Nourishing Moisturiser - RRP $29.95 for 60mL
This box contained a 30mL sample bottle.
"This lightweight formula is oil0free and has an SPF 15 to protect your skin from premature aging. Use under your daily makeup."
I have used the whole Sheer Cover range before but it was a few years ago so I'm eager to try this moisturiser again. This sample is the perfect size for holiday packing, so I might leave it until then. We'll see.

Sheer Cover Lip Gloss - RRP $19.95 for full size
This box contained a full size Sheer Cover lip gloss in Pink Praline.
"Add a little shimmer to your lips with this sleek gloss in Pink Praline or Iced Mocha."
I have tried this gloss once already. It provides lips with a nude pink wash which, with the right look, could be quite pretty. I'm happy I received this product in the pink shade, rather than a brown.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex - RRP $105 for 30mL/ $150 for 50mL
This box contained a 7mL sample of this product.
"Experience the miracle of beautiful skin with this innovative serum to help continuously reduce signs of ageing. For smoother, more radiant and healthier looking skin, don't go a night without it."
To be honest, I think there's been a bit of a mix up with this product. I'll explain more towards the end of this post. 
 Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Fast Dry Nail Color - RRP $13.95 for full size 
This box contained a full size nail polish in the colour Petal Pusher and a Sally Hansen information book/pamphlet.
"This gorgeous shade glides on nails with perfection using the professional brush tip and it dries quick."
This colour is very nude but I can't wait to give it a try.
My GlossyBox also contained the following:
  • A packet of Australia Day tattoos - Although I hate the thought of temporary tattoos for Australia Day, it would have been nice to have these yesterday. 
  • Two $25 gift cards to The Iconic - One for you and one for a friend
  • A $5 gift voucher to GlossyBox Men - I'm going to see if my brother in law, Maz from Maz's Musings, is interested in subscribing to GlossyBox Men. If so, this voucher is all his. 

So, now for my concerns. My Glossy Boxes always take a great deal of time to arrive and I often find that parts of the box are no longer relevant (such as the 15% off voucher in my November GlossyBox that had expired by the time I received my box). 

When on GlossyBox's Facebook page the other day, I read that the Estee Lauder Recovery Complex was being sent to all subscribers who were over 26 and I'm 19, turning 20 this year. I also read that all subscribers were receiving a Mirenesse eyeliner (I'm wondering if they meant in place of the Recovery Complex for women under 26), which I also didn't receive. I've emailed GlossyBox about my queries but I'm yet to hear back (it was only an hour ago though, so I don't expect a response yet). Either way, I'll let you all know what happens.

Anyway, all in all, I was fairly impressed with my GlossyBox. LustHaveIt haven't done a box this month, but I can't wait for February's! After next month I'll be reviewing both boxes and deciding which I preferred. I will then be unsubscribing from one and subscribing to ILoveThisBox. Their boxes always look amazing. 

Anyway, that's my box. Comment below if you've received a subscription box of any kind this month. I'd love to read what's in them. Maybe there's one I'll want MORE than ILoveThisBox. Maybe. 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy
Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty sale ends on the 31st of January. Click here for more information. 
Head into Priceline ASAP to take advantage of some ridiculously awesome sales. Click here for more information.

January 22, 2012

Priceline Haul (and a little more)

Today I gave into temptation and bought a couple of things. Who am I kidding? It wasn't a couple but, oh well, who cares? 

Surprisingly, seven of the eight products I bought were from Priceline. I don't shop at Priceline much, to be honest. I've found that it's generally a little more than other stores, but the convenience of everything in one place certainly makes up for it sometimes. 

Anyway, everything I bought from Priceline was on sale (except for one Maybelline product but I'll explain that later). Before I continue, don't forget to click here for a list of the beauty related sales/promotions. With all that being said, let's get into it and see what I bought.


 Left to Right: Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($16.95) and Maybelline One by One mascara ($19.25) -Both eye products are in Blackest Black

I'm a massive fan of gel eyeliners but my Napoleon Perdis China Doll liner has dried up. I've heard so many great things about this eyeliner that I thought as well give it a try. I tried it as soon as I got home and I'm already a massive fan. Surprisingly, I really like the brush too. To be honest, I don't think I've ever tried a Maybelline mascara so I thought today was a great day to give one a try. This brush appealed to me, and I've heard fairly good things about this mascara, so I decided to grab it too! 

 Maybelline Fit Me! Pressed Powder in #135 Creamy Natural ($14.95)

This product was bought to replace Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil in Light. I have previously owned this powder in #115 which, unfortunately, was far too light for my skin. I didn't like this powder, as mentioned in my review, but I'm not sure whether that's to do with the actual product or the colour I bought initially. 
Maybelline Baby Lips Love NY Limited NY Fashion Edition in Protecting Berry ($3.99)

I absolutely love Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms (as featured in my lip balm post). I went into Priceline with the intention of buying their Baby Lips lip balm in Anti-Oxidant Berry but I couldn't resist the packaging of this one. It's just awesome! The name 'Protecting Berry' threw me a little though. I wasn't sure if it'd smell the same as the Anti-Oxidant Berry one I love but I was willing to take the chance. Guess what though? It is! I'm so happy and I'm going to go back and buy three more with this packaging (three for the price of two, woohoo!).

"Purchase any two products from the Maybelline New York range and receive the 3rd  Maybelline New York product FREE. The third purchase must be from the same brand, of equal or lesser value and purchased in the same transaction."

Which item did I get free? The Baby Lips balm was the item I receive free. If I wanted to be sneaky I could have put it through as a separate transaction and received the Fit Me! pressed powder for free but I didn't. Oh well. Anything is better than nothing.

Lady Jayne Small Multi Purpose Brush ($10.50ish but 20%, making it $8.39) 

Somehow I managed to lose my brush recently. I have no idea how it happened but I'm not a fan of the one I've been using on my hair recently. This brush says it's meant to give a smooth and shiny finish to hair, making it very appealing to me. Unfortunately, this brush is no where near aggressive enough for me and I'm going to see if I can return it. 

Garnier Pure Active Exfo-Brush Cleanser ($12.78ish but 25%, making it $9.59) 

This product is a favourite of mine. It has been featured in two recent posts (Products I Can't Live Without and October Favourites) and will be featured in an upcoming skincare routine post. I don't need a new cleanser at the moment, but it's a staple so I decided to buy one while they were on sale. 


The last product I bought today was purchased at Target, rather than Priceline. At present, all Max Factor mascaras are $10 at Target. How good is that?! I bought one Lash Extension Effect mascara (if you're a Born to Buy follower, you'll know this is a mega favourite) but I decided to try another one while they were so cheap. 
I decided to buy their False Lash Effect mascara in Black. My sister loves this mascara (and, to be honest, I thought I was buying this when I bought Lash Extension Effect) so I thought it was a good time for me to see what all the fuss from her was about. In fact, when I texted her to tell her about the sale she asked me to pick up three of the False Lash Effect mascaras for her. This mascara retails for $23.95 so it's a mega bargain!  


So ladies, that's everything I bought today. I probably spent way too much but I don't really care. I haven't had the best week and we've all heard of the term retail therapy, right? Comment below if you've bought anything on sale recently, regardless of what you got and where you got it.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

January 19, 2012

Priceline Sale!

January 19, 2012 | , , 0 comment
I love looking at 'junk mail'. Catalogues are great. They're fun to look through and you can browse without the temptation of actually spending. Score! Anyway, a bunch of catalogues arrived today and, in amongst them all, there was a Priceline one. Normally I just quickly flick through but there were SO many beauty related sales that I thought it deserved a post. 


Below I'll list all the sales mentioned in the catalogue, along with any information attached. 

  • Purchase any two products from the Rimmel range and get the least expensive purchased product FREE.
  • Purchase any two products from the L'Oreal Paris cosmetics range and receive the 3rd L'Oreal Paris cosmetics product FREE. The third purchase must be from the same brand, of equal or lesser value and purchased in the same transaction.
  • Purchase any two products from the Maybelline New York range and receive the 3rd  Maybelline New York product FREE. The third purchase must be from the same brand, of equal or lesser value and purchased in the same transaction.
  • Purchase a Revlon mascara and receive a FREE Revlon eyeshadow (free gift valued at $25.95)
  • All Max Factor foundations are $20 each
  • The entire Burjois range is 20% off
  • Spend $25 or more in one transaction across the Australis Cosmetics range and receive a FREE Bronzing Pack while stocks last
  • Spend $35 or more in one transaction across the Natio range and receive a FREE Tote Bag containing 2 Natio Suncare products. Excludes gift packs and while stocks last.
  • The entire Dr. Lewinn's range is 25% off
  • The entire Simple range is 20% off
  • The entire Bio-Oil range is 20% off
  • ALL cleansers are 25% off. Includes facial cleansers, toner, scrubs and wipes. 
  • Beauty Essentials entire cosmetics accessories range is half price
  • Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent Hair Colour is on sale for $9.99
  • Schwarzkopf Brilliance Permanent Hair Colour is on sale for $10.99
  • Schwarzkopf Perfect Mousse Permanent Hair Colour is on sale for $12.99
  • Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Hair Colour is on sale for $9.99
  • Batiste Dry Shampoo is 20% off and $7.99
  • Lady Jayne hair accesssories, extensions and brushes are 20%
  • Models Prefer Professional Salon Quality Hairbrushes and Combs are 30% off 

Finally, their perfumes are also heavily discounted. I can't show images of them all, as I'd be here forever,  but I can list them and hope you know what you like.

NOW $24 EACH
Keith Urban Phoenix EDT 50mL, Lolita Lempicka EDP 30mL, Halle by Halle Berry Orchid EDP 30mL, Mediterranean EDP 100mL, Halle  by Halle Berry EDP 30mL, Kylie Minogue Darling EDT 75mL, Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy EDP 50mL, Eva Longoria Eva EDP 30mL, Halley Berry Reveal EDP 30mL
NOW $29 EACH
Beckham Signature Men EDT 75mL, Beckham Intimately Men 75mL, Jessica Simpson Fancy EDP 100mL, Heidi Klum Shine EDT 30mL, JLo Glow EDT 100mL, Beckham Signature Story Women EDT 75mL, Beckham Signature Women EDT 75mL, JLO Still EDP 100mL, Kylie Minogue Dazzling Darling EDT 50mL, Guess Ladies EDP 75mL, CK Crave for Men EDT 100mL, Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes EDP 50mL, CK IN2U Hum EDT 100mL, CK IN2U Her EDT 100mL, Guess Man EDT 75mL, JLo Live EDP 100mL
NOW $39 EACH
Wish EDP 75mL, Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP 100mL, Versace Crystal Noir EDT 30mL, Versace Bright Crystal EDT 30mL, Anais Anais EDT 30mL, Davidoff Cool Water Woman EDT 100mL, Guess by Marciano Woman EDP 100mL, Joop Homme EDT 125mL, Versace Eau Fraiche Man EDT 50mL, Versace Pour Homme EDT 50mL, Britney Spears Cosmic Radiance EDP 30mL, Versace Pour Femme EDP 30mL, Chloe EDT 90mL, Rocawear 9IX EDT 50mL, Britney Spears Fantasy EDP 100mL, Britney Spears Circus Fantasy EDP 100mL, Paris Hilton EDT 100mL, JLo Live Luxe EDT 100mL, Paris Hilton Heiress EDP 100mL, Davidoff Cool Water Men EDT 125mL
NOW $49 EACH
Bulgari Jade Green Omnia EDT 65mL, Vera Wang Princess EDT 50mL, CK Euphoria Ladies EDP 50mL, Michael Kors Very Hollywood EDP 30mL, CK Euphoria Men EDT 50mL, Estee Lauder Pleasures EDP 30mL, Guess Seductive EDT 75mL, CK One EDT 200mL


Anyway, ladies, that's all the hair and beauty products I could find in the catalogue. Massive sale, right?  Remember, this sale starts on Thursday, January 19 2012, and finishes on Monday, 30th January 2012, unless products sell out earlier.

Head into your local Priceline and grab a bargain. Also, for the record, I am in no way affiliated with Priceline. I thought this was an amazing sale I just wanted to let you all know.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

January 18, 2012

What's in my Mailbox? #1

Hey ladies and gents. When I first started making blogs I intended to do 'What's in my Mailbox?' posts every time I received make up/beauty related products. I've uploaded a similar post (a collective haul) but this is my first 'What's in my Mailbox?' post. Anyway, I love Online Buying so a lot of my beauty products online so expect a lot of these posts. 

As you all may or may not know, I was recently on a family holiday for 10 days. Over the weeks leading up to me leaving I went on an extended 'shopping spree' and bought myself a number, well, things. Anyway, here they all are.

Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown
I've wanted this book for a really long time but I always thought $55 was a lot of money for a book with information I could get online. Anyway, I was wanted to buy a couple of others books (see below) so I decided to go through Book Depository and, while I was there, check out the price of the Makeup Manual. It was only $18.87 so I had to get it. I love this book. It's really interesting and covers all aspects of make up application.

This book has twelve chapters -
  • Chapter 1: Makeup Artistry 
  • Chapter 2: Equipment
  • Chapter 3: Skin
  • Chapter 4: Face
  • Chapter 5: Lips
  • Chapter 6: Eye
  • Chapter 7: Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup
  • Chapter 8: Special Makeup Applications
  • Chapter 9: Artistry
  • Chapter 10: Essential Equipment for the Professional
  • Chapter 11: Advanced Makeup Applications
  • Chapter 12: Memorable Makeup Moments & Legends 
As I said, I really like this book. Stay tuned for a review.

Left to Right: Shopaholic Abroad and Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Both books are by Sophie Kinsella
I also bought these two books from Book Depository. I go through phases with my reading and, at the moment, I'm in a reading phase. I read the whole Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella a few years ago (not my books though) and decided that I wanted to reread the whole series. I had collected most of the books over time but these two were missing from my collection. I love them as much as I did the first time. 

MAC 217SE (Special Edition) Blending Brush
I've been one on the hunt for a new blending brush for a long time. I came across this one on eBay and couldn't resist.

Hoola by Benefit bronzer
Much like the MAC brush above, I just couldn't resist buying this bronzer. I've been after a new one for a while and I'm pretty happy with this so far.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light 4-5
After runnning out of my Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil and reading that was the Dream Matte Powder was very comparable, but more suited to women with combination/oily skin, I chose to buy this powder instead of replacing the mineral one. So far, I'm not as impressed as I was with the Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil but that could have something to do with the fact that I bought this in a shade too light. Oh well, that's a risk you take when you buy products online. 

iPhone cover from eBay
I love iPhone covers, pink and zebra print. Score. I had a cover almost exactly the same before but I broke it. Oh well, for $1.50 each it's not that big of a deal!


Image from StrawberryNet as I don't want to open packagingGiveaway Prize
The last parcel I received was the 10 000 giveaway prize from StrawberryNet. I haven't opened this package, as it's technically not mine, but I must say it's been difficult. The Too Faced Wild Thing set includes the following 
  • Mini Primed and Poreless Face Primer
  • Chocolate Soleil Bronzer and Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Highlighter
  • Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara in Hot Chocolate
  • Sun Bunny Lip Bronzer Lip Gloss

Anyway, ladies, that's everything I've received lately. I really need to start saving! I've recently bought myself an Urban Decay Naked Palette (YAY!) and you'll all be the first to know when it arrives, don't you worry! Also, ladies, if you're a lover of Max Factor mascaras (click here for a review of my favourite mascara of all time, Lash Extension Effect) they're all on sale for $10 at Target at the moment. Get in quick! 

Comment below if you've scored some good bargains recently, online or in store. 


Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Tiny Hand With Heart