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February 29, 2012

REVISITED: 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!


In January I uploaded a blog post about scoring a free Clinique mascara. Yep, that's right, FREE! Click here to see the original post.


The first information I received started that the promotion was running from February 12 'til February 26. I went in there recently and found out there had been some delays and it was now going to run in April. 

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 April 15 'til April 29. 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
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Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty Valentine's Day sale ends on the 29th of February. Click here for more information. 
Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

February 27, 2012

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base Review

After being really disappointed with my previous foundation primer, Laura Mercier's Oil-Free foundation primer, I decided to research a variety of primers before purchasing my next one. After a bit of research (and millions of primer reviews) I decided to try L'Oreal's Magic Perfecting Base. Almost all the reviews I read were amazing and I loved the fact that it wasn't a 'high end' brand, making it affordable and easy to buy. 

February 26, 2012

What's in my Mailbox? #2

If you've been following this blog for a while you'll know that Valentine's Day was a little bit like Christmas for me. Much like Valentine's Day, I arrived home on Friday to find three more packages waiting for me. Once again, I was overjoyed (I hate waiting for products to arrive!). Anyway, let's get into it.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Bought from Beauty Bay for $52.60
"Our neutrals won't leave you naked. 12 dimensional shades (including 4 exclusives) escalate your "basics" in textures of matte, shimmer, satin and sparkle. Experiment with office-chic, deep smoky or summery bronze looks. Includes our professional quality, cruelty-free Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush." 
Yes. I finally have an Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette and, no, it's not a fake! The packaging of this palette is fantastic. I love the purple velvet and mini eyeshadow primer. The primer will be perfect for weekends away etc. 

February 20, 2012

Beauty Box Comparison: Glossy Box or Lust Have It?

By now I'm sure you all know about the variety of beauty sample boxes available in Australia. I'm subscribed to two, Glossy Box and Lust Have It!, and have been since November. So far I've received a total of seven beauty boxes (4 x Glossy Box and 3 x Lust Have It!).

February 18, 2012

NARS Haul

As I mentioned in my Valentine's Day Haul, I had a third parcel arrive yesterday but I wasn't home to accept it. Anyway, the parcel pick up slip was left behind and I picked it up this morning. I'm waiting on a NARS order and an Urban Decay one so I didn't know which it would be which was pretty exciting.

This NARS order was placed through KissAndMakeUpNY (I'll be doing a full review of their site soon, so stay tuned). I've only included photos of the packaging in this post as I plan on doing an in depth review of each product soon.

February 17, 2012

Valentine's Day Haul

On Tuesday, February 14, I arrived home to see three parcels waiting at the front door for me. Three. It was so exciting that I actually yelled "My goodness, it's like Christmas!"

The first packaged that arrived for me was my February Glossy Box. It was a special Valentine's Day box so I'm glad it arrived when it did. 
My Sigma Beauty brush order arrived. It was orderd on the 28th of January so it arrived within 17 days which I think's pretty impressive.

February 16, 2012

Glossy Box February, 2012

My third Glossy Box arrived on Valentine's Day. GlossyBox has had issues with extended delays for boxes being sent to Western Australia so they shipped this box Express Post which is pretty awesome. The Valentine's Day box didn't actually arrive until Valentine's Day but at least it didn't arrive after the fact. 
GlossyBox's Valentine's Day packaging 
I absolutely love the hot pink packaging. Pink, especially hot pink, is one of my favourite colours so I was pretty exciting about that. 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 and Glossy Box updates.

I only received this box a couple of days ago so I'm unable to review the products. Instead, I'll type out the information provided to me so you're able to get some insight into the items. If possible, I'll also include my initial thoughts.
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash - RRP $39.95 for 475mL
This box contained a 60mL sample bottle of this product
"Use this product to clear up skin when it's acting up or for a deep cleanse. Works great to penetrate pores and get rid of breakouts."
This product seems like a pretty good mild exfoliant. I used it Tuesday night and it gave me face a fairly good cleanse. I will probably use this product every couple of days as I fear it may be too harsh for everyday.

Lethal Lips Lip Tattoos - RRP $14.50 for pack of three
This box contained a full sized packet (there is three in a pack) of pink lip tattoos with 'Kiss' written on them
"Make a statement with one of these temporary lip pattern tattoos. They add fun to your look for up to eight hours. "
Wow. These are fairly interesting. I'm not too sure when lip tattoos will come in handy (especially ones that say 'Kiss' on them) but I guess I always have the option now. Right?
e.l.f Cosmetics Eyeshadow - Value of up to $8.95
This box contained a full sized eyeshadow duo in blue & black 
"Enhance your eyes with the loose powder mineral eye shadow from E.L.F."
These colours are quite pigmented. The blue is a vibrant blue with a blue shimmer to it. The black is a dark black shadow with blue glitter, as you may see from the photo. The glitter doesn't appear in swatches though, which is nice. Both colours are very pigmented.
Star and Rose  Floral Wonderland Emergency Nail Files - There is no retail price 
This box contained a pack of 12 nail files
"Pocket this cushioned nail file for all of those emergencies and on-the-go fix ups."
Although I rarely file my nails (bad, I know), I like the concept of pocket nail files. The design of the files is absolutely awesome too. 
Adorn Mineral Cosmetics Barely Blushing Loose Blush - RRP $45.00 for 7g
The box contained a small container (there is no measurement) of blush in what I'm assuming is 'Barely Blushing'
"This toxic free blush adds a pink hue to cheeks and can also be used as eye shadow or lip tint."
I'm always a bit 'iffy' when it comes to loose pigments. I make a massive mess with them, no matter how careful I am. I also find that when the container's smaller I make more mess. I'm not too sure about this blush but I'll try it out. 
This month's GlossyBox was filled with white and baby pink shredded paper, as opposed to black, which added a nice Valentine's Day touch. The box also contained a packet of 'Love Heart' lollies which are pretty cool. I love lollies with cute messages on them. There was also a $15 off voucher for ActiveSkin, an Adorn Mineral Cosmetics information leaflet and Proactiv information sheet and $20 discount.


So ladies, that's what was in my Glossy Box this February and, to be honest, I'm a little confused. As far as I was aware, this month's Glossy Box was meant to be a Valentine's Day box. As much as I like all the products in this box, I don't necessarily think they were all very Valentine's Day specific.

I plan on reviewing both boxes, Glossy Box and Lust Have It!, this weekend and deciding which I prefer. I'm still working out the best way to compare/contrast the boxes though, so if you have any ideas I'd love it if you shared them. It will be quite a longggggg post though, so be prepared! I'm still 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
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Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty Valentine's Day sale ends on the 29th of February. Click here for more information. 
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

February 15, 2012

February Sigma sale, 2012

Did you miss the 10% off Sigma brush sale in January? Never fear, their February sale is here!

Ladies, there's 10% off your next Sigma brush purchase. Woohoo! My first two brushes arrived yesterday (stay tuned for a haul post) and I can't wait to get to know them. I've already read that the code gives you a free 'gift with purchase' but I have no idea what it is..

To get to the site, click here. Once you're at the Checkout you're able to enter the coupon code. Enter the following to receive the discount.
LOVE2012

If you buy any brushes, please comment below. I'd love to know what you all get. If you already own any brushes, I'd love to hear that too. Please recommend me more brushes if you can!


Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
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Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty Valentine's Day sale ends on the 29th of February. Click here for more information. 
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day, 2012

A big happy Valentine's Day to all my reviews.
Whether you're in a relationship or not, I hope you have a fantastic day.

I choo choo choooooooooose you all.

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 Valentine's Day sale ends on the 29th of February. Click here for more information. 
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

February 13, 2012

Lust Have It! February, 2012

My third Lust Have It box arrived today which was exciting. I find that this box always arrives fairly quickly but it's always a nice surprise.

Anyway, it's finally here so I'll just get into it. 
The new Lust Have It! packaging and logo
When I opened the box, I instantly got a whiff of something sweet. 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 and Lust Have It! updates.

I only received this box today, so I'm unable to review the products. Instead, I'll type out the information provided to me so you're able to get some insight into the items. If possible, I'll also include my initial thoughts.
Lancome Juicy Tube - RRP $46.00 for 14g
This box contained a 7mL sample of this lip gloss in what I assume to be 'Strawberry'
"A delicious, gourmet delight for your lips! This ultra-brilliant, flavoured gloss slicks on easily, thanks to its hand tube-tip applicator. Totally transparent shine, plus a hint of shimmering colour makes lips glisten for a glamourous lacquered effect."
I have a bit of a cold at the moment so I can't properly smell this lip gloss. I could smell a slight strawberry scent, however, which was quite pleasant. I've applied this lip gloss once already and, although I like the look of it, I found it to be stickier than I preferred. 

Davroe Tame Lemongrass Detangler - RRP $21.50 for 315mL
This box contained a 50mL sample of the spray
"This dual action Lemongrass Detangler is a lightweight non-greasy leave in hair conditioning/treatment mist that can detangle the most unruly hair, leaves hair manageable, luxuriously soft and silky, with the fresh natural fragrance of Passionflower and Ylang Ylang."
Again, I can't really smell this product due to my blocked nose. I like the concept of it though, as my hair's been pretty knotty lately. 
Sasy n Savy Rose Lavender Hand n Nail Repair Creme - RRP $25.00 for 100mL
This box contained a 5mL sample tube of this product.
"Skin nourishing evening primrose and macadamia oil soften and smooth. Shea butter soothes and heals dry skin. Vitamin C & E defends hard working hands from damage."
My cuticles are a bit of a mess at the moment so I need to start using this every night.
Lush Sugar Scrub - RRP $6.50 for 100mL
I think this box came with a full sized Sugar Scrub. There is no weight/volume listed on the packaging but it looks the same size as the ones on the Lush site.
"Our sugar scrub is hard, but a bit of a sweetie. Its' no nonsense stance stimulates activity and tackles cellulite with fennel and ginger. Skin calming lavender has a balancing effect."
As I mentioned, I can't really smell at the moment but, as far as I can tell, this product doesn't smell too bad. It doesn't have the same smell as a lot of Lush products but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Taut Collagen Infusion Mask - RRP $44.95 for a pack of 5
This box contained one face mask sachet. 
"LAC Taut Gold Standard Collagen Infusion Mask is a facial mask that slips luxuriously onto your face to infuse concentrated premium collagen-enriched essence to tone, hydrate and bright your complexion in just 7-10 minutes!"
This face mask sounds amazing. My skin's a bit, well, gross at the moment so I'll be waiting 'til it clears up a bit. I want to be able to appreciate it fully.



So ladies, that's what was in my Lust Have It! box this February and, to be honest, I'm a little confused. As far as I was aware, this month's Lust Have It! box was meant to be a Valentine's Day box. As much as I like all the products in this box, I don't necessarily think they're Valentine's Day specific (apart from the Juicy Tube, that is). 

After this month's Glossy Box I'll be reviewing both boxes and deciding which I preferred. I will most likely be unsubscribing from one and subscribing to ILoveThisBox. Their boxes always look amazing. One this I've noticed about this box in particular is that their information cards don't make sense. They're grammatically incorrect and I find it really difficult to type them 'as is' into posts. 


Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy
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Don't forget that the Sigma Beauty Valentine's Day sale ends on the 29th of February. Click here for more information. 
Like what you're reading? Follow me.

February 11, 2012

Online Shopping Revisited

Anyone who knows me at all knows I love to shop online. I love it. I buy so much online, especially make up. The variety available in Australia is fairly limited so it's the only way to buy some exclusive American brands. I'll often buy products that aren't yet on sale in Australia as I'm ridiculously impatient and, if I see it, I want it! As you're probably worked out, Australian prices are ridiculous! Products are so overpriced and there's no real reason for it any more. The Australian dollar is doing better than the American so, sorry to say it Aussies, we're being ripped off!

Here are some of my favourite online websites/stores. If this post doesn't revolutionise the way you shop and save you money, I don't know what will!
eBay
My biggest shopping centre is eBay. I buy almost everything from there. With the Australian dollar being so good at the moment, buying online is even more exciting than usual! If you want to buy something check the price on eBay first! I always look on www.ebay.com rather than www.ebay.com.au. It has a much larger and cheaper range and more sellers ship worldwide/to Australia. 

Only once have I had an issue with a fake product being sold to me. It's important to check a seller's feedback rating prior to making a purchase. Make sure you check the rating (and look at some written feedback if you have concerns) before you place a big/buy it. I don't buy from a seller with a rating of 95% or under.
Crush Cosmetics
This site aims to make international brands available in Australia. They sell NYX, NYC, E.L.F., China Glaze, Lime Crime and so much more. I was so excited when I found this site. Their prices are super reasonable and they ship free to Australia when placing orders over $60.00. I haven't bought anything off here yet but I've only ever heard good things about them on YouTube.
Glossi
This site sells a lot of 'drugstore' brands for a reduced price, which is awesome. Sometimes it seems silly to spend 437.95 on a Revlon foundation when a higher end one isn't going to set you back that much more. I'd definitely recommend you all check out this site. Glossi also sells discontinued products. My favourite 'drugstore' compact, Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil, has been discontinued but I'm able to repurchase it through Glossi. Phew!
Smart Poppy
This site is great for make up lovers on a budget! They aim to sell their products for about half of the retail price, although some a crazy discounted! You might find that your product comes unboxed or with damaged packaging but, hey, does that matter? You've got the product so much cheaper!

Their stock changes as frequently as their product availability does so remember to check the site often. At different times they've been known to sell MAC, NARS, Stila, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Revlon and so much more. 
Sigma Beauty
This site sells professional make up brushes (plus some cosmetics and accessories) for amazing prices! I've never used their brushes (although I'm waiting on two brushes and a Clarisonic like product) but, from what I've heard, they're amazing. Almost all of my favourite people on YouTube use their brushes and they all rave about them constantly. The price of shipping to Australia is nowhere near as much as I expected, either, which is a massive bonus. 
Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay is an online store that sells high end cosmetics, skincare and haircare for prices that are very similar to what they retail for in the US. AT the moment they're shipping to Australia for free (score!) and I have two items on order (and another massive list in the works). I'm not sure how the shipping is but, as with Sigma Beauty and KissAndMakeUpNY, I'll get back to you with a store specific review.
Kiss & Make Up NY
Kiss and Make Up NY has been a life saver for me. I've fallen head over heals for NARS' Sheer Glow foundation but the price turns me off beyond belief. The foundation retails for $70.99AUD whereas it's sold for $49.00 in the US. The site sells brands such as NARS for Amercican prices (although conversions must be taken into consideration) and they have a flat rate shipping fee of $9.95 to anywhere around the world. 


So, guys, I hope this post helps you. I know I don't know all the awesome sites out there so comment below if you know of any others! I can't wait to hear where you all shop! 


Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Click here to find out how to get a free Clinique mascara 
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February 10, 2012

Seven Deadly Beauty Sins TAG!

I'm a massive fan of beauty 'gurus' on YouTube and almost all of my favourites have participated in this tag recently. I thought I might as well jump on the bandwagon (well, because it's what I do) so let's get into it. We're going to look at each of the Seven Deadly Sins and answer a few beauty questions related to the sin.
Greed
What's the most expensive beauty product you own?
If we're being completely honest, I don't actually OWN the two most expensive beauty products I've ever purchased yet because I'm waiting for them to arrive. I recently bought a NARS Sheer Glow foundation for $49.00AUD (retailing for $79.00AUD) and the Urban Decay Naked palette for $52.90AUD. I don't own them yet but, yes, they will be the most expensive beauty products in my collection.
What's the most inexpensive beauty product you own?
I own two BYS Concealers. They were both bought from Gloss Cosmetics for $4.95 each. I bought them when I had a blemish coming through and I was feeling very self conscious.
Wrath
What products do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Foundation primers. I love the idea of a foundation primer. They're 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've never found a foundation primer that does all this for me. In fact, I've never found a foundation primer that's impressed me at all. (If you guys can recommend one, I'd LOVE for you to comment it below).
What has been the hardest to find?
I have been wanting to buy the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black for the longest time now but, regardless of where I go, it's always out of stock! There's always a tester and/or a random one that's been opened, but there's never one still in it's package. I've seriously been looking for about six months now, it's insane!
Gluttony
What are your most delicious beauty products?
Lip products are the most delicious by far. Well, in my opinion. My Body Shop Born Lippy Lip Balm in Strawberry (goodluck saying that fives times fast) and my Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Anti-Oxidant Berry both smell delicious.
Sloth
What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness?
Make up remover. I'm so lazy when it comes to removing my make up at the end of a day. I'm not saying I don't take it off, I do, but I just use my face cleanser. I have make up removers but, for me, it's just easier to do it all with a cleanser. Bad, I know.
Pride
What beauty product gives you the most confidence?
Foundation. I have a lot of redness, especially around my nose, and I'm quite self conscious about it. Foundation evens out my skintone and gives me a lot more confidence.
Lust
What attributes do you find the most attractive in the opposite sex?
This question doesn't really seem to fit the rest so, instead, I'm going to talk about the product I'm lusting after at the moment. I dunno, that just seems to be more fitting. Anyway, now that I've ordered the Naked palette the Naked 2 palette is looking really appealing. It's stupid, I know, considering I've basically ordered it's twin but, to me, it's like reading a book without reading the sequel. I'm ridiculous, I know.

(As for the opposite sex bit, well, they have to be funny. That's a massive thing for me. I love a good sense of humour).
Envy
What item would you most like to receive as a gift?
At the moment or in general? At the moment I've love to score some acrylic make up storage as that will just complete my new make up set up! In general though, I love receiving perfumes. I only buy myself perfume if there's one I reallly want. For the most part I just like to drop hints and hope for the best.

Anyway, ladies, that's my Seven Deadly Beauty Sins TAG. I tag you all in this post so I'd love to see your answers. If you're a blogger, I'd love for you to link me to your tag post below. If you're not a blogger, I'd love it if you commented below with your answers below.

Oh! While you're commenting/blogging don't forget to think about foundation primer recommendations for me. My sanity is in your hands!

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

Click here to find out how to get a free Clinique mascara 
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February 09, 2012

NP Set Cruise Blushes

"NP Set by Napoleon Perdis. A spirited cosmetics collection inspired by the world's fashion capitals, with exuberant colours and on the go glamour." - NP Set
Napoleon Perdis have a cosmetics range sold exclusively at Target stores. The NP Set Cruise Blushes are cream blushes in the form of a stick I own two colours, Pacific (purple/plum) and Atlantic (coral/pink), and, although they're very different colours, they're both really pretty.
Left to right: Pacific, Pacific rubbed in, Atlantic,
Atlantic rubbed in

Both of these blushes are extremely blendable. They can be blended out (either by a brush or by hand) to provide cheeks with a beautiful flush of colour. 

To apply these blushes I dot the product on my cheek twice (towards my hairline) and blend forwards to ensure that I receive the desired amount of product on the inner part of my face. To blend the blush I prefer to use a dense blush brush. At the moment I'm using my EcoTools blush brush and I find that it deposits/blends the product better than my hands do. That's just me though, others might prefer hands/fingertips.

I really like how these blushes can be built up to achieve the desired level of intensity. If I feel that I want more colour I can easily apply more by following the steps above. 

Both Pacific and Atlantic are well pigmented blushes but I'll sometimes find they don't last me a full day. I wear Atlantic a lot more than Pacific and I'll set it with my Benefit Dandelion blush to make it more long wearing. The Dandelion blush is sheer enough to not dull the colour too much, but it makes it a more matte finish.

The dewy finish of these blushes is the one thing I don't like about them. I always thought cream blushes had to have a dewy finish but I've recently found out they don't (stay tuned). Because of my combination skin I'm a big fan of matte products but, regardless of the finish, I love these blushes.

Both of these blushes were bought from Target when they were having a make up sale but I think they retail for about $20.00AUD. I'm really sorry, I forgot to look the other day.


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
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Tiny Hand With Heart