April Favourites and + Disappointment, 2012

Oh my goodness, it's almost the end of April. Eeek! I have so much to do in May and I can't believe it's just under two months until my sister's wedding. Obviously I'm excited for the whole thing, but I can't wait to see how my make up will be done. 

I'm not sure if I'll do a favourites post next month, as I feel like I've been repeating myself a heck of a lot lately. I guess we'll just see..

If I've reviewed a product previously on the blog, it will be linked. Click away to see why I love it so much. If I haven't reviewed it, chances are I plan to!

So, let's get into my favourites!

LUSH Skincare Challenge - Week 4

If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know that I've spent quite a lot of money at LUSH in recent months, with a majority of the money going towards skincare. I've been trying to clear my skin up and I wanted to try some LUSH skincare products, so it was the perfect time. I set myself a challenge to use ONLY LUSH products for a month and document the results, to see the difference in my skin over time and, well, if the regime works for me.

Last week I ran out of many of the products I bought first time round (click here to see my first LUSH haul) and, instead of replacing them, I decided to try other LUSH products (click here to see my second, most recent LUSH haul). 

LUSH Cosmetics Haul Round Two!

Today I was super naughty and went back into LUSH. I mentioned in my latest skin challenge post that I was heading back but this time I didn't show you guys my shopping list. Why? Because you'd know if I bought extra stuff. Sneaky, I know! 

I got everything I planned to get, plus a couple of other things, but it's okay because some of the extra stuff wasn't for me. That doesn't count!

Once again, I was lucky enough to have a fantastic LUSH lady (help me think of a cool name for the people that work at LUSH!) help me out and recommend a couple of products for me. She even help me with a dilemma I had. What a lady.

Get Ready With Me! MAKE UP ONLY

This video was filmed as I got ready for my nephew's second birthday. We celebrated his birthday in birthday with a picnic in a local park so I wanted my make up to be fairly neutral, with a 'darkish' lip. I was having a bad hair day so my hair was up in a bun with a cute, maroon coloured headband/headscarf from Equip.

All the information is listed in the down bar on the YouTube video, but the products used can also be found below the video.

March/April Collective Haul

I've done a little bit of shopping lately (I know, I know - what a surprise) and I haven't wanted to upload a hauls when there's just one time, so I waited.

Anyway, here's some stuff that I've accumulated over the past month or so (to be honest, I can't exactly remember).

LUSH Skincare Challenge - Week 3

If you've seen my LUSH haul (click here) you'll know that I recently spent up big, deciding that I'd use only LUSH skincare for a month to see how my skin reacts/if it clears up. I've been using the products for three weeks now (click here to see my week one results), so I just want to let you all know what's going on and if there's been any progress. 


Just so you all know, my skincare regime is as follows 

My Base Make-Up Collection

For someone that hates change, I have so many foundations and make up bases! It almost doesn't make sense. I was recently able to give away a couple of unused products to family members, so that was great, but I still have quite a few. Oh well, I'm a girl. It's what we do, isn't it? 

Priceline Sale! #3

Whenever I see a big Priceline sale I feel the need to tell you all about it. I don't do a massive amount of shopping there (that's a lie, actually, I do quite a bit) but I love reading catalogues. 

Before I continue, click here to see what I bought at Priceline yesterday. Everything I bought was on sale and I was able to take advantage of the Priceline Beauty Bag promotion too. 

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

Priceline Haul + Free Beauty Bag

Today I was naughty and did a bit of serious shopping at Priceline. I know, I know; It's not like me at all, right? Priceline has another incredible sale at the moment (stay tuned for all the details) and there was one promotion in particular that appealed to me - The entire lips and nails range from Revlon is Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Yes, this means what you all think it means, hello Revlon Lip Butters!

I was also aware that Priceline is running another fantastic promotion at the moment - 

LUSH Skincare Challenge - Week 2

If you've seen my LUSH haul (click here) you'll know that I recently spent up big, deciding that I'd use only LUSH skincare for a month to see how my skin reacts/if it clears up. I've been using the products for two weeks now (click here to see my week one results), so I just want to let you all know what's going on and if there's been any progress. 

Just so you all know, my skincare regime is as follows 

Glossy Box Competition Winner!

Once again, a big thanks to everyone who entered the Glossy Box Competition. It's been really interesting to read everyone's entries and see what their favourite products from the March box/brands from Glossy Box are. 


To be honest, I'm pretty glad I didn't have to answer either question myself, especially the favourite brands one, because there are so many products/brands I love.


Anyway, that's enough about me. Let's see who won a 6 month subscription to GlossyBox, a monthly beauty subscription service.

And the winner issssssssssssss...


Bec Peters

"Because of my hair's oily roots and dry ends, I'd have to say Klorane's Gentle Dry Shampoo. I've tried many different dry and powder shampoos before, all either leaving my hair feeling stick and dry, and just smelling like mouldy fruit. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo smells amazing and my hair doesn't feel like I've lobbed a jar of wax in it. Instead it feels clean and fresh without being overly-dry."

Wow, Bec, it sounds like you definitely love this dry shampoo! Unfortunately I didn't receive this in my box, however. I have similar issues with dry shampoos so I'm definitely going to look into this product. Sounds amazing. 


Bec, please contact me via the BornToBuy facebook page, or email me at dontstopbuying@hotmail.com, so I can provide GlossyBox with your details. If unclaimed within the 48 hours, a new winner will be announced. 

Stay tuned, ladies and gents, as I have a great new competition in the works and I hope to upload it very soon.

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy

Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
To see how I cover my blemishes and pigmentation, click here.

Like what you're reading? Follow me.

Autumn/Winter Beauty Tips

The weather can effect the condition of your skin and wear of your make up. Much like summer can make skin feel oily and cause make up to 'slide off', winter can make skin appear dry. I know the change in temperature can make skin appear dull and alter complexions, so here's some tips I've found to make the most of the cool weather.

I've attempted to categorise these tips.

Make Up

• Avoid a red nose: If you're anything like me your nose gets absolutely freezing during the cooler months, regardless of how warm you make yourself. In such weather, noses become extremely dry. Apply moisturiser as frequent as possible to prevent dry patches from reappearing. Add a second layer or foundation or tinted moisturiser to red areas to cover imperfections. I've read that products with a yellow undertone will work extremely well. In such weather it's important to set foundation, tinted moisturiser or concealer with powder.
• Waterproof: Where possible, use waterproof beauty products. Waterproof products work a lot better in winter when there's a chance of being rained etc. on
• Coverage: Be prepared to have an uneven skintone to have to cover up
• Eye make up: Get adventurous. People tend to be more daring in winter, with darker and most dramatic looks, so go with it. Remember to experiment. 
• Powder blushes may sit on the skin better but creams may provide a 'dewy' look
• Bronzer: Don't over bronze this winter. It's unnatural and unattractive. 
• Dry lips: Cracked lips are a given when it's cold. As with everywhere else, make sure your lips remain moisturised. Exfoliating with a product like LUSH's lip scrub may help remove dry skin
• Lip colour: Experiment with lip colours this winter. 
• Avoid pink and red toned products. They will enhance the red tone of skin.

Hair

• Dry scalp: Itching and/or flakes from the scalp can be a sign of dandruff or a dry scalp. Use hydrating hair products to add lost moisturiser to your hair. If the symptoms continue, you may have dandruff. Try an anti-dandruff shopping and conditioner. 
• Prepare your hair: Much like our skin, our hair can lose moisturise in winter and requires additional help. Commit to hair treatments and moisturising hair products that also aim to strengthen hair.

Skin and other

• Avoid extra long showers as they strip skin of natural oils, especially in winter
• A dull complexion: A dehydrated complexion may prevent light from reflecting off you skin, something no one wants. Drink lots of water, use gentle cleansers and intensive moisturisers, especially if your skin is starting to feel dry
• Moisturise your hands, feet, elbows and, well, anywhere else that is dry too! 
• Remember: Anything that warms your body will dehydrate your skin.
• Irritated, dry skin: Run a milk bath by adding two cups of milk to warm water and soak for 15 minutes. 
• Don't forget your nails: Nails are as dehydrated as our face and bodies in winter so don't forget about them. Take care of your nails this winter. 
• Use SPF all year round! Just because you can't see the sun, it doesn't mean it's not there!

Remember, these are just my tips. Some of these tips are my own but I also read a lot online. I just love researching. Anyway, in saying that, it's time for me to hear yours! I'd love to read your tried and tested make up tips so, if you have any, please comment below. They don't have to be winter related either. 

Also, don't forget to enter my GlossyBox competition for a chance to win a 6 month Glossy Box subscription. Wow!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy

Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
To see how I cover my blemishes and pigmentation, click here.

Like what you're reading? Follow me.

Sample and Shopping Haul!

Today I hit the town and spent some money that had been burning a hole in my pocket. I've been so busy with assignments that, well, I've been in hibernation and spending very little money so it was all okay too. Score!

Only one of the purchases was for me though. The rest was for someone else or samples. Before I continue, I might take photos for this post but I'm not sure. 

As I'm sure you can tell from the photo to the left, the first thing I bought was 100mL Wonderstruck perfume by Taylor Swift. I featured samples of this perfume in my Mini Haul #2 and I've loved it ever since. It's absolutely beautiful. This perfume retails for $69 for 50mL and $89 for $100mL at Myer and, well, anywhere else that sells it. Until Monday April 9, however, 100mL of Wonderstruck is on sale for $79. YAY! For $10 less, and only $10 more than the half size, I couldn't go wrong.  Right? 

I also bought my Aunty some LUSH skincare. After trying a couple of the products I recently bought (click here to see my LUSH haul) she fell in love. Anyway, I got her Vanishing Cream, Tea Tree Water and Grease Lightning. While I was there I returned my Grease Lightning and had it replaced with one with a working pump. Embarrassingly, the woman in the store was able to get the pump working for me but she was happy to replace it still as many people have had issues with it lately. A friend of mine has been loving LUSH recently too (it's terrible, we talk about it constantly) and is in love with their Colour Supplements (a foundationy product). In my last trip to LUSH I got a sample of the Colour Supplement in light pink but it was too pink for my skin, go figure, so I got it in light yellow. I'll give it a try and hopefully report back to y'all.

I'm a big fan of FleurDeForce and missglamorazzi on YouTube and they both rave about Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation and, after months of wondering about it, I decided that I needed samples. I went into both Myer and David Jones for samples as I want enough to give it a proper go. The foundation samples are sachets and only available in the colour B30 Beige Sable, unfortunately. The shade might be my colour, however, and either way I just want to see what the product is like and how it goes with my skin. Stay tuned!

Another YouTube favourite of mine, Arose186, loves Miss Dior Cherie perfume. I've wanted to smell/try it for so long. I went past the Dior counter at David Jones today so I smelt it and I really like it. I'm not sure if I'm prepared to pay $100+ (I can't remember the price I was told and I can't find it ANYWHERE online!!) for a perfume that I haven't worn on myself yet, so the sales assistant gave me a sample to try. The sample has a spray, as opposed to the lid, which is so much more convenient.

The LAST place I went today was The Body Shop. My friend has been using their Vitamin E Eye Cream and she's really been enjoying it. The sales assistant was more than happy to provide me with a sample (and a large one at that!) and, at only $24.95, I'm hoping I like it. That's a very reasonable price for an eye cream, I think!

So ladies, I think that's everything. It's a fair bit, I know, but you should all be used to it by now! 

Remember: Don't be afraid to get out there and ask for samples. Sales assistants are always willing to provide samples of products, especially best sellers. I've found that if you drop phrases like 'Urban Decay Primer Potion' they know you're serious too. Hit the shops, ask the right questions and see what YOU can get in a sample pot!

Also, don't forget to enter my GlossyBox competition for a chance to win a 6 month Glossy Box subscription. Wow!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy

Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
To see how I cover my blemishes and pigmentation, click here.

Like what you're reading? Follow me.

Revlon Lip Butters are here!

If you're anything like me, constantly watching beauty videos on YouTube, you will have heard a fair bit about Revlon Lip Butters. They're in between a lipstick and a lip balm; providing the colour of a lipstick and the moisturising properties of a lip balm.

In February I ordered my first lip butter, in Strawberry Shortcake, off eBay. I will be reviewing this product after I get a few more, but I definitely like them. I like the colour, the feel and, well, everything! 

Last week I was informed that the the Lip Butters had hit Australia. Finally! 

Today I went to four different stores in the search for Revlon Lip Butters (Priceline, Target, Big W and KMart). The only store that had them so far was Priceline and, at $21.95 each, I couldn't believe it! At $6.49 US at Target (the American Target, obviously), I am shocked. Everything is overpriced here in Australia, but this seems insane. Especially considering that, according to the currency site I just used, they would cost $6.25 if they were sold at the US price. Lip butters can also be bought off eBay for about $10.00, depending on availability. 

Regardless of the price, however, this was really exciting. I've been waiting for these to come out in Australia for ages, as I'm sure many of you have.

I'll definitely be buying my lip butters off eBay but I had a lot of fun swatching the colours (the poor Priceline woman probably thought I was crazy).

Just some of the swatching
(sorry it's on its side, I thought I rotated it)

After all my swatching, I've decided I want the following Revlon Lip Butters. Please note: The colours listed below may or may not be swatched above. I should have been more methodical about it, but I was a crazy woman.

• Creamsicle
• Peach Parfait
• Sugar Plum
• Sweet Tart
• Tuitti Fruitti
• Candy Apple

These colours are all really pretty but, to be honest, I really liked them all! So now it's your turn - Have you tried the Revlon Lip Butters? What's your favourite? If you haven't tried them yet, what colours are appealing to you?

Also, don't forget to enter my GlossyBox competition for a chance to win a 6 month Glossy Box subscription. Wow!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy

Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
To see how I cover my blemishes and pigmentation, click here.

Like what you're reading? Follow me.

LUSH Skincare Challenge - Week 1

If you've seen my LUSH haul (click here) you'll know that I recently spent up big, deciding that I'd only use LUSH skincare for a month to see how my skin goes/if it clears up. I've been using the products for a week now so I wanted to check in and let you guys know what I think of it. 

My skincare regime is as follows 

• I cleanse twice a day with Fresh Farmacy
• I tone my face after each cleanser with Tea Tree Water
• I moisturise my face with Vanishing Cream after toning (I had two samples, Imperialis and Cosmetic Lad, but both felt quite heavy)
• A night I apply Grease Lightning to blemishes after cleansing, toning and moisturising
• Twice a week I use Cupcake face mask

It's nothing too complicated, but I just wanted to let you know how I've been using each product. I won't review each product at the moment, as I want to dedicate a whole post to that, so I'll be more going through how my skin has been going.

Firstly, however, I haven't had a chance to swap Grease Lightning over yet (as I mentioned in my LUSH haul, the pump is broken) so I've only been using that every second night, whenever I can be bothered shaking the bottle furiously to get some out.

Believe it or not, I think my skin has cleared up slightly. As you can see from the photo below, I still have a lot of the pigmentation on my forehead. However, the pimples have lost almost all texture and are no longer raised. I'm sure there are more technical terms for what I'm saying but I don't know them. I hope you all know what I mean. I think this is partly due to my LUSH regime, as pimples can stay raised on my skin for quite some time.

A couple of small blemishes have appeared on my chin since using the LUSH products. I think they were already appearing though, as I started using the LUSH skincare Saturday evening and they had appeared by Sunday morning. I haven't had a breakout since (hope I don't jinx myself!) so I'm fairly sure it wasn't as a result of the products. 


My skin has been feeling smoother since using these products too, which is obviously another plus.

In my opinion, my face isn't as red as the photos appear. I think my camera really enhances redness so don't be alarmed!

Anyway, that's it so far. I'll be back next week to share it all with you again. If you have questions about any of the products I used, leave them below and I'll try my best to answer them. If you have LUSH recommendations, let me know them too 'cos I'm heading back in there on Thursday. Yes, I think I do have a problem.

Also, don't forget to enter my GlossyBox competition for a chance to win a 6 month Glossy Box subscription. Wow!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

Follow me on Twitter @ Born to Buy

Follow me on Facebook @ Born to Buy

Don't know which beauty box to subscribe to? Click here for my reviews. 
To see how I cover my blemishes and pigmentation, click here.

Like what you're reading? Follow me.