August/September Empties + Clear Out, 2012

Although I've started uploading Empties posts to accompany my Favourites posts, you may have noticed I didn't upload one in August. I only had a couple of things so I figured it would make more sense to combine two, much like I did for June/July. 

Not only did I manage to accumulate a fair few empties over the two months, I also 'sorted out my make up collection' a bit of a clean out and, in doing so, decided to throw out some samples and old products. 

As you can see from this bag, it was quite full! 

Buy Pink and Be Breast Aware in 2012

Last year I uploaded a post listing all the places we could 'Buy Pink' and be breast aware for the year 2011. With October, the International Breast Cancer Month, fast approaching, I decided it was time to share how we can support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and shop at the same time!

I will be listing the product, as well as how much is going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation - 

Bellapierre Foundation Primer Review

Source  

"Bellapierre paraben free foundation primer was developed to treat dryness, fine lines, excess oil and enlarged pores. Our mineral infused formula glides on with no tacky feel to provide a skin soothing complexion prior to applying Bellapierre mineral foundation for a seamlessly flawless face."

- Bellapierre  

As someone with combination/oily skin I rely on a foundation primer to control oil and prolong the wear of my make up, especially foundation. Having used this product randomly since receiving it a few months ago, I finally committed to using it after my Benefit The POREfessional sample ran out. 

After using this product for a couple of days, I'm not sure why I didn't start using it sooner. I really like it. I guess that's what happens when you have SO many products, hey?

Lust Have It! September, 2012

My Lust Have It! box for September arrived yesterday and, as always, I'm here to share it with you all. 

Going back to the make up bag packaging, this month's box was packaged in a silver bag. I really like the idea of these bags, however I don't have a use for them all. In case you're wondering, I got the Fun and Flirty pack. Well, I think I did. The top of the information card says 'Fun and Flirty Lust Haves'. 

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.

Want it Wednesday: Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

The lovely Amy from Beauty in a Bottle has allowed me to jump on the bandwagon and, as I'm sure you can tell from the name of this post, tell you what I want each Wednesday. I love her blog, in particular her Want it Wednesday posts, so I thought it would be a great way to tell you all what's been on my shopping list lately.

I created quite the shopping list after discovering that Make Up For Ever is, in fact, sold in Australia (click here for my review of the Make Up For Ever HD foundation review, as well as information on trade discounts and more).

Source - Media Make Up

SPRING/SUMMER TREND TUESDAY: Metallic Eye

SOURCE

It's all about metallic eyes this Spring/Summer. It was one of the biggest trends to hit the catwalk and, with it being so easy to recreate a more wearable version, why not bring a little catwalk to your everyday life? 

When I say metallic I mean gold, silver and bronze eyes, but why not have some fun and mess about with a jewel toned metallic eye? Honestly, the sky is the limit!

Wondering what metallic you should rock? 

Belated Shopping Haul

I know I'm meant to be saving money (please don't ask, it's going terribly) but last weekend I kind of, well, failed myself. I've wanted a cream product to contour with for a long time now and HAD to have one of the Pro Sculpting Creams from MAC!

After realising they were available I raced as quickly as I could to my local MAC counter. For some reason I didn't think they were on sale yet, and I was so scared that the colour that would be best for me would sold out.

Boy was I lucky I made it there when I did, too! The colour I preferred, Pure Sculpture (softened tan brown, as described by Temptalia) was unfortunately sold out so I opted for Coffee Walnut (a grey-ish medium-dark brown with subdued, orange-tan undertones and a slight green-cast, as described by Temptalia).

My Most Expensive Face

When you love make up and beauty as much as I do it's easy to accumulate a ridiculous amount of products, many of which can be very expensive. I decided to whip out some of my most expensive items, see how much damage I could do and, well, how much my face could cost.

Please note: I don't typically wear this much make up well, ever. I didn't change too much in terms of my face (although I don't often use more than one powder), however I rarely use this many eye products. This was all in the nature of the challenge I set myself.

I will attach links to all the products that have been reviewed, so don't forget to check them out if you're curious.

Spectrum Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadow Review

In August I received a selection of beautiful products from Saucy Sweethearts, an online store based in Perth. For a full list of the products I received, click here.

Not only did I receive two full sized mineral eyeshadows from Rockabetty Cosmetics (click here for a review), I was also sent samples of six mineral eye shadows from Spectrum Cosmetics.

• City Lights: Metallic silver white
• Shelly Beach: Purple shadow with blue duochrome/shimmer 
• Chemical X: Teal green with shimmer
• Spring Fling: Pink glitter
• Outback Spirit: Bright warm toned gold
• Witching Hour: Matte black with blue sparkle

Left to Right: City Lights, Shelly Beach, Chemical X, Spring Fling, Outback Spirit and Witching Hour

Bellabox September, 2012

On Tuesday, September 18, my fourth Bellabox arrived. I always find that Bellabox's arrive in great time. This month's box contained 6 products, including two that I'm really excited about trying!

This box has been designed to help subscribers kiss goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring! 

As I said, I received this box on Tuesday and, as of yet, I haven't had a chance to try all the products. I'm already in love with one, however. 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.

Entourage Cosmetics Smoke Eyeliner Review

A few weeks ago I received a parcel from Entourage Cosmetics, an Australian cosmetics company with products specially formulated for sensitive skin. The package contained a selection of exciting products to try, including the Smoke Eyeliner in #01 Black.

"Smudge like liners fit between shadow and a liquid. Delivers a long lasting smokey or clean look"

- Entourage Cosmetics

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation Review

"The Make Up For Ever HD Complexion products use innovative formulas to create a new generation of make up which is both invisible on HD cameras and to the naked eye. The HD foundation is an oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation which covers skin imperfections, while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. Its extremely fine texture is supple and easy to apply. Enriched with moisturising agents, it leaves the skin soft and radiant. It is available in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones."

- Make Up For Ever

Anyone who loves make up will have heard of Make Up For Ever. This brand is spoken of so highly within the US beauty community, however I've never known how to access their products in Australia without using eBay. Recently, however, I was sent this foundation from an Australian online store, Media Makeup Store, along with another Make Up For Ever foundation.

Left to Right: No foundation and after Make Up For Ever HD Foundation application

What's in my Handbag Makeup Bag?

I used to think people were crazy when they said they had a make up bag within their bag - I mean, who needs to take THAT much stuff with them? It turns out they're not crazy, they're super organised, and I've decided to jump on the bandwagon to clean up the mess that is my handbag. 

The make up bag I use is the Cosmetics Bag from Essence's latest trend edition, Ready for Boarding, and is the perfect size for my handbag. This small cosmetics bag retails for $4.95.

Make Up Set Up + GIVEAWAY

I absolutely love my make up set up. In the past few months I've been perfecting all areas of my make up storage and last weekend I put the final touches on it. Remember to check this whole post out - There's a super exciting giveaway at the end!

*Before I continue, I apologise for these photos. They were taken in the afternoon with the lighting doing all sorts of crazy things. Yes, I should have taken them in a the morning. :(

One of my favourite pieces of furniture is my Queen Anne Dressing Table. I bought this dressing table from Gumtree in January and I am so in love with it. It took me a couple of months to find the perfect piece and I'm so glad I spent time to find one I really loved. I'm in the process of 'redoing' my room, actually, and this dressing table was the start.

Nails of the Day: Pastel Pop

Today I decided to do something a little different with my nails and get into the accent nail trend. I've always like the effect, however I never had to colours that I thought went very well together.

Therein lies the problem, I said one day, as I discovered that the key to such nails is wearing contrasting colours.

Today I'm wearing Wet 'n' Wild's I Need a Refresh-Mint with Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in Bubblegum Pink on my ring finger.

This picture, as will all my NOTD pictures, has been taken from my Instagram. Subscribe to me for tips, tricks, instahauls and more!

What do you think of accent nails? What's your favourite nail polish combination?

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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10 Products I Would Repurchase TAG!

I've decided to do the TAG I've seen on YouTube for a month or two now, the 10 Products I Would Repurchase TAG! Imagine that one day you woke up to find that you lost your entire make up collection - What are the first 10 products that you would repurchase? 

It's hard to even contemplate losing all my make up but let's get into it! I'm going to try and create a full face of make up with these products 'cos, well, who wants just half a face of make up? If I have reviews of these products uploaded on my blog I'll be sure to link them! 

1. I have combination/oily skin so first off I need a foundation primer, regardless of how many products I am/am not allowed. I would buy Benefit's The POREfessional foundation primer in a heartbeat and, in fact, I repurchased it on the weekend.

2. For foundation I would purchase NARS' Sheer Glow foundation. This foundation is perfect for my skin type and is probably the most natural looking one I've ever used. Although I'm often trying other skin bases, I would be lost without this foundation.

Rockabetty Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadows Review

As I mentioned in my Saucy Sweethearts post, I recently acquired two Rockabetty Cossmetics Mineral Eyeshadows; Changeling and Cupcake Not a Muffin. Saucy Sweethearts' website describes the eyeshadows as the following 

• Changeling: Pearly peachy-pink with a copper colour shifting base and red/copper shimmer
• Cupcake not a Muffin: Pink to orange colour shifting duo-chrome, loaded with burnt orange glitter

Left to Right: Cupcake Not a Muffin WITH Rockabetty Pot Sticker, Cupcake Not a Muffin, Changeling WITH Rockabetty Pot Sticker and Changeling

The texture of these eyeshadows is incredible; they are so soft and creamy. The pigmentation of these products means that they work well as an all over lid colour, as well as an eyeshadow that can be worked into a number of beautiful eye looks. 

Essence Ready for Boarding Trend Edition Review

Last week I received another package from Essence, this time containing some of the products from their newest trend edition, Ready for Boarding. Much like their Rebels trend edition, this one is full of more great products.

"London, Rome, New York, Rio de Janeiro– summertime is travel season! Whether you’re going on a last-minute trip to Noosa or travelling to far-away countries or even around the world: with the new essence trend edition “ready for boarding”, you can welcome that yearning desire to travel right before we head into Summer 2012. These practical little travel products simply have to come along, no matter how full your suitcase is! So go pack those bags, head through the security check and get ready for take-off!"

- Press Release 

Saucy Sweethearts Giveaway WINNER!

Well here we are again, waiting to see who's won the latest giveaway. As with any giveaway, I loved reading all the entries.

Before I announce the winner of this giveaway, I owe a big thank you to the fantastic team at Saucy Sweethearts, especially Kasey. Organising this giveaway has been a pleasure, much like trying the fantastic products she also sent me. To see my Saucy Sweethearts haul, click here. 

And now, let's get into announcing the winner

And the winner issssssssssssss...

Jessica Bollen!

"My favourite product in the giveaway is the Grumpy Girl Foaming Sugar Scrub."

It smells amazing, Jessica, so I'm sure you'll love it. Congratulations on winning! Please email me at dontstopbuying@hotmail.com, to organise the postage of your prize. If unclaimed within the 48 hours, a new winner will be announced. 

Thanks again to everyone who entered the competition, I always love reading your answers! I recently celebrated my first year as a beauty blogger, so keep your eyes out in the coming weeks for a birthday giveaway!  

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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First Blog Birthday!

Today one year ago I uploaded my very first blog post or, well, that's what I thought! About two weeks ago I realised my blog anniversary was coming up so I decided to check the actual date - September 9. Anyway, here I am, celebrating my first year of blogging on my 'birthday', only to realise it was actually on Friday, September 6. Oops. I only realised because I wanted to link you guys to my very first blog posts. 

Regardless of when the actual date was, I've officially been blogging for a year (or 208 posts). How exciting! Click here to see my first blog post and here for my first review, both uploaded on the same day. 

Thank you all so much for being such fantastic supporters and followers of what I love, make up. I really appreciate it all.

I will be uploading a birthday giveaway within the next month or so (late, I know), but I don't want to order the prize until I reach my next saving goal (in case you're wondering, the saving is going terribly but I'm finally sticking to my plan). 

Once again, thank you all for your support and getting involved with Born to Buy as much as you can! Remember, I love reading comments. I'd also love for you all to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! Links will be attached, as well as below.

Here's to another fantastic year of beauty and blogging!

Click here to enter my Saucy Sweethearts bath and body giveaway! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Nails of the Day - Lady Like

This is just a very quick post to show you all what I'm wearing on my nails today, Essie's Lady Like. It's a pale mauve colour and I'm a big fan. For more information about my pledge for brighter nails, click here. 

This nail polish is a mini from an Essie collection I own and I think it's a great neutral colour.

What nail polishes have you been loving lately?

Click here to enter my Saucy Sweethearts bath and body giveaway! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Sorting Out My Makeup

As much as I love my make up storage and set up, I just don't have enough space. Tonight I've decided to go through everything and, yes, that might mean throwing out some old stuff. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, here are the pics I just uploaded to Instagram so you can see the mess for yourselves. It doesn't look that bad, I know, but it's worse in person.

Just a little bit about what you can see in the photos - 

• The dressing table is Queen Anne style and bought off Gumtree 
• You can't really see the large mirror but it's a white and gold framed one from Target
• The acrylic make up storage unit is from The Make Up Box Shop. For more information on it, click here for my post. 

How do you keep your make up organized?

Click here to enter my Saucy Sweethearts bath and body giveaway! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Benefit The POREfessional Review

** I have no picture at present, but I will upload one as soon as I buy myself the full sized product** 

"Quickly minimise the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over make up. Translucent, oil free formula complements all skintones and helps make up stay put. Contains a vitamin e derivative known to protect skin from free radicals" 

- Benefit Cosmetics 

As far as I'm concerned, the 7.5mL sample of Benefit's The POREfessional is one of the best things I have received in a beauty box. I receieved it in my June Bella Box and I couldn't have been happier, especially because I'd wanted to try it for a long time!

I am in love with this product. The lightweight formula smoothes out my skin incredibly, filling in the pores around my t-zone (although pores aren't a huge issue with me) and create a great base for my make up. 

I find that my make up wear time is extended when I'm using my Benefit The POREfessional, especially when it's teamed with my Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.

As I said, I find that this product has a very lightweight formula, meaning that it doesn't feel too heavy, even as it wears. After using this, I'm finding it very difficult to use the primer I was using previously as it feels zoo heavy in comparison. 

The beige tint disperses as it's applied, gently muting the look of redness without being an actual skin tint.

Due to my use of Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, I only apply this product to my t-zone, the place my skin gets the oiliest. Prior to buying the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, however, I did apply this to my whole face. I found the results to be very similar, I just no longer need it everywhere. 

A small amount of Benefit's The POREfessional goes a long way! I received my 7.5mL sample in June and, although it's running out, it's lasted a pretty decent amount of time. Given that the full sized product is 22mL, I can imagine that it will last me a pretty long time. 

I would recommend this product to everyone, regardless of their skin type and I honestly think it will work well for everyone. This product retails for $53.00 in AUstralia, however it can be bought for $30.00 from Benefit Cosmetic's US online store, with free international shipping on orders over $125.00. Click here to access store. I will be placing an order in the next few weeks.

So, everyone, have you tried this primer before? What did you think of it? What's your favourite foundation primer? 

Also, ladies and gents, I'll be placing an order with Benefit in the next few weeks, as I said. I'd love to know what product you love from Benefit. Please comment below!

Click here to enter my Saucy Sweethearts bath and body giveaway! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Review

Source: Urban Decay

In July (click here to see the haul) I bought myself something I've wanted to try for a long time now, Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray. 

"Your make will last 16 hours! Perfect for all skin types, this ultra-fine mist hold make up for brides, dancers and ladies who just like lookin' GOOD.

In an exclusive partnership with SKINDINAVIA, we developed this groundbreaking hypoallergenic setting spray that keeps your make up on for 16 unbelievable hours. Legendary enough that it's already inspired imitations, All Nighter boasts a patent pending Temperature Cooling Technology that makes this weightless mist so powerful and sets it far above the competition. Your makeup won't melt when it's warm and humid or become dehydrated when it's cold and windy. Yes, it actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to hold foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place. The sprayer, unlike others on the market, delivers a micro-fine mist that distributes product evenly over the skin."

- Urban Decay website

Nails of the Day - Pacific Blue

This is just a very quick post to show you all the beautiful nail polish I bought today, Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in Pacific Blue. Lately I've been trying to wear brighter nails and I couldn't be happier with this colour. I saw it in one of DulceCandy's YouTube videos and I've been on the look out for it ever since. For more information about my pledge for brighter nails, click here. 

This nail polish was $6.95 and I bought it from Priceline. Priceline is currently offering 3 for 2 on all Sally Hansen products (excluding their airbrush legs products) so I'd definitely recommend you check it out. This is my first Sally Hansen nail polish but certainly not my last.

What nail polishes have you been loving this month? What do you think of my latest investment?

Click here to enter my Saucy Sweethearts bath and body giveaway! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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