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December 31, 2012

Best Beauty Brands of 2012!

With the new year fast approaching, I've created a series recapping the best and worse (well, in my opinion) of beauty products this year. So far I've uploaded my Beauty Highlights and Beauty Disappointments of 2012, but today I wanted to share my the brands that have really impressed me this year! For each brand I will also be listing my favourite product of the year because, well, I will! 

December 30, 2012

Belated MAC Pro Haul

When I decided to do Project Pan I warned you all that I was in the process of placing a MAC Pro order and nothing was going to stop me doing so, not even a shopping ban. 

Unfortunately there is no way to access MAC Pro here in Perth, Western Australia, so I placed my order via email. I have wanted to invest in a MAC Pro Eyeshadow Palette for a long time now. When I contacted them about placing my order it was recommended that I wait as the new palette was going to be released in a matter of weeks. 

The new MAC palettes are very similar to the Z palette. They base is magnetised and the structure is a lot sturdier than their old palettes. The lid is also clear so you can see what's inside. Bonus! This palette is $30.00AUD.

December 29, 2012

New Year's Eve Look, 2012

For the past few years I've had a very boring New Years Eve. I'm normally go to Hopetoun (where I am now) for a week or two and, given that I leave sometime between Christmas and the New Year, I'm never in Perth for it. New Years Eve in Hopetoun consists of grandparents, mother and bed before 10pm. Fun, right? 

In saying that, however, I decided to create a New Years Eve look anyway, knowing I could share it with you all instead of my friends on the night. Let's get into how I created this look!
Image from my Instagram. Follow me @Borntobuy

December 28, 2012

Mirenesse Make Up Glamm Box December, 2012

I received my first Mirenesse Make Up Glam Box, December's box, last week, on December 18. This box is much like the other subscription services I am subscribed to, however the products are all from Mirenesse, obviously. They offer three boxes each month; a skincare box, a make up box and a combination box. I opted for the make up box as that's what I'm really interested in. This box is $15.00 per month with an additional $9.75 for postage, making it $24.75 a month. 

I'll go into more detail at the end of this post, but let's have a look at the contents of this box!

December 26, 2012

Merry Christmas + Giveaway Winners

December 26, 2012 | , , , , , , , , 6 Comments
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you had the best day full of laughter, fun and all round merriness. I know I did! If you saw my last post you'll know I'm away at the moment, so it was great to spend the whole day with my family! 

Anyway, as much as I'd like to talk about my Christmas all day, I'm sure you don't care! You all want to know who won my giveaway, right? Of course! 

Before I announce the winners, however, I'd like to apologise for the fact that some people's entries were deleted. Note to self: Don't check your blog entries on your phone whilst half asleep. I was so excited about the amount of entries for this competition that I checked it first thing in the morning and every time I managed to delete them or accidentally set them as spam. Please note, however, all of the accidentally deleted comments were counted and I think I've finally learnt my lesson!

The winners of the giveaway are as follows! 

Make Up Pack Winner - Candice from YouReview
Nail Pack Winner - Jessie Hay
Hair Pack Winner - Beauty Fiend

Congratulations to you all! Unfortunately you weren't all able to win the pack you wanted, but I think you'll still be very happy with your prize. I sure hope so!

To all the winners, please email me at dontstopbuying@hotmail.com, to organise the postage of your prizeIf unclaimed within the 96 hours (four days), a new winner will be announced. Your prize won't be posted until early January, when I arrive home, but I'll let you know when it is! 

Thanks (again) so much to everyone who entered this giveaway and hello to my new blog follower, Facebook likers and Twitter and Instagram followers. It's been so fantastic to get to talk to you all and I can't wait to host many more giveaways with you all in the future!

Also, did you have a nice Christmas? What did you get up to? Would you like me to post a Christmas haul? It won't be massive, but would you like to see? Let me know! I'll only do it if you do.

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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December 23, 2012

Holiday Packing + December Favourites, 2012

If you've been following my blog for a while you may remember that I go away every year. I visit my grandparents who live in a small coastal town here in Perth, Hopetoun. I'm taking two bags and trying to fit everything into both. Today I packed my beauty/make up for the trip (this post will be uploaded the day after I arrive, however) and I thought I'd invite you to delve into the scary world of my cosmetic bags.

There's no real method to it. If it fits, shove it in! I figured that if I'm taking it with me it must be a true favourite, right, so I've incorporated both into the one post. 

December 22, 2012

MAC Holiday Collection Haul, 2012

Whilst I really like MAC products, I'm not someone who goes crazy over their collections. In general, I prefer to fall in love with products from permanent lines as I know I can always access them. In saying this, however, I fell in love with their Holiday Collections this year.

I couldn't justify paying the Australian retail price for these items so I decided to use the American postal redirection service PriceUSA. For any questions on this company and the process, just let me know! 
Devine Desire Face Kit in Quite Coral 
Powder Blush in Born to Love | Cremesheen Lipstick in In a Heartbeat | Lipglass in Pure Flattery | Technakohl Liner in Photogravure and 139SE Powder/Blush Brush 
$125.00AUD or $70.00US
Primped Out Lip Look Bag in Luxurious Pink 
Cremesheen Lipstick in Lickable | Cremesheen Glass in Call me Gorgeous | Lip Pencil in Great Catch
$89.00AUD or $39.50US 

December 21, 2012

Christmas Look #3, 2012 - Nice 'n' Natural

December 21, 2012 | , , , , , , 1 Comment
My last two Christmas looks, Red, White and Green and Gold, have both been fairly dramatic. I normally spend Christmas at my house with my family, meaning I don't need to wear a whole heap of make up but I still want to look okay, especially because it's such a photographed day. I've created a No Make Up Make Up look that I think will be perfect for Christmas and, to be honest, I'm 90% sure this is how I'll be doing my make up. 

FACE
Benefit The POREfessional | Napoleon Perdis Pro Palette Concealer | Skin 79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Triple Function BB Cream | MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC20 | Bellapierre Mineral Foundation in #02 Ivory | MAC's Pro Sculpting Cream in Coffee Walnut | NARS Laguna Bronzer | NP Set Cruise Blush in Atlantic 

EYES
Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Too Cool  | MAC Carbon Eyeshadow | Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara

LIPS
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm 

Whilst I really like how natural this look is, I wanted to add a bit of life to it so I decided to whip out my Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dust in #36 Champagne. I love how the colour keeps the look natural whilst adding shimmer and depth. 

That's the final look in my three part Christmas Look series. As I said, this is the look I'm most likely to be rocking this Christmas. What kind of make up will you be wearing this Christmas? Do you even wear make up on Christmas Day? What was your favourite look that I created?
Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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December 20, 2012

Essence Show Your Feet Trend Edition "Barefoot Beauties"

With the Australian summer comes hot days and, of course, thongs and bare feet. This year, let's get your feet into tip top shape and show them off!
"Temperatures are rising and we're getting into a super-barefoot-summer mood! Do that nothing can spoilt our jotous anticipation at being reunited with our flip-flots, peep toes & sandals, the Essence Show Your Feet Trend Edition 'Barefoot Beauties' presents a special product collection to highlight your gorgeous feet, nails and legs in January and February 2013. Practical beauty helpers make winter feel look pampered, fresh and stylish again in a flash!"
That sounds great, doesn't it? Let's get into it!

December 19, 2012

Bellabox December, 2012

My December Bellabox arrived two days ago, on December 17. Would you believe it arrived after I left the house for the evening at 5.45pm? That poor delivery man! My goodness they must work long hours over the Christmas period!
As I'm sure you would expect, this box is a Christmas inspired one. 

I only received this box two days ago so I'm not able to review the products yet. 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.

December 18, 2012

Beauty Disappointments of 2012

Last week I uploaded a post on my Beauty Highlights for 2012, listing the products that really impressed me this year. With that in mind, I figured I had to share the products that didn't quite impress me this year. 

Much like my Beauty Highlights of 2012 post, I'm not going to write about each product because, well, I just think that could go on forever. Instead I'll link the text to reviews if I have them. If not, expect it in the future because they're definitely coming!
1. Bioderma Crealine H20. 2. LUSH Grease Lightning. 3. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat . 4. Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Glow. 5. Maybeline One by One mascara

December 16, 2012

Nails of the Day - A Red and White Christmas

As I'm sure you've seen from my Christmas Giveaway and Christmas Look #1, I've really been getting into the Christmas lately. I've done all my Christmas shopping bar three people and, now that I have my Christmas Day plans sorted, it's beginning to feel like the season to be jolly!
Image from my Instagram. Follow me @ Borntobuy

December 15, 2012

Black Friday Haul, 2012

Friday, November 23, was Black Friday in the US. If you don't know what Black Friday is, basically it's the day after Thanksgiving. As far as I can tell, it's much like the Australian equivalent of Boxing Day sales, with retailers opening their stores ridiculously early and hosting amazing sales. 

Whilst many online stores had fantastic sales, I chose to limit myself to one site and one purchase as I'm participating in Project Pan

I've wanted to try Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils for the longest time (in fact, one of their holiday liner kits featured in a Want it Wednesday post) and I thought a 20% off sale would be the best time to give it a try.

December 14, 2012

Christmas Look #2, 2012 - Gold

I've really been getting into the Christmas spirit lately, so I thought I'd create another Christmas look for you all. I've already created one look, my Red, White and Green look, and I really enjoyed messing around.

In my opinion this look is a little more wearable and very similar to something I would wear on a daily basis as I'm a big gold person. Anyway, let's get into how I achieved this look. Please note: The gold in my eyeshadow was a lot more apparent in real life, I just couldn't get it to transfer into photographs.

December 13, 2012

Get fun and flirty with Forbeadins!

A friend of mine is the creative genius behind Forbeadins, a handmade jewellery line here in Perth, and I decided it was time to share the brand with you all! My friend, Prue, hand makes all the jewellery herself. Every piece is hand beaded using the best materials such as Swarovski crystals and Swarovski Pearls. 

Before I get into Forbeadins some more, I'd love to show you some photos from their two newest collections, Neon Ballroom and Spring Tide!

December 12, 2012

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide, 2012

Just when you think you've done all your Christmas shopping, there's always that one person you remember you have to buy for or that person that's told you they bought you a present, even when you didn't intend on buying them anything. Cue frantic shopping. 

Don't stress! I've created a list of 12 presents that I think would be great last minute gifts, most of which can be bought in Australia.

December 11, 2012

Beauty Highlights of 2012

With the end of the year getting near, I decided it was time for me to start recapping the best and worst of 2012, starting with my Beauty Highlights of 2012.

I'm not going to write about each product because, well, I just think that could go on forever. Instead I'll link the text to reviews if I have them. If not, expect it in the future because they're definitely coming!
Benefit the POREfessionalMake Up For Ever HD FoundationNARS Orgasm Powder Blush | MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Coffee Walnut | NARS Laguna Bronzer | Inglot #395 Freedom Palette Eyeshadow | Urban Decay Naked Palette | L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows (every colour I've tried) | Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry | MAC Creme Cup Lipstick |L'Oreal NutriShine by Colour Riche in Nudy Coral | Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Naked Plum

There's no better product recommendation than seeing it in an end of year favourites post! You know it's a winner. With that in mind, please comment below with your beauty highlights of 2012. I'd love to hear them. Also, let me know if you'd like to see reviews of any of these products! 

What's coming next? The next post in this series will be my Beauty Disappointments of 2012. Get ready for it!
Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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December 09, 2012

Christmas Look #1, 2012 - Red, White and Green

As I said in my Christmas Giveaway, I LOVE Christmas. It's just a fun time of year. With that in mind, I thought it might be cool to create a couple of Christmas inspired looks. 

I created this look using traditional Christmas colours; red, white and green. Keep reading to see how I created this look!

December 08, 2012

What I'm Giving For Christmas, 2012

I haven't done a Gift Guide this holiday season because, to be honest, I didn't have that many ideas this year. In the past week or two I've found some great bargains, but it seems a bit late. Instead I want to show you what I'll be giving this Christmas. 

Peta, Carly, Mum, Mario, Tim, Amy or Remy, please exit this post now! I don't want you seeing what I got you.
**All images retrieved from the sites linked below

1. My First Remote Control Train - $20.00 from KMart
2. Furless Purple Power Make Up Brush Set - $49.99 from Furless 
3. Too Faced The Return of Sexy Palette - $55.95 from BeautyBay or $64.95 from Kit Cosmetics 
4. Remote Control Helicopter Control with iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad - $39.99 from Malebox
5. Nerf Gun - Assorted prices. Two pack at KMart for $20.00
6. Rocket Around The Tree Gift Set - $19.95 from LUSH
7. Snow Fairy Gift Set - $22.95 from LUSH
8. Jurlique Hand Picked Rose 2 Piece Collection - $38.95 from BeautyBay, $48.99 from Jurlique and $49.00 from Myer
9. Mrs Frosty From LUSH - $19.95 from LUSH

That's a majority of the presents I've bought and will be gifting this Christmas. I still have one sister to buy for, as well as a brother in law and half of my nephew's Christmas present. 

I have absolutely no idea what to get said sister, aged 25, so I'd love your suggestions! Also, what are you getting this Christmas? Have you forgotten to buy something for someone? That's okay! I have a Last Minute Gift Guide coming soon!
Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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December 06, 2012

Project Pan #2: UPDATE 1

I set myself a Project Pan challenge in on October 19 (to see the full post, click here), meaning that I had to use up 15 beauty products (haircare, skincare, cosmetics etc) before I was allowed to purchase any more. Before I get into what I've used up, here are the rules I set for myself.
  • To include a product in the fifteen I must have used it up completely. Some people say cosmetics can be counted once someone 'hits pan' but that seems pointless to me
  • Products will be included unless I need to repurchase it and my skincare routine will not be compromised, however I may give other products I own a try after finishing my current products (I did a lot of this, using samples and random products in an attempt to not repurchase my skincare staples) 
  • Hair products, unless they are essentials that I feel must replaced, are counted
  • Nail products are counted
  • I have managed to accumulate a ridiculous amount of body stuff, so soaps, body wash and anything else body related will count 
  • If I find myself trying a new product that is breaking me out or giving me a reaction etc., I will stop using it and the product won't be counted
  • If I finish a product and feel that I don't have a replacement in my collection I can repurchase it and the product won't be counted 
  • Blog purchases (including giveaways and products purchased by request to review) are not included
  • Ridiculous bargains and/or limited edition products do not count
  • I will continue to receive my Lust Have It! and Bella Box subscriptions 
  • Products sent to me for review on my blog are not included in the sense that they are not purchases 
I set myself this challenge to use products in my collection. Where I could, I replaced an empty product with something else in my collection so that the product could be counted.



So let's get into what I've used up!

December 05, 2012

Want it Wednesday: YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking

When it comes to beauty gurus on YouTube, to me they don't get much better than FluerDeForce. Fleur is a lovely English girl who has fantastic taste in beauty products, especially cosmetics.

Fleur is a big fan of YSL's Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking. I have a few YSL beauty products and, whilst I like them, I don't LOVE them. This product, however, sounds absolutely amazing, like it could easily become a staple.

As much as I'd like to try this mascara, it retails for $52.00AUD (being $30.00 in the US). Whilst it would be okay for a one off product purchase, I'm scared I'd love it and not want anything else. I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Have you tried any cosmetics from YSL, especially their mascara? Want to know what I bought from them? Click here to see my haul. Let me know if you'd like reviews of these products. 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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December 04, 2012

SPRING/SUMMER TREND TUESDAY: Metal Hair Accessories

December 04, 2012 | , , , , , , , , , 6 Comments
SOURCE
I love hair cuffs and metallic hair accessories. The size, colour and shape of the hair accessory can add style, class or edge to any hair look. 

Hair cuffs work great in all ponytail styles, whether it be loose and low or slick and high. Obviously the shape and style of the hair cuff will influence the placement of the ponytail, but there are so many options! 

I've also seen a lot of metallic top knot hair accessories on sale in the past few months. These include wraps that, much like the hair cuff, add style to the humble top knot. Whilst I don't own one, I have a selection of silver and rose gold studded hair elastics that look great peaking through my top knot.

December 03, 2012

LUSH and Colette Haul

Two Fridays ago I had a long overdue meet up with some friends I studied with. Given that we all live in opposite sides of Perth, we decided to meet in the city as it was the most central and easily accessible. 

I don't head into the city much because I spend too much, but it was great timing for me. I used the last of my Aqua Marina and Ocean Salt about two weeks ago, and was 'getting by' with skincare samples. Needless to say, my skin is going crazy and I'm so glad to be back to my normal skincare routine. Whilst I was there I started my Christmas shopping and picked up a bunch of gifts. 

Want to see what I bought from LUSH, as well as my single purchase from Colette by Colette Hayman? Keep reading!

December 01, 2012

November Favourites, 2012

November has been a great month for me. As you may know, I've spent the past two years studying a Community Services and Youth Work at Certificate III, IV and Diploma level. Two weeks ago I finally finished all my course work and, in two weeks time I'll have finished the last of my work experience. Whilst this is in an exciting time for me, I'm also frantically trying to find a job in the industry. Wish me luck!

This month I rediscovered some products I've love but have forgotten about, possibly because I've been trying other things. Let's get into it!

Tiny Hand With Heart