Saucy Sweethearts Christmas Gift Guide

Last year Saucy Sweethearts created a number of different packs specially designed for Christmas. The packs were such a success that they've decided to do it again this year, creating gifts suited to all females; the body lovers and the cosmetics lovers. Each pack is great value with every one having a saving. 

I was lucky enough to have the owner of Saucy Sweethearts, Kasey, consult me in regards to the colour combinations for the eyeshadow gift sets. It was such a great fun and she kindly named one after the blog, calling it BORN2BUY. Such an honour!

Anyway, I could go on about this for ever but let's get into what they have ready for us!

THREE DAYS ONLY: Bellapierre 50% off!

I've been in contact with one of the lovely ladies at Bellapierre and, whilst this promotion is exclusive for people who are signed up to Bellapierre's mailing list, she suggested I share it with you all!

Until December 2, 2012, Bellapierre is offering 50% off ANY purchase! How? Easy! Simply use the code BC2012XMD50 at the checkout to be credited with the hefty discount! 

It's probably a good that I'm taking part in Project Pan because I might have gone crazy, but at 50% off it's totally justified. The 3 and 5 Eye Shadows Palettes look absolutely beautiful though, do they not? 

To see my review of Bellapierre's Foundation Primer, click here!

So, head to http://bellapierre.com to take advantage of this great offer. What will you be buying?

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Lust Have It! November, 2012

On Monday I came home from work to find my Lust Have It! pack waiting for me. This pack contains a selection of products that have been selected to help us get ready for summer parties! Sounds good. 

Since April of this year (click here to see April's pack), Lust Have It! have been packaging the contents of their packs in bright colour cosmetics bags. As stated on the information card in the bag, this is the last month that subscribers will be receiving 'pop-colour make up bags'. Next month, apparently, we'll be introduced to new collectible packaging. I can't wait to see what it is!

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.

Want it Wednesday: Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Ore

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This is not the first time Illamasqua has featured in one of my Want it Wednesday posts (click here to see my previous Illamasqua Want it Wednesday). I've only ever tried one Illamasqua product, a Liquid Metal in Solstice, and I totally love it, meaning I'd love to try more of their products.

I recently saw Illamasqua's Pure Pigment in Ore used in a tutorial and, wow, it's such a beautiful colour. Illamasqua describes Ore as 'a rich russet bronze pure pigment'. It definitely has shimmer in it, as you can see from Illamasqua's swatch above, but it's so beautiful. I would love to add this to my collection.

Have you tried Illamasqua's Pure Pigments? What are they like? What colours do you have? Would you recommend them? What's been added to your shopping list in the past week?

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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SPRING/SUMMER TREND TUESDAY: Beach Hair

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I hate the beach. A lot. I hate the fact that sand gets everywhere and, of course, I hate the heat, even in summer. In saying that, however, I love beach hair. Whilst it can be very drying, salt water just does the coolest things to hair, doesn't it?

To me, beach hair scream chic, yet put together, and works with a lot of outfits, casual and formal. It just works! 

Sea salt sprays are designed to create 'just been to the beach' style waves without, well, going to the beach. As the name suggests, they all have a salt component and assist in the styling of hair, as well as providing it with hold. 

Bellabox November, 2012

On Thursday my Bellabox arrived. After a long day of work experience, it's always nice to come to a little treat, especially when you have no idea what's in it! 

This box is called the 'Soiree Season Staples' box and, obviously, it contains a bunch of products that are great for summer. 

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.

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

I love Christmas, it's one of my favourite times of the year. I'm not one of those people who goes all out, buying extravagant gifts or doing hardcore decorating, but I enjoy spending time with my family and buying presents for people, especially when I know they're really going to like them.

Throughout this year I've been collection bits and pieces for my Christmas giveaway, including a lot of my favourite products. When it came time to work out the finer details of it, however, I realised HOW much stuff I had. A lot. I decided to split the giveaway into three parts; make up, nails and haircare. It suppose it's a bit of a first, second and third type of situation, but I don't want to look at it like that because I really like each prize pack.

I am really excited to be sharing this giveaway with you all. In fact, almost a week ago I packed each giveaway so they're ready to be sent already. I LOVE CHRISTMAS.

Before I get into how to enter, let's look at what you could win! 

Essence Colour Arts Trend Edition + Review

At one time or another every girl has wanted to have the opportunity to design their own cosmetics, right? I know I have! With this new Trend Edition from Essence you'll be able to do just that!

"Unlimited colour, unlimited effects, unlimited looks! All creative beauty queens take note: from November 2012, Essence offers endless new and cool styling options for your eyes, lips and nails with the Trend Edition 'Colour Arts'. Pure colour pigments in bright shades - from matte and subtle shimmer to metallic and sparkling glitter - ensure a unique look that is guaranteed to be eye-catching. All pigments can be mixed and matched for an absolutely individual look. Whether used on their own or combined - the expressive colours in this trend edition are sure to lift your mood and awaken your creativity. Do it yourself .. with Essence!"

- Press Release 

Sigma Black Friday Sale!

(click on this image to access Sigma directly)

Black Friday is coming up, everyone! Whilst in the US Black Friday is known as the day after Thansksgiving, marked with numerous sales and ridiculous shopping hours, I know it as one of those cool American things we miss out on here in Aus! Well not anymore!

Sigma Beauty is offering TWO FULL DAYS of free shipping (domestic and First Class International)! The sale begins at midnight (12AM Central Standard Time) on Thursday, November 22, and ends at midnight (12AM Central Standard Time) on Frdiay, November 23. Yep, that's 48 hours of free shipping!

Want it Wednesday: Buxom Time to Shine

One of my favourite YouTube gurus, meghanrosette, loves Buxom lip glosses raves about them constantly. I've always wanted to try these glosses but, unfortunately, they aren't available in Australia! 

The Buxom Time to Shine is a 6 piece lip gloss set that would fit in my lip gloss collection perfectly.

"This luscious lip collection has multiple finishes and shades to keep you centre stage. Shimmery and sparkling Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polishes and creamy, glass smooth Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Creams. Lacquer and layer them up to create your perfect pout. With the refreshing tingling sensation plus vitamins A and E, lips are soft, smooth and ready for the spotlight"

- Sephora 

This set contains -

• 2 x 0.07oz Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Creams in White Russian (nude pink) and Berry Blast (vivid fuchsia)
• 4 x 0.07oz Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sugar (original/rose beige), Katie (original/pale pink), April (diamond/glimmering icy pink) and Gina (diamond/glimmering hot pink)

This set retails for $29.00 and $31.90 on Tarazz (an Australian online store that stocks Sephora's product line. Shipping from Tarazz, however, is $22.95. You decide whether it's worth it. 

I'm rediscovering my lip gloss collection at the moment an, as I said, I think it would fit in perfectly. What do you think? Also, what do you think of Tarazz's ridiculous postage prices? Will you be ordering from them anytime soon?

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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SPRING/SUMMER TREND TUESDAY: Ombre/Balayage Hair

Ombre and Balayage hair is very 'in' at the moment. Whilst it has been for a while now, I think it's extra effective in the Spring and Summer. Why? Because the gradual lightening of the hair is perfect for this time of year.

Before I continue, let's look at the different between Ombre and Balayage hair. To be honest, I didn't really know if there WAS a difference until today (except that balayage is the technique).

"Ombre hair refers to the gradual lightening of the hair strand, usually fading from a darker color near the roots to a lighter on at the ends. Ombre can be very subtle or very striking. The look you want to achieve will depend on the technique and level of lightness."

- The Love Hanger: Ombre Hair vs. Balayage 

SOURCE

Saucy Sweethearts Haul #2

Lately I've been into things that make my room smell pretty. I've never been into candles and melts (if I'm being completely honest, it's because I hate matches) but a friend of mine gifted me some beautiful melts and I've been hooked ever since.

Quick Tip: For anyone else who has an unnatural phobia of matches and lighting candles, the Dusk Turbo Lighter is for you!

When I saw that Saucy Sweethearts, a favourite online store of mine, were stocking candles and melts I was so excited and I HAD to get some. 

Last week I picked up all four of the Grumpy Girl Travel Tin Candles and, at $6.50 each, I think I got a total bargain!

Top: Blooming Idiot and Twinkies
Bottom: Revenge Is Sweet and Lollipops

Grumpy Girl Travel Tin Candles are available in the following scents

• Blooming Idiot: Sweet notes of bartlett pear, apricot, white peach and plum blossom with fresh notes of mimosa and spring air. 
• Twinkies: Just like the real thing. Rich, moist and buttery yellow cake with sweet creamy vanilla filling 
• Revenge Is Sweet: Fruit salad of orange, strawberry, apple and grapes; sprinkled with shaved coconuts
• Lollipops: Berries and mixed fruit with notes of sweet spun sugar on a stick. Just like the real thing (This candle smells EXACTLY like Fruit Tingles, mmm!)

These candles all smell absolutely incredible and I'm so glad I bought all four, especially because I'm so terrible at imagining what scents really smell like.

Lastly, I bought a Cleanse Your Soul Manicure Set in the scent Twilight Woods (this fragrance combines the scent of ripe forest berries and soft sensual musk, with middle notes of sweet mimosa flowers and apricots, along with subtle hints of oak and juniper). 

Cleanse Your Soul Manicure Set in Twilight Woods

This Manicure Set contains a 4 oz. Spa Hand Polish, 2 oz. Hand Protectant and Cuticle Salve. My cuticles are in terrible condition at the moment so hopefully this is a little like hand rehab for me! This set was $16.00.

I know I've said all of these products were for me but, well, I lied! Some of them will be featuring in my upcoming Christmas giveaway (to be uploaded on November 25). I'm not telling you what though, you'll have to wait and see!

Use the Discount Code BORN2BUY to receive 10% off any order with Saucy Sweethearts at www.saucysweethearts.com.au! 

**I do not receive any financial gain if people use this Discount Code.

So, everyone, that's my Saucy Sweethearts haul and, let me tell you, it was $42.00 well spent! Now, tell me - What products are you hoping will feature in the giveaway? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also, what do you think of the products I got? Comment below! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil REVIEW

A month or so ago I was sent a selection of products from Crush Cosmetics, an online Australian store selling brands such as E.L.F., NYX, Barry M, NYX and more! Not only does it sell products at a fantastic price, many of the brands they sell aren't readily available in Australia.

SOURCE
Left to Right: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha and Milk

Essence Snow White Trend Edition

"Mirror, mirror on the wall... these words conjure-up wonderful fantasies of enchanted forests, a prince and the greatest love of all... but what was the story behind that famous line again? In collaboration with Disney, the seven dwarves will not only charm us with their rosy red cheeks and a cheerful song on their lips in December 2012, they’ll be delighting true fairytale fashionistas with the new essence trend edition “snow white” for bright, colourful nail trends! A snow white look and fairytale glam for your nails – the hype of the summer!"

- Press Release 

Apologies + Update

Hi, everyone, I just wanted to apologise for the fact that I didn't upload a Spring/Summer Trend Tuesday or Want it Wednesday post this week. I've been very busy finishing assignments (and my course in general, actually), so have focused most of my attention to that. In saying that, I have basically finished and, therefore, you have my undivided attention once more.

I haven't blogged in about a week (with my last few posts being written a few weeks ago and scheduled to upload) and I'm so glad to finally have the time to sit and write once more. 

There is a lot coming up for this Born to Buy! Firstly, my three part (yes, three parts and three prizes) giveaway will be uploaded on November 25 and I'm super excited. I've been collecting these products for a while now and I'm so glad to be sharing them with you all. 

I also have a lot of new product reviews, hauls and other ideas in the works. To see what I have planned, click here. If you have any post requests, please include them in a comment on that page. I'd love to hear/read about them!

Whilst I've thought about doing a Christmas gift series, I'm not sure whether people want to see it. Would you like to? If so, what are your Christmas gift recommendations and where do you like to do your Christmas shopping? 

Lastly, I feel as though I'm running out of ideas for my Spring/Summer Trend Tuesday series. What trends would you like to see?!

Don't forget to like Born to Buy's Facebook page. Click here to find it. The page often has giveaways, as well as discussions and other blog updates. Don't miss out!

Okay, everyone, I think that's about it. Don't forget to tell me about your Christmas shopping and recommendations. 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin REVIEW

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If you read my Base Make Up Collection post, you'll know that the original Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream did not impress me. Everything about the product, from the coverage to the finish, disappointed me. In saying that, however, I'm so happy to report that I am more than in love with the Combination to Oily skin formula. 

"The daily All-In-One solution corrects, protects, unifies, hydrates and mattifies in one application with instant and lasting results. Its unique oil-free formula, with ultra-absorbent perlite is specially designed to help control all day long. If effectively minimises the appearance of pores and imperfections for a visible improvement in skin texture. Its lightweight and comfortable text with an optimal coverage blends perfectly into the skin without the heaviness of a foundation. 

The SPF 15 UV filter helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun."

- Garnier  

The Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Combination to Oily has become one of my staple beauty products, being used as often as my high end foundations and bases.

Essence The Twilight Saga - Part 2 Makeup Collection

"As an official promotional partner collaborating with Summit Entertainment, LLC, a LIONSGATE® company, the cosmetics brand essence is launching a special, limited edition make-up collection just in time for the Australian premiere of the highly anticipated THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 2 on the 15th of November, 2012. 

Team Edward and Team Jacob take note – the time has finally arrived! The big finale of the popular Twilight Saga is coming to theatres soon as vampires and werewolves unite one last time to fight against a common enemy. Just in time for the release of the movie, essence presents a stunning make-up collection inspired by THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 2. With the mysterious colors of dawn, fantastic shimmer pigments as well as dark, dramatic effects and blood-red products for your lips and cheeks, essence is offering true vampire power for all girls – until the break of dawn..."

- Press Release   

That's right, to celebrate the release of the final movie in the Twilight Saga, Essence has released a Trend Edition based on the movies. Whilst I'm not a fan of Twilight at all (sorry to all the Twilight lovers), I really like the idea of these products and, in fact, I'm enjoying using some of them. Let's get into the products that are featured in the collection! 

Ulta3 Nail Art Stickers Giveaway

As I promised in my Ulta3 Nail Art Stickers review post, I am giving away the four sets of these fantastic nail stickers that are featured in the photo below; Black Tie Affair, Bling it On, Rainbow Bright and Golden Gate. 

Left to Right: Black Tie Affair, Bling it On, Rainbow Bright and Golden Gate

Want to know how to win the easiest manicure, well, ever? Easy. Head to my blog's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/Borntobuy (this page is always linked below). Once you're on the page, find the photo above and comment on it saying which of the four designs your prefer and where you'd like to wear it. You may enter as many times as you want but you need a new answer each time.

Remember, you MUST like the Facebook page for your entry to be valid. Yes, I WILL check.

The photo will uploaded to my Facebook page at approximately 6.30AM WST and the competition will remain open until 6.30PM WST on 9/11.

Goodluck, everyone. Are you entering? Comment below!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Want it Wednesday: Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip

The packs and gift sets that Sephora comes out with never seem to astound me. They are such incredible value and always seem to come out with the best things!

Whilst their exclusive Christmas sets all look absolutely amazing, I'm lusting after the Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler set. 

SPRING/SUMMER TREND TUESDAY: Wrap It Up!

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As featured at the New York Fashion Week 2012, head wraps of all kind make for an easy and stylish way to maintain hair, especially on hot days where you want to keep it off your face. When I say hair wrap, I'm taking about anything really; a hair scarf, turban, even a nice headband. Whatever way you choose to accessorize your hair with fabric, I guess.

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger TAG

I've been seeing the Confessions of a Beauty Guru TAG going around quite a bit lately and thought I wanted to get on the bandwagon, even though I don't see myself as a 'beauty guru'.  The original Confessions of a Beauty Guru TAG features 14 questions and I've used most of them, tweaking a few to make them blog appropriate as opposed to for YouTube. 

So let's get into it -

Beauty Box Comparison: Lust Have It! or Bellabox?

I hate being one to complain, especially for services such as those provided by beauty subscription boxes. In saying that, however, I, along with many other people, have started to notice some discrepancies between the two main contenders in the beauty box game at the moment, Lust Have It! and Bella Box. If you follow Lust Have It! on Facebook you'll know there are many unhappy subscribers out there so, with that in mind, I thought I'd compare the two boxes.

This comparison post will be structured much like my  first comparison post, Beauty Box Comparison: Glossy Box or Lust Have It!?

I have been subscribed to Lust Have It! since November and Bella Box since June, so I will take all information from June onwards.

Each box has a selection of brands they are affiliated with and, therefore, these brands make up the contents of each box. The brands that most appeal to me from each box are - 

• Lust Have It!: Mirenesse, Lime Lily, 1 Skin Solution, Sheer Cover, Burts Bees, Laura Mercier, Shiseido, Wet 'n' Wild, Lancome, Batiste, LUSH, NYX
• Bellabox: Almay, Australis, Batiste, Benefit, Bloom, Bobbi Brown, Bourjois, Clinique, DKNY, Eylure, Face of Australia, Givenchy Perfumes, Lancome, LUSH, Me Me Me, Napoleon Perdis, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Press & Go, Sally Hansen, Savoir Faire, Ulta3, 

As you can see from the above, more of the brands in Bellabox appeal to me than those of Lust Have It!

Lust Have It! October, 2012

On October 30, with only one day left of the month, my latest Lust Have It! arrived. It's a little frustrating that I seem to be receiving my boxes later and later but that's not what this post is for. 

Once again I received the Fun and Flirty box. Being the idiot that I am, I only this month found out that the boxes are divided by age groups - I thought our was just the luck of the draw.

As you can see from the photo above, this month's box wasn't packaged in a Lust Have It! cosmetics bag. As I mentioned in my Buy Pink and Be Breast Aware in 2012 post, October was International Breast Cancer Month. With this in mind, Lust Have It! packaged this month's box contents in pink ribbon bags.

I only received this box on Tuesday 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.