January Favourites, 2013

This month I've really loved pinks and corals for the eyes, lips, cheeks and nails. I know it sound ridiculous but please bear with me. It's not as terrible as it seems!

Born to Buy Makeover & Blog Update

If you've been following Born to Buy for a while now you'll be able to tell that Born to Buy has had a makeover! My very talented friend worked her magic yet again, giving it a face lift. Once again, I'm so happy with the results and can't thank her enough! Hannah, you're incredible!

To go with the blog make over, I've also bought my domain name! This doesn't effect my readers at all, I'm just really excited! 

With the blog having a make over, I've decided the content needs one too! If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram you'll know that I like to be very organised with my posts and have them written somewhat in advance, scheduling them to upload as I see fit. Given that I like order and structure, I wanted to give myself a bit of an upload schedule. For the foreseeable future, posts will be uploaded in a row (one a day), with me taking a days break before starting once again. This may seem like a lot of posts but there's so much I want to share with you all and it seems like the most efficient way of getting it done.

In the last few months of 2012 you may have noticed that I didn't upload as many reviews as I used to. This wasn't a conscious decision, I just had other posts I wanted to upload. Given that I am so behind in my product reviews, you can expect a lot more of them! I'm trying to upload at least one a week.

I've had the 'Upcoming Posts'  Page here on Born to Buy for a while now and, if you've checked it out, you'll know I don't update it as regularly as I should. Now that I actually know what's coming on the blog, however, I'll definitely keep it updated! 

Did you know you can also request posts/reviews/anything else on that Page also? I really love your requests so please keep 'em coming.

Finally, I've started a new series; My Make Up Collection. There will be one post a week until I've shared my whole make up collection with y'all. It's actually a lot of fun writing this series. As I photograph and swatch products I'm rediscovering old favourites etc. So far I've uploaded two collection posts, Face Primers & Foundation and Concealer. Check 'em out, I dare you!

Now that you've been updated, what do you think? Do you like the makeover? What posts would you like to see? 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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My Make Up Collection | Concealers

Last week I started a new series here on Born to Buy, My Make Up Collection. I decided that I'd share a part of my make up collection with you each week until, well, you've seen it all.This series is not about reviewing products because that would take forever but I'll be sure to link reviews if they've been written. 

Face Primer and Foundation | Face Powder | Highlighters and Bronzers | Blush | Mascara & Eye Primers | Eyeliner | Cream Eye Shadows and Bases | Loose Eyeshadows and Pigments | Individual and Eyeshadow Duos | Eyeshadow Trios, Quads and Palettes | Lipsticks and Lip Stains | Lip Pencil and Lip Gloss

I'm sure this goes without saying, but please don't take this series of posts as bragging. That it not my intention at all.

Back: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in #320 Ivory | Benefit Ooh La Lift Instant Under-Eye Brightening Boost | Mirenesse Icon Sealer 24hr Concealer | Garnier Pure Active 2in1 Anti-Spot Roll On | Garnier Roll On Anti-Dark Circles | Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in #02 Luminous Ivory | Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in #01 Fair*

Front: MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC20 | MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NW20 | Benefit Erase Paste in Medium | NARS Concealer Duo in Vanilla/Honey

Nails of the Day: Nude Sparkle

Today I was going through my nail polish stash and, with the help of my two year old nephew, I found two polishes that I've never used before. The colours are very different, with one being nude and one being a super glittery polish, but I thought it could make for super fun nails!

Back Row: Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails and Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat

Front Row: Ulta3 Nail Colour in Over the Rainbow and Essence Nude Glam in #01 Hazelnut Cream Pie

Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Wipes Review

Face wipes have always confused me. I honestly don't know what I'm meant to use them for. Do I use them to remove make up? Do I use them in place of cleanser? There's just so many questions. For that reason alone I tend to steer clear of them. In saying that, however, there is one brand of face wipes that I always go back to.

The Clean and Clear Deep Action Cleansing Wipes have made regular appearances in my skincare routine for years. To be honest, I think I first tried these about five years ago and, regardless of now many face wipes I try, I always find myself gravitating towards these ones. 

Goodbye: Bellabox January, 2013

On Monday my last Bellabox arrived. If you saw my December Lust Have It! post you'll know that I recently unsubscribed from their subscription service and, after much though, I decided to unsubscribe from Bellabox too. I recently finished my Tafe course and, at the start of January, my small contract at work ended, meaning that money is tight. I'm sure I'll resubscribe when I find another job but, for now, this is my last subscription box! 

I only received this box four 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 to gain some insight into the items. If possible, I'll also include my initial thoughts.

Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Trend Edition Haul

Last week I was naughty, guys. Really naughty. In the past two weeks I've made two trips to Priceline. Whilst I didn't spend a great amount either time, I spent more than my Project Pan permits. None. To see my last haul, uploaded last week, click here. 

I didn't intend to head to Priceline again but there were a few products I could not live without, all of which are part of Essence's new Trend Edition. The Cherry Blossom Girl collection looks fantastic and, spending ban or not, I would not have forgiven myself if I didn't pick up a few products from it.

Before I get into what I bought, I want to tell you a little about the collection. The lovely people at Essence were kind enough to send me the Trend Edition's press release so let's get started!

"Konnichiwa Asian beauty girls! In January 2013, Essence whisks you away to the Far East with the trend edition Cherry Blossom Girl. The colour theme of this trend edition unites soft cherry blossom shades with strong red, bright yellow and cool black. The absolute it-piece: elaborately designed paper eyelashes that create a fabulous Asia look with a true wow factor when combined with expressive eyeliner, intense red lips and softly shimmering skin!"

- Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Trend Edition press release

My Make Up Collection | Face Primers & Foundations

I've wanted to share my make up collection with you all for a while now but it's such a hard post to structure. I mean, if I did it all at once it would be the World's Longest Post and no one wants to read that, right? I also considered filming it but, let's be honest, I much prefer to blog. After much deliberation I finally decided to create a series here on Born to Buy, sharing a little more of my collection each post. This series is not about reviewing products because, once again, that would take forever but I'll be sure to link reviews if they've been written. 

Concealer | Face Powder | Highlighters and Bronzers | Blush | Mascara & Eye Primers | Eyeliner | Cream Eye Shadows and Bases | Loose Eyeshadows and Pigments | Individual and Eyeshadow Duos | Eyeshadow Trios, Quads and Palettes | Lipsticks and Lip Stains | Lip Pencil and Lip Gloss

For my first post I thought it would make sense to share my face primers and foundations with you all, purely because that's what I use first. 

I'm sure this goes without saying, but please don't take this series of posts as bragging. That it not my intention at all.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base | Benefit The POREfessional Pro Balm | NP Set Calming PreFoundation Primer | Bellapierre Foundation Primer*

Perfume Highlights of 2012

In 2012 I bought and was gifted a number of new perfumes, adding about 5 to my Perfume Collection. Whilst I love the perfumes I already own, there's two that I purchased in the year 2012 that have really appealed to me!

1. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture 

2. Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift 

These perfumes are absolutely beautiful and I rarely wear anything else. Ever. I even carry samples of each in my bag so I can touch up during the day. I'm not going to attempt to explain their scents because no one ever does perfumes justice.

Instead of explaining the scents, I recommend you hit up MYER and David Jones to see if you can get samples of these perfumes yourself! Remember, sales assistants are always willing to provide samples of perfumes, especially their best sellers. 

What perfumes would you recommend? What's your signature scent? Are you a fan of perfume samples? 

I'm planning on posting an updated Perfume Collection post soon. Is that something you'd like to see? 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Why Do I Wear Makeup TAG?

I've been getting into TAGs a bit lately. I think they're a great way to know the person behind the blog and, well, I just like doing them. I've seen this TAG around a bit lately and I finally decided to do it.

There's only four questions, so let's get into it!

First Impressions: MAC Face & Body Foundation

A few weeks ago I grabbed a sample from MAC's Face and Body Foundation in N2. I've wanted to try it for a while now and I figured it was as good a time as any to give it a try, no? 

A fluid foundation that provides low-to-medium build-able coverage and a flawless, natural satin-shine finish. Skin conditioning, water resistant and long wearing.

- Mac Cosmetics 

My skin's cleared up a lot lately, meaning that, on occasion, I want to get away with having a lower coverage foundation. Plus, well, I love to try something new.

Collective Australian Flash Sale Haul, 2012

Over the October and November I did some hardcore Australian Flash Sale shopping. When I say flash sale I mean stores like OzSale, BuyInvite and Brands Exclusive. I'm sure you know the ones I mean.

This post is long over due (and I mean two months late) so I'm unsure of all the prices of these products. 

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette

Purchased from OzSale for approximately $16.00 each

Peachy Keen: A Make Up Look

Last weekend I decided to film a look applying make up for a casual day out. Whilst it's quite a neutral look I wanted to film it because I'm using some favourite products, as well as some that have only recently been added to my collection.

For a base I'm using a sample of MAC's Face and Body Foundation. This is the first time I've tried this foundation and I'll be uploading a first impressions post very soon.

Nail Polish Highlights of 2012

2012 was a very exciting year for me as far as nail polish goes. In August I said Goodbye to Black Nail Polish, pledging to wear brighter and more exciting nail polishes. Since then I've acquired over 50 new nail polishes (so that's where all my money went!) and painting my nails is now very, very exciting.

With that in mind, I decided to share some of my favourite nail polishes of 2012. 

1. Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Nail Colour in  I Need a Refresh-Mint

2. Ulta3 Pretty Pastels Spring 2012 Collection

3. L'Oreal Color Riche Le Vernis, especially #210 Shocking Pink, #208 So Chic Pink and #303 Lush Tangerine 

4. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Pacific Blue

5. Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat 

6. Sally Hansen Miracle Cure for Severe Problem Nails

These are just some of the polishes I've love this year. But, let me tell you, there's been many more! As you can see, I'm a big fan of Sally Hansen's nail products. They're great. You may have noticed that I don't have any high end nail polishes in this post. I own a couple but not many and, to be honest, I don't think it's really necessary to pay lots for a nail polish. 

Do you have any nail polish recommendations? I'm a bit of a nail polish junkie these days, so I'd love to hear what colours you've been enjoying. Also, how do you store your nail polishes?

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Unauthorised Shopping Haul #2

I know I'm participating in Project Pan at the moment but yesterday I cracked. I recently got back to Perth and, after being in a small country town for two weeks, I needed to get back to civilisation. 

I only went to Priceline because I wanted to ensure I didn't spend too much money and, whilst I didn't buy a lot, I still spent more than I was meant to - none. 

Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Paper Lashes | Essence Stay All Day Long Lasting Eyeshadow in #09 For Fairies | Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Nude | Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder in Dark Brown | Manicare Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener

Essence Super-Fine Eyeliner Pen Review

For me, felt tip eyeliners make liquid eyeliner application so easy! I love how they distribute the product and they're much more convenient than a gel liner and brush. At the moment I've really been enjoying Essence's Superfine Eyeliner Pen.

"The all-rounder amongst eyeliners! The Super-Fine Eyeliner Pen is riding on the trend waves straight out of the USA and Asia! This extremely long-lasting precision eyeliners has a particularly slim felt-tip applicator ideal for creating fine, subtle liner looks as well as extravagant and dramatic styles."  

What I Got For Christmas, 2012

I asked my Facebook likers and Instagram followers if they'd like a What I Got For Christmas post and, surprisingly, quite a few people said yes so here we are!

I am very thankful and grateful for all the gifts I received during this holiday season. Please don't see this as bragging, I just wanted to share it with you all! 

My Mum gave me this candle, as well as a MYER Gift Card. This candle was purchased to sit on my dressing table and it's perfect. It looks so great with my Queen Elizabeth/French Provincial style dressing table. This candle has no scent. 

Lust Have It! December, 2012

On Thursday I arrived home from two weeks away to find my December Lust Have It! pack waiting for me. I'm not entirely sure when it arrived (not even sure whether it was before or after Christmas), but I still thought I'd share the contents with you all.

For the first time in eight months, Lust Have It! did not package this month's pack in a cosmetics bag. Weird! Instead it came in a normal postage box.

Also, before I start this post I want to apologise for the photos. The lighting was not the best but I wanted to have this post uploaded ASAP. 

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 to gain some insight into the items. If possible, I'll also include my initial thoughts.

Nails of the Day - Butter London Slapper

I recently acquired my first two Butter London nail polishes and I'm really enjoying them! At the moment I'm wearing Slapper, a bright teal. I've only worn this colour a few times since buying them (stay tuned for a large collective haul), but I love it every time I do!

As with all blue based polishes, I find this colour quite difficult to remove as the blue stain my finger tips. With a colour as nice as this, however, I can survive!

What do you think of this colour? Do you own any Butter London polishes? What colours would you recommend? Also, do you want a review of these polishes? Let me know!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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