Lust Have It | September 2013

My September Lust Have It! box arrived on Friday (they always seem to get here on Fridays) so, of course, I thought it was time to show you the contents. Last month the information card said that they were using old Lust Have It! boxes to make room for new packaging but this looks like another box - Guess there was still heaps less?

To see what was in my box, keep reading!

L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis* Review and Swatches

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis Nail Polishes are some of my absolute favourites. Not only are they super cute but they're also $6.95, meaning that you don't feel like they're a huge investment! Whilst I have a lot of the pink/coral shades, I feel like there is a wide range of colours and there's something to suit everyone.

#208 So Chic Pink | #210 Shocking Pink | #303 Lush Tangerine | #305 Dating Coral | #602 Perle De Jade | #827 Acid Watermelon* | #829 Atomic Purple* | #833 Wasabi Hint* | #834 Banana Pop*

To see why I'm so fond of these polishes, keep reading!

UPCOMING RELEASE: L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer 2013 Collection* with Swatches

I'm a bit of a nail polish junkie so I jumped at the opportunity to try four of the six shades of nail polish from the new L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection. The L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis nail polishes are some of my favourites (here's a NOTD featuring a couple).

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection offers six on-trend shades to ensure the women of Australia have the very latest in global trends and colours. In fashion and beauty, neon is this summer's essential accessory from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Ultra concentrated neon pigments provide vibrant, intense colours with high coverage. The Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection allows every woman to mix and match her favourite Summer shades for every mood, look and occasion.

- L'Oreal Media Release

#827 Acid Watermelon | #829 Atomic Purple | #833 Wasabi Hint | #834 Banana Pop

These colours are so beautiful (especially Acid Watermelon, it's sooo lovely). The formula is fantastic and, at only $6.95, it's so easy to just, well, collect them all! I know I'm definitely trying to. The L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection is, of course, a limited edition collection so it's not going to be around forever. These nail polishes will be available from October 2013 - February 2014. 

Also, I have a review of the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis range coming tomorrow so please stay tuned!

  

*This product was sent to me, however all opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review.

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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NARS And God Created The Woman Review and Swatches

The NARS And God Created the Woman palette has received so much hype in the beauty community since its release in the American Spring 2013 (so Autumn here in Australia, lovelies). When I placed an order with Sephora around the time of my birthday I decided to pick up this bad boy and, having used it on and off for a few months, it's time for me to share my thoughts! 

I got stuff for you too but! | Sephora Haul

About two/three weeks ago I placed the mother of all Sephora orders. Yep, it was huge. All up, the order was just over $400.00AUD but please keep in mind that about $75.00 of that was a friend's stuff. I wanted to pick up a couple of new things but, because I was placing the order anyway, I took the opportunity to pick up back ups of a couple of my favourite products.

Red Earth Illusion Lights Beauty Pro Eyeshadow in Cleopatra* Review and Swatches

Today I have a review of one of my favourite single eyeshadows for you but, before I get into it, I need to apologise for being a little bit lapse with my posts. Far out, I haven't uploaded since Thursday. I don't have a real excuse for the mini break, either, except that life got in the way. 

A while ago I was sent a couple of Red Earth products, including the Illusion Lights Beauty Pro Eyeshadow in #38 Cleopatra*. This, apart from their Secret Potion Illuminating Skin Fluid*, was my favourite product from the bunch and it's definitely become one of my favourite eyeshadows! 

Second Blogiversary Sephora Giveaway

On September 6 I celebrated my second blogiversary. I know, I honestly cannot believe it. I look back at this post I wrote at this point last year and it's so hard to believe how far I've come. When I look back at a Media Kit from last September, I had under 200 Google Friend Connect Followers. I now almost have 600. I also had approximately 65 000 views and I now have over 335 000. Far out! I know this sounds like bragging and I promise it's not. There's a point to this and it's that none of this is possible with you guys, my amazing readers. 

It's no secret that I love to celebrate with giveaways and I host them on my blog whenever I can. I recently placed another order with Sephora and, with a celebration coming up, I had to grab a product or two for you. I didn't stop at two though, no. I got five. 

To read a bit more about what I'm giving away and why, let's keep reading!

Illamasqua Powder Blush in SOPHIE Review and Swatches

Over the past few months I've featured the Illamasqua Powder Blush in S.O.P.H.I.E. on this blog so many times, whether it be in favourites posts or this FOTD. I finally decided it was probably time to share it with you all. This amazing blush was gifted to me by Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty for my 21st birthday and I couldn't be more grateful. I've used it multiple times every week since I got it. 

*A very good representation of the colour*

IMATS 2013 Brands Wishlist

Today I was meant to upload a review but life got in the way and I didn't have time to take the photos. Oops. The review will be up tomorrow and, in the meantime, I thought I'd tell you guys my IMATS 2013 brands wishlist.

Let me preface this by saying no, unfortunately I am not going to IMATS this year. I know. Life sucks. My friend and I intended on going but when I was struggling to find a job earlier this year I decided I didn't want to go unless I had the $$ to enjoy the experience fully. My friend's boyfriend was also wanting to plan a trip to Singapore so it was the best decision for both of us!

Also! In case you don't know what IMATS is, it's the International Make Up Artist Trade Show. It's held six cities around the world (Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Vancouver and, of course, SYDNEY!). Yep, we get something here in Australia. The 2013 IMATS will be held in Sydney at the Sydney Convention Centre on September 21 and 22. 

I'm not going to IMATS, no, but the amazing Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty is and she said be more than happy to pick up some 'stuff' on my behalf. She gets more and more amazing every day, people! She told me to give her a list of products I'd be more than happy to receive but it's a bit hard to know so, instead, this post will just be the list of brands I'd be happy to get goodies from.

I looked through the exhibitors and I came up with the following list -

1. Bdellium

2. Hakuhodo

3. Lime Crime (MORE LIPS, ahah) 

4. Make Up Store

5. Media Make Up - Make Up For Ever

I've created that list, yeah, but I'd be soo happy to receive any goodies. I've heard so many great things about Bdellium and Hakuhodo brushes though so I certainly wouldn't say no. Surprise me, Jasmine! I absolutely love everything you gave me in our swap (check it out here) so I have no question that I'll be soo happy with these surprises too! 

And now, people, it's the big question for me - How much money should I transfer to Jasmine? I'm thinking $100-$200 but is that too much? Is it not enough? How much is reasonable considering I'm not actually going? Help a lady out!

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Top 5 High End Lipsticks

I love all make up, yes, but lip products, lipsticks in particular, are definitely my weakness. I love how a lipstick can completely change a look and take it from soft and subtle to feisty and fierce! I've decided to start a bit of a Top 5 Lipsticks series, with the first being High End products.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup Lipstick | MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Rebel Lipstick | MAC Amplified Lipstick in Vegas Volt | MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Lickable | Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #13 Peach Passion

My all time favourite lipstick would be MAC Creme Cup. It's the perfect blue based nude pink and I think it looks amazing with soo many different looks. There's a reason that so many ladies love this lipstick. I'm almost finished with this bullet, as I'm sure you can see, but I already have a back up. MAC's Rebel is a vibrant pink purple and I think the name is fitting because it's my rebel/hardcore lip colour. MAC Vegas Volt is a bright coral and I love the way it bright so much colour to my face. It's perfect for all year but I tend to reach for it the most in the spring and summer time. This lipstick looks so nice with a natural gold eye. MAC Lickable is a limited colour from last year's holiday collection and was a part of the Primped Out Lip Look Bag in Luxurious Pink. It is a blue based fuchsia pink that looks amazing with a natural make up look. Finally we have Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #13 Peach Passion, a bright  but pale peach pink. This colour works in the same way as Creme Cup does to me but it adds a little more colour. 

As you can probably see, my favourite formula of lipsticks are ones with a creme finish. I don't like frost lipsticks on myself. At all. I am completely in love with all of the lipsticks I've featured above, plus a million others. Stay tuned because sometime in the next month I'll be uploading a post on my Top 5 Drugstore Lipsticks. 

What are your favourite lipsticks, drugstore or otherwise? What's your favourite lipstick brand as well? I'm sure you can tell but I have a big love affair with MAC lipsticks. They're just so nice! 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Mary Kay Eyeliner Review*

Image from Mary Kay website

I was recently given the opportunity to trial the May Kay Eyeliner* by Katrina from Beauty Consultancy. Katrina is a fellow Australian, beauty YouTuber and Mary Kay consultant. I have been watching her videos for quite some time now, with a friendship forming as a result, and one of my favourite things about her channel is her passion for Mary Kay. I'm not sure how it happened but Katrina recently asked me if I wanted to try a few products from the Mary Kay line and I jumped at it! I never say no to the opportunity to try a new product, especially when it's from a brand I'm very unfamiliar with.

To see what I think of the Mary Kay Eyeliner*, keep reading.

FOTD // Weekend No Makeup Makeup

Last weekend I wanted to head out and do a few things but I didn't want to wear a full face of make up so I came up with this look. It's nothing innovative at all but I did pull out a few products I don't think I use enough, as well as some that I haven't really given a fair chance. 

Clean & Clear Advantage Continuous Control Acne Cleanser Review

A while ago (in March, to be exact) I blogged about my sensitive skin flip out and my mission to find the perfect skincare routine. I spent a few weeks using the Clean & Clear Advantage Pimple Control Kit and, when I was satisfied that my skin didn't hate those Clean & Clear products I decided I had to try the Clean & Clear Advantage Continuous Control Acne Cleanser, especially after reading reviews by Jasmine and Jaci. 

I have been using the Clean & Clear Advantage Continuous Control Acne Cleanser for almost five months now (I only finished the tube last week too, can you believe it?) and it was only the other day that I realised I never reviewed this. Oops. Let's get into it! 

Top 5 Beauty Product Swap with Sweetaholic Beauty

Yesterday I came home to find an exciting package waiting for me. Yup, it was my swap package from Jasmine at Sweetaholic Beauty! Jasmine and I have both been having issues with our tracking numbers (damn postage!) yet we both received our packages on the same day. Yay!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let's rewind. Jasmine and I recently finished our 50 Day Spending Ban (read about it here and see how I went here and here) and, when we were creating the rules we decided we'd end it with a BANG aka a beauty swap. We decided we would give each other our top 5 beauty products and sent each other a list of dos and do nots. 

 Firstly, can I please just comment on Jasmine's writing? AMAZING. So neat. Also, as you can see, everything was packaged up so nicely. I love myself some good wrapping!!

Now let's see what she sent me!

Compare the Pair: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose and MAC Creme Cup

I was wearing the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose the other day when I realised it looks very similar to my all time favourite lipstick, MAC's Creme Cup. So, as typical beauty blogger, I decided I needed to compare them for you all.  

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose is a cool toned (blue based) pale pink. A lot of people describe this as a lavender pink. I don't think it's cool enough to fit that description but hey, that doesn't mean they're wrong! MAC describes Creme Cup as a light blue pink. Once again, it's a blue based pink but it's definitely warmer than Primrose.

Both lipsticks are creme formulas, my favourite lipstick formula. Because of their creme formula I find they both glide over the lips, wear extremely well, feel comfortable and wear off the lips evenly. In saying that though, I do feel like the MAC's Creme Cup is a bit more creamy a little more comfortable. The MAC lipstick also has the famous vanilla smell that I just love which makes it a bit of a winner in my eyes, even though that doesn't influence the performance of the product. 

There's not a whole lot of difference between these products but, if I'm being completely honest, I do prefer MAC's Creme Cup. Being the warmer of the two, I feel like it's a big more wearable than Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose and goes with a lot more make up looks. It is, however, the more expensive of the two. 

In Australia MAC's Creme Cup lipstick is $36.00 for 3.0g and Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose is $21.95 for 4.2g at Priceline. When you look at it that way, Revlon's does look like a winner, don't you think?

Do you have either or both of these lipsticks? Which is your favourite? What would you like to see compared next in the Compare the Pair series? Let me know. 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil* Review

Rose Hip Oil has been a buzz word in the beauty community over the past year or so, with every man and their dog using and loving it! The benefits of it, skincare and otherwise, are undeniable. It assists with fine lines and wrinkles, signs of ageing, scars and blemishes, pigmentation, dry skin, uneven skintone, sun damage and more. 

I was really excited to receive the Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil* so I could jump on the band wagon, of course, and I'm so impressed by it!

"Vibrant skin is revealed with daily use of just a few drops of Kosmea's Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, that is free of harmful chemicals, colourants, fragrances, mineral oils and animal products - it is simple 'skincare as nature intended'"

- Kosmea Press Release

To see why I love this product, as well as how I use it, keep reading!

Shopping My Stash | How I survived the 50 Day Spending Ban

Being a beauty blogger I find myself picking up and trying new products constantly. It's just what we do. When I was on my 50 Day Spending Ban I found it quite difficult not to give in to my shopping impulses so I 'Shopped my Stash' instead. I took it as an opportunity to give out some old favourites, put them to the test and see if I love them as much as I once did. 

I've had the MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NW20 for over a year now and, every now and then, I remember why I love it so much. It's a liquid concealer that works so well as covering up redness, especially on my cheeks. I don't use it on my blemishes but I think it's great for evening out skin tone. NARS' Laguna Bronzer is a long time love of mine but I haven't found myself gravitating towards it over the last few months. When I got sick of the MAC Matte Bronze, however, I went back to it and remembered just how amazing it is. It's just a shade it's almost done. For some reason I found myself reaching for the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream For Combination to Oily Skin and I remembered just how great it was! It has fantastic coverage and is great for good skin days  

One day I got sick of using pencil liner so I reached for my Essence I Love Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen and I haven't put it down since! I found myself creating a few looks where I wanted a vibrant inner so I rekindled my love for the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils, especially the one in Milk. It's a great base for MAC's Vanilla Pigment! I have made no secret of my love for the Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara and my disappointment at the fact that it's been discontinued. It creates the most natural looking lashes. An exact dupe is Covergirl's Lash Blast. I was sent the Red Earth Illusion Lights Beauty Pro Eyeshadow in Cleopatra a while ago and, for some reason, I've only just started using it. It's the perfect outer corner colour.

Have you tried any of these products? How often do you 'Shop Your Stash'? 

*This product was sent me for review, however all opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review.

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails Review

When I bought the Dior Crème De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm I decided to also pick up the Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails even though I had heard nothing about it. I am so glad I gave in to my impulses because I'm so impressed by it.

The Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails is a thick and creamy salve that, according to the Sephora website, encourages nail growth, improves nail strength and conditions the cuticles. It is housed in the same pot as the Crème De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm and feels so sturdy and luxe. 

To see why I love the Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails, keep reading!

Second Blogiversary and Save Yo' Monies

Today marks a super incredible day for me, it's my second blogiversary. On this day two years ago I uploaded my first blog post and here I am, still blogging! I'm so thankful for the amazing opportunities I've had, the incredible friends I've made (ladies, I'm talking to you) and the readers that I've been able to communicate with and get to know. It's hard to believe that in two years I've gained over 570 followers, posted over 450 blog posts and had over 320 000 views! How does that happen to a 21 year old girl in li'l old Perth? 

Thank you so much for your support, amazing comments, great recommendations and love. I appreciate everything so much more than you'll ever know! I'll be hosting a giveaway to celebrate this milestone in the coming weeks and, let me tell you, I'm beyond excited to share the goodies to y'all to say thanks for being so incredible. 

If you have any requests, recommendations or feedback for Born to Buy, please let me know - I'd really appreciate.

Anyway, now my big sappy thank you is done, I have a review discounts and coupon codes I'd love to share with you all. Keep reading to read about them.

..Did I learn anything? | Huge Post Spending Ban Priceline Haul

On Sunday I headed to my local shopping centre on the premise of looking for work clothes but, if I'm being honest, I knew exactly where I'd end up. I'm now allowed to spend again and, even though I did actually want some new work clothes (and no, I didn't find anything - sad), I've been desperate to try some new products so I went straight to Priceline. 

I spent a lot more than I intended too but I also got so many things from my list and, of course, a fair bit more! Oh well, when in Rome..

Essence I Love Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen* Review

I often find myself going through phases with my make up. Whether it's a technique, look or product type, I switch things up a fair bit. At the moment I'm going through a bit of a liquid eyeliner phase and, in doing so, I've rediscovered the Essence I Love Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen. 

"The 'punk' of the I Love range! The new jumbo eyeliner pen with a felt-tip is ideal for girls who want to stand out - in a good way! Particularly easy to use, it's perfect for eyeliner newbies with slightly shaky hands. And, thanks to its practical size, it can rock the eyeliner look when you're on-the-go too!"

- Essence Media Kit

Sigma 10% OFF Code for September 2013

Today I'm here to share with you the Sigma 10% OFF code for September 2013. I love giving you these codes as often I can (/remember) because, well, who doesn't want to get 10% off? There's nothing worse than placing an order and then seeing a discount code. D'oh!

For the month of September use the code LJW2013 (what the heck does that stand for, I wonder..) to get 10% off your order. Also, don't forget that you'll also get a free gift with orders over $30.00. 

To be taken directly to the Sigma Beauty site, click here. 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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August Empties, 2013

This month I have a fair bit of skincare that I finished, as well as some cosmetic products that I'm throwing out because they either don't work for me or are super old. I'm glad to be writing a far more manageable empties post this month and I'm hoping that I'll be able to feature some make up in next month's post. Come on, Sophie. Lift your game!

 Clean & Clear Advantage Pimple Control Cleanser | Clean & Clear Essentials Oil Control Toner | Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant | Maybelline Total Clean Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover | Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rosehip Oil* | Clean & Clear Advantage Pimple Control Moisturiser 

All of the Clean and Clear products featured in this empties post are absolute favourites of mine, along with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. The Maybelline Total Clean Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover is a new favourite that removes absolutely everything from my eyes. I have been sooo impressed by Kosmea's Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rosehip Oil and the difference it's made to my skin and I'm really sad that it's gone.

Everything above has been repurchased, except for the Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. I picked up the Trilogy rosehip oil instead because it was available at Priceline and I wanted to repurchase it during the 40% off skincare sale at Priceline (haul here). 

Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil | L'Oreal Studio Secret Magic Perfecting Base | Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude | Models Prefer Mattifying Primer | Benefit POREfessional | Estee Lauder and Laura Mercier samples | Clean and Clear Fast Clearing Spot Gel

I've had the Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil, L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base and Revlon Matte Lipstick in my collection for a super long time and, given that I haven't used any of them in a really long time, it's time for them to go. I decided to throw the Models Prefer Mattifying Primer because it was taking space in my collection, most of it's gone and I just don't like it. Benefit's POREfessional and Clean and Clear's Fast Clearing Spot Gel have already been repurchased, with back ups, because they're two things I couldn't go without. 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them? Let me know! Also, what did you use up this month? 

Always look your best,

Sophie

x

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Benefit Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer Review

On Thursday I uploaded a photo to my Instagram and Facebook Page asking people which they'd prefer to see reviewed out of two products, the Clean and Clean Advantage Continuous Control Acne Cleanser and Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer. With only one votes for the cleanser, the votes were almost unanimous in favour of the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer so here we are. Remember, follow me on Instagram to have you say on what's featured! I'm also 70 followers away from 1000 which, yep, means I'm 70 away from a giveaway!

"Flawless works overtime! Our instant PRO-long primer acts like a magnet to lock on your foundation for 15 

fresh & flawless hours. This invisible primer glides directly onto skin for optimal wear and a natural-looking finish. Go longer. Stay flawless!

- Benefitcosmetics.com

You may recognise this primer if you saw part one of my Sephora haul. I bought it because I was starting to see it roll out through American YouTubers and it was getting pretty glowing reviews. I'm pretty sure it's not available in Australia yet but I don't let that stop me!