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February 28, 2013

February Favourites, 2013

This month's beauty favourites aren't that exciting. I've been staying home and applying for jobs a lot so I haven't actually worn make up as much as much as normal. You'd think that might mean my skin has had time to breath and it looking beautiful, right? Wrong. It's a hot mess at the moment and I think I'm in need of a new skincare routine. Needless to say, my skin products are not featuring in this month's favourites post. 

February 26, 2013

My Make Up Collection: Mascaras & Eye Primers

A while ago 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 but I'll be sure to link reviews if they've been written.


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. 
Maybelline XXL Pro Curl | Almay Get Up & Grow Mascara | Essence Spiderlash Mascara* | Benefit Bad Gal Mascara | ModelCo Fibre Lash Xtend | Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara | ModelCo Fibre Lash Xtend

February 24, 2013

Get Smoked: A Make Up Look

Today I decided to film myself creating a blue smokey eye using The Body Shop Shimmer Cube in Grey/Blue. Whilst the blue isn't that visible in this video, it's more prominent in real life. Anyway, let's get into the look.

Keep reading to see what products I used!

February 23, 2013

Look More Awake With Flesh Toned Eyeliner!

Whilst this is one of the most well known make up tricks in the book, I feel like a lot of people still don't know about it. When I mention it, for example, I often get looks of confusion. What am I talking about, you may ask? Brightening with eyeliner, of course!

For a long time I thought eyeliner was a cosmetic to be used to darken up and enhance a make up look. Yes, I was one of the 15 year old girls that wore black eyeliner on her waterline and that is it. Oh, wasn't that a good phase? I've move on from that, however, and now I mainly use eyeliner to brighten my eyes and make me look more awake. 

A white or flesh toned eyeliner, when applied to the lower waterline of one's eyes, will assist in brightening the whole eye area, resulting in a more fresh and awake faced look.

Whilst lots of people recommend white eyeliner for the waterline, however I find that white can be very harsh and noticeable which is definitely not the effect you're after when using this technique. I used white eyeliner for a while though and, after an hour or so, the colour does settle into something more natural. My favourite is flesh/nude toned eyeliners. They have much of the same effect, yet aren't so harsh. 

Eyeliners with shimmer can also be used, however I would only recommend them if you're  teaming it with a very intense eye make up look. I have worn a shimmery white eyeliner on my waterline, however, and found the effect to be quite nice. It's important to ensure it doesn't have large 'chunks' of shimmer, as these may drop into your eye, making for an uncomfortable day and, yes, this has happened to me.
Top to bottom: In shaded outdoor lighting and direct outdoor lighting 
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner in #005 | MAC Chromographic Pencil in NC15//NW20 | Essence Ready for Boarding 2 in 1 Kajal Pencil in #01 Destination Sunshine (beige end) | Beauty Style Eyeliner in Innocence | Aveda Eye Definer #922 Lily 

Above are some of my recommendations when it comes to highlighting eyeliners for the waterline. As you can see, the first three are different flesh toned eyeliners whilst the second two are white shades. The second of the whites is a shimmer eyeliner. If you're looking for a flesh toned eyeliner, I recommend the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner in #005 Nude. The colour is just as good as my MAC equivalent, however the staying power surpasses it. 

When it comes to the placement of the eyeliner, I hope the image above it able to help. It's not the most focused image, I know, but it was the best I was able to get unfortunately. As you can see on the lower lash line, I have applied Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner in #005 Nude.

One last tip? Run your brightening eyeliner under the first half of your lower lash line (towards the inner corner) to brighten you up even more!

That's my tip for today, everyone. What do you think of it? Do you use this technique to brighten and widen? You have any other tips, tricks and techniques? I'd love to hear them! 

Want to help name Born to Buy's lip balms and win one? Click here
Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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February 22, 2013

Bellápierre Get Started Kit Review & SAVE 75% TODAY

Late last year I was sent the Bellápierre Get Started Kit. I've wanted to try products from Bellápierre Cosmetics, a mineral make up cosmetics company, for a long time so it was such a fantastic opportunity.
"Bellápierre, the next generation of mineral make up, have created 'Get Start'ed; the ultimate kit to help women achieve exactly what they want out of mineral make up. The Get Started Kit is designed to educate women about the advantages of mineral make up and to give them the confidence to achieve the flawless, natural look they desire with Bellápierre. The kit contains all the essential products needed to get started with the Bellápierre range, including two shades of 5-in-1 foundation for year-round coverage and an instructional DVD which explains exactly what products to use and how to use them."
Bellápierre 
Given I'm so pale, I'm sure it's no surprise that I got this kit in 'Fair'. The Bellápierre Get Started Kit in Fair contains the following. 
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Ivory 4g | Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Latte 4g | Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose 4g | Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Peony 4g | All Over Powder Brush | Angle Blush Brush | Concealer Brush | Instructional DVD 
Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Ivory | Bellápierre Mineral Foundation in Latte | Bellápierre Mineral Bronzer in Peony | Bellápierre Mineral Blush in Desert Rose

I wanted to include swatches of all the cosmetic products included in the kit as a reference point, especially for all you pale ladies. 

Now that I've told you everything about this kit, let's get the review started! At the end of this post I'll be telling you how you can get this amazing kit at a fantastic price so don't forget to check it out!

February 20, 2013

Name Born to Buy's Lip Balms Competition

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you'll know that I'm in the processing of creating Born to Buy lip balms. Yep, lip balms! I'm really excited to be doing this and, without the support of all my lovely readers, it wouldn't be happening.

A few weeks ago, on Facebook and Twitter, I asked people what their favourite lip balm flavours were. My goodness, so many people gave me their suggestions! If you did, thank you so much. The flavours will be as follows; vanilla, wild berry, pink lemonade and watermelon. These lip balms are now in production stage and I hope to have them in the next few weeks!

With that being said, the flavours don't have names! They have names, of course, but that's just the flavour names. 

To enter this competition, all you have to do it comment below with your suggestions of names for the flavours. Be as creative as you want! When you comment, please also tell me which flavour lip balm the name is for (in case it doesn't say so in your name suggestion) and your email address. The person who contributes the winning name for each lip balm flavour will win the flavour they've named. It's only fair, right?  

Next Wednesday, 27 February, I will be making the final decision and the winning names will be announced soon after. 

You can enter more than once per flavour and enter for each flavour! Seriously, run wild! I want as many options as I can to choose from. 

If you have any questions please comment below or asked me on Facebook or Twitter. I'm always around! 

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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February 19, 2013

February 18, 2013

Lippy Girl Organic Lipstick Review + Swatches

As you may have seen in my recent Lipstick Republic make up haul, I recently bought two Lippy Girl Vegan lipsticks; Gob Smacked and Very Vixen.
"Lippy Girl's orgasmic, oops, organic lipsticks have herbal infusions in colours that will make you look and feel fab! Our lipsticks are smooth and moisturising with a gloss finish. They will leave your lips feeling soft and sassy. The lipsticks are enhanced with the moisture of organic beeswax, as well as natural oils for organic jojoba, grape and castor seed".
- Lipstick Repbulic 
Of the many lipsticks available at Lipstick Repbulic, I chose to try some from the Lippy Girl Organic Lipstick for a number of reasons. As I said in my haul, Lipstick Republic's owner recommended this product to me and I'm a sucker for a recommendation. I also liked the colour range available (Lipstick Repbulic stocks all seven shades) and, of course, they sound like such a fantastic product. 

Before I get into the review, I want to give you a little insight into the brand, Lippy Girl. Lippy Girl is a Canadian cosmetic brand that makes eco friendly, natural, organic, vegetarian and animal friendly products. They aim to "prove that chemicals, animal additives and testing are not required and are completely unnecessary" (Lippy Girl)

I think I've justified my purchase and explain the brand enough, don't you? Let's get reviewing!

February 16, 2013

I ♥ Drugstore Makeup TAG

The I ♥ Drugstore Makeup TAG is one that's been going around YouTube and the blogisphere for a while now. It's a great way to find out people's favourite products and, well, learn more about them. For all you Australian readers, drugstore brands are essentially ones that we can purchase from Priceline, Target, Big W etc.

Anyway, let's get into the post!

February 15, 2013

Tickled Pink: A Make Up Look

I've decided that I wanted to share more make up looks on Born to Buy so here I am. Today I'm wearing fairly neutral make up inspired by my favourite colour, pink. I didn't do too much today so I didn't want my make up to be too elaborate. It's also been very hot here in Perth so I decided not to wear a foundation. It just seemed too heavy.

February 14, 2013

Feel The Love This Valentine's Day with Saucy Sweethearts

As you may know, I'm a big fan of Saucy Sweethearts, an online store based here in Perth! This store stocks a range of cosmetic and bath products, all at amazing prices! Saucy Sweethearts recently received some new stock and I wanted to share it with you all.
Be Delicious | Cashmere Mint | Baby Bee Buttermilk | Rose Jelly
Be Delicious: Grapefruit, green apple and white amber all come together to create a refreshing and sparkling scent. Fruity and exhilarating.
Cashmere Mint: Refreshing and woodsy with fresh floral jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. 
Baby Bee Buttermilk:  Compare to the smell of Burt's Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion. A fragrant cocktail of luscious fruits such as peaches, mandarin, oranges, coconut pulp, bergamot, grapefruit, tropical guava and tangy lemons. 
Rose Jelly: Smooth and floral while being citrusy and bright! Rose petals intermingles with strawberries and geranium softened by light musky vanilla undertones. 
These 2oz bags of fragrance will not disappoint! Their scent will last up to three months. No oily or chalky residue either. The solid plastic beads absorb fragrance and hold it so there's no need to worry about them leaving marks!

February 12, 2013

My Make Up Collection | Highlighters and Bronzers

A while ago 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 but I'll be sure to link reviews if they've been written. 

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. 
Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder #51 | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit | NARS Laguna Bronzer | Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol | MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Coffee Walnut | Bellapierre Mineral Bronzer in Starshine*

February 11, 2013

Project Pan #2: UPDATE 2

I set myself a Project Pan challenge in mid October (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. I'm not going to go into the rules I set myself because, well, there's a lot. To see them, however, click here.

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. 

In early December I uploaded my first Project Pan update. 

So let's get into what I've used up, including the products featured in my last update! 

February 10, 2013

Product Rediscovery: 1 Skin Solutions Vanilla Lip Balm

When you write a beauty blog and try as many products as I do, it's easy to forget about things and let them fall to the back of your collection. Surely you ladies get what I mean, right? 

In February of 2012 (on Valentine's Day, actually), I received a package form the lovely Raylene at 1 Skin Solutions. Whilst I reviewed the products a month later (click here to read it), I honestly don't think I gave it the 1 Skin Solution Vanilla Lip Balm enough of a review. In fact, I barely wrote about it at all.

I think you all know how much I love my Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry, I recently rediscovered the 1 Skin Solution Vanilla Lip Balm. How did I forget about this in my collection? 

February 09, 2013

Lipstick Republic Haul, Store Review & Giveaway

About a month ago I found out about a great new online store, Lipstick Republic, and I've been obsessed ever since. Lipstick Republic stocks international brands such as E.L.F., NYX, OCC and Z-palette, as well as brands I've never heard of such as Eye of Horus and Saucebox. 

I've only placed one order so far but, as I said, I'm hooked. There's so much more I want but, given that I'm doing Project Pan (I had a momentary lapse in judgement, let's just say) I decided to restrain myself. That shows a little self control, right? 

Want to know what I bought? Keep reading!

February 07, 2013

Ulta 3 Over the Rainbow Nail Colour Review

In my most recent Nails of the Day post I featured the latest Ulta3 nail polish to arrive in my collection, Ulta3's Nail Colour in Over The Rainbow. I was so impressed with the nail polish that I decided I had to tell you all about it. 
Ulta3's Nail Colour in Over the Rainbow is a super glittery polish, consisting of red, gold, blue and pink glitter in a clear base. The glitters are a variety of sizes, something that I really like. Variety is the spice of life, right?

February 06, 2013

Get the Look: bareMinerals Bare Guide to Color in Cool

A good friend of mine gifted me the bareMinerals Bare Guide to Color in Cool for Christmas. This wasn't featured in my What I Got For Christmas post, purely because I hadn't received it yet, but I wanted to show it to you all in action.

February 05, 2013

My Make Up Collection | Face Powders

Two weeks ago 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. 



Last week I uploaded my Concealer Collection. To check it out, click here. To see my Face Primer & Foundation Collection, click here.

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: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent | Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder in Deep Natural | Essence Fix & Matte Translucent Loose Powder* | Maybelline Mineral Power in LightAustralis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder in Dark Brown
Front: Bellapierre Mineral Foundation in Ivory* | Bellapierre Mineral Foundation in Latte* | MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC20 (crushed) | Bare Minerals Fairly Light sample

February 03, 2013

Brushing Up With Amy: Weeks 1 & 2

Hi everyone!

I am back with a follow on from my initial post here on Sophie's wonderful blog! Thanks for having me again :D If you didn't see my last post then please make sure you check it out here!

[IMGP3941.JPG] 
Amy @ Following the Reader
Now my 9 week course in Retail Makeup and Skincare has finished and I passed and now am the proud owner of a certificate 2!

So you are probably wondering what it was that went on throughout the 9 weeks so I will break it down for you!

February 02, 2013

Sigma Shopping List and 10% OFF for February

Sigma products are always high on my shopping list. Whilst I only have three, I love Sigma make up brushes and I really want to increase my collection dramatically. I won't be placing a Sigma order any time soon but I want to share my shopping list with you all nonetheless. 
On July 23, 2012, Sigma released their Expert Brow Kit. Whilst I like the idea of the kit, I don't think I can justify spending $69.00 on a kit when only a couple of the products will be a colour match for me. In mid/late January they released the products individually, however, and I'm really looking forward to picking up the Dual-Ended-Brow Gel ($12.00) and Brow Powder Duo ($14.00).
I really love neutral shadows, as you know, so I'm dying to give this product a try! Much like their brow products, they've recently released their eyeshadows individually but, after creating a shopping list of individual shadows, I realised most of them were in this palette. These colours look beautiful and, as I said, I'm really interested in trying the formulation of Sigma eyeshadows. 
As I said, I really like the Sigma make up brushes I have. There's so many individual brushes I want to try (plus I want a couple more of one of my favourite brushes, the E25 Blending brush) but, as far as kits go, the Performance Eye Kit really appeals to me. There are so many brushes in it and, given that I love to try different eye looks, I just feel like it would be a great addition to my brush collection. 
Now that I've told you all about the products I want, I bet you're wanting to kill me.Yes? Well I hope you want to kill me a little less when you see that I have a 10% off discount code for you! Yes, for the month of February, 2013, get 10% off your Sigma order by entering the Coupon Code at the checkout! 



For direct access to the Sigma Beauty website, click here. If you buy any brushes, comment below to let me know! I'd love to hear what you've bought! If you already own Sigma brushes (or cosmetics, for that matter), comment below telling me what you think of them! You all know how I love my recommendations. 


Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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February 01, 2013

Advertise on Born to Buy

February 01, 2013 | , , , , , , , , 0 comment
Hi, everyone!

This is yet another blog update. I know I just did one (click here to read) and I'm sorry, but there's more I want to tell you.

Did you know that you can now advertise on Born to Buy? For more information, including prices, click here.

All advertisements will be shared on Born to Buy's Facebook Page on a weekly basis.
All advertisements will also be shared on Born to Buy's Twitter and Instagram on a weekly basis 

Blog Statistics as of 1/2/2013
Views per month: 19 585 (approximately 600+ per day)
Total blog views: 134 042 

If you're considering purchasing ad space and would like to know more information, please comment below or email me on dontstopbuying@hotmail.com

I'd love to help!

Always look your best,
Sophie
x

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Tiny Hand With Heart