Monthly Beauty Favourites | February 2014

With another month of 2014 pretty much done and dusted, it's time I get on to what's really impressed me in the month of February. Most of these products are ones that I've not yet featured on the blog, either because they're new or I've recently fallen for them. I really love writing favourites posts where we're not talking about the same products for the millionth time so let's get into it!

Lust Have It! Beauty Box | February 2014

When my February Lust Have It! box arrived at my doorstep on Monday I was, once again, a little disappointed. My disappointment seems a little hasty, however, as so many other people are quite happy with the contents of this box. 

The first thing I noticed was that this subscription was somewhat package-less, meaning that the contents of the box was directly in the mailing box. This doesn't bother me in the slightest (in fact, I almost prefer it to the cosmetics bags or boxes they used to offer - there's only so many of each that one person can have!) and is a non issue to me. The information card says that they have new packaging that's set to be ready for the April box and, I must say, I'm quite intrigued. I wonder what it'll be..

To see what came in my February Lust Have It! box, keep reading.

The Taylor Swift Fragrance Trifecta | Comparison and Mini Reviews

My love of Taylor Swift is no secret, both in my blog and personal life. I've blogged about her here and here and I'm sure there's more to come in the future. Along with my love of Taylor, I'm also quite fond of perfumes and I've managed to accumulate quite a collection, a collection that includes all three Taylor Swift fragrances. I'm sure I would've bought them whether I like their smell or not but, luckily, I do. People occasionally ask me what separates them, especially the first two, so I'm here today to compare them! 

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara Review

When I opened up a tube of the Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara about a month ago I was instantly reminded of just how amazing it is and how much I loved it last time I used it. I had used this previously but, being the blogger and beauty lover that I am, I'm never that loyal to one mascara and I love to chop and change. 

To find out why I love the Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara so much, keep reading.

Australian Summer Beauty Saviours

The pasts few months have been incredibly hot in Australia and it honestly doesn't seem like Mother Nature has any plans to cool things down any time soon. When I say hot I really mean it.  We're talking 35 degrees + (or, for my US sisters, that's approximately 95 degrees fahrenheit) on an almost daily basis. If you know me at all you'll know that I really don't cope with the heat. Even though I am really struggling, there are a few products that make things a little easier in this weather. 

Chapstick MixStix* Review and GIVEAWAY

When two Chapstick MixStixs* arrived at my door I had no idea what to think of them; It was either genius or madness and I was going to find out. The Chapstick MixStix* is a double ended lip balm that comes in two flavour combinations, Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Lemon Berry Sorbet. The premise behind the product is simple, mix and match the flavours to create your ideal flavour combination.

Breakfast with Cosmetiques de France

Yesterday I headed out to meet with the General Manager of Cosmetiques de France, a Melbourne based company distributing dermocosmétiques from France. You know how Bioderma, Nuxe and Uriage are now available in Priceline? Yep, you have Cosmetiques de France to thank for that! Along with thanking them, of course, E-Von (from The Simple Chic) and I had the opportunity to learn all about the three lines, as well as the concept of derma skincare or dermocosmétiques.

I was so caught up in the products that I didn't take any photos but keep reading to get to know dermocosmétiques a bit more and, of course, to see what I'm dying to try now I know more about the products (SPOILER: It's basically everything). 

Best of Brushes | Cheek Brushes

A week and a half ago I uploaded my first post in my Best of Brushes series (read all about my favourite base brushes here) and today I'm here to tell you about Part 2 in the series, my favourite cheek brushes. 

Before I get into my favourite cheek brushes (we're talking contour, blush and bronzer), I just want to make a few things clear. Some of the brushes in my collection are expensive, some are ridiculously cheap. I don't believe in judging the effectiveness of a brush by the price which is why you'll find such a diverse range in my collection. Please also also note that what works well for me might not work well for you.  Unfortunately brushes aren't a one-size-fits-all type of affair. 

With all that said, let's get into it!

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream Review

In my last haul (link here) I mentioned that I picked up the Khiel's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado to replace an eye cream that I really wasn't getting along with. Unfortunately, this is the Origins GinZing Eye Cream. After hearing so many great things about it, I managed to score it when Kit Cosmetics was running a promotion where they'd give you a free eye cream (the Origins GinZing Eye Cream was one of two choices) if you gave traded it for a skincare product, empty or otherwise and from any brand. 

To see what I think of the Origins GinZing Eye Cream, keep reading!

BORN TO BUY EXCLUSIVE | 25% selected brushes from Abbamart

If you're familiar with Born to Buy and read my post on my favourite base brushes last week (link here), you'll know that Abbamart has quickly become one of my favourite brush brands. The brushes are of the best quality, the prices are amazing, shipping is quick and, even better, if you spend over $120.00 you are entitled to free International shipping (if you're in America you get free shipping on orders over $50.00). I also really love the Abbamart offers different handle lengths so there's something for every storage solution.

After writing first post in the Best of Brushes series (stay tuned for eyes and cheeks, both featuring a few more Abbamart goodies), I was offered a discount code to give to my readers and, of course, I jumped at the opportunity!

From now until April 30, 2014, you have get 25% off any of the brushes I've featured in my series in any length. Yup, any length. To take advantage of this generous discount, use the code B2B25 at the checkout. 

So far you can get 25% off the brushes below, however I will add to this list as I upload the posts. 

Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush

Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush Short Handle

Natural Blunt Buffing Brush

Natural Blunt Buffing Brush Short Handle

Also, just so you know, I won't be receiving any monetary compensation for any orders placed or sales made. I am honestly sharing this with you all because I believe the brushes are great.

Will you be taking advantage of this great discount? 

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Collective Haul | High End Skincare 2014

After picking up my Clarisonic Mia2 (see haul here), I have been trying to make a conscious decision to use better products on my face. It became evident that my previous skincare routine was no longer working for me so I took that as a sign to say goodbye to some of the skincare nasties I had been using and start being a little nicer to my face. 

Over the past two and a half, almost three, months I've scoured Caroline Hirons' and read as many reviews by Paula Begoun (the lady behind Paula's Choice) as I possibly could and, from there, I created my many shopping lists. I also did a lot of shopping. A lot. It's important to remember that this is a collective haul and a these products have been accumulated. 

Cedel Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair* Review

Dry shampoo isn't something I generally reach for. I don't necessarily know if I like the idea of them and I'd much rather just the extra time and wash my hair. In saying that, I've tested my fair share of dry shampoos and found myself reaching for them when I've been in a real oily hair related pickle. I also really like the idea of using them to freshen a hairstyle up between day-to-night, rather than using it in place of a good shampoo job. 

Over the weekend I was desperate to get a few extra hours out of my blow dry job (don't you just love going to the hairdresser?) when I remembered that my most recent can of Batiste exploded in the bath tub so I was completely out of dry shampoo. I then remembered that I can a can of Cedel Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair* hidden in my one of my drawers so I pulled it out and I super impressed by the results.

Lust Have It! Beauty Box | January 2014

On Wednesday, five ddays into February, my January Lust Have It! beauty box arrived. I was tossing up whether to write this or not, especially given I haven't blogged about my last two monthly boxes, but I decided I would.

To see what I got in last month's Lust Have It! box, keep reading. 

Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm Review

Every now and then you try a product on a whim and find that it surpasses your expectations and really, really impresses you. I've had a sample of the Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm in my drawer for the longest time now and, in an attempt to declutter my beauty life, I gave it a shot. After one use of the product I was completely hooked and now it's one of the most reached for products in my shower, having just started my third tube. Truly, it's love. 

Best of Brushes | Base Brushes

Make up brushes are something I'm often asked about. What are my favourites? What would I recommend for the eyes/cheeks/face? Do you need to spend a lot for a good quality brush? What's the best brand? Yup, a lot of questions. I've decided to do a bit of a mini series on my favourite base, cheek and eye brushes to talk about what I feel is the best-of-the-best. 

Before I get into my favourite base brushes (so we're talking foundation, concealer and mineral foundation/powder), I just want to make a few things clear. Some of the brushes in my collection are expensive, some are ridiculously cheap. I don't believe in judging the effectiveness of a brush by the price which is why you'll find such a diverse range in my collection. Please also also note that what works well for me might not work well for you.  Unfortunately brushes aren't a one-size-fits-all type of affair. 

With all that said, let's get into it!

The Perfect Red Lip Trio: An Illamasqua Valentine's Day

I've always really loved the look of red lips on other people but I've never really rocked it on myself. To be honest, I don't really think that red lips suit me and I've very found a red lip/red lip combo that I've been smitten with. Until now, that is.. 

This year Illamasqua is re-promoting three of their beautiful red lip products, including a brand new lip gloss, just in time for Valentine's Day! To read all about the product and see swatches, keep reading!

Limited Edition Chloe Morello Lust Have It! Beauty Box

On Friday I came home from work to find that my limited edition Chloe Morello Lust Have It! Beauty Box was finally at my door. I bought this box on a whim when I saw Chloe Morello, an Australian beauty vlogger, upload a video about it. When I saw her video I was umming and ahhing about the box until I saw that it was featuring a Make Up Store product. That was the selling point for me.

To see what was in the box, as well as my thoughts on it, keep reading.

The Year of the Wooden Horse: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Destiny*

There is no Illamasqua counter in Perth, Western Australia, so any chance to try anything from them is amazing for me. When I was given the opportunity to try their newest nail varnish, Destiny*, I jumped, especially when I read more about the product.