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October 31, 2014

Monthly Beauty Favourites | October 2014

I am really happy to report that October has been a fantastic beauty month for me. I have been sent some absolutely amazing new releases, as well as rediscovered some total winners in my collection, which has made for some really inspired make up looks. I've found myself looking forward to applying my make up a lot this month which is so refreshing and something that I absolutely love. I really hate when getting ready and putting my face on becomes a chore, don't you? 

October 30, 2014

MAC Lightful Marine Bright Formula Moisture Creme Review

MAC's Lightful Marine Bright Formula Moisture Creme has been a staple in my skincare routine for quite some time now so I was pretty shocked when I realised I hadn't written about it yet. Bad beauty blogger! I hauled this moisturiser back in June (see huge MAC collective haul here) and I've been using it almost daily ever since. 

For all my thoughts on the MAC Lightful Marine Bright Formula Moisture Creme, keep reading!

October 29, 2014

THE BEAUTY DIET // Oct 2014 ft. Make Up Geek, Benefit, Nordstrom & Kit

This month I have managed to accumulate quite a few beauty bits. I'm not really sure how, nor am I sure when, but I have quite a few products to haul for you this month. It seems that self control was lacking in the month of October.

Keep reading to see what I picked up and why.
I've already written a separate post about the Benefit Cosmetics Limited Edition Pretty Parfait Makeup Set but, in case you missed it, here it is. This kit contains a full sized They're Real Mascara!, Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium and Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium. It also had a deluxe sample of an all time favourite product of mine, their POREfessional Pro Balm.

October 28, 2014

AC ON TOUR Contouring & Highlighting Kit* Review and Swatches

People have been going absolutely nuts for Australis' AC ON TOUR (C ON TOUR? I see what you did there, Australis..) Contouring and Highlighting Kit* ever since a photo of it was uploaded onto the Australis Instagram page earlier this month. The resemblance to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit is uncanny so I can definitely understand the attraction but wow, I honestly cannot remember that last time people have been so excited for an Australian 'drugstore' release. Both the Australis Cosmetics and Priceline online stores are sold out and I believe most Priceline stores have too. Well played, beauty community.

I'll admit it, I was one of the people that scoured their local Priceline stores, maybe even calling daily, so I was absolutely thrilled when one landed on my doorstep (it was actually in my mailbox, if we're being honest, but that doesn't sound as good) thanks to the good people at Australis. I've been playing with it for a few days now and I wanted to get a review up as soon as I could so everyone who's been thinking about picking one up can see swatches and decide whether it's what they're after.

October 27, 2014

Emptying the Trash and Beauty Diet Update // October 2014

At the start of this month I honestly didn't think my October empties post would be very big. I wasn't halfway through many products (that I knew of) and I didn't have myself set on finishing anything. Fast forward about 25 days and, somehow, I've managed to accumulate a huge amount of products to show y'all today. Sure, some of that has to do with the fact that I did another product cull/share but still. 

I have a selection of hair, skin, make up and body to share with you guys so let's get into it!


October 25, 2014

Savings Saturday #1

I was meant to upload a review today but, I'll be honest - It was not prewritten and I simply could not be bothered forming coherent sentences last night. Yup, it was seriously one of those days.

With all that said and done, I have a been meaning to share a few of these coupon codes with you for quite some time so I figured now was as good a time as any! 


Lipstick Republic // Use the code BORNTOBUY to receive 10% off your order!
Furless Cosmetics // Use the code 15ME for 15% off!
My Jewellery Story // Enter the discount code BORNTOBUY25 for a huge 25% off your order
Lust Have It!// At the checkout, enter DSB13 for $5.00 off your first box 

And that's that. I really hope you take advantage of these discounts because they'll definitely save you some money and we all like that, don't we? 


*This post contains affiliate links

October 24, 2014

FOTD // Makeup Geek Shadows and Radiant Orchid Lips

The other day I was getting ready to head out when, being the savvy blogger that I am, I decided to photograph my face and turn it into a Face of the Day post. I've been really loving my Make Up Geek eyeshadows lately, as well as my Innoxa Limited Edition Radiant Orchid Satin Sheen Lipstick*, so I thought it was a great way to show everything off! 

October 23, 2014

Innoxa Renew Age Erase Serum Foundation* Review

As I said in yesterday's post, I am all about the base (and not Meghan Trainor's) and I am on a never ending hunt for the perfect foundation. Sigh, aren't we all? When the Innoxa Renew Age Erase Serum Foundation* arrived on my door steps, I'll be honest, I didn't have high hopes. I always look for a foundation that's going to mattify my combination skin and control oil throughout the day, two things I just didn't believe this foundation would do. The colour match is absolutely perfect for me though, so I eventually gave in, tested this bad boy out and now it's up there in my Top 5 Foundations. Oh, how things change. 

October 22, 2014

ACE YOUR BASE #1 ft. Benefit, Innoxa, Maybelline, Collection and MAC

Base make up is so important to me. I feel like it can totally transform your face and, for me, a good face of base make up makes for a good full face of make up. Does anyone else feel that way? I'm always switching up products in my foundation/base routine so I thought I'd start a new series where I check in every month or so and let you know what I'm using and what's changed. I really hope you like it! 

October 21, 2014

Urban Decay Subversion Eyelash Primer Review

Even though I was blessed with quite long lashes, I have been lusting over the Urban Decay Subversion Eyelash Primer ever since it was released earlier this year. Pretty much everyone that I see mention it loves it so, even though I couldn't justify picking up the accommpanying mascara, I threw it into my cart when I placed my recent Nordstrom order. I have only owned this for a week but I have fallen completely head over heels with it and it's not a fling, it's real love.

October 20, 2014

Benefit The POREfessional Shine Vanishing Pro Powder* Review

Benefit's The POREfessional Shine Vanishing Pro Powder*, sister to the oh-so-famous POREfessional Pro Balm, was released towards the start of this year and I have been busting my guts to try it ever since! The reviews are great and, to be honest, I've really just been wanting to give it a shot because I love their Pro Balm so much! I'm not sure why I haven't picked it up sooner, or at all, but I was super excited when it arrived on my doorstep early this month/late last month. 

October 19, 2014

GIFT IDEA // Benefit Limited Edition Pretty Parfait Makeup Set

I was getting my eyebrows done at the Benefit Brow Bar almost two weeks ago when I stumbled across the Benefit limited edition make up sets released for Christmas. I promise you that I had no intention of picking anything up, I really didn't, but the Pretty Parfait Makeup Set caught my eye I knew I had to take it home with me. To be honest, I could've easily bought a few of the sets so I did show some self control.

Anyway, the Pretty Parfait Makeup Set contains three full sized products (Gimme Brow in light/medium, They're Real Mascara and Stay Don't Stray) and one deluxe sized sample (a tube of The POREfessional which is about one third of their full size). This kit retails for $75.00 in Australia and, according to my calculations, buying everything individually would set you back just over $133.00. Bargain, don't you think?

Benefit's They're Real! mascara is a product I've always liked. I've never bought it for myself as I've managed to accumulate a fair few deluxe sample sizes of it but it's nice to own a full size. I have wanted to try Stay, Don't Stray for quite some time and, I must say, so far I am really liking it as both an eyeshadow and under eye concealer primer. I use Gimme Brow quite a lot but I have always used the darker shade. The girl who did my brows in store tried this on me and it didn't look horrible so I was going to give it a go but my Mum expressed an interest in it so I've passed it on. Finally, The POREfessional is a long time love of mine so I am so glad to have a deluxe sample, even though I am half way through a pro sized tube and I have a back up. I can pack it for all the trips I don't go on, can't I? 

If you're looking for a beauty bargain for yourself, or to give to someone as a gift, now's the time to head to your local Myer store and check out their range of new and exciting Christmas gift packs!


I'll be reviewing these products slowly, of course, but let me know if there's something you'd really like to see! 

Have you given in and bought and Christmas gift packs yet? Will you be picking them up for yourself, family or loved ones? Let me know!

October 18, 2014

Innoxa LE Radiant Orchid Satin Sheen Lipstick* Review and Swatch

If you have been reading Born to Buy lately, you may have noticed that I'm having a bit of a love affair with cool toned pink/purple lip colours (in fact, the love is so real that one of my most recent blog posts was all about my favourite cool toned pink/purple lip colours and it can be found here). One lipstick that I mentioned in that post is a recent love of mine, Innoxa's Limited Edition Radiant Orchid Satin Sheen Lipstick*, and I honestly could not go another day without telling y'all about this amazing lip colour! Yes, the love is that real.

October 17, 2014

GIVEAWAY REANNOUNCEMENT // Third Blogiversary

Two weeks ago I announced the winners of my Third Blogiversary giveaway here and, unfortunately, I never heard back from the winner. This has, unfortunately, happened a few times lately so I cannot stress the importance of checking back to see if you've won giveaways that you entered. If you follow my blog on GFC, Facebook, TwitterInstagram or BlogLovinshould see the announcements and reminders so don't forget to do so if you aren't already!

Anyway, the new winner iss....
Reshma/Dazzlegloss3

It was your Instagram follow that won you this giveaway, Reshma, so thank you so much for following me! Reshma, please email me on dontstopbuying@hotmail.com within 48 hours to organise the delivery of your prize. If I don't hear from you within this time frame, another winner will be announced and I really do not want to redraw again!

While this giveaway was opened I reached 1 million views (read my thank you here) so, of course, I am planning a celebratory giveaway (yes, international) featuring some great products and amazing brands. 

Thank you again to everyone who entered this giveaway. For everyone who didn't win, I'm sorry. Thank you, as always, for your support of Born to Buy. 
  
What do you think I'll be giving away next?

October 08, 2014

From Pink to Purple | My Top Picks for the Purple Lip Look

Over the past 6+ months I have fallen complete in love with purple lips. Sure, I do prefer a more cool toned pink/borderline purple shade to a stand out purple (you know, wearability and all that) but I have a few super intense purples that I rock given the right situation. With Summer coming, I thought people might be inclined to reach for the super bright purples (not just for winter, you know) so it seemed like the perfect time to talk you all about some of the stand out cool pinks and bright purples in my collection. 
For names and swatches of these shades, keep reading!

October 07, 2014

Make Up Geek Eyeshadow Haul & First Impression with Swatches

I said I wasn't going to do it. I wasn't going to succumb to the hype and I wasn't going to buy anything from Make Up Geek. Fast forward a few weeks and I own ten Make Up Geek eyeshadow pans with another twelve on the way. I cracked, guys, I cracked. It seems that, like Pringles, once you pop with Make Up Geek eyeshadows you simply cannot stop. There were a few that I would've liked to grab initially but, unfortunately, they were sold out, however I've since purchased them and I'll haul them when they arrive. 

** Sorry for the awful photo - sun wasn't cooperating

These eyeshadows arrived last Tuesday, a week ago today. I haven't owned them for long but it's definitely been long enough to have a play and gauge my initial thoughts or first impressions, as they're so fondly known in the beauty community. For swatches of the shades, a description of the them and what I think so far, keep reading! 

October 06, 2014

Beauty Swap with Make Up & Smell the Coffee

Quite a while ago my friend Lizzi from Make Up & Smell The Coffee (you may remember Lizzi from this post where she surprised me with an Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice) and I decided to do a swap. Lizzi used to live interstate (in Adelaide, I believe) but she is currently living in Scotland and there were a few new Australian releases that Lizzi wanted to get her hands on. I, of course, want all the UK beauty products so it seemed like the perfect idea! We set ourselves the limit of approximately $100AUD each but and went on our merry way, picking up anything we thought the other may like.

Even though Lizzi doesn't really blog very often anymore, I decided to write a post about what she sent me anyway because I thought it might interest some of you, especially those of you who aren't from the UK. keep reading to see all the make up goodies Lizzi sent my way.

October 04, 2014

Spring into Summer | Transitioning Your Make Up for the Warmer Weather

If there's one things that anyone who reads this blog should know about me it's that I hate the heat. Hate it. Despise it. Loathe it. Is there anything more passionate? If so, I feel that too! Seriously, anything over 25 degrees Celsius and I'm struggling. With all that said and done, I'm not one to fully switch up my make up routine seasonally but I do think there's a few products that become a beauty lover's best friend as the weather warms up.
For me, summer make up is still full coverage (gotta cover up that redness, y'all), but I also need products that are going to be budge proof and, more than that, sweat proof, products that'll last a full day at work! I have a few warm weather beauty 'must haves' so keep reading to see what I'd recommend and why!

October 03, 2014

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT // Third Blogiversary

For the past few weeks I've been hosting a giveaway thanks to celebrate my third blogiversary and today I'm here to announce the winner. Before I get into that, however, I, of course, want to say a bit thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. I am so grateful for every entry and each and every person who reads this blog! I've also really enjoyed reading your entries and seeing what posts you like to see here on Born to Buy. I'll definitely be taking it all into considering when I write posts in the future. 

Anyway, the winner is Jasmine Martinez! 

Congratulations, Jasmine! I really hope you like these new goodies. I'm sure you will! These are products that I really like and I highly recommend so I'm sure they won't disappoint. Please email me on dontstopbuying@hotmail.com within 48 hours to organise the delivery of your prize. If I don't hear from you within this time frame, another winner will be announced.



While this giveaway was opened I reached 1 million views (read my thank you here) so, of course, I am planning a celebratory giveaway (yes, international) featuring some great products and amazing brands. 

Thank you again to everyone who entered this giveaway. For everyone who didn't win, I'm sorry. Thank you, as always, for your support of Born to Buy. 
  
What do you think I'll be giving away next?

Sleek MakeUP iDivine Eyeshadow Palette in Storm Review and Swatches

The Sleek MakeUP iDivine palettes are really raved about in the beauty community, especially by beauty bloggers and vloggers living in the UK. The palettes are said to be of great quality and are super affordable, making them such a winner worlwide. I picked up quite a selection of Sleek MakeUP products last year (haul here) and, ever since then, I've been meaning to write a review of the Sleek MakeUP iDivine Eyeshadow Palette in Storm, one of two iDivine Eyeshadow Palettes that I picked up.

October 01, 2014

Handbag Beauty Essentials | October 2014

I feel like I was a scout who earned their beauty badge in a previous life. I always like to be prepared for any beauty emergency so, as such, I tend to overpack my handbag with what I like to think are the beauty essentials. 
Even though these handbag beauty bits are probably a lot to some/most people, I've chopped and changed what I carry over the years to make it as streamlined as possible and now I want to share the best of the best with y'all!

Tiny Hand With Heart