Monthly Beauty Favourites | May 2014

This month hasn't been an overly exciting make up month for me. I broke my legs at the end of last month (sadface) and I'm still on leave from work so I've not been wearing make up anywhere near as much as I did previously. In saying that though, I've had a few make up orders arrive recently (see hauls here and here) and I've had a lot of fun playing with them.

Essence Silky Touch Blush in #10 Adorable* Review and Swatch

For me, blush is a make up product that ties and eye and lip look together. I never opt for statement blushes, purely because I don't think they suit me, and almost every blush in my collection is a subtle and colour that brightens the face and adds a small amount of colour. I see the Essence Silky Touch Blushes whenever I check out Essence displays at Priceline and Target but, for some reason, I always overlook them, opting to add another lipstick, eyeshadow or nail polish to my collection instead. It's odd though because I've actually wanted to try them for quite some time. Go figure, Sophie.

Anyway, long story short, recently the Essence Silky Touch Blush in #10 Adorable* was sent to me and I've used it almost every day since. 

Emptying the Trash | May 2014 Empties

Every month I find myself wanting to start my Emptying the Trash post with 'So, it's that time of the month again..' and then I realise that I might be sounding like I want to talk about a completely different time of the month so I stop. Either way, it IS Emptying the Trash time of the month so, weird anecdote aside, let's get into the products that I'll tossing out.

Real Techniques Modern Natural & Night Owl MakeupKit Review

As I said in this haul post, I was trying really hard to not to pick up the two limited edition Makeup Kits from Real Techniques but, in the end, my shopaholic tendencies won and I bought them both. I haven't owned these very long but I've had long enough to play with them and, given that they're limited edition, I wanted to put this haul up as soon as possible so you can still pick these up if you're interested.

Real Techniques Haul | May 2014

When Real Techniques released their two limited edition make up kits, Modern Natural and Night Owl, I said I was going to buy them. I didn't need anymore palettes. Cut to a few weeks later when I was stuck in hospital and there I was ordering both palettes and a few extras after watching the Pixiwoo sisters make a video about them. 

I'm not going to tell you guys why I bought each product because, let's be honest, I just wanted them. I'll just list what I picked up and their price.

NEW RELEASE // Rimmel London Urban Bohemian Collection* with Swatches

On Friday I had a very exciting and unexpected delivery, almost the whole Rimmel London Urban Bohemian Collection! This collection was created in collaboration with Kate Moss so almost all of the products are in fabulous lipstick formula which everyone seems to adore, myself included. With nude, coral, pink and purple tones, the collection is a modern take on the 'boho chic' style that Kate Moss seems to rock so well.  

"I've always loved the laid-back bohemian look because it's all about individual creativity and self expression. I've worked with Rimmel to create a palette that combines rich, earthy tones with cool brights and soft nudes, perfect for Winter/Autumn '14. Using the shades in my Urban Bohemian Collection for lips and nails you can create a look as strong or as romantic as you like"

- Kate Moss talking about her collection

COLLECTIVE BEAUTY HAUL | BeautyBay Cosmetics: Part Two

After placing one too many orders late in April, the Beauty Bay orders have started rolling in. I uploaded Part One of this three part BeautyBay haul series (I know, I have had a serious case of the impulse shops) which can be found here. To see what else I've added to my collection lately, keep reading! 

Lust Have It! Beauty Box | May 2014

Today, 22 days into May, my Lust Have It! Beauty Box for May arrived. Given that my April box arrived seven days into May, I'll really happy to receive this box in the month it was intended. It's definitely progress! The first thing I noticed was that it wasn't packaged in the clear cosmetics bag that last month's was. Instead, the contents of this month's box was just placed in the mailing box which, I'm honest, does not bother me. Sometimes I struggle to find uses for all the collectable boxes and make up bags!

For more info on the contents of this box, keep reading.

My Post Hospital Skin Picks + Clearasil Giveaway

After being discharged from hospital (huzzah!) I realised that I was going to have to switch up my skincare routine a little for the short term. Having two broken legs means I can't reach the sink and things properly. I am currently washing my face in a Tupperware bowl of warm water (living the high life, clearly) but I've cut down my skincare routine quite dramatically as I've found it to be a little difficult. I'm still using a lot of the products I was using previously but I've cut out a few seemingly unnecessary steps and thrown in a few time saving products. 

Essence All About Nude Eyeshadow Palette* Review and Swatches

It can be really difficult to find a nice neutral palette in Australia, especially at such an affordable price point, and today I'm here to tell you what I thought of the Essence All About Nude Eyeshadow Palette*. In this post here I mentioned that I was captivated by a few new products from Essence, one of them being the All About Nude Eyeshadow Palette. More recently I was sent one of these palettes from Essence's PR company so I've kept that one for an upcoming giveaway. 

Winter Nail Polish Picks

I really love nail polish. I love experimenting with new colours and keeping up with nail trends and new colour releases. I don't tend to conform to seasonal nail polish colours (ie. pastels and neons in summer, vampy colours in winter etc), though I will occasionally opt for something a little darker in the cooler months. I recently went through my nail polish collection to find my most appropriate winter polishes and today I'm here to share them with you all!

The Wet Brush Detangling Hair Brush Review

A while ago The Wet Brush was receiving praise left, right and centre on the internet. Every beauty vlogger seemed to be raving about it and, being someone with incredibly unruly hair, I decided that it might be the answers to my crazy haired prayers. I picked The Wet Brush in the Hipster Chevron print and, after using it for a month or so, I'm here to tell you what I think of it. 

COLLECTIVE BEAUTY HAUL | BeautyBay: Part One

I've talked about it a few times lately, but I've recently placed quite a few orders with BeautyBay. Some were big and some were not as substantial. The thing is, I've found that free shipping is danger to my ears, resulting in me finally picking up a few bits 'n' pieces that I've had my eyes on for quite some time.

Anyway, last week two of my BeautyBay orders arrived and now I'm here to tell you what I got!

Kosmea Certified Organic Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost* Review

Although the Aesop Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum is extremely hydrating, as the same suggests, sometimes, especially when I'm sick, I feel like my skin needs a little more hydration. When I'm lacking moisture I tend to opt for an oil. I've previously used the Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil* (Trilogy has a nice one too) but my oil of choice at the moment is Kosmea's Certified Organic Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost*.

NAILS QUARTET #2

About a month ago I uploaded my first post in a new series, Nails Quartet. Instead of uploading random Nails of the Day posts, I'll post semi-regular posts sharing a four recent nail looks at once. Of course I'll let you know what products I'm wearing in them. Over the past month or so I've kept my nail looks pretty basic, opting for accent nails and block colours. Maybe while I still have time off with my legs I'll look at getting a bit more creative. What do you think? 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 Review

Hourglass' Veil Mineral Primer is incredibly hyped about in the beauty community at the moment. Almost everyone who tries it absolutely raves about it and, whilst I'm often quite disappointed by overly hyped beauty products, this is one I just had to jump on the bandwagon of and try for myself. I wasn't too fond of shelling out $79.00 for 30mL of product so when Mecca Cosmetica began stocking the 10mL travel sized for $25.00 (do the maths - it's actually cheaper to buy the travel size) I knew I had to pick one up.

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT // Face of Australian Screen Sirens Winner

My love of the Face of Australia Screen Sirens nail polish collection has been no secret so when I saw that the Face of Australia display was restocked at a store near me I knew I had to pick up the whole collection for a lucky reader. For the past two weeks I've been hosting the giveaway and now I'm here to announce the winner! 

Illamasqua Lipsticks Collection, Review and Swatches

Lipsticks have always been one of my favourite beauty products. They transform a look so easily and whenever I'm feeling crappy and in need of a little retail therapy, it's a lipstick that I'll almost always end up buying. Over the past few months I've added a number of Illamasqua lipsticks to my lipstick collection. Some I've been sent, one I've been gifted and others I've bought myself. I'm quite impressed with the lipsticks, especially their pigmentation, so today I thought I'd share them with you all. I have two different formulas in my collection, satin and matte, so I also thought it might be good to compare the two and let you know which I prefer. 

To see what Illamasqua lipsticks I own, keep reading! 

The Open Mascara Edit #1

I was applying my make up the other day when I realised that I have a lot of open mascaras in my collection at the moment. A lot. I like to think that I only have one or two open at a time but, when I take a step back and have a look, I realise that's really not the case. My current open mascara collection features a few loves, a few hates and one or two 'gives or takes'.

I've created a new series called Open Mascara Edit where, every few months, I'll take a look at the mascaras I have open and give you a run down. Do I like them? Do I dislike them? Would I repurchase them? 

Keep reading for Open Mascara Edit #1! 

Aesop Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum Review

At the start of this year I gave my skincare routine a bit of an overhaul, picking up a lot of new products suited to my combination/oily and blemish prone skin. One of the products I picked up (as featured in this haul) is the Aesop Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum. Previous to this I'd not used many serums as I found it difficult to find one that wasn't too heavy for my skin but I grabbed a sample of this one and, after being really impressed with it, I decided to pick up the full size. The Aesop Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum is a serum that's marketed at people with combination, oily or troubled skin. Umm, my skin is all of those things. All. 

I have not been disappointed with the product and today I'm here to tell you why!

GIVEAWAY REMINDER // Face of Australia Screen Sirens Entire Collection

Hi, everyone. I hope you are all doing really well.

Just a reminder that my Face of Australia Screen Sirens giveaway is still open and it will be until midnight Western Standard Time (Australia). I'm giving away all eight colours in the collection which is the seven swatched below plus a matte top coat. This giveaway is open to Australian residents only as it is far too difficult to post nail polishes overseas.

To be taken to the giveaway, click here. 

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend | Isn't it Delicious? | Some Like It Hot | Monroe | Bombshell | Travilla | No Angel 

Goodluck, everyone. 

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MY MAKE UP STORAGE (plus collection overview)

Not too long ago (a little before I broke my legs) I gave my make up storage and collection a bit of an overhaul. I was on leave from work so I had the time to clean everything out fully and reorganise things a bit. For once things were looking nice and clean so I thought it was a great time to show everyone how I store my make up. I'm not going to go through everything I own as it'll go forever, however let me know if you see something you'd like reviewed. I'll add it to my list.

This post will be really photo heavy so I'll try and keep the text to a minimum. 

My Vanity

This is where most of my make up is stored. I picked the dresser up from Gumtree and I really, really love it. It's a little bit dirty as it wasn't varnished and I don't want to ruin the matte finish but it always come clean when I give it a scrub. 

Essence Longlasting Lipstick* Review and Swatches

My love of lipsticks has never been a secret, not on my blog and certainly not in real life. I've been accumulating a number of new lipsticks over the past few months including a couple from the Essence Longlasting Lipstick* collection. Essence is one of my favourite affordable make up brands and when I saw the new sleek packaging, I knew I had to have some. I've recently picked up two shades from the collection, Natural Beauty and Wear Berries, and I was also sent another colour, All You Need is Red.  

Lust Have It! Beauty Box | April 2014

Yesterday my April Lust Have It! Beauty Box arrived. Again I feel that the box was late, arriving seven days into May, which I feel to be quite disappointing. It seems like the boxes are arriving later and later but I'd love to know what you think; Are you having the same experience? Unlike the past few months, April's pack was housed in a clear cosmetic bag with pink accents. I like the idea behind this bag but, much like the cosmetic bags and boxes that they've used previously, I fear that I'll have an influx of them in the future. 

Lipstick Republic Haul | May 2014

Just before Anzac Day I was ordering a few bits 'n' pieces off Lipstick Republic for someone else when I threw a few products in the cart for myself too. It's only fair, right? I didn't buy too much but my order arrived yesterday so I thought I'd show you what I grabbed! 

COLLECTIVE SKINCARE HAUL | Adore Beauty, BeautyBay and Look Fantastic

As I mentioned in this post, I've done quite a bit of online shopping lately. Too much, if I'm honest. Last month I got a bad virus and then managed to hurt myself quite badly so I had a bit of time off work and I'm quite prone to placing the odd beauty order or two (or ten) from the comfort of my bed when I'm sick and sore. It passes the time, after all.

I placed orders with Adore Beauty and Look Fantastic, as we as quite a few from BeautyBay. Today I'm here to show you what I picked up from Adore Beauty and Look Fantastic plus one of my many BeautyBay orders. I'll post another haul (or two) as my other purchases arrive. 

 To celebrate their birthday, Adore Beauty recently had a 15% off promotion so I took the opportunity to repurchase two skincare loves as well as try a few others bits 'n' pieces. 

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Dark Review

Benefit's Gimme Brow has been receiving a lot of hype in the beauty community since its release in late 2013. I picked this up earlier this year when I made a trip to Benefit's Brow Bar for my by monthly (yes, I need to get my act together) brow groom. I didn't want to give into temptation and pick it up because I've been so fond of my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Skinny Brow Pencil but I gave did because I wanted to see what all the hype was about.

Needless to say, all the hype is very warranted and this is a really lovely product. 

NO BEAUTY BUYING | May 2014 Spending Ban

Last month I did a lot more online shopping than I'd like to admit. I've become quite fond of Beauty Bay, placing a total of five orders, and I've also bought a few bits 'n' pieces from other places. Basically, I need to stop shopping while I can still afford to clothe myself. Oh, and in my defence, each Beauty Bay order was fairly small - there's just been quite a few of them. If you want to see what I've picked up, stay tuned for the hauls!

For the month of May I will be on a spending ban. I'm not allowed to buy any beauty products unless I need to repurchase something crucial that I don't have a replacement for (something that I highly doubt will happen). I want to make a dent in my collection, test out some products I've put on the back burner and play with my new bits from Beauty Bay as they arrive. 

I'm participating in two different swaps at the moment so I'll be allowed to buy products for them but that's it. Nothing for myself! Wish me luck, I beg of you. 

UPDATE: Now that I'm out of action and won't be working for a bit (head to my Facebook Page for more information), I'll be working a lot harder to reign in my spending as I will be on Leave Without Pay for a few weeks. Eurgh. 

 Have you ever put yourself on a spending ban? Do you think I can do it? Did you want updates?

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To win the entire Face of Australia Screen Sirens Nail Polish collection, click here