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11.4.17

Statements and Studs

Along with makeup, I have a great love for dress up jewelry! After collecting jewelry for the past couple of years; I've finally given up buying any more. These are my favorite pieces from my stash.


The Statements 
The black and gold statement piece with a hint of gold is the piece that I adore. Knowing me, I wear a lot of clothes that are black so this goes with most of my outfits adding a hint of gold. It looks stunning with simple black outfits. 
The thin gold chain can be used for layering but looks great on its own. This is one of those pieces you would wear to make a elegant outfit look well put together.
Layered necklaces are something you should atleast have 1 of. I love wearing this again with a simple back jumpsuit to give it a sophisticated yet stylish feel. 


The Studs
In my teen years, drop earrings were my life. As I got older, I started leaning more towards studs that you can dress up or down with. This gold and neon green stud gives a nice pop of color and does look great when you wear your hair up. I've got them in a couple of colors myself. On the other hand, these petite gold studs look great to dress down an outfit especially if you wear something that's.... in your face!

 Patterned Stretch Bracelet similar here
Gold Watch similar here
Parker Rose Gold-Tone Blush Acetate Watch here

The Wristwear
Layering bracelets and bangles has always been somewhat appealing to me. But, sometimes you just don't have the time to put them all on. Hence why I love pieces that are thick and easy to put on. Stretch bracelets are everywhere at the moment and I like mine mostly in gold and silver colors. I find these colors go with almost anything. The textured detailing on this bracelet is just stunning. 
One of the things I must wear with an outfit is watches. It completes the outfit and makes you look classy. I've got one for almost every look; sophisticated, stylish, sporty and so on.

Knuckle Rings similar here 
Cut Out Ring similar here

The Rings
I don't wear rings often but if I do then it's only these ones I come back to. I love them all the same because of their cuts. I adore dainty pieces like these to stack them against one another to boast its detailing.

What are your favorite pieces and your favorite trends?

xx

7.4.17

The New Addition | Giorgio Armani


My perfume collection is ever growing that it's getting so overwhelming! But of course, that's not stopping me from adding to it. I know everyone has been raving about Si for a couple of years and I've been a bit late to jump on the bandwagon. Because I have so many perfumes, I forced myself from buying any more. When I received this one.... I must say I was over the moon!





I've been waiting for the right moment to wear this. Have you tried this before? What are your thoughts?
xx

31.3.17

Go-To Scent


I must say, perfumes are one of the things that I collect along with makeup and jewelry. Out of every scent in my collection I keep going back to Dolce & Gabbana The One. Prices vary between $100 to $200NZD dependent on the size.


The smell has a mix of vanilla, fruity and floral scents. It is very long lasting but isn't very overpowering. It's one of those scents that make you feel very luxurious and confident. This may well be an amazing scent for during the day especially during work if you want to smell clean and fresh. I've often used this perfume and can still smell it a week later on jumpers and jackets. 

xx



29.3.17

A little advice

At the start of the year, I set up some goals for myself which you can find here. One of my goals were to "regularly update my blog and create better content". In saying this, I wanted to better myself in photography. I've been following blogs who inspire me with their content and their photography. Here are some photos I experimented with earlier and I'd definitely like to get your input as to how to make these more "blog worthy".







xx

27.3.17

In my collection | Revlon Lipsticks

After cleaning out my makeup storage recently; I discovered I have a rather large lipstick collection and still growing. Even though it might not be as big as some beauty bloggers or makeup artists; it  is just enough for me. Revlon is a great brand if you know what you're after in a product. Here are some of their lipsticks I have and my thoughts on them.


Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
After picking up these bad boys at a makeup sale - my love for lipsticks began. The super lustrous line comes in 4 finishes which is sheer, creme, matte and pearl totaling to a whopping 82 shades! I fortunately only own 2 creme shades and 1 matte shade. There are a range of different shades in this line which you can find here. Even though it states they are matte shades - it doesn't dry out completely nor does it have a glossy texture. The texture is in between glossy and matte which is what I prefer on those days I'm having bad lip days. This has got to be my favorite formula out of all the Revlon lipsticks range. Application is quite easy as it glides on like cream and does have a reasonable staying power. Of course, like most lipsticks which aren't completely matte - they do transfer and wear off within a couple of hours. Another thing that ticked the box for me is the fact that it doesn't leave horrible lines and stains around your lips. This is my top recommendation if you're after a creamy matte lipstick with reasonable staying power.

 From left to right:
374 Bali Brown
663 Va Va Violet
Fifth Ave Red

Revlon Matte Balm
These matte balms come in 10 different shades ranging from pinks to purples to suite different skin tones. Although these are classed as matte - they go on smoothly and are very moisturizing. I only own 4 shades out of the 10 but I love each one the same. I've got a medium brown skin tone and all the colors I have compliment my shade. It's got a pleasant minty smell which I absolutely adore! The only down side to this line is that it isn't very long wearing so you would have to carry them around in your purse. The packaging with these are quite different - almost like a pen. Take the cap off and twist the silver section to release the product. Although the packaging is unique, it can be hard sometimes to apply the product as the bullet loses it's shape. Be sure to carry a mirror with you! Overall, this was a very pleasant find.

From left to right:
020 Lovesick
240 Striking Spectaculaire
250 Standout Remarquable
215 Shameless Desinolte


If you are starting out with makeup or just building up your makeup collection; I'd recommend in investing in some lipsticks from Revlon. They are good quality and you'll get your moneys worth out of it. What are your views and thoughts?

xx

24.3.17

Five Things That Make Me Happy

Can you believe how fast the time is flying by?! I thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect on some things that have been keeping me going for the past couple of months.


My Baby
If you have been following my blog, you would know that I had a baby girl earlier this year. She has honestly been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Looking back - I would not have seen myself in this position. She is now 2 months and 1 week old. I love watching her grow and blossom into a beautiful young lady. Her adorable smile keeps me happy each and every day.

My Husband
The second biggest blessing in my life who I'm glad I met. I appreciate how hard he tries to keep me happy. He's seen me at my worst and stood by me every second. He certainly is my biggest supporter and always pointing me in the right direction. I can be myself around him, act as goofy as I want and can always count on him to play along.

Makeup
Although I may not have the time to use makeup as I used to - it's still something I enjoy playing around with. I feel like I appreciate it even more now because I'm not able to do it often. I still have a lot to learn about makeup but it is one of the things that defines who I am.

Reading
Also something I don't get to do often since I had baby! Reading romance novels was my hobby. The only reading I get to do now; is read blogs (not that I'm complaining)! Books take you to another world and is great for your imagination.

Writing
Since I was in primary school I enjoyed writing. I used to write stories, make books and take part in school competitions. Winning them was definitely my encouragement. After discovering blogging - I took a chance and started doing so myself. This is for sure my hobby and I've got so much more to learn and create.

What are some things that have been keeping you happy this year?

xx



22.3.17

Dos & Don'ts of Makeup

I am not a makeup artist in any way nor am I trying to be. However, I would like to share with you a thing or two I have learnt from using makeup the past few years.
Moisturizer
Do
The very first step to makeup applicaton is a good moisturizer. It's very important that you have the right one for your skin type. As I have oily skin, I use a mattifyng gel cream. Nivea has alot of cream poducts that may be suitable for a range of skin types.
Don't
Ensure you don't apply this with dirty hands. Use clean hands. You shouldn't apply your makeup straight on top of a moisturizer.

Primer
Do
Apply a primer because it is acts as the base for all the rest of your makeup. I like to wait a couple of minutes until the primer has dried before applying anything else.
Don't
Foundation should not be applied right after using the primer. This will seem like your makeup is melting off.

Foundation
Do
Match foundation to your overall body tone. Try to invest in a good foundation from a drugstore as they will help you choose the right shade. Apply foundation with a wet sponge to give you a flawless finish
Don't
Make sure you don't test foundation on you neck only. The foundation won't match your skin tone. Avoid buying foundation over the net as it might be a knock off or the wrong shade. If you'd like to order online, head into a shop and choose your color first.  Avoid using a brush as much as possible.

Concealer
Do
Always apply concealer after foundation. It must be 1-2 shades lighter then your skin tone. Blend with a sponge or you finger and finish off with a setting powder.
Don't
Never make the mistake of applying under eye concealer before your foundation.

Setting Powder
Do
Like foundation, make sure your setting powder is the right shade. Blend well with a brush.
Don't
Make sure you don't apply too much setting powder as you may look cakey.

Brows
Do
You must use a natural looking brow product. I like to use a dark brown brow powder. My natural eyebrows are black so this color lightens it and looks natural. Make sure you also brush with a spoolie before and after to give you shape. 
Don't
Don't create harsh lines or go outside your natural brows. Your aim is to fill in and naturally shape your brows; not draw a fake one! Lastly, never use a black bow product.

Eyelashes
Do
Brush out your lashes and use a curler do give it some shape. For upper lashes tilt your head back and apply mascara is a zig zag motion from roots to tip. Do the same for lower lashes except you tilt your head forward. You can apply as many layers as you like.
Don't
Don't use old and clumpy mascara.

Blush
Do
Use a blush that'll compliment your skin. A peachy color for dark skin or a pinky color for lighter skin. Apply this on the apples of your cheeks blending upwards.
Don't
Blush should never be blended below the apples of your cheeks.

Lipsticks
Do 
Use a lip liner before any lip color to give your lips some shape. This also helps to stop bleeding. For best results, apply a lip balm beforehand.
Don't
Avoid wearing matte lipsticks when your lips are peeling.

What are you biggest dos and don'ts you swear by?

xx

20.3.17

How I Overcame My Skin Problems

Growing up through my teenage years, I was fortunate enough to have good skin. I don't mean to say my skin was perfect - I did have the breakouts here and there. Plus, I never liked the fact that I had super oily skin and still do. A lot of people have said this is something I should appreciate as it means I will have good skin when I start to age. Here are a few tips to control those blemishes and oily skin.


I'm sure you've heard this so many times and this goes out to everyone. DRINK WATER! It has amazing benefits and helps with keeping your skin clear. Last month I was certainly not someone that enjoyed drinking water. But I decided to buy a water bottle and drink water when I felt thirsty. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.
A good face wash at the start of the day can make all the difference. Ofcourse, there is so many choices for so many skin types. It took me years to discover and settle with this St Ives Apricot Scrub. It's an amazing formula and has little beads which means you get a deep clean every time. Every persons skin is different so all you can do is to keep trying different products and see what works best for you.

This clay mask is something amazing if you've got oily skin. It helps control oil and breakouts and has been amazing for my skin. I would definitely recommend using it atleast once a week or when you feel that your skin needs a "pick-me-up".
Like the face wash - I had to experiment for a wee while to settle with this Nivea Mattifying Cream. I do and will continue to talk about this product on this blog. The formula used in this product works best for my skin. Because I have oily skin, I used to neglect a moisturizer but over time I've realized my skin is worse without it.

Finally, one of last steps I took was to purchase a high end makeup remover from Clinique. I always make the effort to remove any makeup I have on at the end of the day. Believe me, I have gone to bed with makeup on and didn't end so well.

Although my skin isn't as flawless I'd like it to be, these products have been a great help in controlling my impurities. Not everyone is blessed with amazing and clear skin. This is what works for me and remember; it took me years to find these products. Keep trying products if it doesn't work for you. You'll get there in the end!

xx

13.1.17

How to: Clean Makeup Brushes

So, you know which brush you use for your foundation and which one to use for your eyebrows. You must know giving these guys a thorough clean should also be a part of your routine right? The more product you use on your makeup brushes; the more coarse and brittle the bristles become. All the makeup and dirt can eventually build up. Subsequently, your skin will suffer from irritation and will cause breakouts. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria especially if it's left out in the open which is how I store mine. It is better to steer clear from filthy brushes and clean them as frequently as possible. Thankfully, cleaning them can be a breeze as you get used to it. You certainly don't need any fancy, expensive products. Most of the products you need will be lying around the house or you can pick these up at a local supermarket.





What you need
  1. Tissue paper / serviettes
  2. Baby oil
  3. Dettol
  4. Baby shampoo
  5. Cloth (optional)

Instructions
  1. Begin by grabbing your tissue paper and pouring a coin size amount of baby oil onto it. I like to fold up my tissue paper so I get more use out of it. Take your brush and swirl it over the oil so all the makeup and dirt comes off. You'll be amazed as to how much dirt brushes can collect.
  2. Fill up a bowl with luke warm water and put a little bit of Dettol hand-wash liquid in. I couldn't find the normal one so I ended up buying the foaming wash. I do like to mix this up so the Dettol dissolves a little with the water. Try to add just enough water that it doesn't reach the point where the bristles meet the head of the brush. This will avoid shedding over time. Leave the brushes in the water for 5-10 minutes or until you can see most of the makeup has come off the brush.
  3. For this next step - take one brush at a time. Rinse it under luke warm water again. Pour some baby shampoo onto the palm of your hand. Remember: a little bit goes a long way. Swirl the makeup brush on the shampoo and let it do it's job. I like to wash the brush out for about 30 seconds to a minute.
  4. The last and final step is to take a paper towel or a cloth and dry out the brushes as you wash them. You can lay them flat but I like to raise the back so they sit on an angle. This makes sure all the water flows out to the bristles rather then staying in the head. Let them dry over night.

Hope you guys found this post helpful. What are your tips and tricks?
xx

9.1.17

In my collection | Chi Chi Viva La Diva


Let me just say this, if you haven't tried any lipsticks from the Chi Chi line.... YOU SHOULD! Created in Australia in 1997, Chi Chi have slowly started to make their mark in other countries. I was lucky enough to receive some of these as a Secret Santa gift from work and then bought a couple of my own.

 Left to right:
Glamazon
Hollywood Wannabe
Turn Me On
Lady Bump
Disco Inferno



I'm such a sucker for matte shades because I'm generally very lazy and tend to not touch up my makeup during the day. Bad, I know! Thankfully all the shades I own are very  much matte and last almost an 8 hour day. Although they are matte - applying them onto your lips is a breeze. It goes on smoothly and is very pigmented. Like most lipsticks, they do transfer a bit especially when you're eating or drinking. However, after a long day I do find that it does sometimes start to crumble. The only tip I would have for you' is to not forget to moisturize and exfoliate your lips  before and after taking it off because it can dry your lips a lot. 

 Left to right
Exhibitionist
Countess
Hot Mama
Corporate Femme
Let Me Tempt You



Chi Chi not only offers lip products but also a range of other makeup products as well as bath and body. If you are within Australia or New Zealand, you can find Chi Chi Cosmetics available at all major retailers which include Myer, Target and Farmers. If buying outside these countries you can do so from their website as the products are shipped straight from Australia. If you'd like to learn more about the shipping and returns policy - you can find it here.

Have you every tried this brand of makeup before? Feel free to let me know if you'd like me to review any other products from this line.

xx

4.1.17

Most Reached For Products For 2016

It's that time of the year again where we all share our favorite products from our makeup stash. Posts like these have been at the top of my reading list because it's such a great way to discover more products. I've rounded 10 of my most reached for beauty and makeup products for 2016. Most of these products have been a re-purchase this year as I've been using them for a couple of years now.

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer

The formula is silicone free, packed with many anti-aging ingredients making the product great for oily and sensitive skin. I was unsure about spending such a large amount of money on such a small amount of product. It comes in a tube like packaging easy to squeeze out and goes onto your skin smoothly. It has a velvety texture and a little bit definitely goes a long way. I would recommend this primer for those who have oily; hard to control skin. This is the only primer I have used so far that doesn't make my skin and makeup look more oily then it already is. It controls shine perfectly!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

What I love about the Estee Lauder Foundation range, is the fact that it caters to many different ladies with different skin tones. You will find the colors in stores making it easier for you to find your perfect shade. I've been using this foundation for about a year now and I haven't changed since. It does help with oily skin and is super long lasting but also keeps you from looking cakey. I would suggest blending the product out with a wet sponge to give it that natural; flawless look and finishing with a setting powder. The only con I have with the product is the packaging. It doesn't have a pump making it hard to get the right amount of product. The best way is to start small and work your way up rather then tipping half the bottle on your palm.

Dolce and Gabana The One

Out of all  my perfumes, I keep coming back to this one. This would be my signature scent if I had to make my own, It's one of those scents you can use the whole year round. The opening is very strong - kind of like mandarin but dies down in a couple of minutes to a long lasting scent of vanilla. The smell is very unique and isn't overpowering  that it makes your head spin.

Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

If you have very dry, dull and damaged hair, please go ahead and give this product a go. The formula is created with liquid keratin to repair damaged hair and refill the gaps within the hair cuticle. I did use my straightener on my hair quite a lot without using any protection before. After I started using this shampoo and conditioner, I have almost stopped using any heat on my hair. My hair is left feeling soft, silky and smelling great. This shampoo and conditioner combo not only helps in the restoration of my hair but also cleanses  my scalp. With most products I find that I get a lot of dandruff but totally the opposite with this.

Nivea Mattifying Gel Cream

Another amazing product for oily and sensitive skin. I use this cream at the start of each day and a first step to my makeup routine. This Nivea Pure Effects Shine Control Mattifying Gel Cream has a very light and soft consistency which is what oily skin needs. It does apply nicely onto the skin and has a slight fresh and creamy scent. It is very moisturizing and doesn't make you break out.

Health Basics DermaPlus Lotion

This cream is amazing value for what it does for your skin. I'll be honest, I've been using this cream for a couple of years now and absolutely love it. I can get white patchy dry skin especially during summer but after consistent use for a couple of months - my skin looks and feels amazing. It is formulated to calm and moisturize dry skin with a fresh scent to it. It has amazing ingredients like aloe vera and is paraben free, Being made in New Zealand and not tested on animals is a huge advantage.

Real Techniques Makeup Brushes

Okay, so I couldn't choose 1 makeup brush from this line which was my intention, RT has many brushes which are all amazing for doing different tasks. If you are a beginner, I would most definitely suggest investing in some of these. They are value for money and also comes in packs which allows you to try many different brushes and their importance. These are synthetic brushes meaning you can clean them on a regular basis. I've had all my brushes for over a year and they have never shed. I will be doing a post on how I clean my makeup brushes soon. Although they have their own names and description, feel free to multi task and experiment with them.

Essie Nail Polish

This is a brand I'm happy to have discovered  in 2016. I wasn't too big and didn't know much about nail polishes before I discovered Essie. This range comes in so many shades; it's overwhelming. They're opaque, very long lasting, apply like a breeze and most importantly don't chip as quickly as other brands do. The most important feature about this line, is it's brush. It's just the right size and gathers just enough product for those who have small nails like I do.

Freeman Clay Mask: Mint and Lemon

If you suffer from oily and sensitive skin, this mask is a must have for your skincare. I myself suffer from oily skin and have large pores on my nose. The 3 ingredients used in this product can do wonderous for you skin. Clay is known to help with absorbing any extra oil, dirt and all harmful toxins from your skin. Lemon in masks help to clear dirt and bacteria whereas mint soothes the skin. I've got nothing but great things to say about this product. I would love to do a thorough review on it so please comment below if you'd be interested.

Rimmel London Apocolips Lip Velvet

"Burning Lava" from this line has been my go to throughout the year. The shade is suitable for all skin tones with a light weight formula. As much as I love my matte lippies, I enjoy how this feels on my lips. It's not drying but doesn't have a wet look to it either . On the plus side, it will not dry out your lips but would recommend using a lip liner as it can bleed over time.

So, there you have it. It was really hard to pick the top 10 products but it had to be done. If you'd like me to do a proper review on any of the products above; please do let me know. All of these products were purchased in store at Farmers and Life Pharmacy. What are your favorites for 2016?

xx

NZ Twitter Secret Santa


So that time of the year has come and passed again - Christmas! This is most definitely my favorite time of the year that I look forward to. I love spending time with my family and friends especially those who I may have not seen a lot. Unlike some countries, Christmas in New Zealand is celebrated while it's summer so of course we've got to have an outdoor BBQ. Christmas for me has been amazing this year (or the past year I should say now!) and I hope it was the same for you. Enough talking from me, let's get onto the actual post.

Basically, NZ Secret Santa is where we participate on Twitter and we randomly get assigned to someone we anonymously give a gift to. The registrations opened the 10th of November 2016 and the gifts were shipped off on the 5th of December 2016.

Here's a little sneak peak of what I got.



Anatomicals is a brand that I have heard of and seen but never picked anything up for myself. Shower gels, body lotions and creams are a great gift to give as it's something a lot of people don't purchase for themselves. What I love about these - is the packaging. The colors, fonts and the size works well together. I can't wait to try this range so thank you secret santa!


I'd definitely recommend you to participate in this if you live in New Zealand. How was your experience if you had participated? Finally, what's your favorite thing/tradition for Christmas?

xx