What's inside my Lust Have It! January 2013

So the postie left a nice surprise on my door step yesterday, in the form of January's Lust Have It! box, so I thought I will share what's inside, and my thoughts on it overall, so stay tuned!

This month, Lust Have It! decided to ditch the cosmetic cases they were using, and opted for a luxurious looking box with a magnetic side clasp. Inside, 5 sample items awaited, with what looks like 3 full size makeup products.



As always, the Lust Have It! box came with a little card, detailing its theme for the month and the list of products inside:



First up, excited to see we have a full size makeup product in the form of a BB 5 in 1 miracle cream from nude by nature. RRP $19.95 in the shade Medium:



Was very excited to get this, especially in my shade, so I am looking forward to giving this a try.

Next is the Lust Have It! Kabuki Brush Full Size. RRP $19.95.



This was my favourite thing to receive, because the Kabuki brush is SO soft, and I will definitely get use out of it!

Next up is the Emotional Brilliance Makeup from Lush Cosmetics, which is an Eyeliner. RRP $24.95.



This looks like a gorgeous eyeliner colour, like a metallic silver colour, and i'd probably use it for a night out for some extra glam.

Along with that, we got a Lush Cosmetics card, which gives us a chance to grab a free Emotional Brilliance Colour reading, and a sample of any Lush Makeup remover. Seems pretty cool, so will probably use this next time i'm near Lush.



Next is the Ella Bache Great 50+ Sportsbloc Active 130ml. RRP $44.00.



Australia has now fallen in line with the rest of the world when it comes to SPF standards, so this is admittedly my first SPF 50+ sunscreen that I own. Although I am not too fond of sachet samples (preferred this to be in a sample bottle), I am quite stoked to give this a try - I would probably get 2 good uses out of this, and with our Aussie sun, we need to lather up as much as possible!

Last is the Kiaorane Shampoo & Conditioner 200/150ml RRP $9.95.



Now honestly, not that keen on shampoo/conditioner samples, ONLY because I am picky with the shampoo/conditioner I use. However, it's still nice to be introduced to a new brand I have not heard of before, but I don't know if I will use it. I may give it to my sister, or a friend.

And that was it! Overall, my thoughts on this month's box gets a thumbs up from me! For the last few months, it's been touch and go with their boxes, but I am really impressed they're including more and more makeup products, and certainly providing a variety of brands as well. Looks like i'll stay subscribed... for now, and looking forward to what February's box will bring.

Til next time, cheers x

January Beauty Favourites 2013

Craziness. Can't believe we've reached the end of January! So far, I have kept up with my 'New Years Resolutions' for the most part, in that I want to try new things every month. This includes starting something new on my blog, as well as my YouTube channel in which I will be sharing a few of my favourite things each month.

So this month, I will be sharing a few of my favourite 'Beauty' items, but I will mix it up moving forward.

First up is the Ahava Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for Very Dry Skin 50ml ($42.50 - StrawberryNET).



This has been a life saver for my face, especially during this warmer climate in which my face feels dryer than usual. The consistency isn't too thick, but definitely doesn't feel like a lotion, so you can work it in at your own pace without it taking its sweet time, or drying up too quickly. It is important to note that it has a slight organic scent that is reminiscent of Eucalyptus, but it really isn't all that bothersome. For those concerned about Parabens, there's no need to be as it's Paraben free (some studies have shown that parabens in products can lead to health issues).

Next is the Celebre Cream Makeup HD Pro Foundation by Mehron in Eurasia Japanais 25g ($9.50 - Camera Ready Cosmetics).





I have already mentioned this in my 2012 Beauty Favourites, so this must be saying something if I am still raving about it. Just to recap on what I have previously said about this - It's a cream foundation, that applies smoothly without leaving you with a cakey complexion.  It's surprisingly easy to blend, and all you need for coverage is just a tiny amount (don’t make the mistake of swirling your brush in there like I did, unless you literally want to look like a pancake – just dab).  Speaking of coverage, I find it to provide medium to full coverage, however it depends on your preference and is buildable if necessary. It also has slight yellow undertones, but can easily be evened out by using any pressed or translucent powder. To apply it, I found it best to use my Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki, or the Furless Pro6F using stippling motions, then buff. Quite simply, a great foundation for everyday wear, but even better for those occasions where flash photography is called for, as it simply makes you look flawless.

Now for the NYX Mosaic Powder Blush in Dare 6.5g ($6.00 - cherryculture).





This is a surprise find in my makeup collection, and leaves me wondering how I ever overlooked it after all this time. I have had this for almost a year, and never used it, until I rediscovered it after a makeup spring clean I recently went through. This powder is a blush, and I have found it particularly complimenting on my cheeks as an illuminator more than anything. It has a slight sheen to it, but not overly shimmery or chalky... almost feels like a cream product. The pigmentation is quite good, so only a little needs to be applied. I have found it easier to apply with my fingers by dabbing this across my cheeks to give it that extra glow.

Next is the NARS Highligting Blush Duo in Hungry Heart 10g ($41.00 - StrawberryNET).





Now I must admit, this is a little too shimmery if you use a heavy hand, and may look a bit glittery at first glance. But when you use a light hand, and only a little... it looks quite glowing. It looks especially complimenting over my NYX Mosaic Blush, and doesn't look or feel chalky.  The two shades are a creamy white, and a peachy colour. I use the creamy white mainly as a brow highlight, and mix the peachy colour with my NYX Mosaic powder to create an iridescent sheen. It's really pretty when combined with this particular blush, but i'm sure would compliment any blush you use. If you want that extra glow all over your face, you can achieve that with this duo, but i've never gone as far as applying it all over my face in case I look like a glittering fairy! However, it has become one of my favourite powdered highlighters.

Onto the Soft Focus Liquid Mineral Illuminator from nude by nature 50ml ($22.95 - Priceline).



This definitely reminds me of the NARS Orgasm Illuminator - similar consistency, and similar sheen. Only the difference is, this is half the price of the NARS counterpart. I have been really surprised and impressed by this product as it actually seems to stay put on my face for a full day, and doesn't seem streak. I normally apply this with a stippling brush if I want to use it under foundation for an overall glow, or with my fingers over foundation to add a bit of highlight to my cheeks. It's a really light product, and only a little goes a long way.

Now for the eyes... Starting with the Urban Decay Naked Palette eyeshadow in Sidecar ($50.00 - BeautyBay).





It's no surprise that this palette is a favourite, but I am honing in on one shadow colour that has been a favourite, and that is the colour "Sidecar". Been using that as a lid colour lately to minimize the steps it takes me to apply eyeshadow in the morning as it really helps create the illusion of bigger eyes. I typically used this as a crease colour, but experimented with it as a lid colour, and have been super happy with the way it looks. It's not too shimmery, and i've experienced minimal fallout with this shadow, if at all, as it isn't overly chalky, and adheres to the brush quite well. I use my Hakuhodo flat shadow brush to apply it all over the lid.

Next is the Poisedon Lash Mascara by Kick it Side from Skin79 9g ($16.80 - mybbcream.com.au).



I will do a separate in depth review of this mascara, but in the meantime, I will say that I am so impressed with it! The wand is quite unique with the spiral brush head, and is of a convenient shape and size to coat each and everyone of my lashes. It lengthens my lashes like crazy, and really helps to give it a 'falsies' kinda effect. The wet formula means I can coat my lashes over and over until I am satisfied with the look, without having to also wait too long for it to dry. Although it was sent to me by mybbcream.com.au for review purposes, I am not being paid to say how much I love this mascara. I genuinely do love it.

For brushes, it goes to the Hakuhodo G552BKSL Brush (Crease Shadow) ($18 - Hakuhodo.com)



I usually use my MAC 217 for blending in the shadow on the crease, and still do from time to time as it's my absolute favourite brush for the job. However, the Hakuhodo brush is almost catching up to earn that title. It's a uniquely shaped brush in that it is an angled tapered brush that works with the shape of your eye. You can use it as an eyeshadow brush, as well as a blending brush, however I use it mainly for the latter. It is super soft and easy to wash, and I love how it feathers out my eyeshadow.

Onto lips, I have been enjoying the Revlon Lip Butter Colorburst in Peach Parfait 2.55g ($17.95 - Chemist Warehouse).





It's been the perfect colour for the summer months, and gives a hint of colour and shine to the lips without it being too bold and ott. This particular lip butter isn't too drying for my lips, however I wouldn't go as far as saying it is highly conditioning. Admittedly, these lip butters don't last all that long on the lips, but I love it for the fact it is such a light lip product to apply, no fuss or mess, and the upside is I can change to a different colour throughout the day when touching up... and that is a useful routine for me and my fickle mind!

Next is the Aromatherapy Lip Balm in Vanilla by Bloom 15g ($9.95 - Myer).



Yet another re-discovery in my makeup stash, this has been quite the ally when paired up with my Revlon Lip Butter mentioned above. I use it as a base to condition my lips, then apply Peach Parfait over the top. Despite the flavour being Vanilla, it doesn't have an overpowering scent. It's helped to remedy my dry lips, without an overly glossy appearance, and i've completely fallen in love with it all over again!

And for the last of the favourites, it is the Hydrating Body Lotion by Pure Fiji (mine is the sample size, but the full size is 354ml $29.95 - Purefiji.com.au).



This sample sized product has been perfect as a hand lotion, and it is exactly what I have been using it for! Really hydrating, and makes my hands feel so soft, it also has a beautiful rich coconut scent that really lasts for hours! It has a lotion type consistensy, however no effort is needed when working the product into your skin. Amazing lotion for the summer!

And that pretty much sums up my Beauty Favourites of January! I look forward to sharing with you some new favourites next month, that won't just be about beauty :D

Don't forget to check out my accompanying video I made to basically summarise all the things I mentioned in this post. Let me know what your favourite products have been, as I am always delighted to try new products!



Til next time, cheerio xox

First Impressions: Glamourflage

Squee! So 2 days ago, I placed my first order on Glamourflage, an Australian cosmetic company based in Melbourne who typically specialise in makeup and skincare. Best part? They use natural and quality ingredients that haven't been tested on animals - fab!



I first heard of this company by total accident, perusing through blogs wondering of the places beauty enthusiasts like to buy their makeup from in Australia... when I came across the name, I knew I had to check them out.

Instantly, what drew me into their website was the total girly, yet classic glamour I was faced with. Immediately, you will notice their packaging - sassy, glamorous, and just a bit naughty ;) and to match, their product names are just as saucy and glam. Each product is named after a female name, and appears to represent a different female character for each product. By clicking on the product, you find out more about who she is and what the product can do for you. Let me give you an example with Lavish Lara :)So let me say at this point I was sold! I must admit that i'm a sucker for packaging, for it ultimately determines whether I am going to part with my money, or keep it just that little bit longer. Needless to say, I made a purchase and the rest is history.

So what did I end up purchasing? I got myself the Kinky Kate Vanity Case, which retails for $27.95 AU.



This measures 16 cm in height, 20 cm in Length, 12cm deep - that's a whole lot of makeup you can store in there! The design is funky, and the shape is practical, making it easy to place on my vanity without inconveniencing the space around it. Material is made out of PVC/metallic fabric from what I can tell (not clear on their website), so what that means for me is if I ever get it dirty (not that I will :p), it's easy to wipe clean :D and if I ever need to store it away, it can easily fold for tidy storage.

But what I wasn't expecting was, to receive the following as freebies:

Bella Blaze Lip Balm 20ml - $10.95 AU



This honestly smells like honey right out of the jar - so delicious! It's not too greasy that it runs off your lips, and it's not too dry that you can't pick up any product. I like the creamy texture and the ease of application on the lips - it's no wonder, it contains lanolin, Vitamin E and beeswax!

Vera Vamp Body Cream 30ml - $13.95 AU



The interesting thing about this is that it doesn't have one of those scents that make you want to eat the product up - it has the scent of organic ingredients that leave you with the comfort of knowing that this will live up to its expectations of being nourishing for your skin. And with "11 different moisturisers including macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, vitamin E. and aloe-vera, is pH balanced and laced with natural mica particles for a light-diffusing pearlescent look", how can you not resist? It really feels quite nourishing, and really easy to blend - it feels like your skin is absorbing the moisturiser, which in turn leaves your skin feeling great! Love that this is a travel sized product, it makes it easy to pop in your bag, and away you go.

Hand & Body Cream Samples



I love when companies give you free samples of products - a good way to give the consumer a taste for their product range. I would've been content with just the samples above, but they went all out and included 2 travel sized products -whoa! An excellent example of customer service :DOverall, super impressed with the quality of their products so far. Not only that, but their attention to detail and customer service A+! For me, first impressions always count, and it's usually for the service more than the product. Since Glamourfage have ticked both of those boxes, I will be sure to support them by purchasing from them again. :)

Hope you enjoyed, and til next time...

Cheers xox

First Impressions: Furless Cosmetics

Yay! First post of 2013 :D Had to say it ;)

So to kick start things for the new year, I am pleased to share with you some new brushes I purchased during the week from Furless Cosmetics. They're a cruelty free company, selling a range of makeup and brushes made of synthetic bristles as opposed to animal hair. And best of all, they're Australian, which is always a plus!

I ordered their brushes from their website, and shipping took about a week (others have received theirs in less time than that, but a week is still reasonable). The cost for shipping was $5, with the brushes coming wrapped up in recyclable brown paper packaging. The brushes themselves were wrapped up in protective clear covering.

Now, the brushes I decided to try out were from the "Must Have Pro" and "Fun & Funky" line, and I must say the colours definitely stands out in my brush collection, given that the majority of my brushes have black colored handles, so it's a nice change! I'll take you through my "First Impressions" on the brushes I purchased from each line.

Must Have Pro

Firstly, these brushes look aesthetically pleasing with its elegant frame and gold accents. It instantly screams professional to me, and the synthetic bristles feel extremely soft to the touch.

Must Have Pro Stippling Brush PRO6F ($14.95) is great for applying liquids, mousses, creams, primers, powders, or anything else you see fit (I know for some of my brushes, I don't use them for what they're designed for!). From what I can tell with the density, I would find it more appropriate to use this for liquid foundation and/or setting powder.

Must Have Pro Extended Concealer Brush PRO4M ($11.95) is not only perfect for applying concealer into those challenging nooks and crannies of our face, but also a great use for applying highlighter as the design is suitable and flexible enough to manipulate the bristles for either. Judging from the density and slight stiffness of the brush, it'd be perfect for liquid and cream application.

Must Have Pro Lip Brush PRO1L ($11.95) is such a perfectly shaped angled brush that will deposit your lip product with precise application. Very impressed with how firm and dense the brush is, and it looks like the kind of brush that will easily control the opacity of the lip colour.

Must Have Pro Pencil Brush PRO6M ($11.95) is the kind of brush I have been searching high and low for. It's a perfect brush for a smokey eye, as it allows you to smoke out your liner, or blend your liner on your lower and upper lash line. The shape of the brush and the density also makes it versatile enough to use as a lip brush. Love it!

 Fun & Funky

Punk Pink Large Fan Brush (On sale for $4.95) is one of the funkiest brushes i've ever owned! I mean, it's pink! But i'd find this quite a useful and versatile brush due to its size, so it's definitely something i'll be using for setting powder or highlighter.

Punk Pink Angled Contour Brush (On sale for $2.98) is very similar to the Sigma Angled Contour Brush, but not as dense as I expected. Still, I would actually use this for blush due to the density, and looks to give quite a precise application if using a light hand.



Overall, my first impressions of the Furless brushes are that they are quite simply superb. Very high quality, no shedding from what I have experienced, and very versatile. I was overly impressed with the affordability of the brushes, simply because of its high quality make up and professional feel, and I am eager to start using them in my every day routine. I will definitely be buying from them again in the future.

I might do thorough review when I have the chance to use them completely, but if you're after an extensive review on their other brushes in the meantime, you can check out one of my favourite reviews from fellow Aussie Beauty Youtuber Jodik76 on the brushes and the company.

If you use Furless, let me know what brushes you use, and your experience... would love to know!

Til next time, cheers xox