A Mini American Beauty Haul

Hello again!

I think I am finally (after being home for a week) settling back into some sort of normal again, which includes getting back into my blog!

If you guys didn't know, I was lucky enough to jetset around the states for 4 weeks with my boyfriend on one hell of a holiday!

I have been dying to try out all of my new beauty goodies I purchased on holidays, but wanted to leave it until I could grab some snaps! #bloglife

I really didn't buy a whole lot this trip for a couple of reasons.
1. I have a LOT of makeup already that I don't really use/have occasions to wear/ forget is there and
2. The exchange rate absolutely sucked this time around. Stuff that is normally cheap in America was either more expensive after I converted it back into Australian dollars or around the same price that I could grab it back home.

I did however grab a few pieces that I couldn't get back here in Oz or that were still cheaper after working out the AUD pricing.

Lets start with the pieces from Bath and Body Works. These bits are hard to come by in Australia, however you can grab selected bits from Bath Body and Home.
I picked up 3 travel sized products as they had a promo going, plus they're just easier to cart around. The first is the Velvet Sugar fragrance mist. I had purchased the body wash from Bath Body and Home a while back. This smells SO nice! super sweet. It reminds me of those red love heart lollipops I used to get as a kid!! (who else remembers those??)
I also got the Warm Vanilla Sugar scented body wash and lotion. A lovely sweet but subtle scent.
Then last but not least the hand sanitisers. I love that Bath and Body Works make so many different scents. It's nice not to have to smell so antibacterial after you sanitise your hands. I got the scents Cosy Vanilla Cream and Berry Scary.

Next up are the bits I purchased from Walmart. This is where I found things were still a fair bit cheaper than home and a couple items I hadn't seen in our stores yet.
I got the L'Oreal Miss Manga Rock waterproof mascara in Blackest Black. I had heard good things about the regular Miss Manga mascaras and these were only like $7 USD.
I also grabbed the L'Oreal La Lacque lip crayon in the colour 203 Lacquerized. A glossy fire engine red.
I picked a Milani Powder Blush in the colour Romantic Rose. The picture doesn't really show its true colour but its a lovely dusky rose.
I stocked up on some more Vaseline Lip Therapy Pots. This one is the cocoa butter scent. If you follow me on instagram (@eclecticclash) you would have seen me raving about the creme brûlée flavour.
The last one I'm really excited to try! The Jergens Wet Skin Moisturiser with added coconut oil. If you're a coconut scent fan, you will love this. Perfect for the warmer weather! (when it finally decides to make its way to Victoria...) It's a little different to the Nivea after shower lotion as you don't have to rinse the Jergens lotion off. Just shower, turn off the water, apply to wet skin then pat dry. Sounds really great to me!

Finally I have the bits I grabbed for myself from Sephora. Let me tell you I restrained myself HARD in this store. I wanted everything! I did however grab mainly Kat Von D things as you just can't get them in Australia (apart from Sydney Sephora, which don't do internet orders) I am eagerly awaiting the Melbourne grand opening. This girl will take the day off work if she has to to be there! #eagerbeaver
I purchased one of her new Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks in the colour Outlaw a beautiful traditional blue based red. I could have lashed out and bought majority of the colours available, something for everyone. These are my favourite kinds of lipsticks. Matte and SUPER long-lasting. The swatches on my hand lasted all day long. Perfect for a night out!
I also got a regular Studded Kiss Lipstick in the colour Motorhead. It's a gorgeous matte wine/plum/burgundy red/purple it transfers a lot lighter than the colour of the bullet.

Now I knew before I left home that I wanted to get a Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. This is a lot of YouTuber/bloggers fave liner on the market. BUT! There is a new kid on the block. The Ink! Liner. I thought when I picked it up that it was the same thing but I asked the lady working there at the time if there was any difference and she swatched them together.
This new ink liner is SO much more pigmented than the tattoo liner and it literally does not budge. I can definitely see the hype about her products.

Now this last one was a bit of a splurge for me. I'm not normally a big spender when it comes to makeup. I like my drugstore products but I just had to come home with a Naked Palette. After much deliberation on which one I would get I settled with Naked 2 as i thought I'd get the most wear out of those colours.

And that was my little haul! Very paired back for someone like myself but I'm really happy with all my bits. Besides, this trip was more about just getting away and enjoying each others company and the locations (and lets be honest, THE FOOD) than spending all my money on things I really didn't need.

Let me know if you've tried any of the above or if there's other things you'd like to recommend!

Xx

My Long Haul Flight Beauty Essentials.

EEEEP! It's almost that time to start packing my stuff for my trip away!! SO excited but also a little nervy. Im not really sure why I get like I do, but I freak out that I'm going to forget to do something before I leave or leave something important at home. #neurotic

This post is all about what I plan to take in my hand luggage to keep my skin in check mid flight!

As I've spoken about in my previous post, long haul flights wreak havoc on the skin. All of that recycled air drying everything out.

The following are items I hope are going to keep my skin calm and refreshed on my long ass trip to New York City!

1. Formula 10.0.6 Clarifying Facial Wipes - $6.99AUD
Perfect for taking off any makeup or just for a nice refresh after a nap.

2. Antipodes Night Replenish Serum - $58.99AUD
A beautiful serum to put some moisture back into your skin after a cleanse.

3. Maybelline Baby Lips - $3.95AUD
There's really nothing worse than dry lips in my books. Especially when you have nothing to put on them. I once resorted to hand cream at work because I'd left my lip balm at home. (Don't recommend that by the way) These lip balms would have to be my absolute favourite. No touching the balm involved so no germ spreading. They also smell amazing! Mango Pie, Anti-Oxident Berry and Lychee Addict (pictured) are my faves!

4. Rosken Intensive Moisture Hand Cream - $3.99AUD
I got this hand cream as a freebie in a gift bag from Priceline and I really enjoy it. It doesn't soak in super quick but it is for "very dry hands" It has a lovely subtle scent and will be perfect for the plane.

5. Avene Thermal Spring Water - $9.99AUD
I love this stuff on flights or on really hot days to refresh your skin. Spritz it on over makeup or on a fresh face as a toner.

6. Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream - $52.99AUD
This is my current love and will be used on the daily over my trip. It is super nourishing and hydrating and I will be lathering this on after take off.

7. Jessica Simpson Fancy Rollerball 15ml (part of a gift pack) - $39.00AUD
This little rollerball is part of a gift pack and would have to be my favourite scent and one i wear on a daily basis. The 100ml bottle will be travelling in my main bag. No being stinky for me!

So those are my main squeezes for my carry on. Is there anything you think I might be missing?
Let me know!

Xx

Product Review || Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencils

It's another lip product review! This time I've got the Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil.

These are apparently a great dupe for the NARS Velvet Lip Pencils, although I will have to take their word for it as I don't own any.

I really love these lip pencils. They are SUPER pigmented, silky smooth to apply and I didn't find they bled either! Score!

Being a pencil lippy, some people don't like to have to sharpen them and would prefer a wind up. I on the other hand don't mind. I think with a pigmented stick like this, it's easier to have a sharper edge to get to the edges of the lip better. (Colour in between the lines)

I am a big red lip girl, so of course I had to buy the two reds in the collection. Red Essential, what I class as the classic red lip. Lovely and rich with a blue undertone, perfect on any skin type. The other is Light It Up, a bright fire engine red.

The other two colours were a little out of my comfort zone but I loved the swatches, so I took a chance and I'm glad I did!

In With Coral is the most out there one for me. A bright pinky coral, it was a little harder to get a smooth even coverage with this one and I could see it getting a little patchy quicker than the others, but I really love the colour. I think the trick with this one is to have really well prepped lips and apply a little lip balm on beforehand.

The other is called Pink So Chic. A gorgeous dark dusky pink, again something I normally wouldn't gravitate towards but I loved the swatch. This is probably the easiest colour to wear every day, I found it a little less matte than the others which I liked, it felt more like a moisturising lipstick than a matte lippy.

I would highly recommend these to anybody who will stop and listen and I will definitely be out to (more likely than not) buy the rest of the collection.

I was lucky enough to score mine half price at a Chemist Warehouse sale, but on the regular they're only $9.95!

Available from the usual haunts, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Kmart and some Coles and Woolies!
(Priceline have actually got these on sale right now as we speak for $5.95!) Run, don't walk... Click here to shop!

I'd love to know what you think about these! Leave me a note below about which colour you think I should get next!

Xx

Product Review || Rimmel Oh My Gloss!

A new kid on the block... Today I have the shiny new Rimmel Oh My Gloss! lip gloss.

Being a mine worker 6 days a week, I'm normally more of a Chapstick/Maybelline Baby Lips type of gal, but when these pretty little things showed up in my mailbox I was more than willing to give them a test run.

I don't own too many glassy lip lacquer type glosses as I find they're always too thick and super sticky. The Oh My Gloss! range is surprisingly smooth and glides on like a dream, making it a lovely everyday staple.
It's formulated with Argan oil and vitamin E leaving a silky soft feel on your kisser!

On their own the glosses deliver a nice sheer colour, nothing too out there for those who aren't into a bold lip.

They claim to deliver 6 hours of colour and shine, I wouldn't say they lasted that long on me, but I found the gloss to have hung around even after eating and a few glasses of wine! #winning

They have a nice doe foot applicator and I love the tubes sexy curves! Very sleek.

With a range of pinks, reds, mauves, nudes and a clear gloss, there's something for everybody!
I have been grabbing the clear gloss to layer on top of my matte lipsticks, turning them into super pretty wet look glossy brights! Sometimes it's just nice to be able to smoosh your lips together without the grip from a matte lip!

There are 8 colours to choose from in the line and they sell for $13.95AUD. 

Available from all of the usual haunts. Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart and selected Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.

The three I received were the Crystal Clear, a red called Ooh La La (left) and a sparkly pinky nude called Love Bug (right).

The only slight negative for me about the gloss would be the scent. It doesn't have one. A nice peppermint or vanilla smell to it would have made it a bit more appealing to me, although this might be a bonus for some.  

Well, do I recommend these I hear you all asking? Yes! Perfect for an everyday casual look, great to add some sparkle over the top of lipsticks, or for those days you just want a sheer wash of colour. 

Definitely worth a swatch next time you're browsing the makeup isles. 

Let me know if you have tried these out and what you thought down below!

Xx

Whats In My MECCA Wishlist

If you're like me and don't have unlimited funds in the bank, but you love to "window shop" online, then you will have all your favourite sites bookmarked with wish lists, hearts, save for laters all neatly filed away waiting patiently for some rainy day spare cashola to come your way.

Today I wanted to share my Mecca wishlist.
SO MANY AMAZING GOODIES!!!

1. Philosophy - Birthday Girl Vanilla Bath Gift Set.
Who says gift sets ACTUALLY have to be gifts!? Vanilla birthday cake scented shower gel AND lipgloss sound like heaven to me and I think it would go peachy with my TIGI Caramel shampoo and conditioner! (Product review on that here)

2. Soap & Glory - Orangeasm Body Wash.
For starters, I love ALL Soap & Glory packaging and this body wash sounds amazing. Scented with fresh green mandarine, lemon and orange, this wash would be a nice pick-me-up in your morning shower.

3. Bobby Brown - Hot Nudes Eye Palette.
Umm... YES PLEASE! I have a thing for nude eyeshadow palettes (or eyeshadow palettes in general) and this one is no exception! There are 8 gorgeous shades that include mattes, metallics and shimmers.

4. Diptyque - Vanille Candle.
"A blend of vanilla orchard, sandalwood, elemi and balsamy bourbon vanilla, this candle delivers a scent that is both warm and comforting"
How dreamy does that sound!?

5. Philosophy - Hope In A Jar Night.
This is an intense night time retexturizing moisturiser which claims to help noticeably smooth the skin, visibly soften lines and restore your rosy glow... Who wouldn't like the sound of that?

6. Mario Badescu - AHA Botanical Body Soap.
This one is currently living in my shower as we speak and I love it! A definite repurchase from Mecca after buying my first bottle from an American site I'm happy I can finally get it in Australia. This was featured in Women's Fitness magazine and claimed to help eliminate those pesky little bumps you get on your upper arms... Well, I can say it works!!

7. NARS - Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella.
I've seen a few bloggers rave about these lip pencils and I'd love to get my hands on this colour in particular. A beautiful rich deep red. This shade would look amazing on anybody!

8. Bumble and Bumble - Thickening Dry Spun Finish.
I will try anything that claims to give hair some volume and lift. This claims to add volume, fullness and texture to the hair... SOLD!

9. Philosophy - Coconut Frosting Shower Gel.
Another yummy sounding sweet shower gel to go with my caramel smelling hair. Bring it on!

10. Kiehl's - Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.
I'm searching for a new eye cream and this one sounds super hydrating and perfect for putting on before bed. The avocado oil helps restore the skins natural moisture.

11. Urban Decay - Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette.
I'm pretty sure I have saved the most wanted until last. The Naked3 palette is the one I would most like in my hands! The rose gold shades look amazing and I am yet to have one of these palettes in my possession. One day soon Urban Decay. One day soon.

Has anyone tried any of the above or have any other suggestions on things I should try? Leave me a shout out below and let me stalk your wish lists!

Xx

Product Review || Iluka Nourish cream cleanser.

I'm finally starting to realise that I no longer need "blemish control/acne fighting" cleansers or "oil free" moisturisers in my life.

Having now entered the "late 20's" age bracket, my skin is a changin' and I have had to go in search of a new cleanser that didn't strip my face of all its natural oils and leave it feeling tight and dried up.

I made a v-line to my local Priceline for a wander around and stumbled across the new Iluka range by Natalie Imbruglia. It's a gorgeous, all natural skincare line that is 100% Australian made. A big plus in my book. It's also paraben/sulphate free and there is most importantly no testing on animals!

The packaging was definitely eye catching sitting on the shelf, I think it has a high end look.

I wanted to try out a cream cleanser as they are a lot more hydrating on the skin. 

This particular one is beautiful! A nice subtle smell, not at all overwhelming. It was a little different to use than a foaming cleanser. This doesn't foam but it does feel great on the skin. It doesn't sting the eyes and once washed off, it doesn't leave any oily residue and my face still has that lovely washed fresh feeling.

I am yet to use it to see if it is any good at taking off makeup (I love my Body Shop Camomile cleansing butter for makeup removal) but as my morning wake me up... It. Is. Love.

The Iluka range carries everything from day/night/eye creams, cleansers, toners, exfoliators, oils, a primer and a lip care product.

I am definitely keen to try out the day and night cream and the eye serum.

If this one cleanser is anything to go by, they will be making a regular appearance on my bathroom vanity. 

Xx

The Christmas Gift Guide Trilogy || Part Three. Luxe Gifts for Him and Her

Sorry about the late arrival of the final part of my Christmas trilogy. But if you're anything like me, you'll only just be starting your Christmas shopping or leaving it until the 24th. (crazy times)

This one is the goodun! The luxe gifts!

1. TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch.  JB HiFi. $199.
For the sporty lady in your life, this is a nifty good looking sports watch. It tracks your heart rate while you run/walk. Counts kilometers. It's waterproof for the swimmers and there are extra bits you can buy for the cyclists to track your riding.

2. Bobbi Brown Deluxe Lip & Eye Kit. Myer. $130.
*Cue the angels singing* This kit is GORGEOUS! A beautiful tortoise shell palette with 4 shimmer and 4 matte shades with a brush thrown in for good measure, along with 8 beautiful lip shades and lip brush. There's something for every makeup lover in this kit. Perfect for travel, this is definitely one luxe gift I'd be very happy to receive.

3. Limited Edition GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set. Hairhouse Warehouse. $370.
Another gorgeous gift pack for those who love a little luxury. Rose gold is beautiful and what is more luxe than having a matching set of heating tools? Purdy.

4. Viktor & Rolf Bonbon 2014 Christmas Set. Myer. $163.
The ultimate Christmas fragrance gift set in my opinion! I mean, just look at it? For starters the box is super cute and the bottle inside is so pretty! Key note in this fragrance is caramel, surrounded by mandarine, orange and peach. Sounds like a lovely sweet scent, perfect for the summertime.

5. Skullcandy Knockout On-Ear Headphones. JB HiFi. $199.95.
One for the music lovers out there. These headphones are so cool! Made for women they have an awesome floral design on the headphones themselves with a burgundy head strap and cord with gold hardware and a gold volume button on the cord for easy control. I'm more of an earphones wearer myself but I would definitely rock these!

6. Kitchenaid Platinum Collection Stand Mixer. Myer. $849.
I asked my family for money instead of presents for my birthday one year so I could put it towards purchasing one of these mixers. (I opted for the Tiffany blue colour, with stainless bowl) But it is my favourite household item. It sits pride of place on my kitchen bench and I love making yummy sweet treats with it, especially around this time of year.

7. Return to Tiffany Medium Heart Tag Bracelet. Tiffanys. $410.
Pretty sure you would be the best person in the world if you gave any girl a "little blue box"

8. Marc By Marc Jacobs Blade Watch. David Jones. $399.
A beautiful Rose gold watch for someone special.

9. Flutterby Cup & Saucer. T2. $95.
The ultimate for tea lovers. This cup and saucer is absolutely beautiful with hand sketched illustrations and made of fine bone china with a gold covered handle. A limited edition set.

10. Ted Baker Leyah Tote Cross Hatch Shopper. David Jones. $244.
I am LOVING this Ted Baker handbag. Rose gold hardware, baby pink and black bag with a black and grey rose printed lining.


Now for the MEN!

1. Breaking Bad - The Complete Series Blu Ray. JB HiFi. $139.
If you or your boyfriend/husband/partner haven't seen any of Breaking Bad. GET ON IT! It's an awesome series that the two of you can sit and enjoy together after a massive Christmas feast.

2. Anchor Marquee Light. Lark. $100.
Something cool to add to the study/computer/work room to make it look pretty cool! Hang it on your wall or place it in a shelf, it adds a bit of a vintage feel.

3. Marley Liberate XLBT Saddle Over- Ear Headphones. JB HiFi. $249.
A must for a public transport traveler, or overseas goer. Great for any boy with a love of music. Also for the techy guy, these are bluetooth powered! Cool design on the ears too.

4. iPad Air. Apple. $499.
A mad present for anybody! iPad's suit everybody's style. Photographers can edit their pics, DJ's can sample music, you can watch movies on them. Perfect for traveling and taking overseas.

5. The Simpsons LEGO House. Toys'R'Us. $329.99
I think this would make the COOLEST Christmas present for those young at heart men in your life. Die hard Simpsons fans would love it. Also the LEGO guys! WIN WIN! Definitely not just one for the kids.

6. Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker. Myer. $249.
A cool gift for the house or perfect to take traveling.

7. GoPro Hero 3+ Silver Edition. Dick Smith. $398.
For the active man or the daredevil that likes to catch his stunts on camera. The GoPro is the gift to give. With a whole heap of accessories available for it, there are literally a million and one uses for the robust little camera. I've seen it strapped onto helmets, in cars, on the front of bikes, on long selfie sticks to take pics. It's waterproof to 40 meters so surfers can strap it on their surfboards. I've even seen it mounted on the end of a guitar to capture the singer performing.

8. Fossil Mens Watch. Myer. $199.
A classic mens watch that would suit anyone and I think it's a lovely thoughtful gift.

9. HolySmoke Black Turntable 3 Speed USB. Myer. $199.
A cool gift for your dad or someone into collecting old records. You can even transfer the audio to your Mac or PC and import to your portable devices. Nifty!

10. Paco Rabanne One Million Gift Set. Myer. $110.
This scent on a man smells AhhhhMAYzing! The notes are: Frosted grapefruit, blood mandarine, peppermint, rose absolute, musk, cinnamon bark, blonde leather, tonic bean, patchouli, white wood and amber ketal. Sounds good! Definitely go and have yourself a sniff because I could almost guarantee you will love it. Gift pack comes with a 100ml eau de toilette and a 100ml shower gel.

And that concludes my Christmas Gift Trilogy!

I hope you enjoyed reading it and got a little bit of inspiration from it.

Let me know in the comments what is on your wishlist this year!

Xx

The Christmas Gift Guide Trilogy || Part Two. Mid Range Gifts For Him and Her

I'm back with part two of my Christmas Trilogy! This one is all about the mid range gift for guys and gals. (over $40, under $90)

1. Gucci Miniatures Gift Set. Priceline. $65.00AUD
I have 3 different Gucci scents already at home so I have no doubt this little gift set would be lovely and a great tester kit to try out without committing to a giant bottle.

2. T2 Kit & Kaboodle. T2. $54.00AUD
This is on my Christmas list for sure! The coolest invention EVER! The clear jug with the handle is where you put your loose leaf tea and hot water. How do you get the tea without the tea leaves in you say?? WELL! You just place the jug over the top of the glass mug and the tea drains out from the bottom leaving the tea leaves behind!! (I'm way too excited about this invention) Someone please buy me this!!!

3. CWA Classics Cookbook. Collins Booksellers. $49.99AUD
A must for your friends or family who love to cook. This is full of old classics that your Nan would have made. What woman wouldn't love to be able to master the yummy sponge cake and all of those other amazing goodies you would expect from the CWA ladies. A fab cookbook for young and old.

4. Nars Digital World Set. MECCA. $65.00AUD
For the beauty girls. A beautifully packaged travel sized set of Nars Satin Lip Pencils. In 5 gorgeous colours, there is something in there for everybody.

5. Bush Dab+ Retro Style Portable Radio. Officeworks. $88.00AUD
A funky retro radio, perfect for taking along to picnics or the beach. This radio can also be plugged into mains power or batteries when out and about. A fun gift for the outdoorsy type or would look awesome kicking back on a windowsill.

6. Glasshouse Fragrances Triple Scented Limited PA Edition Xmas Pudding Candle.
    Peter Alexander. $42.95AUD
A sticky date Christmas pudding scented candle. Enough said.

7. Benefit Big 10 - Fun Size Flirts. Myer. $69.00AUD
A cute gift pack from Benefit featuring mini sizes of their top 10 products. A nice little introduction to Benefits line of makeup and skincare.

8. Leather Travel Journal. Kikki-K. $49.95AUD
A lovely gift for those of you who have friends or family that have caught the travel bug. A great way to capture those holiday memories you don't want to forget.

1. 1- Minute Gardener By Fabian Capomolla. Dymocks. $45.00AUD
Here's one for the outdoorsy men in your life or even the gardening beginner. It's full of illustrated step by step instructions on "fast, edible gardening essentials" from how to prepare a garden bed to harvesting your own home grown goodies.

2. Family Guy Season 14. JB HiFi. $43.98AUD
I don't think there are many guys who don't enjoy laughing along to family guy. This one is released on the 10th of December.

3. Beard and Moustache Care Gift Set by Men Rock. notonthehighstreet.com $56.28AUD
A nice change from all of the shaving kits. This one is for looking after you beard or moustache! made with all natural ingredients you get a soap, beard balm, moustache wax and a comb.

4. Game Of Thrones Book Box Set. Angus and Robertson. $66.99AUD
One for the book worms. The game of thrones book box set. These are meant to be better than the TV series!

5. American Horror Story Seasons 1-3 DVD. JB HiFi. $59.98AUD
If your man hasn't become obsessed with the American Horror Story series yet. Buy this set of the first 3 seasons STAT!! Such a great show. Like nothing else on TV.

6. Marvel Comics 75 Years of Cover Art Book. Angus and Robertson. $62.99AUD
I know there has to be a lot of comic book nerds out there that would love this book. It's full of 75 years worth of comic book cover art!

7. Silverlit Blue Tech Helicopter. Myer. $89.95AUD
I know SO many guys who would love this gadget! It is controlled by your iPhone or iPod touch. You just download the simulator app and away you go! Fun!

Hope you have found a little more inspo for your christmas shopping. Next up will be luxe gifts, so stay tuned!

Xx

The Christmas Gift Guide Trilogy || Part One. Stocking Fillers for him and her

It's closing in on that time of year again! December 1st marks the countdown to the family feasts, drinking far too much punch and the best part... Opening presents!

To help you get organised for this festive season, I have decided to make things a little bit easier for you all by putting together a Christmas gift guide!

Part One is all about the stocking fillers (gifts under $40)

First up is for the ladies!

1. Poptastic Gift. Lush. $11.95AUD
A cute little box from Lush with 2 bath bombs inside. Perfect for anyone who loves bath time.

2. High Roller Beauty Case. Cotton On. $16.95AUD
Great for any sisters, besties or makeup addicts, a handy travel beauty case with a fun print.

3. Rimmel Brit Kit. Target. $20.00AUD
An awesome gift pack from Rimmel. A black mascara, taupe coloured eyeliner, a sexy red lipstick and a black glitter nail polish. Definitely a bag of classics and one I will be putting on my Christmas list.

4. Paddywax Relish Sweet Cream & Honey Candle. Myer $14.99AUD
Everybody loves a candle don't they? Sweet cream and honey sounds divine and the mason jar just tops off the cuteness level for me.

5. Squared Studs. Cotton On. $6.95AUD
Cute coloured studs, perfect for the party girls.

6. Coconut Gift Cube. The Body Shop. $9.95AUD
A perfect secret Santa gift or for the girls who love their bath and beauty products. The body shop coconut scent is to die for. This little pack comes with a shower cream and body milk with a super soft loofa. Also comes in shea, wild argan oil, mango and strawberry scents.

7. Ashdene Over the Hedgerow Fox Mug. Myer. $14.95AUD
I'm a tea drinker. So therefore I have a bit of a thing for collecting tea cups. These are beautiful. With four different woodland animals to collect, these would make a great gift for anyone who likes their hot drinks.

8. Fred Drinkup Babushka Carafe. Myer. $24.95AUD
Another fun Kris Kringle gift. I own one of these and it lives on my bedside table. Perfect for having a drink before bed and with the top lid/drinking glass on top it stops all of the dust getting in there.

9. Peace Hand Ring Holder. Sportsgirl. $16.95
A super fun gift for your friends. I'd be stoked to unwrap this one on Christmas Day.




Now for the men in your lives.

1. Tommy Snapback. Cotton On. $9.95AUD
I think most guys would be happy with this hat. A simple design that would suit a range of dudes.

2. Cafe Racer Workshop Water Bottle. Myer. $39.95AUD
Something for the motorbike lovers out there. A cool drink bottle they can take to work or use while out in the working on their "man stuff"

3. Lonely Planet You Only Live Once 1st Edition. Myer. $29.99AUD
A cool book written by the lonely planet full of "bucket list" places to see and ideas to reignite the old passions from wanting to learn an instrument or a language. A bit of an eclectic mix of places and things everybody should try at least once. A super fun gift for anyone!

4. Selfie Scope. Cotton On. $19.95AUD
One word. FUN!! A cool gift for those boys who like a good gadget for their phones. An awesome way to get some good group pics or videos. Comes with a bluetooth shutter remote. Even I would like one of these!

5. Pac Man Magnets. Myer $12.95AUD
The retro resurgence is still going strong. People young and old love and know of Pac Man. I think these are a cool stocking filler.

6. Fred Mr Tea Man Infuser. Myer $12.95AUD
Again with the tea. This time a fun infuser for the guys in your life to make tea fun.

7. 50 Fifty Space Invaders Colour Changing Mug. Myer $19.95AUD
Another fun retro gift for the arcade games playing boy. A cool Space Invaders mug that changes as you fill it with hot water.

8. Bailey Case. Cotton On. $12.95AUD
A cool case for your guy to keep his shaving gear or toiletries in.



And that concludes part one of my Christmas gift guide trilogy. I hope it has sparked some ideas for your Christmas shopping adventures. Stay tuned for part 2...

Xx

Lust List || Myer Christmas Gift Sets

It's almost that time of year again, which for me, means trying to get organised before December 24.
And by organise I mean aimlessly browsing Myer Online for all of the lovely Christmas gift sets they bring out.
For those of you who have sisters/friends that are in to the make ups (or just your lovely self) this may be the post for you. I have found a few little gems that would make amazing gifts for someone you love or to buy to put in your own Christmas stocking!

Do you love the Christmas gift packs they bring out for the holiday season?
Which is your favourite?

Xx

Review || Zoella Beauty Range.

Another review!

I'm sure anyone who is into the blogging and YouTube world is familiar with Zoella and her new range of products. If not, check out her blog here and her YouTube channel here.

So when they were released on feelunique.com I of course put my order in. 

There are 7 pieces in the range. 

2 makeup/pencil cases, the bath bomb, body lotion, shower/bath gel, a fragrance mist and a candle.

The candle and fragrance were what I was interested in most but they were sold out of the candles and they won't post the fragrance overseas.

The 3 pieces I did get were the Creamy Madly Dreamy Body Lotion, the Fizz Bar and the Soak Opera Bath Soak And Shower Cream.

All 3 products have the same scent. A sweet, floral, musk smell. Not overpowering but very feminine and pretty. I love the packaging design. The bright pinks and gold with polka dots and lace is definitely something that I would gravitate towards in stores.

The body lotion is lovely, it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. The bath fizz block is something that is one of a kind in the way it is shaped. It looks like a chocolate bar with 8 squares inside that you can break up and put into your bath. It's nice to be able to get more than one use out of it rather than the regular one use round bath bombs. The shower cream/bath soak makes great bubbles in the bath and lathers up lovely in the shower and leaves you smelling of the fragrance afterwards which is nice.

Overall I think the range is really great! It caters for her younger tween audience as well as people like me in their mid to late 20's. They are super affordable too. Each item was around the $10AUD mark. 

Definitely worth a try if you're in the market for some nice bath products, or also a lovely Christmas present for any ladies in your life. I even think my Mum would enjoy these.

Xx

Monday Lust List || Episode 2

It's back for another round. My Monday Lust List. 

So many more bits and pieces that I would love to have in my possession. Maybe one day...

First up is the GAWWJUS rose gold metal queen bed above... What can I say... I am in love with it! This particular one is from the website Cranmore Home and is a touch on the pricey side at $1049AUD (but totally worth it in my eyes) 

Next is the Benefit Cosmetics Candy Coated Countdown advent calendar. Instead of the "straight to the hips" chocolate version, this little number is full of Benefit's makeup goodies!! I missed out on grabbing one last year, so hopefully I will save up the cashola to nab one this year... (but knowing me, will also buy myself a chocolate Freddo calendar... YUM!) This one comes in at $149AUD and is available at your Benefit counters (Myer etc), but I'm not sure for how long!

Of course it wouldn't be one of my Monday Lust Lists without a candle! This is the limited edition Halloween Glasshouse Pumpkin Pie candle. With a glow in the dark box and a set of black stickers to make your own spooky Halloween scene on your jar, this is definitely one to add to my collection. Now these are selling out fast everywhere, although there is one store local to me that I can grab it. I have found one website that still has them in stock but if this candle is tickling your fancy you best run, not walk if you want this festive fun-ness in your home! $39.95AUD

Ohhhh, sunglasses... I am a ridiculous hoarder of sunnies, but normally I pay less than $10 a pair as I wear them to work, push them up onto my head (a big no, no to those sunglass connoisseur's) basically, I treat my sunglasses really badly and they always break. Except for my other pair of black semi cat eye shaped Ray-Bans. Those I have treated with the up most respect, so I think I can now trust myself with the tortoiseshell pair that I have wanted for a very long time! Currently on ASOS for $188.46AUD

Now, before when I said I am a crazy sunglasses hoarder...? I also really like a good watch... Having saved and purchased a gorgeous Michael Kors Stainless steel big, chunky mens style watch, then had to have same said watch in the rose gold version. Is it overkill to have a black watch as well?? I think not!! 

Here is the absolutely STUNNING Karl Largerfeld Black Analogue Watch. In black polished stainless steel, and gorgeous geometric shaping on the face, this watch is my idea of perfection and is the first black watch I have ever liked the sight of. Maybe if I'm super good, Santa will deliver me this one for Christmas... This beauty is from Myer and retails for $399AUD

While I was browsing the Myer website I had a look through the accessories and found this Miss Shop Felt Wool Floppy Hat. Although probably more of a cooler weather hat, I could get away with wearing this for around three quarters of the year in my home town in Victoria. $39.95AUD

Having said that, I also found a more summery version of above hat in the Miss Shop Aztec Paper Trilby. A great beach hat this would become and super handy to keep that hot Aussie sun from searing my pasty English heritage skin to a cinder... $29.95AUD

I also picked out this cool Miss Shop Skull Print Scarf. At $15.00AUD this would jazz up a boring outfit or like me would probably end up using this to put in my hair.

The last piece from Myer is something a little out there for me. I've always liked the look of these headchains but didn't think I would be able to pull it off. I think this one is simple enough for me to try out and for $15 it's no great loss if I don't like it... Miss Shop Headchain With Diamond Centre.

Moving onto the homewares section in Target, I found this really cool Lisa T Rock Couture Rose Gold Clock. As you can tell by the bed and in previous blog posts, I've taken quite a liking to anything rose gold. This clock is no exception. $35AUD

My last piece of rose gold I promise! This is the Lisa T Rock Couture Tealight Holder. For only $12AUD this would add a nice little pop of metallic to any room. Plus it's my two fave homewares in one. Rose gold AND candles! This also comes in a black and silver. #obsessed

Are we seeing the trend here peoples? Geometrics and metallics are my thing baby! This would be a sweet fruit bowl or maybe filled with something as a centrepiece on a dining table... The Lisa T Rock Couture Wire Basket. $20AUD

My last item is this Optical Canvas Print. I really like the look of the old skool optometrists signs and this one has a cool slogan in it. A steal for $20AUD.


Well, that is all for this episode of the Monday Lust List. Apologies in advance if I have swayed you to part with any hard earned cash and You're Welcome if I have found you a lovely gem for yourself or you were struggling to figure out a gift idea for somebody... I'd like to think I've helped you out in some way! :)

Let me know in the comments what you thought!

Xx

My Current Night Time Skincare Routine

Today I come to you with my current night time skincare routine.

I'm the kind of lazy girl who has never really had a proper routine. I liked the last minute makeup wipe before bed and stayed away from night creams as I thought my skin was oily enough, until my skin went into meltdown and broke out into a crazy array of blackheads, cystic acne and blemishes.
Turns out I just needed some good exfoliators and moisturisers!

So if I have been out with a full face of makeup, I will come home and use The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter to remove all of that, wipe it off with a muslin cloth, then rinse. If it were a makeup free day (normally my work days) I will use the St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. I will then follow through with the Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner on a cotton round.

Around every 3 days I will use the GO-TO Exfoliating Swipeys. I am giving full credit to these new gems for helping improve my skins texture. Using a gentle Lactic acid, these little cotton rounds of goodness help clear pores, refine fine lines, remove dead skin cells and also moisturise with the added essential oils. My skin has never felt so soft and supple.

Next is the Trilogy Rosehip Oil. 3 drops onto the palm of my hand and I pat it across my face and decolletage. Following with the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream.

I will then brush my fangs and finish with the Go-To Lips! Super Balm. Great for slapping on before bed time, the grapefruity smelling balm is super hydrating and great for keeping those kissers in good condition while you snooze.

And that folks is the way it goes down before bed!

If anyone can recommend a good eye cream, be sure to let me know in the comments. Maybe something that will try and attempt to dull the dark circles. I am struggling to find anything that ACTUALLY works.

Until next time...

Xx

Body Shop Haul and Review

The Body Shop...

A well known brand around the world and definitely a brand that is all about spreading the love.
They are against animal testing, they support community fair trade, they feel very strongly about keeping our environment clean and green and are 100% committed to speaking out for people or animals without a voice. Numerous campaigns are kicking about helping raise money and well needed awareness.

What other reasons do you need to buy from such a kickass company?

Great products for one and the Body Shop never fails to deliver.

I made an online purchase a couple weeks ago to grab a few things that are being raved about in the blogging and YouTube communities.
I have used all of the products at least once so I thought I would do a bit of a review as well as a haul.

1. Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
The first cleansing oil/butter I have used and I must say. I am converted! This stuff melts your makeup straight from your face!! I love the fact you just swipe some from the jar, rub straight onto your dry skin  and everything just comes right off. Far easier and less messy than gel/foam cleansers. (I'm one of those girls who gets water EVERYWHERE when I have to wash my face over the sink) It doesn't sting the eyes when I rubbed it in there to remove my mascara either. Also, NO OILY RESIDUE!! Perfect for combo/crazy skin like mine. Moisturises the dry patches and cleans up the oily bits. Win win!

2. Muslin Cleansing Cloth
The perfect duo. Once you have melted that butter into your face, rinse your cloth under warm water and wipe the grime away. The coarseness of the muslin gives a nice exfoliation without being too harsh.

3. All in One BB Cream (Shade 01)
I'd heard good things about this BB cream. It comes out of the tube white but once rubbed into the skin, it colour corrects to give you an all over even finish.
Having only used this once so far, I can't give too much of a comment on it. I'm not too sure whether there is enough coverage of redness for me yet, but I will have to use it a few more times to make more of a judgement. It feels great on the skin though, not oily. Sinks straight in, it didn't cause any blemishes to pop up like other BB creams have done in the past and didn't leave me looking orange.

4. Honey Bronzer (Shade 01)
A much loved bronzing powder raved about by Essie Button. I just had to give it a try. I can see the fuss. It's a really lovely bronzer that leaves behind just the right amount of colour. It's not orange, it's not too powdery and there's no crazy disco ball shimmer. Just a super easy to use everyday lovely bronzing powder.

I have to say I am super happy with everything I have purchased and now know The Body Shop have a lot more to offer than just moisturisers, shower goodies and lip balms.
Definitely have yourselves a look see and a tester if you are near a store, you won't be disappointed.

Any other makeup or skincare you can recommend from The Body Shop? Let me know in the comments.

Xx