Monthly Favourites: October 2014

It's that time again - the end of another month is here (is it just me or are they going progressively faster...?) Right - let's get straight into it...

OPI Nail Polish - Hot and Spicy. I always used to be a pink nailed girl all the time - now I'm going for something a bit more firey. I think mostly because this looks amazing with a tan and makes me feel like I'm helping bring about summer (because weather in New Zealand is pretty rubbish at the moment...). OPI always do fantastic colours that seems to last really well, this one I can usually get 5 days consistent colour out of with no chips.

Hurraw lip balms - Coconut and Moon Balm. I'm sure I've spoken about these before, but the newly discovered coconut one is amazing. It smells delicious and is probably the most moisturising of the Hurraw lip balms I've tried. I bought mine from an Auckland based online business - Oh Natural. The packages are always wrapped absolutely beautifully, it's like getting a gift in the post.

The Olive Branch Shower Gel. I bought this one for a few reasons, one, it's the only Lush shower gel I've never tried and two, I saw one of my favourute bloggers - Kate from Gh0stparties - rave about it and lastly, it smells very similar to the Dorothy bubble bar that I've always loved the scent of (but can't really use due to my eczema). I took the plunge and bought this beautiful olive oil and mandarin peel gel and my word. It smells tart like marmalade but has a real sweet note under it too. it's very gentle on irritated skin and lingers in the air and on your skin long after you've turned the shower off.

Grease Lightning/Vanishing Act. Again, I saw this on another blog and remembered using it years ago. It hadn't been stellar for me back then but as my skin had changed and I thought I'd give it another go. I'm so pleased I did, my skin is so much clearer and doesn't feel tight after applying. It's a beautiful natural spot treatment and doesn't just reduce redness but helps prevent spots from spreading. My t-zone hasn't looked so clear in ages.

Anything I need to try for next month?

Claire x

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger Tag: Part 2

I saw this tag on Hello Octobers blog (one of my favourite bloggers) whilst looking through her archives (because I'm a massive blogging creep). I actually really love reading these and think you get to know bloggers a lot better behind their usual posts - so here's part two! (If you want to read part on you can find it here). 

When did you start your blog?
I started a beauty blog around a year ago now on Tumblr but I felt I wanted a more professional looking platform and something that was entirely my own creation. I moved to Blogger only a few months ago back at the end of July. 

Have you had any past online presence before (other blog, YouTube)?
Yes - as above I had a Tumblr beauty blog but it never really turned into what I wanted it to be/wasn't what I ultimately wanted to go for in my blogging life. 

Why did you start a blog?
I had done so previously but really I was in need of a hobby - I've just started working full time this year after graduating last year. I now have far more free time (third year uni was killer - weekends were a distant memory...) a new camera as of last year and a growing love for all things beauty. That, along with more disposable income than I'd ever had previously made me re-consider blogging. What made me actually start I was (again...) on Suzie's blog and read this post, it really inspired me to bite the bullet and get onto it.

When did you become serious about starting a blog?
I guess when I started this blog - it's still definitely a work in progress and probably always will be but I really wanted it to be something to be proud of. I set my mind to posting three times a week and being as "myself" as I could. 

What was your first post?
My first post aside from my introductory one was a first impressions of Frank body scrub - if you're a regular here you know that Frank is now a regular visitor in my shower haha.

What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?
Trying to fit it in can be a challenge - but then I love writing and taking photos etc. so it's not really a bad thing. The hardest bit for me is probably photos - I think I've improved a lot since I started but I still have a long way to improve.

Where do you see your blog in one year?
Hopefully a lot bigger and better than it is now - I expect a new theme, hopefully more readers, I'll be using social media more. In terms of the posts themselves I can never tell - I plan things a few months in advance as I always have new or different ideas, but I can't see myself getting bored of writing them any time soon! 

What is the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?
I think just having a creative outlet in my life and knowing there are a few people that seem to be regulars and come back now and again to check in. I absolutely love when someone comments that something I've posted has helped them in some way or that they enjoyed reading it.

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?
I don't really find anything discouraging (yet). I suppose new readership is hard to find at times but I know I could probably change that if I utilised twitter and instagram etc. a lot more. I'm really just doing this because I enjoy it.

What's your lasting inspiration or motivation?
Reading other blogs, trying new products, reading magazines, finding new things or tricks that work. A whole lot of things really. Reading the tips sections in big blogs like Nouvelle Daily Blog, Gh0stparties and The Lovecats Inc. really help remind me I have only been at this a few months and give me new ideas for posts, how to better my photos etc. Really though, I've said it so many times already, I just love writing about things I'm enthusiastic about, it never feels like a chore and I don't really need any other motivation than that it's a lovely way for me to discuss and share something not a lot of people I know are interested in.

(I feel like I said "blog" too many times in this post...)

Claire x

Top 5: MAC Must Haves

One: Eyeshadows. The range of shades alone at MAC is pretty mind boggling. While it can be a little overwhelming I think there's definitely going to be a few shades that suit every skin tone and taste in colour. In terms of the quality I've not found anything better - they apply beautifully, last all day and are highly pigmented. In the palette above I have (from top left, clockwise to bottom left) Patina, Wedge, Embark and Woodwinked. Although they look similar they have a very different effect - two matte shades and two shimmery ones are perfect for a variety of everyday looks. I have a list as long as my arm for other shades I'd love to try.

Two: Lipsticks. Can't go past lipstick really can you? From the packaging to the variety of finishes (satin, matte, frost, amplified, cremesheen etc...) and of course the colour range there is something for everyone. They're long lasting, have rich pigmentation, a beautiful finish and even smell beautiful. My favourite finishes are satin and amplified - similar consistency but the amplified, as the name suggests, are super bright.

Three: Fluidline. This is my soul-mate eyeliner. Yes, it's gel and yes, that makes it a little harder to use. However, it's very dark, dries quickly and won't easily rub off. So if you're a contact wearer like me or tend to rub your eyes then scream internally because you forgot you were wearing eye-makeup this might be good for you too. I like to use it with an Eco-Tools angled brush.

Four: Mineralise Blushes. I'm a big fan of dewy skin, even though mine can look a little oily. These blushes are a great way to get that glow without weighing down oily skin with cream products. They're not sparkly (which is good because I hate "sparkles" as such) but more pearly. I have several more of these lovelies on my to-buy list for this year. The finish is very natural and I think it's harder to over apply these than conventional blush too.

Five: Pro-Longwear Paint Pots. These are the holy grail of oily eye-lids. I find some of the darker matte shades of MAC eye-shadows were inclined to crease on me, not so with these babies. The three shades I have are Painterly (a pink toned matte finish), Groundwork which is very similar to Wedge eye-shadow but a little darker, and again a matte finish. Finally I have Constructivist which is a brown with a reddy purple undertone to it. I've created a smokey eye with this one alone. The idea behind these is they can be used on their own as a cream eye-shadow or as a primer for other powder based products over the top. I love these as they last all day at work and have never irritated my angry and irritable skin.

I've also done a NARS must haves post which you can find here.

Claire x

5 Ways: Dealing With Stress

I consider myself quite the expert on this topic after years of exams, assignments and now a full year of work with no leave taken. Sometimes things can pile up and wear you down to the extent that it's hard to even enjoy the things that used to make you happy. I've found a few things really help me and I love reading posts like this myself so here are my top five ways to calm my shit.

One: Exercise. Yes, it's that boring one everyone suggests which is why it's my number one so we can get it out of the way. Even though it's sometimes really tough to make yourself get up and go to the gym or even out for a walk it really does help. Often at the end of the day you may be mentally tired, but your body is still perfectly able to use some physical energy. As you probably know, exercise does release endorphins which help perk you up.

Two: Getting outside. Similarly to exercise, I think there's something about being outdoors that helps refresh your brain a wee bit. Sometimes being in the same environment can feel a bit stifling, getting some fresh air and going to a local park or reserve if you live near one can be a great way to let your mind process what's going on and in the very least, forget about what's bothering you for a bit.

Three: Shopping. Now, by this I don't mean max out your debit card or whatever. However I do know that if I've had a particularly horrid week or am feeling really worn out buying myself a few "treats" can really help my state of mind and gives me something to look forward to. Whether that's buying something online (who doesn't like getting "presents" in the post?!) or going to your favourite local strip of shops can be great. Me personally, I love going to Lush. Buying a few bath bombs or something new for my skin or to use in the shower always makes me feel lovely. Then, aside from the shopping you have an excuse to have a night in, which brings me to my next tip.

Four: A night in. I've made a post about a night-in treatment here and have another one on the cards soon - so keep an eye out for that. Having a night in with a face mask, bath or lovely shower if you prefer can make you feel like a new person. Using products that make you feel happy is a sure way to relax both your stressy brain and your body as well. Even if it's just painting your nails, putting effort into yourself is fantastic for boosting your mood overall.

Five: Spending time with other people. This one is a bit of a no-brainer really. Calling or seeing my boyfriend, best friend or mum when I'm feeling a bit shit always makes me feel good. Going out for coffee or whatever you prefer is a perfect excuse to get away from home for a bit, have a chat about what's going on and often helps put things into perspective.

Claire x

Weekend Post: Labour Weekend

This week has been absolutely killer, I'm so exhausted at the moment. Yesterday I had some problems that needed to be sorted before I went out so my Saturday plans got a little bit ruined. So to make myself feel better I've just played with my makeup all day and thought I'd share the result with you guys. I used the Naked 3 palette - if you want to see a review I did on this palette you can find it here.

Chronic resting bitch-face (no one chooses to sit next to me on public transport I'll tell ya that for nothing) but I love this makeup look - it's very much a "going out" look for me but I like to practice these first because the stress of trying a new look the night I go out freaks me the hell out. I haven't got any lip colour here but I think I'd just pair it with a nude like my MAC Myth lipstick.

I'm wearing the xobeauty lashes in The Flirt - they're demi lashes and are just the cutest little things - I'm not amazing with application but because these are only half lashes they're super easy to apply and look really natural. Wavy beach hair from yesterday is still sort of there as well.

Now I'm just sitting here blogging, drafting posts for the next few weeks - I have a plan from now until Christmas so I have my work cut out for me...! In the mean time - have my weekly nail - OPI Hot and Spicy with a glitter one I bought last weekend and can't remember the name of right now.

Hope your weekends have/are more eventful than mine...!

Claire x

Naked 3: Swatch and Review

When it came to picking an eyeshadow palette I thought long and hard about it - so many brands and some you can't bloody get in New Zealand. Beauty Bay had all three Naked palettes, I already have a few bronzes and browns so the Naked 3 with it's pink and taupe tones seemed the logical and slightly different option. I've been using it for about a month now so I thought it was about time I did an in depth review and swatches for anyone else considering the palette themselves. 

Colours l - r: Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz, Trick

Colours l - r: Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, Blackheart

I think the colour range in this palette is actually really good, they look pink-toned but they're not pink as such - it's definitely got a lot of wearable tones with the second six being more cool toned browns and taupes. Aside from that there's a really good mix of satin, mattes and shimmers in there too. In terms of which colours are the best I love all of them really, in particular burnout, limit, buzz, nooner and liar. The final four are really more taupe toned darker shades, the darker shades all have the best payoff but the only ones that let the palette down a but are that dust is just exactly that - it's a little dusty and the most prone to fall out.

In terms of how long lasting they are I definitely think a primer is a good idea - I find they stick to the lid better and don't crease. Without a primer the colours aren't quite as vibrant but then they are meant to be neutral kind of shades regardless. There's definitely a lot of potential for some really dramatic looks with these or you can easily do really simple day looks too. I like Nooner through my crease and Limit on my lid for a matte look and for a more evening appropriate look something like Nooner through the crease with a combination of Liar, Factory and Mugshot is beautiful and still fairly neutral.

The brush inside is also pretty good quality and as it's double sided is perfect for getting shadow precisely into the crease and pressing colour directly onto the lid.

All in all I'd say, given the palette cost me $75NZD and there are 12 colours in here it's worth every cent - especially when a MAC eyeshadow alone is $30. I think out of the three palettes the pink tones in this one are the most unique, definitely love with this. If you want something with a little more colour but aren't ready for full blown bright shades this is a fantastic option.

Which Naked palette was your favourite?

Claire x

Shop My Stash: The Lush Edit

Being the Lush fiend that I am, I thought it was about time I dug through my stash of bath and shower products to come up with a few cocktails for the bath. I've been pretty stressed and tired the last few months and it seems a waste to have products sitting around not getting used - also, it justifies the two Lush trips I've had in the last few weekends (oops...). I didn't include any skin care or hair care in this - purely bath and body products. Out of the bits I rummaged through I think I have a few winning recipes for the next few weekends worth of baths. 

THE STASH: 

Combination number one: The Honey and Chocolate One. 
Who doesn't enjoy a bit of sweetness? I certainly do and the smell of the honey and rhassoul mud in this bath bomb is heavenly. It's meant to be a very cleansing bath bomb which will be lovely after a long week. This, followed by a really thorough massage of my legs with the Soft Coeur massage bar on my legs and shoulders will compliment the honey bath bomb nicely and Charity Pot is a delightlfully chocolatey cream that sinks in and makes your skin really glow.

Combination number two: The Uplifting One. 
Sometimes I prefer something a little more reviving and I think the Olive Branch and its olive oil and mandarin scent will do that nicely. To make sure my picky skin doesn't get too upset in the heat of the bath I'll take Ceridwens Cauldron for a test drive - the oats and lavender sound like a dream combination for problematic skin. Finally, Karma Kream often gets me compliments in the office on its tropical and refreshing notes of pine and orange and again, it's wonderful on dry skin (particularly legs!).

Combination number three: The Comforting one. 

One of my favourite smells in the world is vanilla. It's a sweet, edible and comforting smell and I always feel "myself" when I have a perfume on with strong vanilla notes. Sadly I don't have a soap to go with this one however I think coconut Frank would be a nice accompaniment. Butterball bath bomb was my first ever Lush product and is a very special one to me. It's a plain little cream ball but it's filled with cocoa butter and smells like what dreams are made of. Following this up with Sympathy for the Skin and it's banana and cocoa goodness and a dusting of Vanilla Puff to take away any stickiness before bed is sure to be a winner. 

Any favourite products I need to add to my collection?

Claire x