Today's bargains!

2 posts in 1 day!  Anyways, my mum is down for a visit atm, and we went shopping today.  She's been on the hunt for a lip crayon something like Honey (she lost hers somewhere along the way last year, and has either wanted to replace honey or find a dupe), so we decided to wander around kmart to have a look.  Firstly, everyone knows ELF is back at Kmart?  (i do remember it being stocked there years ago, but it wasn't the brand it is now).  And that Kmart did a big clear out of stock a couple of months ago and there are still piles of this stock around at stores?  Any way, mum found a crayon she liked in the clearance bin (a covergirl one), took it through the registers and had it marked down to 50c!  so we went back :) 

The ELF crayon wasn't clearance (of course), but at $8 it was something i wanted to try (and mum indulged me).  This is a really nice crayon, gorgeous packaging and is extremely close to Honey (mum grabbed a different colour, and has said she thinks the colours she grabbed may be too dark for her, so i've offered to swap).  This is in Natural, there were 4 other shades (our kmart was missing 1, but there was a coral, a red and a tea rose).

Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist.  This is the second one of these i own, the first is a red (either coral twist or ruby twist, i don't remember the name).  I like these, however the colour payoff is nothing like the other crayons i own.  These are very much a tinted balm, instead of the lip stick colour you get from a lot of them (ie the kissable balms).  Still, these are lovely for those days when you don't want a full on gloss, but you don't want full coverage lip colour.  They hydrate well, and you can build the colour up (to a point).  This was a 50c find (the other i own i paid $2.50 for and thought that was a bargain!!)

Australis Pout Paint in Pash me Pink!  Finally!  I have heard amazing things about these, and finally 1 is mine!  This is a gorgeous bright pink, perfect for my current run of bright lips (i had someone comment on how they never saw me with bright colours, and how great i looked with red lip stick on.  it made me realise that a little colour went a long way, and it was something easy to do before i left the house).  It reminds me of OCC lip tar (which i love), and after swatching it did not want to budge (soap and water barely touched the sides, it didn't want to come off).  Again, this was reduced down to 50c!

CG balm, pout paste, ELF

CG balm, pout paste, ELF

That was our bargain shop!  Mum grabbed an ELF crayon (in Tea Rose), and 3 Covergirl Outlast Lipstains (i think). 

Have you found any bargains lately?

Liebster Award April 2014

Afternoon All!!!!

I've been nominated by the lovely Varinder over at makeupmeandyoyo for a Liebster award!  Thank you!!  (i must apologise whilst i'm at it, she let me know quite a while ago, but i've had a house full of sick people, including myself, and between that and chasing down missing Dreamworks cards for the kids i haven't been around much). 

The rules of the game:

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.

2. Display the award on your blog.

3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.

4. Nominate 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers.

5. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.

6. List these rules in your post (You can copy and paste from here.) Once you have written and published it, you then have to:

7. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it!)

1. When did you started blogging?

I started this one a couple of years ago?  but then came back to it at the start of this year.

2.What do you do apart from blogging? 

I run around after 3 little people :)  Otherwise i love crafting (crochet, knitting, sewing) and reading (yes i'm a nerd)

3. What's your favorite movie?  

Dogma, R+J, Memoirs of a Geisha, ALL the Harry Potters

4. Lipstick or Lipgloss 

Lip Crayons ATM, otherwise i'm more a gloss girl

5. Paris or NewYork 

Paris, it's lovely

6. What's your dream destination?  

ATM it's Japan, for sakura season.  I would love to see a real life Geisha, and for some reason it's a culture that intrigues me

7. One thing you can not live without?  

My tablet computer, or books! 

8. Most loved beauty product?  

Only 1?  rose hip oil

9. Your favorite perfume?  

Easiest question of all!  Midnight Poison by Dior (i'm currently wearing it)

10. If you could travel back in time where would you go?  

Part of me would be quite happy to go back to the nineties (i know sad, right?), but the other part would go back 11 years ago (15/4/03, hubby and i started dating that day, 11 years on and i would happily go back and relive every moment)

11. Your inspiration?  

In my daily life, mum.  In the wider community, any woman who is strong, fearless, and who leads by example.

 

 

 Beauties I'm tagging for Liebster Award

 

Now, here's where i get stuck!  So, instead of naming 11 of you, i'm sending out a challenge.  If you happen to follow this blog, answer these questions for your readers.  I know i follow most of you (if not all), and i would love to read your answers.

 

 

March 2014 Empties

My first empties post!  I've actually loved collecting these, it's really made me think about what i had stashed away, and consciously using up things i had (which has been great considering all the samples i have).  So without further adieu....

Alblanc Cleansing gel, Sofina Lotion, Shu Uemura Moisturising lotion, Collagen Moistful cream

All samples, 3 from my yesstyle japanese sample bag and 1 that came as a freebie when i ordered stuff from Korea.  None were really big enough to know whether i'd rebuy them or not (although i did like the collagen moistful cream, i have another sample of it here).

Ocean Essence diamond eye mask, Ocean Essence rubber mask, Lonvitalite Hand mask

All from LHI boxes.  I still have a few pairs of the eye masks here (i received a whole box of them), they were nice to use (if i remember correctly they were fairly expensive, so i probably wouldn't rebuy); I didn't particularly like the rubber mask, it left my skin feeling ok but i hated the feel of the mask; Hand mask-meh.  didn't really notice any difference to my hands, and would prefer a good hand cream.

Lush Dreamwash and Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

These are samples i've picked up instore.  Dreamwash was nice, did absolutely nothing for what i was sampling it for (eczema, i was given both this and Dreamcream), but it smelt lovely.  I'd prefer a bar of Lush soap over this, though (Hubby has just finished a bar of Honey i washed the Kids, it was divine).  I know Ro's is a lot of people's cult product, i actually didn't think much of it.  It's a bit heavy for me, although i loved the smell and it made a great shaving cream :p

Clairol Colour protect shampoo, Molton Brown Body wash, Katy Perry Purr body wash

I hated this shampoo, it didn't want to foam up, it didn't seem to get any further then the surface of my hair, and i seemed to need an awful lot of it to get my hair clean.  The Molton Brown wash was lovely, although i wouldn't spend that much on a body wash.  The Katy Perry came in a pack with the perfume, so i'm not even sure if it's available separately, i enjoyed using it, though (just like i enjoy using the perfume)


These aren't empty, but are leaving for some reason or another

OPI nail polish, Nude By Nature Tinted Moisturiser, Neutrogena Deep Clean Foam

I know, i know, So many people swear by OPI.  I've tried to love it, i really have, i've tried it by itself, i've tried it in conjunction with base coats, and top coats, and it just won't stick.  Within 24 hours i look like i have a week old manicure, to the point where my husband even notices how chipped it is (my nails do seems to be oiler then a lot of peoples, however with the right combination of products i can get my nails to stay looking nice for a few days at a time).  I also hate the colour pay off, OPI always seems watery to me.  This is going in a box that i'll be passing on.

Nude by Nature Tinted Moisturiser (i also have the BB cream somewhere, once i find it i'm chucking it).  These both came in LHI boxes, both are the right colour for me, and i don't mind them.  I just have so many other brands i prefer (i have 4 other BB creams currently), and these have a tendency to irritate my eyes.  They aren't needed, they continue to be pushed to the back of the drawer and not used, and i would rather rebuy some of the others i have here.

The neutrogena is well and truly out of date, hence it's being chucked.

My empties, there aren't heaps (although i think there will be more this month), but i'm happy to clear some out to make room for more!

Priceline Clearance

I went wandering around Priceline (in Belconnen) on Thursday (with a bored husband and son).  I went in to investigate the new Essence collection (metal glam, they have had some metal glam stuff in their normal range, but this included extras), and found extra goodies!  Firstly, the new limited edition collection is lovely, but nothing really caught my eye (at least, not enough to buy it full price, if it ended up in a clearance bin i'd grab it), but there was a lot of clearance items on the stand-it looks like we're in for a big change up again (although i went in to another priceline that afternoon, and there was no signage at all?).  I ended up grabbing a nailfile, which is amazing (and it comes in a case, perfect for the handbag/nappy bag), and a metal glam eyeshadow from the normal range.

(Before we get too far, i apologize for the absolutely miserable photo quality.  I took these yesterday, and was all hyped up on Ventolin whilst i did so.  Ventolin gives me the shakes, so things aren't perfect)

Essence nail file

Essence Metal Glam eyeshadow in 06 Miss Tangerine

Miss Tangerine swatch

The eyeshadow is gorgeous, a very pretty sparkly goldy-champagne-y colour.  It looks peach in real life (and very gold in the photos), but swatches completely different.


Then, as my husband was paying for my goodies, i came across a clearance bin!  Priceline have been clearing out the MNY Range for a few months (it's maybelline, but in a different packaging).  Originally these marketed for $3 each, around christmas they (and the rest of the range, they had some amazing lip balms) were $1.50.  On Thursday they were in a bin marked $0.25!  so i had to grab a few.

625

441

741

309

309, 625, 741, 441

309 is fairly chalky, although outside you can see a definite sheen to it, and is a lot lighter swatched then in pan; 625 is a black with silver glitter, i get a feeling it might go better used as an eyeliner with a damp brush; 741 is a beautiful shimmery green, a foresty green;441 is a taupe?  again very pretty and shimmery (both 741 and 441 are lovely and buttery soft).

At 25 cents each these were a steal, and i was happy to grab them.

A better picture of everything!

Finally, this is what happens when you blog with awake children, they take off with your stash!!  every time i tried to take a photo, Mister Monster would grab it out of my hand, and run off with it (Mr Monster is 1 next week!!  My baby isn't really a baby anymore, he's been walking for just over 2 months, and nothing is sacred any more). 

Lust Have It March 2014

 Since Friday i've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my LHI box.  VB shipped the same day, and it turned up monday, so the wait time has seemed forever.   A Tiny parcel rocked up today, and i wondered what the hell it was.  It was LHI!  All of a 10x10 parcel.  LHI are having another change in packaging (Again!  next month marks my 2 year 'anniversary' with LHI, and this will be the 4th change of packaging), so currently nothing arrives in a box.  It was well packaged in bubble wrap, the products within just weren't huge.

LHI are changing the way they do business atm, they are doing beauty dips (which i talked about last month.  this month there were 3 different ones), and they have allowed people to choose an item within the box via a facebook status (you could choose from the concealer kit, or an eyeliner.  knowing VB were including an eyeliner this month i went with the concealer), They're promising more choices for future boxes.



Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque-RRP $79.95 (sample size)

 A face masque, meant to hydrate, cool, etc, etc.  I can't say i'm overly excited, however i'll give it a go (sometime).



Orly Nail Laquer-RRP $18.95 (sample size) 

 Yay!!  The only orly products i've ever tried are the quick dry drops (which i love), and Bonder (which is my go to base, it makes my nail polish last so much longer).  This is the colour Razzmatazz, a gorgeous hot pink/red.  It's going on my nails tonight (they've stained from the green i had on over the weekend, even though i had a base on)



Klara Kiss Proof Lips-RRP $29 (sample size)

I got a gorgeous red (the picture is not reflecting the true colour, it's miserable here today).  From what i'm reading this is much like OCC lip tar, in a little goes a long way.  This was our sneak peak for the month


Human Tested Vegan Lip Balm-RRP $9 (full size)

 Perfect for winter!  This smells lovely (vanilla-y), and has nothing nasty in it.  Living in Canberra, lip balm is essential in winter, and i'm always on the hunt for the perfect one (if you plan on buying them, the code 'freeme' gets free shipping, and 'lustme' is 20% off over $20)


Bloom Secret Weapon Concealer Kit-RRP $20 (full size)

This was the product i chose.  it has 6 different concealer essentials (yellow, green, concealer shades fair, light and medium, and an Illuminiser), and a brush, plus the lid has tips on how to use each.  I got one in Fair/medium, which is absolutely perfect (they were talking about medium/dark kits on facebook, and i was slightly worried i wouldn't get much out of it).  Definitely excited to try this out, and love the concept of being given a choice over what goes into my box.


Recoverlyte

I'm not going to even bother with RRP etc with this.  It's marked as a product within the box, i can't say i'm happy to see it.  If a box wants to include a sample like this, they really shouldn't bother including it as a box sample, it should just be an extra bonus.

I'm extremely happy with LHI this month, it shows good things come in small packages

Violet Box March 2014

Another month, another Box!!  My boxes seem to have been a bit slow this month, but i got shipping notification on Friday (for both VB and LHI), and my Violet Box was delivered today. 

 Love Those Lashes New Silk Strip Lashes-RRP $14.95 (full size)

From all experience with various boxes over the last 2.5 years, this product is either going to be praised, or is going to cause lots of bad feedback on VB's facebook wall.  I'm not in either camp, i've never (ever, even on my wedding day) used fake lashes!  However, i don't mind receiving these, i subscribe to beauty boxes to try different products, and these fit the bill.  They say they are reusable (up to 15 times), can be shaped and cut to suit you, and have a case to be stored in when not in use.  They sound interesting, and i think they might help push me in the fake lash direction.

Starlooks Gem Pencil-RRP $19.50 (full size)

 

This was the sneak peek for this month.  It gets mixed reviews from America (it was in an Ipsy bag over there, much like the Be a Bombshell the one stick from last month), however what i've read is more good then bad.  This is really, really pretty!  Mine's in Amethyst (the other colour option was Topaz), its a gorgeous pale purple, it is so shimmery, and is just all round lovely.  Swatched on my hand it went on smoothly, and whilst it came off with a baby wipe, it wasn't easily smudged with my fingers.  Love this!

SweetPea and Fay Mineral Eyeshadow-RRP $12.00 (full size)

I'm loving all the purples this month!  This is a highly pigmented eyeshadow in a gorgeous deep purple, and can be worn wet or dry.  The alternative product turned up in a box of mine a few months ago (the Sweetpea and fay liquid lipstick), and unfortunately it is getting a few complaints on the facebook page (due to people getting double ups of products). Admittedly i do think it is too early for the liquid lipstick to be turning up in a VB, and seeing as some people got the eyeshadow then instead, it is probably too early for this too.  I'm more then happy with it, i love the fact that the starlooks and this compliment each other, just a repeat this soon shows a lack of imagination (sorry VB!!)

Acorelle Skincare Day Cream-RRP $49.50 (sample size)

This is a small sample, only 2ml.  Not sure how great a feel i'm going to get from it (looks like it will only do a couple of uses, unless it's a miracle product i can't see anyone getting a real knowledge of the product).  Anyway, the day cream claims to "combat skin ageing, moisturise it and make it radiant on a daily basis" (there are a selection on 3 products that you could get, day cream, night cream or serum).  This will go in the pile of skincare samples to try.

Mireness Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine-RRP $39.93 (sample size)

What to say about this?  A) it's mirenesse, and i do like mirenesse cosmetics.  B) it's a really pretty colour (a corally pink with gold shimmer).  C) it's mirenesse, another sell out brand (honestly, if the only way you can get people to buy your products is to put them on the front of magazines, then something is wrong.  I'm looking straight at you Modelco and NP!!).

No, i really do like Mirenesse, but i don't go out of my way to buy them, and i don't particularly like their business model (here, have samples, have freebies.  just pay through the nose for postage.  Oh, and if you pay an amount per month that postage is free).  I'm not begrudging having this product, i really do like it, just find the brand a bit meh (there is also a code for a free instant lash transplant, just be one of the lucky 1000, and a $25 voucher, just spend $65).

Top-SP&F eyeshadow, middle-starlooks, bottom-mirenesse

Really, i'm very happy with my box, a couple of new brands, some new products from others.  I can't wait to have a play around with some things, and i'm not about to complain about anything, just somethings seem to be fillers or stop gaps.  Next month sounds interesting (there's a sneak peek for next months box, they're including Teeez), and VB is still, what i would consider, to be the top box currently on the Aussie market. 

Yesstyle Japanese Sample Bag.

As i have mentioned in other posts, i love asian cosmetics and skincare.  So when i found out www.yesstyle.com.au do sample boxes and bags of different asian brands, i couldn't resist buying one.  I bought myself a Japanese Beauty Sample Starter Kit (RRP $11.90), which contains 8 different samples, and it arrived today!!!!

Firstly, this is how it comes packaged (so cute!!!).  It's a lucky dip whether you'll get a red or a pink koi bag, but every one of these kits comes in one.

All the samples!  As you can see range from deluxe samples to sachets.

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Toner



I had to go searching the site to see what this was (as you can see it's all in Japanese).  It's supposed to instantly hydrate skin, and helps lock in moisture.  From the site:

"To be used after cleansing, the Hydrating Lotion is formulated with the advanced skin-hydrating ingredient of Super Hyaluronic Acid, retaining twice as much moisture than regular hyaluronic acid. After cleansing skin, squeeze out a few drops of Hydrating Lotion on your palm and rub palms together. Pat palms on face until lotion is fully absorbed. Follow with Hydrating Milk."

I'm yet to find a toner i really like, so i'm happy to receive this, and can't wait to give it a go

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel

This sounds like a fairly normal cleanser.  Nice, simple, hydrating etc.  From the site:

"Double-action makeup remover emulsifies dirt and makeup to thoroughly rinse it off while revitalizing skin's natural renewal cycle for improved skin health. SK-II's exclusive pitera ingredient boosts skin condition and balances skin's natural pH level for smooth and supple skin with noticeable radiance. For complete cleaning, dot cleansing gel all over face and then massage on skin. Wipe off with tissue and then rinse thoroughly with water. Pat skin dry."

It's SK-II!!  I've heard so much about the brand, so getting a sample is great!  

  AlBlanc Transclear White Finish Powder

I'm assuming these are samples of translucent powder?  I can't actually find out anything about it (google is failing me, and it isn't on yesstyle).  The sample consists of 2 different shades (both are fairly light), and yeah?  not sure what good the sample will do if i can't find the product to buy.

Cosme Decort White-science Premium Whitening Lift Cream

This is another product that isn't available on yesstyle (not sure why they would send samples of products they don't sell.  isn't the whole idea of samples to get people to shop at your store?).  I have managed to find it on Fishpond.com.au (although i would never, ever buy from fishpond, i have heard too many horror stories).  this is a moisturiser, a night cream to be specific.  From fishpond:


"COSME DECORTE White-Science Premium Whitening Lift Cream is a whitening night cream to unveil exceptional luminosity and elasticity. Infuses skin with moisture and helps maintain optimum hydration level while sleeping. Leaves skin feeling soft and supple. Helps improve skin's barrier function to prevent moisture loss. Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots for a bright even-toned complexion."

Sounds interesting, it is a very cute little pot. Once i finish a few of the samples i already have i'll give it a go.

Finally the 4 sachets!

Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Lotion -  I can hear this sloshing around if i shake the packet!  This has a mild exfoliant, vitasea ferment, mineral algae mgca and advanced hyaluronic acid microspheres, and is supposed to make skin "softer, sleeker, plumper and more transparent".  I love Shu Uemura cleansing oil, so can't wait to try this.

Shiseido Fullmake Washable Base  - Again, not available on yesstyle.  This is a primer!  It's made so that you don't need make up remover, make up will wash off in warm water.  Intriguing!  There is a great review here  http://beautyinchina.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/shiseido-fullmake-washable-base-review.html

ALBLANC Medicated Cleansing Gel  - I think this is fairly self explanatory.  Another product that is proving hard to find info on

Sofina Beauté lotion - another facial moisturiser.  By the looks of it Sofina and ALBLANC are the same company, and they are proving to be close to impossible to find info on.


All in all i'm very happy with the bag.  Lots of new products to try out, and it wasn't overly expensive (especially seeing as these products aren't well known in Australia).