MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection

When it comes to MAC collections, I rarely get excited about them because sometimes they are so similar to the permanent collection. When I found out about the Alluring Aquatic Collection, my heart skipped a beat and I knew that this was the MAC collection for me. If the packaging alone didn't reel me in, the shades in the collection are so incredibly beautiful! {BUT THAT PACKAGING THO} I honestly tried to get my hands on most of the collection because I don't own similar shades but holy moly it was next to impossible to track them down due to being sold out like everywhere! So here are the things I managed to pick up from the collection.

I bought three eyeshadows in such unusual shades which let's be real.. is going to be a struggle as a neutral eye gal like me to pull off. I picked up "Sea Worship" which is a Tarnished olive, "Fathoms Deep" which is a deep blue and "Silver Sun" which is a mid tone dirty sea foam green. All of them are the MAC extra dimension formulas making them really pigmented, blend able and long wearing. They look incredible on! They have this certain sheen to it that changes slightly in different light, just beautiful! I haven't mastered how to wear "Silver Sun" because it's such an unusual and spring time colour! I would definitely wear "Fathoms Deep" as a smokey eye but it looks just as good by itself too. "Sea Worship" feels more like a muted gold which is actually really natural looking and the most wearable out of all the shades I bought.

Aside from the beautiful eyeshadows, I also managed to pick up an extra dimension blush in the shade "Sea Me, Hear Me" which is described by MAC as a beige pink. It's just so soft and buttery when you apply it! I don't even know how to describe the shade of this blush because it really looks like pink in the pan but swatches on my arm like a sheer coral? IS IT JUST ME!? Either way, it's still a lovely shade to wear that has some sheen to it but it's not like disco central on my cheeks. Love it!

Left to Right: Sea Worship, Fathoms Deep, Silver Sun and Sea Me, Hear Me.

I won't be shopping at MAC for a while after this splurge but THAT PACKAGING WAS SO WORTH IT! I mean, it has fake little water droplets on it??! If that won't reel mermaid lovers in, I don't know what will!

Did you manage to pick up anything from the Alluring Aquatic Collection?
xx

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Supanova Makeup

When it comes to making a title for a post, I'm pretty unoriginal. I thought I would share the makeup that I wore last weekend to Supanova. When it comes to long days, I tend to stick with the products that I know can withstand the crowded conditions, last all day without budging and photograph well.

First up, I used Benefit's POREfessional Pro Balm to prime my face to create an even base and to make my makeup last longer. Honestly, I rarely switch up my foundations and concealers because it took me ages to figure out what works for me and covers what I want it to cover. So I use a thin layer of the L'oreal True Match Concealer {in 3 cream} to reduce the redness in my face + cover up some blemishes. I then go in with another concealer, the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer {in shade 02} which is a little more heavy duty and covers all my blemishes. Before applying foundation, I cover my dark circles with my trusty Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser and beauty blender which works a treat.

After concealing, I apply a thin layer of my Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup {in 02 Fresh Ivory - this oxidises hardcore} which then covers everything up. And then to set everything, I lightly dust the Clinique Almost Powder Makeup {in 03 light} which adds a little extra coverage so my makeup will last all day. I know this seems like an intense face makeup routine but I have normal-dry skin filled with tonnes of acne scarring that is next to impossible to cover up. In real life, this makeup has a really natural finish {no cakey business going on here madam} and the colour matches my skin pretty good.


ONTO DUH FUN STUFF! I work from my brows down so I used the Smashbox Brow Tech To Go {in Brunette} to fill in my brows. I really like this crayon/gel combo because the colour matches my brows exactly and the gel doesn't go crunchy. I then primed my eyelids with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion so I know my eyeshadow won't budge all day {no fallout, no creases, no loss of pigmentation of shadows}. I also used my favourite palette at the moment which is the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette to create a simple rosy eye look. I used "Burnout" on the lid, "Liar" on the outer corner, "Limit" to blend the two together in the crease and "Strange" on the brow bone.

I don't like to muck around with trying new eyeliners on special days so I retreated to my favourite eyeliner in the history of the world which is the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner to create a wing {which I must admit, was the best wing I have ever done in my life on first go! :O}. I then waited for my eyeliner to dry so then I could curl my lashes with my new Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler {omg no words! IT'S JUST SO GOOD!}. And then to finish the eye look, I applies two thin coats of my favourite Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Waterproof Mascara {Just incase if the tears escape from my eyes when I see John Barrowman}.

Normally at these types of events when they have the fancy photographers there with their fancy equipment, my blush NEVER shows up. I tried a new one that looks natural in real life and I hoped would show up a little in the photo. I used the Bourjois Baked Blush {in Rose Frisson}. I skipped all the contour/highlighter business because rarely ever include that in my routine. As for lips, prepped them with the Korres Lip Butter {in Jasmine} and then applied the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream {in Milan}. I really loved the balance between these two. The lip butter kept my lips moisturised and the matte lip cream made the shade last almost 6 hours without touch ups.

So that was the makeup that I wore on both days to Supanova. It's my personal favourite way to cover all my scars, draw attention to my eyes with a simple lip which doesn't need too much attention during the day.
xx

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The Nerd Files #3 | Supanova Weekend 2014 + Haul

For those who are new to my blog, I have a little series running called The Nerd Files which basically documents any nerdy things that have been occurring in my life! Anyways, the weekend that just was had an event called Supanova which is like a pop culture convention where they have guests from various shows visit + cosplays, stalls and other cool things going on.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was for Supanova!! Ever since I found out that 3 guests from Arrow were visiting, I couldn't keep my feels in! {lucky one of my friends was excited too bc I would have burst from fangirling too hard} So, I started to work hard, save my money and try not to buy makeup so I could just splurge on the ticket, all the artwork and different stalls.

ON TO THE HAUUUULLLL!! 

I was mainly interested in the art work because people are freaking talented. HOW DO PPL ART!? So I saw this lady that created a whole bunch of comics and her work was so unique and cute that I really had to buy some to support her! Her name was Nic Lawson and the comics that I bought are Rosa goes for a walk, Super Drac and Frankie Holliday. I have read them all and I'm so glad that I bought them because they are so good! Rosa goes for a walk was a beautiful comic - story wise and the imagery was amazing. Super Drac was a short, funny little comic and Frankie Holliday is a super hero based comic series {there is only one out at the moment} and all the illustrations were really cute, the storyline was so cool and I can't wait for the other ones to be released. From the same artist, I bought this Ursula from The Little Mermaid inspired art work which is freaking cute I JUST LOVE IT!

From another artist, I bought this poster that is a mashup of different video game characters which I thought was pretty cool! And then from another artist, I picked up these recycled book art things? I don't know what they are called but they draw digitally onto pages from books. LOVE THEM! I picked up 4 because they had a special deal going on and I picked 2 anime ones; Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro. The other two are of the 10th and 11th Doctors from Doctor Who which are pretty freaking sweet if you ask me.

Aside from art work, I did decided to splurge a little on graphic novels/comic books that continues my collections. I bought the third and fourth Scott Pilgrim Vs The World books, The Emerald City of Oz book by L. Frank Baum, Daredevil by Mark Waid and Where's the Doctor {a take on where's wally/waldo} I can't wait to read all these bad boys!!

As for random doodahs, the only things I did purchase were some POP Vinyl figurines from the Muppets Most Wanted Collection. I bought Kermit and Miss Piggy bc why not?! I took like ten years trying to find Fozzie Bear {he is my fave} only to realise he wasn't apart of the collection *falls on knees and cries to the POP Vinyl gods*

I mentioned in my last Nerd Files post about the store that was selling Achievement Hunters Merch. WELL, They were at Supanova this year so I had to pick some things up. I bought this awesome GTA Poster with the characters being the people from Achievement Hunters and I also bought the shirt that I have been wanting {aside from the xray and vav one}. It's Gavin!!

THE WEEKEND!!

I'm not going to lie. This Supanova was the most fun I've ever had at a nerd convention. I don't know if it's because there was more people that I wanted to see or just the atmosphere but sweet potato pie, I had so much fun. I spent two days walking around in circles, waiting in lines with a fraction of my time actually meeting people. BUT LET ME TELL YOU, it was SO worth it. I've never been so happy with all the photos that I got {MAKEUP POST SOON! ;D} so I thought I would share them here bc it's my blog and I do what I want! 

On Saturday, I waited in line to meet Michael and Lindsay Jones from Achievement Hunters. I watch these guys religiously {more Michael} on youtube and holy crap they are so down to earth and friendly and I have been waiting to meet them since they got announced!

John Barrowman. JOHN BARROWMAN. The man that most people and I were SO excited about meeting. The lines were massive but he was such a sweetheart and stayed back to get through meeting everyone. I will also add, WHAT A FREAKING BABIN' BABE! He made my knees shake and my heart shatter into a million pieces when I hugged him. omg #saveme

On Sunday, I met two of the cast members from Arrow. Katie Cassidy and Manu Bennett. I won't bore you will all the details of the photo session and the signing but Manu was so suave and good looking, I just froze up like princess anna. Katie was so pretty and friendly and I'm so glad that I met them both.

NOW THE BEST PHOTO IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.

I had the Citizens of Starling City Pass which means I got to have a photo of all three of the cast of Arrow together and holy moly, I'm so glad I did because it meant priority queuing {a.k.a. skipping the lines - what dreams are made of}, and a group photo. I had this photo taken on Saturday and I think it's the best photo from the whole weekend.

Overall, my experience at Supanova this year was pretty freaking fantastic if you ask me. I wish the weekend was longer but it was still fun and I managed to do everything that I wanted to do. I seriously won't be able to stop talking about this weekend for a very long time {sorry friends and fam, you got the raw end of the deal}.

Tell me your thoughts on nerd things! Your favourite show, book, movie etc.
xx

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Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Saint

Kat Von D is not a very assessable brand in Australia which crushes my soul a little bit. I have always wanted to try her concealers and foundations but I can't bring myself to take the risk of buying an expensive foundation online and then it being the wrong shade {ultimate fear}. I did manage to find the Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Saint and ohmygoodness. I know what you're thinking.. ANOTHER NEUTRAL EYESHADOW PALETTE MEL? Gawsh come on!

I know.. I can't help it!

First let's applaud the box packaging! It's pretty cool! THEN you get to the actual packaging and ohmg it get's even cooler. The packaging comes in a black plastic casing that has roses carved into it which is Kat Von D's signature look {she is a tattoo artist}.The only thing I don't like about the packaging is that it has a spring where to two sides connect and the lid flips open quickly when you press the silver button. When you open the palette, there is a full size mirror, a total of 8 neutral eyeshadows and a deluxe sample size of the Kat Von D Autograph Pencil. I don't know if my palette was a dud, but one of my shadows isn't sitting in the palette properly which questions how long this palette lasts before it goes to eyeshadow heaven.

As I said before, the palette contains 8 neutral shades. 5 satin/shimmery shades, 2 glitters and 1 matte shade. All of the satin shades are feel like velvet and the others have a smooth and soft texture. Every single shade in this palette is completely wearable and definitely complement each other well. The colour payoff is pretty good, better than Chi Chi palettes, maybe just behind or even on par with the Urban Decay Naked Palettes? {I know, big call!}. I found that these shadows should be worn with an eyeshadow primer as some of the lighter shades wear off and disappear pretty quickly on the eyelid.  Normally in eyeshadow palettes, it's a pretty even battlefield when it comes to the amount of darker and lighter shades but not this one. There are 6 lighter shades which can be used on the lid with two complementing crease colours. Well done Kat Von D, well done! I like that I have more choice with what shade I use as the main eyelid colour!

The reasons for no swatcheroonies is that I believe that other people would give the colours justice through their swatches {not because it's too cold to take my arms out of my sweater in the cold......}. I wouldn't say that this is an essential palette to have in your collection, it is probably dupable {dupable? is that a word? well it is now.} by something way much cheaper however if you are a self confessed neutral eyeshadow lover who loves a good palette, then have a look at this one. 

xx

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iHerb Haul

It's HAUL TIME again!! Lately my shopping has gotten out of control and I wanted to share all the bits and bobs that I have purchased which I'm really excited about. So today's haul is from iHerb.com which sells all types of beauty and health related items BUT I was mostly interested in the makeup bits. I was a first time user, so I got a discount from some beauty vlogger and then my order was over $60AUD so I got an extra 5% off? {I believe?!}. So in total, my order was pretty cheap for all the items that I bought.

First off, I bought a whole bunch of makeup from e.l.f. which is a super affordable brand. I got the Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California and omg the colours are so beautiful {Review on this bby coming soon}. I also decided to try a blush but was so overwhelmed with them all that I ended up picking up the Baked Blush in "Peachy Cheeky" which looks like a lovely spring/summery shade.

If you are looking for Real Techniques brushes, I would definitely recommend buying them off of iHerb because they are so much cheaper than places like Priceline. I decided to try the Expert Face Brush which seems very different to the Buffing Brush and then I also decided to try out the Miricle Complexion Sponge which is like Real Techniques dupe of the Beauty Blender.

I decided to try out the Hurraw! Lip Balm in "Vanilla Bean" because it seemed like the safest option when trying a lip balm brand out for the first time. I also picked up another one in "Black Cherry" which is a reddish tinted lip balm which is exciting.

Again from e.l.f. I decided to try the Mineral Infused Face Primer in "tone adjusting green" which is a green face primer that I have been looking for to reduce all the redness in my face. I also bought two of e.l.f.'s Matte Lip Colors in the shades "Natural" and "Tea Rose". The reasons for these purchases are because I have been LOVING Kylie Jenner's lipstick look and I have been on the hunt to find a neutral matte lip colour. After swatching these two, I would say that the shade "Tea Rose" is like bang on similar. 

Crazy Rumors is a lip balm brand that I have been so curious about because the packaging and scents/flavours are pretty cool + they are so affordable. After like 10 minutes of picking which ones I wanted, I ended up getting "Raspberry Sherbet", "Red Velvet" and "Leaping Bunny" {Reviews are on their way on these bad boys too!}. But I could not stop at them three, I also decided to get two of the Crazy Rumors Hibiskiss Lip Colors which are like tinted lip balms in the shades "Tropical" {Darker shade} and "Pearl" {Pinky shade}.

   

Did you know that iHerb stock Physicians Formula?! Well they do and at such affordable prices! Wait for priceline sales no more!! I was so excited at the price that I instantly clicked for the Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara which I have been wanting to try out for the longest time, to be in my basket. Gosh I can't wait to try this baby out.

And the last thing from e.l.f. that I bought was the Brightening Eyeliner Pencil in the shade "1001 Coffee" which is supposed to instantly brighten and define. I will literally try anything to help my dark circles out + the shade is different to everything I own.

Overall, I believe that this was a successful shopping experience!  I can't wait to crack open everything and start using it all. If you would like to order off of iHerb.com, you can use this code: FSK969 to get $10 off your first order when it's over $40 or $5 off of smaller orders.

I've been online shopping too much. no joke it's getting out of control. But now I have some new goodies to try out and would love to share my thoughts about these products in the future~
xx

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The iHerb code is an affiliated code.

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine

ah, I've heard many, many stories about how this is one of the best tinted lip butters that I'll ever come across. So I took the plunge and bought one online! There are currently 6 different shades in the Korres Lip Butter collection but to play it safe, I bought the second lightest shade in "Jasmine" which is a sheer pink that has a subtle sweet smell which I love. Sometimes I think this shade washes me out a little but I mostly use it for around the house so it doesn't matter to me too much. It comes in a pot which will be an issue for people but I'm okay with it, as I only use pot-formed lip balms at home where I have access to clean my hands all the time.

The formula of the Lip Butters are amazing, when you dip your fingers in the pot, it instantly melts and becomes so buttery and applies smoothly on the lips. Once on the lips, it feels lightweight and comfortable and I don't know how to describe it but it like creates another layer on your lips and I don't feel all the cracks..? {Do you know what I mean?!}.

What I love about this product the most, is that it makes my lips feel amazing. As one who has been blessed with chapped lips 24/7, this Lip Butter doesn't dry my lips out at all. Rather, it hydrates them for a good amount of time, like maybe 2 hours which is pretty good as most lip butters/balms like disappear within 30 minutes to an hour {in my experience with lip butters anyways}. I also love how I can wear this Lip Butter under matte lipsticks because it's so sheer and hydrating.

I definitely think I will purchase another shade from the range! Let me know your thoughts on which other shades to look into!
xx

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Autumn Nail Polish Picks

I have been working on this post for a couple of weeks now trying and testing all my favourite nail polish that I love to wear in autumn. I know that for most of you mother nature has given you sunshine and spring flowers, but in australia it has just changed into winter {I will do another one of these for winter too} so I thought I would share my favourite shades that I have been wearing this fall.

First up is Essie's "Fishnet Stockings" which is a red wine shade. Out of all the reds I do own, I feel like that this one is the classiest {fannnncy} as it is a darker shade of red. I genuinely like the formula of Essie nail polishes but for some reason, this one is very runny and I need patience to apply this one!

Next is another Essie one, I told you guys that I like this brand! This shade is "Bahama Mama" which is the perfect mix of purple and red that creates a port wine shade. This is a beauty cult favourite and I definitely think this is worth the hype as the formula is top notch, lasting power is great and the shade is just darn gorgeous.

Another similar shade is "Black Cherries" by Rimmel I love lasting finish. Its very similar to "Bahama Mama" but when applied with the same amount of coats, turns into a dark almost black with purple wine undertones {ya feel?}.  There are a few issues with the flat brush and streakyness but I forgive it because the colour is so lovely.

OUH! The next nail polish I have been loving is the Revlon Parfumerie in "Autumn Spice". This is the newest addition to my nail polish collection and the shade is like nothing I have seen before. I can tell that I'm going to butcher the colour of the shade because its so unique, but my eyes can see a brown base with golden and red shimmer? If you have the chance to look at it in the shops, you will know what I mean!! Aside from the colour, this nail polish has a warm cinnamon scent when it dries which is a nice touch, go revlon!

Green is not normally a shade that I turn too but dark green in Autumn? Heck. Yes. My favourite is "Acid House" by Rimmel Salon Pro which is a pearly dark green. 2 coats will set you right and it lasts for a couple of days which is really good for me!

A shade you guys might be familiar with as I talk about it all the time is from the Muppets Most Wanted Collection by OPI in the shade "Kermit Speak to Me". This nail polish needs no explanation because look at the shade! LOOK AT IT!

And the last nail polish I have been loving is "Commander in Chic" by Sally Hansen which I would call like a purple based mushroom {again, I'm so not great at explaining colours + the lighting is a bit off in these photos}. When I have been feeling the neutral nail in Autumn, I have been reaching for this one because it's not too dark but still gives off the Autumn vibe.

These are the nail polishes that I have been wearing almost every day in Autumn. What has been your favourite nail polish this season?
xx

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Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub

Let's be real, Soap & Glory is a well-loved brand in this beauty community and I wanted to see if the hype was worth it. After all the humming and harring about which body scrub to try out, I decided to try out the Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub.

This scrub is so different to the other body scrubs I've tried before, but in a good way. This body scrub is a thick consistency jam packed with little bead thingys. I cant even describe how much I love the scent!! The scent is so amazing, it smells like a mixture of brow sugar and caramel {maple omg so good!}. They should make a candle that smells like this!

I found that this scrub was difficult to move around on dry skin, and that I would have to use damp skin. If you want a harsh body scrub experience, by all means use this scrub on dry skin but I just found it a little too harsh for me personally and that it was rather tough to spread. When you use the scrub with damp legs, it lathers up into a milky type consistency {along with the beady things} and it's so lovely to spread on the skin. It makes my legs feel so soft during and after my shower and the smell lingers like nobody's business.

I wonder if Soap & Glory have the same scented body butter..? Because that would be freaking amazing! Especially for the colder months which are fast approaching. I would recommend this product to anyone that loves a good body scrub!!

What is your favourite body scrub?
xx

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May Favourites 2014

May is done and dusted and I would have to say that last month was a stressful one due to uni assignments and being a procrastinator. With that in mind, I didn't go out much so I didn't go shopping thus all my favourites are products that I have had and used for a very long time but gave extra love to this month.

Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Eye Treatment
First up is my holy grail eye cream which is the Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Eye cream. o.m.g. I cant even begin to explain how much I love this stuff. I apply a little of it under my eyes every morning after I wake up and it makes my eyes feel alive and awake to own the day! I recommend this to everyone I know who tells me they feel like their eye-bags are slumping on their cheeks! {weird, but true!}. I just really love this stuff and I actually could not live one day without it.

Essie {Bahama Mama}
I have a post coming your way with all my favourite nail polishes for Autumn but this is a sneak peek at one of them. I have been loving "Bahama Mama" by Essie which I would call a plum wine colour? I don't know, I'm sucky with colours but guys this such a gorgeous shade and the formula is so good! LOVE.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara
I have finally got around to finishing old mascaras and opening new ones. I opened the Maybelline Define-a-lash Mascara and so far I'm really liking it. It's not often that a mascara separates my lashes and gives them a little sass while also making them look natural, but this one seems to do that job pretty well. Plus it's waterproof which is something always look for in mascaras.

Urban Decay Basics Palette
This little palette has been my go-to eyeshadows this month as I really didn't have the time in the morning to go all out with fancy neutrals. It's just the perfect little palette which creates the most simplest of eye-looks and I just can't get enough of it!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick {Lover's Coral}
Again, uni = boring lipstick choices on my part as I had spent most of my time in the library with simple makeup. "Lover's Coral" is a sheer, build able and somewhat moisturising light coral and what I love about it the most, is that I don't need a mirror to apply it!

L'oreal Le Blush {Rosewood}
This is a new blush that I was hoarding for absolutely no reason at all, I didn't think I would like it BUT I tried it so many times this month and I really like it. The rosey shade is so sheer, which I like because I can build the colour up without looking like I have two tomatoes on my cheeks. It's a very nice shade for autumn/winter, giving a warm feel and flush of colour to the face.

What have you been loving in the month of May?
xx

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