Lust List #3

If there is one thing I know how to do well, it is shopping. And of course I always have a few items that I have my eyes on. In the next few months I need to take is easy on my bank account, so this lust list will keep me dreaming!

The first item is a Ted Baker makeup bag. I have seen a few YouTubers, such as Tanya Burr and Gabbi from Velvet Ghost, sporting these makeup bags and they look beautiful. These bags are so stylish and they come in a range of colours and patterns. They look super durable and great for travelling. 

The Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette looks incredible. The colours in this 'golden goddess' palette can take you from a day time to an evening look, which makes it wearable and versatile. The packaging is adorable too. 

I have been dying to try the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer for ages, but haven't got around to buying one. I need to address the major under eye dark circles that I have going on. Hopefully I can buy this soon and let you know how it goes!

I have been seeing Daniel Wellington watches everywhere at the moment, and I am so excited because the store I work at will be selling these watches in a few weeks! This means I can add another watch to my collection (I may have an obsession!). I think I will opt for a sleek back band with the steel face, as I already have a rose gold watch. This seems like a great everyday watch, but it still has the oversized 'boyfriend' look. 

What items are on your lust list this month?

Polished Perfection

I love the freedom that you have when wearing nail polish. The colours are endless and there is always a new colour that you can pop on your nails. I often become quite lazy with upkeep, but I love having perfect nails with a pop of colour! It always makes me feel better about myself. So here are some of my top picks in my nail polish collection. I have the perfect top coat, a sweet baby pink, an essential nude, a necessary red and a splash of colour. 

Cutex // Clearly Speeding

Nails Inc // Elizabeth Street

Mimco // Nude

Mecca Cosmetica // Virgilia

Rimmel // How Do You Lilac It?

What are your favourite nail polishes?

What's On My Face // 2

This week I have been reaching for quite a simple makeup look, but one that I know works well for me. I am currently on an internship at the moment, so my mornings generally consist of me gulping down a cup of tea and running out the door in a rush. 

I use NARS Sheer Glow as my base, which I know will last all day and keep me feeling confident. I have been using a touch of bronzer, just to warm up my face as I am feeling a bit pale in these winter months! I have starting using the BareMinerals all over face colour as a blush, as it has a subtle pink tone. I am not sure how this could be used as an all over face colour, but it works nicely as a blush to lightly colour the cheeks. 

On my eyes I have been loving the Chi Chi eyeshadow quad. The colours look quite shimmery, but once they are on the eyelid they look really pretty and subtle. I have been using the brown in the crease and lightly running the pink all over the lid. I love a liquid liner and honestly could not live without one. I just love the shape it gives my eyes and it looks so sleek and elegant. I have always worn a liquid liner and I think I am fairly confident applying it, as long as I have a steady hand!

I like to finish off my look with a few coats of mascara and a subtle pink lip to match my natural lip colour. Have you used any of these products?

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation // Mont Blanc

Rimmel Natural Bronzer // Sun Bronze

Bare Minerals All Over Face Colour // Love Radiance

Chi Chi Eyeshadow Quad // Paparazzi Princess

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner // Black

Sephora Lash Plumper Mascara // Black

MaxFactor Colour Elixir Lipstick // Stardust Pink

Lust List #2

If there is one thing I am addicted to, it is definitely shopping. There is always some new item that I 'must have' and I always manage to convince myself that I NEED it (I must have been a billionaire in a past life). So here is my lust list for this month, which feeds my addiction and makes me really consider the items that I want to add to my collection. 

Zoeva // Rose Gold Luxury Set Brushes

Even though I have a set of MAC brushes, I can't take my eyes off these. The rose gold is to die for and there are a few brushes in this set that could definitely be useful in my collection. I love the bag it comes in aswell!

Bobbi Brown // Sand Eye Palette

I have seen this blogged about by Hello October and Vivianna Does Makeup and I am in love. It seems like a perfect day to night palette, with a mixture of everyday shades and shimmery golden tones. Definitely gives off a beach babe vibe.

Marc Jacobs // Daisy

Guilty... I have gone through about 3 bottles of this perfume and it will never get old. The black bottle is so stylish and sleek, which makes me want it even more!

MAC // Eye Kohl in Teddy

For some reason I struggle finding good quality eye kohls that apply easily from the drugstore. I can't stand it when I have to push hard on my eye for the colour to appear, and I have heard good things about this MAC product. Teddy seams like a great everyday colour, but I am not sure if I should stick with a classic black colour instead. What do you think?

What items are you lusting after this month?

E x

Makeup Remover That Works

As much as I love wearing makeup, one of my favourite things to do is to come home, tie my hair up, get in my pyjamas and take my face off! I love the feeling of having clean and clear skin just before bed and I think I have found the right product for me. The last month I have been using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in my night time routine, and I can safely say I am impressed.

I always used to remove my makeup with an eye remover product, followed by a face cleanser. But now, I can use a product that efficiently removes all my makeup in a few wipes. It leaves a refreshed and cleansed feel to the skin. I use a cotton pad to apply, and normally use one cotton pad for my eyes, and one for the face, which usually does the job. However, if I am wearing heavier makeup I would use 3-4 cotton pads.

I find this product to be a great night time makeup remover and cleanser, which has left my skin looking clear and healthy.

Have you used the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water?

E x

Study Beauty Essentials

University exams are taking over my life at the moment, making it very hard to have a social life! All i want to do is get dressed up and go out somewhere fancy, instead of sitting in trackies and a hoodie with my hair in a bun at home. The woes of a university student trying her best!

I have put together this post to give some tips on the essential beauty items when studying. I keep these items on my desk so I can use them throughout the day. Our skin and body definitely need some extra love during exam time and here are my tips while studying...

The Body Shop // Japanese Cherry Blossom Hand & Nail Cream

A hand cream is absolutely crucial during study time. We use our hands for everything (highlighting, drawing mind maps, typing...oh how wonderful!) and it is important to keep them moisturised. My hands typically dry out, especially in the cold, so keeping them hydrated is my number one priority! This Body Shop cream smells delicious aswell.

Trilogy // Eye Contour Cream

I have blogged about this product in my Everyday Essentials and it really is a god-send. Late nights and staring at a computer screen for long periods of time definitely takes it toll on your face. My eyes often become strained and tired, so having an eye cream really boosts my eyes. It helps to smooth those lines under the eyes and reduce puffiness. It is really refreshing and definitely makes a difference to those nasty bags under my eyes

H&M // Tea and Mint Chocolate Lip Balm

My lips are always drying out, so I always have a lip balm handy to pop on whenever I get a chance. This product isn't one I would recommend as a 'must have' product for lips, but I just love the smell. The minty chocolate smell is delicious and it almost makes me want to eat it. But i love popping this on while I am studying, mostly because the smell makes me feel happy!

Extra Tips

I always have a bottle of water next to me so I can take regular drinks. Water is so important and it really is a key to unlocking great skin, energy and numerous other health benefits. I struggle drinking the recommended amount of water per day, but I always try!

Try and eat lots of healthy snacks throughout the day, like fruit and nuts.

Make sure you take regular breaks to stretch out your body and rest your eyes. Sitting in front of a computer for too long can be very boring but also not great for your health. I always like to schedule my breaks and get some fresh air.

What beauty essentials do you use while studying?

E xx

Weekly Favourites

I can't believe it is already June! Before I have a freak out about how fast the year is going, here is my weekly favourites. I recently went on a little shopping trip and thought I better pick up some new items to add to my collection. 

Blackmores // Nails, Hair & Skin Vitamins

Rimmel //Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Nova

Rimmel // Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Big Bang

Max Factor // Lipstick in Star Dust Pink

Rimmel // 60 Seconds Nail Polish in How Do You Lilac It?

Rimmel // Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Black Cherries

Boe Beauty // Cushioned Nail Shapers

I have had this gorgeous colour on my nails on for 4 days now and they are still in perfect condition and are yet to chip. I was impressed at how fast the polish dried on my nails and it lived up to the fast drying claims (I am very impatient!). I love this lilac colour and it would suit most people.

My nails have always been quite weak and prone to breakage, so I thought it was time I took some vitamins to help. These vitamins claim 'stronger nails from 12 weeks' which I hope is true! It also supports healthy hair and skin, which is a bonus. I will report back in 12 weeks and let you know if my nails have improved!

I absolutely love the shades of the Rimmel Apocalips lip lacquers. I took forever to decide which colour I wanted but I settled on these two. They are highly pigmented and give such a lovely burst of colour on the lips. I am impressed by the formula, as they still give a nice shine to the lips. The Nova shade is great for everyday wear, while Big Bang would be great for a bold lip on an evening out.

The Max Factor lipstick is also a lovely nude/pink shade. I got this because I wanted a natural lipstick that would have the effect of 'my lips but better'. The lipstick is really moisturising and long lasting. It is also great for just dabbing on the lips to create a subtle colour. 

What are some of your weekly favourites and have you used any of these products?

E x

Everyday Essentials

Here is a glimpse into some of my everyday essentials. I cannot live without these items on a daily basis and normally they live in my handbag.

MinkPink Sunglasses // After Party Snow Leopard - I cannot function without a pair of sunglasses! Normally in Sydney its fairly sunny and I am always wearing them driving, walking to uni or on the train. They are essential!

Mimco Wallet // Black Leather - This is my everyday wallet where I store most of my cards and money. It is about 3 years old now but the leather is still in such good condition and I love it. It was the first big present that my boyfriend bought me! How sweet. 

Mac Studio Fix Powder // Shade NC35 - I have always gone back to this powder throughout the years. It has a smooth finish and gives quite a full coverage. It is great for covering up any redness or spots throughout the day.

Michael Kors Watch // Nude Leather Runway Watch in Rose Gold - I recently bought this watch from my work and I am in love! I have been wearing it non-stop and love the leather band.

Bare Minerals // Mirror - I got this little compact mirror has a Christmas present and I love how easily it slips into my bag.

Swarovski Crystal Pen // Amethyst - I love the Swarovski pens and they come in so many beautiful colours. I have the Amethyst which is a lovely purple/lavender colour. This is always in my bag so I can write down essential bits and bobs! They are great for gifts too.

Perfume // Daisy by Marc Jacobs - This is my go-to perfume. It is light, fresh, fruity and delicious. The packaging is adorable too.

iPad // iPad Mini 16gb - I purchased the iPad Mini solely for the purpose of typing my uni notes, as it was so compact and easy to transport. Now I am in love. It is such a cute and perfect size for me! I cannot imagine having the full size iPad. I am on my iPad everyday, whether it be for uni, reading blogs and everything else!

What are your everyday essentials?

E x

Sweet Scents

We all love the smell of a burning candle and a spritz of perfume, so why not blog about my favourites! I love being at home and lighting a candle, with the aroma filling the whole house. It feels warm, inviting and homely especially when you find a scent that you love. 

I am always a fan of vanilla candles, with my favourite being by the brand Ecoya. They do a delicious Vanilla Bean fragrance, which warms the house with a a rich vanilla and slighty butterscotch smell. They are natural soy wax candles and burn for up to 55 hours!

Glasshouse also do a lovely range of fragrances, my favourite being the Montego Bay. This is also a sweet scent, which has tones of coconut and lime. Smells so good I could almost eat it (please don't eat your candles!)

I am yet to buy any of the Diptyque fragrances but I definitely have my eyes on them. I love the packaging and have heard a lot of good things about the scents! What are your favourite Diptyque candles?

Perfume is also a necessity and I feel that it completes me! Rarely do I step out of the house without spraying on one of my favourite fragrances. I think it is really important to have your own personal scent. It all depends on personal preference and what suits your skin, but go with a scent that you love and feel comfortable with. 

I have always liked quite light and sweet fragrances, like Daisy by Marc Jacobs or Miss Dior Cherie by Dior. One of my first perfumes that I wore was Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle and I think I have gone through 4 or 5 bottles over the years. It is richer than Daisy, but it also has a distinct floral scent. I find it is suitable for day or night, which makes it very versatile. 

I recently received Intimately Beckham, Victoria Beckham's perfume, and have been loving it as it has a mostly white floral scent. This fragrance is full of life and has a rich, luxurious feel about it. It is more of a sophisticated fragrance and I prefer to wear this at night. 

What are your favourite fragrances?

E x

To Buy Or Not To Buy

I have been thinking about buying a new camera recently. Photography is always something I have been interested in, but I never really got into it properly. I always used to get cameras for birthday/christmas presents and was always encouraged to take photographs. About 4 years ago I bought a vintage lomography camera, the Diana F and loved it. I bought heaps of film and took photos of anything I could. The only thing that turned me off doing this was the price of developing film. Yes it is old school and looks pretty cool, but I was spending about $70 to get 2 rolls of film developed. Crazy! 

Now that I have started blogging, I want to be able to take photos that look professional (iPhones are not good enough!) I am not a photographer and am no means talented in taking photos or knowing how to use a proper SLR camera, so I want something that is easy to use. The canon EOS M seems like a good option, as it is a compact camera that comes with DSLR quality. Definitely considering this option.

I am also loving this style of boot. These ones are from Windsor Smith and are called 'Bronte'. They are an essential, black winter boot that is easy to style with any piece of clothing. I would love a pair of these, but I have 2 black boots already that are similar. But, I might have to look through my shoe closest and find room for an extra pair!

Rose Gold is my favourite colour for jewellery this year! I have a ring and a watch, and now earrings! I bought these drop rose gold earrings from Witchery and I am loving this sleek and fine look in jewellery at the moment. Definitely going to start wearing some more drop earrings!

 ♡ Some Extra Bits ♡

These are the lip product I am loving this week. The Maybelline Baby Lips are a moisturising lip balm that are perfect for dry lips. I love how nourishing this feels and reminds me of Lip Smackers from when I was a kid!

Revlon Colour Stay Matte Balm in Unapologetic is a great shade for a night out. This colour really pops and looks great with a basic makeup look. 

Maybelline Colour Sensational lipstick in Tantalizing Taupe is a new shade for me. I very rarely wear lipstick on a daily basic, as I normally wear a bright colour when I am going out at night. I wanted a lipstick colour that was everyday and wearable anytime, anywhere. So, I went for a nude colour for something different. 

What camera do you use? And what are some of your lip favourites at the moment?

E x

Liebster Award

I have been nominated to do the Liebster Award by Tamara's Beauty Talk. This award is designed for bloggers to make new connections. 

Source

Here are the rules

Write 11 facts about yourself

Answer 11 questions written by the blogger who nominated you

Choose 11 bloggers for the award

Write a set of 11 questions for your nominees and let them know you have nominated them

♡11 Random Facts About Me♡

• I am studying to be a primary school teacher
• My favourite colour to wear is black
• I work in a jewellery store and am surrounded by sparkly diamonds
• I am a huge tea drinker and could drink a million cups in one day
• Shopping always makes me feel better
• I love going homewares shopping and can't wait to decorate my own house
• My favourite place to be is sitting on a quiet beach listening to the waves
• I have a dog called Bob and he is a boxer
• I love reading and my favourite book is Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger
• A perfect night out is dinner in the city and coming home to watch a movie
• I love chocolate and I have a huge sweet tooth

Questions from Tamara's Beauty Talk

1. How did you decide on your name for your blog?
It is my first and middle name

2. What is your favourite makeup product right now?
The Rimmel Natural Bronzer as it gives me a healthy glow

3. Which liquid foundation would you recommed me? (I have normal to oily skin and I'm searching for a good liquid base)
I have been using Max Factor Face Infinity All Day Flawness foundation and is good for normal to oily skin. Wouldn't recommend if you have dry skin.

4. Where would you like to travel if you had money and time?
I would love to go back to London to work, but for my next holiday I want to go to the south of France and the Greek Islands

5. What is your favourite quote?
"One day at a time—this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering" Ida Scott Taylor

6. Do you have any style icons? If so, who?
I love Olivia Palermo's style and I mostly look to street style for fashion inspiration. There are so many women who dress amazing and I think street style is the most inspiring.

7. Your favourite TV show?
I love Suits but I am also addicted to trashy tv like the Real Housewives!

8. Your favourite book?
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger

9. What's your favourite facial feature you like to enhance with makeup?
Probably my eyes

10. If you could only use one makeup item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably lip stick or gloss. Sometimes all you need is a slick of lipstick or gloss to make you feel better!

11. Your favourite drugstore beauty product?
At the moment it would be the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms. I love the colours and the texture of this product!

The 11 bloggers I have chosen for the award

♡ bckysklly

♡ My Life as Samia

♡ Fashion & Beauty by Anissa

♡ Insane About Make Up

♡ Shopping Girls

♡ Dee Gotts

♡ Coco et La vie en rose

♡ Rose's Rooftop

♡ Your Chic Blog

♡ SaltJournal

♡ V's Beauty Blog

My Questions

1. What country would you like to live in?
2. What is your favourite blog?
3. What item in your wardrobe could you not live without?
4. Do you prefer Summer or Winter?
5. What is your favourite perfume?
6. Why did you start your blog?
7. What is your dream job?
8. What is your favourite quote?
9. What is your favourite colour?
10. Who is your style icon at the moment?
11. What is your favourite beauty product at the moment?

Brush-Tastic!

I have been dying to purchase some new makeup brushes after watching way too many YouTube makeup tutorials (mostly Tanya Burr). I have a set of MAC brushes that a good friend bought me when she was holidaying in America. They were apparently a lot cheaper than here in Australia, but MAC brushes definitely do not come cheap. I am happy with the MAC brushes in my collection, but wanted to add a blush/bronzer/contouring brush and one for applying concealer. 

I have seen the Real Techniques brushes everywhere on the blogosphere and was very happy to learn that Priceline stock them! A lot of the brushes were sold out but I picked up the 'Blush Brush'. This brush is the perfect shape for contouring and defining my cheeks! 

My eyes were then drawn to the display of the Eco Tools brushes. I love the look of these brushes, with a sleek, bamboo handle. The brushes are 100% cruelty free and come with amazingly soft bristles. I picked up the concealer brush, which will help me blend my concealer under my eyes to hide those dark circles. It gives a really lovely, seamless finish. 

It was so hard not to buy more brushes, but I really don't need anymore with the MAC collection and these new purchases!

E x

This Week: Beauty Buys & Yummy Food

I am addicted to buying new makeup products at the moment! I have been watching a lot of beauty tutorials on YouTube this week and it has inspired me to expand my makeup collection and try some new products!

The first buy that I made this week is the Revlon ColorBurst chubby sticks. I love these products and the colours in the range are amazing. I picked up two, and Priceline had 2 for the price of 1! The first colour I chose was 'Unapologetic' in the matte balm. I love this colour because it is so rich and vibrant. It has coral, pinky, peachy tones and the matte finish is very glamorous. The second colour I purchased was 'Demure' in the lacquer balm. This colour is very natural and suits the colour of my lips. It has slightly glossy finish but it is subtle. It also tastes like peppermint, which is really yummy and fresh!

This week I have been using the Bondi Sands everyday gradual tanning milk. I am not big on fake tans and if i do want to look tanned, i prefer to use a gradual tanning formula. I feel that it is subtle and more natural looking on my skin. I bought Bondi Sands after seeing a lot of recommendations on the internet and it seems to be working well. The smell is a lovely, coconut scent, not like some other fake tans on the market. I haven't noticed a huge change in my skin tone but it is gradually building up and that is what I am after!

I also bought the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer. I needed a new concealer, as the one I am using is a shade too dark for my skin tone. I have used it only twice so far but I am loving the soft finish and cover up it provides. 

The next product I bought is the Neutrogena Naturals nourishing night cream. I needed a new night cream especially during this time of the year when the cold dries my face out. I love the Neutrogena Naturals range and have been using the cleanser. I was searching for a product that was natural and was full of vitamins, and I am very glad I found this! It was reasonably priced and I love the feel of it on my face. It is so nourishing and smells delicious. I look forward to putting this on my face every night!



On a different note, I stumbled across an amazing bookstore in Newtown on Saturday night. I love book shops and always want to buy everything in the store! Being a primary school teacher, I am naturally drawn to children's books and found one that I adore. It is a book called 'Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris' by Kate Knapp. When I was on prac at a school, we did a conference call with Kate Knapp and other schools. The students got the chance to ask Kate questions about her book and her amazing illustrations. Her drawings are captivating and I just had to buy this book!

I am on a burger mission! A couple of weeks ago I went to the burger restaurant called Chur Burger and this week I found a new one to go to! I went to Mary's at Newtown and was very impressed by their burgers. Despite waiting in line for a table for a little while (it was Saturday night) we had a great night! The restaurant had a great atmosphere, it looked like it used to be a church. There was dark lighting and the music was great! Very grungey, alternative feel about the place. I had the cheeseburger and Jordan had the Mary's burger. We also had some fried chicken which was so naughty but delicious. I would definitely recommend!

March Favourites

This month has brought a lot of happy moments, so I thought I would share my favourite things of this month!

A new item to my wardrobe this month is my Witchery ankle boots! I love these tan leather boots and feel they are a MUST for autumn/winter. The colour is something different than your usual black boots and tan is a colour that goes with a lot. I have been wearing these with my black skinny leg 'wet look' Zara jeans and a few dresses (I want it to be winter already!)

I have been wearing two perfumes a lot this month. These two are staples to my perfume collection and are always my favourite. 

Daisy by Marc Jacobs and Miss Dior

Due to the warm weather still lingering around, these scents have been perfect due to the floral fragrance. Who wouldn't want to smell like a flower?!

I went on a makeup shopping spree this month and picked up some new cosmetics to add to my collection. I started using a new MAC studio finish powder. I was lucky enough to have a spare of these in my cupboard, which was received as a present. I love this product and have been using it for about 4 years! It has a lovely flawless, matte, full coverage finish. This makes it easy to apply and always makes me feel good!

I found a new brand called Models Prefer, which was reasonably well-priced and had cute, compact packaging. I bought a cherry pink lipstick, four colour bronzer, four colour eyeshadow palette and a blush. I needed a new bronzer and wanted a few extra colours for eyeshadow. The eyeshadow colours are great, very earthy and natural tones. 

I am obsessed with bunnies at the moment! Easter is coming and there are bunnies everywhere in the shops. They are so adorable. So I was super surprised when my boyfriend bought me this adorable bunny backpack from Seed! It was such a sweet gesture and I was not expecting it. It made me so happy. Look how cute it is!



My favourite drink of this month is 'Charlie's Lemonade Quencher'. It tastes amazing! It really is like an old fashioned lemonade you would find at a homemade lemonade stand. 

I hope next month brings many more favourites!

E x