April Favourites

Hi Guys!

Another month, another favourites. This month has been an interesting one for me as I've spent much of it laying in bed sick. Sad face. I'm better now though and more ready than ever to continue achieving my goals in May!

Here are my most-loved items from April:

1. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I bought this cleansing water about a month ago and it has been an absolute life saver! I'm not a huge fan of using makeup remover wipes because I often have allergic reactions to them and I also think they're quite harmful to the skin, however it is very handy to have an easy way of removing makeup on those nights you're not up to face cleansing (*cough cough* maybe a few too many cocktails?) and this does the job wonderfully. It's very gentle on the skin, has zero odour, removes waterproof makeup and leaves your skin feeling fresh. It literally feels as though I'm wiping my face with water. Cannot recommend this product enough! 

2. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

I'm actually only half way through this book which makes it sound a little silly that I've added it in my April favourites but I'm very much enjoying it so far and would recommend it to any of you hopeless romantics (which I am). Nicholas Sparks is my all time favourite author, all of his books are romantic, sad and happy at the same time and just wonderfully brilliant. Many of his books have been turned into movies such as The Notebook and A Walk to Remember which I'm sure many of you are already familiar with. 

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 

I have combination/oily skin, which I am often in denial about because it limits me to very few foundations that I like, and this powder is my holy grail product. It honesty does exactly what is says and that is, if you apply this over the stop of foundation/BB cream or even straight on to bare skin you are guaranteed not to look like a grease ball at any time of the day. I am past the days of cashing out on expensive powders that don't set my makeup for very long because this is by far the best powder I have come across and it is at a very reasonable price too. Love! 

4. Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara 

Once you try this mascara you will never go back. So many beauty gurus rave about the it and I know why. It has quite a wet consistency that is very easy to apply with the plastic spoon shaped applicator. This mascara is easy to build up with about 2-3 coats. I find myself not needing/wanting to apply false lashes when I use this mascara because a false lash effect really is achieved...time saver!

5. Neutrogena Oil Free Sensitive Skin Moisturiser

I've actually been using this moisturiser for about 4-5 months now so I thought it was about time I include it in a monthly favourites. I love this moisturiser one, because it's oil-free which is great for my current acne prone skin, two, because I have extremely sensitive skin and it doesn't cause any reactions and three, because it's very light and simple yet effectively hydrates and moisturises my skin. 

6. Australis Go Longwear Semi Matte Lipstick in 'Glam' 

As it is now Autumn in Australia, moving into Winter, I've begun to use darker red lipstick shades a lot more frequently as I think it's the perfect colour for the colder seasons. I'm currently loving the Australis lipstick in the shade 'Glam'; a red lipstick midway between a deep red and a vampy, dark red. It's very easy to apply for a semi-matte lipstick and is not drying on the lips at all which is a must for the colder Winter months when lips have a tendency to become dry and cracked (providing you apply a little lip balm prior to application). As this lipstick is part of the Go Longwear range, it does last for a very long time which is a winner in my books!

7. OPI Nail Polish in the shade 'I'm not really a waitress'

Much like wearing the deep red coloured lipsticks throughout Autumn and Winter, I also think it's the perfect time of year to wear red nail polish. OPI is my all time favourite brand of nail polish and this red shade has been my favourite in the month of April. It has a slight shimmer to it, is an easy application and has fantastic lasting power.

8. Arkadia Vanilla Chai Tea 

Last but certainly not least, it's been all about the vanilla chai lattes for me in the month of April. I actually discovered that many of the cafes I've been ordering chai lattes from use this powder which is sold at the supermarket so I thought, why waste money on a store bought beverage when I can make it at home whenever I please?! With a sweet but slightly spicy (not chilli spices) taste and delicious aroma, this has been the perfect drink to warm me up on those cold and chilly nights.

So those are my favourites from April, what are yours? 

Much love. 

xx

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YouTube?

Hi Guys! 

So recently I've been thinking a lot about how I can expand my blog and further my passion for all things materialistic and beauty related, and the idea of starting up a YouTube channel crossed my mind.

Now I'm aware that YouTube is such a vast and exciting network, however it's also a wee bit intimidating as such a large number of successful YouTubers are out there and well...will I make an impact? Will people like my personality? I'm sure this is just overthinking but I'd like to know what you guys think and if any of you have tips on the best way to run a YouTube channel. 

That's about all I have to say but I'd really love to get any advice as I've been thinking about this for a long time and although a few anxieties are completely normal, a bit of reassurance would be wonderful! 

Do any of my readers have YouTube channels? If so, please link them below as I'd love to check them out! 

Much love 

xx

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Autumnal FOTD

I've never done one of these but I always love looking at other blogger's FOTD so I've decided to join in on the fun!

Here's my face of the day. It's not something I'd wear if I were say going to class (unless I felt particularly poopy and needed a pick-me-up) but it's a nice do-ey look for going shopping or going out with a friend. For some people this would be way too much for a casual day-time look which is okay, it would also be fine for an occasion such as a dinner date or party too.

I really love wearing darker lipstick colours during Autumn and also Winter, and I think the golden shimmery eye ties in with the vampy red colour quite nicely. I might also opt for more neutral eyeshadows such as matte browns and whites but today I've gone for a more glamorous look.

Now for some cheesy poses!

The products I used for my makeup are as follows:

• MAC natural radiance prep+prime 
• NARS sheer glow foundation in 'Mont Blanc' & Loreal True Match foundation in the shade 'N2 Vanilla' (I had to mix the two together before applying it to my face to achieve the perfect colour for my current skin tone) 
• Loreal True Match concealer in 'Vanilla'
• MAC skin finish powder in Medium Plus 
• Hoola bronzer 
• MAC powder blush in 'Pinch Me' 
• MAC eyeshadow in "Mystery" to fill in my eyebrows 
• MAC clear brow gel 
• MAC eye prep+prime in light 
• MAC 'Brownluxe' eyeshadow palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in the shade 'Woodwinked' 
• Maybelline eyeliner gel in blackest back
• Bourjois waterproof black clubbing eyeliner pencil(for the waterline)
• Maybelline the falsies volum' express mascara in blackest black
• MAC transparent skin finish powder to set the makeup 
• Australis semi-matte go longwear lipstick in 'Glam' 

Wow when I make a list of all the products I used on my face it seems a little over the top crazy! Haha. 

What do you think? 

xx

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Chewy & Delicious Anzac Biscuit Recipe

Lest We Forget 

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, 

We shall remember them"

Today is ANZAC day in Australia and so I decided to bake some Anzac biscuits; biscuits that have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I. 

These biscuits use very basic ingredients and are super simple to make. Even the most amateur of cooks could create these...not to mention they're delicious! 

I've provided step by step instructions below but please note that I had to take all the photographs myself whist baking the biscuits and so there were a few steps I couldn't capture on my camera...apologies!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats 
• 1 cup of sifted, plain flower
• 2/3 cup of desiccated coconut 
• 2/3 cup of brown sugar 
• 125g of butter 
• 2 tablespoons of golden syrup 
• 2 tablespoons of cold water 
• 1/2 a teaspoon of baking powder/bi-carb soda 

Step 1:

• Set the oven to 160 degrees/140 degrees fan forced.
• Line a large oven tray or a few small oven trays with baking paper. 
• Mix the oats, flour, coconut and brown sugar together in a mixing bowl.

Step 2:

• Place the butter, golden syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until butter is melted.

Step 3:

• Stir in baking powder/bi-carb soda and keep stirring for another minute or so until the mixture rises a few centimetres and becomes bubbly.

Step 4:

• Pour the butter mixture over the dry mixture and stir until combined. Now is where you can get a little messy by kneading the mixture with your fingers. Make sure to wash your hands beforehand! 

Step 5:

• Roll the mixture into teaspoon sized balls and place them on a lined baking tray. Don't worry too much about how far apart they are from each other on the tray as these biscuits don't tend to spread as they're baking.
• Press each biscuit down slightly with a fork (I did this as they were in the oven but I'd recommend you do this beforehand). 

Step 6:

• Place the biscuits in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until very slightly golden brown.
• NOTE: If you want them to be chewy then you must NOT let them bake over this stage! 

Step 7:

• Once you've taken your Anzac biscuits out of the oven, leave them to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack and then serving.

Step 8:

• ENJOY! 

Have you tried baking these before? If you try this recipe, I'd love to know how they went so please do leave a comment below. Much love. 

xx

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Product Review - MAC Cremesheen lipstick in 'Shy Girl'

Over the Easter break I had so many exciting ideas and plans in regards to new blog posts, however I've found myself curled up in bed sick for my entire holidays and haven't been able to create them! It's well over due for another post though, so I thought I'd write up a review of a new and very much loved purchase of mine; MAC Cremesheen lipstick in the shade 'Shy Girl'.

Because MAC lipsticks are more on the pricey side, I do make sure I'm 100% sure I want to make the purchase and therefore every one I own is much to my delight. I've been searching high and low for a nude lipstick to add to my slowly but surely expanding lipstick collection that doesn't look as though I've smeared foundation over my lips. 'Shy Girl' is certainly the perfect shade for the job. 

The texture of this lipstick, being part of the Cremesheen collection, is very creamy and glides easily onto the lips, leaving your lips feeling moisturised and fresh. Although being predominately beige coloured, it's got a tinge of coral in it which I really like as it gives my lips a little more life and vibrance. 

The lasting power of this lipstick isn't terrible but you do need to reapply occasionally and it is so moisturising that it feels as though I'm wearing a lip balm. Because the shade is light and sheer, it's also very easy to re-apply as opposed to a red or other bold lipstick shade so I guess you could say it's a very 'easy wear'.

Keep in mind that this lipstick does have a little sparkle in it, but surprisingly doesn't come off frosty like I thought it might.

The name really says it all, 'Shy Girl' is perfect if you're looking for a 'barely there but makes your lips look better' type lipstick and would be great for a natural look or a simple lip shade to compliment heavy eye makeup. 

Have you tried 'Shy Girl'? What did/do you think and if not, what's your favourite MAC lipstick? 

xxx

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Secret Garden

The other day as I was wandering around campus, I had a fortunate stroke of serendipity; an isolated pathway that is perfectly serene and picturesque. I happened to have my good camera with me at the time and was able to take a couple shots, so I thought I would share them with you!

There were big weeping willow trees with little wooden seats underneath, a moat with tiny waterfalls, big goldfish, flowers and ducks. The perfect place for me at University if I ever need some peace and quiet or time to myself.

Do you have a place you like to go for peace and quiet? 

xxx

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March Favourites

Crikey, three months in to 2014 already! It seems like yesterday I was just moving in to college, feelings of nerves and excitement everywhere, and now I am completely settled in and have been living here for over a month. Anyway, my first monthly favourites that I posted in February went down quite a treat, so here I have another one; March favourites. I hope you enjoy!

1. French Connection Handbag.

For a decent amount of time I've been searching high and low for a bag that fits my new 15 inch MAC laptop. I also required it to fit notebooks and the extra crap that I normally carry around in my handbag. And of course, I wanted my new handbag to be simple so I could wear it with any outfit, but also stylish. Yes, I know I know, it's a lot to ask for in a bag but I was determined, I knew it had to be out there somewhere! Well, I was right. One week into University and I found my perfect bag, sitting on the pristine clean shelves of French Connection. It does everything I want it to, is simple, stylish and I've had many compliments on it already.

Rrp: $129.95

2. 'Retread' conditioner by Lush.

I've previously written a review HERE.

Rrp: $23.95

3. Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick in '04 Peach on the Beach'.

I was actually inspired to buy this product at the beginning of the March from watching one of Zoella's YouTube videos (if you haven't seen them, click HERE). I love this lipstick because it feels as though I'm applying a non-sticky lipgloss, but is actually a very pigmented and creamy/glossy lipstick. The colour payoff is magnificent! I bought the shade 'Peach on the Beach' which is a really lovely light pinky/peachy colour (surprise surprise) and I just love the packaging as it looks like a giant crayon. It also claims to be waterproof (haven't actually tested that yet) and is meant to last for up to 10 hours or more, which is not really true, but it's lasting power is very impressive.

Rrp: $15

4. Benzac AC Acne Gel by Galderma.

Truth be told, my skin has really been suffering this month. I look back to photos of my skin last year and wonder how it can change so quickly. I've never had problem skin in the past, aside from being sensitive, but all of a sudden I've had nasty breakouts everywhere and it's driving me crazy! I decided that enough was enough and picked up a couple of products at Priceline to see if I could get rid of all the breakouts, one of being this amazing acne gel. As I was researching for the best products to cure acne before I went to Priceline, I found that most people said Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the ingredients you should look out for in products, as it is a very effective treatment. This acne gel has 5% Benzac and you simply apply it to the affected areas one to two times a day. Easy and so effective. I'm noticing massive results already.

Rrp: $19.29

5. OPI Nail Polish in 'Congeniality is my middle name'.

A deep purple/plum, slightly shimmery nail polish that is the perfect shade for Autumn, coming into Winter. I do indeed have an obsession with OPI nail polishes and just nail polish all together, and this has been my favourite of the month. I've had many compliments on this one.

Rrp: $19.95 (I bought 2 for $25 in different shades)

6. 'Cosmetic Warrior' Face Mask by Lush.

Holy mackerel, I cannot say enough good things about this face mask. This has to be my all time favourite face mask, not just in the month of March. The reason I love this face mask is because not only is it freshly made and feels very natural on the skin, it also does an amazing job of fighting breakouts (due to the garlic and tea-tree oil), deeply cleansing (due to the kaolin and fresh grapes) and softening (due to the honey and and free-range eggs) the skin using. Also, because this face mask is so fresh that it must be kept in the fridge, my skin instantly appreciates the cooling and calming effects, leaving my face looking visibly fresher and feeling smooth.

Rrp: $16.95

7. Bubblegum Lip Scrub by Lush.

In my previous monthly favourites, I mentioned how much I love the Lush lip scrubs but really disliked the smell and taste of the popcorn flavour. Well, I can safely say that the bubblegum lip scrub tastes amazing and smells delicious. My lips are left soft, clean, smooth, poutier and I always find myself licking my lips to remove the scrub rather than washing it off. This lip scrub comes in a very convenient little tub that I often carry around in my handbag. Never going back.

Rrp: $9.95

8. Sigma F50 Duo Fibre Makeup Brush.

Last but certainly not least, I thought I'd mention how much I've been loving the Sigma F50 Duo Fibre Makeup Brush. I purchased this brush online in a set called the Mr. Bunny Essential Brush Kit. I love this brush because it's so soft and light on my skin and makes blending foundation very simple, leaving a beautiful airbrushed look. This brush makes my foundation look very natural and non-cakey on my skin which I find to be a very impotent aspect in applying makeup. A definite must have.

Rrp: $23

So there are my monthly favourites. Have you tried any of these products and if so, what did you think? I'd love to know what your monthly favourites are so please leave a link below and I will check them out! 

xxx

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