NEW! Hourglass Ambient Blush Wardrobe Palette {& Swatches}

I just could not resist picking up the Hourglass Ambient Blush Wardrobe palette. I already own the Ambient Lighting Palette, and have used it every single day since I got it. So, when I saw this in my local Mecca, there was no question about whether it would join my collection. 

The three colours are (L-R): Luminous Flush, a champagne rose colour; Incandescent Electra, a cool peach blush; and Mood Exposure, a soft plum colour.

With flash. 

In natural light. 

I think Mood Exposure (right) will look beautiful in Winter, whilst Incandescent Electra (middle) has been getting a lot of wear from me over the last couple of days. On my skin, it's the perfect peachy neutral shade, and adds just a bit of life to my face. Luminous Flush (left) is a bit more pink, and I think is probably my favourite shade of the three. 

There's the same photo-luminescent technology in this palette as there is in the ambient lighting palette, so the blush refracts light and helps to create dimension to your make-up. You can see in the swatches 'with flash' that when exposed to light the colours just look brighter, without having to resort to glitter or shimmer. 

Incandescent Electra (middle shade) is exclusive to this limited edition palette, and with the individual shades retailing at $46 each, this palette is well worth the pennies saved. 

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New to My Wardrobe...

Tomorrow I start my 20-day internship at a law firm. I'm really excited for this; I'm excited to be learning a more practical component to my degree, and getting to experience an actual law firm. I have worked in a law firm before, but this will be different because I should actually be involved in the cases, and working with the solicitors. It is also highly likely that I'll get to attend court which is fun! 

The only thing is that it's been a while since I've had to wear corporate clothing, and the items I did own are a little worse for wear, or don't quite fir me anymore. So I needed to go out and buy some clothes. I've been on the hunt for the past month or so, especially with all the post-Xmas sales. But, finding something within my price range was proving to be difficult, even with the sales. 

So I turned to twitter, and asked where some cheap, nice workwear could be found. ZARA and Target were by far the most popular answers I got and so I headed out to Target to check out their new 'Modernista collection'. Most of the collection is quite affordable, and I really did love most of it. 

I picked up these two dresses to start with, and will probably go back and get some new blouses as well; 

This dress was a bit hard to photograph, but I love the neckline with its cute triangle cut-out, and the overall pattern. 

Next up is this simple, black dress; always a staple:

This one is a simple V-neck, but I love that it's not a solid black. 

Where's your favourite place to find work clothing?
Any tips or advice from those of you who have had to do internships?



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BREAKING!! NARS: Narsissist Palette

Image taken from here

The NARS narsissist palette has been released in the UK, retailing for 55GBP.
Featuring 15 eyeshadows, this palette looks gorgeous!

I have no doubt that over the next few days reviews and swatches will start to come in...although without even looking at them I kind of already want this palette.

No news yet when and if it will be released in Australia. Here's hoping!



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My Week in Pictures #34

It's been a busy week for me lately!

Today is my 21st birthday, which is INSANE. I also had my party on Saturday, which was a lot of fun. To add to the crazy, I've been working full time this week and next, and next week I go back to uni! I feel like I've hardly had a holiday to be honest!

I've got so many things planned for this little bloggy, and so many posts lined up, and just on the down low...maybe a giveaway too! I've just struggled a bit lately because I'm out of the house for most days about 11 hours. The sun sets before 5pm here, and I don't usually get home until at least 8pm. So stubborn me hates taking photographs in artificial light but I'm thinking I need to just get over that and get on with it. What do you think?



Mum came down from Queensland for my party and brought me and my sister these cute animal beanies.

 

They have little pockets for your hands too! Super cute!

 

J made me karage chicken for dinner the other night and it was insanely delicious. I nommed it down and then took the left overs for work the next day. I'm trying to make more of an effort to bring food to work, rather than buying it. I also relaxed on Sunday night with a sheet mask. Keep an eye out because I have a post coming up about this one that I'm wearing - I love how the serum makes my skin feel and can't wait to share it with you!

One of the girls from work hurt her leg last week during her shift, and was unable to make it to my party. She dropped by on Monday with these choccy's and a card to thank me for being so understanding (silly because she was injured!!) and to thank S for covering her shift for her. So sweet, and I'm never one to turn down a Lindt ball! 

As always, I'm enjoying snuggles with Rommy in the mornings before work. It's been so chilly the past few mornings, and starting my day with a cute kitty cat just makes me so happy :) Rommy is so curious...he was checking out all my gifts I brought home after my party on the weekend...I had to break the news to him that he's a cat, and doesn't drink champagne. 

On Sunday we went out to yum cha at Canterbury Leagues...absolutely freakin' love this place. We've been here many times before for birthdays and family gatherings, and Sunday was a bit of a combination of the two. So much food, so much deliciousness, such good company to be in

Rommy's so funny with wrapping paper. He plays with it for hours, jumping between the paper and the green canvas bags we have out for him. I'm excited to share more about my birthday as the week continues (crazy it's the end of July already...). Would you be interested in a presents post? I was absolutely spoilt this year, with friends and family being incredibly generous, but would hate for anyone to think I was bragging or ungrateful?

What did you get up to this past week?

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Review: Arbonne Cosmetics*

Arbonne is a Swiss company, mostly known in the beauty community for their skincare range. I'd heard a little bit about them on youtube, but never much from this side of the pond. I was asked if I'd be interested in trying out some of their cosmetic products, and after checking out the company, I absolutely was. Arbonne's products are based on botanical principles; products that are going to highlight your natural beauty whilst remaining safe and beneficial for your skin. 

Perfecting Liquid Foundation with SPF 15

I'm very, very fussy with foundations. I like something that is going to give me a fuller coverage and even out my skin-tone without being heavy, yet is going to last me all day. I was sent this in the lightest shade, 'Alabaster'. Unfortunately, the problem with matching someone's skin-tone on the computer is that you're probably not always going to get a match. This colour is quite lighter than my natural skin tone, which is unfortunate. I had the idea of mixing it with a darker tinted-moisturiser I have sitting around but decided that wouldn't be fair for the review. So, the first day I wore this without mixing it, and without bronzer. I looked way too pale, but it held up really well! It lasted a 13 hour day at uni without any need for re-application. I felt that it applied really nicely, and wasn't drying on my skin. This product also contains no parabens, phthalates or talc. 

The second day I wore this I brushed some bronzer over my entire face with a powder brush, which brought the colour closer to my natural skin-tone; this seemed to do the trick! I absolutely love this foundation; it's non-comodogenic, it increases the moisture content of your skin and the finish it gives my skin is just beautiful. I also really love the packaging; the glass bottle has a really luxurious feel to it, and I love that it has storage instructions AND a use-by date written on the glass. Genius. 

RRP: $55.00

Mineral-Infused Eye Shadow

I got two eye shadows, in the colours "Cabarnet" (left) and "Blue Slate" (right). Both of these colours are quite pigmented, without being too intense. They're easily blendable and  go well with most colours I already own. I love Cabarnet for a muted, day-time look, whilst Blue Slate provides a really beautiful pop of colour. Arbonne eye shadows are currently available in 20 shades, and all are infused with anti-cakeing agents, such as Zinc Stearate, to ensure that colour remains smooth and even. 

RRP: $26.00

Lip Polish in Posh

To be honest, I've never really been much of a lip gloss girl. Whilst I love the idea of shiny, sexy lips I absolutely cannot stand stickiness. And I actually can't believe it, but this product has lived up to its claims of shiny but not sticky. The applicator is quite similar to most lip glosses, and when I saw it I was kind of scared...hoping it would not be like every other lip gloss product that just leaves me furiously rubbing at my lips with a tissue. Oh how pleasantly surprised I was! The colour is quite a feminine pink, that definitely leaves my  lips with a nice sheen (which I feel is the grown-up version of shiny). As for how it feels? Ridiculously moisturising and super smooth. It feels more like a lip balm than anything, and I LOVE that. 

Here's a swatch for colour purposes:

The lip polish is available in seven shades, with key ingredients including wild mango butter, sunflower oil, vitamins A and E. Like the previous two products mentioned, it's also completely free of parabens, phthalates and talc. 

RRP: $36.

Check out Arbonne Cosmetics for yourself here.

Are you a lipgloss girl? How do you make the wrong colour foundation work for you? Give me your tips - it would be a shame to let this go to waste!! 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for consideration. This has in no way affected my opinion of them, nor has Arbonne Cosmetics influenced this review.   For further details, please check out my disclaimer. 



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New in Subscription Boxes: Europe in a Box

Over the past few months I have done monthly reviews of what I received in two beauty boxes that I was subscribed to. These boxes were a great opportunity to try out a bunch of samples from many different companies at a reasonable price.
Today, I'm going to share with you a new subscription box: Europe in a box. 

The concept of food subscription boxes isn't new; there have been a few companies launching over the past 6 months with aims of bringing healthy snacks to your door. No fuss, no muss.
So how is Europe in a Box different?
This box is about more than receiving some nuts and snacks; it's about culinary and cultural education.
I've had a lot of friends travel to Europe in the past 12 months, and almost all of them comment on how great the food is over there. For them, receiving this box of authentic treats would invoke memories of their expereience. For me, I've never travelled to Europe, so this is a cheaper way to try out those foods and snacks until I can actually get my butt over there.

Each box contains four gourmet products each originating from a different culinary destinations in Europe, including an authentic imported drink, additional samples and a keepsake.(1)

If that's not reason enough to sign up, a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each box are donated to All Together Now, the only national charity in Australia dedicated to tackling racism issues. How great is that!?



You can sign up online at www.europeinabox.com.au, with membership prices starting at $48 per month, with free shipping.

Cyndie, the creator of Europe in a Box has also also kindly given me some discount vouchers for you guys, valid until the 30th March! Just type in either of the below codes at check out:
SPREADTHELOVE: to get $5 off your one month transaction (this is a one off fee, not a recurring transaction)
DISCOVEREUROPE: $10 off a 3 month subscription.

Have you travelled to Europe?
What was your favourite food over there? Let me know! 

(1) Note taken from media release. 
Disclaimer: I was asked to write this post on behalf of Europe in a Box. I am not being paid for this post, nor are any of the above links or discount codes affiliate links. I really think this is a great idea and thought you guys would be interested in hearing about it :)


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My Week in Pictures #20

Had brunch with my bestie Megan, and we exchanged our Christmas presents. How great are my gifts? She wrapped them in this really beautiful Christmas-y organza material. I really appreciate when people go to a lot of effort in making their gifts beautiful. Every year she also makes beautiful gift tags:

Also caught up with Bradley for lunch before work at a French cafe in the Rocks. 

The macaroons at this place were pretty amazing - and Brad taught me how to properly pronounce it (mac-a-ron...as opposed to mac-a-roon, which is a different biscuit entirely!)

What's your favourite cafe food? 



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Review and Swatch-Fest: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 

With the launch of the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains in Australia, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you, and some swatches on the four colours I have - Precious, Cherish, Lovesick and Crush. Crush and Lovesick were both given to me from Jessie in our International blog swap.

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Precious

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Cherish

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Lovesick. 

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Crush

As you can see, the intensity of the colours depends entirely on the colour you choose. The nuder, pinkier colours are not as deep or pigmented as the darker colours. However, they still provide a really nice coverage on the lips. Fun anecdote: I wore nude 'Precious' on Sunday to the annual referees awards lunch to cover a cut on my lip. It wore off by the afternoon, and J thought it was a bit of food on my lip and tried to wipe it off, because he hadn't noticed it earlier in the day. Sweet, huh?
What I'm trying to say is the colour payoff on these is excellent.
I don't know if I'd go as far as calling them a 'stain' though, because although the staying power is great, it's not stain-worthy (maybe 3-4 hours of wear? Half that with food). That being said, they are veryyyy moisturising so that's a definite plus considering stains are super drying.

There's a hint of a minty taste upon application, but it doesn't tingle and doesn't last long, so I definitely love that.

The packaging is also definitely in the 'pro' column. They don't feel cheap, the silver ends screw up to reveal more product, and the lid sits on nice and tight, so isn't going to fall off in your handbag. However, the only issue I have is that the lid doesn't fit on the end, so you're kind of left awkwardly holding it while applying your make-up. Or, putting it down somewhere and finding you lost it. No, that's just me? Carry on then.

As for texture, when applied the balm stains feel like a lip balm. No thick, greasy lipstick feel.

All in all, I loveeeee these and ever since Jessie sent me a couple I've pretty much worn these exclusively.

Do you own any? What colours are your favourite? 
I'm normally a bright lip girl, but I've been loving nude lips lately...



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