A Shine that Lasts

I was debating purchasing a couple of the Loreal Caresse Shine Stains off ebay for such a long time that they decided to turn up in Australia before I got the chance to. When I ran into them in stores two weeks ago at 30% off, I couldn't really say no to giving this unique product a try.

These Shine stains have a very unique texture, which most people I have seen either love or hate. It kind of feels like you have a layer of gummy candy on your lips. Whilst this might not sound appealing to most, the texture doesn't really bother me that much, however I am not particularly phased by sticky lip glosses  I also think that the strange consistency is worth putting up with for the amazing wear time. Onto the swatches.

Bare Lips

One layer of Lolita

Two layers of Lolita

Bare Lips

One layer of Romy

Two layers of Romy

Onto the wear time, these last for the longest time on me. They easily last as long as a lipstick, I can go for 4 or 5 hours without having to touch these up. I generally apply one layer, wait 30 seconds, and then apply a second layer. This method creates the most opaque colour, however they could easily be worn in just a single layer if you were wanting more of a lasting gloss, and less of the colour.

Lolita and Romy swatched

Lolita and Romy washed off with water

As you can see these do not stain very well at all. But that isn't why I like them. If I want to wear a gloss to work, I chose these now, because selling things in a retail store means that you can't really top up your lip gloss every half an hour. In my opinion these are a fantastic product, and very unique on the market. However I can see why these are a product that divides people's opinions. But I do think you need to try them atleast once!

Mishelle

http://skimlinks.com/check

20th Birthday Gifts :)

So I turned 20 yesterday! I had such a fantastic day, I spent time with all of my amazing friends, ate some delicious food in the evening and felt very very very happy overall :) although today I feel like I'm coming down with the flu D: I also got some lovely gifts that I thought I would share with you all!

My boyfriend got me this beautiful bracelet from Tiffanys

My parents got me these adorable Russian Dolls

My friend Cate got me the Too Faced Sweethearts Blush that was on my wishlist, and my parents got me this shabby chic style paperweight

My friend Emma got me a big box of Favourites, my boyfriend got me a box of Guylian Seashells (my favourite chocolate in the whole world) and my brother got some some mango chocolates

My parents also got me a Kindle! I have almost finished my second book on it already, it is so awesome!

My mum got me this amazing baking tray haha! She knows how much I love owls <3

My friend Stevie made me this Totoro cake! It tasted so delicious! This is the best cake ever!!!

I also got a little bit of money to go shopping so I am thinking of buying a good pair of jeans for this autumn/winter, maybe a black pair...

I hope you are all having a good weekend :)

Mishelle

Adventures in Retail Therapy, or, How To Kick a Shopping Addiction

Humans by nature, constantly desire more things. I am the first to admit that I am an over consumer. Why, I run a beauty blog for goodness sake. You saw my makeup collection on Monday, you know I live in a world of excess. But I am starting to notice that there is a point where it all becomes too much. Being spoiled for choice is frustrating! I just have too much stuff.

After having a long hard think about what really compels me to wanting more and more and more, I came up with two major factors, the first being bargains, and the second being trends. I want to break them down individually and talk about what I can do to alter my habits.

Let's start off with bargains. I come from a pretty frugal family, and my mother always taught me to shop the sales. I am not saying that this is a bad habit, of course it is fantastic to save money on essential items! But am I really shopping for essential items in sales? No!

99% of the time I use sales to justify spending money on items I don't need.

When things are on sale, it's like a green light in my head that says it's okay to spend away. My mental list of what I need or already have at home goes out the window, because I am saving money today that I wouldn't tomorrow. Think about the logic behind that... Spending money to save money... I mean really?

When I see sale signs like 50% off, do you know what I do more often than not? I buy two of that item. And I am not just talking about things that I would use up either! I am talking about items that are non perishable. Now I have more than I need or even want some of the time, taking up more room that I don't have in my small apartment. Things that seem new and shiny and exciting at the time, but in reality I probably won't use and will end up throwing out in a year thinking, why did I spend my money on this? Thinking about that in hindsight makes me feel like a crazy person.

Where did it all come from?

The second thing I want to talk about is trends. Boy oh boy do I too often get sucked into the latest and greatest trends. Whether they be in clothing or makeup I am am always looking for the latest and greatest developments in style. As a pretty darn socially awkward person, I always catch myself thinking, maybe I will be more confident with others if I look the right way. That is such an embarrassing thing to admit, but it's true. I don't know how it's gotten this bad in my head, having such a warped version of reality. Some would blame the media, some would blame capitalism. I don't want to get into a philosophical debate here, I am just acknowledging that it is a problem.

Having new things makes me feel confident and happy for a short amount of time.

And it is that happiness and confidence that we call retail therapy my friends. They say that the first step to changing is admitting that you have a problem. Well I am admitting that I have a problem. I shop to make myself feel better. I hope that through a bit of self reflection that I can build my strength of character enough to deal with problems in a way that doesn't involve coming home with some shiny new plaything. I hope that you guys could at least relate to this a post a little bit.

Do you think you are an over consumer? Or are you a wholehearted believer in retail therapy? I'd love to hear your thoughts below :)

Mishelle

My Makeup Collection and Storage Video!

It's here :) I finally got around to shooting my makeup collection video!

If you guys have any questions, please post them below and I'd be more than happy to answer them.

Also, if you have a makeup collection/storage video/blog post, please feel free to leave your link below!

Mishelle

Building your Wardrobe: Back to Basics

So today I am going to blog about something a little bit different, which is fashion. I am changing the schedule of my blog from posting on random days of the week to something a little bit more structured. I am thinking something along the line of Makeup Mondays, Wardrobe Wednesdays and Fitness Fridays. Whilst I love my beauty there are other areas in my life I would like to start blogging about too. I find that blogging really makes me stick to my goals. The act of thinking about things about and writing them down is such a great way to get my thoughts in order. I hope that my readers will like this slight change in the programming :D

So today I wanted to write about my wardrobe. Let me start by saying I am currently in a little bit of a mess in this department. I have a lot of clothes, however I have  begun to notice lately that I don't have a lot of staple pieces or basics in my wardrobe. I did have a lot of these items at one point however a lot of them have either worn out or don't fit me at my current weight. This has really made getting ready a more difficult task than it needs to be!

Another thing I want to address is that my tastes in clothing have changed throughout my teen years, and now that I am turning 20 I have a much better idea of the clothing I like, and what sort of style I like to emulate. I have a lot of pieces that I don't like anymore, but for some reason I can't seem to let go of them.

This resorted in Step number 1: Purge. Get rid of everything that you cannot remember the last time you wore it. Unless it is a sentimental piece like for example, my high school ball gown, there is no reason to hang onto it. It is only going to hang around and take up space in your wardrobe.

Step number 2 is Research. You might think that it's a silly idea to do research on your wardrobe, but I think that it results in more purposeful shopping trips, and helps you to save money. I started to research what basic pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe. I got a lot of different answers, based on different climates and lifestyles to my own. However I did come across a few different formulas that helped me to write out a basic guideline for my dream wardrobe.

The first thing you need to decide is what colour palette is going to define your basics. One of the best formulas I came across was to get items in both black and white, and then chose a base colour. A base colour is a third neutral colour that suits your own skintone and will also be easy to wear with other brighter colours that you will add in later on. I chose nude, but you could also go for colours such as brown, navy or grey. It really depends on what suits you!

The second thing you need to decide is what pieces do you need to get yourself through one week. You need to consider your own preferences for your lifestyle and climate.

I came up with the following:

Tops

• 3 x Tees in Black, White and Nude
• 3 x Blouses in Black, White and Nude
• 2 x Camis in Black and White

Bottoms

• 1 x Dark-wash Jeans
• 1 x Black Pants
• 2 x Skirts in Black and Nude
• 1 x Black Tights

Outerwear

• 1 x Black Knitted Jumper
• 1 x Nude Blazer
• 1 x Black Cardigan
• 1 x Black Winter Coat

Dresses

• 2 x Dresses in Black and Nude

Shoes

• 1 x Heels in Black
• 1 x Flats in Black

Handbag

• 1 x Handbag in Black

Step 3: Record. This is the most important step for me. You need to write this list down! You can then refer to it and tick items off the list as you add them into your wardrobe. I have made mine a very visual list, and actually printed off and stuck pictures of the items that I like into a book. Be creative!

Step 4: Shop! The last step is fairly straightforward, however I don't think it's a good idea to expect to get everything in one shopping trip! You don't want to blow all of your cash at one time, and you don't want to just jump on the first item that you see. Be critical of everything that you purchase, shop around and wait for pieces that make you look good. I can't stress this enough, as I have made this mistake in the past!

I hope that you guys enjoyed this post, I would love to hear what basics you always keep in your wardrobe.

Mishelle

It's Time for a Collective Haul, ft. Mac, Nars + Furless Brushes

So after kind of unintentionally doing a no buy in February, I ended up doing a little bit of shopping in the first couple of weeks this month. So why not put it all together and show you what I got in one collective haul video! I shot this video in a new location and I am so much happier with the quality, I hope you guys are too!

Nars Eye Shadow Duos in Alhambra and Kalahari

Mac Lipsticks in Hue and Party Parrot

Loreal Shine Caresse Stains in Romy and Lolita

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Kiss

Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure in Mermaids Tale, Commander in Chic and Frutti Petutie

Sally Hanson Diamond Shine Base and Top Coat

Sally Hanson Diamond Strength Hardener

Sally Hansom Nail Shaper and Buffer

Furless Must Have Professional Brush Set

What have you been buying lately?

Mishelle

Groupon Voucher Giveaway Winner!

Were you the winner of my Groupon giveaway?

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congrats to Sammi Darling from Material Girl 88!

I have emailed you your $30 voucher to Groupon.com.au

Thanks for entering everyone :)

Mishelle

February Empties

My empties drawer was getting very full again so it's time to empty it out and let you guys know my thoughts on these products. I have decided to just do my empties when I finish a decent amount of products, rather than making it a monthly thing, I hope that is okay with you guys.

Avene Eau Thermale Water - I love this stuff as it is very refreshing, although I wonder if this stuff really does anything... I mean it's only water in a can! Would probably repurchase.

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover - A very good eye makeup remover, I have repurchased it many times already, although I am currently using the Bioderma :)

Girlz Only Dry Shampoo - An okay dry shampoo for the $2 price tag. I prefer Klorane's formula :)

Bioderma Hydrabio Micellaire Solution - I love this stuff! It sucks that it's not more widely available in Australia. I already have two 500ml back ups thanks to Gaelle. Would forever repurchase.

Nivea Intensive Hand Cream - A very average hand cream. Would not repurchase.

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara - This mascara is good, however it clumps up a fair bit. I prefer the regular Hypnose or the Doll Eyes. Would not repurchase.

Max Factor False Lash Effect - I had such high hopes for this Mascara but sadly I hated it. The formula is super dry and I also think that I hate plastic bristles... Would not repurchase

Seche Vite - I love this top coat but I will never use it again because of the ingredients that cause birth defects. Would not repurchase.

Origins Gin Zing Eye Cream Sample - I am so glad I asked for a sample of this before buying the full size. I don't understand why people overhype this eye cream so much online, I personally think that it sucks... Would not purchase the full size.

Kiehls Creme de Corps Sample - This smells so lovely and feels so great on the skin, I would look into repurchasing if I ever use up all of the body lotions that I have stored away!

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Sample - This foundation is gorgeous  It feels very similar to Boujois Healthy Mix though, which is less than half of the price. I would maybe repurchase, I'm not sure about the price!

What have you used up this month?

Mishelle

Truly Madly Deeply

I have a bit of a confession to make, if you hadn't figured it out already... I kinda suck at the whole blush thing. No really, as someone who has a lot of natural redness in my skin I can really struggle to get blush to enhance my complexion. Enter Nars Madly. Oh my goodness, where have you been all my life?

Madly is a bronzey brown with a tiny hint of peach to it. It has very finely milled shimmer particles that translate as a glow when applied to the cheeks. Nars blushes are famous for their high quality and this formula is everything I wanted in a blush. It applied smoothly, and is pigmented enough to show up well on the cheeks yet it never looks overdone, or clashes with my skintone. This blush creates a hint of warmth and glow to the cheeks, an effect that screams I've just got back from summer holiday.

Madly wears well on me, I generally don't have to touch up throughout the day, and this is the same with all of the Nars blushes I have tried. I really don't know what else I can say about this, other than I am so glad I got this blush. If was only allowed one blush for the rest of my life I could easily live with this as my choice.

So so pretty!

Off to my first day back at uni

You can pick up Nars blushes from Mecca Cosmetica for $45 each, or websites such as HQ Hair or Kiss and Makeup NY  for around $30.

What is a blush you have that's super easy to wear? I'd love to know!

Mishelle

My First Teeth Whitening Experience and Giveaway!

I'm not sure if anyone has noticed a reoccurring theme on my blog, but I don't smile with my teeth in photos. It's not even that I mind my overbite, I kind of like it actually... It's the colour of them that I hate! I have really noticed in the past 12 months how yellow and stained they have become. I don't drink tea or coffee and I don't smoke so I an unsure of why they have stained this way.

Teeth are off show!

http://www.groupon.com.au/

Anyways about two weeks ago Groupon contacted me asking if I wanted to try out one of the products or services featured on their website and review it on my blog. Groupon are basically a website that offer daily deals that will save you up to 70% on goods and services. I went ahead and scoured the site to see what was currently on offer when I stumbled across this!

So of course I jumped on that train!

Could this be the solution to all of my problems? I think the before and after pictures speak for themselves.

Before

After

Before

After

As you can see before two of my teeth had large yellow stains on them. After today's session the front one was significantly faded and the back one is almost entirely gone! Also before my back teeth were about 3 shades more yellow than my front teeth. Afterwards my overall smile is looking much more uniform in colour. My teeth look whiter, brighter, and I could not be happier with the results!

Okay, now there's too much teeth

Also, my lipstick is Essence All About Cupcake, gifted by the lovely Jen

Groupon also kindly offered me a $30 voucher to give away to one of my awesome followers, so that one of you can try out one of their awesome deals! This giveaway is for Australian residents only. Competition accounts or spammers will not be eligible to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you very much to Groupon for providing me with a voucher to try out this service, I don't think I would have ever done it otherwise! Their website is awesome and I will definitely be looking on there in the future to see if there are any other good deals coming up! I am not being paid for this review :)

Have you ever had your teeth whitened?

Mishelle