Making Me Smile: Positivity Challenge!

Hello!

I think we can all agree sometimes the negative things in life can get us down, more down than we ever need be. Often the one thing that doesn't seem to be going right in our lives becomes the focus of our thoughts, clouding all the good stuff we aren't consciously acknowledging.

So I thought I would punch negativity in the face (in the nicest way possible) and share some things that are making me smile!

What better way to spend a part of your Monday doing :)

QUOTES <3

RECIPE <3

WALKS IN THE PARK <3

SONG <3

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blond Opal VS MAC Bare Study

Hello!

I was going through my makeup collection, and I found two products I thought could do with a more in-depth comparison: By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blond Opal (3) and MAC Bare Study.

Both are in the champagne family, with Bare Study leaning slightly peachier, and Blond Opal having a more golden tint.

Both are cream shadows, but Bare Study comes in a 5g pot, with Blond Opal a mere 1.64g. Although both cream shadows, Bare Study has significantly more slip, and is more prone to creasing. Blond Opal has a thicker texture, and stays put without creasing throughout the day, making it a better choice to wear on its own. Both look pretty similar on the lids, but application-wise, the By Terry wins out with opacity, Bare Study was definitely more patchy, and applying with fingers can be a little tricky as you take off some of the product when you blend it.

By Terry is significantly more expensive for less product, however, I think the formulation and opacity is better, this stuff does not budge once dried! Bare Study is fantastic as an eyeshadow base, and provides value for money, but unfortunately I find it fades throughout the day so I cannot wear it on its own. I’ve had Bare Study for over two years, and it hasn’t dried out. As far as MAC paint pots go, I prefer Painterly for formula and finish, but Bare Study makes its way into my daily rotation as its lovely under other sheeny champagne shadows.

Have you tried either of these?  

Graduation Makeup 2013.

I graduated in April after a hard grind of 5 years at university, and I relished the chance to put more thought and effort into my makeup for the special occasion. Any excuse eh ;)

I think the photos came out really well, so I thought I would offer a few tips on how to make your graduation makeup photograph well, and show you what products I used.

Firstly, I decided to go for a classic look- I didn’t want any of it to look too heavy or ‘done’ I just wanted to look polished and pretty- that was the basic idea.

For my base, I went for all non-SPF products- no SPF in my moisturiser, primer or foundation to avoid the dreaded flashback face. I used MUFE Face and Body Foundation, which has a strange, gel-like texture, but I love it, as if you use thin layers, you can really build it up. I went for two layers of this foundation (all my makeup was a little bit ‘more’ as photographs tend to wash it out, but I didn’t want it to look like I had that much on- if that makes sense!)

Concealer-wise, I used my favourite Bobbi Brown creamy concealer in Sand to cover areas that needed a bit more coverage- my cheeks tend to need a bit more. Around my eyes I used a highlighting concealer (L’Oreal Lumi Magique) to brighten up the area.

As I wanted a low-key (looking) flush, I plumped for a shade of neutral pink on the cheeks (NARS Deep Throat). I used more blush than I normally would, as it tends to get washed out in photos. I swept a matte bronzer  (Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light 1) around my face, adding a little more definition under my cheekbones, and to the sides of my nose. I used a cream highlighter above my cheekbones (Jemma Kidd- sorry! But I love the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector too- its gorgeous!), on my brow bone, on my cupids bow, to the side of the outer corner of my eye, and down the bridge of the nose. I powdered to finish down the T-zone to keep everything in place (Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent).

For eyeshadow, I wanted simple but effective. I had eyelash extensions (which I definitely recommend for a special occasion) and so decided I only needed a bit of eyeliner for definition (L’Oreal Infallible Stylo Eyeliner in Night Day Black) on the top lashes, and the upper waterline, underneath Painterly Paint Pot by MAC, the rest of the lid was a sheeny-champagne (from the Truth Palette by BareMinerals- post coming soon on this!) with a matte brown in the crease (I love the Urban Decay Naked Palette for this). I made sure to add a bit more highlight to the inner corner of my eye and brow bone (the Lumi Magique works well).

Brows were stained with a little Colorsport Eyebrow Definer (ink pencil) and filled in with NARS brow pencil in Ipanema. If, like me, your hair is a cool-toned brown, make sure your brow pencil has no red undertones in it, as this can be unflatteringly emphasised in photos.

For lips, I needed long-lasting, and natural looking, so I went for a formula that left a stain underneath once the gloss had worn off (L’Oreal Caresse in 102 Romy). I used a light pink gloss over top (Nars Deep Throat lip gloss).

For nails, I wanted neutral so I went for my favourite Essie Topless and Barefoot- two coats was enough.

Hair wise I just left it out and curled it, then brushed out the curls into more waves. I have very little hair-talent so just kept it fuss-free with hairspray to finish.

I hope that was helpful in some way, and given you some ideas for products to use for photography. I am no expert, and made sure to experiment and photograph different combinations (I am a makeup nerd after all) until I found the look I liked the best.

Tips:

·      Try and use SPF-free products, or take a test photo to ensure no flashback from your foundation

·      Try to pick formulas that are long lasting. This goes for foundation, blush, lipstick- maybe even double up, setting a crème blush with a powder blush, crème bronzer with powder bronzer. A setting powder should be used lightly, and make sure this also doesn’t give flashback face

·      Make sure if you are getting a fake tan, that your face matches it

·      Play around with highlighting and bronzing to emphasise or play down certain features

·      Consider a combination of matte and shimmery eyeshadows, as too much shine on the eyes can sometimes not photograph well! Using a primer underneath also helps enhance shadows vibrancy and keeps it hanging around longer

Thanks for reading, and hope it helped! :)

Hello!

I thought I would share my monthly favourites for May. A pretty exciting month for me, planning a trip to Vietnam in June (accommodation all finalised... crazy exciting!) and handing everything in to get admitted to the Bar in June as well! So all in all, a month of planning and preparation.

Onto the makeup though, and as you can see I have embraced a flushed autumnal glow this month:

Stila Convertible Color in 'Lilium': this is a wee gem, a brilliant cream blush. It seems duskier in the pan than on the skin- it is one of those blushes that does give a natural flush, and the perfect shade all year round, but I tend to embrace pinks more when I am on the paler side. I apply this with either my fingers (it is super pigmented, you only need a light dab) or with the Real Techniques Stipping Brush, which helps to blend evenly.

(NZers: you can get this from Mecca Cosmetica, but it is cheaper to order online from ASOS).

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara: This mascara gives great volume, leaves my lashes looking thick and dark. I find it does take a little extra to remove it, but I think that's worth it- it doesn't smudge or transfer, which is always a plus.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation in B30: this is the perfect shade for me for autumn/winter, and this foundation is lovely- leaves the skin glowy and fresh, gives decent coverage. The lasting power is not the best, but I find it wears well for around 6 hours.

NARS eyeshadow duo in Charade: I L.O.V.E. this duo! The left shade is a dusky, shimmery pink, but not glittery or too warm toned. The right shade is a matte, taupe-y purple. Absolutely perfect for the colder months. The formula is great, they blend nicely, and the right shade is particularly stunning- it makes the green in my hazel eyes pop, and such a rare shade to find! I highly recommend this because I find a flattering pink and purple so hard to find! I managed to find a picture of me wearing it below- sorry for the iPhone quality, but you can see the purple smudged around the eye, and it gives such a nice pop of colour without being overbearing or obvious.

L'Oreal True Match Concealer in '03 Cream'. What I love about this concealer is it is so blendable and creamy- I find it really does 'match' my skin tone, I can get away with using this all year round. I am not looking forward to getting to the end of this for two reasons: 1) it is really quite pricey for a cheaper brand which is annoying, and 2) the applicator does not reach the bottom of the bottle, which means you can't use all the product unless you get super creative with heating it in warm water. Still a favourite, but f-rustrating.

Rimmel Scandaleyes in Taupe: Wow. How amazing are the price and formulation of these babies?! I can't recommend them enough- creamy formula, comfortable to apply, great pigmentation, blendable but then also stay put. I don't think there's anything more to ask of an eyeliner? Nope, there's not. I love this shade in particular as it gives such subtle definition.

MAC Lipstick in Peach Blossom: alright, firstly, the name is misleading. There ain't no peach. It is a my lips but better beauty- it is glossy, comfortable, cremesheen formula goes with everything. It subtly brightens up the face and just so easy- a handbag staple! The shade is a mid-tone pink, which leans neither too yellow or too blue, I would say it has a slight brown undertone, which sounds off-putting, but it is actually more flattering I find!

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01: Such a comfortable gloss, and smells so sweet!

I thought I would add in a couple of music favourites because there is a band I am loving, and two songs of theirs in particular.

The band is Chvrches, they are Scottish, and I just love their sound. I ain't no muso, but I like what I like, and these guys have a really cool sound.

Recover

Mother We Share

Also this month I have been trying to tone up, so every day I have been scouring youtube for fitness videos, so I can get varied, effective workouts for free! Just a tip for recent graduates who balk at non-student prices at gyms like me!

Along with a fitness kick, I have been trying to find some recipes that aren't too difficult, but are fresh, healthy and tasty. And I have found the most amazing blog called Ambitious Kitchen- I can personally vouch for the Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa- this is AMAZING guys! The blog has vegan and vegetarian options, and the lady behind the blog, Monique, is hilarious. I couldn't be more happy to have stumbled across this absolute gem!

Here's hoping June is less planning and more doing! Bring on the South East Asia adventure :)

Adore Beauty (Australia) Haul May 2013

Hello there!

When Adore Beauty emailed out their 'Best of the Best' edit, I had a quick look, and this happened. I was only meant to look. *shake my head*

 I had been umming and ahhing over the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner for aaaages, I have heard it is similar to Alpha H Liquid Gold, and my skin could always do with a brighten in the winter time!

The Clarins Toner is an AHA based product, which stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid, intended to exfoliate skin cells. As I am trying to give the whole chemical exfoliant thing a go, as opposed to a physical exfoliant (the gritty textured stuff) I am pretty excited to try this baby out!

The Best of the Best kit came in a handy travel bag, stuffed full of makeup and skincare goodies. Here's what you get:

Lanolips Rose Balm Intense (for very dry hands and nails)- 25ml:

Very heavily scented, that heavy 'grandma's house' smell of rose. If you love the rose smell, you will go for this, if not, steer clear! Pretty handy handbag size.

Napoleon Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer- 15ml

I have never tried a Napoleon primer, light gel texture, handy travel size here too.

St Tropez Skin Illuminator- 30ml

This one is a great size, considering you don't need much to get a luminised effect. I was surprised it was very white, blending down clear. Swatched above, I think this is a great choice for under foundation in winter, to get that glow going!

Philosophy Purity Cleanser- 30ml

I wasn't overly excited about this, although the size is handy, I have not heard amazing things about the formulation.

Benefit They're Real Mascara- 3g

At 3g it is not going to last long, but perfect for a long weekend, and I have heard some great reviews on this product, so will have to see if it lives up to the hype!

TheBalm Hot Mama shadow/blush- 1g

This came in the cutest, dinkiest packaging! The colour is a coral, with gold shimmer, nice and silky to touch and decent pigmentation. I don't generally enjoy too much shimmer on my cheeks as it emphasises pores, but as a shadow with a tan, I think this could look fab, or even as a highlight.

Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellar Solution- 20ml

This is a teeny sample, but given you don't need much if you just use it to get off stubborn mascara it should be handy. Another winner for a weekend away, and given the rave reviews about this, I am very keen to see what its like!

Adore Beauty always includes free samples with every order, and I received a Lancome Genefique serum sample, and a Jurlique herbal eye recovery gel. Not bad.

There is another option of haircare and skincare for the 'best of the best' kit, and you get 10% off when you purchase a full size of any product included.

Will update if any of these products knock my socks off, or fail to impress!

Bec

Where did you come from, where did you go?

Where did you come from cotton-eyed Joe!

That was purely included because I loved the season finale of New Girl, and Nick is right, it is just so damn catchy.

I digress. Who am I, you probably didn't ask?

Let me introduce the Rebecca behind this blog.

I am 23 years old, and recently graduated with two degrees, in law and commerce (majoring in accounting). Why did I choose such a sexy combination? That’s how I roll, I guess, its all about the sexy (its not, not at all).

I am going to use that to smoothly segway into one focus of this blog: beauty. Not filtered selfies, but reviews of one of my obsessions: beauty products. I’m talking makeup, skincare, and the occasional hair/nail post (I say occasional because I am a total NOOB at hair and nails, apologies in advance for clearly DIY messy nail polishings and fluked hairstyles). Anything that makes my life easier/more visually appealing, expect to see. 

However, while my interest in beauty extends to reading blogs and watching youtube videos more than television, I am no professional, just an everyday enthusiast. I wouldn’t enjoy blogging if I couldn’t foray into other things I enjoy on the internet, such as photography (again, I am a total unprofessional), inspirational quotes/GIFS, fabulous websites, and just general…. life stuff. Maybe you like stuff to. Lets like stuff together shall we?

Watch this space.

(not literally, you will be very disappointed). 

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