SEPHORA HAUL | PART THREE | NARS, JOSIE MARAN

Rounding up my New York Sephora Haul trilogy today with Part Three... it already feels like such a long time ago that I was actually in New York City. It is certainly a place that is really so captivating, and like most people that I know who have visited her, I just can't wait to go back. I am planning to do a little post on the blog about my New York City experience in the new year!

Anyway, on with some Josie Maran and Nars show and tell eh?

The following items were most definitely on my list to purchase. Josie Maran had recently launched in Mecca Cosmetica here in Australia just prior to our departure, however I knew that I could save a few dollars by waiting for the US prices. Like many other Aussie beauty girls, I have watched our US girls raving about the beautiful Josie Maran products for a long time, and was very happy to find two great little value sets. In the basket they went!

JOSIE MARAN WINTER DREAMS - ARGAN COLOUR COLLECTION

L-R Coconut Watercolour Eye Shadow in Rio de Rose Gold, Argan Illuminizer
Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Limitless Pink

Please excuse my rather rushed swatches, but gosh these are gorgeous products! I have only had a brief play with this Argan Colour set, so you will no doubt hear more about these in upcoming favourites posts or in my face of the day posts on Instagram. I'm not sure how the Lip and Cheek oil will go on my acne prone/oily skin, but I will give it a good crack, and if not then it is most certainly a stunning lip shade. There is a great deal of beauty in both the textures, and the finishes of these products. I think Josie and I are going to friends...

JOSIE MARAN WINTER DREAMS WHIPPED ARGAN OIL BODY BUTTER DUO

I have indeed been enjoying the Vanilla Apricot Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. It smells divine. Completely just vanilla and apricots. I adore it. The body butter is rich and luxurious, and you really feel like you are treating yourself when you use it. This is not a sink into your skin and disappear body cream, it really does form a protective layer on your skin, and you will notice quite a sheen for some time after application. This is definitely a 'before bed' body butter for me, and a deliciously gorgeous one at that.

This two pack also contains the scent Sweet Citrus, which I have not opened as yet, but let's face it, it's going to be good...

NARS AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK 

NARS AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK   AUDREY & ANNA

NARS Audacious Lipstick L -Audrey,  R -Anna

Allow me to introduce Audrey and Anna...aren't they lovely? The lipsticks that everybody is talking about and everybody loves. The swatches above are one easy swipe of colour. I have worn both, and do love them, though I'm not sure that they will change your life. Some may disagree with me, and believe me I do love a good lippy, I'm just not sure they are worth such a phenomenal amount of hype. Now if they could throw a few loads on washing on, cook dinner, and get my children to tidy their rooms then I may just have to reconsider... 

Have you purchased any of the NARS Audacious Lipsticks? Do you have a favourite shade?

Do they knock your socks off?...or at least wash them for you?

Do you have a favourite Josie Maran product? I would love to hear any recommendations!





Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

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Sephora Haul | Part Two | Urban Decay, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefit Cosmetics

So I did promise to not bore you all again with the thrilling description of my Sephora New York shopping experience, as seen in part one of my Sephora haul. So I won't.

 Safe to say, it was gloriously glorious.

Today, in part two, I have some purchases from Urban Decay, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Benefit Cosmetics to share with you.

Some of these products have been swiftly elevated to daily must haves, and one product I am yet to try on my eyeballs...still! Not enough makeup hours in the day!

Let's start with Urban Decay...

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2
Swatched as the shades appear in the palette, in natural light.

I own only one other Urban Decay palette, the rosey toned Naked 3. When the Naked Basics 2 was released a few months ago, I was very keen to make it mine, and managed to convince myself that I needed it even more because I did not own the original Naked Basics.

Touted as the cool toned sister of the original, I have been reaching for this on an almost daily basis. It is beautiful. All of the shadows are soft, creamy, and blend like a dream. It will give you the most beautiful natural eye look, and the darker shades add depth and definition perfectly if you wish to intensify the look. I really love it... really really...

Benefit Gimme Brow Light/Medium,   ABH Brow Wiz Medium Brown,   Benefit fakeup Concealer

One newby from Benefit, and one repurchase! If you have seen any of my 'face of the day' posts on Instagram you may have noticed that Benefit's fakeup concealer is in almost every one. I have reviewed it in full here. In short,  this is my go-to daily undereye concealer.  It gives me medium coverage with added lightweight hydration. A quick swipe under each eye, pat it in with my finger and I'm done. I purchased my first Benefit fakeup in January of this year, and am only now coming to the end of my first tube. Impressed.

Benefit Gimme Brow was on my list of things to purchase on this trip, and it has not disappointed. Absolutely worth the hype in my opinion, it is now the daily second step in my brow routine. The light/medium shade is perfect for my brows. I like how it has very little warmth in it. I love that it adds a little extra fullness, whilst holding my brows in shape all day. Bloody good.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz was another product I was determined to take home. I chose the shade medium brown (previously medium ash) and it is now the first step in my brow routine. The shade is perfectly ashy, the fine tip is so easy to use, and allows me to add definition to my brows without them looking too muddy, or overfilled. The combination of the Brow Wiz  and Gimme Brow is outstanding. The Bees Knees of brows...highly recommend this combination!!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Eye Shadow Palette
Swatched as shades appear in the palette, in natural light.

The purchase of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna eye shadow palette was not at all planned, but it somehow found its way into my little basket. Such pretty shades, and as you can see from the above photograph, they are all very nicely pigmented.
It was definitely calling my name, and I was certainly swayed by the $29.00 US price tag.
I am looking forward to having a good play with this one!

If you would like to check out Part One of my Sephora Haul, you can find it here.

Coming up shortly will be the final Sephora Haul post...yes, there are a few more things to share (gulp) and then a little Duane Reade reveal...cos I just had to do some drugstore haulin'!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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MAC New York Haul

A visit to the MAC store was high on my list on my recent trip to New York. As we only had a short time in the city, and believe me there is so much to see and do, I knew I had to be decisive and focused! Although I would have loved to be colour matched for base products, and filled my basket with a million goodies, I just didn't have time, so it was lipsticks and eyeshadows that came home with me. The MUA that helped me was lovely...seriously could have played in there for hours...

So a little show and tell today, 4 new lippies and an eyeshadow quad that I put together. I love everything, and am very happy with my purchases...come and have a look!

The Loot...

L-R   TWIG,  BRICK-O-LA,  CRAVING,  LUSTERING

I was really keen to try a couple of different finishes in the lipsticks. Both Brick-O-La and Craving are Amplified, and are both stunning! Gorgeous saturated colour, Craving leans a little more plum, and Brick-O-La a warmer, muted, very wearable red. Twig is a Satin, and has a comfortable, satin/matte finish on the lips. I have worn this quite a few times...it is an absolutely gorgeous, deep neutral and it fits the nineties lip trend very nicely!! Lustering was calling to me...such a beautiful shade, and it is a Lustre finish. These types of shades can be a little intimidating in an opaque formula, but this is sheer, moisturising and just really pretty for spring/summer!

L-R  TWIG,  BRICK-O-LA,  CRAVING,  LUSTERING

As I mentioned, the MUA that helped me was lovely ( so sorry I can't remember her name ), and helped me put together these four gorgeous shadows. My aim was to have lovely warm shades, and I am so happy with my choices. On a side note, these are my first MAC eyeshadows...

Both Woodwinked and Mythology are perfect lid shades that I will happily blend up into the crease. I have wanted Woodwinked for the longest time, and Mythology has the most beautiful rose gold tone. Love them both! Rice Paper is a beautiful highlight shade for me...it is a soft, pale gold that gives a gorgeous, subtle glow to the inner corner and brow bone. Brown Script was my choice for a deeper toned matte shade. I love its warm, reddish undertones...I have been loving this on my top lash line instead of liner. 

L-R   RICE PAPER,  WOODWINKED,  MYTHOLOGY,  BROWN SCRIPT

Slightly out of focus...but gosh it shows the gorgeous glow of Woodwinked and Mythology!

I am very happy with my new lovelies! Do you have any of these shades? I would love to know your favourite MAC eyeshadows and lipsticks, please feel free to leave a comment below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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PRICELINE HAUL

I had a rare opportunity today to have a little bit of time to myself, and of course I felt the need to do a little retail therapy... what else would I do??!! I also realised that I haven't really done many "hauls" as such on my blog, and while I love watching haul videos on You Tube, I know that some people really don't fancy them. Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below. To me, I feel like I am just sharing the excitement of my purchases with a friend...

I am missing the usual trademark pink Priceline bag today, customers were being given these fancy schmancy L'Oreal bags... I could have fit way more in there!!

Come and see what I got!

Only 5 things!! So restrained!!

Bondi Sands is currently 50% off at Priceline...get on it beauties! I have used the Light/Medium tanning lotion before, and find it to be easily to apply ( I use a tanning mit ), it gives a really lovely natural colour, and smells gorgeous. I am interested to give the tanning foam a run for its money, and will keep you updated in future posts. Lily white limbs be gone!

L'Oreal True Match The Concealer - Shade 03

This concealer has been on my radar for a very long time, and I have only recently seen it appear in the L'oreal display in my local Priceline. It gets a very good rating on Beautypedia, for both coverage and blendability. I picked up the shade 03, which may be half a shade too dark for me. I had a play with the tester, and the texture reminds me of the Maybelline Fit me concealer, which I love. Again, will keep you posted! L'Oreal is currently 30% off. 

Essie Lux Effects Multi Dimension Top Coat - Stroke of Brilliance

This glitter has been calling my name for what seems like an eternity ( slight over-dramatisation ). Today, she came home with me! I am planning a manicure with this beauty, we'll see how it turns out! Sometimes glitters don't translate well on the nail, and the beauty that you see in the bottle is lost. Fingers crossed! If it's any good I will share! 

L'oreal Paris Extraordinaire Lip Colour 101 Rose Melody

I can't seem to pass up these lip colours from L'Oreal. This is my 4th!

I love them. I love the formula. The shade range is beautiful. Big thumbs up from The Beauty Vine. I have a swatch below of Rose Melody. Do let me know if you would like to see swatches of the other shades that I have, happy to oblige!

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow 006 All Night Blue

Ok, another huge lemming here. I can't tell you how many times I have picked this up and then put it back again! Apparently today was the day it stayed in the basket! Isn't this the most stunning blue? I have plans to use it as a liner...can't wait to play...

L- L'Oreal Rose Melody     R- L'Oreal Infallible All Night Blue

I hope you enjoyed seeing today's purchases! Have you been makeup shopping lately? Do you like to shop online, or in-store? I like both! ( quelle suprise )

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Priceline pharmacy. This post is not sponsored. I just can't seem to help myself. Send Help! Cheers xo

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NARS Blush...Lovejoy

As a general rule I consider myself a bargain shopper, and the majority of my makeup is from pharmacy/drugstore brands. I'm sure, like many others, watching beauty videos on You Tube creates a bit of a monster inside me that will often whisper ( or yell ) in my ear " oh...I need that in my life"

Such was the case with the NARS blush in the shade 'Lovejoy'

After a couple of recent videos from Natalie ( Flowerbomb31) where she professes her love for this shade, I felt compelled to add it to my cart during a recent online order from Mecca Cosmetica.

It is not a shade often talked about in the beauty community, however Natalie's enthusiam and swatches just piqued my interest enough to click on 'order now'! It was one of those moments that I just knew I would love it. 

Lovejoy is one of those blushes that just does magical things to your face. It warms...it brightens...it just makes you glow. It is not until you see it on your skin that her true beauty is revealed ( calm down Lou ) and the tan, almost uninteresting shade in the pan transforms into a stunning warm glowing rose.

I'm hooked.

Do you own any NARS blushes? What is your favourite shade? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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ASOS Beauty Shopping...

Greetings!

I thought I would share with you some recent ASOS purchases today. ASOS is an online fashion and beauty mecca, and I managed to be browsing on a day when they were having 30% off selected beauty products. Yay for me!

Shipping is free Australia wide with tracking available. I believe I received my order in 4 working days. The products were packed securely and all in perfect condition.

They have quite a few different beauty brands on offer, I recommend a good browse! Many of the items for sale have not yet been released in Australia, which makes it that much more exciting to get your hands on them!

On with the pics.....

Bourjois. Rimmel. Pixi.

Pixi Shade Quartette   Shades of Taupe   ASOS price  $29.57

Shades of Taupe swatched in natural light....GORGEOUS!

Bourjois Cream Blush  Rose Tender 03   ASOS price  $14.77

please forgive the finger marks...

Bottom - Heavy swatch     Top - Blended out

Bourjois Bronzing Powder ASOS price $12.92   Bronzing Primer ASOS price $18.47

L - Bronzing primer swatch and blended  R - Bronzing powder swatch and blended

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Paint  006 Rich Russet  AOSO price  $9.22

Swatched in natural light

You can find ASOS here

Prices shown are current on the ASOS website as of the date of this post. My order included a 30% sale discount.

I am looking forward to playing with these new lovelies!

Have you shopped at ASOS before? I would love to hear from you if you have tried any of the these products!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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IMATS 2013 Haul Part Two - Ben Nye

Hi Everyone,

Here is part two of my IMATS haul. Photos and swatches of the lovely Ben Nye products I purchased.

Loving these eyeshadows, and looking forward to experimenting with the cream colour base!

L-R Lumiere Cream Colour CR 18 Golden Apricot
Pearl Sheen Eyeshadow PS 18 Bronze
Pearl Sheen Eyeshadow PS 13 Walnut

Ben Nye Pearl Sheen eyeshadow PS-13 WALNUT

Ben Nye pearl sheen eyeshadow PS-18 Bronze

I purchased these little beauties from the Scotty's Make Up stand at IMATS. This was my first foray into Ben Nye products after hearing many positive reviews about the line. In particular, the Ben Nye Banana Powder, which has a cult following among beauty bloggers, was sold out by early Saturday morning! 

Back to my lovelies...lets just say it was love at first swatch. Creamy, smooth texture, beautifully pigmented. Both of the Pearl Sheen Eyeshadows make a beautiful single shadow eye look and blend out with ease. 

Swatched in natural light L-R  Golden Apricot,  Bronze,  Walnut

You can purchase Ben Nye products from Scotty's Makeup here

Do you have any Ben Nye favourites?

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo 

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