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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On My Nails Today - Sally Hansen Triple Shine 'Great White'

Looking for a slightly more wearable white for your nails? It can be a little daunting trying to pull off the opaque white nail. As bright, clean and fresh as it looks, it can also sometimes look a little stark. 

If you are in the market for a softer, perhaps more 'grown up' white mani, then you might like Sally Hansen Triple Shine in the shade Great White. 

A beautiful sheer white with gorgeous micro shimmers which are not only visible once on the nail, but also serve to give the shade a lovely glow and dimension. Not frosty. Just flattering. 

I have done three coats of Great White in these photos, swatched in natural light. The nail line is still clearly visible after 3 coats, but I think it adds a nice little bit of softness.

What are your thoughts on the white mani? Do you rock the opaque look, or prefer something a little more subtle? I would love to hear from you, please feel free to leave a comment below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil | Review

If you have ever thought about trying an oil cleanser, or are looking for an affordable alternative to some of the offerings from high end or luxury brands, then look no further than Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil. 

I started experimenting with oil and balm cleansers around eight months ago, and haven't looked back. As I have mentioned in previous skincare posts, I have oily/combo, acne prone, dehydrated skin. I use my oil or balm cleansers as a part of my evening skincare routine. I am not currently using face wipes, cleansing waters or a separate eye makeup remover. My oil or balm cleanser and a soft, fluffy face washer is all I need. 

Whilst loving the transformative process of applying my makeup, there is something to be said for embracing and enjoying the evening ritual of cleansing. 

As the name suggests, Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil contains four lovely "good for skin" oils, as well as some other well known oils and ingredients as the base for their formula. 

I decided to do a little more of my own research into some of the ingredients, and thought I would share it with you. I hope you might find it useful!

Glycine Soya or soybean oil is the first ingredient listed. It is high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for the skin. Glycine Soya is often used in skincare preparations to specifically prevent damage to collagen and elastin fibers, and it is ideal for emulsifying ( mixing with water ) to allow it to be easy washed/rinsed away. 

Rosehip Oil is very high in fatty acids which aid in skin cell regeneration and repair. This is why you often hear that Rosehip oil is recommended for assisting in healing and reducing scarring and hyper pigmentation. 

It is also high in antioxidants to protect the skin, and to promote the formation of collagen. 

Tamanu Oil is a healing and anti-inflammatory nut oil, which also assists in regenerating the skin, and promoting the formation of new tissue. It moisturisers, and nourishes the skin. 

Argan Oil protects, moisturises and reduces redness and irritation. Also high in vitamin E, omegas, and has antibacterial properties. 

Baobab Oil is extracted from the fruit seed of the baobab tree. Used by African societies for centuries, it is high in Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is exceptionally moisturising, emollient and soothing, without clogging pores. 

Calendula Flower Extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen and promotes healing. 

Lemon Myrtle Oil is antiseptic, antiviral, emotionally uplifting, refreshing and calming. 

Benzoyl Alcohol I assume is included in the ingredients to function as a preservative. I tend to avoid the types of alcohols that are known to be potentially drying or irritating to the skin, and this is one of them. However, in my humble opinion, any drying effect that may possibly occur would be balanced and corrected by the nourishing oils. Also of note, this is a cleanser, and is only on the skin for a couple of minutes at most, so in short, the inclusion of alcohol in this cleanser has not been an issue for me. 

How Does The Vine Use it? 

My preference with cleansing balms and oils is to apply to a dry face. I use 2 pumps and massage it in, all over my face for about a minute, and then remove with a clean washcloth soaked in nice warm water. I then rinse the washcloth, and go over my face again, making sure to remove all of the cleanser. I use a fresh clean face washer every day.  Some thicker balm cleansers can be a little more difficult to emulsify, however if that is your preference than this one will emulsify very easily and beautifully, allowing you to rinse away the oil grime and makeup of the day. 

The directions do specify to avoid direct contact with your eyes. However, I massage the oil over my eyes to remove my eye makeup. It does a brilliant job, and I have experienced no irritation or stinging at all. I do be careful to close my eyes, not sure I want it IN my eyeballs!!

In the evenings I double cleanse, and it will depend on my mood or how my skin is behaving as to which cleanser I choose. If I am feeling particularly dehydrated, I will double cleanse with the oil. If not, I will typically use Alpha-H Triple Action cleansing gel, a gentle non foaming cleanser which I adore. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing oil smells lovely to me. You can definitely notice the fresh scent of the lemon myrtle, though I don't find it overpowering. I am also aware of the scent of the base oils, which have a natural, earthy smell in my opinion. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil is currently 20% off at Priceline Pharmacy nationally, so you can take home a lovely cleansing oil for just under $24.00. It's Rrp is $29.99. 

Have you tried any Dr LeWinn's products? 

Are you a fan of cleansing with oils?

Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Blessings, 

Lou xo 

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On My Nails Today - New Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel

The new Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel rolled out in Australian stores in early February, and though I tried hard to resist, these two shades were calling my name.

In fact, the entire display was calling my name, and I would have happily picked up the whole thing and taken it home, cute old fashioned sweet shop bunting and all.

Though intrigued by many of the different scents and shades, I tried to stick to shades that were unique to my collection. So here is Wintermint and Autumn Spice...

After many consecutive days of rain and decidedly gloomy weather, I had no choice but to use artificial light for these photographs. I much prefer to use natural light, so my apologies for the less than good quality images. 

All swatches are two coats and a top coat. I use a fast dry top coat every time I do my nails, simply because I don't have time to wait for them to dry, and often do my nails in the evenings.

The scent of Wintermint is as one would expect...minty...quelle suprise?? It is a pleasant, sweet, soft minty fragrance. The fragrance is marketed to be noticeable when the enamel is dry, however I can smell it as I am applying the polish. 

The shade itself is very pretty. Along with the blue glitter you can see, it also has a very fine gold shimmer throughout, which the lighting above picks up nicely. I don't have anything like this shade in my collection. Think of it as a mint green with a twist.

As I mentioned above, I always use a fast dry top coat. Personally, I find very little difference in the intensity of the scent with or without a topper.

It certainly isn't the type of fragrance that throws itself around the room, but one that you are subtly aware of any time your lovely polished fingertips near your face. I have found the scent fades gradually over 2-3 days.

Autumn Spice has a gorgeous depth of colour, with lovely gold, copper and rose gold shimmers throughout. I found that those lovely golden shimmers weren't as visible on the nail as they are in the bottle. I will try to add some more swatches in natural light once we get some more sunshine!

Autumn Spice is also a sweet fragrance. To my nose, a combination of a sweet honey cake and a milky chai tea. Although it is a very dark shade, it doesn't look black on the nail as some very deep shades can do. A perfect Autumn/Winter shade, and again unique to my collection.

As I mentioned, many of the shades caught my eye ( will try to be good ) and what a beautiful little vintage bottle/bottles to have on display!

I purchased mine from Priceline during a recent 2 for $20 sale. At $15.95 each they are on the pricey side. The bottles contain 11.7ml of product.

Do you have a favourite shade/scent in this line? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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On My Nails Today...

Hello!

These two little sparkly numbers caught my eye recently whilst window *cough* shopping a week ago and what do you know??... they end up in a cheery little pink plastic bag and accompany me home! Does that ever happen to anyone else?....

 Rimmel London have released their version of the recently popular textured finish nail polish. Opting for the ethereal name "star dust" for their line, I must admit I was enticed by the sparkle and shine that these shades were emitting from their lovely little display.

Without further ado...allow me to introduce to you, "Aurora" 003 and "Moon Walking" 006

Aurora - 2 coats, no top coat

Moon Walking - 2 coats, no top coat.

(Please excuse my old lady hands)

No complaints about ease of application with both of these. The textured polishes are very forgiving, I was probably the most relaxed I've ever been painting my nails! Wielding the same wide flat brush as their sister polishes, they fit nicely against the nail bed and the formula dries very quickly!

Once dry, your nails will feel a bit like a fine grade sandpaper to touch. Both of these shades have lovely reflective glitters, which of course I found hard to translate in the photographs for you.

I have noticed the nail tip looking a little worn and dull after 2 days. I have two options there...you can easily throw on another coat, or just touch up the tips without it being visible ( all hidden by the texture). And there is always the top coat option! Removal is similar to a standard glitter polish, in my opinion less difficult.

Have you tried any textured polishes? Do you have a favourite shade or brand? I have my eye on a few of the OPI liquid sands, in particular some of the Bond Girls collection, and also the recently released Mariah Carey Christmas collection. I would love to hear your favourites, or what is on your wishlist!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings

Lou xo

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Savvy by DB - Blushes on a Budget

I have some lovely affordable blushes to share with you today. Another offering from SAVVY by DB, there are three shades in their Classic Blush range which will set you back a tidy $4.99 each. Often on special at Priceline pharmacy, you may even be able to pick them up for less. Bargain!

Classic Blush 'Silky Pink'

My most recent of the three shades, this is one of those lovely natural blushes that will go with any look. A very versatile soft dusty pink. It does have shimmer, but when blended on the cheeks just gives a lovely glow/sheen to the cheeks.

Classic Blush 'Rose'

Perhaps not the most appropriate name for this peachy pink blush, it is a warm pink, again with shimmer, a gorgeous flush of colour for your cheeks. The brush marks might be a give away that I have had this shade for a while! It really is so pretty.

Classic Blush 'Nude'

A warm toned bronze tan shade, perfect to dust over the high points of your face for a lovely sun-kissed glow. This shade is perfect for a no fuss makeup look, so skip the highlighting and contouring, and dust this lovely on your cheeks instead!

L-R      'Nude'         'Rose'       'Silky Pink'
Swatched in natural light.

As you can see from the swatches above all of the three shades have shimmer in them. Don't be scared! Once blended into the skin you are left with lovely sheen. I don't feel the need for a separate highlighter when I use these blushes.

All three shade are highly pigmented, and will give excellent colour pay off. They are a little powdery when you put your brush into them, so be sure to tap off any excess. In my opinion the texture is smooth and easy to blend, not at all chalky.

If you prefer a matte finish blush then you probably wouldn't like these, but I like to have a bit of glow to help my tired old face look a little more alive!

I would love to hear what you favourite blushes are? What brands do you love? I would really love to try the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes...unfortunately very hard to get hold of in Australia :(

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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