Products to keep pesky pimples away

Pimples are pesky things. They love turning up on your face a day or two before an important event and can really shoot your self-esteem down. Luckily I have found some products that work really well at keeping my pimples away.

First up, my holy grail cleanser -The Enzyme Cleansing Gel from Mario Badescu. I started using this in high school when I had heaps of pimples all the time and not only did it drastically improve my teenage face of pimples but eight years later I am still using it daily and it still keep those pesky pimples away :)

Second, I use the St Ives Green Tea Scrub every couple of days instead of the cleanser from Mario Badescu to exfoliate my dry skin in winter and to prevent pimples from coming or help clear a break out away. It's not too rough and it's not too gentle and contains salycyclic, my holy grail scrub!

Finally, make-up that actually works to prevent pimples rather than cover them up like most make-up. The Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream with SPF 15 is my favourite bb cream because it lasts a reasonable amount of time, gives really good coverage for a bb cream and because it contains salicyclic acid it is great at clearing up your skin and preventing pesky pimples.

 Thanks for reading, cheers :)

Blogmas - Candy Cane Inspired Nail Art

Hi guys. Today I have some candy cane inspired nail art for you. Snow Me White by Sinful Colors is the white polish and Pillar Box Red by Butter London was the red polish I used.

Cheers :)

My Nail Care Routine

Hi guys. Tonight I thought I would share with you my nail care routine. I have a couple of products that have been working really well for me so wanted to let you all know about them. It can be really frustrating when your nails break, split and peel.

The Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat is a really nice base coat that I have been using for the past couple of months. Apply 1-2 coats of this and your nails are instantly smoother and stronger. The formula is really great, not too thin and dries reasonably fast. Unlike the previous base coat I was using ( Sally Hansen Hardener, which is great btw) this one has a different formula, along the lines of a gel. Add to the formula slight pink tinge and it makes your nails look really nice if you don't have time for a coloured polish. I really love this because it smooths out my nails so even though they might be peeling once I put this on and swatch polishes it all looks good. 

The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Drying Top Coat is shiny and makes your dries your polish quickly, within the minute your nails are dry to the touch and prolongs the wear of your polish too preventing chipping. Smiles all around. 

Finally, hand cream. Keeping your hands, fingers and nails moisturised is a must! I don't use cuticle oil or anything else. Just some hand cream before bed to keep my skin smooth and the dryness away. Once the dryness comes I find that the skin around my fingers goes downhill real quick. In the picture I have grabbed the hand cream I have been loving at the moment, Orange Ginger Hand Therapy by Haven (available at Target). 

In my head taking a photo on my bookshelf with my Christmas decorations and fairy lights seemed like a good idea...but it seems that it wasn't such a bright idea! Apologies. I think I am a bit obsessed with Christmas lights at the moment. Went for a drive tonight to see some of the nights in the neighborhood and loved it. What some people do is amazing!!! 

I would love to hear what your favourite nail care products are!

Christmas dotticure

Hi guys. This time next week I will have devoured a roast pork, gnawed on crackling, eaten some plum pudding with lots of custard, given and received nearly all of my Christmas gifts and will probably be feeling sad that Christmas day only has a handful of hours left. Until then I am going to go OTT with Christmas nail art and enjoy the Christmas spirit. 

I used my all time favourite red polish, Pillar Box Red by Butter London and The Green & The Grunge by Essence. Both polishes are outstanding, one coaters and have gorgeous formulas. 

So here is the obligatory bottle shot Essie base coat and insta-dri by Sally Hansen are pretty much included in every manicure I do. 

I love how Christmassy this dotticure is and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. I was a bit impatient and I think one or two of the dots got smeared by the top coat but oh well. What can a impatient girl do?

Cheers :)

Beauty Gift Sets

Hi guys. Today I have gathered some of the best value beauty gift sets to show you. This Christmas I have been blown away by how amazingly great value some of the beauty gift sets floating around are...which is sure to signal to my bank balance that trouble is ahead! Thus far I have only picked up one gift set for myself but there are heaps I have my eye on. We all know where that is going right?

At the bottom of this post there are links to all of these gift sets, their prices and where you can find them :)

My favourite gift sets are the Philosophy Holiday Handbook Hand Creams, Kiehl's Lip and Hand Set, Benefit's Cresent Row Perfume Collection and pretty much every gift set from Revlon. I mean, the hand cream from Kiehls usually sells for $22 and their lip balm is $10 so you're getting two full-sized products worth $32 for $25. And lets not even begin with Revlon...Products worth $110 for $50 and currently at Myer if you buy two gift sets from Revlon you get the second 50% off and a third gift set. They are all so tempting!!! My only pet hate with gift sets (apart from the fact that I want them all) is that they usually contain one product I can't use or think of somebody to gift it to (sneaky I know).

The Nudes eye shadow palette from Chi Chi which is included in two of their gift sets is gorgeous. I've swatched it in a previous post (click here to go to it).

As a gift set lover please feel free to let me know what your favourite gift sets are :) I won't hold you responsible for any damage they may do to my bank balance...I promise :p
Cheers

Gift sets kit
myer.com.au

Beauty product
myer.com.au

Beauty product
davidjones.com.au

Gift sets kit
myer.com.au

Lip gloss
myer.com.au

Philosophy home decor
meccacosmetica.com.au

Burt's Bees Summer Radiance Set my
myer.com.au

NEW Limited Edition Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set « Stila Makeup «...
meccacosmetica.com.au

Chi Chi | Glamorous Colour Kit Nudes | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Revlon | Kris Kringle - Tempt | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Party Treats | Satsuma Tote Bag | The Body Shop
thebodyshop.com.au

CK One Color | Lipgloss Trio Gift Set | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Revlon | Romantic Blend Gift Set | Myer Online
myer.com.au

OPI | Key to Great Nails! | Myer Online
myer.com.au

NEW Ltd Ed Lip and Hand Set « Kiehl's Gifts « Mecca Cosmetica
meccacosmetica.com.au

Burt's Bees | Tint 'N Shine Set | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Chi Chi | Macaron Bath Set in Pastel | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Chi Chi | Hand Cream & Butter Set | Myer Online
myer.com.au

new ltd ed corrupted neon manicure - shout out | ciate in the kit...
kitcosmetics.com.au

Lipstick Storage + Gift Idea

Today I thought I would share with you how I store my lip products. It can be a source of endless frustration when you can't find that one particular lipstick and even more annoying when your storage solution fails when you pull one out or you find yourself having to fiddle around trying to squish everything in so the drawer closes. I've been there and done that all. I use to keep my lipsticks in plastic drawers but it drove me crazy when one moved and then the whole drawer wouldn't close! I think my current storage solution is pretty foolproof though...

I use two plastic holders that I brought from Freedom (click here for a link) for $19.95. They have staggered single holders for 12 lipsticks, two taller compartments that are great for 2-3 lipglosses or lip crayons and then a shallow larger dish that i don't actually use for lip products because they are the perfect size for my maybelline colour tattoo eye shadows. 

Everything is on display which means a) everything is easily found, b) there is no delicate balancing act. Pulling one lipstick out won't cause all of the others to fall over and get messy and c) it inspires me to try different lip products throughout the week because I can see all the pretty colours. 

As Christmas is only 12 sleeps away I thought I would also mention how this or a similar stand could be a great gift idea. I've seen 3x3 versions that only consist of the staggered individual lipstick compartments and numerous other configurations too. 

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! 

Yummy smelling products

Today I have a post all about yummy smelling products for you. If a product smells good I am 99% sold on it, regardless of whether or not I need, want or will actually use it...I just cannot resist a yummy smelling lotion or potion!!! Here are my all-time favourite yummy smelling products!

1. So Hooked on Carmella Perfume by Benefit 

Before saying anything about this perfume I am going to come straight out and say it...I am extremely biased, this is my favourite perfume and I think it's amazing. With that out of the way I guess I should tell you what it actually smells like! I'm not exactly the best at describing scents but I'm going to give it my best shot: A long lasting heartwarming vanilla / caramel scent. 

2. Nyx Butter Gloss 

Cupcakes, cake mixture, cookies...this gloss smells delicious without being overpowering or smelling artificial. 

3. Palmer's Lip Butter in Dark Chocolate and Peppermint 

No joke about it, this stuff smells like mint chocolates. Yummy! 

4. Kate Moss Rimmel London Lipstick 

After taking these photos this lipstick rolled off the top of my dresser and my short arms can't reach it so I'm going from memory here...The berry scent of this lipstick is quite strong for a lip product but isn't overpowering. A perfect balance.

5. Midnight Fantasy Perfume by Britney Spears

This was my favourite perfume before Carmella came onto the scene...again it is quite an intense and long lasting scent but is more sensual and fruity. 

6. Haven by Planet Earth Hand Cream in Orange Ginger

An earthy scent with the orange scent making the ginger less overpowering. Reminds me of a spa :)

I'm a Beauty Blogger, Get Me Out of Here! Tag

Hi guys. So it's day 11 of blogmas and I've got a tag for you. I was reading this on Mademoiselle Lala and even though I don't watch I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here I thought the questions were great and wanted to do the tag :) 

You can only take one product into the jungle. What item would you choose and why?

Nivea Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 50 because I think the key to good skin is to look after it in the first place. 

What would be your main pre-jungle worry?

Snakes :'( I don't know what it is about snakes but they creep me out soooooo much!!! 

You only have 5 minutes to get ready before going into the jungle, what would be your quick beauty routine?

Nivea Moisturising Suscreen SPF 50, Kit Cosmetics SPF 15 moisturiser on my face as well as Cover Girls Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation and Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Mauve Twist. 

Last year we saw Helen Flanagan wearing her hair in a top bun. What would be your signature hairstyle?

A very messy bun...on the back of my head. Ummm, yeah...errr not exactly how to describe it. And no it's not fashionably messy...it's just plain messy! Hahaha

For moral support, which female celebrity would you like to be in the jungle with you?

From the show? Since I don't watch I'm a celebrity get me out of here I'm going to go general...Adele. I absolutely love Adele's music and think she is an amazing person.

Everyone's given a role in the camp. What lifestyle skill would you bring to the jungle with you?

I'm a pretty organised and neat person so maybe I could help organise everything?

What one thing about being a beauty blogger sometimes makes you want to scream 'Get me out of here'?

Photos! No matter what I do I feel like my photos are sub-standard. So frustrating. 

Challenge - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You're up for a trial to face your fears or try something new, what would you choose to do and why?

I would love to jump with a parachute and every time some camp mates are jumping from a helicopter at the beginning of the series I am extremely jealous and vow to myself that I will try to do it next year.

If you're reading this consider yourself tagged! I would love to read your answers so please do leave a link to your blog :)

I cannot believe there are only 14 sleeps until Christmas :0 I hope you are enjoying the festive season. I dug out my decorations today and have finally started decorating, yay!!! Cheers :)

Blogmas - My Introduction to Nyx Products

Hi guys!!! Today I realised I had never done the first impressions Nyx post I  had intended on doing. So... I'm doing it now :)

So when I first spotted the Nyx stand at Target early in November I was like a kid in a lolly store. The prices were a tiny bit more expensive than I thought they would be, but that doesn't mean they are expensive. Their jumbo eye pencils are $9.95, powder blushes $9.95, cream blushes $11.95 and their famous butter glosses are $9.95. Not too bad, right? 

I picked up their jumbo eye pencil in yoghurt, butter gloss in creme brulee and a creamy round lipstick in tea rose. 

I am planning on doing a full review of these products once I have worn them more but so far I can tell you that that the butter gloss is amazing! Not only does it smell like cake mixture and cupcakes (yummy) but they feel really moisturising, don't dry your lips out, don't feel sticky, have good pigmentation and are super easy to wear. The lipstick feels really creamy and has great pigmentation and the jumbo eye pencil is a really lovely colour, easy to use but without a primer or setting crease after 4-5 hours. 

What Nyx products should I pick up next?
Cheers :)

$15 KK Gifts For Him - Gift Guide

Two posts in one day! No bad if I do say so myself. Truth be told I am making up for missing yesterday's blogmas post. For blogmas I am suppose to be posting everyday but instead I've done two today so hopefully that makes up for it. I went to Bon Jovi's concert last night (which was amazing) and got home too late to post this. Anyway, here are potential KK gifts for him coming in at under $15.

$15 KK Gifts for Him by citygirl907 on Polyvore

Cricket Australia 375ML Can Cooler my
myer.com.au

Lindt Assorted Tin Box 250g - buy lindt assorted tin box 250g online...
woolworthsonline.com.au

novelty speakers | Cotton On
cottonon.com

Parker Jotter Spec Blk Bp at $14.95 in Executive Pens
officeworks.com.au

Ogilvie & Co | Smokey Bourbon BBQ Marinade 250ml | Myer Online
myer.com.au

Sony In Ear Headphones White
dicksmith.com.au

Gift Cards at Bunnings | Bunnings Warehouse
bunnings.com.au

$15 iTunes Gift Card for $10
savingwithshellie.com

Cheers. 

Ulta3 Triple Threat Swatch & Review

Do you ever feel like glitter nail polish always looks better in the bottle than on the nail? Well, Triple Threat by Ulta3 is positively, absolutely, an exception...yep it does look pretty freaking awesome in the bottle but it is drop dead gorgeous on the nail.

Triple Threat is a black polish with a ton of holographic, blue, red, silver and red glitters. Despite the formula being quite thin and runny the density of the glitter is perfect and it builds up really quick, 2-3 coats is plenty. I am really impressed not only with the formula of this polish but also, how it looks on the nail! One quick word though, a top coat makes it a lot smoother and shinier too :) 

So lets get onto the swatches...

I just LOVE the depth this polish has and how it sparkles, so pretty! It was tricky capturing it because it was so shiny it reflected everything...grrr...but despite the pictures this is a super smooth polish that is really sparkly. Also, I used a peel-off base coat because I can imagine this being a pain to remove but that ofcourse meant that when I went to do the clean up I couldn't get too close to the edge of my nail so these macro shots look disgusting...you honestly cannot tell in real life! Anyway, enough excuses and thanks for reading. Have a great day :)