November Favourites

I was inspired to reappear from by blogging hiatus from browsing through Etsy and Pinterest today, it really made me feel like doing something creative.

Over the past few months I have on and off been living away from home which involved smart minimal packing so I wouldn’t have to cart a whole lot of unwanted stuff here and there. So when I thought to do a favourites post I didn’t look too further than what I have in my makeup bag.

Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay

I know this palette is nothing new to share with you however with Christmas around the corner I thought it may spark someone’s interest as a gift idea. Cooler in tone than its predecessor, the Naked palette, Naked 2 had twelve beautiful neutral eye shadows that are vibrant, buttery and a breeze to blend. Since purchasing this palette a little over a month ago I have been using it almost every day, my favourite shades are Half Baked, Verve and YDK.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Alhambra

 

This duo is my no fuss, up and out the door shadow. The metallic rose and sparkling champagne complement each other so nicely and both colours look beautiful on their own or applied with a damp brush for a deeper dazzle of colour.
 

Juicy Couture Original Fragrance

I purchased this at the very end of November hence the slight usage; however I have purchased many bottles in the past (so it totally justifies being a November favourite). To me it reminds me of warm summer nights in Honolulu, Hawaii where I purchased my first bottle. It is a sweet fragrance with top notes of watermelon, mandarin and passion fruit however to me it smells of fresh cut frangipani’s.

Urban Decay Primer Potion Original

Again, this product needs no introduction. A cult beauty staple, the Urban Decay Primer Potion allows shadows to stay put all day with little creasing and increased vibrancy.

Inglot Freedom Quad

This is a rediscovered favourite, just like the Alhambra duo, this quad creates a quick no fuss look. I feel all colours complement each other nicely and create the perfect every day natural eye.

Stay Pretty Pro Longwear Blush by MAC

Released with the MAC Office Hours collection, Stay Pretty is a matte pink blush. As it’s Pro Longwear formulation I find it has good staying power and it provides a nice, pretty flush to the cheeks.

Springsheen Sheertone Shimmer Blush by MAC

A part of MAC’s permanent collection, this blush was actually a gift from my fiancé. Springsheen is a peachy/coral with a golden shimmer and because of its sheertone formulation blends nicely into the skin without the disco ball look.

Sun Dipped Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder by Mac

Released with the Hello Sailor collection, Sun Dipped is a Bronze with gold micro glitter. I was a little apprehensive when I purchased this as I had a strict matte bronzer policy however Sun Dipped has become one of my favourite bronzers and I use it everyday to contour or frame my face.   

L-R: Stay Pretty, Springsheen and Sun Dipped

Have you tried and loved any of my November favourites? Do you have your own favourites to share? Please comment I would love to hear from you.



PHOTOBOMBED.. Millie decided to fly over to check out what I was up to.

 

Tonic Australia Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway, I really appreciate your support.

The winner was chosen at random via the True Random Number Generator by random.org

And the winner is...

Congratulations Sereniityy.

I hope you enjoy the Tonic Soy Wax Candle and Goat's Milk Soap. Please look out for my email and reply with your details.

Tonic Australia Giveaway CLOSED

Tonic Australia has provided the opportunity for one lucky subscriber of Beauty Soiree to win a prize pack from their Heritage Gardenia range containing one Gardenia Scented Soy Wax Candle and Gardenia Goats Milk Soap.

I was lucky enough to receive both the scented soy wax candle and goats milk soap to try myself (see post here) and was impressed. So I’m very excited to be able to share these beautiful products with you.

Conditions of entry:

This giveaway is open internationally and will close Sunday 12 August 2012 at 8pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Winner must be a public follower of Beauty Soiree through Google Friend Connect (GFC) and will be eligible for 3 entries in the giveaway.

Winner will be both contacted via email and via blog post on Beauty Soiree.

Additional entries:

Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @BeautySoiree (additional 2 entries)

To enter complete the Entry Form below:

The Original Beauty Blender

I haven’t been satisfied with the way my foundation and stippling brushes have been applying my foundation recently. I found the thicker consistency of my foundation (Rimmel Wake Me Up) teamed with the synthetic fibers of my brushes left the finish streaky and hard to work with.

I’ve read many good reviews about the Beauty Blender Sponge (one that comes to mind…Keeping Up With Me) and I decided to purchase one to see if it would revolutionize the way I apply my foundation.

The Beauty Blender has been designed to ensure makeup application is foolproof. It's egg shaped design allows even coverage to larger surface areas such as your cheeks and forehead and its narrow rounded tip is perfect to cover trickier areas like the corner of your nose and under eyes.

To use, you apply your foundation or concealer using a stippling (dabbing) motion, as mentioned above it allows even coverage and a flawless finish - I would be very surprised if you were dissapointed with this product after the first use.   

Conventional makeup sponges often soak up a lot of product forcing you to use a lot more than you need however with the Beauty Blender you dampen the sponge in water prior to use which eliminates makeup soaking into the Beauty Blender and assisting in proving a flawless finish to your foundation.

The Beauty Blender almost doubles in size when wet

Sponges (especially damp ones) are prone to be a bacteria breeding ground so be sure to clean after each use. The Beauty Blender line does have its own cleanser product available to purchase separately or together in a pack however, I have been satisfied using my Elf Anti Bacterial Brush Shampoo.

The Beauty Blender has shaved off minutes to my morning makeup routine as it makes makeup so quick and easy to apply and because it’s a soft sponge (similar feel to memory foam) no effort is required when wanting to create a flawless finish.

The Beauty Blender can be purchased in various outlets online and in store internationally, visit http://www.beautyblender.net/buy.html for further information. I purchased my Beauty Blender online at Crush Cosmetics for $24.95 (AUD).

Brand Spotlight: Tonic Australia

Image from tonic.net.au

Founded in 1992, Tonic Australia was created by Melbourne duo Toni Joel and Nikki Horovitz and consists of a product line featuring stylish bath, body and home products.  

The wide product range from shower caps, body creams and lotions to candles and diffusers feature stylish on trend patterns and are 100% Australian made using local natural ingredients or materials.

Image from tonic.net.au

I was lucky enough to have been gifted a few of Tonic Australia’s products to trial as well as gift pack to provide one lucky reader during a Tonic Giveaway.  

Eco Sachets

In their stylish print, Tonic has made warding off bad smells and bugs look good. Hang these little aromatic sachets in your cupboard, pantry or draw and allow the sweet herbal aroma to linger. I have been using these in my intimate draw as well as my wardrobe to add a little fragrance to my garments.

Heat Pillow

These come in an array of different prints and contain organic barley and lavender and have been a god send throughout the past few weeks of winter. Allow a quick two minutes in a microwave for an optimum warm cozy temperature.

Gardenia Scented Soy Wax Candle

Ahhhh, my love of floral scents and candles combined!  Soy wax candles burn longer than your traditional candle and Tonic boasts a burning time of up to 45 hours. Incased in a beautiful jar with floral print, Tonic candles don’t just look good they smell amazing too – the scent smells of fresh picked gardenias.

Gardenia Goats Milk Soap

Goats milk is amazing for those with sensitive skin and is both nourishing and cleansing. I found this soap lathers well and leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized. Again, this soap is from the Gardenia line so its floral scent is very appealing.

Tonic products make the perfect gift for that special someone who has it all. You can find Tonic products in boutique giftware stores, department stores and online at http://www.tonic.net.au/

Stay tuned for my Tonic Australia Giveaway featuring a Gardenia Scented Soy Wax Candle and Gardenia Goats Milk Soap prize package for one lucky winner.

Disclaimer: Please note that the above mentioned products were provided for review consideration and giveaway however all opinions provided in this post are honest.

Effortless Up Styles with Scunci

I was invited by Scunci and Polkadot PR to take part in a Blogger Contest to create unique hairstyles featuring the Scunci Pin Twirls.

The Scunci Pin Twirls are metal pins that can be twirled into an up style for a firm hold. Each package comes with three pin twirls which can be used instead of Bobby Pins when creating an up-do. To use, just screw into your hair style to hold (I found using two most effective) and to remove simple screw back out.  

As I don’t really have a flair for hair, one of my favourite up styles are the messy kind. I styled both of the below looks using only two pin twirls and a hair tie. Both are simple and effortless and such a pleasure not to insert and remove countless Bobby Pins.

Messy Side Bun

Pull hair into a side pony tail and secure in a loop with a hair tie just below your ear.

Twist and manipulate the pony tail loop to form a messy bun look.

Twist one Scunci Pin Twirl into the bun from the top and another from the bottom to secure.

Messy Top Knot

Flip hair upside down and pull hair into a high pony tail. Secure in a loop with a hair tie.

Twist and manipulate the pony tail loop to form a messy bun look.

Twist one Scunci Pin Twirl into the bun from the top and another from the bottom to secure.

Lightly loosen hair around the top knot and slightly pull out pieces at the fringe to add to the messy effect.

The Scunci Pin Twirls retail for $9.95(AUD) for a pack of three and are available at Big W, Target, Priceline as well as selected pharmacies and salons.

Disclaimer: I received the Scunci Pin Twirls for participation in the 2012 Scunci Blogger Contest and all Blogger participants have an equal chance of winning a VS Sassoon Pack.

Marc Jacobs Daisy on the Go

Marc Jacobs popular scents Daisy and Daisy Eau So Fresh have been repackaged in an adorable fun-sized daisy – perfect to throw in your handbag to sprits the sweet floral scent throughout the day.

Daisy is described as “A sparkling floral scent – fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence”.

Daisy Eau So Fresh is described as “A bright floral fruity fragrance – elegant and full of charm”.

Each Daisy contains 20ml of fragrance and retails for $35(AUD) each or as a duo for $55(AUD).

These adorable and sweet smelling fragrances are available now from David Jones, Myer and selected pharmacies.  



Sweet Cheeks, Sweet Lips

Introducing Benefit’s latest product release, the Box ‘O Powder Lip glosses.

Benefit has released six lip glosses each named to complement their amazing box powders; Bella Bamba, CORAlista, Dallas, Danelion, Hoola and Sugarbomb.

True to their complementing box powers Bella Bamba is a sheer bright watermelon, CORAlista is a sheer coral, Dallas a dusty rose, Danelion a soft pearly pink, Hoola a golden nude and Sugarbomb a shimmering pinky nude.

Sound sweet? These glossies will retail for $29(AUD) and are available at a Benefit Counter near you from 28 July 2012.

Shhhhh! Why wait? Purchase online now at Benefit for $16(USD).



** Images obtained through press release.

MAC Technique Seminar

On Thursday evening I attended a MAC Technique Session through my local MAC counter, I was told I would be in for a great night as the Seminar would be hosted by MAC Trainers.

MAC Technique is a series of nine workshops lead by MAC artists which showcase the latest MAC products, makeup trends and provide make up techniques and tips to applying great makeup. A MAC Technique class is suitable for all ages, sexes and degree of makeup knowledge.  

Not knowing what to expect, we were greeted by enthusiastic MAC Artists welcoming us with champagne, canapés and macaroons as well as the bible for the evening, a MAC Technique binder containing face charts, tips and tricks and plenty of room to make notes and wish lists.

MAC Trainers, Jo Roughan and Ocea Ferber showed us two of the current most requested looks, a natural face with bold lip and the ever popular smokey eye with natural lip. Each look was broken down from skin prep to finish and both Jo and Ocea were informative, entertaining and have some amazing skills.



MAC Trainers Jo and Ocea and the beautiful models



Some of the tips and tricks I picked up throughout the evening:

·         For those with dry skin, if you are finding that your makeup is not lasting as long it may be due to the fact your skin requires more moisture. Dry skin will suck the moisture out from your products and leave you looking pretty bare come lunchtime. Keep your skin well hydrated during the preparation stage with rich moisturizes.

·         Brows are so hot right now and should not be left behind when completing a makeup look. Filled in brows frame the face and like a work of art, they really add a finish to any look. For those who are fair, a great eye brow suggestion is MAC Eye Shadow in Omega – it creates a soft natural look. To define and sculpt your brows, start at the base and feather up.

·         For a smokey eye use a Kohl pencil to add depth to the lids without any fallout, MAC Eye Kohl’s are very soft and blendable. Set the kohl pencil with a shadow to add dimension to the smokey eye, ensure that the middle part of the lid is kept free of makeup and build your coverage on the inner and the outer part of the eye for the smokey effect.

·         To get the maximum dramatic effect from your mascara, tilt your head back and lightly pull up your lid. This will ensure you coat all your lashes right down to the roots.

·         To apply false lashes, tilt your head back and place in the centre first as close to the lash root as possible. Push the falsies down into your lash root and your natural lashes up into the falsies.

·         For a more dramatic effect uses your powder products wet, sprits Fit + on eye shadows or highlighter to give move vibrant finish.

·         MAC Pro Long Wear Lip Pencils are a great alternative to lipstick as they are so smooth and creamy. To apply, smile and ensure your lip is taught to create smooth lines.

The MAC Technique Seminar is $120 to attend which is redeemable in product. Following the workshop, the group was taken back to the MAC Counter and assigned a MAC Artist to assist you with redeeming your products.

I had such an informative and inspiring evening, big thank yous to the MAC Artists and Trainers Jo and Ocea.

Soap and Glory Hand Food

Image from www.soapandglory.com

I have been reading and listening to our fellow UK beauties raving about Soap and Glory (SAG) products for quite some time and now they can be found in Sephora, our US beauties are getting in on the SAG love fest too!

As I'm such a sucker for "hyped up" products, I recently purchased the SAG Hand Food Hand Cream.

Containing shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow this product leaves your hands soft and moisturised without feeling greasy - oh and it smells ah-mazing! Such a winner to banish dry winter skin.

Aussie beauties should not feel left out as we can purchase a great selection of SAG products through Kit Cosmetics available online, in Kit Boutiques and selected Myer stores nationally.

Oh, and I can't wait to try the Flake Away - Spa Body Polish - I've heard its a great exfoliator!

Benefit's They're Real! Mascara

Image from benefitcosmetics.com

I know I’m a little late to jump on the band wagon with this one however I’m very vigilant when it comes to “the mascara three month rule”, so I have been waiting to finish my other mascara before trying anything new.

After finally ripping into my new mascara and not trying to sound too cliché, it was love at first swipe and They’re Real! seemed to tick all my mascara boxes – volumising, lengthening, defining and holds a curl.

I think the real stand out feature for this mascara is the wand. Its long bristles are plastic (which I personally prefer) and I find great for even application and definition. Its spiky round tip is great for defining the inner corner and lower lashes however, excess formula does clump around the tip (as most mascaras do), so make sure you wipe off excess from the wand before using.

The formula (hard for me to describe) is not wet and not clumpy or dry and the colour is a true jet black. As far as I’m aware, They’re Real! only comes in one colour – Jet Black, this could be a disadvantage for all the brown lovers out there.  

Only a couple of times have I noticed some smudging way up near my brow bone (this mascara really does lengthen!) however this could have been due to makeup setting spray I sometimes sprits after applying my makeup.  

They’re Real! wears very well and I’m yet to notice any flakiness and at the end of the day my lashes still look pretty good. It does put up a fight when removing though, as I have had a little trouble even with my favourite eye and makeup remover from Nivea.  

They’re Real! retails for $28.00(USD) or $38.00(AUD) quite pricey considering there is many other good mascaras under the “drug store” price point. Never less, I definitely do recommend They’re Real! for mascara lovers and I would be happy to re-purchase again.

Have you tried They’re Real!? I would love to know your thoughts, or if you haven’t, what mascara do you swear by?

Keep reading to check out the pics below of my new falsies…. Just kidding – They’re Real ;)

Before....

After....

As you can see from the pic above it creates dramatic length and volume.

Top Picks for Chapped Lips

Cold dry days and chilly wind – yes, winter can be a punishment for our poor pout.

Over the past few weeks I have been reaching for the following balms and ointments to sooth dry and chapped lips and to add protection against the seasonal elements.

Lucas Paw Paw Ointment

Paw Paw is wonderful stuff, as well as doing amazing things for our lips; this multi-tasker can also be used as a topical cream for burns, chafing, rashes and many other skin conditions.

Lanolips

Just like paw paw, lanolin (derived from the fat within a sheep’s woolen coat) is recognized for its range of multi uses. The Lanolips range uses 70% medical grade lanolin and leave your lips feeling so soft. Lanolips offer a variety of different colours and flavours in their range my favourite being Lemon Aide.

Maybelline Baby Lips

This popular lip balm is an all in one when it comes to lip protection. Containing an SPF 20, active moisturizing ingredients such as Shea Butter and Centella as well as vitamins for an antioxidant boost, Baby Lips also come in a variety of different flavours (or scents) and I’m a huge fan of Anti-Oxidant Berry.

NP Set Lip Primer

I have been using this as an added moisture boost under my lipsticks and on its own to smooth and moisturize dry lips. It contains Cocoa Butter for moisture and Green Tea Extract for lip protection.

  What have been your seasonal savior this month?

First Birthday Giveaway Winner Announcement

Thank you to everyone who entered, I really appreciate your support and views.

The winner was chosen via the True Random Number Generator at Radom.org.

A big congratulations to..

Kelsey Volker

You are the lucky winner of Beauty Soiree’s Bloom and Face of Australia giveaway gift package.

Please look out for my email and reply with your details.

Nonpareil Boutique Haul

Quite some time ago I took advantage of 20% off purchases from Nonpareil Boutique (I say quite some time because standard shipping from the US is painfully slow).

Nonpareil Boutique is a great one stop shop for drug store brands NYX, Milani and Wet n Wild, just to name a few and they also stock selected products from Urban Decay, NARS and Tarte.

What I Purchased….

Wet n Wild Colour Icon 8 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Comfort Zone

This palette contains 8 complementing shades each clearly marked as browbone, eyelid, crease and definer – quite fool proof.

As with most Wet n Wild palette reviews I now understand the hype surrounding these shadows, for a cheapie the colour payoff is amazing and the consistency of the shadow is silky smooth. Although I only received this haul today, I cannot really comment on the durability however I’m sure teamed with a primer these shadows will go the distance.

Look A: Using left side of palette

Look B: Using right side of palette

Swatches left and right down the palette eg. browbone L and browbone R

Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore

This is a second addition to my Milani Blush collection. I chose Berry Amore for its pretty swirl of berry pinks and gold shimmer.  Again, Milani blushes are amazingly pigmented and soft to apply – great value for approx $7.99(USD).

NYX Bronzer & Blusher Combo in Phi Phi Island

Taking me back to my 2008 Thailand holiday, this combo cries the beach, sun tans and cocktails. Containing a bronzer and coral blush both with gold shimmer, these colours will look great together as a blush and contour duo.

NYX Round Lipstick in Twist

Yes, another lipstick to add to my growing collection. I’ve posted about NYX Round Lipsticks before and they are another great product for their price point. I chose Twist because it was around $1.00(USD) and the colour looked quite nice from the online swatch. Just a side note the online swatches can be deceiving as most often the lipstick I receive swatches different to what is online however I’m still happy with the colour twist, will look great as a casual evening lipstick.

What have you hauled throughout March?

First Birthday Giveaway!

Do you follow Beauty Soiree via Google Friend Connect? Check out the First Birthday Giveaway for a chance to win Bloom and Face of Australia cosmetics.