Aveeno - you're spoiling me!

Awhile back I received my second package from Aveeno (as part of the Aveeno Discovers Program) and to be quite honest with you, this one was even better than the first!
I received both the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion and the Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturiser with SPF 30.
As well as those full size products I also received lots of samples of the Daily Moisturising Lotion and the Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser with SPF 30 to give out to friends and family! How awesome is that?!

When it comes to the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion it's pretty fair to say that I've yet to come across a person who doesn't love this! I now won't be able to live without it after being given a full size one to try, I'll have to go and buy another one when I run out of it! It feels amazing, it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth, is fragrance-free (yusss!!) and comes in a convenient pump bottle as well as a squeezy tube. Non-greasy and contains natural collodial oatmeal - fantastic!
I actually know a couple of people who use this for their eczema - so that should give you an idea of just how moisturising and soothing this really is!

The Ultra Calming Daily Moisturiser with SPF 30 was a product I wasn't even aware of until I got it in this package. It actually contains feverfew, which is great at soothing aggravations and reducing redness - with my sensitive skin, this is absolutely perfect for me!
This is another product that I will probably be purchasing after I finish it, as it's fragrance-free, fast absorbing and contains SPF! Even in winter (I hate you winter, bring on summer!!) it's important to wear an SPF, and if you have sensitive skin then this moisturiser with it's SPF of 30 would be perfect for you!!

So looking forward to see what they have instore for me next! Hope you've found this review helpful!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

May Favourites!

Hiiii! How is everyone? Fantastic, I hope!
I've decided to start doing my monthly favourites again so I'll start it off with May's favourites :D

MAC Eyeshadows in 'Blanc Type', 'Wedge' and 'Handwritten'
Graftobian HD Pro Powder Foundation in 'Milk 'N Honey'
MAC Blushcreme in 'Ladyblush'
Smashbox Lip Paint in 'Luminary'
Natural Instinct Aloe Vera Gel
MAC Beauty Powder in 'Summer Rose'
'Flowerbomb' by Viktor & Rolf Eau De Parfum
Covergirl LashBlast Mascara in 'Very Black'
Designer Brands Lipliner in 'Nude'

What was your favourite product in May?

Thanks for viewing! I will be trying to blog ATLEAST once a week from now on, so keep posted! :)

oxo

Let's help these dogs find a new home!

My sister, Camille, is currently helping a friend rehome a couple of dogs and I am going to repost her blog here in the hopes that my gorgeous New Zealand readers will know someone who's looking for a dog - one of these could be the dog they've been searching for!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Taken from http://www.cfsanimals.blogspot.com/:

Hey guys!I am helping a friend find new homes for her dogs. She is a rescue person and has some lovely dogs to rehome!

First up is Charlie.Charlie is a 5 year old, Wire Haired Jack Russell. He is a lovely RENGA and white. Hahah! Renga.He comes with his vet book, Vaccs, Flea'd and wormed. He is also Desexed. I got to meet him yesterday and wow. What a lovely lil chap! He was so excited to be out with his foster mum! He was such a cute lil man! I wanted to take him home. >_>

Second up is Penny.Penny is a 8 month old, Purebred Jack Russell. She even comes with papers!She is Black, White and Brown.Penny comes with all of her vaccs, Flea'd, Wormed, Desexed and has her vet book.Penny is a very lively little lady! She too was so excited to be hanging around the pet shop. Everything was so awesome to her! She spent a few good minutes licking my face and then the rest looking around. She knows how to sit and listen to her foster mummy. She still needs some training done as she is only a baby still! But she is smart and picks up new things very easy!

So please guys, If you are keen let me know! Or else I'll take them. I already have two dogs as it is. >_> Although another two wouldnt hurt. >_>

Contact me for more info at either ellimacwolf@gmail.com or catzruletheworld@hotmail.com
I'll see if I can get some photos up!

Peace, love and a new beginning for these wonderful dogs!

P.S, They are FREE to a new home. I bet you want them even more now. ;)

Review: Aveeno

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an Aveeno Ambassador. This means that I am part of the Aveeno Discoverer Program and I get sent products now and then to trial on myself and others. I then have to review them and let them know what I think! It's great! :D

The first package I received contained two Aveeno products I had never heard of before, the Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion and the Positively Radiant SPF30 Daily Moisturizer. I have been using both of these religiously for over a week now, and thought I'd share my experiences with you!

First up is the Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion (sorry about the pics, I just found them on the Aveeno website - batteries in my camera are dead!)

If you're like me, you want your body moisturizer to be absorbed quickly, but leave your skin feeling silky and smooth. I don't have the time or patience to be rubbing in moisturizer for ages, I have better things to do! And what's the point in moisturizing at all if you don't get that silky smooth feeling?! I mean, come on..
Well I'm happy to tell you that this does exactly what I expect it to do. It's absorbed almost instantly and my skin has never felt so good. Excellent!

The one thing that bothers me about this though, is the smell. I can't stand highly fragranced lotions like this (not entirely true, I love the body butters from The Body Shop) but this is different, I find The Body Shop fragrances to be strong, but kinda soft, if you get what I mean. This on the other hand has a harshness to the smell that I just don't like. Even though the smell doesn't last long at all, I'm not sure if I would purchase this after it runs out.

Next, the Positively Radiant SPF30 Daily Moisturizer

Everyone is always on the hunt for the BEST Anti-aging cream to slather all over themselves, because no one wants to age prematurely, right? Well you can stop buying into all those products that claim to be 'Botox in a jar' etc, because the BEST Anti-aging cream is sunscreen. I kid you not, sunscreen is the one product that is proven to stop premature aging and it is never too late (or too early!) to start wearing this every single day.

I hadn't actually come across a Daily Moisturiser that had such a high SPF before, I am so impressed with this! Not only does it protect you from those harsh UV rays, but it's quickly absorbed into the skin and actually doesn't feel thick and greasy like most sunscreens do. It also actually leaves your skin feeling soft, I swear my face and neck are just loving this.

I honestly feel like if I had've had this in Summer, I wouldn't have got as sunburnt as I did. I will definitely be purchasing this after it's finished, and would recommend this to everyone.

I'm really enjoying this Aveeno Discoverer Program, and I hope that it helps you all find a product that works for you.
I'm also loving blogging again, even though I've just stolen Mum's laptop in order to do so. :P I've missed you all and hope you're all well and healthy!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo!

Eeewww, you have to read this article!!!

Big hello to all my wonderful followers! :D
I am very sorry that I haven't been posting, as you may know, my laptop is broken - hoping to get it fixed, but I don't have the money for that yet, so will have to wait. :( In the meantime, I'm using Mum's laptop as much as I can and am keeping up to date with emails by using my iPod - I honestly don't know what I'd do without that marvellous piece of technology..

Anyway, I came across this article today about makeup testers and the bacteria found on them, it grossed me out so much that I just knew I had to share the article with you guys. So if you'd like to read it, here it is: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/20/makeup-testers-regularly_n_544267.html
I honestly recommend that you DO read it, and please, please, PLEASE take extra care whenever you use any makeup tester - remember, you're NOT the first person to have touched it.

Hope you all well and I am hoping that I will be posting more, I'm so sorry that I've been slacking lately!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

And the winner is...

jo.frougal

Thank you all for entering my first giveaway and a huge congrats to jo.frougal for winning!! :D I am about to send you an email so I can get your prize to you asap!! :D

Look out for another giveaway coming up soon, and more reviews/fotds (trying to get my laptop sorted, til then I'll try to use Mum's as much as possible and hope to get some more posts on here!)

Thanks again every one, I love you all and wish I had the money to send each and everyone of you a gift. If I win lotto one day, I swear I'll do that. >_> Lol!

oxo

ATTENTION: Giveaway is now CLOSED!

Thank you to everyone who entered!! I will be drawing this tomorrow afternoon hopefully (have to write out all the entries first which is going to be hard with my laptop still playing up!)
I never expected it to get so many entries, so thank you all very much! I will post again tomorrow (possibly the next day) with the winner! :D

Keep an eye out for another giveaway coming up in the next month or so. :D

Thanks again lovelies, good luck!
oxo

Giveaway and Blog Update - Please read!!

I've just found out that I will be away when my Giveaway ends, so it will now end on the 25th March 2010 and the winner will be drawn on the 26th March 2010.

Huge, HUGE thank you to all those who have entered so far - I wish you all good luck! :D

I am currently having heaps of problems with my laptop so am unable to post as much as I'd like to - sorry about that. :( It's really annoying and making me realise just how much I depend on it!
Definitely seems like it's on it's way out, so I've been trying to back up everything - thank goodness for external harddrives, I really don't know what I'd do without it.
Once I get this laptop sorted out, I hope to be blogging a lot more - got heaps of reviews coming up and more giveaways since this one has been so successful!! :D

Thank you all again, and remember, now you only have until the 25th March 2010 to enter my giveaway.
oxo!

Blogger Awards + A Little Update

The lovely Lisa nominated me for three blogger awards, how sweet is that?! Check out her awesome blog HERE!

Beautiful Blogger Award*:
1. Thank the blogger who gave you the award.
2. Put the award on your blog
3. Link the person who nominated you.
4. Share 7 ‘interesting’ facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 7 other bloggers

*Sunshine Award*:
1. Post the logo on your Blog
2. Pass it to 7 bloggers that inspire you!
3. Link the bloggers and let them know

*I ♥ You! Award*:
1. Post award on your blog
2. Link the person who has given you the award
3. Pass the award to 7 other blogs you've newly discovered
4. Remember to contact the bloggers you've nominated

7 Interesting Facts About Me
1. I hate, hate, hate, HATE tomatoes. But I love making tomato relish for my family. I”m getting into preserving/making jams and stuff. I’m such a Nana. :P
2. I love WWE. xD Randy Orton is one fine looking man. >_>
3. I have thought about doing youtube vids before, but every video I ever see of myself makes me cringe – my voice sounds crazy! Plus I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face xD I admire those of you who do youtube vids – it takes a lot of guts!
4. I got really sick at the end of 2008 (with a massive airways infection and was in bed for like a month or two) and I still haven’t fully recovered from it. It left me with asthma and apparently air isn’t going all the way to the bottom of my lungs or something? It annoys me, I just wanna get healthy!!
5. I make a lot of different things – jewellery, softies/plushies, anything really! I’m also a huge baking fan and try to bake atleast once a week.
6. I don’t like Auckland. Infact, I hate it. I would MUCH rather live out in the country or something but I know Auckland is where the ‘money’ is. So I’ll stay here for now.
7. I love Fleetwood Mac and was lucky enough to see them live in concert last year!

Ok, now I would like to nominate the following bloggers for all 3 awards:

Lina
Nikki
Camille
SilhouetteScreams
Sarah xo
Y
Vanessa

Update: I have now added a Giveaways page to my blog! Remember to check it out as I'll be adding links to giveaways regularly. :D
I'm also thinking of adding a few new and exciting things to my blog, so keep posted!
Also I will be holding another giveaway soon - yay!

Thanks for viewing!

oxo!

Review: Urban Decay Hall Of Fame

I love Urban Decay products, I wish more than anything that they were available here in New Zealand! Their stuff would sell like hot cakes here, I swear!

I was actually lucky enough to receive this set from Meg’s Makeup! How awesome is that?! Meg’s Makeup is a site where you earn points and then redeem them for prize packs. If you’d like to join up, leave me a comment below with your email and I’ll send you an invite!

But now, onto the review!
The Urban Decay Hall of Fame pack gives you a chance to sample 5 of their best products.
First up is the Eyeshadow Primer Potion in the XL size.

I have used and reviewed this before and even though I find that the packaging is poorly designed, as you can’t reach all the product with the wand, it is still one of my favourite eyeshadow bases. Eyeshadow just sticks to this like glue and refuses to budge! If you find that your own eyeshadow still creases when using this, then in all honesty you are probably using far too much. You only need the tiniest amount! A little goes a long way.

Next up is the New Skyscraper Multi Benefit Mascara

This includes the actual full size brush, which is always a good thing, as then you get a real feel for the product.

I am actually in love with this mascara. It makes my eyelashes look almost fake! I so badly need the full size one as I’m almost out of this one and no other mascara I’ve tried so far even comes close to this. Highly recommend this product to anyone who has access to Urban Decay – you will not be disappointed!

Then comes the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

Well it would be pretty fair to say that this is one of my new favourite eyeliners. It’s soft, it’s creamy and it’s waterproof!! Genius! It says on the site that it will not budge, I disagree – anything that is applied on the waterline will eventually move. But this IS very long lasting! If I had one of those star rating systems, I would give this 4.5 out of 5 stars! :P

Next is the Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy

I don’t really think much about this, it’s just a regular lipstick. Nothing special really! I do like the colour and how natural it is, but I probably wouldn’t buy it myself..

And lastly, the Pocket Rocket in Timothy

Oh man, these things just crack me up. I actually have a couple of full size ones (including this) so haven’t used this mini one at all. I seriously would buy a heap of these to give to all my friends, just because I know they’d think they’re hilarious! As well as being funny, they’re also useful too! The gloss seems more slick than sticky and they come in the cutest colours. Timothy is a coral colour with a pink glow – just gorgeous! Do you need these? Probably not. But do you secretly want one? Of course you do! xD

Overall I love this pack and if you have a spare $20 USD then you should definitely get your hands on one for yourself. Great value for money!

That brings us to the end of this review, I hope you enjoyed it!
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Tag: Threes Of Me

Hehe, I stole this off Rai because it looked fun! :D

Three names I go by:
1. Christel
2. Chrissy
3. Diddle (yep… all my cousins have called me that when they were little because they apparently couldn’t pronounce my name. xD and now it has stuck!)

Three jobs I have had:
1. Sales assistant at the SAFE Cruelty Free shop
2. Secretary at a camping ground
3. Makeup artist! >_>

Three places I have lived:
1. Auckland
2. North Island
3. New Zealand. Yes this is my way of showing you that I haven’t lived anywhere but here! xD

Three favorite drinks:
1. Milo! Yummy
2. Apple juice
3. Water!

Three TV shows I watch:
1. Home and Away
2. How I Met Your Mother
3. New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker. >_> I admit, I’m obsessed with it. But not many episodes left :(

Three places I have been:
1. Hawaii
2. New Caledonia
3. Australia

Three places I would like to visit:
1. New York
2. Los Angeles
3. Denmark!

Three people who text (or bbm) me regularly:
1. Sister
2. Kaki (my aunty Carolyn)
3. Colin

Three favorite old TV shows:
1. Full House
2. Fresh Prince Of Bel Air
3. The Jetsons!

Three favorite dishes:
1. Mushroom Risotto
2. Roast chicken
3. Mince and cheese pie >_>

Three makeup/beauty products I cannot live without:
1. Mascara!
2. Moisturiser
3. Lip balm

Three things I'm looking forward to:
1. Photoshoots with my friend Rouan!
2. Making more money xD
3. Buying heaps more makeup!

Three people I tag:
1. Camille
2. Sarah
3. Tali

Thanks for viewing! Omg over 300 followers -  I love you guys!!
oxo

WOWZERS! When did that happen?!

I have over 230 followers!! That’s insane :D Thank you so much! I really appreciate every single one of you!

I also need to highlight that some of you who have commented on the giveaway can’t actually qualify for an entry until you have posted about the giveaway either on your twitter page, or somewhere on your blog. Sorry about that, you may want to go back and edit your comment!

I was in the process of thanking you all for entering individually, but there’s just too many to keep up with now! So I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK to all of you here! :D

Thanks for viewing, I have more reviews coming up shortly, including Urban Decay and Revlon – so stay tuned!

oxo

Natural Instinct Review: Part 3

I know, I know. This should’ve been up ages ago but I’ve had such a full on week, this is the first day I’ve actually had any rest! :P
So on with the review!

 
First up is the Natural Instinct Aloe Vera Gel.
Our NEW improved Aloe Vera Gel is a versatile product and has many natural benefits. It can be used for the cooling of sunburn, may assist with the healing of scars and the soothing of dry skin problems.
Anyone that uses clear aloe vera gel would know that it has heaps more uses than this!
This is by far the best aloe vera gel my sister and I have ever used and I honestly don’t know what we’d do without it. We use it for everything from sunburn to insect bites and it’s the only thing that can calm down my skin when I have a reaction to something.
The thing I mainly use this for though, is a makeup primer. I put a very small amount of it on my face after moisturising, but before my foundation. It makes my foundation last all day and actually makes the foundation go on smoother. I love it as my daily primer!
Everyone should have clear aloe vera gel on hand, and this is the one I’d personally recommend! :D

The last thing in this review is the Natural Deodorant.
Natural Instinct Deodorant contains ingredients that won’t just mask body odours, it will help to assist in fighting bacteria that causes body odours.
This deodorant contains two ingredients: sea salts and purified water.
Together, we found that this only works provided that you’re not doing any strenuous physical activity! Which is no good for us, given that it’s Summer here and we’re always outside doing stuff :P
And that in itself is the reason why I probably wouldn’t repurchase this, I need a deodorant that can last the distance and so far I haven’t been able to find a natural one that can do that. :(

That brings us to the end of the review on Natural Instinct Products! You can find more information about these and all the rest of their products on their website.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Natural Instinct Review: Part 2

In Part 1 of this review we looked at the Natural Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash. Today we’re concentrating on face products!

First is the Natural Facial Scrub.
Whisk away those unwanted dead skin cells with Natural Instinct Facial Scrub. Ideal for sensitive skin, use it to remove clogged pores and impurities.
This comes in a 125ml bottle. Like any face scrub you use this once or twice a week to exfoliate. It’s quite harsh so I would recommend you be very gentle when using it!
Again I’ve asked my sister to give her opinions on this as well, and she really doesn’t like this. I have to say, I’m with her on this one. The smell for one, just isn’t pleasant and it’s too harsh! I won’t be repurchasing it, and wouldn’t recommend it. There are much better facial scrubs on the market, I wouldn’t bother with this one.

Next is the Natural Foaming Facial Cleanser.
Keep your face looking clean and fresh with the natural plant extracts of Natural Instinct Foaming Facial Cleanser.
This comes in a 125ml bottle and is suitable for all skin types, will assist in the removal of makeup and removes dirt and excess oil.
Camille, my sister, loves this product and uses it every single day. She, like a lot of teenagers, has very oily skin and has regular breakouts. She finds it hard to find a cleanser that really makes her face feel clean and that also helps control her blemishes – but this does a fantastic job. Her skin looks much clearer and her face really isn’t as oily as it usually is.
I also love this cleanser! I suffer from oily skin too which lately is also sensitive. Because of this, I’ve found it really hard to find a cleanser that doesn’t irritate my skin! This however, is great! My face feels really clean after using this and I would definitely recommend this to anyone, especially those with sensitive skin!

The Natural Hydating Toner is next.
Soothe and balance your skin with Natural Instinct Hydrating Toner. Suitable for sensitive skin, use it to refresh and hydrate your skin after cleansing.
This toner comes in a 125ml spray bottle which I find really handy! In normal bottles it can be quite easy to use too much toner, when in reality you only need a little bit to do the job. But with this, you only need a couple of sprays and you’re done! I thought I would add that I don’t spray this directly on my face, I spray it on a cotton pad then apply to my face. :)
We both really like this. It’s beautiful and refreshing and it’s a bit of a step up from the witch hazel that I usually use everyday, as it contains all the goodness of that with the added benefits of rosewater. Would recommend this to anyone who wants a nice refreshing toner!

And the last product for this part of the review is Natural Moisturiser.
Natural Instinct Moisturiser is specifically designed for the sensitive, delicate skin on your face. It’s non greasy formula may assist in replenishing the moisture in your skin and compliments it with a blend of organic herbs.
This also comes in a 125ml bottle! It’s suitable for all skin types and is even great under makeup!
We love this! Cetaphil is pretty much my favourite moisturiser of all time, but this is a close second. It just feels so nice and doesn’t irritate my skin at all. Considering it’s so cheap, it feels like a high end moisturiser – without all the chemicals! Recommend to anyone :D

In the last Part of this review we’ll be looking at Natural Aloe Vera Gel and Natural Deodorant.
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Natural Instinct Review: Part 1

 

Natural Instinct is an Australian brand that has been producing natural and organic skin care products since 2003. As well as that, they also produce a range of household cleaning products.

My sister and I have been using a wide range of their products for the past few months and are here to share our experiences with you! This is the first part in a three part series, so let’s get onto it!

First up is the Natural Shampoo.
Organic Instinct Shampoo has been carefully formulated with a unique combination that contains pure essential oils and organic herbs.
This shampoo is made for all hair types and is meant to leave your hair feeling soft, shiny and manageable. It is available in three sizes; 250ml, 500ml and 1 Litre.
My sister, Camille SWEARS by this. To give you an idea of her hair type, she is a natural blonde who has never dyed her hair and has naturally straight hair that has a slight wave. Her hair gets really oily, so she washes it everyday.
She finds it really difficult to find a shampoo that leaves her hair feeling clean, but this is great! We have both noticed that her hair looks a lot more healthy since she has been using this, and now she refuses to use anything else!
I, on the other hand, like this shampoo but can’t use it every time I wash my hair. I have naturally curly hair that is in really bad condition from a botched up chemical straightening that I had done by a student hairdresser (that was a BAD idea!). It’s oily at the roots, but completely dry and fried at the ends.
I agree that this shampoo leaves your hair feeling really clean, but it really feels too harsh for my hair, so I don’t often use it.

Next up is the Natural Conditioner.
Organic Instinct Conditioner uses the nourishing goodness of pure essential oils and organic herbs to nourish your hair.
This conditioner is enriched with Vitamin E, Avocado and Lavender Pure Essential Oils which helps make your hair feel soft and manageable. It is also available in the same three sizes as the shampoo.
This is another product that Camille uses everyday after using the shampoo. Now this works fabulously on her hair, leaves it feeling soft and beautiful – I swear her hair has never looked so good!
Unfortunately it doesn’t work as well for me. It just isn’t nourishing enough for my hair and it feels like it doesn’t really do anything for me at all.

The last product for Part 1 of this review is the Natural Body Wash.
Natural Instinct Body Wash cleanses and revitalises your body with natural conditioning ingredients.
Made with pure essential oils and organic herbs, it nourishes your skin leaving it looking smooth and fresh. Would you believe that this comes in those same three sizes as the shampoo and conditioner?!
Camille and I both love this! My skin in general has been extra sensitive lately and has been reacting to almost all soaps and body washes – except for this! It doesn’t really have much of a scent to it, but it actually leaves you feeling really clean and fresh. It also doesn’t seem to dry out your skin like a lot of body washes. So this gets two thumbs up from the both of us!

Part 2 will feature the Natural Facial Scrub, Natural Foaming Facial Cleanser, Natural Hydrating Toner and Natural Moisturiser – so stay tuned!

Thanks for viewing, don’t forget to enter my first giveaway here!
oxo!

Update – Over 100 Followers!!! Wowzers!

HI all!
I have to say a huuuge THANK YOU to all of my new followers (as well as all my old ones who have stayed by me all this time!)! This is so ridiculously exciting! I was away for the weekend, and when I returned yesterday, I realised I had gone from 95 to 111!! That is beyond awesome and I can’t thank you all enough. :D :D :D

The giveaway is going fabulously – thanks to all who have entered so far! Those of you who haven’t entered yet, but want to do so click here! Unfortunately I have had a bit of negativity surrounding it, which did upset and annoy me at first, but I’ve decided to ignore it and won’t let it ruin the excitement of my first giveaway. I owe it to all you amazing people!

My trip away was amazing.. It’s hard not to love this country when you go out and explore it, I tell ya. Although it does make Auckland less and less appealing. :P
I went to Taranaki with my family and spent the whole time on black sand beaches – swimming, kayaking, spending time with my family AND I even got to drive a tractor – twice! I’ve probably mentioned it before, but if not, I am obsessed with tractors! I’m not sure why.. I just am! I have wanted to drive one forever, so I was so excited that I finally got to do it! :)

On a blogging note, coming up this week will be a review on Natural Instinct products. It’ll be in two parts (possibly three?) because I’ve tried quite a few of their products. I’ll also be sharing my sister’s view on them – so you can see two different opinions!

Thanks again to everyone, you’ve really made my day! :)
oxo

Review: Graftobian HD Pro Powder Foundation

“Graftobian’s silky smooth pressed powder formulation is highly pigmented for exceptional coverage and blends easily for a natural finish. Ideal for creating a matte HD finish following the use of Graftobian’s High Definition Glamour Creme Foundation.”

 
Also known as Dual-finish foundation, this awesome little powder foundation can be used both wet or dry.
To achieve a more translucent coverage, you apply this dry with a brush. For more opacity, apply it dry with the included sponge. For the best coverage, apply it with a wet sponge.

Now I’m sure you know by now that I really LOVE HD makeup products. You really do get more bang for your buck. Intensely pigmented products where a little literally goes a long way! I’m also quite a fan of Graftobian ever since I purchased this palette.

I had originally wanted to purchase these powders after reading the Model Mayhem forums (that place is bad for my wallet!) and seeing that everyone actually uses the Graftobian 12 Dual Finish Foundation Palette from Camerareadycosmetics on makeup jobs. It looked really good so I was in the process of saving for it!
I then actually got an email from Makeupandglow advertising a sale on their Graftobian HD Powder compacts (as they’ve decided to no longer stock them) and at a reduced price of $5AUD, we all know I couldn’t resist them!! I ended up with 5 compacts that altogether cost less than purchasing just one at full price!! Bargain! :D

The colours I got are: Honey Glow, Milk ‘N Honey, Porcelain Doll, Alabaster Baby and Healthy Tan.

So far, I have only tried them out by applying them dry, with a brush and oh my goodness, these things are AMAZING! The coverage is just beautiful, it evens out the skin without looking like you’re wearing anything at all! If you’re one of those mineral foundation junkies, that likes them because of how good they feel, then trust me, you would love this!!
I have been wearing Alabaster Baby a lot lately, because my normal liquid foundation just seems to melt off in this heat, and I can honestly tell you that I am loving it. I also use Healthy Tan to contour my face – it’s great for that! :D

I honestly just love these powders. Not only will they be great on my female clients but they will be perfect for when my job requires ‘male grooming’ as most guys can’t stand the feel of any makeup on them! :P Definitely a great product that I would recommend to anyone.
Although I probably will get a palette to depot these babies into, who wants that many compacts taking up space in their kit?!

Thanks for viewing lovelies!
Don’t forget to enter my first ever giveaway!
oxo

My First Ever Giveaway!!

Yay!!! I’m so excited!! I really hope you all enter this, I love you all and can’t thank you enough for following my blog. Depending on how this one goes, I may have quite a few more coming up this year!! :D

Ok, let’s get onto it!

Included in the prize is:

• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Gel 15ml (I love this stuff and find that it works really, really well!)
• MAC Lipmix in Clear ‘Gloss’ (I LOVE to make my own lipsticks/glosses by mixing this stuff with different pigments)
• Revlon Beyond Natural Cream to Powder eyeshadow quad in ‘520 Spice’
• 6 MAC Pigment Samples all in 1/2 teaspoon sizes – Kelly Green, Mauvement, Melon, Mutiny, Violet and Rose
• 2 Nivea DNAge Samples – eyecream and nightcream (just thought I’d chuck those in there, cause I love them! :P)

All products are of course brand new!

It’s easy to enter!

• First, you must be a follower of my blog! If you’re not one already then go ahead and follow me :D
• You must comment on this post
• You must EITHER post about this giveaway on your blog, OR write about it on twitter! Remember to include the link to this when you comment me!
• If you happen to post about this on both your blog AND twitter, then you will automatically have 2 entries into this giveaway. If you do this, then remember to include both links!

This is open to all international readers and this giveaway closes on the 25 March 2010. Winner will be announced on the 26 March 2010.

Thanks for viewing! Don’t forget to enter! oxo!

Update!

Hi everyone!
I just thought I’d let you all know what I’ve been up to and what’s coming up within the next month or so.

I’ve been on holiday – it was amaazing! Loved it so much and to be honest, I’m sad to be back home and back to reality. :P
I sprained my left ankle as soon as I got home. I am so damn clumsy! I was unpacking the car and somehow managed to trip and fall off the deck straight onto my ankle. It hurt like crazy! Wasn’t able to walk until the next day, had an x-ray and luckily it showed no sign of a fracture! Yay! :D I couldn’t even imagine how much it would suck to be stuck in a cast for the rest of the summer!! The swelling and bruising is still pretty bad though. Apparently it can take 3-6 weeks for a sprain to heal? I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t take that long!

I’m currently trying to organise some photoshoots with my photographer friend, Rouan. I’m hoping to get both some more natural and more creative looks in my portfolio, so it will be fun to work with him! And I will be sure to post the results of any photoshoots on here so you all can have a look and tell me what you think! The only sad thing is I’ll have to wait until my ankle is feeling better before I can do anything!! Argh!

Another thing I’m going to be doing is looking for a part time/full time job, so if I don’t post as often as I’d like, the reason will be that I’m busy doing that. :P It’s sad that I can’t make enough money by just doing makeup artistry at the moment, but that’s my goal for the future, to be able to get by JUST by doing what I love – makeup! :D

Ok, enough of that boring stuff, let’s talk about what’s in store for my blog over the next couple of months!

• I’m going to be having my first giveaway! Just shopping around for the prize and then will be posting it hopefully next week. It will run for 4-6 weeks (haven’t quite decided) and I’m hoping that every single one of you enter! :D
• In a couple of months time (hopefully) I will be having a contest on my blog. In order to enter you will have to do a makeup look on yourself based on a theme and will need to send me at least 2 photos of the gorgeous look you create! I will then post all the entries on my blog and you, my wonderful readers, will vote for your favourite and decide who wins. Exciting! I would love some ideas for themes, so please comment me with some :D
• I will be reviewing a lot of new products and will try to post at least one review a week. I love trying new stuff and letting you all know what I think of it! :P
• FOTDs/NOTDs/EOTDs will most likely be less frequent, I always forget to take photos!! I will try to remember to take photos more often so I can post them on here.

So yeah, that’s about it really! I will post more updates now and then too so you all know what’s happening. :)

If there are any products you’d like to see a review on, please let me know and if I have it (or can afford to buy it, hehe) I will post a review on it asap! :D

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Wishing all you amazing people a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hoping that 2010 is the most fantastic, fun-filled year yet!!! :D
Do you have a new years resolution?? Goals for the year??
I think my main goal for 2010 is just to be happier and not to let life's problems get me down as much as they usually do. It is hard to stay positive when it feels like your whole world is falling down around you, but my theory is that if you dwell on it too much, then things just get worse. So here's to being happier! :D
And even though I've started the new year with my shoulders peeling like crazy (don't do what I do and get sunburnt, sunscreen is your friend!!), I already feel pretty damn good about the future! :D
Thank you again for all being gorgeous people, both inside and out. Much love to you all! oxo