Christmas in July Blog Swap Goodies!

Hi lovelies,

Yes, you read that title right, it does say July, and yes, we are in September. So what happened is in early July, the gorgeous Samantha Smith sent out a call asking if anyone was interested in participating in an Australian version of the Christmas in July Swap. A few of us responded and I was duly paired up with the lovely Jasmine from Sweetaholic-Beauty, which was quite meaningful as we do enjoy stalking reading each others blogs.

As we both live in Melbourne and chat almost daily via Twitter (which reminds me, are you following me yet?), we decided to use this as an excellent chance to catch up in person and exchange swap goodies! The only problem is we both had rather busy schedules and with one thing leading to another, we only managed to meet up a couple of weeks ago to exchange goodies! And I've been a bit busy of late which is why this post is even later, but hey, better late than never, right?!

As you might imagine, there's nothing harder than buying presents for a beauty blogger; as odds are they already have what you've bought them. Jasmine did a fantastic job with my goodies as they were all items I'd probably have chosen for myself. Let's take a look at what she got me..please excuse the shocking photos as I kept waiting for some natural light, and finally just gave up and took them in my bedroom, which has rather appalling lighting.

All the items were individually wrapped up in gorgeous purple tissue paper and packaged in a cute gift bag, so it really felt like Christmas!

Jasmine's pretty gift bag!

The first item was a Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - No.19. Now, I love this range and have four lipsticks from it, but the others are all brights/reds and this is a nude lipstick! I love it, I'd describe it as a rose brown nude, and it's so flattering. This is the kind of shade I'd have picked myself!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss No. 19.

Next, we have an OPI polish from the Dutch Collection, called Wooden Shoe Like To Know? I have already worn it and loved it, it reminds me of milk chocolate (although it looks more pinky in this photo)! I will have a NOTD post up soon with this little beauty. Again, love this and I actually don't have very many browns in my polish collection!

OPI nail polish: Wooden Shoe Like To Know?

The third item she chose for me was a Savvy trio eyeshadow in Emerald City. Now, I've actually wanted this for a while as I love that green shade but I hadn't gotten around to buying it, so she did the job for me! Love that this has a highlighter and contouring shade to go with the green, it will make it very handy for travelling with. 

Savvy trio eyeshadow in Emerald City.

She also gave me a Savvy liner in Indigo. I love Savvy products and own a few but not this, and we all know how much I love eyeliners...!

Savvy eyeliner in Indigo.

Last of all, she gave me the Avon palette in Earth Tones that we got from the BH Open Day (that reminds me, I'm awfully late with my Open Day review and now I feel quite bad about posting it. Are you guys still keen to see it?). We had been chatting on Twitter when I mentioned how much I liked it, so she thoughtfully threw it in for me, isn't she a sweetie?! I love this palette and it's perfect for wearing to work.

Avon eyeshadow quad in Earth Tones.

Here's a last photo showing all the gorgeous goodies she got me!

My blog swap goodies!

I just want to say a big thank you to Jasmine, I love that she took the time to get a feel for what I like and she spoilt me thoroughly! I quite felt like it was Christmas come early, and it was a lot of fun picking out items for her.

I can't wait to do another blog swap as it's a great way to get to meet new friends and try new products! Click here if you'd like to see what I got her!

I hope you enjoyed that post, lovelies, have/would you be keen on participating in a blog swap? I'd love to try an international one next!

Much love,
MM.
x

NOTD - Marc Jacobs 'Dot' Perfume Inspired Manicure

Hi lovelies!

I have a quick manicure to share today, inspired by Marc Jacobs new perfume 'Dot'. I love all his perfumes and have both Daisy and Oh Lola, so Dot is definitely on my wishlist!

Here's are a few quick snaps, I used Rimmel Cranberry Zest for the base colour, and Revlon Lunar for the dots. I also used a nail pen on my ring fingers for the butterfly wing inspired pattern.

What do you think of the perfume, lovelies? Do you think you'll be getting it? Even if I didn't like the scent, I'd love to get it just for the bottle, how cute is it?!

Much love,

MM.

x 

Product Review: Milani Paint Eyeshadow Palette.

Hello lovelies!

How are we all doing this sunny Sunday (in Melbourne, anyway)? Today, I have a review of the Milani Paint Eyeshadow Palette to share with all of you. This palette is actually part of a limited edition collection that came out in July 2011. When I first heard about the release last year, I was quite interested in picking it up; however, I ended up getting a little distracted and forgetting about it until recently. This palette contains about 10g of eyeshadow and retails for about $15 AUD from Australian stockists (like Crush Cosmetics) or approximately $8 USD from American stockists. You can also have a look on eBay to see if you can pick one up at a better price.

As seen in the photos above, you get seven matte, neon shades (hot pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, cobalt blue and mint green) all housed in one fun and compact palette. It reminds me a little of something an artist might produce while mixing paints together! I like this palette as it's quite rare to get neon shades in a matte formula, and I also like that it is all housed in a small flip-top palette that fits in the palm of your hand, it makes it very easy to carry around. Let's take a look at some swatches; these were all applied dry over bare skin, so it will definitely appear more vibrant when applied over primer or with a wet brush.

L-R: Pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, blue and mint green.

L-R: Pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, blue and mint green.

I was a little surprised when I first swatched these as they were a little hard, and not as bold as I'd expected them to be. This, however, might be a benefit as you can create many wearable looks with these and you can always apply them with a wet brush if you're after a more bold look. They are also a little chalky, as most mattes are, but nothing too difficult to work with. They blend together quite well, so I can see how versatile it might be mixing shades together to create even more colours! Let's take a look at some quick pros and cons.

Pros: 
A fun and funky palette that adds a splash of colour to any collection.
Matte formulation which is quite rare for neons.
Quite wearable for daily use, and you can apply with a wet brush for more vibrant colour.
Packaged in a handy and compact case.
Quite affordable, given that you get seven shadows for approximately $15 AUD.

Cons:
It is a bright palette, so if you're not into brights, then this isn't the one for you.
The matte formula can create a bit of fall out, and can be a bit hard to work with if you're not used to mattes.

As you might imagine, it's quite easy to create a bright look with this palette, but I wanted to do a more subtle EOTD to demonstrate how versatile this palette is. I was experimenting with my camera and different settings/lighting conditions, so it does come out looking quite different in all the photos. Overall though, it's quite a wearable look and not too 'out there', in fact, I received a couple of compliments when I wore this out to dinner.

This is using the white in the inner corner, orange in the middle of the lid, and pink in the outer corner, with the blue blended through the crease. I also added a bit of the white right under the brow, before finishing off with Essence black gel liner.

What do you think of this palette, lovelies? Love it or leave it?

Much love,
MM.
x


Note: This product was kindly provided for my consideration. This has not affected my opinion in any way. For more information, please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Tag - My Makeup History

Hello lovelies,

I hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday! I've been having rather a lazy one and it's lovely as it's been ages since I did this last!

I was tagged specifically by Abigail from Shrinking Wallet to do this post on my makeup history. I find that if I don't get to tags straight away, I often forget to do them, so here goes!

Answer the following questions and take a picture (or two) that relates to your answers.

1. How long have you been wearing makeup?
I'd say for the past 13 years or so, but I only used lipstick and eyeliner in the first three years or so.

2. What was your favourite makeup product in the beginning?
Hmm, either eyeliner or lipstick, I'd be hard pressed to choose one as my favourite!

3. What is your favourite makeup product now?
I love all makeup equally, but if I was forced to pick a favourite, I'd say eyeshadow! The variety of looks you can create is endless!

4. What were some of your favourite brands in the beginning?
I loved Revlon, OPI, Maybelline, Bonne Bell, Red Earth, Lord and Berry, Bobbi Brown, MAC and the Body Shop products. There was also this funky nail polish brand I used to LOVE but I can't recall what it was, and it went defunct about 10 years ago. :( They did have some really awesome stuff though.

5. What are some of your favourite brands now?
I like mixing and matching brands and trying new products. I still love Bobbi Brown, Revlon and Maybelline but I have also been experimenting with drugstore international brands like Beauty UK, Sleek, Essence and MUA. I also love Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown, Dior and Chanel from the high end range. I really want to get my hands on some NARS and Illamasqua stuff too.

6. How would you describe your makeup 'style'?
I'd say 'game', as in game to try anything! I often wear neutral/natural makeup, but I also love experimenting with makeup and often wear bright colours. I do prefer to keep it classy though.

7. What is your everyday makeup like? 
Mineral powder foundation buffed into my face, a dash of bronzer and blush to contour, eyeliner and waterproof mascara, and lipstick. If I have more time to spare, then I'll do an interesting eye look, if I'm pressed for time, I'll just wear a nude wash of colour over my lids.

8. What is your 'going out' makeup like?
Depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing, I'll probably wear some striking eyemakeup, or wear a neutral eye/liner/mascara with a bright/red lipstick. I also love a good smokey eye.

9. What makeup look are you known for?
I'm not sure, I change things around a lot. But I always have eyeliner on. :P

10. What is the worst beauty crime you have committed?
I confess to not washing my brushes as often as I should. I spot clean between every use but it's not quite as good as a full wash.

11. What is the worst beauty crime you are proud to have not committed?
I'd have to agree with Abigail on this -> Sleeping with makeup on.

12. What is a trend you were part of but now aren't a fan of?
Can't think of anything that might fit this profile.

13. What is one trend you are proud to say you were never part of?
I'm not really a fan of neon, fluorescent nails, but more because they don't suit me.

14. What is one look you will never ever go for?
I'd have to say trashtastic (like the Shire girls, sorry to say), or Goth. It's just not my style, but some carry it off beautifully.

15. If you were brave enough to wear any look, what would you go for?
Vibrant purple or pink lipstick!

(From Google Images)

16. An old HG product of yours?
Love my Smashbox camera ready full coverage concealer. I've been buying this for years.

17. A current HG product of yours?
I really like the Poshe topcoat, I only discovered it a few months ago and I can't go without it now! My manicures dry in seconds, which makes nail art so much easier to do now.

I tag specifically:
Amy from Beauty in a Bottle
Ingrid from In Glossy Beauty
Keri from The Ugly Moments

What do you think some of your answers to this might be?

Much love,
MM.
x

NOTD - Gold/black Cling Foil Nail Art!

Hello lovelies!

Apologies for the lack of blogging for the past few days, I have been on fieldwork (out on-site doing 10+ hour days in the cold, wet, windy weather of Melbourne) and I have been tuckered out by the time I get home.

Anyhow, I'm done with the outdoor work for this week and will be back to the office tomorrow, so I thought I'd celebrate with some girly nail art! Here are some photos of what I'm calling a cling foil (otherwise also known as saran wrap) manicure (together with some shoddy tutorial photos). I first heard about this on BeautyHeaven, when a BH user 'is2u' mentioned it. It sounded very intriguing so I decided to experiment a little.

Cling foil nail art using Revlon polishes.

I used Revlon Copper Crush for my base colour, and Revlon Lunar on top. Let's embark on my first (very simple) nail art tutorial, shall we? :)

Shades used in this manicure.

1. Begin by tearing off a length of cling foil, and then cut it into 10 pieces. You can experiment with sizing but I chose squares of about 4 x 4 cm. Lay them out neatly so you can pick them up gently without messing up your polish or getting them stuck on each other.

2. Start off with a layer of basecoat, and then apply a layer of your chosen base colour to each nail.

Revlon Copper Crush.

3. Once you've painted all your nails, give them a little time to dry (or cheat by using a quick dry topcoat), and then apply a thick layer of a second colour on the top (do this one nail at a time and follow steps 4-5). It's best to choose a colour  that creates some contrast with the base shade.

Lunar on thumb and Copper Crush on the others.

4. Take a square of cling foil that you prepared earlier and scrunch it up into a little rosette or ball. Leave it looking more like a lettuce head than a football, as you need the folds to create patterns in the polish. While the polish of your second colour is still wet/tacky, quickly dab the cling foil rosette over your nail to create patterns (the cling foil will 'pick' up the wet polish, and leave the base coat colour showing through). If you accidentally take too much off, just apply another dab of the top colour over it and dab again.

Try to scrunch it up into an uneven shape.

5. Repeat with all the nails! I would recommend using a different cling foil rosette for each nail to prevent cross transfer and having your manicure become very messy. At the end, use a cotton bud soaked in polish remover to clean up your cuticles if necessary (mine were quite clean so you shouldn't need to clean up too much).

This is what your cling wrap should look
like after dabbing it on your finger.

6. Add a topcoat to finish, and you're done, voila! Here are some photos of what I ended up with.

Tip: This manicure would also look amazing with a matte topcoat applied on top!

I think this manicure is really pretty and so very easy to do! Thanks again to 'is2u' for bringing it to my attention!

I hope you enjoyed that, lovelies, will you be trying that out at home? Would you all be interested in more tutorials?


Much love,
MM.
x

P.S. - Have you entered my Garnier giveaway yet? It ends in 1 day and 17 hours, so get in quick!

Illamasqua - Getting to Know the Brand and a Makeover Experience!

Hi lovelies!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I want to share my recent experience getting an Illamasqua makeover with all of you. I will warn you all in advance that it is fairly lengthy, as I want to share the entire experience fully, and also explain a little about the brand, if you are new to it.

Some time ago I was walking through Myer and saw a poster advertising a complimentary transformation (read: makeover) at the Illamasqua counter. Now, I've always wanted to try Illamasqua makeup as it looks theatrical, fun, daring and inspiring, but somehow had never gotten around to it, so I decided it was a great opportunity to book in for a trial session to get to know the brand a little better! I also made an appointment for my friend, R, as it's always more fun to have company when doing these things!

The Illamasqua product bar.

Murals at the Illamasqua counter in Myer Melbourne.

Our appointments were made for Friday night (the 31st of August), at the Illamasqua counter at Myer Melbourne. We presented ourselves bright and early at the counter, and were immediately greeted with a friendly smile from the staff, who promptly whisked us off to sit at separate counters. I was already impressed looking at the makeup the girls had on; they were on a black/white theme and had done two completely different looks, which I was already itching to try at home!

Rebecca's stunning eye makeup.

Tiarah's wearable, black and white eye look.

I had the lovely Tiarah doing my makeup, while my friend had Rebecca as her makeup artist. Tiarah asked me a few questions on what sort of transformation I was after, and I essentially gave her free rein to do anything she desired. I wanted bold makeup, but my only request was not to do anything too theatrical, as we were planning on doing drinks afterwards (so I wanted to be presentable enough for a bar). I also chose green to complement my mustard coloured coat (nothing worse than having your makeup clashing with your clothing, lovelies)!

Rebecca putting makeup on R.

Captured a quick selfie during my
makeover - as you do.

She began by working on my eyes, layering Illuminator over my lids as a base, before pressing on four powder shadows (she used Burst, Fame, Pivot and Obsidian to contour). After blending them all together beautifully, she applied a little of the pure pigment in Furore to the inner corners for extra effect, before dabbing on some precision ink eyeliner in Abyss and finishing with Masquara in Raven. After completing my eyes, she primed my face by adding Matt Primer, before using Skinbase foundation in #14 which she set with powder foundation in #215 for a flawless look. She then added a little blusher in Morale, a gorgeous purple. I've actually never used a purple blush but it was so very flattering! The look was finished using a sheer purple lipgloss called Tantrum,  to match my cheeks.

The products Tiarah used on me.

Me with my lovely makeup artist, Tiarah.

Posing with Tiarah (left) and Rebecca (right).

Selfie of the finished look.

R showing off her gorgeous makeup - look at her beautiful brows!

Close up of my eyes, can't wait to give it a try at home!

Selfie of the finished look.

She even gave me a beautifully written out card at the end, with a list of all the products used so I could come in and purchase them at my leisure. At no point did I feel pressured to buy anything, which was lovely given that the makeover was completely complimentary! As a matter of fact, they were both so lovely, it actually compels me to go back soon to purchase more products!

The front of the card, love the caption!

The list of products used during my makeover.
(Doesn't she have gorgeous writing?)

Tiarah did a beautiful job with my makeup and I was really very impressed by the service we received. Once she found out I was a beauty blogger and had a lot of interest in the brand, she was a fountain of information, telling me that Illamasqua was founded by the same man who created GHD, Julian Kynaston, 3 years ago in the UK. In the interim period, it has spread across the world and is now widely available in most countries (it's carried exclusively by Myer in Australia).

If you aren't aware, Illamasqua was the first company to ever begin petitioning for lower cosmetic prices in Australia, with their campaign to lower its Australian prices in order to better match their UK prices (you can sign the petition here). This was such a successful campaign that Illamasqua announced last week that they would be dropping their Australian prices significantly (think of margins between 25-40%, depending on products), as of the 1st of September, 2012. Yes, you read that right, they have significantly dropped prices as of YESTERDAY!

I think it is an exemplary step for a company to take, particularly when they have only been trading in Australia for approximately 2.5 years, and I think the best way to throw our support behind them is by purchasing their products in-store and proving that Australian consumers are supportive of such a momentous movement. With the drop in pricing, it mirrors their UK prices and it's truly the first time a company has made it more worthwhile for us Australian consumers to purchase in-store instead of from overseas (be it online, through duty free stores or while visiting other countries)!

If you've been thinking that Illamasqua only do theatrical or dramatic makeup, let me assure you that they also have lots of nude, soft makeup! I'd suggest going in and asking to try some makeup out, just explain what kind of look you're after and I'm sure the girls would be happy to make a recommendation.

Unfortunately, with the change in pricing, Illamasqua won't be offering complimentary makeovers any longer, but they will be pricing it at a very affordable $45, fully redeemable on product. You actually won't find any luxury beauty counter offering makeovers at that rate any longer, so it's an excellent chance to try some new products and having a new look to show off as well! While I hadn't tried the products before this makeover, I have spoken to quite a few Illamasqua staff before and they always seem friendly and approachable, so I would suggest going in, telling them what look you're after and booking in for a makeover to trial the products before buying. If you aren't close to a Myer store, never fear as you can purchase their products from the Myer website with free shipping (click here to browse the selection). You can also visit the Illamasqua Facebook page for more information.

I'm sorry for the lengthy post but I had a wonderful experience at the counter, as did my friend, and also learnt a lot about the brand. It always makes a world of difference when you get excellent customer service, as it truly inspires you to be loyal to a brand. I'm so impressed that I will definitely be visiting again to make some purchases. Top of my list is the Masquara (it made my lashes look amazing even without curling), a blush, some of their nail polishes and a lipstick.

And that, lovelies, is my experience at the Illamasqua counter! If you're in Melbourne and have access to Myer, I heartily recommend calling the counter and making an appointment to see Tiarah or Rebecca.

R and I in the middle, posing with Rebecca (right) and Tiarah (left). 

I hope you enjoyed my (rather long) post, thank you for for sticking with me to the end! Will you now be inspired to try (and buy) their makeup? If you already own some of their products, what would you recommend I add to my wishlist?

Much love,
MM.
x