Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll Vol. 382

my handsome boy!

Volume 382!
Your latest and greatest discovery? I don't know if I want to use a phrase as strong as 'great discovery' for this but here goes - the highlight of many a work day for me has been a chicken and cheese sandwich with a can of Dr. Pepper! I hardly ever touch soft drink as it doesn't float my boat, but Dr. Pepper is my new weakness and I am loving it hard right now.
Would you ever dye your entire head of hair green? I once rocked a half-head of green in my young-and-thinking-I-was-punk days, but I'm a bit plain with my hair now and leave it long and it's natural colour. Maybe one day I'll rock a nice dip dye as I like how that can look on others, but not for me right now.What's your standby/fallback snack? A slice of tasty cheese or a chopped up apple sprinkled with lemon juice - I take the latter to work with me every day and love it as a sweet treat! Naughty treats? Shapes and rice crackers all the way, but they are a sometimes food for me now.
What makes someone beautiful? A lot of different things can make someone beautiful, inside and out. I don't know that you can break it down to a succinct answer as people can be beautiful in so many different ways.
Road trip! Do you take the direct route or the scenic route? I think the direct route works for me as I hate being late...without a deadline though, the scenic route is always a pleasant option? I haven't been on a road trip in a really long time, the last one that springs to mind was for my best friends wedding in Warrnambool when we drove down with my parents for the weekend.

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I'm super tired this week and have a severe case of wanderlust...I've whittled away a fair chunk of my spare time looking through old travel snaps and Pinterest photos of Maui and that probably isn't helping. Do you have any holidays planned?
-Emma

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll Vol.380

Another round of the famous Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll to kickstart my brain! Here is Vol. 380...

a snap I took last week at our lake

1.Describe your typical weekend makeup look.
My weekend look is pretty similar to my weekday look, but if I'm heading out at night on the weekend I tend to take a bit more time doing my eye makeup and it makes the biggest difference to my overall look. I like to rock a bright lip on the weekends just because I can, but makeup choices generally depend on my mood more than anything else. If Mister takes me to a café I like to feel prettied up as it puts me in a good mood!


2. Have you ever trimmed your nose hair (be honest!)?
I can honestly say that I've never trimmed my nose hair - Mister, on the other hand...

3. Mascara primer: totally necessary or totally overrated?
I am yet to try a mascara primer but am intrigued to see whether or not they actually make enough of a difference to my lashes - mine are pretty long and curly as standard so it'd have to really impress me!

4. Gladiator shoes or espadrilles? (P.S. “Neither” is not an option. You have to choose one.)I think gladiator shoes are probably my jam over espadrilles - I'm definitely more of a flats person!

5. 5 random things you’re loving right now?
-Peppermint tea - I seriously can't get enough of the stuff right now
-My Laid Back Sample Project - I'm really enjoying trying out a stack of new beauty products without the pressure!
-Breaking Bad - Mister and I are currently watching the final season for the first time and the excitement in our house is crazy!
-Days off - am totally savouring my days off at the moment, pottering around the house and ticking things from my to-do list feels wonderful
-These hashtags on Instagram: #planneraddict #kmartaus #bathandbodyworks

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This week is shaping up to be quite nice - the new Madame Bovary movie is released on Thursday (check out the trailer!) and I'm hoping to get along to see it soon - can't remember the last time I was so excited for a film! How is your week looking so far?
-Emma

Monday Poll Vol.378

I've decided to start rolling through the famous Makeup and Beauty Blog's Monday Poll to try and kick start some blogging motivation up in here.
Here is this week's Monday Poll!

1. Walk me through your everyday concealer process.
I can be so lazy when it comes to concealer, but lately I've been forced to insert that extra step into my base routine thanks to some pesky spots that are just lingering and driving me insane. I usually use the creamy Clarins Instant Concealer, but lately have been putting the Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Concealer to work on my blemishes after I apply my liquid foundation. I also dab a tiny bit under each eye to brighten, and then set with a foundation powder.

 2. Would you rather carry a designer bag or wear a pair of designer shoes?
Designer bag, hands down! I'm all about comfort when it comes to shoes but handbags are my weakness and I'll be happy to get to the stage where I own a good few designer ones of my own ;)

3. What are your five favorite stores right now?
Myer is always my number one (beauty counters, come at me!) but Priceline and Kmart are also current loves for a cheap thrill (beauty or household, my two loves) Other random stores I've been into lately have been sneaker based - as I said before, comfort is key when it comes to footwear for me!

4. What was your favorite movie when you were a kid?
Beauty and the Beast was a firm favourite growing up (that library though...)

5. Do you think you’re more book smart or people smart?
I'd definitely fall under book smart rather than people smart - despite being customer service savvy I grew up with my head in a book and would be a professional-student if it were a viable option for our family, as I just love learning!

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I'm looking forward to a pretty enjoyable week - a press event with Lancôme, anniversary dinner with Mister and quality time with mugs of spearmint chamomile tea and some good books. I wish nothing but the best for your week too, hope it's a good one. x

The Beauty Scenario Tag

Although not technically tagged for this beauty scenario tag, I’ve been reading quite a few of the responses from other bloggers lately and Larie’s post in particular spurred me to jot down what I’d do if these crazy situations ever happened…

1. You have to get rid of all of your foundations and only keep one high-end and one drugstore; which do you keep?

I was shocked when I realised that I don’t really dabble in high-end foundations or bases…what kind of beauty blogger am I?! I think Illamasqua Skin Base is as high-end as I’ve ever fallen for (I like YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat but it’s a bit too glowy for my skin) My drugstore option would either be Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Foundation or Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3in1 Foundation. Actually now that I’ve thought about it, I’d rather just keep those two drugstore options instead!

 

2. You go for an interview, and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

I think I’d gauge the situation and the individual before making this decision – I’m often the one running after people who’ve left the bathroom with their skirt tucked up to let them know, but other times I feel too intimidated to mention little things like lipstick on teeth. I always let my friends know though, so there’s a plus for me ;)

3. You're not feeling yourself and need a pick-me-up lipstick. Which do you go for?

I think right now I’d probably go for my Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencil ‘Fab Orange’ as it’s my current obsession, but more often than not I’ll play around with my eyeshadow to perk myself up before I reach for a lipstick.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years; how would you do your hair or makeup differently?

I never wore makeup throughout high school, apart from the occasional foray into a smudge of black liner on my upper lash line. I had great skin until I went to uni (ironic, dontcha think?) so I never really felt the need to wear anything – I do wish I’d worn mascara more often, and taken advantage of clear skin with long lashes for a prettier look. Hair wise, I’ve never really been into it and not much has changed!

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott haircut but they hear wrong and give you a pixie cut - what would you do?

 A) Smile, say thank you, call your mum and cry hysterically

B) Cry in the chair and things get awkward

C) Complain to the manager and demand a refund

Real talk – I would have lost my bananas!! I did have an unfortunate too-short haircut around year 8, but I brought a picture into the salon and all so I am totally to blame for that mess. Round faces with chubby cheeks like mine often don’t suit short hair – mine definitely doesn’t!

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4-day city break and you have one hour to pack. Which 'Do it all' palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

What an awesome friend – bit late notice though missy! I’d probably forgo a whole face palette and just stick a thin shadow palette and a Chanel blush into my bag rather than going for something like the LauraMercier Lingerie Palette…though it might be nice to push myself out of my comfort zone and get more use from that!

 

7. Your house has been robbed. Don't worry, everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What's the product you really hope is safe?

My Chanel Joues Contraste blush stash better be unharmed or so help me…that collection is a true labour of love!

 

8. Your friend borrows makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you:

 A) Pretend you haven't noticed

B) Ask them to re-purchase it

C) Secretly do it back to their makeup

I give away makeup more regularly than I lend it out, though I do let people use stuff at my house if they’d like to (or I’ll do their makeup for them more often than not!) I would

I don’t think I have any friends who’d do something like that, especially the ones that know me and my beauty obsession well, but it does irk me when people swatch my makeup before I’ve taken pictures of it! #beautybloggerproblems

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I love the way that random tags force you to think about things in a different way, crazy as the questions may be. I have a newfound protective spirit over my Chanel JC’s and an appreciation for great drugstore makeup bases now!

-Emma

Le List - The Tuesday Poll

Sometimes a poll is a nice way to break from routine, and I felt like chatting about makeup using Le List from Makeup and Beauty Blog. Feel free to tag yourself and post your responses in the comments or on your blog, I'd love to read them all!

a pretty blush photo, Sunday Riley 'Blushing'
unrelated to le list, but I wanted to share it with you anyway

1. Do you have a diary?
I have thousands of those little secret keepers! Sadly, the secrets within are nothing to rave about, but Mister Bovary is still itching to crack one open and have a read.
*writes fake diary entry*
Dear Diary. I wish Mister would bust out the Lush Magic Wiccy massage bar more often, I have some knots in my shoulders that need work...
Do you think it would work?!

2. Best makeup lighting in your house?
In my new place? Definitely in the lounge during the afternoon, but I am yet to test out my beauty room so I am not sure how the light in there is during the day. Can't wait to have my Ikea Alex and some polish racks in there, with a little sitting area for reading a book with a cuppa.

3. Which do you wear more often, lipstick or gloss?
Lately, it has definitely been gloss. Barry M Toffee has been getting quite the workout, the sweet scent and wearable nude colour is just hitting it out of the park for me at the moment. I've also got my eye on some of the new nude Kardashian Beauty lip glosses - nude lips for summer, that is something different!

4. With whom do you talk the most about makeup offline?
Beauty blogger events are always a great chance to blab about beauty with likeminded ladies, but I also love chatting to the chicks at Kit Cosmetics (always so lovely, and honest too!) My dear friend Carly is beauty mad as well, so we often lose half our study sessions to musing about beauty YouTube channels and what new eyeshadow palettes we are gunning for. Nothing better than chatting about beauty!

5. Does the color of a room affect your mood?
The bedroom at our new place is all warm tones, rich chocolate with taupe and latte tones mixed in for good measure. It makes me feel cozy and stylish, despite not having our new bedroom suite in there just yet. I suppose having a say in the colour does affect my mood, I know I want some bright pops of colour in my beauty room so that will be a mood lifter for sure!

6. Do you have any plants around you at work?
When I'm working from home I'm not really surrounded by nature - I do break for an hour during the day to walk alongside our local lake, so I suppose that counts as plants (and ducks, swamp hens and swans!) I like being able to indulge in nature, but it can get messy so we have a ultra low maintenance outdoor area and use the surrounding parks instead!

7. Are there any shadows you love except for the fallout?
There are a few Too Faced shades that drive me mental with fallout, but because I apply my eye makeup before the face it doesn't really bother me all that much. MAC Retrospeck is a bit chunky and can sometimes have fallout, but it remains one of my favourite eye shadows regardless!

8. How do you feel about nude nail polish?
I think it can look really lovely if the tone is right, I have some great essence nude polishes that I quite like. They can be a bit bland sometimes, but generally they give a nice polished, lady-like look to your hands.

9. If you could be invisible for 2 hours, what would you do?
If I said I would sneak into the drawers at Chanel to see if they have the new holiday collection hidden in there, would you think less of me? I want to swatch it so badly! That being said, does anyone have a launch date for Australia? Accent blush be mine!

10. What’s your current favorite face product?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, my skin has had it's monthly tantrum and I'm nursing it back to health with this miracle tube. In terms of pretty face products? Tarte Exposed still has it goin' on- I'm boring and predictable, I know!

a blush photo featuring Tarte Exposed, as always

Now it's your turn! Tell me what your current favourite face product is in the comments, I would absolutely love to know!

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty x

Sunday Survey // 01

Playing around with my new camera!

01 Mood: Excited but apprehensive- Chris and I are in charge of my parents place now that they've gone overseas, and it is the first time we have to really fend for ourselves. Plus, I'm coming down with something, and have a feeling being sick without Mum's comfort is going to suck.

02 Best thing about this weekend: I went to Doncaster to swatch some Laura Mercier and eat Sumo Salad with my man. I say 'swatch' and 'eat' but I really mean haul and maul ;)

03 Last movie I saw: Natonal Lampoons European Vacation, which was a nice funny movie for a Saturday night.

04 What I’m watching: Right now I'm watching Miss Glamorazzi on YouTube. She is one of my favourites and so easy to watch, she is so upbeat and positive.

05 Skincare lust: I'm lusting over some Antipodes and Grown products, but in terms of what I'm using right now I am loving my Kiehls Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate. I haven't seen major results just yet but I love the warming feeling when I apply it, and I hope that this will help my fine lines.

06 Listening to: T.I. on my iPhone on the train, and Chris' old phone mix in the car, which is full of old school RNB and rap songs that we both love to sing along to.

07 Favourite recent purchase: Chris bought me the new Laura Mercier palette for Cheeks and Eyes today, from the recent Lingerie collection. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about makeup!

08 What I’m reading: I just finished reading the whole Harry Potter series and have moved onto Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5. I am into war novels at the moment, so have a few lined up including Pat Barker's works.

09 I want: To haul some Haus of Gloi for the first time!

10 Aim for this week: To keep learning how to cook dinner now that we have the house to tend to, and to get active and start to drop some of this uncomfortable weight that has crept up on me.

How about you?
How was your weekend?

little old me

Saw this tag over at Click Your Heels and thought the questions she came up with were good enough to steal;)

1. What diary are you using in 2012?
I am a compulsive note-taker, and so hardly leave the house without my diary. This year I picked up a slim dark brown week to a page diary from Typo for a measly $5 AUD.

2. Have you travelled overseas before? Where?
I was lucky enough to be taken along on my parents' travels over the years, so I've been to Scotland, England, France, Bali and Thailand. I'd love to go to France again, and I'm heading to Thailand in a few weeks!

3. What is your family heritage?
Both of my parents are Scottish, but my siblings and I were all born here in Australia.

4. What is your favourite place to eat out?
I have a few favourite restaurants I like to eat at, Chris and I eat at Indian restaurants quite a bit as it is my favourite cuisine. We also like Mozzkito in Clifton Hill (Melbourne) for their huge servings and consistently tasty meals.

5. What handbag are you currently using?
I've been using a large grey tote from Sportsgirl, but since I spilt my lemon lime and bitters slurpee in it I've moved on to a small black cross body bag. I have a new piece from Foley & Corinna on the way, and to say I'm excited is an understatement! 

6. What is your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink?
Apple Cider, and soda water.

7. What type of exercise or hobby do you do?
Not much, if anything I walk but am not one for team sports or early morning gym sessions.

8. What is you favourite lipstick or lip gloss?
MAC Viva Glam Cyndi is my all time favourite lipstick, I was so sad when it was discontinued.

9. What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
I am terrified of pretty much everything- flying, boats, fire, heights, crowds etc. The two most daring things I've ever done would be climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and snorkelling in the middle of the ocean last time we were in Thailand.

Madame Bovary, the blogs namesake

10. How long have you been a blogger? What made you start?
I began blogging in November 2010, because I wasn't writing enough in my literature course (ha!) and wanted to delve into the beauty world I was peering into via everyone elses blogs. Best decision ever.

11. Are you a MAC or a PC person?
 PC, Chris bought me an Asus laptop for uni (read:blog) at Christmas and I'm in love with it!


I'd love to hear more about YOU! So feel free to do this tag or leave some responses to the questions below, I'd love to get to know my beautiful readers!

2010, almost done and dusted!

Was perusing my favourite blogs and came across this gem of a yearly wrap up at 'I Came to Make a Bang' Thought I would steal it and share the year that passed and the year ahead.

What was your 2010 resolution?
I think it was the usual- to lose weight, study hard, work heaps, and head overseas with Mister Christopher. I put on weight, studied moderately, worked heaps and enjoyed a holiday in Thailand and Malaysia =)

What will be your 2011 resolution?
To make 'emmabovarybeauty' something that you guys want to click on all the time. Your support gives me confidence that this can be made possible in 2011!
Another resolution is to rock a bright eye, and find the perfect red lippy for me!

Most memorable moment?
Snorkelling in Phuket...I'm not the bravest little chicken, and was proud that I wasn't afraid. (Even when the fish bit me on the bottom!)

What are you most grateful for?
Most grateful for having a sweet life. I am lucky to have a great family life, incredible man, and opportunities in life that send me to uni and allow me to work.
I'm happy and I'm healthy and I'm grateful for that!

Most exciting thing to happen?
Every little comment or tweet that I receive from the beauty blogging world! I adore this world, and am enjoying having a glimpse into it.

Did you try anything new this year?
emmabovarybeauty, snorkelling, and all of the certificates and courses I completed.

Any regrets?
Could have studied harder and made A's, could have worked more and saved too. All in all, I'm happy with the beauty prodz I spent pay checks on, and the B's I made at uni. All worth it!

What do you wish you could do again?
I wish I could have chosen a brighter colour scheme for my eyes- it was a neutral eye year, for sure!

How are you going to wrap up 2010?
I'm not a party girl, so I imagine I will bring in the new year and push out the old with sparkly nails & eyes, sequins and champers- at home with the fam ;)

That's my 2010/2011- what about yours?