Milani Baked Blushes Haul ft. swatches, first impressions + extras

Quite a while ago I made an order with Cherry Culture, and thought it was about time to share with you what I bought!

I had been eyeing off the Milani baked blushes, and Tiffany from WillWorkForMakeup's posts here, here and here pushed me right into the lap of Cherry Culture. It was my first purchase from them, and though it took a little while (can't remember exactly how long) I was content with the shipping and delivery.

Luminoso(05), Corallina(08), Berry Amore(03)

I figured that since I was paying for shipping anyway, I might as well make the most of it and throw 3 Milani shades into my basket, even though I wanted Luminoso the most. Turns out it was a great gamble, I have fallen in love with Berry Amore.

Corallina with arm swatch. This is the shade I've had the most problems with, as it can be quite glittery and unnatural looking at times. Still think it is really nice, though.

Berry Amore atop previous shade, and looking very 'bronzery', in the next swatch it looks closer to actual colour. It leans into a plum shade with some neutral running through it, I think it's super pretty in person.

Luminoso atop the two previous shades. This is the one I've heard spoken of most from the baked blush range, and I do like it on. It's a strong peach shade and unlike anything I have in my collection thus far. I haven't worn them all enough to warrant a full review just yet, but they are all very pigmented and can be a tad powdery sometimes.

Tilt ya head!

Just another shot of the shades swatched, in order from left: Luminoso, Berry Amore, Corallina. Taken in natural light next to window.

I'd seen people blogging about this and thought for such a cheap price I had to throw it in with my order. I chose the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk to use underneath some of my bright eye shades to enhance them, but am still playing around with it and haven't decided if I like it yet.

Milk Swatch :)

Cherry Culture were also kind enough to throw in this free Bubble Gum lip balm with my order! Thinking of gifting it to my neice though, as I have too many balms as it is.

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I was pleased with my first order from Cherry Culture, and will happily buy from them in the future. I've been liking the blushes and am glad to have been able to get my hands on them, as it is notoriously hard to down here in Australia as some of you may know.

Have you purchased from Cherry Culture before, or tried the Milani baked blush range?

emmabovary xx

Super sales & Bonker bargains!!!

Since Christmas is gone, the season is now about sparkly NYE party frocks and bargains galore. I've rounded up the bargains that have impressed me, and in coming posts will share NYE makeup looks I may be rocking!

Napoleon Perdis concept stores have a stack of summer collection products at 50% off! They are selling out fast, but if you can nab something you've got yourself a stellar bargain. My man bought me the 'Great Escapes Brush Set' in Teal to put away for my birthday next week. It's $375 worth of prodz, was retailing for $99, and we grabbed it for $49.50! It comes with 8 brushes in a leather case that has spots for all of them, and a zippered section if you want to pop some powder or something in there. There are also lip gloss sets and other items half price, but I knew what I wanted so went straight for this bad boy.I had a quick squiz in the cosmetics section of my local Myer, and saw selected Revlon items at 30% off (including the Just Bitten lip stains for $12.55!!) I also spotted something I hope to buy...
The Benefit 'All you need is Gloss' set of 6 glosses...for $24!! Am glad I didn't purchase them before, I think I'd be silly not to grab them now.
Online beauty site Cherry Culture has an extra 20% off with the code:s20, till December 30th. I haven't purchased anything from these guys yet but have heard good things, so in between typing I'm throwing some NYX items into my shopping basket, among many others.

Another sale (of sorts..) is the promotion Illamasqua will have running from Jan 9th through 30th. The concept is great- bin your boring crappy makeup for 25% off Illamasqua goodies! Just take them in, hand them over, and get shopping! Considering Illamasqua is pretty much my number 1 brand, I am all on board this train! I got wind of this deal through Primped =)

Another heads up I'm grateful for came from blogger Bini Loves Beauty. She tweeted recently about grabbing a bunch of MAC prodz for under $100, and I was intrigued. Found out that she purchases her stuff from ebayer "bergan71809", and on her positive recommendation I shall be purchasing some goodies from here soon. On a quick look over her items for sale, and spotted a heap of MAC shadows for less than $12! Jump in!


Hope you lovely ladies are shopping up a storm, let me know what you grab!

love emmabovary xx

(ps Christmas present post will be up soon, I was spoiled!)