Peppermint Chip // Stash Shopping Makeup Look

Sometimes a classic colour combination is something not to be messed with, and often when I land on a winning combination I am immediately hooked! I was inspired by the thought of a mint chip cookie for this look, and it has been my go-to on and off for a while now.

 

A quick rifle through the unloved sections of my stash brought out some real winners, with the Chanel Illusion D’Ombre cream eyeshadow in Epatant being the star of the scene. I’ve been using it on and off for weeks now, and love that it isn’t too green by itself those scared of colour, take note! A light pop of BYS metallic green over the top of it can really kick the ‘mint’ effect up a notch though, and then you throw a bit of chocolate goodness through the crease and it's done - good enough to eat! 

A smudge of essence Hot Chocolate really ties the theme together for me, and I brought out my Clinique High Lengths mascara* out to really stretch my lashes out. The funny rubber brush takes a while to get used to (I may not even be there yet) but I sure love the length it gives, so I’m not going to complain!

Chanel Epatant, Burberry Copper, BYS palette, Clinique High Lengths*, Clinique Strawberry Fudge, essence Hot Chocolate

I was having a pretty good skin day when I took these photos, but props must also be given to the cheek stars that I think did a nice job of warming up my face against the relatively cool toned eye look that was the star of the show. Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer* is my top pick for a bronzer, you’ll often see my spruiking it to anyone if the topic of faux sun is mentioned in passing. In fact, I was raving about it to my lecture buddy at University earlier this week! I topped it off with my snapped but still beautiful Burberry Lip Mist in Copper (best GWP ever, I’d say!) and the peppermint chip makeup look was complete!

Bourjois 123 Perfect foundation, Laura Mercier foundation primer, Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer*, L'Oreal The Muse's Blush

What do you think of wearing chocolate and mint together? Keep it in the ice cream cone or go for it?

Willow for Dermalogica

There isn’t much I love more than beauty products and dreaming about designer brands, so as you can imagine I get quite excited when the two combine. At a recent launch event I was introduced to the brand new gift with purchase that Dermalogica have set up with fashion house Willow for the month of April, and I was really impressed with the quality of the goods! Usually GWP’s come in a great makeup bag, but this is the first I have come across that include a genuine, buttery leather clutch with some travel sized samples tucked inside. I love structured bags like this one, I definitely prefer it to a long line clutch so I was elated to take one of these designer bags home with me on the day. This clutch is yours with any Dermalogica purchase over $100, and being a fan of a stack of Dermalogica products I thought I would tell you which ones are the best!

First off, you NEED the Precleanse! Originally reviewed here , this is a runny oil substance that whisks away makeup and prepares your face for your cleanser. I am addicted to this and find it super hard to cleanse without it now that I’m hooked. Another product I love is the Skin Prep Scrub and the Daily Microfoliant. If you prefer physical scrubs, Skin Prep is the way to go as it is chunky but still doesn’t aggravate the skin. Those who love chemical/fruit enzyme based exfoliants should go for the microfoliant, which is a powder that you work into a paste and it eats away at the dead skin cells for you. Both are great and I alternate them depending on which I can be bothered reaching for, so they are great options to get you on your way to earning this amazing gift with purchase.


Now mark your diaries, Aussie ladies! To celebrate the exciting collaboration, Dermalogica are holding an event with champagne, canapes and free on-the-spot treatments in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I’ve popped the details and invitation below, and will hopefully be making my way down to the Melbourne launch to play with some new Dermalogica products and perhaps get my face mapped!

 

Let me know what YOUR favourite Dermalogica product is in the comments below, or tell me about a product you’ve tried from the brand. Are you planning on heading down to see the amazing Willow clutch in person?

*I was a guest of PR for the Dermalogica event and was gifted the clutch and travel sized products while there. Honesty, always.

Revlon Haul (including Myer GWP!)

I’d had my eye on a few things from Revlon, and I generally like to wait until they have a good sale on or a worthwhile promotion before I hand over the money. As luck would have it, Myer has a great gift with purchase (GWP) on right now until Christmas Eve, and you get a choice of two metallic clutches filled with products when you spend over $39.95. I chose to pick up the new Colorstay Whipped foundation (150 Buff) as I’d read a few blog reviews and they seemed positive, and I threw in the Colorstay eyeshadow quad in Siren to bring the purchase up to the correct amount. I ended up spending around $60 AUD, which is not bad when you consider how much I got in the clutch as well.

 

 

I chose the blue clutch set as I like the look of the palette and gloss more than the items in the other pack, even though that bag is more attractive. Ever since the Colorstay quads were released I’d had my eye on them, but since I’ve indulged in the beauty that is high-end eyeshadows, I was afraid I would be disappointed with the pigmentation. I haven’t had too much of a play around with them, but since I received the Addictive neutral quad and am now the owner of 2 palettes, I will be sure to let you know how I get on. I was happy with initial instore swatches, so only time will tell. The Colorburst gloss in Orchid is a pretty purple toned pink filled with shimmer, and as a lover of most Revlon lip offerings, no doubt I will love this gloss and it will fall into my regular beauty line up for summer.

The clutch also holds a Colorstay nail enamel in 280 Blue Slate, a PhotoReady 3D Volume mascara in Blackest Black and a PhotoReady Perfecting Primer sample. The clutches contents are valued at over $99, and I think it is a pretty good deal if you are thinking of picking up something from Revlon anyway, or would like to get a Christmas gift from there and pick up a bonus for your efforts!

 

If you were telling someone about Revlon and they had never heard of them before, what would you recommend they try?

 

The Shop Shade // Free Lip Glaze!

Like Doritos and salsa, two greats coming together is a wonderful thing. A long-time lover of Shop Til You Drop magazine and Kit Cosmetics, their now annual collaboration is once again upon us and it is a beauty!

For a number of years now, my brother and sister in law's Christmas gift to me has been a yearly subscription to Shop Til You Drop, which is by far my favourite and most read publication. I love the articles, images and shopping anecdotes which litter the pages, and the thick nature means I feel like it is worth the money. Now that I've gotten a free lipstick with this issue, it is even more worthwhile!

Simply called 'The Shop Shade', this bright pop of raspberry is free with this months magazine (November issue, with Gwyneth on the cover) Details are on page 164, but you basically hand in that page to Kit Cosmetics or Mecca Maxima stores to receive your FREE lip glaze! In previous years they have created nail shades in popular colours, but I must say I am more interested in a free lip glaze.

'The Shop Shade' is a pigmented opaque raspberry with a little bit of stick to it, which helps it last longer on the lips. I am fond of the Kit Cosmetics lip range in general, and this shade is a nice bright shade for spring and summer.

If you are interested in this shade, be sure to race out and grab your November Shop Til You Drop magazine so you can obtain your lip glaze before they run out. For more info, head to the Shop page here.

 

*As stated above, I received this gloss free because I have the November issue of Shop. Hon

Anniversary Haul // Burberry, Illamasqua + Bioderma

Chris and I celebrated our anniversary almost a month ago, but I still thought you'd like to have a gander at what I bought during our weekend stay in Melbourne CBD.

Picked up a bottle of Bioderma Crealine H20 as I had finished my bottle and missed it terribly. One of my very favourite beauty finds, I've reviewed it here if you want to see my thoughts on it.

I stopped by the Illamasqua counter in Myer on Bourke St and fell in love with the new Naked Strangers collection. They really have the best imagery, the brand can do no wrong in my eyes. I've reviewed this Naked Rose blush here.

After watching Zoe Foster knock out a smokey eye in two minutes over here, I knew I needed to pick up the MAC paint pot she used. Constructivist is nice and easy to work with and blend, nice chocolately colours like this always remind me of Zoe!

More lipsticks is not what I need, but I can never stop myself with Face of Australia as they are so damn cheap. Trying to branch out with red lip shades to see what I suit best, and this ruby and orange toned shade seemed nice. Have a post on these coming up!

Chris usually buys me jewellery for anniversarys, but this year I hadn't stumbled upon anything I liked enough to choose so we avoided the shiny stuff this year. I think having my engagement ringAs we passed by Burberry the MUA asked if I'd like a free makeover, and Chris urged me to try the things I'd had on my Burberry wishlist!

Pale Barley eyeshadow was numero uno on my Burberry wants list, and I am so happy to finally own it! I have a Burberry specific post coming up soon with swatches and photos! The MUA used the Golden Brown eyeliner on me and I loved the way the colour defined my eyes and went with Pale Barley. The Copper Lip Mist was a free GWP on the day, which was a big surprise for me! Free Burberry isn't something that occurs often. The MUA also threw in a ton of fragrance samples (mostly male scents for Chris, some of which I have stolen) and was generally amazing at her job.

The Burberry part of this doesn't really count as a 'haul' as it was Chris' anniversary gift to me, but still thought I'd show it! Here is one of the photos from our weekend together.

I had such a great weekend away, Chris has had some health problems lately and we have been pretty stressed out so this getaway was needed! I am yet to get the engagement party photos from the photographer, but when I do would any of you be interested in seeing some of them in a post?

I picked up a few other items over the weekend but this was the main beauty stuff.

What do you think of my haul?!

Cherry Princess by L'Occitane

L'Occitane have been hitting it out of the park with their recent collections, and this one is no exception. The scent of a cherry blossom is one that I just adore, and having that in such a range of products is a wonderfully sweet addition to the L'Occitane brand. A limited edition release, the Cherry Princess scented range contains quite a few stunningly packaged products. This post will share the pearlescent shower cream, the hand cream and the solid perfume.

I adore shower time, and having a shimmering creamy bottle of this is a little slice of heaven. Though it is a shower cream, it does lather once it hits the sponge and goes a long way. The lather isn't completely creamy, but still quite moisturising and lovely to use.

I am fond of pearlescent products for the shower, I think they add a touch of luxe to any bathing ritual, and that is something I definitely endorse.

Ingredients, in case anyone is interested in them.

I tend to think of hand creams as a necessary indulgence, and when I'm sitting in the library writing all day, I look forward to using a sweetly-scented one to perk up a dull mood or slump in writing action. This leaves my hands super soft and isn't greasy at all. L'Occitane hand creams are some of the best I've used, and this scent is less sickly-sweet than just plain lovely, and I adore the packaging as well. It isn't a classic floral print, but geometric and definitely adds a modern touch to L'Occitane.

Again, the ingredients list if anyone is interested.

I only have a few solid perfumes in my collection, and I like being able to take the convenient size along with me. This is not a strong scent, it's subtle but something to surprise my nose each time my wrist happens to pass by my nose.

It's much easier to reapply throughout the day than a spray, as I don't have to leave the desk at the library for fear of offending any sensitive noses nearby. I have also been using this before bed at night, as I sleep with my hands clasped near my face (bit random?) and this delicate lil' flower is excellent to drift into dreamland with.

Ingredients for the solid perfume (as an aside, I love things that are made in France a little more than others, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!)

Any pieces from this collection would make a lovely gift for yourself or for Mother's Day, and the collection is now out at L'Occitane stores so be sure to check it out. Alternatively, you can order from the new collection online here. They have some great promotions going on, including a $30 'Spring Blossom' hand cream trio in a tin, or a complete Mother's Day set for $95 which is amazing! If you spend $80 in L'Occitane which includes a piece from the new collection, you get a great GWP as well.

Overall I think this collection is one of the best I've seen from L'Occitane, the packaging and product execution is stellar and the prices make these products very accessible.

Pearlescent Shower Cream 250ml $28

Solid Perfume 10g $16

Hand Cream 30ml $12

Are you a fan of cherry blossom scents?
What are some of your favourite L'Occitane products?

Would love to hear what you think of the packaging of this collection in the comments!

*These products were provided for consideration for review, which has not affected my opinions or review of this collection. Honesty, always.

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.

*

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

Revlon Haul

Revlon and Myer have a great promotion going on at the moment, where you receive a gift with purchase when spending $39.95. I had my eye on the new 'Just Bitten' stain in 'Gothic' since Yas on Primped rocked it in a Xmas vid, so was having a play with some of the Revlon stuff the other day. I picked up the stain and the Colorstay Liquid Liner in 'Blackest Black', so was eligible for the freebies=) In this gift pack is:
*Fabulash Mascara in Blackest Black
*Classic Nail Enamel in Tropical Temptation
*Illuminance Cream Shadow in Not Just Nudes
*Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Infinite Rose
*Colorstay Makeup Normal/Dry in Natural Beige
As well as the makeup bag itself.
I'm always the girl to fall in love with the free GWP and be less in love with the prodz I chose myself, and this was the case with this purchase. I have tried the mascara, eyeshadow palette and gloss so far, as well as the stain and liner, and the overall standout prod for me is the lipglaze. The images don't do it justice, the colour is gorgeous on the lip and it isn't sticky or too 'wet' as others glazes can be.

The cream shadow is a new concept for me, I'm a powder shadow girl, but I gave it a go and think I need more practice and a better base. It was a bit slippery, and I felt it looked a bit messy. I will play around and let you know how I go.

Another surprise is the lining on the makeup bag, I wasn't expecting this pattern inside a glitzy gold number:A lovely nanna pattern nevertheless!

Hop to Myer if you're interested in this GWP, it ends this Saturday (27thNov).

emmabovary x