#dayinthelife ft. Melbourne City trip and mini haul

I've never done a post like this before, but I find them fun to read so when Mister Bovary and I went out last weekend I decided to snap some pictures to take you along with me. Hope you enjoy!

Had a wee sleep in before getting up to clean the house - vacuuming is my most-loved chore, what is yours?

Advent calendar time! I think the little elf on the calendar looks just like Mister Bovary but he disagrees, teehee!

Took a train into the city to see the Myer windows (gingerbread theme this year, and the line was absolutely humungous!) and stumbled across Santa Land!

Cheeky snap of Mister B in his very favourite 'beauty' store, Lush on Swanston Street! His favourite products are the wobbling shower jellies, they smell amazing.

Stopped to watch some pretty cool beat boxers busking in the street.

Had a quick look in Sportgirl and saw that they have new cream blushes out, and some eye crayons that I was mighty tempted by! I wanted to test the pink blush shade but they didn't have a tester out so I didn't end up buying anything.

Swoon, there is nothing like a nice wander through the makeup sections of Myer and David Jones. Nothing really jumped out at me apart from the new Laura Mercier White Magic collection, especially that metallic lilac shadow in the front there.

Food time! Finally dragged him into Ajisen Ramen in Melbourne Central after saying I would take him there for months! (As an aside, I totally coerced him into wearing his Melbourne shirt today - ha!)

Our entrees weren't that impressive, I ordered fried tofu with miso sauce and he ordered gyoza but really didn't like the strong flavour. I ordered my usual Sake Don (salmon teriyaki with rice) but ordered some extra sauce this time. He ordered the ribs and said they were really yummy, so overall the meal was a success in my book!

A little bit of $2.80 haulin' never killed nobody... (Daiso baby!)

Loving the festivities in the air, gave me such a Christmas kick!

A city trip isn't complete without a jaunt in Starbucks, and having coffee with Mister is one of my favourite things to do any day. I should've ordered a caramel frappucino like Mister Bovary did, but instead I went 'cute and festive' and got a gingerbread latte. Ergh, totally had to force it down and definitely won't be ordering again! Would much rather the maple latte from Gloria Jeans at this time of year.

Peek my head in the corner there, ha! Took some cheesy tourist-y shots with the drummer boys outside the hall. You know you are a beauty blogger when you instinctively spell it 'haul' over 'hall', right?

Home time and chilling in the lounge looking at our beautiful Christmas tree! That little bear ornament is holding a sign that says 'Charlie' <3

Weekends mean time for a brush, and Charlie just won't let go of his beloved Santa toy that my sister bought for him.

My Daiso mini haul: basketball jersey for Charlie boy, tape dispenser, dog nail scissors, star cookie cutter and melamine tray.

The rest of my haul! Cute costume necklace to wear to a party, some festive hair clips to fit in with the crazy head pieces at work, and a Rimmel Space Dust and Savvy blush from the Mister (Swatches of the polish are in yesterdays post!)

After dinner we popped on one of my favourite masks, the Michika Anti-Fatigue*, while Charlie hung out with his toys. A paper face mask has this relaxing appeal to me so we have a weekly sesh with them whenever we can.

Perhaps I will blame this dessert on the need to get the taste of Starbucks gingerbread latte from my mouth and the memory from my mind? Nevertheless, my chopped apples topped with Itha's Gourmet Foods Brandy Butterscotch dessert sauce* (150ml for $8) was delicious, and I'm a big fan of the Vanilla Bean Custard Flavour too. Even though I've done all my Christmas shopping, I'm thinking that one or two of these would make a great hostess gift for parties in the new year?

What do you do when you head into your capital city?
What 'hostess gifts' do you think take the cake?
Did you find my lazy 'day in the life' interesting to read? Would love your feedback as it is the first I've ever done!

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

 

A Sexy Summer Shadow Look with Too Faced

When I think 'summer shadows', I gravitate towards champagne and gold aka the lazy lady shades! I think because our festive season in Australia is so hot it is easy to embrace these flattering shades, but I decided to use my favourite shades from the Too Faced Sexy Summer Shadows palette instead to create a makeup look.

I dipped my brush into the beautiful satin Toasted Coconut and blended it on the whole lid, before buffing the edges with a floppy brush to soften the edges. I'd probably take the shadow a little higher next time, but I wasn't intending on using this for a blog post so I was just playing around with the colours. I used Seashell to highlight my brow bone, as I thought the glitter in Peach Fuzz and Sunbeam were a little too much for a look like this.

I then took the beautiful deep teal Mermaid and dragged it along the outer third of my lower lash line, and it came out a lot darker on the eye than it appears in the pan as I mentioned in my last post. I am really getting into wearing colours on the lower lash line, and I think it is perfect for the upcoming summer as it is a quick and easy way to create a fun look that is low maintenance. I'm also pretty obsessed with lining my upper lash line (pencil or liquid) so I'll have to share my liner loves with you soon.

I can't remember exactly what I had on my lips for this look, I have a feeling it was a Sportsgirl gloss (I adore them!) but I didn't jot down the products as I made up my face - how frustrating! 

What do you think of this easy summer shadow look?
What colours do you like wearing on your lower lash line?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

February Collective Haul

Celebrating a ‘last hurrah’ of sorts, sharing some of the products I indulged in during February. March saw me begin my post graduate diploma at university, and subsequently the bulk of my spending money has been put to textbooks and a stack of new stationary to keep me on track.

Though I’ve heard negative reviews of Strawberrynet and their policies, the lure of finally getting my hands on a Jouer item was too tempting. A ‘saved search’ within my ebay account, it was Ingrid from Miss Glamorazzi that had me hooked on getting their powder blush in ‘Blossom’.  I have previously bought a YSL Crème de blush from SNet before and so when I saw #6 Rouge Passion was available, in the cart it went. The formula of theses is literally the best I’ve ever used. The CK shadow was a GWP and I chose a light neutral, as you can never have too many of those.

I am big fan of the Girlz Only dry shampoo which is available at Target for $2 per can, and when I spotted one for deep brown hair I knew that I needed to try it out. I am still using the original formula, but when I get around to trying this I will let you know how it goes. When Big W had their cosmetics sale, I popped a couple of the Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean Eye & Lip Makeup Removers to try out, and one to give to my bestie to try. Quite happy with how it is performing thus far!

There isn’t much better than receiving samples from high end beauty counters, so when my local YSL lady showed me the new Rouge Volupte Shine sample blister packs, I was over the moon. I have my eye on the shade Nude in Private but have held of purchasing until the weather cools down and I can bring out my lipsticks again. The beautiful Ulta3 set was a wonderful pharmacy find, and I’m excited to bust out the bright shades soon.

My love for Chanel Joues Contraste blushes seems to be growing, and I added the limited edition 76 Frivole to my collection at the beginning of February. A beautiful light apricot shade, this contrasts heavily with the bright Pink Explosion which was my first Chanel blush shade. I have only used this a handful of times, but am very glad to have it in my blush drawer.

Despite earlier mentioning holding off on lipstick purchases until the weather becomes bearable again, here I present my Maybelline Vivid collection (along with a cheeky Sportsgirl sale lipstick) I chose Neon Red, Vivid Mandarin and Hot Plum as they were shades I think I will get the most use from during the cold and grey winter months (which is when I like to wear bright lips most!)

Clockwise from bottom left: MAC Gentle, Chanel Frivole, YSL Rouge Passion, Jouer Blossom, MAC Poised

Just to further highlight my blush madness, I threw the new cheek shades of mine into a single shot, purely for swooning purposes. The bottom MAC shades were from this MAC haul, which I shared with you last week.

So there you have it, the stack of beauties I added to my cosmetic collection during February. Have you bought anything nice lately?

 

beauty week at a glance #1

When I saw the concept of beauty at a glance on Larie’sblog, I knew it was a series I would love to install on the blog. After getting the A-OK from Larie (whose posts I adore whole heartedly!) I began snapping pictures of the main players for a week’s worth of makeup looks. This won't be a weekly series, but will occur when I feel like sharing some makeup shots with you. I hope you enjoy seeing what I wore during the week!

 

Monday:

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel, Tarte Exposed, Face of Australia Lychee Crush*, L’Oreal Metallic Lilac, MAC Moth Brown, Face of Australia Impact Curl, Barry M Toffee lipgloss.

Loved the combination of purple toned eyes with a flush of natural bronze cheeks! I am still getting the hand of the Chanel Bronze Universel, it is so unlike anything else I own. 

 

Tuesday:

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, L’Oreal Metallic Lilac, MAC Moth Brown, MAC Sheen Supreme  Asian Flower, essence I like Candy gloss, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat*, MAC Rosy Outlook, Poison Apple Apothecary White Rabbit (thanks Dee!)

Really loved this purple look, the lips didn’t compete too much with the eyes, which I think was thanks to the blush which tied it all together. 

 

Wednesday:

Sally Hansen Complete Care*, Illamasqua Freak*, L’Oreal Infallible Endless Chocolate, YSL Touche Eclat*, Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude, Rimmel  Nude Delight, Barry M Toffee, Sportsgirl Give some Lip in Stardust.

Nude central today, I adore the L’Oreal Infallible’s and don’t give this chocolate shade enough love. Barry M Toffee is such a winner as well.

Thursday:

essence Asian Sensation blush, MAC Painterly paintpot, essence quad in Dreaming Under a Cherry Tree,  Inglot teal shadow, Urban Rituelle CottonCandy*, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, Face of Australia Impact Curl mascara, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous.

Was quite obviously trialling out the new essence products I bought on this day, and I ended up really loving the warm and pretty coral look. Rendezvous needs to come out in Australia, it is an amazing shade! For the eyes I used the taupe shade from the essence quad all over the lid, with the peach and the coral blended into the crease. The teal Inglot shade was a lower lashline colour to tie the look in with the dress I had on.

 

Friday:

Guerlain Champs Elysees, Revlon Balm Stain in Rendezvous, Face of Australia Impact Curl mascara, MAC Painterly paint pot, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat*, BYS Fierce Fuschia, Face of Australia Loose Powder in Outback Translucent*.

Finally getting around to using my Color Tattoo, and am really enjoying the ease of it all. The Guerlain is my favourite perfume, such a stunning scent and I’ve gone through bottle after bottle of the stuff.

***

I really enjoyed taking some quick snaps after I finished my makeup in the morning, and I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my beauty week!

*Marked items were provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Australian Beauty Stars

Australia Day is upon us once more, and I thought it an appropriate time to sit down and pull out some Australian products from my stash to share with you all. I will be honest and admit that I don’t really think of where a brand is based when making a decision to purchase, so I am glad to see so many stellar Australian brands that have crept into my collection.  Here are some of the Aussie beauty stars in the Bovary household!

 

Bronzers:

Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol

Nvey Eco Nourishing Bronzer in Oasis*

Face of Australia  pressed powder in Bronze*

My favourite from this bunch would have to be the Face of Australia offering, as I adore the sleek and slim compact. The colour is quite shimmery, so a light hand is recommended to get that world renowned Aussie beach babe glow!

Face and Eyes:

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Cheek & Eye Shimmer

Face of Australia blush in Hello Dolly

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky in Rose

Nvey Eco eyeshadow in 162*

Sportsgirl Shady Lady eye colour in Prom Night

Face of Australia Liquid Liner in black

Face of Australia Loose Powder in Outback Translucent*

My favourites include the FOA liquid liner and loose powder, they are seriously hard working and so easy on the purse that it is quite hard to believe.  

Lips:

Lanolips Lip Ointments in Apples, Lemonaid, Mulberry* and  Sunshine

Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment*

Grown Alchemist Watermelon & Vanilla lip balm*

Face of Australia lipstick in Malibu Barbie

Lipstick Queen lipstick in Saint Red*

I am loving all of these nourishing lip products this summer, but Malibu Barbie is such a happy shade of pick that it takes the cake!

 

Indulgences:

Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream with lemongrass, lemon myrtle, grapefruit and eucalyptus

MOR hand cream in Cassis Noir

Endota Spa Lemon & Organic Sugar body scrub*

Sukin Wellbeing Body Oil*

Urban Rituelle Cotton Candy perfume*

The Sukin Wellbeing Oil is so amazing, I am hoping that they decide to cancel its status as ‘limited edition’ and keep that baby on the shelf forever. Massage oil, moisturiser, hair tamer, it seriously does it all and smells brilliant. The Urban Rituelle Cotton Candy is finally back out in a 100ml bottle, I have been clutching the purse sized spray that I bought and not wanting to waste it, and am so happy to now have this to clutch instead.

 

Skincare:

Sukin Facial Moisturiser*

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Grown Rose Absolute, Ginseng & Chamomile Facial Toner*

The Jojoba Company Antioxidant Serum*

Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz*

The Jojoba Company Intense Recovery Balm*

Simplicite One Step Exfoliating Cleanser*

Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser*

Of course Jurlique had to be mentioned when writing about great Australian brands, they have products of such a high quality with beautiful packaging, and I love the indulgence they bring to my beauty routine. Sukin are also an amazing low cost brand, I recommend them to people all the time and love their clean packaging and affordable skincare.

 

Did you know that all of these products were true blue? If you are a fellow Aussie, I would love to know how you are spending today (or the public holiday on Monday!) If you are one of my beloved International readers, I am curious to know what your perceptions of our country really are? Would love to hear from you in the comments!

*Marked products were provided for editorial consideration. Honesty, always.

Summer Skin Essentials

While the UK shivers through the snow, we in Australia are absolutely roasting! Seeing the difference between the whinges of my family in Scotland/England and the whinges of my local family is quite funny. The beauty products I use in summer are also quite different to the products I use when it’s cold, and I thought I would share some of my summer skincare essentials with you.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist: A beautiful and refreshing rose scented spray, housed in a stunning frosted glass bottle. As I've mentioned previously, this isn’t handbag friendly, but for long days at the desk it hits the spot!

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Sunscreen (with Medibac Clearing)*: Though the ladies at Dermalogica have said that this may be too matte for my dry and dehydrated patches of skin, I am still head over heels for this sunscreen. It contains SPF 30 and truth be told, I use this as a primer just as much as I use it as my daily sunscreen.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR, aka Dry Oil Golden Shimmer*: It is no secret that anything French has a headstart for my affections, and this is no different. I’ve been using this down the centre of my lily white legs to get a bit of healthy-glow action happening, and over my arms and décolletage to glam up my summer outfits. The smell of this is the same as the original Dry Oil, which I tend to use as an overall moisturiser.

Uriage Bariederm Barrier Cream*: A less glamorous addition to the summer bag, but a necessity nevertheless. Barrier creams are excellent at stopping chafing, and is recommended for nurses and mechanics who wash their hands and get dirty frequently. Chris is a mechanic and also chafes during summer, so he loves swiping a bit of this stuff when the weather heats up.

 

Clarins Mineral Bronzing Duo (in Dark)*: Nothing better on a summers day to have bronzed up skin, and since I don’t tan, I turn to bronzers to give me the glow I need. My love for Clarins knows no bounds, as this blog documents, and these two shades work for my pale skin even though I was sent the dark version, if I use a light hand.

Unmeltable lip products!

YSL Glossy Stain in #15 Rose Vinyl: I adore the formula of the YSL Glossy Stains, and because they don’t melt or snap when warm, they are perfect for keeping in my handbag during hot weather. The glossy finish is casual enough for everyday and the stain means I don’t have to retouch very often, and all of those factors make this a perfect summer lip product for me!

Sportsgirl Give Some Lip liquid lipstick (pictured is the shade Luscious): I swear by this liquid lipstick/lipgloss formula, I love the unique scent and the beautiful colour selection. These are unmeltable, and really pigmented for juicy looking lips.

Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in Coral Reef: Revlon are stellar when it comes to lip products, and these glosses are really comfortable to wear, with Coral Reef being the perfect coral shade for this heat.

So now it is your turn to share your summer essentials in the comments below,  I’d love to hear what you rely on when the weather heats up!

*Marked items were provided for editorial consideration. Honesty, always.

My Shopping the Stash Look

I will just come right out and say it...I am not a morning person. Even with a coffee in my system I am a slow starter, so having a 'go-to' look is key to being able to take part in pre-12am activities on my days off. My mum always waits until the last minute to ask if I'd like to head out for a coffee, and she gets ready in about 2 minutes flat so it is always a rush to get ready-fast!

I basically reach for things that are fail safe, and that I can literally throw onto my face and still walk out of the house looking presentable. I'm trying to use up my Bourjois Healthymix #52 even though it is a tad too dark for me at the moment. It leaves such a lovely finish and though I powder it when I wear it to help it last longer, it leaves me glowy (in a good way, not a shiny way)

MAC's Jaunty has been featuring heavily on my lids, I think I wore it 4 days last week and am still loving it (in fact I have it on as I'm writing this!) I have been throwing MAC's Coquette through the crease and along the outer third of my lower lashline, and I must say I am loving the effect.

After feeling a bit 'meh' about my Revlon Grow Luscious mascara I threw Face of Australia's Impact Curl mascara into my daily makeup bag, and so far it is love <3 I picked up the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara for $2 when I visited the Estee Lauder staff store recently, and the teeny tiny brush is great for coating each and every bottom lash, so I've been looking pretty wide eyed!

I've been choosing lipgloss over lipstick as I am scared that I will break another lipstick (2 so far, including a Burberry Lip Mist!) Gloss is so much easier to carry around in any weather, and the Sportsgirl Liquid Lipsticks have great pigmentation and I love the way they smell. I've been wearing Luscious quite a bit with this look.

 This look is from another day during the week which uses all of the same products except I have Nars Turkish Delight on my lips. I went out with Melissa for brunch the other day and she had it on, and it has been in my handbag ever since because it looks great on her. The blush I'm wearing in all of these photos is my Covergirl True Plum, which is one of the greatest blushes in my collection, and my Clinique Superbalanced bronzer.

Having a quick and easy look that makes me feel a million dollars is the key to a little extra sleep in the mornings, and being able to make use of things in my collection that haven't been getting much love is a bonus.

How often do you shop your stash?
What do you think of my quick and easy look?
How could I change it up?

 

 

 *True Plum came to me by way of a swap, and the Clinique bronzer was sent for review. Honesty, always.