Birthday Wishlist

Tomorrow I'm turning twenty, and while people keep saying "you're still a baby!" I feel old! As I've gotten older, my birthday lists have definitely evolved. I used to write lavish practical-novels of things I couldn't afford and needed my family to splurge on for me, but now that I'm an "adult" (cringe) if I desperately want something I can just pick it up for myself. However, there are always things you don't necessarily want to buy for yourself or even think to and these make the best gifts of all.

1. A Chocolate Cake
This is what I've been telling my boyfriend I want since he brought up the topic of my birthday at the beginning of the month. Silly? Yes. But I will be genuinely disappointed if I don't get some form of chocolate cake on my birthday because it's my absolute favourite and I only get it once a year.

2. Socks
Okay, I buy myself socks when I need them but I definitely don't enjoy doing it. And when I say socks, I mean fun socks. Ideally, hundreds of pug socks. My collection of cute socks is building with my pug socks, hedgehog socks and cat socks but I need more for my life to be fulfilled.

3. Pyjamas
I don't think I have ever bought myself a pair of pyjamas and who really needs to when you have a nana who gives you a pair as part of your present every holiday/birthday/gift giving event. This is something I look forward to receiving more than anything else.

4. Notebooks
Stationary seems to be a default "I don't know you well so I'll buy you this because you're going to end up needing paper and pens, right?" gift, but it's a present I love. Any cute notebook, pen, pencil case, etc is right up my alley and the more the better.

5. Luxury Beauty Products
This is a gift I love giving and a gift I love receiving. I just feel so special dipping into an expensive shadow or pricey concealer. It makes you feel special when using it and that's a feeling I love and want others in my life to experience.

6. Phone Case
I have such a hard time justifying shelling out money for a piece of plastic that is inevitably going to get damaged when I drop my phone or toss it hastily into my bag. If I love a case to bits, I'll buy it, but other than that I want them as gifts so I don't have to think about the costs involved.

What is something you love receiving as a gift but hate buying yourself? I have a feeling there are a few I've missed!

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My Collection #2: Revlon Lip Butters

The Revlon Lip Butters are definitely not new, but I couldn't help but make a post on my little collection. I adore everything about these from the colours to the formulation. They are pricey in Australia (around $20 a piece) but I've bought all of mine on offer for around $10. My shades are Juicy Papaya, Candy Apple, Sweet Tart and Cupcake. The two I love most are Juicy Papaya and Sweet Tart.

Sweet Tart is the colour that got me into wearing a bright lip. It is a medium-bright pink that is wearable and great for beginners who feel unsure of themselves in bolder colours, or even lipstick at all. It's also very brightening and definitely picks up a dull complexion while also adding interest to a simple makeup look.

Juicy Papaya is more subtle when it comes to pigmentation and is great for every day wear. It gives a noticeable, coral sheen to the lips and I wore this almost every day over the summer. It's fresh, flattering and best of all, you don't need a mirror to apply it!

Candy Apple is by no means your standard opaque red lip. It is definitely on the sheerer side, but has the same punch as a classic red does. This is a great shade for people who are wary of reds as it is very, very low maintenance and easy to apply, yet still gives you the look you want without being overly bold.

Finally, Cupcake looked gorgeous in the tube and looks even better swatched. When it comes to the lips though, it is just too sheer to be noticed over the natural pigmentation of your lips. I've looked at countless people wearing it online and it works for them and looks true to colour, but I haven't been able to get it to work like that for me.

What shades should I try next?

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Tumblr Inspo #3

As much as I love creating my own photographs and writing about products, this is one of my favourites posts to do. I just enjoy collecting inspiring or aesthetically pleasing images and they really have no use sitting in a file on my computer, so why not share them with others?

I absolutely loved Kendall's look at the Billboard Music Awards, but I love all of her looks so it's really no surprise. Her outfit was to die for and suited her frame perfectly. Obsessed. Also, my coffee and sweets cravings have been super strong this week and I've found myself lurking through the iced coffee and donut tags on Tumblr more than I'd like to admit.

Exams are coming up in the next few weeks so I'm trying to pre-plan some posts to avoid disappearing completely.

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Game Changing Brushes

I don't have cups full and full of brushes, but I definitely have figured out which do and don't work for me and what brushes revolutionised the way I apply my makeup.

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
This is my newest brush and the only one from Real Techniques I own. While I love my bunches of Sigma and Ecotools brushes, there was a hole in my collection that needed filling which is why I purchased this. The foundation brush from Sigma just wasn't cutting it in terms of foundation/concealer application. This, however, is amazing and a cult favourite for a reason. The bristles are dense and super soft, giving a lovely finish to liquid products.

2. Ecotools Powder Brush
This was in my first set of high quality brushes and at first I did use it as a powder brush. It did the job, was super soft and applied the perfect amount of powder. Since picking up my Sigma brushes this one has shifted into my blush brush and I love it more than ever. I don't like a heavy blush application and it's very hard to go overboard with such soft, spread out bristles.

3. Sigma E65 Small Angle
Before this brush came into my life the whole powder as eyebrow definer was out of my reach. I opted for a pencil because it just seemed so much easier to me. When this little brush came with my brushes I was a little stumped on what to do with it as it is too thick for eyeliner. Then it hit me - I could use it for eyebrows! I whipped out a nice brown matte shadow, gave it a whirl and my brow game has been on point ever since. Brows are definitely very subjective, but when it comes to me I love the natural yet defined look powder gives.

4. Sigma E40 Tapered Blending
Until this brush arrived on my doorstep I didn't own a blending brush. I know, I feel embarrassed for myself. Somehow I managed to create semi-okay eye looks with fluffy shadow brushes I already owned, but this really changed how quickly and nicely I could do my shadow. A few windshield wipe motions with a matte brown in the crease - instant definition and the illusion of put-togetherness. I don't know why I'm talking about it as if it's a revolutionary new thing, but I'm still amazed with this thing on the daily.

5. Sigma F30 Large Powder
This is a travel brush so it isn't the large powder brush you see people using that's almost the size of their face - that one's on my wish list. People usually aren't raving about powder brushes, most really do everything you need them to. However, this one gets a mention because it's my favourite brush. I can't explain it, it might simply be how soft it is on my cheeks, but I love it.

What are your game changing brushes and why?

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My Winter Wishlist

Fashion

1. Sweaters
Sweaters are my absolute favourite item of clothing to wear. They take no thought, look good and are so comfy. Since I wear them almost every day in the winter I feel I need a few more in my rotation to avoid wearing the same one three times in one week.

2. Wax Coated Jeans
While I love the look of leather pants, I don't know how I feel about them on me. Wax coated pants are the perfect middle ground as they still have that edgy sheen, but also have the safe element of black skinny jeans.

3. Black Boots
I love bulky statement shoes, and Windsor Smith are great at churning them out. Any of their black boots would do for the winter, but I particularly love this pair.

4. Holographic Purse
I'm a really big fan of the holographic/futuristic trend. This bag is subtle and would make a monochrome outfit pop.

5. Quirky Flats
Every pair of flats I buy end up being dull and practical. I've seen so many cute designs on the internet and I want some!

6. Scarfs
Okay, this might be something I have enough of already, but I want more! I love dressing up my plainer outfits with scarfs.

Beauty

1. Narsissist Palette
This is no longer available in my country, but the whole point of making a wish list is to go a little overboard.  This palette really has it all colour wise and is perfect for travel.

2. Dark Lipsticks
I love the look of dark vampy lips, hence my last post. I keep going to buy them then realise I don't wear them enough to justify more than one tube of burgundy lipstick.

3. Dark Nails
In the summer I went neon and pastel crazy and now I'm looking for some darker colours. I really need a good black which has been hard to find.

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
The colour of this is just gorgeous and I can imagine how perfect it would look on the cheeks. I really want to try a deeper, plumy blush this winter.

5. Dior Addict Fluid Stick
Something about these just speaks to me. I don't know whether it's the packaging or the product itself, but I want on of these!

6. Nars Radient Creamy Concealer
This is probably the most realistic item on the list in terms of me actually buying it. I am waiting for my MAC studio fix concealer to run out before deciding, though.

7. The Perfect Nude
Nude lips and I don't go together, at least so I thought. I've been loving the look of them on others more and more and am on the hunt for my perfect nude. The Too Faced lipsticks have such a wide range, they all look beautiful.

Random

1. Kate Spade iPhone Case
I love everything about Kate Spade, especially her accessories. They're so quirky, cheeky and fun. I particularly like this "Ciao!" design, navy and gold look amazing together.

2. Headphones
I'm in need of some good quality headphones as earbuds annoy me, but they're pricey and something I don't really want to splash out on for myself. The friends headphones are chic and high quality, making them the best of both worlds.

3. The Fault in Our Stars
Okay, this one isn't exactly a proper "wish list" item, but it's something I'm excited for this winter! It comes out in about two weeks and I can't wait to see it after how much I loved the book. I'm usually worried about movies butchering something I love, but if John Green loves it himself it must be amazing!

4. Makeup Bag
I have my daily essentials spread out over three small cosmetics pouches which is an issue. Make up bags can be kind of pricey so I've been waiting for one I love instead of buying the first one I see. I adore the Charlotte Tilbury one, but it's not available where I live!

5. Leather Banded Watch
I have a beautiful rose gold watch, but I've been loving the simpler look a black leather banded watch gives. I especially love this one from Marc Jacobs. It's a very classic yet chic design.

5. Leather Bound Journal
Ideally I'd use this to write down my thoughts, but even if this weren't to eventuate I still want a leather bound journal. There is just something about them I adore.

These are all items I've been looking at non-stop online or in store. It is definitely a fantasy wish list, but I decided to have fun with it  and not limit myself to a realistic amount of items.

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Trending: Vampy Lips

I have a confession to make… I haven't actually worn this shade out of the house. I was lusting after a deep burgundy for the longest time, swatched countless colours that seemed like a match but weren't, found my dream shade and I'm too scared to wear it out! It's not so much that I think it's a little bold for me, because I'm down for going out of my comfort zone, I'm more worried about high maintenance this lipstick might be and how long I may go without realising it's faded in the middle and I have a ring of burgundy framing my lips. For all of you Australian's, this is Sportsgirl's 'Dark Angel'.

Are there any products you love but are too scared to wear? Have you combatted your fear? Let me know!

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My Dream Mascara: Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

If there is one area of makeup I feel I can talk about with some confidence, it's mascara. This is a big claim for me to make especially as I don't consider myself a beauty expert by any stretch, but mascara is something I've tried a lot of, the good and the bad. Maybelline was my longstanding favourite, nothing I tried drugstore or high end every really compared to my love for The Colossal and Mega Plush.

I am very, very picky when it comes to mascara and no matter how much length and volume it gives me it cannot be clumpy or I'll hate it. My sister loves big, thick lashes and will deal with a little clumpiness to get that look, and it does look great on her, but I just can't deal. She has even gifted me some of her favourites that I tried and tried and ended up taking off because I just felt wrong with them on.

Okay, this all sounds a little dramatic, but it's about to come to a full circle. Revlon's 'Lash Potion' by Grow Luscious is the best mascara I have ever tried, hands down. It thickens, lengthens and just overall makes my lashes look so gorgeous I can hardly believe they're mine! The best part? No clumping! I picked this up on a whim at a Priceline sale not expecting too much, but it was one of the best makeup purchases I've made to date. As for the lash serum part of it, I did notice a change in my lashes. I'm still not sure if it was length or just overall health, but they definitely feel silkier than they used to.

I would compare this to Benefit's "They're Real!" in terms of length, but I do find this to provide more volume and is much easier to remove at the end of the day! While I'm set on this being my every day mascara for the moment, I'm still excited for Maybelline's "The Rocket" to hit Australian shelves (whenever that might be!).

What is your favourite mascara and have you tried this one? I'd love to know!

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Kardashian Beauty: Kim's Kardazzle Palette

It's no secret that I love the Kardashian's, so when their makeup line hit Australian shelves there was no choice - I had to pick up at least one item. While the lip colours and honey scented glosses looked amazing, these shadows were too gorgeous to pass up especially for the price.

This palette is designed to mimic Kim's personal style which is always very neutral in terms of shadow and blush, which is very true for me as well. I adore Khloe's palette which is full of silvers, burgundies and blacks but Kim's is what I thought I'd get the most use out of.

The composition of four mattes and four shimmers is what sold me, I love matte eyeshadows and they can be difficult to find. I haven't found myself reaching for the blushers (ignore the chunk missing, I dropped it!), though I really should, but the highlighter is gorgeous.

I can honestly say I use this every day I'm wearing makeup. Even if I just use the second colour in the top row to dust over my lids to give them a little something extra - you can tell this is my most used shade from the giant dip in it! The dark brown is perfect for creating a smokey eye while the medium brown is great for adding some definition to the crease. The shimmery shades are all gorgeous and perfect for night-out looks.

Overall, the shadows are pigmented and super easy to blend! Even if you aren't a fan of the Kardashian's this is definitely a must-have and I can't imagine doing my every-day neutral eye without it!

What other products are notable from Kardashian beauty? I'm eager to try more out!

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My Collection #1: Lip Crayons

Low maintenance, high pigmentation and easy application are what make lip crayons my favourite lip product. A thick lipstick with saturated pigmentation is beautiful, but not ideal for the daily grind. I recommend these to anyone who wants a pop of colour on the lips without the hassle and worry that come with a lot of traditional lipsticks.

My most used lip crayon of the bunch is the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in what I believe is "Fuchsia Libre" (the packaging is a little ambiguous). It's super pigmented, glossy and applies like a dream. While the richness of the colour fades, it isn't patchy and does leave a stain to the lips.

Revlon's range of Colourburst Balms and Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are a cult favourite and for a reason. I love the new matte formulation and on days where my lips are feeling chapped and not matte-ready they are easily transformed into a creamy texture with some lip balm. The balm stains are also gorgeous, though a little less pigmented I've found. The best thing about this range is the minty smell and taste. My shades are Adore, Precious, Audacious and Elusive.

The Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Haute Pink Twist" has medium pigmentation and is a hot pink colour. It does tend to make your teeth look a little yellow, as with any pink of this tone, but it is still a gorgeous colour that I often sheer out.

Lastly, the Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon in "Macaroon" is a more budget friendly option at at least half the price of the other products mentioned. As the name suggests, this is a very sheer product that reminds me more of tinted lip balm than anything else, which is great for those days where you want just a little something on your lips.

I'm open for any recommendations when it comes to lip crayons, so what are your favourites?

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Tumblr Inspo #2

The past week has definitely had it's ups and downs and overall has been full of a lot of assignments due and completeing tasks I've been putting off for a while. There is some potential long term travel on the horizon that I've been spending a lot of time this week working on and I think this has become reflective in my chosen images. I haven't travelled much in my life and the thought of what might unfold is so exciting to me. I've been reblogging a lot of dreamy, other worldly images of places I imagine are far away along with my typical fashion favourites.

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My NYX Collection

While NYX isn't entirely new in Australia, it still excites me that we're starting to get more and more American drugstore products hitting our shelves! Even with inflated Australian prices NYX still is a very affordable brand, especially considering the quality. These are the products I own from the brand and a mini review on each!

1. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils
Yes, they crease. No, they are not a good standalone base. If these are things you're looking for I would direct you to the Maybelline Colour Tattoos instead. These are really great products when used with a good primer. They come in a  ton of colours and blend out so easily. They are a cult favourite for a reason! While 'Yoghurt' is probably my favourite colour of these three, 'Milk' is definitely my most used. It is a great opaque white that makes any shadow you put on top of it stand out even more.

2. NYX Blush in Peach
My only issue with this product is its name! This is not a peachy shade at all, but it's the beige lipgloss thing all over again! This blush is a bright, matte pink and I'm in love! The pigmentation of this blush is spot on. It is strong, but not so strong that you're scared to put such a bright colour anywhere near your face. I swirl my brush lightly and get the right amount every time.

3. NYX Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul
I love pink lips and I love the matte look, so this was a no-brainer. The formula is quite heavy, and I can see why it wouldn't sit well with people who don't have immaculately exfoliated and moisturised lips. I know that I can only wear this at certain times, but when I do, it's love.

4. NYX Love in Paris Palette in 'Parisian Chic'
These are by no means consistently pigmented shadows, and to be honest, I was a little disappointed because I'd heard such great things about NYX shadows. However, there are a few stand out shades that perform as well as I'd expected! Firstly, the middle champagne in the top row is gorgeous. The matte white and brown next to it are also really great as a highlight and crease colour.

5. NYX Matte Bronze in 'Light'
I am by no stretch a bronzer girl. As a last attempt to find a bronzer I liked I bought this as the shade reminded me of the Bobbi Brown bronzer. It can run a little orange if overused, but I really don't find myself putting that amount on, so it is fine for me. I still don't feel like I've found "the one" and I don't know if I'm willing to shell out on a high end bronzer that might disappoint me as well! I sometimes think my face shape is just uncontourable.

What are your must haves from NYX? I know my next purchase will definitely be a butter gloss!

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Time Away

I spent the last weekend of my break at the beach town an hours drive from my home. It's truly beautiful there and a really fun place to visit often. As much as I'm attached to the internet, it is really nice to have a break and do activities that don't require a computer or TV. I always find myself reading a tonne of books down there!
I need to make a conscious effort to take more internet breaks, but it can be hard when you want to catch up with friends, relax and do your uni work when all of it revolves around the internet!

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Tumblr Inspo #1

I am addicted to Tumblr just like everyone else who signs up for an account. I find it so relaxing to scroll through countless pages of beautiful and inspiring images and being able to add your favourites to your own little space on the internet. I save a lot of these pictures to my phone or desktop when scrolling so I can come back and look at them again without having to trawl through my own, very full, blog when I'm feeling down or in need of a pick me up.

One of my favourite things to look at on Tumblr are cute animal pictures. I'm pugsessing at the moment, like a lot of the internet, and just love looking at their little squished up faces - it instantly puts a smile on my face. Another thing I go out of my way to look up are succulents. They're just so beautiful to look at, especially when they have a range of colours in their leaves. I even bought my own succulent as a result and just love looking at him. Finally, I love looking up eye prints, Kenzo or not. I am lusting after anything Kenzo eye-print related and it's beginning to get unhealthy!

I think I'm going to make this a series on my blog for whenever I have a big group of photos saved up that I just want to share with other people to hopefully put a smile on their face!

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Favourites #1

I don't find myself buying a whole tonne of new products every month and finding five brand new favourites as a result. My favourites are usually enduring, and sometimes even things I've forgotten about for awhile and am re-loving. These are just a few things I've been finding myself reaching for a lot over the past few months!

1. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
Admittedly I did finish this series a month or two ago, but I'm still in a mourning period! Definitely late on the bandwagon with this one and I only endeavoured to finish the series because of the movie which I haven't seen yet… Oops.

2. Sportsgirl Nail It! Polish in 'Lime'
It might be heading into winter here, but bright nails in gloomy weather just feels good. The best thing about this neon-green polish is that it smells like limes when dry! I know neon nails aren't for everyone, but I definitely have been loving them.

3. Batiste Wild Dry Shampoo
I have medium-blonde hair and should probably go for a more transparent batiste option because this can leave a white caste on my hair, but the smell is to die for! It is definitely worth the extra work to be able to have my hair smell this good.

4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This is my ultimate multitasking brush. Perfect for both foundation and concealer, I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't like thinking about which brush to use for what too much. I know that I struggle to identify the difference between a concealer and shader brush half of the time.

5. Revlon 'Juicy Papaya' Lip Butter
Again with the spring makeup in winter! I have never and probably will never be an orange fan. I like corals, but only when they are more on the pinky side. However, this lip butter is the perfect amount of sheerness for me to actually like wearing orangey shades! And as with all the lip butters, the formulation is amazing.

6. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Liner
I hate smudged makeup more than most things and discontinued my use of pencil liners until I found this one. I find it does collect in the outer corner of your eye when worn in the tight line, but nothing as dramatic as I've found in other liners. Definitely a must-have for dark liner lovers.

7. NYX 'Milk' Jumbo Eye Pencil
This is such a great product for your makeup bag, travel or not, because it has three very different uses. It can be used as a highlight, a waterline liner and lastly as a base. They aren't bases that are infallible and won't crease on you on an unprimed eye, but I don't use them for this purpose anyway. I use 'milk' to amplify any colour I think will just be lost on the eye which is a problem I have with a lot of shimmery shadows.

8. Maybelline 'Copper Chic' Eyestudio Palette 
This is not a palette I'd reach for to create an entire eye look, but rather use each individual shadow as a main feature in four different looks. Each are super pigmented, shimmery and quite unique in their colours. My favourites are the super coppery shade and the white highlight.

What is your #1 favourite at the moment?

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