October Empties

I can't believe October is officially over and we're already in November! Already my weekends are becoming full of birthdays and pre- christmas activities. October felt like it went forever for me, I managed to get through a good chunk of products too!

1. Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask: This was my first time using a sheet mask and I really liked it! I looked ridiculous with it on but my skin was super hydrated afterwards so It was worth it.

2. Neotrogena Hyrdo Boost: This is the second sample of this moisturiser I have used up and I don't really have anything bad to say about it. I really like the cooling sensation it gives when you first apply it. I wouldn't repurchase just yet as I have so many moisturisers to use up.

3. Hydro Silk Razor: Definitely my favourite razor, I have already opened up a new one and I still have two more backups stored away (oops!).

4. Vagisil Wipe: Kinda just used this for the sake of using it, I was a bit on the fence about using this anywhere near sensitive areas. I wouldn't use these for anything other than that fun time of the month.

5. Nuxe Oil: Gosh this oil smelt amazing, I need a full bottle in my life asap!

6. Sex In The City Body Lotion: An ordinary body lotion that I received in a perfume set ages ago, I'm glad to finally use this one up and chuck it in the bin.

7. Maybelline Clear Lash Mascara: I have been using this clear gel to set my brows for quite some time. I finished about 90% of it up and decided it was time to open a new product, It just looks gross now and every time I use it the germ-a-fobe in me thinks about the bacteria that must be in it.

8. Schwarzkopf Ultime BB Cream: This is the first time I have tried out a hair BB cream and honestly it was just like an average leave in hair treatment. Didn't notice any difference to my hair but I quite liked the smell of it.

9. Colgate Optic White Toothpaste: I enjoyed using this toothpaste, not necessarily for the whitening qualities but I felt it gave my teeth a really good clean.

10. Benefit They're Real Mascara: A cult favourite mascara, I love using it on my top lashes but for some weird reason If I wear this on my bottom lashes it smudges everywhere. 

11. L.A Girl Pearl Eyeliner: I was seriously impressed with this liquid liner considering it cost me $2 or so from CherryCulture, It didn't smudge or flake off throughout the day and has the best tip for winged liner. The pearlescent finish was nice for day to day use as it wasn't as harsh as a straight up black. It lasted me forever so I would happily repurchase!

Thats everything I got through this month, let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you think!

Monique xx

EOTD: Dramatic Teal Smokey Eye

Back in July I posted a simple teal smokey eye look using the same gorgeous 'Aquarius' shadow in the Urban Decay Feminine palette, but last night I decided to try out a more dramatic look for a 21st party. As I knew we were eating there I avoided dark lips and opted for a nude, so I couldn't think of a better opportunity to play with some colour on the eyes.

I purchased the Urban Decay Feminine palette from Allcosmeticswholesale.com and I'm so glad I did, the bright purple and teal shade make the palette worthwhile alone. The Sleek 'oh so special' palette has been another constant reach for me lately, for this look I used the matte warm taupe and black shadows. I patted the matte black from the Sleek palette on the outer corner and with whatever excess was on my brush I would put lightly in the inner corner, leaving a small blank space in the middle of my lid for the gorgeous teal shade.

I love how the teal looked against the black and think this look would be so amazing on brown eyes. Sadly not even the amazing Nars eyeshadow primer was able to stand the warmer weather and my shadow creased after a couple of hours, damn you oily skin. Anyway thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

Monique xx

Mo's Lowdown: Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Range

With the hotter weather approaching tanning seems to be all the talk at the moment, being quite fair myself I have naturally avoided fake tanning as it always seems to be too much of a hassle. I have recently decided to break out of my comfort zone and try some gradual tan, I figured if I wanted to ease slowly into tanning this would be the way to do it. I read some great reviews on the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk range and decided it would be worth a shot in hope of achieving some bronzed skin.

I started applying the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Body Moisturiser to my skin after showering at night, as well as applying the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Face Milk to avoid a noticeable difference in my skin colour when not wearing foundation. I found both products super easy to use and just applied them like I would a normal moisturiser, they absorb quickly so I didn't find myself waiting around to get dressed which was great. I love the cocoa butter scent of the body moisturiser and the large pump makes it super easy to dispense, the face tanner seems to have no fragrance and the squeeze tube is great for applying small amounts to the face. They both receive 10 stars for packaging and not having an unpleasant tan smell, but now onto the actual results!

L-R: No Tan, One Application, Three Applications

I'm so glad that I haven't turned into an oompa loompa from using these products. The great thing is about the gradual tan is I'm able to pick a desired result. After three applications I was quite happy with the colour turnout and stopped applying the moisturiser daily and instead I will apply every second or third day to top up the colour. The only mistake I have made using this product is once I forgot to wash my hands after applying and woke up with some orange streaks in-between my fingers, whoops! Overall I found the colour is very natural which is great for someone as naturally pale as myself, I haven't had anyone tell me I look orange which is my biggest fear with tanning! If you want to try fake tanning but are a bit on the fence about it I definitely recommend these products, they're inexpensive and are fool proof (coming from tan newbie myself!).

Let me know your thoughts on fake tanning or if you have any product recommendations!

Monique xx

FOTD: Spring Clubbing Look

I posted my go - to clubbing look back in July, which is dark and vampy. And now I'm sharing what I would consider a spring edition. Heres the makeup mess!

Of course I forgot to photograph one of the new products I'm testing out- the Mac Prep and Prime Skin Refined zone, a raved about primer for oily skin. I've only used it twice so far and I'm not sure what to think of it just yet but I'm sure I'll do a review on it eventually! I have been lusting after the new Velourlips matte lip creme range ever since they announced the new colours (actually I've been desperate to buy the original colours too but I must not give in to my lip product addiction). As I didn't have any colour like it I picked up the shade 'Lun- Dun' which is a vibrant pinky purple, I absolutely love it! Anddd besides that I'm still sticking too my favourite products for clubbing, including Benefits 'Hoola' bronzer, Mac Studio Fix foundation and Nars 'Orgasm' blush. I think its time to try out some new products!

I think the look is suitable for spring and the smokey warmed toned eye makes it a little more dramatic for hitting the town. Let me know if you change your makeup up to suit the weather or if you just like the same look all year round (you'll still see me rocking a vampy lip in summer of course). Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Monique xx

Come Play With Me: Futuristic love

I have recently been loving joining in on the Come Play With Me Series, so when the gorgeous Gemma from Lady Sapphire Blog chose the theme 'Futuristic Love' I was super excited! Especially after seeing Gemma's and Indie's amazing looks. I had some fun trying out some colours and jewels, something I image will be rocked a lot in the future!

I tried a sort of opposite/cut crease liner by first winging out some orange shadow mixed with Mac Fix Plus from the Australis Neautrals and Neons palette (thanks Kats!) and then tracing above it carefully with my Maybelline Master Precise Liner. The star of the look is definitely the jewels, I used some Urban Decay orange toned jewels in the corners of my eyes and some false lashes that also have jewels embedded into the lash line. I finally got to use some of the blues from my custom Stila palette and now I want to wear blue eyeshadow for the rest of my life (oh gawd). 

I really like the mix of orange and blue tones and although I wouldn't be brave enough to wear this out currently, hopefully its in trend in the future because I absolutely love it! Thanks for checking out my blog and make sure you check out the other girls looks, as they're absolutely amazing! 

Monique xx