February Empties

A few staples and a few new items are in this months empties. I also had a mini clean out and got rid of some old makeup which Is a big step for me as I love using products up until they're empty, but sometimes Its just time for them to go. Here's what I used up this month;

1. Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Conditioning treatment: This came in the most recent Priceline hair goody bag and I have to say I loved it! It left my hair feeling the same as when I use my favourite treatment from the hairdresser. Also I got about 3 uses from the one sachet which Is impressive considering how long my hair is. It's also super Inexpensive so I give this one 2 thumbs up.

2. Schwarzkopf Blonde Toner: I feel like this product should be excluded from future empties posts as I feel like it's in every single one haha, and I just stocked up on another 4 bottles during the Priceline hair goody bag promo. It's a great inexpensive toner so I will continue to keep on repurchasing.

3. Feel Like Honey & Moon Skin base: I tested out this primer a couple of times and it was definitely interesting, had a weird jelly/honey texture and had little gold specks in it that made my skin look dewy. I'm not sure if I like it or not.

4. Jordan Eye Primer: Back in its early days this was a fantastic eye shadow primer especially for eyelids that tend to get oily like mine. Sadly its seen it's day and it's time to hit the bin.

5. Loreal 6 Hour Glam Shine Lipgloss: Me and this lipgloss go way back, in fact it was the first EVER red lip product I purchased, which soon sent me into a red lip wearing frenzy. Back before I knew how much I disliked red lipgloss. It's kind of sad to throw it out but I cringe thinking of what possible bacteria could be in there.

6. Daiso Makeup Brush Cleanser: I went into Daiso one day to pick up the famous gel brush cleanser everyone raves about but turns out it was sold out so I picked up the new alternative version to test out instead. It's a very runny cleanser that almost looks like water, and surprisingly I found it cleaned my brushes very well. Although it did have a strange strong scent that some may find unpleasing. I find baby shampoo more cost effective though so I think I'll be sticking to that to clean my makeup brushes.

7. Swispers Makeup Pads: These were a nice change up from the usual $2 kmart pads I purchase, and I have to say they were such good quality. I still can't justify spending more on little pads I use to apply toner and remove nail polish so I think Ill be sticking to the Kmart ones.

8. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder: I have gone through a few of these powders in the past as they are a great everyday setting powder. I sometimes get an oily T- zone and this powder helps prolong that happening.

9. Nip & Fab Dragons Blood Serum/ Skin Moisturiser/ Avon Anew Moisturiser: I got through some more moisturiser samples this month and I would have to say the Sukin was my favourite, purely because I know I'm not putting any nasties on my skin!

Hopefully I will have some more empties next month, especially hair care products as I just have so many! I hope you're having a lovely day and thank you for stopping by my blog.

Monique xx

FOTD: Sunset Eyes and Coral Lips

Its really beginning to feel like Christmas, It felt more real for me yesterday as I had an early christmas lunch with my partners family. Weirdly enough despite it being a family gathering I decided to try out some new colour combinations I wouldn't normally wear.

• Mixture of CoverGirl Outlast foundation and Rimmel Lasting Finish foundation
• Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer
• Australis Fresh and Flawless powder
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer
• Mac Soft and Gentle Highlighter
• Hard Candy blush in Skinny Dipping
• BareMinerals Marvellous Moxie gloss

• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Fierce and Tangy all over the lid
• Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette in crease, outer V and brow bone
• Revlon single eyeshadow in Sunlit Sparkle as inner corner highlight
• MUA Glamour Nights Palette red shadow in crease
• Rimmel Wonderful Mascara
• Unbranded individual Lashes
• Elf black liquid liner
• Mac Brow pencil in Lingering
• Lash Control clear lash and brow gel

I really loved the way it turned out and think I think I'll be rocking this look a lot in the hotter months! Thanks for stopping by my blog and I hope you're enjoying the festive season!

Monique xx

First Impression: ELF Flawless Finish Foundation

If you love a good bargain like me then you have to try out the ELF Flawless Finish Foundation. I have been testing it out over the last week and I am seriously Impressed, especially when considering the price which is a whole $3!

The foundation came packaged in a plastic box and when I first opened I was super surprised at how great the packaging of the bottle was. The foundation comes housed in a sturdy glass bottle that definitely doesn't feel cheap, I was extra ecstatic to see that It had a pump! So far so good. I applied two pumps to my clean face using a stippling brush. I found it quite easy to blend, and there were no weird patches or streaks on my skin. ELF states that you 'apply on face area to even out skin tone for a beauty semi-matte finish that lasts all day' and I would have to agree with that, the liquid set nicely on my skin and it didn't slide around when I touched my face.

The foundation was a light to medium coverage on my skin and I definitely agree that it helped even out my skin tone and made my blemishes less noticeable. I was happy with the effect after one layer and knew that the real test would be how long the foundation held up on my combination/oily skin. I always use powder to set my makeup and I found that the foundation lasted through a normal day without breaking up or turning more oily than usual on my skin. Unfortunately the colour range is quite limited with to my knowledge there only being 6 shades. Usually I'm the lightest foundation shade in any range and the lightest shade available was 'Porcelain' which definitely isn't very light for us pale folk. Thankfully I have been using the Bondi Sands gradual tanner (review here) on and off, so 'Porcelain' turned out to be a pretty dead on match. If you can make a colour in the range work for you then this foundation is a definite steal!

Pros

• Inexpensive ($3 from Iherb.com)
• Has a pump
• Great formula
• SPF 15

Cons

• Limited Shade range
• Only 23g of product (compared to a standard 30g foundation)

Overall I am pretty impressed by the ELF Flawless Finish Foundation and I'm glad I decided to give it a go as I have really been enjoying using it for everyday. It's just so affordable so I know I'll definitely be repurchasing it when I run out! Elf continue to impresses me with their products so if you have any recommendations from the brand please let me know as I'd love to try it!

Monique xx

November Empties

Hooray November is nearly over! November has been a pretty tough month for me, but hey lets not get into that and instead jump right into my pile of rubbish!

1. Nak Nourishing Shampoo and Conitioner: I love Nak products and this Nourishing range is fantastic for my bleached hair, It makes my hair super soft and it smells amazing. I can't justify purchasing the full sized products as I have about a lifetime supply of shampoo and conditioner to use up.

2. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Toner: An excellent budget friendly toner that I have repurchased multiple times. It is effective at removing brassy tones in the hair although I decided to switch it up and have since purchased a different toner that I'm sure will be included in my next empties post.

3. Schwarzkopf Salon Permanent Extreme Lightener: For a blonde I'm pretty easy when It comes to colouring my hair, In fact I pretty much just buy whatever is on special. This was on sale for a ridiculous $4 so I picked it up and I really honestly wish I had grabbed another 10 packets. This lightened my hair really well and gave me that super light blonde look I'm after.

4. Vagisil and Eve Feminine Wipes: No I'm not having crazy vagina troubles, In my last empties post I mentioned how I don't think I would use these wipes up and Lily from Lily Not Louise mentioned that she uses them to wipe grime off tables- my makeup desk has never been so clean!

5. China Glaze Nail Polish Remover: This is the second bottle of this remover I have used up and I'm glad its finished, a pretty average remover and the green colour weirded me out.

6. Laura Nail Buffer: This buffer has been used for so long so I decided it was time to chuck it and break open a new one.

7. Kmart Makeup Remover Pads: You guys must be sick of seeing these, they make a frequent appearance in my empties posts as they are just so affordable at $2 for a pack off 200 and I use them for so many different things - removing nail polish and makeup, putting on toner etc etc.

Thats everything I got through this month, I'm so excited for December to begin and I'm even more excited for Christmas! Although I know I need to get through some more products before Christmas and my birthday In early January. Are you trying to get through any products before the festive season begins? Thanks so much for stopping by,

Monique xx

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

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

Mo's Lowdown: John Plunkett Glyco Peel

I first mentioned the John Plunkett Glyco Peel in my current skincare products post but I love it so much I thought I would give it the attention it deserves. This product definitely intimidated me at first, I mean come on 'peel' and 'acid' aren't exactly comforting words, but once you begin to use this product, all the doubts are worth it! So, what is it??

The John Plunkett Glyco Peel is a clinical strength exfoliator with 25% glycol acid, and works by exfoliating the skins outer layer, removing all the gross dull surface skin cells. It also has Lactokine to protect against inflammation and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin. It claims to reduce surface discolouration and fine lines and keep the skin looking young and refreshed. For me the gylco peel has been my skin saviour. Although It can sometimes sting on application, after using it I wake up with bright and healthy looking skin, my pores are reduced in size and any pimples begin disappear.

As much as my skin loves this stuff I stick to the directions of only applying the clear lightweight serum to my face and neck for 7 days in a row, and then rest my skin for 7 days before using It again. I have been using this product for about 6 months now, and I still have over half of the tube left which I think is fantastic considering it is only $29.95! So now you all have read my love confession for this product, If you have used it before let me know what you think.

Monique xx

Ulta 3 Colour Your Week Prize Pack

A couple of weeks ago I entered the Ulta3 Colour Your Week competition, which involved uploading a picture of yourself to Ulta3's Facebook page holding one of their polishes, and stating which colour of the rainbow it matches. Pretty simple stuff right? I hope to never see the picture I uploaded ever again though.. Anyway, last week I found out I was a lucky winner and today I had a parcel waiting for me in the mail!

Peach Sherbet, Vanilla Frappe, Mocha Ice

Inside the very prettily wrapped package contained seven polishes matching the colours of the rainbow, and three lip glosses. The lip gloss names sounded drool worthy so I already busted them open to give them a whiff. Now that I literally have every colour of the rainbow I think Im set for a while, Thanks Ulta3!

3D Makeup Printers

Yep you read that right! You may have previously heard of 3D printers, and now thanks to Harvard student Grace Choi, a makeup printer is the latest one to hit the market. At $300 each, the home 3D printer is said to print out any makeup item your heart desires, including eyeshadows, blush, creams and liners all at the click of a button. Grace implies throughout the video that the formulas of each category of product (lipstick, blush etc) are the same, and all you do is select any colour from different pictures/photos of makeup you like to print the product. 

At first I started to think that there will be no need to ever hit up the shops again, but after watching the video I began to doubt the system and how well it will satisfy consumers- how will the formulas of each product suit every skin type? Does the the printer make shimmery or matte shadows? Does it cost more for the pans/bottles/lipstick tubes? Don't get me wrong I think its amazing technology, but at the steep price I wonder how well it would succeed when I know I for one Im a sucker for brand names and quality over having every single colour of product.

You can watch the video and read the full article here, and let me know your thoughts!

Monique xx

The best lipsticks under $5

.. Well in my opinion anyway! If you haven't already heard about these great budget friendly steals then read on!

I first discovered the Ulta3 Matte Lipsticks early last year, and for $3.95 each I have never looked back. These lipsticks have great pigmentation and are true to the colour on the tube. Being matte, the formula is slightly drying on the lips, although nothing that a good lip balm before use wont fix. What has always impressed me about these lipsticks is the staying power, I can apply one of these once and not have to worry about it for the rest of the night - no smudging or smearing with these bad boys! Another fantastic thing about these lipsticks are the packaging! Matte black and simplistic makes them look very 'high end' and would look lovely in anyones collection - No one will know they're $3.95! *wink*

Swatches above left to right: Deep red rose, Plum velvet, Brown sugar, Orange Crush, Sandal wood.

There are colours in the collection that will suit anybody and everybody, I know there's a few pink ones I've got my eye on! Have you tried the Ulta 3 Matte Lipsicks? What do you think, let me know!

Monique xx

New Beginnings

Well, sadly enough It's been close to a year since I last blogged, where you can view here. So I decided it was time for my blog to be reborn - and get off my lazy ass and write some top notch shit. I hope to share thoughts on some fabulous products, post updates about my life (beauty obsession) and overall post about whatever I feel like and hopefully get a few giggles out of you along the way.

It may take me some while to get the hang of Blogger, but if you can bear with me I promise It'll be worth it in the end!

Monique xx