FEBRUARY FAVOURITES 2014

Fudge Think Big Texture Spray* 

Finally a texture spray has hit the Australian market! This product is my new best friend because it adds an abundance of texture without weighing my hair down or leaving any residue, it's almost undetectable in the hair. If you're trying to cut down on blow-drying your hair this is perfect because it'll still give you volume like a blow-out would but without all the heat. I'll continue to repurchase this and I think Fudge have nailed this release. 

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Treatment Spray* 

Previous to using this leave-in treatment I had been switching between cheap ones that just weren't cutting it. None of them were detangling my hair and I felt as though I had to use half the bottle just to get any assistance with brushing out my mane of knots. There is a huge difference between paying $10 and paying $29 that's for sure. This requires only 2 pumps through each side of my hair and I can effortless brush my locks without causing any stress like I was before. Although it is expensive I don't think I'll go back to cheap detanglers because they just don't work as well for me. 

Le Tan Wash Off in Deep Bronze 

The ultimate lazy girls product for a quick bronzed glow. Sometimes I cannot be bother tanning, waiting, rinsing or I just don't have time time that's where this comes in. All you do is spray the product directly onto the skin; work it in with a mitt, allow it to set up on the skin then you're good to get dressed and go. This really does stay put and it can take some exfoliating to remove but I would prefer that then having it run when I get splashed with water or something equally as embarrassing as that. 

Natio Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Hello affordable cleanser that thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it or drying it out! I received this for Christmas and really wasn't sure if it was going to be for me but I've been really impressed! My only gripe is that it can leave your skin feeling a little powdery after use but it doesn't bother me too much because I usually move onto toning and applying moisturiser. 

John Plunkett Glyco Peel*

My skins lifesaver this month! If you follow me on social media you'll know that this month my skin has gone crazy. I've never had a problem with deep, sore breakouts but this month it's been horrid. I decided to pull out the Glyco Peel because I didn't want to manual exfoliate my skin and cause the breakouts to worsen. This has really helped keep my skin exfoliated, turning over and is now helping fade the hyper-pigmentation. 

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I meant to include this last month but I forgot so it's been a favourite for a while. I don't have much to say other than during the heatwaves this was a staple to have around at all times for a quick refreshing mist. I'll be repurchasing this next summer for sure! 

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer* 

As I said my skin has been horrid so I've need something heavy duty to cover up the dark spots and make me feel less self-concious. This concealer is strange because it's thick and almost dry so it's taken some getting used too when applying. I've found the best way to apply it is with my finger because the warmth helps it sink into the skin. It covers anything really well and lasts throughout the day. 

Orly Cuticle Oil+ 

My cuticles have been a complete mess so I've pulled out this from my stash and been super impressed by it. It's an oil you paint onto your nails and cuticles to help heal the area. It's super nourishing but doesn't leave an oily film on the skin so it's been easy to apply throughout the day and continue on with whatever it is I'm doing. 

Nars Sheer Glow 

I LOVE this foundation and everything about it! The application is easy, it blends well, the finish is stunning, it wears well on my skin, it's buildable.. The list is endless - it's pretty much the perfect foundation however I think it's what has caused my breakouts this month!!! If you've broken out from this foundation let me know. I feel like I'm the only one. I'm so disappointed but feel as though I need to try it again in a few weeks to confirm as it could've been due to poor diet and stress... We will see. I still love it regardless.

L'oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim

Apart from my Maybelline Hyper Glossy this is my favourite liquid eyeliner. The tip is really fine which makes it easy to apply a thin line and it lasts throughout the day. I've been wearing liquid eyeliner more and more lately so it's been getting a fair work out!  

Essie Turquoise and Caicos

I had red gel nails for the longest time so when I finally stopped being lazy and took it off I was excited to paint my nails again. This Essie colour I wore for two weeks and only had minor tip wear, no chipping, and that was with no base or top coat! Really impressed. 

Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara & Shadow Pencils*

My absolute favourite release from this month was easily the Covergirl Flamed Out Line. The mascara I reviewed in full here and I have a full review on the shadow pencils coming but holy moly these are fantastic! I went out and bought more shades of the shadow pencils because they're honestly better than the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. Although they take a bit to apply and blend I find because they're not as creamy they don't crease as much on me. Some fantastic additions to the Covergirl line! 

What have you been loving this month?

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*products marked were provided for consideration - honesty as always. 

ROUND UP: BOE BEAUTY

Boe Beauty is a brand exclusive to Big W stores that boasts extremely affordable prices for the Australian market. All products are only $2, excluding sets and palettes, which is incredible! Boe Beauty recently reached out to me and sent me through a few of the products on offer too try. I didn't have my hopes set too high - I mean the products are only $2! But I have been surprised by a few of the goodies. 

LIPS 

Lipstick in #3 Perfect Pink 

Matt Lip Cream in #32 Blush Pink 

Lipgloss in #63 Peach Bellini 

My favourite of all three is easily the Matte Lip Cream because I'm a sucker for a long-wear lip stain. I like the applicator, the shade and the pigmentation isn't too bad either. I don't think this has anything on long-wear lip creams from other brands however it does last well and I have been wearing it. The lipstick is reminiscent of Essence lipsticks, the original formula, which I wasn't a huge fan of but I know alot of other people are. I personally just find it a little bit too slippery on the lips. As for the lipgloss I wouldn't recommend it at all. Perhaps it's just this shade but there is no colour pay-off and it is just chunky glittery. 

EYES

Eyeshadow Duo in #32/31 Uptown Girl 

Eyeliner #1 Black Noir 

Liquid Eyeliner #1 Black Noir 

The powder eyeshadow duo really impressed me with the pigmentation. The taupe shade is buttery, soft and applies really well. The light pink shade is slightly chalky but still is really soft and easy to apply too. The pencil eyeliner is horrid, patchy and not pigmented but the liquid eyeliner makes up for that being extremely black and pigmented. I don't like the applicator on the liquid eyeliner, it's so stiff and that makes it hard for me too apply however if you're a fan of a less bendy applicators it could work for you.

FACE/NAILS 

Blush in #2 Rosy Blush 

Nail Enamel #13 Pretty Baby 

The last two products are a blush and nail polish. I was blown away with the blush! Similar to the powder eyeshadows the formulation is so smooth, soft and highly pigmented. It applies evenly and blends well so it's a real winner for $2. The nail polish has such a toxic smell that really bothered me so I couldn't even finish one application. If you're not sensitive too scents the formulation was decent and they have some really pretty colours but I personally couldn't deal with it. 

Overall I'm impressed with Boe Beauty considering my low expectations to begin with. The powder products were easily stand-outs for me and I love the matte lip cream too. Being an affordable brand keep in mind that it is going to be hit or miss with different shades throughout the range but at $2 it's not a great loss. I think if you've been wanting to experiment with different types of products and colours before splashing out on more expensive ones then Boe Beauty is a great brand to dabble in. 

Have you tried Boe Beauty? What were your thoughts? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

LUST HAVE IT FEBRUARY FAB BOX

For those of you unaware late last year Lust Have It launched their F.a.B box which is essentially a subscription box containing both fashion and beauty. The box is a monthly subscription and retails for $35 a month here. I do get sent this boxes for reviewing purposes however that does not hinder my opinions on the boxes. 

Accessories

Envelope Clutch RRP $34.95 

I actually love the colour of this clutch and think it's gorgeous but what is with the indentation on mine?  I was really disappointed to see that it had that marking because I would've used it otherwise. The quality I don't think feels like a $34.95 clutch but I don't expect amazing quality accessories from these boxes. In saying that, I don't think putting a $34.95 price tag on this is right because I think I could find one exactly the same at Kmart for $20 if not cheaper. 

Dainty Cross Bracelet RRP $12.99 

 I don't mind this piece but I'm not a fan of gold. I think that the fact this whole box contains only gold is a bit limiting for people. I personally don't wear much gold at all anymore so receiving three gold pieces is a bit annoying. I do like it though and I'm sure I'll get some wear out of it. 

Long Delicate Necklace RRP $16.99 

I really like this piece because I prefer longer necklaces when I wear accessories. It's cute and different to what I'd usually wear which is the kind of thing I like to see included in these boxes. 

Beauty

Boe Beauty Nail Polish RRP $2

A bit of a meh inclusion for me. I don't really like receiving nail polish because it's something I'll purchase myself, especially an affordable one like this. The colour is nice and I haven't tried Boe Beauty polishes so I'll see how it goes. I honestly don't expect much though for $2. 

Model Co Party Proof Lipstick RRP $16.95 

I actually laughed when I seen another Model Co product in a subscription box. Seriously?! I do like how I received one matte and one cream finish. The top colour is the cream finish in the colour 'Truffle' and the bottom is the matte in the colour 'Smitten'. These did swatch smoothly and I think the price is fairly decent however even if I do like these there is no way I, personally, would support Model Co as a brand because of everything that happened last month. These do feel like they'd be okay quality though. 

Overall I'm neutral on this box, I'm not blown away but I'm not incredibly disappointed either. I like how I received two variations of lipstick to try but I didn't like how all three accessories were gold and my clutch was marked. If I had of paid for this box I would've been more upset with receiving more Model Co and would've complain about the clutch having a mark on it. Because I've received this box I find it laughable seeing more Model Co featured. 

What did you think of this months box?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

MY WEEK #2

Cooler Weather 

I'm not one for the summer months, I don't like sweating or not being able to get comfortable. The past week we've seen a few cooler days and I've already made a soup plus dug out all my favourite teas. This particular one is by Bliss Blend and is a blend of green tea, peppermint, passionflower, lemongrass, chamomile and sage. It's fair to say I adore it! It's made me super excited for winter. 

Inspiration 

It's not that I lack inspiration in regards to content on More Than Adored, I have so many ideas there aren't enough days in the year for all the wonderful things I want to put together. However sometimes I lack the motivation to get going, take photos, writes posts and do everything that is required to create the beautiful content I want too. I believe in doing everything to the best of your ability and this quote gave me the pick me up I needed this week. 

Family appreciation 

I also had the my little sister who is 3 stay over this week. Over the past few months my family have had my dear Pop die as well as another family member become very ill. This has made me really appreciate my family, it's not that I didn't before, just that the sad events made me rethink everything. My sister is the cutest, happiest little girl ever. She's just started going to Kinder so she insisted on reading to Jessie and Woody. 

What has made up your week?

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PAMPER EVENING PICKS

I've been switching out my body scrubs quite frequently over the past few months but I've finally settled for one. The Bliss Blood Orange & White Pepper Sugar Scrub* offers a thick, substantial consistency that doesn't wash away instantly so you're able to have really great exfoliate with minimal product. This is the first Bliss product I've tried and I'm definitely excited to see what other products the brand has too offer. 

My skin and my nails have been looking a little worse for wear lately so I've pulled out some old favourites. I've spoken about the Formula 10.0.6 Keep Your Cool Breakout Calming Mask before and it's something I keep coming back too. Although it doesn't do anything in terms of clearing active breakouts it helps too soothe the soreness and take away some of the redness. The best bit is that you can use it daily if need be. The nail situation is slowly improving thanks to my Orly Cuticle Oil+ that I've using. It's slowly healing up all the dry cuticles and it doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin for too long like other cuticle oils can.

Using a clarifying shampoo followed up by something rich and hydrating is a must for me once a week. I firstly go in with the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two* which is a gel formula with a citrus scent. It works into a lather really well and really cleansers the hair. I then go in with my Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mask*. This is a newer product to me but so far I'm enjoying it! It's really hydrating, detangles well and doesn't weigh down my hair. Plus the scent is heavenly! 

Most of you will be aware that I had the Shingles in December. It may be TMI but it's left me with a few scars around my torso which is where the Hydra-Oil* comes in. Although I've had this for a long time I wasn't really sure what to use it for so when I spotted the scars sticking around I pulled it out and started applying it once a week. Slowly the scars are fading and it's all thanks too this. 

My biggest beauty blunder is that I hate doing anything with my feet. Whether it's painting my toes nails or applying foot cream - I just don't like it. Put that aside and the horrid heat waves we've experienced in Australia have made my heels look beaten and dry. I've made a point to apply this Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme* even though it's something I don't enjoying doing. The product itself is amazing though. It has the typical thick, gel consistency but with a beautiful coconut scent which makes the experience a little bit more bearable for me. 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

NEW ELES MICRO-BUBBLE LIPSTICK SHADES

Over the past few months ELES has quickly become one of my favourite brands. From the eyeshadows quads to the lipsticks ELES are nailing their releases. Recently the addition of four new lipstick shades has diversified the range available and I'm in love with the new shades. 

I've spoken about the Micro-Bubble Lipsticks before but the formulation of the range is fantastic. They apply so smooth and creamy but are still really pigmented and long wearing. I know the price is equivalent to Mac lipsticks but I truly think the quality is there to make the price justifiable. 

Micro Tickled Pink: this is a soft pastel pink that requires adequate lip prepping if you're going to be wearing it fully opaque like the lip swatch below. The lip swatch really doesn't do the shade justice because my lips are like the sahara desert at the moment. I've been wearing this blotted out then topped with the lipsticks, I have a post featuring that lip combination coming up soon. 

Micro Flamingo: There is nothing like a beautiful blue based pink. I adore this colour because I wear alot of similar shades anyway. This makes your teeth look super white. 

Micro Blush: A deep raspberry shade that would be perfect for work. It's not too red or pink and screams sophisticated. The beautiful formulation makes it comfortable to wear all day too.

Micro Bisque: This is the only shade I'm unsure of. It has a slight frost finish (it's not as severe as in the lip swatch below, I had lighting on for the lip swatches) and I'm just not sure the shade or finish suits me. I do like it and perhaps with a bit of wear and playing around with I'll get it too work for me. It's the perfect transition shade coming into the cooler months though! 

I'm a huge fan of these lipstick formulas anyway but the new shades are a fantastic addition to the range. As I said before, although the prices are higher than in the drugstore, I do believe that the quality is there. The formulation is heavenly and I would recommend these to anyone :) 

Have you tried ELES lipsticks? What did you think?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

WELEDA ONE-STEP CLEANSER & TONER

Weleda is a brand I'm fairly unfamiliar with but have always been curious about. Over the next few months Weleda are having some fantastic promotions so I'll be reviewing a product and letting you all know about the particular deal happening that month. 

The One-Step Cleanser & Toner is formulated with natural olive oil, essential oils as well as witch hazel extract. I'm a big fan of witch hazel for my skin so I was excited to see how this performed. It is designed to cleanse the skin but also clarify so that you can eliminate that extra step of toning in your routine. Personally I don't find this product to do everything my usually toner does so I do use an additional toner in my routine but if you don't use toners and want a clarifying element in your routine perhaps giving this ago would be beneficial. 

I first time I tried this product in the shower the milky thin lotion really caught me off guard. I knew it was going to milky but it was just like water in my hand. I scrapped that and decided that it would be best to try it over the basin which is working well. It is easier to control and work into the skin without the running water from the shower washing away the product. I find this does cleanse my skin well and my skin isn't left feeling stripped or dry. I like to use this either in the morning as a light cleanser to start the day or as a make up remover at night. Either way I apply this to dry skin and then add water as I work it into the skin. 

Overall I am liking this cleanser but I'm not blown away. It is great for removing make up and for a morning cleanse but for a deep cleanse in the evening it just isn't enough for my skin. If you're after a more natural product for removing make up or a basic cleanser for no make up days or morning this is a fantastic option. 

Promotion: Save 25% when you purchase the Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion and Almond Soothing Facial Cream pack 

Have you tried Weleda products? What did you think? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

SPEND OR SAVE: MAKE UP

WHERE TO SPEND

Primer: Primers are underrated and I think it's because alot of people haven't tried a good quality one so they write the step off. Using a primer can make a serious difference in the way your make up applies and lasts throughout the day. I've never found a cheap primer comparable to the Illamasqua Matte Primer. It really helps control oil and shine especially if you're a combo/oily girl wanting to wear a more luminous foundation. Laura Mercier does an extensive range of primers and Benefit Porefessional is incredible too.

Foundation: Why you invest in a good quality foundation is the same as the reasons you invest in a good quality handbag - you'll get so much use out of it and it wears better throughout time. I don't want to try and convince you to invest if you love a foundation that costs $20 but in my experience you get what you pay for with foundations. I've never found a tinted moisturiser or BB cream from the 'drugstore' that's really worked for me so I decided to invest in the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser and I haven't looked back. Perfect for days where I don't want too much coverage and a bit of a glow. I also love my Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation* for a more medium matte coverage. Go to a counter with an idea in your head of what you want; high coverage, light coverage, SPF, a glowy finish or a matte one and ask to be colour matched as well as a sample to try for a week before investing. 

Bronzer: You will never regret investing in a good matte bronzer. A really wonderful matte bronzer is so verstile and can be used for anything from contouring and warming up your complexion to using through the crease for an easy eye look. I really love the Eles Rio De Janeiro Bronzer* for the pigmentation, blendability and colour but Nars and Bobbi Brown also do a fab range of bronzers too. 

Lipstick: You can't go wrong with a good quality nude lipstick. My favourite is Mac Creme Cup because it doesn't wash me out. Cost per wear and it's justifiable especially if you wear make up on a daily basis. Similarly a perfect red is worth splashing out on. Red lips will never go out of fashion and the perfect red can make you feel incredible even on a really shitty day. My two ultimate favourites are: Mac Ruby Woo and YSL Glossy Stain in 8. Again, go to a counter and have them try a few different lipsticks with varying undertones to find what works best for you. 

A neutral palette: Do your research into different ones before purchasing but quality eyeshadows are so much easier to work with and will make your life alot easier. A palette literally provides you with an endless amount of possibilities and one good quality one is all you'll ever need. I really love a few but the Stila In The Light is my favourite at the moment. 

WHERE TO SAVE 

Cream Shadows: These are a perfect way to start off any eye look but you don't need to spend a fortune  on them. The Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencils* are a newer release but the ones I've had the best luck with in terms of prolonging the life of my eyeshadow and preventing creasing. The Maybelline Colour Tattoos are also a fantastic range that have a good amount of neutral shades as well as more brighter colours if you're wanting to experiment. 

Mascara: Although I have a few higher end mascaras that I adore the drugstore have so many comparable options. At the moment I'm really enjoying the Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara* (full review) especially for the affordable price. Mascara dries out so fast that I don't see the point in spending big on them all the time so try out a few different formulations before giving up on the cheaper alternatives. I really enjoy Maxfactor, L'oreal and Covergirl mascaras. 

Eyeliners: Similarly to mascaras liquid and gel eyeliners tend to dry up fairly quickly. I have tried a few higher end liquid liners and I find that the drugstore ones, like the Maybelline Hyper Glossy, are just as good of quality. For kohl or pencil liners you cannot go past the Rimmel Scandaleyes or the ChiChi Metallic Eyeliners. Both ranges offer a good range of brights and neutrals. 

Setting powder: The drugstore really rock this category in terms of range and quality. Whether you're after a translucent powder or one to add a bit of coverage there are so many different options. I'm really enjoying the Physicians Formula Super BB Powder* but Australis, Face of Australia and Rimmel all have some really great options as well.   

Lipstick: Now I'm talking about those 'on-trend' shades that come about each season. Whether it's a deep red like Shanghai Suzy Miss Hannah Blood Red* or a bright pink like Maybelline Bold Matte in Mat 1* you can find some great formulations and shades at affordable prices. Don't spend big on shades that are only going to be worn for a few months out of the year.  Shanghai Suzy, Maybelline and Rimmel are my favourite brands for affordable lipsticks with great formulations. 

What are things you like to invest in or save? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

TRASH TALK #13

One of my current beauty missions is too get through my backlog of products AND samples before purchasing a new one of that type of product (if that makes sense). So far I've done well and I've gone through my sample stash and tried to use a few of those as well. Hopefully I can get through my samples quickly because I have stopped my subscription to Bellabox. 

HAIR 

KMS Free Shape 

This is a really great light hold hairspray that can be applied to wet or dry hair. I liked it for days where I wanted a little hold but I didn't want to wash my hair that day. I would consider purchasing the fullsize but it would depend on the spray on the full-size - I found this one blocked up easily. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe 

Paul Mitchell Dry Wash* 

An interesting dry shampoo because it didn't spray out all powdery. It's the first kind of dry shampoo I've used that does that and I really enjoyed it! I found it effective and easier to work in.

Would I repurchase? Yes! 

Nak Surf Styler

This lasted a long time which is saying something because I generally use sea salt sprays every time I style my hair. A great salt spray if you want lots of added texture. 

Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Sunsilk Perfect Straight Leave In Treatment 

A complete fail of a purchase by me. I ran out of my leave in conditioner and didn't have time to go somewhere other than the supermarket. This was the first thing I saw and it really didn't do anything at all. I'm now using a Redken one which is 100 times better. 

Would I repurchase? No.

BODY 

Appelles Bath & Body Skin Lotion 

Another sample from Bellabox or LHI that has been lying around. I found the fruity scent nice however the formulation was too greasy and not hydrating enough. 

Would I repurchase? No. 

Sanctuary Spa Hot Sugar Scrub 

This one is a love/hate product. I love the thick consistency that allows you to really exfoliate your body and the warming sensation when the product is worked into the skin is lovely. However the smell of this was very strong and overpowering for me, it is a very spicy amber scent which I know some people love but I just couldn't handle it. 

Would I repurchase? No.

Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh 

Vaseline make my favourite daily moisturisers and I love the Aloe Scent! It's light, fresh, hydrating and easily worked into the skin. 

Would I repurchase? Yes. 

SKINCARE

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo 

This is the US version however I find the UK/Australia version just as effective for me personally so I don't feel the need to search for this online again. A holy grail product for me. 

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream 

This eye cream lasted me so long which makes the hefty price tag completely justifiable in my books. If you have really dry under eyes this is a fabulous rich cream that is easily worked into the skin. I do really miss it but I'm wanting to try a few others before buying it again. 

Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Garnier Pure Pore Purifying Toner 

I bought this a long time ago so it needed to be used. This is not one for people with dry or sensitive skin because it is quite harsh and strong. I do feel like it helped keep my pores purified but the application wasn't pleasant and sometimes it really stung. 

Would I repurchase? No. 

Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub 

I did really like the exfoliation this scrub offered however the scent is awful! 

Would I repurchase? No.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster 

A complete winner. This is very similar to Hydraluron in that it's a serum that offers your moisturisers a helping hand. The only difference with this one is that it doesn't feel as thick.

Would I repurchase? After I find my Hydraluron. 

Eslor Comforting  Mask 

I'm really intrigued in this Eslor brand after trying this mask because it was really lovely. As suggest by the name it wasn't one designed for cleaning out pores but more for soothing the skin. I really liked using this over my breakout areas or dry patches. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe. 

Lonvitalite C3 Facial Mask*

These are my favourite sheet masks and I've been loving keeping them in the fridge during the summer. It offers the most amazing refreshment on a hot day!
Would I repurchase? Yes. 

MAKE UP

L'oreal Collagen Mascara 

I received this in a recent swap and really loved the way it made my lashes look. I was surprised because typically I don't like these type of wands but it worked well at separating and volumising my lashes. 

Would I repurchase? If I can find it in Australia, yes. 

Have you tried any of these products? What were your thoughts?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

SHOP SAVVY SUNDAYS: CANDLELIT & CO

Yes, Shop Savvy Sundays is back in full  force. Today is all about CandleLit & Co, a small family business. I don't know about you but I hate paying $40 for a candle that burns out fairly quickly or doesn't give off a beautiful strong scent. CandleLit & Co produce some amazing candles that are really affordable. 

Owner Eleni, ensures that all these hand poured candles are made using high quality eco soya wax with lead free cotton wicks. In full disclosure Eleni did send these two candles for this post but I will not hesitate in purchasing from her in the future. These give off the most lovely scent that fills the room it's burning in within the first 10 minutes. I find that the two scents that I selected smell exactly like I expected which is refreshing. Sometimes when I buy other candles they don't smell like the particular scent or as they are described. 

There are three different sizes on offer: 

Medium $14.95 (35hrs) - size shown in picture

Large $19.95 (50hrs)

X Large $24.95 (65hrs)

In a range of different scents (more on the way too!) 

White Tea & Mango

French Pear 

Chai Latte

Pomegranate Acai

Coconut & Lemongrass

Sandalwood & Lime

Vanilla Orchid

Vintage Gardenia

Roasted Coffee

Lush Peony    

Personalised labels are also available for special events or gifts so keep that in mind next time you're after a unique touch  :)

When I asked Eleni what inspired her to start CandleLit & Co here is what she had to say: 
'What has inspired me to start up CandleLit & Co. was my baby girl Keira or should I say her situation...Prior to falling pregnant, for roughly 10 yrs I owned my own beauty salon. When Keira was born she was diagnosed with TOF - so basically her oesophagus wasn't connected to her tummy tube and her tummy tube was connected to her lung. She was operated on straight after birth. Having Drs tell me I had to be a full time mum as this form of disability is a lifetime thing well that's when making candles entered my life, just to give you an idea my husband and I burn candles all the time and it occurred to me that a lot of the candles that we burn have paraffin and are full of chemicals. Having a newborn at home with health issues I wanted to prevent her breathing in such nasty's. Let's not forget I was a workaholic and all of the sudden I'm at home 24/7!! It truly is a shock to your system and my brain needed some stimulation.'

How amazing is she? I think the beauty of this series is I get to support people who are doing what they love and learning how it all came about. Next time you're looking to purchase candles I really urge you all to get in touch with Eleni and support her business. As said, I love that you know that the candles are being made with love and care rather then being churned out in a factory. I really do love these candles and I would aboustely love it if you would show CandleLit & Co some support too :) 

Follow CandleLit & Co on Instagram to keep up-to-date with the latest news and send Eleni an email ([email protected]) if you're interested in purchasing OR are wanting to enquire about personalising labels 

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LOREAL PARIS NUTRILIFT GOLD FOUNDATION

Thank you for all the amazing feedback on the Clarins Extra-Comfort Foundation review that I did like this. I was really nervous about how the review would be received but I'm so glad that alot of you enjoyed it and wanted to see more in similar format. If you have any foundations you'd like to see reviewed let me know in the comments and I'll try to get that done for you. 

When I first received this foundation I was certain that it wouldn't work for my skin type because it's  infused with gold aiming to promote radiance. Marketed as an anti-ageing foundation it contains active ingredients such as Pro Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid along with a few others that make up the serum component of the foundation. It is available in seven shades and has a SPF 20.

Overall I thought it was gimmicky with the serum claiming to help hydrate, promote radiance, smooth skin and reduce wrinkles. I'm always a bit sceptical about make up products that claim to have skincare benefits because I honestly cannot fathom mixing the two. Regardless I cannot report back on most of those claims because I am only 19 so those issues aren't prominent for me. In saying that, I have thoroughly enjoyed this foundation. It's the first L'oreal foundation I've ever tried so I'm keen to try out more from their range. 

This is with only one layer of the foundation applied. As you can see it is a medium coverage that hides most of my uneven skin and hyper pigmentation which I love for everyday. Although I can still notice my imperfections it covers everything I need to be covered for day-to-day wear. I find that it can be built up easily to achieve a higher coverage which I sometimes do if I'm having a bad skin day. I generally settle for one layer though. Excuse the dark shade, I accidentally applied the one I use when I fake tan! Whoops. 

The finish is gorgeous, even when powdered and that is probably my favourite characteristic of the foundation. I like how it looks really natural and slightly glowy. Once it's set up on the skin it doesn't feel like you're wearing foundation on the skin and isn't cakey at all. As I said, I did powder the because I can't skip it in the summer months. 

After 4 hours I still love how the foundation looks. Even though a bit of oil is peeping through the foundation still looks great. Unlike some other foundations, I find that I don't lose too much coverage throughout the day even when my skin does become a little oily. I like the way it looks with a bit of oil broken through and it still feels really undetectable and comfortable on the skin. 

After 8 hours, oil has broken through a bit more through my t-zone and chin area however it's nothing too major. On a typical day, I may blot and possibly powder at this stage (if I still need my foundation on) but honestly it's pretty impressive for my skin to still look like this after a full day. Although throughout the day I find this foundation one of the most comfortable things to wear by the 8 hour I do want to take it off. The foundation itself hasn't broken apart too much which is a big thing for me and although I do feel oily it doesn't look horribly shiny. 

Overall this foundation has exceeded all expectations I had. I think that I always panic when I read 'serum' or 'anti-aging' because I feel as though it's going to be too hydrating on my skin and not last throughout the day. This is one of my favourite foundations to wear during the day because of the beautiful finish and wear. Despite it being marketed as an anti-aging foundation I think this will work for a diverse amount of ages and skin types. It just goes to show you cannot judge a product until you've tried it for yourself! 

Have you been pleasantly surprised by a foundation before? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always 

COVERGIRL FLAMED OUT MASCARA

The latest release to the Covergirl mascara range is the Flamed Out Mascara*. A mascara that promises  a ton of volume with a 'bold winged-out' look. The unique brush is the main contributor to that winged out look, designed to curve lashes up and out. 

I was a huge fan of the Covergirl Clump Crusher which launched last year so I was keen to see whether this mascara measured up but with brush design I was a little worried it wouldn't. The main characteristics I look for in a mascara is no clumping, volumising and definition. For day-to-day I don't mind if the mascara holds a curl but it is always a bonus if it does. 

As you can see the mascara does really give you that winged out look. I wasn't sure if I'd be a fan but I really love the finish! My left eye, right in the picture, did clump slightly but this isn't unusual for that eye to clump. I think it's the way I apply it to that eye? Regardless I don't hold that against the mascara but more the way I apply it to that eye. The mascara produces a good amount of volume and definition but not too much added length. I don't mind that, as I said, it's not something I want from a mascara as I already have fairly long eyelashes. 

As for the mascara wand - at first I hated it! I didn't like the design at all and found it really hard to apply the product to my lashes. However the more I used it and became accustomed to the wand I really started to enjoy it. I think that most mascara wands take some getting used too so I'm glad I took the time to give this one a chance because I love the results I get! 

The formulation is the perfect balance between wet/dry and it does hold a curl better than other non-waterproof mascaras (still not all day but better than other non-waterproof ones). For the affordable price, I think this mascara is worth a try!  

Available from Priceline RRP $14.95 here

What do you look for in a mascara? Do you find it hard adjusting to new wands? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always