JULY FAVOURITES 2014

What a month! July has been a super busy one for me with lots of birthdays and new things happening meaning I wore a lot more make up then I typically would. The Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation* is back in my everyday draw and has been my go-to medium coverage base. It's really long lasting on the skin but doesn't feel heavy or cakey at all. It can be a bitch to blend with a brush because of the oil-free texture but I find that with a sponge or your hands it's perfect. I also adore mixing it with my Silk Creme Foundation by Laura Mercier for the best of both worlds - you get a long-lasting base with a gorgeous finish.

 You're all probably sick to death of me going on about the ELES Signature Shadow Quad in Fashionista* but seriously, it's amazing! The purple/taupe colours compliment each other so well and the formulation is brilliant. Another purple hue I've been wearing non-stop is the Shanghai Suzy Miss Sophia Lilac. It's the perfect colour for something a little more interesting then a nude but it still is really wearable. I've always been interested in trying Lime Crime colours but the white based pops of colour are so intimidating, this is the perfect way to wear a different shade without looking crazy. For highlight I've been all about The Balm Cindy-Lou Manizer* teamed with a little bit of bronzer is the perfect skin perk up my skin needs in the cooler weather. 

Onto skincare and I've been adoring Amboni Organics, particularly the Skin Purify Face Cleanser*. The gel is really soft and light so all you need is one pump for your whole face. It's so refreshing because of the orange and papaya but it still deeply cleans your skin well. It also doesn't strip the skin and is super gentle. An incredible cleanser I'd highly recommend. For my breakouts the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Plus* is really helping clear spots. I wouldn't say I've noticed a huge difference is how much it's fading scars but I have only been using it 1-2 weeks so we will see. I didn't realise I missed having it in my routine until I started using it again. 

Lastly is one I mentioned last week and I couldn't pass up the chance to mention it in my monthly favourites because it really is the best of the best. The Orly Won't Chip topcoat is literally the best I've ever tried. It helps dry my nails super fast with a high shine finish. I can't recommend it enough! 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

DEAR BLOGGERS, PLEASE REMEMBER

It's easy to get swept up in the blogging world so I've written a little list of all the things I think are super important to remember whilst running your little part of the web. I not only wrote this for you but for me too, we all need a pick me up every now and then. 

- Write content that excites YOU 

- Statistics aren't everything

- Blogging is hard work 

- So it's okay to take a break 

- You can blog on a budget

- Do not follow the crowd, individuality rocks 

- Be proud of your blog and the content you create

- Never ever stop learning 

- Don't compare your blog to others 

- Be supportive unconditionally 

- Do not underestimate the power of your voice 

- So be honest 

- And only monetise your talent but not your opinion 

- Always challenge your creativity 

- Ask questions 

Is there anything you think needs adding to the list?

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

SHOP SAVVY SUNDAYS: THE PRINT BOUTIQUE

Today I have a little bit of a different Shop Savvy Sundays and one I'm super excited about! I spend hours on social media and I love finding new accounts to follow especially small businesses with unique concepts and ideas - that is how I  stumbled across The Print Boutique. 

A small business ran by the beautiful Chiara offers a selection of her own original designed prints that are just gorgeous. I love the simplicity of the prints and how they almost complete a space. The affordability really impressed me, especially compared to other typography on the market, all prints are either $10 or $15.  The recent release 'She Who Dares Wins' print is easily my favourite from the bunch and the one I was most excited to receive in the mail. I think it's the perfect motivational quote for any home especially for an office or work area. 

A little bit more about The Print Boutique?

The Print Boutique offers a beautiful range of original prints, perfect for any homes decor. I have designed them all myself and have them professionally printed, I pride myself on ensuring the highest quality paper, inks and materials are used. I have designed each print to inspire, motivate and bring a little happiness, while at the same time I want them looking beautiful in your own space. I like to take the time to make the small details count, I truly want everyone to have the best experience. My vision for The Print Boutique is forever growing, I want to expand by offering more inspiration and variety of prints that also use different finishes and textures. There is a lot more to come so stay tuned!  

When I asked Chiara what inspired her to start The Print Boutique here is what she has to say: 

"It all started when I was in need of my own creative project, although I'm a Visual Merchandiser by trade and creative all day, I wanted to accomplish something for myself. I've always wanted to have my own business and do something I'm truly passionate about. As my dad embedded positive quotes in my head growing up and always seeing inspirational quotes and sayings on Pinterest (which I'm seriously addicted to by the way) I knew I was more than capable of creating my own, it was like a light bulb moment and I knew then that was what I wanted to create.

I already love the small collection available but I'm super excited for everything that is in store for The Print Boutique in the future! I would love for you all to head over to The Print Boutique and have a peep at the range. They're all beautiful, such great quality and looked fab unframed or framed. They would make the perfect gift and would complete any space you're currently decorating. 

For all MTA readers enter 'adore' at the checkout for Free Shipping on any purchase (YAY!). 

Follow The Print Boutique on social media: 

WEBSITE | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM 

*sponsored post

THIS WEEKS MORE THAN ADORED #5

I've had a bit of a lazy week with make up this week and I've mainly been doing this look. The Australis Cray For Colour Eyes Irresistibly Plum* has been such a staple. It's super creamy and easy to blend but it sets on the eyes so it lasts really well. It makes you look put together when really you spent not even 5 minutes on your make up.

For skincare I've been breaking out majorly but at the same time it's so freaking cold I want products that are going to be quick and easy to use. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Mask has been a saviour for my skin. It really soothes problem areas, reduces redness and help purify the skin but it isn't clay-based so it's not as harsh as other masks targeted towards problem skin. This also doesn't set too much on the skins so I tend to leave it on for a while to help my breakouts. I've switched to the Kosmea Daily Facial Exfoliant* which I use in the shower 4-5 times a week. I'm really enjoying the extra gritty texture of this exfoliator and I find it super effective at removing dead skin. As I said it is quite gritty so I'm unsure how sensitive skin types would go with this but I really enjoy it. 

Last few bits include my holy grail Kosmea Rosehip Oil which is well and truly back in my daily routine. I'm applying this at night as a moisturiser but also to my cuticles that have been super dry and flakey. Rosehip oil is a staple everyone should have in their cupboards! I know everyone raves about OPI top coats or even Sally Hansen ones but I've tried them all and this Orly Won't Chip Topcoat is hands down the best. It makes a huge difference is drying time for my nails and helps them last 6-7 days which is amazing! Highly, highly recommend it! 

What have you been loving this week?

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

WHAT'S IN HER MAKE UP BAG: 5 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS WITH BEAUTY LIFE MICHELLE

Today I'm uber excited to have one of my favourite fellow bloggers here on More Than Adored. Michelle from Beauty Life Michelle was one of the first bloggers I ever spoke to over social media so I was so excited when we decided to do a collaboration. Make sure you head over to Michelle's gorgeous blog, social media and Youtube channel and show her some loving! All links are down the bottom of the post :) 

Sarah is one of the most talented, yet humble bloggers I know, and I feel so honoured to be featured on More Than Adored today. I have really been looking forward to sharing some of my makeup staples with you all so lets just dive straight in!! As most beauty bloggers are, I'm a bit of a floozy when it come to my everyday beauty bag. I'm constantly rotating and switching up products to try new things, but there are a few products that stand out from the bunch that I reach for time and time again.

Primer is always a funny one for me because at times it can be hard to tell if they're even working. However, with the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance, I've really noticed a difference. This primer smooths out my skin in preparation for my foundation, and adds a hint of luminosity to my base which helps to keep the skin looking youthful and glowy.

Another Laura Mercier love for me is their Stick Gloss in the shade Flushed- a pinky nude colour. This lipstick lookalike is more of a gloss/lipstick hybrid, and it adds a sheer sweep of colour to the lips that is really moisturising and comfortable to wear. It tastes amazing which is always a bonus, and for me it’s just an easy, put it on without a mirror kind of product.

Brow products don't often impress me, so when I like something, I like it A LOT! It took a few weeks for me to get the hang of the Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade, but now it's a must have product for me. As a blonde it can be hard to find the right products for our brows in terms of colour matching but I think this shade is spot on. I love how long-wearing and versatile the product is and how I can achieve a natural brow look, but also build it up for a more dramatic shape- it keeps my brow game on point at all times!

I loved the idea of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders when they were released, and was glad when the products lived up to they hype. I like all of the shades in my Ambient Lighting Wardrobe palette, but it’s the Incandescent Light shade that has me hooked. This highlighting powder is the perfect pearlescent colour that gives a ‘lit from within’ effect to the skin. You can sweep on a tiny bit of product for a natural radiant look, or build it up for a more noticeable highlight.

Lastly, my most recently obsession is my MAC Eyeliner in the shade Teddy. This rusty brown liner is the perfect shade to make blue eyes pop. It has a lovely formula that will stay put for longer than your avaerage liner, but is still easy to work with and smudge out when applying. It’s super versatile and can be used lightly for day looks or built up at night for smouldering, smokey eyes. I will be running to the shops to repurchase when this runs out!

Thank you so much to Michelle for being here on More Than Adored! Make sure you have a peep at all her links. Her photography, videos and writing are all incredible so I know you guys will LOVE her as much as I do :) if you want to see what my three everyday essentials are click here! 

Where you can find the lovely Michelle:

WEBSITE | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

WOMF #15

The Illamasqua Matte Primer is one of the only primers that I've notice makes a huge difference to oil control and the longevity of my make up. I decided to team that with the new Australis Full On Foundation*.  I find this best applied with a sponge of some kind to help sheer it out for everyday wear, I'm still testing it out for longevity but we will see. To set everything I used my Innoxa Skin Perfecting BB Powder* which is gorgeous and soft on the skin without being cakey at all. 

Onto eyes and I've been wearing my Urban Decay Naked 2 shadows constantly lately. My favourite combination for everyday is Tease through the crease and Bootycall swept over the lid. It's simple and takes two seconds. My party trick is adding a bit of liquid liner to make it look all fancy. I've been trying the Covergirl Liquid Liner* which is good for a super black formulation but the tip isn't as flexible as I would like so I find it hard to use. Practice makes perfect though right? I then added a bit of the Rimmel Accelerator Endless Mascara in Extreme Black* on lashes and for brows I'm still settling for the Mua Pro Brow Kit and Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel combination. 

For a bit of colour on the cheeks I applied the Essence Home Sweet Home Blush which I haven't used in forever but I really love. I'm sorry it's limited edition! Another new release from Australis is the Cray for Colour in Velvet Kiss*. It's not as pigmented as I thought it would be but I like the soft colour it gives, the wear time isn't amazing but the formulation is super comfortable on the lips.

What's your favourite product you've been using this week?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

TRASH TALK #17

When I came to do my empties I was a little disappointed in myself. This loot is very small compared to what I usually finish up however over the past few months I have been chopping and changing between products like crazy so I guess it's all relevant. I've finished up some of my holy grail products this month and I'm trying to get through products before repurchasing which I'm a bit sad! 

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator 

This exfoliator is my holy grail facial scrub and I've been throughout about 4-5 tubes of it. It's the perfect balance between gritty and gentle whilst still being extremely effective. If you have troubles with blackheads and decongested skin I'd highly recommend. 

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Clear Scalp & Hair Colour Conditioner* 

I had this hanging around half used and decided to pop it in the shower to finish off the bottle. I did really enjoy this because you're able to apply this conditioner right up the your very roots without it causing your hair to go oily. For an affordable conditioner was great. 

Would I repurchase? Probably not. 

Redken Color Magnetics Conditioner* 

I finished up the shampoo last month and as I said then, I have never ever tried a Redken duo that I didn't really enjoy. I think the price reflects the quality and they're fantastic for good quality haircare products. This duo was great and I didn't have any problems with it but I wasn't blown away by it either! I definitely have other favourite lines like the All Soft duo that I'd purchase over these in the future. 

Would I repurchase? No. 

Dermalogica Clear Start All Over Toner*

This toner I've mentioned alot lately and I very much enjoyed it. It's probably the best toner I've used that it aimed at problem skin because it's not harsh or stripping at all. It provides an extra bit of treatment for problems areas without causing any irritation at all. 

Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream* 

I'm not going to dwell on this cleanser because I feel as though the past 3-4 months of me using it I've been constantly gushing over it's perfection. An incredible product from Clarins for any skin type! You need to try this cleanser. 

Would I repurchase? YES!

Dermalogica Clear Start Foaming Wash*

I did really enjoy this over the past few months because my skin has been very temperamental but I do think it's better for more acne prone skin types rather then those of us that suffer with stress related or hormonal breakouts here and there. I definitely prefer the Special Cleansing Gel from Dermalogica over this and that's what I'm using now.

Would I repurchase? No.

The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel 

Using the last of this was incredibly painful! The Satsuma line from The Body Shop is my favourite and I hate that it's limited edition in Australia. I will definitely be purchasing this again at Christmas time but luckily I have a few body products still to go.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant 

This is the second time I've purchased the Dove one instead of the Rexona because the packaging is so similar. I prefer the Rexona because it keeps me dryer for longer.

Would I repurchase? No.

Optiva Nourishing Night Cream* 

I really didn't think I would enjoy this night cream but I really loved it! It's really basic but that's why I liked it so much, it was easy to pair it with other oils and/or treatments without worrying that it would be too much. A great basic moisturiser.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

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Have you finish up any products you're waiting to repurchase? 

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

A NEW CHAPTER

Source

More Than Adored started as a distraction at a time in my life where I wasn't so happy. As More Than Adored has grown I've come to the realisation I want it to be something more then just a beauty blog so I've decided to expand. I'm so excited to announce a relaunch will be happening in October if everything goes to plan ;)

For now posts will continue as normal but behind the scenes I'll be in overdrive creating some really awesome content for the new site. There will be a range of fashion and lifestyle content from outfit posts to life advice - don't stress though, regular beauty posts will still be happening! There will just some extra bits which I hope you will all love and appreciate.

If you follow me on Twitter you'll know I'm looking for some writers to regularly contribute to More Than Adored in the future. Although I love creating content and don't plan on stopping any time soon, the high volume of content I'm looking at creating will mean I'll need some extra help sometimes. If you're particularly passionate about writing tech, books, fashion, home decor, nails, beauty (pretty much anything) articles feel free to email me your interest to: [email protected] I will be going through all those who have emailed me in the next few weeks and getting in contact with further details so don't stress if you don't hear from me for a little while. Before emailing ensure you consider the style of More Than Adored because our images and writing is all what makes MTA what it is and we want to make sure everything flows organically in the future.

Anyway, as always I just wanted to keep you all in the loop because YOU are the most important part of this blog. I'm super freaking excited about launching the new site so our little community can expand and grow. I hope you are too!

Have a beautiful Sunday x 

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

THIS WEEKS MORE THAN ADORED #4

This weeks More Than Adored is a mainly make up because I've done a huge overhaul of my everyday draw so I'm rediscovering lots of goodies I'd overlooked. You're probably sick of me saying that by now but I've seriously found some killer products old and new. 

I'll start off with skincare and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + has been amazing for my skin. This is the new version with technology to help fade pigmentation marks left behind after a break out. If you remember me taking about the original Effaclar Duo you'll remember that that's the reason I didn't adore the old version so I never repurchased. I'm keen to see if this really makes a difference to pigmentation marks because that's something I personally struggle alot with. For now, I'm just enjoying having it back in my routine and it has been helping clear breakouts faster that's for sure. 

Onto make up and if you caught this weeks WOMF post you'll know that I've rekindled my love for the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation*. I just adore the coverage, finish and wear of this. The only downfall is that the oil-free formulation can make it a little hard to blend but paired with the right primer that's easily fixed. One product I wasn't sure I'd love is The Balm Cindy-Lou Manizer* but I've been reaching for it almost daily. Unlike Mary-Lou this is fairly subtle on the skin and gives you a really lovely glow without being like 'wooahhh girl you are highlighted'. Onto brows and I've been struggling to find a colour I'm happy with since darkening my roots. I'm liking mixing the two shades from the MUA Pro-Brow Kit for now but I'm thinking of purchasing a dip pomade soon. 

Finishing off with some newer products and Covergirl have released these Bombshell Shineshadows* and I've been loving Copper Fling. It's a bit weird to apply because of the packaging but it looks gorgeous on the eyes. I'll feature one in an upcoming look so you can get a better idea of the finish. Lastly, the Ardell Lash Applicator has changed my false lash application life. If you struggle with applying lashes - you need this! 

What have you been loving this week?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

IS THE BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL RANGE WORTH THE HYPE?

If there is something Benefit knows how to do it's their marketing. This liner has been seen just about everywhere over the past month and it's causing a fair amount of stir in the beauty community. Some people love it whilst others are a little more skeptical. I completely adore the mascara so I was excited to see the make up remover and liner added to the 'They're Real' line. 

We will start off with the mascara as it's not the new addition to the range. The Benefit They're Real Mascara boasts a plastic bristle brush with a small ball on the end of the wand to make getting every lash easier. I've always enjoyed this mascara and I've used two or three tubes up over the past couple of years. I'm particularly drawn to plastic bristle brushes so I like the addition of the small ball on the end as it allows for you to get the inner and outer lashes easily. The only negative I have to say about this is that it can be trying to remove so I've always reserved this for long days due to the long-lasting formula. 

Now onto the most exciting release which is the new They're Real Push Up Liner*. This liner is the first of it's kind with a pen applicator but a gel formulation.  The finish is designed to be a long-lasting matte, waterproof finish that won't smudge, budge or dry out. The slanted applicator is designed to help you have the ultimate control and get right in close to lash line. 

On first trying this liner I had it in the 'overhyped' basket. I thought it was incredibly hard to use and the pen just a pain. I've never been very good at gel eyeliner so I think I had it in my mind that it'd make me a pro straight away - but it doesn't and won't. I was determined to continue using it in bid to find a way to make it work and over time I've grown to like it. The trick is to not click the pen too much otherwise it does dispense too much gel onto the end of the brush which can cause a mess. It also takes some time to build up into a thick line so patience is key. I do love the slanted applicator now and I agree with the claims that it allows for you to get right into the lash line. The only negative I have to say about it is it doesn't create a crisp line. As you can see above as soon as you start building it up it feathers at the edges so if you're after a crisp cat-eye this won't achieve that but for an everyday subtle flick it's great. Oh and I thought I'd mention that the packaging of the liner is really on point, instead of your typical click-top lid it's a screw so it's never going to come off in your make up bag - win! 

Finally onto the They're Real Remover* which is packaged in this gorgeous black squeezey tube. I'm really happy that Benefit decided to include a make up remover in this line because as I said the mascara itself is really hard to remove. This is a cream formulation that the instructions say to squeeze onto a cotton pad then gentle wipe eyes. I thought I would need alot of the product but you really only need a pea size amount for each eye. I find that you do need to wipe and then rinse one eye then move onto the other, or do them both quickly, otherwise the smudged mascara and liner set again and you need more of the make up remover. I'm super impressed with this and I really didn't think the cream formulation would be for me. 

What do you think of the new editions to the Benefit line? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

WOMF #14

A rotation of my everyday draw has rekindled my love for this base combination. I apply the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm* and straight after I blend the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation* into the skin. I find that the Clarins primer allows for even blending which can be difficult with the foundation because it is oil-free. The coverage is medium but not cakey at all and the wear is incredible. It's the ultimate dream team for me.

Enough gushing about that duo and onto my eyes. I've spoken about the Eles Signature Shadow Quad* alot lately but it's been a lovely break from brown tones. Today I only used the highlight shade and tiny bit of the shimmer taupe swept over the lid. I've been really digging smudgy eye make up lately because it's literally so quick and easy to do. I applied a thick winged line with the Australis Crayon for Colour Eyes in Irresistibly Plum* along the lash line and then used a blending brush to create a softer look. I then went in with the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Brown close to the lash line for a little added definition. For mascara I used the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Fakeout Lash* which I'm still not 100% in love with yet. I find the formulation super dry but I need to use it more before giving you my final verdict. For my eyebrows I've been using this Mua Pro-Brow Kit to fill in my brows. A mixture of the lighter and darker shade seems to do the trick. 

For cheeks another killer combination is the Clarins Bronzing Duo in 01 Light* to warm up the complexion and then the The Balm Cindy-Lou Manizer* over the apples of my cheeks. It's subtle but instantly perks up the skin! My favourite lip colour of the moment is one of my beloved Shanghai Suzy Lipsticks in Miss Emma Taupe. It's the perfect nude/peach lip for someone who has always been a bit scared of nude colours. 

What have been your favourite products over the past week? 

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)

NOTOX BOX JULY 2014

Last month I received the Notox Box for June (full review) and I was super impressed by the contents and when Notox asked if I'd like to continue to do a review every now and then I agreed instantly. There won't be reviews every month but every time I do receive a box in the mail I'll be sure to do a post so you can see all the goodies inside. 

The largest item in the box was this huge Crio Bru Coca River which essentially 100% pure premium cocoa bean. This is marketed as a coffee alternative that will give you energy the natural way whilst boosting your immune system. I don't actually drink coffee so I'm keen to try this and see if it does help with my energy levels. Athough this Coconut Magic Coconut Oil isn't new to me I'm excited to have a small jar of it to throw in my handbag! This size is perfect to take away on trips too. 

Onto a few snacks and the Peeled Snack Apple Cluster sound amazing because they're meant to have a bit of a crunch to them. I hate fruit balls that have no texture to them so hopefully I like these. The Brookfarm Bar also sounds really yummy and is full of yummy stuff with no preservatives. As I've said before I love trying samples of different snacks because I rarely branch out a buy a pack of bars unless I know I'm going to love them. 

Another snack sample is the Wallaby Superfoodie All Day Fruit & Nut Slice. This is handmade in Byron Bay and contains 100% natural ingredients. I don't think I'd like this one however I know my boyfriend will but I'm willing to have a bite and see what it's like. Last month we received a chocolate substitute which I thought was okay (my boyfriend loved it) so I'm excited to what this Cocolo Milk Premium Organic Chocolate is like. The packaging is really swish so I have a feeling it'll be pretty tasty.

Overall this month Notox has impressed me again. I love the opportunity to try some different snacks that are all full of good ingredients without having to fork out lots of money in buying a packet of bars. I think the value was there and even though I'm not paying for the box if I was I'd stay subscribed. 

For more information visit Notox 

What do you think of this box?

*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)