VLOG: Christmas Gifting 2016

!!

Been MIA again! Definitely gotta add that to my New Years resolution.... so I could feel more guilty about procrastinating, lmao.

Just wanted to quickly drop my latest YouTube video's link here:



A quick snippet of what I've purchased for friends and family for Christmas. Some quick last minute tips and also, tips for large-group gifting!

Hope you like it!


If I don't hit back before Christmas... Hope you all have a lovely and safe Christmas!

Please be safe.


X

NEW ON COUNTER (DEC 2016): Australis, Akin, NYX, Palmer's

I've been out and about this month. As soon as the 4th of November hit (marks the day of my last assessment for the semester), my mum barely saw me at home..

Besides work, I've been out exploring festivals, clubs and many eateries! 

A SLICE OF LIFE

Instagram vs reality (IKEA)

Chillin' at Bondi and passing Stanwell Tops

Getting my #trameatsfatfat feed @ Goodtime Burgers, Left Of Field, Vine & Grind and PappaRich
(coz I don't discriminate)

Still waiting for someone to swipe-right me.. （。-＿-。）

❶ AUSTRALIS BBH Palette ($16.95)

Stands for Blush, Bronze and Highlight. Contains 6 shades as shown, launched last month (woops!).

❷ AUSTRALIS Fake Eye-D Eyeshadow Palette ($24.95)

Also launched last month, a palette with 15 eyeshadows. Mix of mattes and shimmers.

❸ AUSTRALIS Queen C Cream & Powder Contouring & Highlighting Kit ($19.95)

I LOVE the play on names for these new babies! Fun! This kit contains a range of cream and powder shades for contouring and highlighting. Been on counters since last month as well. 

❹ A'KIN Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream ($39.95/50mL)

I've been getting into the higher-end skincare brands recently. Never felt the need for it, but I've been snatching up so many sale opportunities that I think it's safe to say that I'd much prefer higher-end brands when it comes down to skincare.. especially for moisturisers! Thought I'd feature this one, which is formulated with organic cocunut water and green tea! 

❺ NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Kit ($79/36 shades)

If this was available a few years back, the 18-year-old me would've broke the piggybank and go straight for this kit with 36-minis, no doubt. I still really like the look of this, but I'm not a fan of the formula. Not creamy enough, and slips around too much on the lips. 

If you fancy the formula, then mate, you're in!

(lmao, felt like that was the most Australian thing I've ever said... yes/no?)

❻ PALMER'S Flipbalm ($5.99/3 flavours)

Not sure if anyone has seen these around.. Flipbalms! Haha. Like an EOS lip balm, but flippable. Available in three flavours: Juicy Watermelon, Creamy Coconut and Ripe Mango. 

And that wraps up the last #NOC post of this year. Pretty bland this month.

You'd think there'll be products cluttering hoping to debut for Christmas, but Christmas listings actually launched some time ago. Besides, I absolutely dislike Christmas listings!!

There are so many gift packs containing products that are already made available. Not enough new, innovative products, ya feel?

Definitely will hunt for Palmer's Flipbalms during my next visit to Priceline.

Other products? Meh, not so much. 

I'm off to Jervis Bay for a few days tomorrow, and then a week later, off on a cruise (not sure where I'm going) until the 19th!

Catch you all soon. 

X

LIPPY LOVE: Chi Chi Matte Lipstick in Social Climber

Celebrate my comeback with a lippy-post, shall we?

Since I've last updated (God knows when, it's been waaay too long ago), I've been going through phases of so many different lip colours!

Early June, I loved dark lippies. Then I've moved to reds. I think earlier in the year, at one point, I was obsessed with oranges and corals as well. I really can't remember!

However, there are those days when I feel.... blue. Umm... no. I don't mean I want sport blue lippies, lmao. What I really mean is, my mind tells me something along the lines of:

Hmm, man. What lippy colour should I wear today? Something that's not too bold nor bright, but will still brighten up my face.

Then a few moments later...

A-HA! Where's that Chi Chi lipstick?!?!!?

And yup, it's Chi Chi's Matte Lipstick in Social Climber ($18.95).

This pink, is the perfect pink for me. It's a pretty, warm-toned pink. It's my go-to for when I want some colour to brighten my face up, but doesn't give off the brighter and bolder vibes.

It's almost like a my-lips-but-better pink, but with a slight oomph!

The formula is amazing. I'm extremely impressed with how long-lasting it is on my lips -- even after drinks and most foods.

Although the shade is there, I feel like the colour does dull-out after a few hours though.. so touch-up is recommended!

The shade shows up pretty true-to-colour here!

Otherwise, it's a perfect pink shade with a pretty darn good formula. Worth every penny! And yes, as you could see in the photos, mine's almost out... Needs to restock soon.

When was the last time YOU've finished a lip-colour product?

What was it?

Can't remember the last time I've finished a lipstick.. Probably a few years back? Haha. Don't think I've ever shown a lippy so much loyalty!


Disclaimer: Product was purchased by me. 

EXPERIENCE: Brows Feathering

I've recently got tatted up, yes!

Two tramp stamps on ma face, because one is not enough.

I've been wanting to get this done for a while now, but kept putting it off. I wasn't sure if I wanted a tattoo stuck on my face forever. 

Thoughts that ran through my head: 

• What if they aren't even?
• What if the one day, browless becomes the new trend?
• What if I wake up one day and wanted more angular brows? Heck, what if I feel like Nike-shaped brows? 

I won't get to shape my brows differently if I get them feathered!

But yeah, I decided to yolo and get them done anyways. 

BACK STORY

My mum is the Guinea piglet. She had hers done in Vietnam and they look quite nice and natural, unlike those Sharpie-inspired brows that I've seen from most tattoo jobs... Not a fan.

So her brow tattooist came over to Sydney. My mum quickly urged me to get my brows done since my natural brows are very uneven. One side long, one side short, one side higher and one side was lower.

'Very uneven' is an understatement.

BEFORE: Thick brows, no shape, uneven (one had a tail, one was straight).. *squeals*

Adding to that, I am a shit brow-er. Unlike most girls nowadays, with mad brow-drawing skills... Fade in the front, with the perfect arch and tail... My drawn brows usually looked something like this... 

I kid you not!

I told Mama, "yeah I'll get it done. Book me in". Then I cancelled. Then this convo repeated a few times, until I've finally gathered my guts and went ahead with the procedure. "My brows are already so bad, can't get any worse" I thought to myself. 

THE SHAPING

We spent 45 minutes drawing the shape. I made sure to get good looks of it. The tattooist drew for me two different brows style on both sides. One side was a Korean-style brow shape, and the other side, she called it "Thai-style".

Korean-style: A bit on the thicker side, very straight, almost no arch. Very uzzlang-esque.

Thai-style: Pretty much your average brow shape. Visible arch and thinner. 

I went with the Thai-style, with little arch. Of course, I could've asked for a higher arch, but I hate that look on me. Makes me look like a grumpy betch. And my brow hairs don't really allow it. My brows are naturally quite straight. 

I also liked that the Thai-style was thinner, as I could go ahead and alter its shape and thickness if I wanted to, later.



THE PROCEDURE
Felt like ant bites on your brows. My tattooist gave me breaks whenever it hurted too much, but otherwise, it was nothing unbearable. No nappies were used during the procedure.

This is coming from someone who can't really tolerate pain too, by the way... So....don't be afraid guys! No pain, no gain ya know.

P.S. I've chosen black as my colour. You could go ahead and do tones of browns, but I thought black would be more suitable for my natural hair colour, and would suit all shades of hair colour in case I wanted to go redhead or blonde in the future!

Yes, I've got everything figured out. I wish I was this thoughtful for everything else in my life.



THE AFTERMATH
I had this done on my very first day back to uni at 9AM. Uni started at 1. My brows were slightly swollen, but calmed down in time for uni.

They were DARK. Not Sharpie-like, but maybe half its intensity. I had to pile on a full face of makeup and play up my eyes so my brows would balance out and look "normal".

I was told not to draw over it, however, having foundation over it was OK. I wouldn't recommend foundation over your brows though, if you DO get this done. It made my brows look blue, lol. Just play up your eyes and glam up. Everything will look fine. I also found wearing my glasses helped to take away the attention from my dark brows.

Brows now (slightly darkened with brow pencil)

My brows took a week to peel.

It faded to a dark grey, with very slight blue undertones. Not too noticeable, I don't mind it. I usually go over the top with a dab of brown to fix its undertone and darken it a bit. Eventually that blue tinge faded away, so now, it's a medium grey.

>> You'd say, "What's the point of getting a brow tattoo if you're going to have to draw them anyways?".

>> I'd say, "I just want them shaped so I don't have to shape them every morning. Will also be a breeze for me when it comes down to plucking and trimming. They still look good without any brow products on top. Anymore effort is just a bonus!".



CONCLUSION
So yes, I love my tramp stamps. Nowadays, I spend roughly 20 minutes on my face for uni. So quickkkk. Costs of feathering can range from $300-400. Mine was home-job, so it only costed me $150.



TIPS & ADVICES
I'd highly recommend these feather tattoos if you're a shit brow-doer. However, please pick a good salon, or tattooist.

PLEASE bring 1-2 people with sharp eyes for details to go along with you when you get this done, so they can comment on the trial shape. Whether it's even and is of a good size for your facial frame and size. I brought my mum and sister along. Probably best to not bring your boyfriend or brother ay.

Don't kill me boyz.


A few more snaps of what my brows look like nowadays:

Hope you've found this post helpful!!!

Feel free to email me, or message me on my social platforms if you have any questions!
I am, in no ways, a professional, but could still give you some advices (I'll try).

X

NEW ON COUNTER (Nov 2016): Australis, Designer Brand, Marc Jacobs, Nutrimetics, Eye of Horus

Guess who's finally off? Guess who's practicum block is over? Guess who's assessments are finally OVER?

GUESS. WHO?

M E !

Woooooooooooooooo. Let's celebrate with a quickie (quick launch post, I mean)!

Let's go! #ytb

EYE OF HORUS Bio Lash Lift Mascara ($38)

First time featuring this brand. Their new mascara is designed to not only add length and volume, but also nourishment to the lashes whilst promoting growth! 100% vegan and 98% organic, according to data and statistics.... lmao, jk. According to the brand, of course! 

AUSTRALIS Match Maker Shade Adjusting Drops ($19.95/2 shades)

Ahh, launched after the well-loved Shade Adjusting Drops by The Body Shop... these drops are supposed to perfect your foundation colour by matching the shade to your skintone. Handy for transitioning between winter and summer seasons, methinks. 

MARC JACOBS Daisy Shine Edition ($120/100mL)

O H M Y G O D ! New packaging from Marc Jacobs! Probably haven't mentioned this yet, but I've been such a big MARCS fan since the beginning of last year. Still am, and probably will always be. Love their scents. Love their packaging! And everything!

Well, now you can get the classic Daisy scent in three metallic-hued bottles: red, gold and pink. I'm pretty sure the scent remains the same with notes of wild strawberry, violet, jasmine petals, gardenia, musk, vanilla and white woods. 

Aw maaaaan, drools~

NUTRIMETICS Professional Smokey Eyeshadow Palette ($65)

All I have to say is....... another day, another palette.

DESIGNER BRANDS Matte Lipstick ($9.99/6 shades)

Limited edition lipsticks with a matte finish. Long-wearing formula, not sure how long these will stay on shelves for. They have reds, plums, corals, pinks -- a wide range of shades. Go get emmmmm (and let me know how they go, hehe).

DESIGN BRANDS Spray & Set Makeup Setting Spray ($9.99)

Apparently, this was launched two months ago, but thought I'd give it a feature since the hot summer temp is just right around the corner for us Aussies. Might need it. 

Yup. That's all! So fewer products this month. On the brighter note, that also means we all get to save. Yay!

The most festive season of the year is just around the corner (Christmas)... calls for some solid financial planning skills, y'know?

On financial planning, here's a fun meme I'd like to share:

HAHA. 

Have a lovely week everyone!

X

NEW ON COUNTER (SEP/OCT 2016): Benefit, Rimmel London, Bourjois, Bioderma, Revlon, Clinique & More!

Yoyoyoyoyo, sup everybody. Yo girl back with the New On Counter post. Oiiiiiiiiii.

As usual, couldn't handle life last month, so I skipped September's launches. 

Didn't think September would have so many launches that'll roll over to this month's post, but... Apparently not so!

So, expect this to be a looooooooooooooooOooooooong post. Yay!

❶ ELIZABETH ARDEN Beautiful Color Bold Illuminating Liquid Highlighter ($45)
A limited-edition liquid highlighter with a golden hue. Has a soft gel texture that'll blend seamlessly for a healthy glow.

❷ BENEFIT B.Right Firm It Up! Eye Serum ($65)

Described to be an eye serum that'll help with firming, tightening and brightening! Weightless formula, instant effect. 

❸ BENEFIT Brow Kits ($59)

Brow kits designed to shape and define the brows. Available in Bigger & Bolder, Defined & Refined, Soft & Natural. Each kit contains different products! Listed below the following images:

❹ BIODERMA Sensibio AR BB Cream ($43.99)

Not sure how many shades they have in this range, but offers medium coverage. Covers and prevents redness. SPF30. 

❺ BIODERMA Sensibio Milk ($32.99)

A no-rinse cleansing milk that will gently cleanse sensitive skin and remove make-up. Also softens and soothes the skin. 

❻ BIODERMA Sensibio Toner ($32.99)
Formulated for sensitive skin. Soothes, tones, moisturises and refreshes the skin.

❼ BOURJOIS Volume Glamour Effet Push Up Black Serum Mascara ($23)
Delivers softer lashes with continued use. Glides on smoothly, defines the lashes without clumps, volumes and intensely black.

❽ BURT'S BEES !00% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil ($34.95)
Think I've seen this in stores! Really dig the packaging (but maybe that's because I love everything that's yellow, hehe). Burt's Bees describes this as a facial cleanser that gently dissolve dirt, impurities and make-up without stripping the skin's protective barriers. "100% natural", they say.

❾ OPI Retro Summer Nail Collection ($19.95/6 shades)
A new name collection for the upcoming Spring/Summer!

❿ PONi COSMETICS Brow Kit ($69)
As mentioned in my previous post, PONi, is an Australia brand. Available at selected salons, I believe. Anyways, this brow kit contains a brow powder, setting wax, their POP! 3-in-1 Brow Highlighter/Concealer, dual-ended Pro Brow Brush and a mirror. $69 is a hefty price-tag though, eep.

⓫ REVLON Colorstay Not Just Nudes Shadow Palette ($29.95/2 palettes)
Another day, another nude palette on the market. Who's still surprised? lmao. Available in Passionate Nudes and Romantic Nudes, each palette features 10 neutral shades in both matte and pearl finishes. Long-lasting, has a silky texture, blends easily, crease and smudge proof.

⓬ REVLON Nail Enamels ($13.95/8 shades)
BAM! Eight new shades to their nail collection. The usual claims, meh.

⓭ RIMMEL LONDON Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate ($13.95/6 shades)
Kate Moss' lippy collection, featuring her favourite reds and nudes. Lasts up to 8 colours, creamy, smooth and comfortable to wear. #kindakeen

⓮ RIMMEL LONDON Super Gel Nail Polish by Kate ($9.95/3 shades)
Aaaaaaaaaand, a nail collection inspired by Kate's favourite reds and nudes.

⓯ BOBBI BROWN Long-Wear Liquid Liner ($46/5 shades)
A liquid eyeliner with a wearable chrome finish. Contains a blend of pearls, so expect a shimmery finish! Sweat and humidity-resistant.

⓰ CLINIQUE Superbalanced Silk Makeup SPF15 ($50)
Not sure how many shades, but this is listed as a "skin-balancing" foundation. Supposedly suitable for all three skin types: dry, combination and oily. Provides medium-buildable coverage.

⓱ NATIO Natural Shades Eyeshadow Palette ($19.95/2 palettes)
Like I said, another day, another nude palette, lmao. Second neutral palette for this month! Available in 'Rosebud' (plums, pinks and copper hues) and 'Golden' (nudes, coppers, mocha tones).

A total for 19 products this month, nice. That's excluding quite a few other products that I've skipped too! I think it would've totaled to around 40 if I included every single cosmetic product amongst all brands that I usually feature! Skipped so many Bobbi Brown and Clinique products, sorryyyy.

However, besides all them... Thought I'd share with you this candle collection by Natio (on counter 17 October):

Poached Pear & Cinnamon, Quince & Rhubarb Scented Candles ($26.95)

Rose & Mandarin, Jasmine & Vanilla, Coconut & Lemongrass Scented Candles ($26.95)

Once upon a time, I LOVED collecting candles. Used to light them up a lot, but quickly grew out of it. Should get back into it again. Look how cute those jarred candles areeeeee.

ALSO, on my wishlist, this limited edition Halloween scent by Glasshouse Fragrances..

Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie Triple Scented Candle ($42.95)

Been keen to try their candles (heard they are amazing!), but always so poor.... lmao. Meep.

What ya lookin' at, good lookin'? 

Let me know! It's 1.30am as I'm publishing this... Zzzzzzzz, goodnight fellas. Also, gonna be hosting a giveaway on my Instagram soon, in a few days! Would love you for to join!

As for now...