TOP 15 OF 2015

WAY overdued post, I know! 

Last year was a very.. quiet year for me. Kinda settled down to my usual routine, along with my usual fave products. Didn't really experiment with too many new products, and at one point, I remember even refusing to wear makeup so often!

My skin hasn't improved much, but there are so many days where I just felt really uncomfortable wearing makeup. It's mostly because of not being bothered to deal with the grimy/oily feeling throughout the day, I'm pretty sure!

Nevertheless, there are still days when I'd like to doll up a bit, so I haven't completely abandoned my stash! Hehe.. And even if I don't wear foundation, most of the time, my brows would be intact and highlighter would be lightly applied to show I'm as fresher than a motherrrrrrr.

ANYHOWS!

Here are my top 15 picks for 2015!

AUSTRALIS Lash Length Extensions Mascara
Beginning of 2015, I was ridiculously obsessed with this mascara! You have NO idea! This was my holy grail. Gave me lashes that made touching my brow bone possible. Washed off effortlessly [in tubes] in warm water without leaving smudges. Ohh, such a fave!

The fact that you could see my lashes in photos... yup.

BAD NEWS: They discontinued it... Boooooooo! Out of all mascaras of their collection of 395964028 mascaras, they discontinued this one. RIP.



THE BALM Mary-Loumanizer Highlighter
Can't remember how long I've had this for, but since I had it, it's been a more-than-regular reach. On days when I don't wear foundation, I'd still use this.

What I love about it, is its finish. It's not at all shimmery, the finish is luminous. Very luminous, so depending on whether applied with a light or heavy hand, it can give off a natural glow without looking like a bloody disco ball. Texture is extremely fine. Worth every single penny.



RIMMEL LONDON Wake Me Up Foundation
This foundation is one I've used all year round -- summer or winter. Great, affordable foundation. Lasts throughout the day and I love the natural finish!

MARC JACOBS Dream Daisy
I've used this almost everyday that I go out, since May 2015. It's the scent, and the packaging -- simple as that.

TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara
My HG Lash Length Extensions Mascara discontinued sometime mid-year, so since then, I haven't touched many mascaras. Until a few days before the New Years, my sister brought home this baby after a co-worker recommended it, and lemme just get this straight...

It is @$&$@)&!? a-m-a-z-I-n-g!

I layered on two coats, with only one eye done, turned around to her and said "OMG, this mascara is... better than sex!" lol, jk. I just told her, "It's freaking amazing."

However, in saying so, still gotta give it trialling time. Hoping to feature it soon~



MAC Soft & Gentle Highlighter
Discovered this sometime in November, because that was when I purchased it. Grabbed it from someone who was reselling at the markets, and as much as I love my Mary-Loumanizer, I can't help to say that I've leaned towards Soft & Gentle towards the end of 2015.

The colour just seemed to suit me a tad more, but I still love you heaps Mary-Loumanizer! Just in honeymoon stage with Soft & Gentle rn, soz.


ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Wiz
I've purchased this same time with my ABH Brow Dip Pomade, but I enjoy using this so much more. My stash don't carry too many brow products, so this easily tops all others without much thought. It glides on nicely, sits and stays nicely, and the colour matches.

Just hoping that there's a similar dupe around, something cheaper with easier access to. This thing is tiny, lol, and so probably ends up lasting me only a month of continuous use.



FACE OF AUSTRALIA Glamazon Contour & Highlighter Kit*
Been using this since last year. It's a really handy and affordable kit. My go-to shade for bronzing. The highlighter wished it was as well-loved (lol), but I've got my other fave highlighters, soz.

AUSTRALIS Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

Can't remember how long it's been since I've used this. Probably since 2012. My love for this is still going strong, and don't think I'll be changing anytime soon. I use it as a top off for everything, even if I'm already wearing a powder foundation. It just makes everything feel like skin, smooth and supple. 

I can't stand the sticky-icky or creamy feeling of foundation so this is definitely a need for me! 

AUSTRALIS Fresh & Flawless Powder

Apparently, this makes a great dupe for MAC's Studio Fix Powder. Can't comment on that though since I've never tried Studio Fix. However, this is a great powder for coverage. Easy to build up to medium coverage, and I'm sure full coverage is not impossible! 

(hit-pan'd! yeyey!)

On days when I'm lazy for liquid, I'd be wearing this. The shade range sucks though. It's very limited, but hopefully Australis will be working on expanding it soon to cater to more skintones!

CHI CHI Viva La Diva Lipsticks

Ohhhhhhh, I've owned these for yonks now! And only started using them when my sister popped it's from its packaging. I hoard products, but the have a slight stingy fear for using them. Or they just sit around and wait until I photograph it, only to realise that their time will never come cause I'm real lazy (lol).

(L-R) Game On, Social Climber

These lippies are creamy and are long lasting. Their lasting power shocked me quite a bit when I wore these for the very first time.

MAYBELIINE Sequin Nail Polish in Sea-Quins

My favourite manicure of 2015, hands down (or fingers down, in this case) is this manicure:

Original post here >

It's not so much what lays as the base colour, but it's what sits on top that gives it such a pow! Maybelline Sea-Quins from their Sequins collection is what I've used, and I regret not buying other shades from the Sequins range!

FORMULA 10.0.6 Overnight Spot Minimizing Patches
Products that make it to my top fave list are products that I'd always turn to, whether it be for a while, or for short term. However, this is a product I hope to stay away from, lol. Just because they're pimple healing patches, and whenever these patches are around, means I'm breaking out, again.

I'll stick these on for days whenever I breakout. They stay on to reduce redness, and somehow, always shoo away the pus. Other products from this brand don't work for my skin, but these help a tonne with my pimples!

MODELS PREFER Infinite Lasting Lipsticks
I loved these so much in 2015. They were my go-to lipticks for a long while, until I forgot about them. Loved them so much that I collected almost the whole colour range! ^_^

What I love most about these, is its long-lasting power. They're completely matte, lasts long and are extremely affordable! "Hidden gems of Priceline", I call these.



CHARLOTTE TILBURY Lipsticks
These lippies were also thrifted from the markets, for $15 each. They are from the Matte Revolution range. Formula is creamy, lasting and non-drying (yay!). They make really great more-than-decent lipsticks with beautiful packaging! Smells yummy too!

Those are my top 15 favourites! Before I go, here's a swatch battle for the three highlighters featured (including one from the FOA duo):

(L-R) The Balm Mary-Loumanizer, MAC Soft & Gentle, Face Of Australia Glamazon Kit*

That's allllll!

It was so hard to gather 15 products at first, but as I started writing, I ended up with more than 15, lol. Then it became hard to take products off the list!

Hoping to do swatches of the lippies mentioned soon. 

What were your top favourites of 2015?

If you've blogged about them. link me! If you don't blog, then leave me your first in the comments, or, just start blogging! Haha （＠´＿｀＠）

Disclaimer: Products marked with (*) were provided for review consideration only. 

Round Up: 2012 Beauty Favourites

Not too late for a round up of 2012 favourites, yes?! I was actually planning not to round up any favourite products for the year at all because it'll be such a long long long post.. for you guys to read!

But then I figured it's only a yearly post, so it should be fine.. bear with me guys.

• Real Techniques (Core Collection) Buffing Brush -- The domed shape makes it easier and quicker for me to apply foundation than the Sigma F80! I use this in both stippling and buffing motions. 
• Cosmetica by Manicare Short Handled Powder Brush -- not exceptionally great in quality, but the short handle and the brush size and shape makes it easy and just perfect for contouring! I also squeeze the brush shape together to contour my nose.. hehe!
• Royal & Langnickel (Silk Green Line) Blush Brush* -- still using this daily from 2011! I use it to apply highlighter, blusher and bronzer! 

• Urban Decay's NAKED Palette -- When I'm feeling real fancy, NAKED comes to play! 'Virgin' to highlight my brow bones, nose and cupid's bow and sometimes I'd apply 'Half Baked' (beautiful gold) all over the lids just to brighten up my eye area.

• Face Of Australia Liquid Eyeliner* -- I found this really hard to use at first, but once you get the grip.. oh.. it's HG material! Review here >
• Australis 10HR Wear Eye Pencil in 'Bombastic Bronze' -- This is a beautiful shimmering bronze eyeliner! I use it on both upper and lower lash lines, and sometimes even over the lids for a non over-the-top 'smoked out' look. The pencil is incredibly creamy, soft and glides on so so smoothly on the eye area! I definitely need a primer for it to last though!
• Savvy by DB Eye Pencil in Brilliant Bronze -- exactly the same as the Australis 10HR Wear Eye Pencil in 'Bombastic Bronze'. Same shade, same formula, same everything except that it doesn't lasts as long.

• Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara* -- A great lengthening mascara for my short, stubby lashes! There's a love/hate relationship between us though.. sometimes it works perfect and gives me the most natural lengthened lashes, but sometimes it just clumps and doesn't work. I think I may know what it is though... I'll make sure to review this soon if you don't mind too many features of Australis Cosmetics (yes, I love their brand that much!).
• Australia Eyeshadow Primer -- I lean towards this when I need a base for any eyeshadows or eyeliners (such as their 10HR Wear Eye Pencils) and it works! It prolongs the wear time and prevents smudging!

• Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipsticks in Salsa -- LOVE this shade. It's such a pretty, poppy pink on the lips that doesn't seek too much attention and its formula is comfortable to wear!
• Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipstick in Rose Tendre -- I've only just discovered this in my stash and it is just as comfortable as any other without being overly creamy and thick. I love this shade! There's just something about it that stands out to be unique in my collection. I know it looks like a pinky-brown in tube, but it applies to be a sweet, natural pink shade! I really need to get to reviewing and swatching this to show you how lovely it is.

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation -- Wasn't a fan of this foundation at first, but I love it now! Yet to review it but it looks oh so natural on the skin and I love the shade! It's almost a perfect match for me!
• Palmer's Eventone BB Creams* -- I love these! They're coverage alternatives for lazy days as they're easy to apply and sits on the skin lookin' real natural and dewy! Review here >
• [Runner Up] I'd like to say I'm also a big fan of Face Of Australia's Lasting Looks Natural Foundation*, but I couldn't find a shade suitable for me.. The shades I've used in 2011 suddenly became too dark for me this year.. Oh bummer! 

Exactly the same highlighters featured in my 2011 faves!

• Face Of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminating Pearls* -- Offers lovely natural sheen without being overly shimmery!
• Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion -- I've tried quite a few 'luminizers' as highlighters this year and this one is still the most intensed of the bunch!

• Pure Fiji Body Lotion in 'Coconut' -- This is forever my favourite body lotion scent! It smells absolutely amazing! I'd use this everyday for the rest of my life... if only it wouldn't break my bank.  

• Elmer's School Glue -- What is this doing here, you asked? I've abandoned base coats for a while now.. I've turned to peel-off base coats instead since it's quicker and more fun to remove! Also not harsh on the skin like acetone.
• Australis See Ya Later Nail Polish Remover -- Ok.. and when I don't use peel-off base coats, I turn to this one. This one's a gem! I don't think it's pure acetone in a bottle, but it sure does work like one! 

• OPI (Nicki Minaj Collection) Metallic 4 Life -- Never been a fan of chunky glitters but this is such an amazing silver on black combo!
• B Collection Santorini and Vancouver -- Posted about both of these here. Both are my go-to picks for pedicures!
• Ulta3 (Get Your Glam On Collection) Over The Rainbow -- Posted about it here. It's a fun perfect-sized, multi-coloured glitter coat to layer over any pastels. I can look at my nails all day with this on!
• ORLY Sweet Peacock* -- Oh.. this is my absolute favourite nail polish ever! I usually don't sport blues, but this seriously blue me away. This is my go-to nail polish whenever I'm in a hurry to get ready. It's easy to apply, opaque with two coats, dries fairly quick and has an amazing foily finish. Love love love love! 
• Max Factor Mini Nail Polish in Candy Blue -- Not your average blue polish... not to me, at least! I feel like you can do alot of colour blocking and matching with this particular shade. I love that it's not too dark, but not extremely bright -- just the perfect tone of blue. Probably the last blue to hit my list of favourites.. I'm not kidding when I say "I don't sport blues". 

That's all for my 2012 favourites! I was looking at my blushers and I just couldn't think of one blush that I really really did love this year.. All blushers I used this year were great in quality, but none of the shades made big impressions. 

Thanks for reading! Just wanted to remind ya that tomorrow is Monday so.. here we go again..... Lucky I'm on holidays! Muahaha.. Sucks for ya. 

Oh, I'm feeling a bit cheeky today.. so I'm gonna spill.. I have a giveaway coming up for you guys.. VERY SOON so watch this space! 

Disclaimer: Products marked with * were provided for review consideration. All opinions expressed within this post are of my own and remains uninfluenced. Please refer to this site's disclosure policy. 

Favourite Nail Polishes Photos & Swatches

I've been loving to apply nail polishes lately! I never used to until I realise how ugly nails look without nail polishes!

Today, I thought I'd share with you my most loved colours, most I've included in my 2011 Favourites post and a few that I've recently tried and added to ma fave stash.

Long time favourite 'Limited Edition 2' by Australis (which obviously has been discontinued) is a gorgeous lime green. This shade really is the most unique within lower-end brands here in Aussie. You can skip the formula though, review here.

Then I had an addiction to frosty nail polishes (still do!) after testin' this Collection 2000's polish at the market in Bronze.

You can totally tell why this is a fave polish!! Soooo pretty!

Ulta3's Lolly Pop Lilac is also another pretty pale purple..... with lotsa frost!! It is super cheap and the formula is very decent! One of the best 2 bucks spent in moi life. I love it!

Then after ABBW 2011, I had an opportunity to try ORLY's Sweet Peacock which although applied gloopy and uneven, it is one of the most beautiful frosty polish shade you will ever see! Loses its frost after a day or two though. Despite that, I wore this polish for weeks and couldn't stop starin' at ma nails. I'm not even exaggerating!

All ABBWers knows I'm talking about!

But back to cremes, I was able to score some polishes from B Collection for dirt cheap at the markets. My favourite out of three I've tried is Vancouver. I love this shade for pedicure as it doesn't stand out and is really pretty when you probably don't see anything special... boo-ya! The formula is streaky for the heads up!

Another creme polish which is a fave is Jordana's Chiffon. I'm sure I had this for long now, but never laid an eye on it. Who knows it'd end up being one of my top favourite shades! It's a lovely light grey-toned mocha colour. Applies well, but from what I remember.. it doesn't last very long!

Before all these polishes came to the scene, OPI's You're Such A Kabuki Queen was what I wore all the time during highschool, I must confess that I haven't touched this polish in a long long time and I do apologise! I used to wear crimsons all the time back then but began to opt for reds with pink or coral tones instead. This is a sweet, sweet pinky-red creme polish which is a must have for moi!

To conclude the post, a fifth frosty I've loved is Sinful Colors' Secret Admirer which I must admit... I love because of the sparkles! It's just an almost-black with silver frosts which I already plan to rock out in the upcoming Fall!

Frost, frost, frost, frost. I love frost. The end.

What are your favourite nail polishes?!

Link me or share in the comment below!

Disclaimer: Products are purchased by me, except the ORLY's Sweet Peacock (which was from ABBW 2011 goodie bags).