Collective Haul: Markets, Ulta3, Smudged Polishes

Just cause I've taken a break from frequent blogging, it doesn't necessarily mean I'll ever stop haulin'! Hohoho...

Hitting back with a haul post to share with you some of the products that I got from the markets and when I was out and abouts! :P

As silly as this may sound, three weeks ago, I simply couldn't find anything to buy at Sunday markets, so with the $20 that I had in hand... I redeemed it for these two L'Oreal Nutri Shine Lipsticks! It was up for 2 for $15 which is.... NOT a price I'd usually look at. Not sure why I felt so desperate to have something in hand on the day. It just didn't feel right going home empty handed!

Strawberry Juice, Shiny Grapefruit

They didn't have any testers, so I stood there googling swatches! Strawberry Juice looks quite red in the tube, although swatch images from Google showed that it was pinker and more subtle.... Hopefully it doesn't swatch to be overly bright and red since I'm not looking forward to expanding my collection of red lippies! Shiny Grapefruit, on the other hand, looks quite nice for an everyday lippy to wear! Hohoho...

Then I passed this guy's store where I've picked up quiteeeeeee a "few" things... 

Models Prefer Moisture Lust Glossy Lip Tints in 4 different shades -- Black Cherry, Marsh Mallow, Raspberry Ripple and Tutti Frutti! These were $2 each! I've used Marsh Mallow only so far. The colour payoff and formula is not bad at all!

Also picked up three nail polishes for $2 per bottle also...

• essence's Little Miss Sunrise -- I don't have a mustard yellow colour in my collection at all so I had to get this! 
• Savvy by DB Nail Polishes -- My sister decided on these and then went ahead and complained how it's not densely packed with glitters... Errr. Seriously.. How could you NOT tell for its liquid-y consistency! @_@

Some more products for $2 per... why not, right?!?!?! I've also been wearing these Models Prefer Lip Liners and they're not bad also! Good pigmentation, lasts and the good thing is that it's also not too drying on the lips! I've got three shades in Ready Rose, Pouty Pink and Ravaging Red!

Also purchased a bottle of Maybelline's Super Stay Foundation in True Beige! There were also other shades, but was the most yellowed-tone from the bunch. I already have a lighter shade at home, so now I can start mixing and adjusting my own shades!

That's all for the market haul, but let me tell you about my recent dilemmas!

I've been scratching my head and pulling my hair over the disappearance of ALL the white nail polishes in my home. I had about 3-4 bottles of white nail polishes in my collection, and suddenly... BAM! They've all disappeared when I need them for nail art.......

I had to run out to my local Ulta3 stockist to pick up a white nail polish... and.. Errr. They were having 3 for $5 so I picked 3! =D Hohoho...

And last, but not least... I've also made my very first indie-purchase from an Aussie indie polish brand! I've been following Sylvia of Smudged Polish on Instagram for a while now, and seeing her repost of swatches made me a keen bean on her creations.

These were the two I picked up.. Pastel Galaxy ($9.50) and Fuchsia Field ($9). I've tried both already so a review post will be up soon.. hopefully! >_<


That's all for now.. I've been spending every single day, catching up on Japanese classes that I've missed! The class is up to lesson 9 and I'm still stuck at lesson 2... Let me show off to you some more..

ありがとうございます.
Arigatou gozaimasu.

さようなら
Sayonara.

POOF! *disappears for another week or so*

Some Outstanding Sales (05 August 2013): Priceline, Big W, Chemist Warehouse

Say bye to your savings everyone! SOS series is back! Finally some actually outstanding sales this fortnight to feature!

1. PRICELINE: $3 OFF Australis -- for those who are keen on Australis' NEW Glitter Top Coats that I've mentioned in my previous launch post. Ends 12 August 2013.

2. PRICELINE: 3 for 2 on Sally Hansen -- if you're a keen bean on their Fuzzy Coat Nail Lacquers! Ends 12 August 2013.

3. PRICELINE: Spend more than $20 on Rimmel and receive this 4 pack gift set! Pretty good value if you ask me! Ends 12 August 2013.

4. PRICELINE: HALF price on Models Prefer Skincare Range -- their wipes drops down to $3.50! Me wan try! Ends 12 August 2013.

5. PRICELINE: 3 for $10 on BE Skincare range. Ends 12 August 2013.

6. BIG W: $4 OFF Covergirl Cosmetics. Nail polishes!! ^_^ Ends 14 August 2013.

7. BIG W: $3 OFF Face Of Australia -- best time to snag some of their Glitterati nail lacquers if you haven't got to it yet! Ends 14 August 2013.

8. BIG W: $4 OFF Maybelline. Excludes nails and Baby Lips, BUT their Express Make-Up Remover drops down to around $2 methinks! Ends 14 August 2013.

9. BIG W: $5 OFF Max Factor -- $5 for their lovely Colour Elixir Giant Pen Sticks! Ends 14 August 2013.

10. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: Sally Hansen Fuzzy Textured Coat Nail Lacquers for only $5.99 per bottle! Ends 11 August 2013.

BATTLE OF THE BEST BUYS

Priceline: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation or Powder ($25.95)

VS

Big W: Introductory offer on Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation ($20)

-- Big W

Priceline: 3 for 2 on Sally Hansen

VS

Chemist Warehouse: $5.99 on Sally Hansen Fuzzy Textured Nail Lacquers

-- Chemist Warehouse, if you're looking at their Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Lacquers!

That's all for this fortnight's sales! Be sure to let me know which products you are looking at! I'm soooooo keen on Sally Hansen's Fuzzy Textured Nail Lacquers!!! >_<!!

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia -- August 2013

A launch post for you today, despite me laziness lately... Hoping to get back to blogging and vlogging soon!

I've missed some of last month's launches so I thought'd give them a brief mention this month! Maybelline launched quite a few products last month that I wasn't aware of...

• Color Whisper Lipsticks ($14.95/8 shades) -- You should've heard much about these by now.. They are sheer, subtle lip colours which reminds me much of Revlon's Lip Butters! There are not as many shades, but the shade range is still quite nice!
• Color Tattoo 24HR Metal Cream Gel Shadow ($11.95/4 shades) - Like their Color Tattoos, but these are metallic eye shadows, with an "intense shine finish". 
• SuperStay 24HR Waterproof Powder ($18.95/3 shades) -- I still haven't seen these instores, but a "waterproof" powder... Wow! This powder is described to "last up to 24 hours whilst actively repelling against water, oil, and sweat for a long lasting matte finish"... Has anyone seen or tried this?? 

• Color Show Sequins Nail Lacquers ($5.95/4 shades) -- I haven't seen these in stores yet either!!! It looks SO gorgeous here though! A bit too blingy for my liking, but they look so pretty! 
• Dream Pure BB Cream ($15.95/2 shades) -- Described to be an 8-in-1 "light water gel based" BB cream which is suppose to correct, clear and detoxify the skin for a healthier complexionni! Suitable for those with oily and blemish prone skin.
• Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara ($19.95/3 shades) -- This latest Maybelline mascara is a gel-mousse mascara that volumises and lengthens. It's also suppose to prevent dry and weak lashes.. Has quite a few claims, this one!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Foundation
($25.95/8 shades) 

I'm PRETTY sure that this is a new foundation that's due to launch soon, as I haven't seen it around yet! This foundation promises to:

• Instantly create a smooth and even complexion
• Minimises the looks of fine lines
• Improve sagging and loss of elasticity
• Provide smooth and consistent coverage that corrects imperfections

The interior packaging has a spiral design... which looks pretty, but that just means less product and more packaging really..

Moving onto my favourite brand.. and I'm sure you know who! :P


Australis Cosmetics strikes back with a limited edition collection and some spankin' new glitter top coats!! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Snagged this image from Australis' official website

Australis Rock Star Collection features 4 new lipstick shades and 4 new nail polish shades! All are pretty strikingly bold and bright! I've swatched the lipsticks here >

That's not the end of it though! They've also released three new GLITTER nail polishes!! Wooooooooooooooooo. Hopefully none of the 3 new shades will share the [disappointing] formula of Space Jam from their previous release!

Frisky Features, Rio Riot, Carnival Chaos

Sinful Colors Diamond Lust Collection ($4.95/5 shades)
I'm actually not too sure when these were launched, but as I haven't seen any bloggers mentioning these.. I figured that they must be new since I've never seen them at Target before until recently. They weren't named "Diamond Lust" or anything! At my local Target, they were just dumped on the Sinful Colors' stands.... but in other countries, these are listed under Sinful Color's Diamond Lust Collection!

(Photo by my phone camera.. >_<!!)

All shades are ridiculously blingy, which makes them a bit too OTT (over the top) for me in all honesty! I'm also aware that they have 7 shades overseas, but I've only found 5 at my local Target ^-^



Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Colours ($9.95/7 shades)
PREEEEEETY! The barred pieces of these beautiful Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coa Textured top coats are suppose to resemble hand-spun yarn which offers a multidimensional fiber textured effect. Me wants!!!

6 of the 7 shades

essence Ticket To Paradise Limited Edition Collection
Long time no see essence! ^_^ The packaging of these four products are pretty bright and colourful, but in all honesty, these products looks a bit like a joke.. Ya. I'm a packaging-whore, so to me, these do look like much like those products you can get from Barbie doll sets. LOL.

• Hair Mascara ($5.35/2 shades) - adds streaks of colour to your hair. Easy to apply and easy to wash out. Available in purple and turquoise.
• Lipgloss ($3.50/3 shades) -- a gloss that features a light shimmer and subtle scent. Available in orange, fuchsia and turquoise. 
• Lipliner ($2.25/2 shades) -- an easy-to-apply light, glossy textured lip liner. Available in orange and fuchsia.
• Nail Polish ($2.95/4 shades) -- long-lasting nail polishes which features a semi-transparent gel-like texture to create a glossy wet look. Available in gold, orange, turquoise and fuchsia.  

Rimmel London Salon Pro With Lycra by Kate ($8.95/14 shades)
Rimmel whips up a new range of lycra nail lacquers! These are suppose to give a gel-like salon manicure finish. The formula promises to offer an extra glossy nail look which is also suppose to be fade-resistant and last up to 10 days! Quite a big claim there...

BYS Velvet Nails ($7.95/12 shades)
Last, but not least... there's BYS with their Velvet Nail kits! If you've been struggling to find velvet nail kits around.. this one's for you! I giggle at the name of the yellow shade.... Fluffy Duckling! SO cute!! ^_^

Okay, that's all for this month! I've also got a few other brands to post about but they are "department" stores brands... I might compile a different launch post for that.. Let me know what you think! Meanwhile....

Let me know which products you are keen to try this month!

Or if you have already tried them.. how did it go for you? 

I'm SO in for those Sally Hansen Fuzzy Textured Lacquers... From the swatches I've seen.. they are to-die for! :(

Australis Go Long Longwear Lipsticks

Overly late review for these lovely Australis Go Long Longwear Lipsticks, but I'm glad I've still made it for Winter!

I don't think I've mentioned these ever [again] since their feature in my Saturday's Swatches series! I'm not really one for matte lipsticks and as I've previously mentioned that the shade range just doesn't excite me... Too many browns and darks for my personal preferences!

Australis Go Long Longwear Lipsticks ($12.95) are available in 8 shades, ranging from brights to darks! They're packaged in black and pink plastic tubes... Pretty, huh?

Although I've said that the colour range is a bit iffy for me, I'm still quite happy that they've decided to include browns and darker shades! It's hard to find affordable brown/dark shades from the lower-end brands... They can have 23435 shades of pink, but not a single brown.. @_@!

All 8 shades are matte, and as I've tried them... I have to say that they glide on to be pretty damn grippy! The first time I applied each of these shades, I seriously chanted "please don't break, please don't break, please don't break" because they are that grippy! However, as they wear down, they do become creamier and less grippy. Strangely, I also found that they've became somewhat less matte too... which truly doesn't bother me because I'm actually not keen on matte finishes anyways.

Despite its creamy texture, you will still need to keep great care of your lips to rock these lipsticks flake-free! You can also use a lip balm, apply the shade and then powder to keep its matte finish if you'd like :P


A SHADE-Y RUN DOWN


Uber Cool -- When I saw this in the collection, I'd have to say that this shade did not capture one bit of my attention! But when I wore it, it actually doesn't look that bad. I only pick this shade for the days that I'm feeling more rebellious and unusual though... Hehe.

One thing to note about Uber Cool is that it applies to be bright, but slowly fades to be dull. Constant touch up for me, because I really like the brightness that it applies at. >_<


Boho -- is a brown colour, lookin' slightly muted. Pretty wearable, I'd say! Not as scary as it looks in the tube, but I definitely won't be reaching for this colour any time soon.. Not interested in browns. Pinks for the win!

Diva -- a beautiful and bold blue-based red! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how this looks on the lips! I do own other similar shades, but not at this brightness! Like others, Diva applies to be pigmented and all, but because of the red colour.. it's better to pair this with a lip liner despite its fantastic lasting power and feathering- and bleeding- resistant formula.

[to be updated]

Easy Chic -- Here's a nude for all you nude lovers........ Wait. What? Easy Chic is the only beige toned nude from this collection, but it's a bit deeper, darker with muted brown tones... I think the muted brown tone makes it a pretty awkward in-between colour for alot of skin tones.

Preppy -- the second nude of the collection, but pink-toned! Yaaay! I love nudy pinks! This one is quite wearable too.. for me anyways! I don't find that it makes me look overly dead, which is ALWAYS a good thing.

Trendy -- Here's the other pink in the collection of shades, but this one is seriously.... an IN-YO-FACE colour! It's a VERY bright Barbie pink shade, which reminds me of a colour that Shanxo (on YouTube) would sport. This shade is definitely not one for my skin tone, but I actually quite like it! Mainly because I don't have a shade of pink like this that has that bright (almost neon) spice to it :P I'm still not 100% sure if I'd wear this shade at all though..

Ghetto -- is a dark, vampy burgundy red. I'm pretty sure you know that I'm not one for darks, so this shade definitely gave me a slight shock when I first applied it. It does apply to be quite deep and dark, but I also noticed that it's actually a really nice berry colour to sport when it's dabbed on. Don't you worry! ^_^ I will bring this shade into use...

Glam -- another dark from the collection, but this one is less pink/purple than Ghetto. It's more red/brown and is also deeper! I don't glance at this shade too often... It's just not for me. At a sheerer application, it just looks muddy on the lips, so I'm not too sure what I'm gonna do with this just yet. I'm sure many of you girls would be keen on this one though!

That's all for the 8 shades! My favourite picks are: Uber Cool, Diva, Trendy and Preppy!

I didn't pin point down the lasting time for all shades, but most lasted a good 4-7 hours with light snacks! Bigger meals  I also found that I could wear these alone with only little feathering and rarely any bleeding around the lips ^_^ Just needed to touch up here and there!

Have you tried any of Australis' Go Long Longwear Lipsticks?!

Which shades are your favourite picks?!

Disclaimer: Products mentioned in this post were provided for review consideration only. All opinions mentioned within this post belongs to me and remains to be uninfluenced and unbiased.

Saturday's Swatches: Australis Rockstar Lipsticks

GOD. I've been very lazy lately! @_@

I used to felt joy as I pranced around Priceline's cosmetics section, but I've been so much of a home-body that I actually refuse to leave the house, even just to the post office to grab a form! :( Yeap. That's me for ya, and that's also the reason why I've missed SO many new launches in my latest launch post!

However, yesterday, as I was browsing around Priceline to see what's new... I've spotted Australis' spankin' new Rockstar Collection! If I could remember correctly, Australis has never "labelled" their limited edition releases.. But now that they do, I do think it adds a nice touch to the brand! Would you agree?

No press images online, so this will have to do! :(

The collection features 4 new lipstick shades and 4 new nail polish shades -- all which are pretty damn in yo face! I'm not even kidding you... The shades are holy golly bright... They're NEON! @_@ Don't believe me? I have evidence!

Electro, Teen Pop, Gangsta, Grunge

From arm swatches, here's a shade-y rundown for ya:

• Electro -- BAM! Straight up electro orange. No red tones, no pink tones. Just straight up orange!
• Teen Pop -- Extremely BRIGHT cool-toned bubblegum pink.
• Gangsta -- A purpley-pink orchid colour. 
• Grunge -- A dark, vampy bruised red lipstick for all my dark lip lovers! Reminds me of my NYX Round Lipstick in 'Bruised'!

Of course, I'd love to swatch the nail polishes for you also, but I'm not keen on picking up any of the shades... I am a broke puppy. It's okay though! I've managed to persuade my sister into buying a shade of Rimmel's Apocalips when we were at Priceline.... Plan A worked out... Now to persuade her to pick up a few of Maybelline's new Whispers lippies.. LOL. I kid!

What are your thoughts on Australis' Rockstar Collection?

Are you a keen bean, or na?

For me, I might just have to pass on Australis' Rockstar Collection for now... Too bright and bold for my liking really! 

Latest Nail Fave: COVERGIRL Wine To Five

Don't mind me.. I've been obsessed with dark reds on the nails lately. Yeah.. I'm finally on trend with the seasons for once! :P For a looong time now, I've always strayed away from any dark nail colours, simply because they're just not my thang.

However, all that quickly changed after I spotted COVERGIRL's Wine To Five at my local Target! Let me tell ya.. when I whipped it on, the next thing I did was rammage through my stash, hoping to find any comparable shades.

Sadly, I couldn't find any lacquer from my stash that compares to this shade. I've found a bunch of dark reds though.. Eeep. Maybe I'll do a stash swatch post soon for them red nail lacquers!

The thing that makes Wine To Five so different from the rest is that the colour a darker deep red, but also borders purple in a way that's.... very complicated to explain. My head hurts just thinking of ways to explain this colour :( In a way, it's like the colour of a red/purple onion, I guess! Or to described it more accurately (and awkwardly), it's like the reddish colour of a purple brush! :|

Topped with Australis' Eureka Glitter Top coat

The formula applies effortlessly, which is what I do expect from such a dark colour anyways. It also lasted for a fair while before chipping, so that's a big yaaaay!!



So perfect for Autumn/Fall! ^_^!!

Quite happy that I've found a dark nail colour that I really really like! Can't wait to play around with it a bit more when I have free-time on my nails (as I'm constantly trialling)!

What is YOUR go-to nail lacquer for the cooler seasons?

Are you a season-trendy? 

Off to watch World War Z now... Toodles ma poodles!

Saturday's Swatches: Australis Pretty Pastels Palette

Saturday's Swatches have been off for a few weeks now.. Unfortunately, I've ran out of palettes and eyeshadows to swatch! I'll have to dig through my stash again, but meanwhile, please give a round of applause for our guest today -- Australis' Pretty Pastels Palette!

I've won this from Sandy's YouTube/Blog giveaway some time ago (thanks Sandy! ^_^!), but I believe you can still find the palette at Priceline for $9.95 (currently on sale for $7.96 at Priceline).

As expected, the lighweight palette is packaged in Australis' killer colours -- black and hot pink! I like that the palette itself is pretty thin and isn't too big, but still feels quite sturdy. The palette itself comes with 3 eyeshadow shades, a blusher shade, a bronzer shade, a fixed shade of pressed powder and a VERY clear and big "HD-quality" mirror.

As you can tell, all three shades are wearable neutral shades! I've decided to compare some of these shades to a selective fewer from Urban Decay's NAKED Palette:

• #1 -- This one swatches to be a bit chalky, but makes SUCH a pretty sheen over the lids. It reminds me of Urban Decay's Virgin the most, but this one by Australis has a shimmery finish rather than that pearly finish in comparison to Virgin.
• #2 -- This shade is like.. a grey-toned taupe colour. It swatches to be sheer on my arm, and also applies to be almost the same... I can't find a similar shade from UD's Naked for this particular shade.
• #3 -- Reminds me of Dark Horse, except that this Australis' shade is more neutral toned than Dark Horse. This particular shade is very pigmented, and also has alot of fall outs so please be careful!

Ok! Onto the blusher, bronzer and face powder...

• Blusher: Such a pretty dusty pink colour! It swatched to be a tad sheer, but actually applies to be quite pigmented! It also has a matte finish. I actually don't have anything similar to this colour in my stash, so this is a nice addition! 
• Bronzer: This bronzer shade has a shimmery finish, but when applied, it passes off as almost a luminous finish. It's much more ideal to use this to 'bronze' rather than to 'contour', not only because of the finish, but the colour is also a bit off. I can use this [and get away with it] at a lighter hand, but with a heavy hand, it tends to look a tad orange and pink-toned.. X_X
• Face Powder: I think this MAY be the same face powder from their Fresh and Flawless compacts... which I really like! It's smooth to apply, and also gives a flawless heavy-duty look! 

Overall, I like the soft-toned palette! It's a handy palette for those who prefer minimal make-up looks, or for those who are starting out with make-up even! It'd be better if they had these palettes available with different shades of pressed powders though.. Or perhaps replace the pressed powder with another universal face/eye product. A powder highlighter would be PERFECT for me!

That's all for today's Saturday's Swatches post! I'm trying to get back into a consistent blogging schedule, so sorry for the random updates! ^_^

On a brighter note, it's not rainy today, so I will be able to go to Sunday markets tomorrow! I haven't been there in 3 weeks or so! Eeep!

Catch you guys in 2 days~