Femme Boulevard: My Most Worn Makeup Look for 2014

This is the last makeup look for Femme Boulevard for the year, and the girls decided the best way to end the year is by showing our most worn look for 2014. Easy! For most of the year I've stuck to one makeup look, just switched up my lipstick depending on what I was up to on the day. The look is a simple one - matte base, taupe eyes, neutral cheeks and either bright lips (if going to work), or nude/pink/budge proof lips if in mama-mode.

WORK MODE
Here it is. This is pretty much the look I've worn on most work days, simple but not boring thanks to the bright lippy. The lipstick I've worn most this year is probably this matte lipstick by Savvy which is a cheapie from Priceline. The colour is called San Fran.

Work Mode - my most worn look when going to work. 

MAMA MODE
And on the days when I've been in mama-mode, a.k.a. spending the day with my 2 year old son going from playground to playground, I've opted for the type of lipstick that won't smudge or smear all over my boy. The Australis Velourlips range has been what I've worn most, with this pink shade called LUN-DUN in high rotation.

Mama mode: my most worn look when on playground duty!

And here's the full list of products used in this look. I've used the exact same products in both looks, just changed the lipsticks. As you can see I've hit pan on a lot of the products here, that's because that's what I tended to use most of the year.

On FACE I've used Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation in Nude followed by Maybelline 24HR Powder in Sand. My blush is Illamasqua Naked Rose, an absolute favourite. On EYES I've used my Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Wardrobe palette, a gift from the husband last Christmas which has been my most used palette of the year. For EYELINER I've used Liquid Liner from Cool Betty (available at Korean beauty stores). On BROWS I've used Rimmel Brow Pencil in Dark Brown. MASCARA is Lash Curl by Essence. On LIPS I've either used San Fran by Savvy, or Australis Velourlips in LUN-DUN.

To check out the rest of the FB Girls' post, click on the links below.

For Lily's look click HERE.
For Teri's look click HERE.
For Joey's look click HERE.

PS: in case I don't post in the next few days, hope you have an absolutely amazing New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick post to wish my readers a very Merry Christmas! Whatever you end up doing, I hope it's a good one. Our day will be spent with family, eating way too much, drinking (soft drinks for me... I'm preggers!), and talking and laughing. But the best part so far was seeing the excitement on our boy's face as he opened all his presents, especially since Santa had brought him exactly what he'd asked for (dinosaurs, trucks, space rocket and train set).

From my family to yours...

Merry Christmas!

Pregnant with baby #2!

If you follow me on Instagram of Facebook, chances are you already know this. Yes, I am pregnant! Baby #2 is due in June 2015 which means I've just gone past 13 weeks. Things are progressing quite well. As well as can be when you're feeling like you're either starving all day, or want to throw up all day. 

As this is my 2nd pregnancy, I'm a bit more relaxed about it all. I'm definitely not Googling every ache and pain like I did with Luca. And doctor's visits and scans aren't shrouded in mystery anymore.  I've had two scans already, one at 9 weeks to confirm the pregnancy and another at 12 weeks to do all the vital health checks. 

I think morning sickness (or all day sickness if you ask me!) has definitely been worse this time around but it's starting to get better now. And also unlike the first time, if I was tired I could go and lay down get a proper rest. Now if I lay down, guaranteed within 2 minutes my son will come find me and start jumping on mummy wanting to play horsies. Even if he's busy playing with his dad in another room, it's like he can sense it that mummy's trying to get rest so will come and make sure to jump all over me. 

There is no baby bump to show as yet. Even though I've gained about 3kgs so far, I look more like I've been enjoying my meals a little too much than being pregnant. I have no major food cravings, and am not in maternity gear yet, though my jeans are definitely tighter so I might have to pack them away for now. 

I hope this explains why things have been a bit quiet here on the blog front lately. I've just had no energy at all. I'm still working 4 days a week, plus with an active 2.5yr old at home my days are filled. I normally blog when Luca goes to sleep, but by the time he's in bed I'm too buggered to do anything but veg in front of the TV. But as I mentioned, the morning sickness is definitely going away now and my energy levels seem to be improving, so I'll get back into the swing of things in no time!

Lilit

xx

 

Currently on rotation: Contour and Highlight Products

For quite a long time, 3 years to be precise, I only ever used the Benefit Hoola powder for contouring purposes. But then when that finished after years of daily use, instead of repurchasing it I ended up getting various other products from different brands. Why? Because lately the market has been flooded with contour and highlight products and I'm fickle like that when it comes to new products, no cosmetic loyalty!

So here's my collection of C&H products, with a mini review to boot.

theBalm Mary Lou Manizer review & photos

I definitely prefer a matte face,  but I don't know what it is, maybe the holiday season, but lately I've wanted a really glowing highlighter. This particular one from theBalm has been on my to-buy list for quite a while now, but I'd always wanted to have a swatch before getting it. Problem is in Australia this is sold at selected DJs stores only and my local stores did not have it so I hadn't got it until now. In the end I bought it from MYQTY online boutique, sight unseen, without swatching it and I have no regrets.

Australis Bronzeyed Girl Eyeshadow Palette

Hands up who else thinks Australis are really killing it lately with their new product releases? Two cases in point. 1. Velourlips - shops can't keep up with demand for these super long lasting lip creams. 2. Contouring & Highlighting palette sold out in 2 weeks (though I've heard it's now back in stock). And now they're releasing an eyeshadow palette which is also bound to be a best seller.

The Bronzeyed Girl eyeshadow palette contains 6 shimmery shades of golds, bronzes and coppers. They are all incredibly pigmented and they would make a great addition to a summer makeup kit.

Lipstick Tales: MAC Lipstick in Plum Dandy

If you've been following my blog for any length of time, then you'll know when it comes to lipsticks I tend to go for bright pinks, corals, oranges and purples. The colour I have here is not something that I would normally go for, it's just too... what's the word I'm looking for? Dull? Not really bright? Not out there? Yet when I saw it at my local MAC counter the other day I was really attracted to it and had to give it a try!

Two Ways I'm Wearing Colour On My Eyes

Every once in a while I get the urge to wear bright and colourful eyeshadows. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does you can bet your bottom dollar I'll do some kind of coloured look for weeks on end. My colours of choice are generally blues, greens and purples, and here are 2 ways I incorporate them into my eye makeup.

5 Things to get at the Priceline 40% Off Cosmetics Sale

Yes, you read that right. The Priceline 40% off cosmetics sale is back! It's on today and tomorrow only (18/19 November) both ONLINE and in-store. And let me tell you, based on what happened at the last sale things will be selling out fast! If you can, I'd suggest you try to go today so you have your pick of products, or better yet, shop from the comfort of your chair through their online store.

And if you want to curb your spending and limit to only a few must-haves, here are 5 things that I highly recommend especially at the 40% off price.


Australis Cosmetics Contouring and Highlighting Kit
It's the bomb. Seriously. It has 3 contour shades, 3 highlight shades and at a price that won't break the bank. Original price $16.95. Sale price $10.17.

Read my review HERE.

Savvy by DB Ultra Matte Lip Colour
If you love the long lasting power of the Lime Crime Velveteens then definitely give these a go. They're the cheaper alternative, but perform just as well. My favourite colour is Icon (pictured on the left) which is a dupe for LC Utopia. Original price $7.99. Sale price $4.80.

Read my review HERE. 


Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
These won't last you the same duration that regular gel polishes will, but they are long lasting. I get up to 10 days wear. And unlike regular gel polish, you don't need a UV lamp and removal is a breeze.
Original price $19.95 for the duo. Sale price $11.97.

Read my review HERE.


Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
This is one of my all time favourite mascaras but the high price tag (well, high for a drugstore product) always puts me off. However on sale it's much more reasonable. This mascara gives me thick and long lashes minus the clumps. Get it.
Original price $24.95. Sale price $14.97

Read my review HERE.


Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
This is an absolute favourite of mine which I've been using on and off since it's release years ago. I even wore it on my wedding day. You get fairly lightweight but medium/full coverage that stays matte all day. Original price $21.95. Sale price $13.17.

Read my review HERE.


So don't forget, the 40% off Cosmetics sale is for 2 days only so either get yourself to a Priceline store or check their website now.

Shop the sale HERE.


*Contains Affilliate links

Australis Velourlips - new shades

As a huge fan of matte & budge proof lippies like Velveteens, I love when I see budget brands bringing out their own versions which are just as good as their more expensive counterparts. I am of course talking about the Australis Velourlips, which surely require no introduction if you live on my side of the world? I already have the bright orange shade RIO D which I blogged about here, but these are some new shades that Australis have released which are much more muted than the previous bright offerings.

Currently in Rotation: Mascaras

I don't often have this many mascaras in rotation all the time, usually only 2, max 3. But then I got sent one as a press sample and another was a magazine freebie so now I have 5 in rotation. So many choices! #firstworldproblems. Here's a quick rundown on them all.

GHD V Rose Gold Hair Straightener Review

I'm a huge huge fan of the ghd (which stands for good hair day) straighteners. My first one lasted me 7 years before finally deciding it had enough of me and went to sleep forever. I didn't even think to look for any other brand's straighteners and replaced it with the ghd IV Styler which I've had for 2 years now, and recently I was sent the limited edition ghd V Rose Gold Styler so now I have a back up, yay.

The ghd V Rose Gold styler comes with:
- heat resistant rose gold roll bag
- protective plate guard
- 2 x sectioning clips
- smoother plates
- lighter and cooler body
- automatic sleep mode

It also has universal voltage, which means if you're an international traveller and have to put up with different voltages across the world, well, with this one you don't need a voltage adapter.

My favourite feature is the automatic sleep mode, which means it will turn itself off if inactive for 30 minutes. Which means I don't need to get a doormat like the one below.

Image via Pinterest

I use my styler both for straightening and curling my hair. Even though I have curlers as well, I tend to reach for the ghd styler a lot more often when curling, as I find it much faster to do loose waves with it than with traditional barrel curlers.

Hair curled and straightened with ghd rose gold styler

The ghd V Rose Gold Styler is $270 rrp. You can get it direct from the ghd website with free delivery, or find a local stockist by clicking HERE.

Have you got a ghd? What stylers do you use?

*PR Sample

Besame Cosmetics Review & Makeup Look

I picked up these two products from IMATS a few weeks ago. I had heard absolutely nothing about Besame Cosmetics before, but I was drawn by the gorgeous packaging and the vintage inspired stall that they had there. Before I knew it I'd handed over my cash and got myself a new foundation and a lipstick.

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Range

It's seems like Argan Oil is all the rage at the moment. Well, has been for a while, probably since good old Moroccan Oil first hit the shelves. But I'm not complaining, as I'm quite a fan of the oil and I love seeing it used in a variety of ways. The Body Shop have released a new range with Wild Argan Oil and it's definitely worth a try. The scent is quite subtle, a little bit nutty but also has that same unmistakable smell that Moroccan Oil has. Overall this is a wonderful range, if you like the Brazil Nut range but find it too heavy, this is a much more lighter version of it.

Lime Crime Velveteen in Utopia

A few weeks ago I went to IMATS, and one of the things I picked up was the Lime Crime Velveteen in the colour Utopia. I'm a sucker for purple shades, especially ones that last a long time and are transfer resistant, so Utopia ticked all the boxes for me.

I'm not going to go on an on about it as I'm sure you've already read quite a few reviews on it, so here are a few key points I want to mention.

Instagram Giveaway: Australis Contouring & Highlighting Kit!

Hi lovelies, yesterday I posted about the fabulous Australis Contouring & Highlighting Kit which are selling out like hotcakes. Well, the very next day after I bought the kit I received one as a PR Sample. Since I don't need 2 kits, Australis have kindly agreed to let me host an Instgram Giveaway and give it to 1 lucky Instagram follower of mine. So head on over to Instagram (I'm @lilitsblog) and enter there!

T&C
1. Australia Only
2. Closes end of day 31 Oct 2014
3. Winner will be chosen at random using the tag #lilitsbloggiveaway
4. Entrants must have public Instagram profiles otherwise I won't see their entry.
5. Entrants under 18 must get a parent or guardian's permission to enter.
6. The prize is 1 Australis Controuing & Highlighting Kit valued at $16.95
7. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash.
8. I accept no liability for items delayed, damaged or lost in transit.

PS: Don't forget I still have an International Giveaway open too. Click HERE. 

AC On Tour Australis Contouring and Highlighting Kit - Review, Photos & Swatches

Here's yet another product that I definitely did not need (ummm, I have a tonne of contour/highlight products) but I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it on @australiscosmetics Instagram account. It is of course the Australis Contouring and Highlighting Kit. I think this is one of those products that will sellout quickly (just like those much loved Velourlips lip products), so if you're interested definitely start stalking your local Priceline now!

Travel Essentials - Beauty Directory Expert Panel review

As you may already know I'm on the Beautydirectory Expert Panel, and this month I was asked to review this Bon Voyage kit consisting of a few travel essential. And as someone who's gone from taking 16 lipsticks to a weekend away to taking only a 13kg suitcase for a 3 month South American holiday I'd say I know a thing or two about travel essentials.

So here's what's in the kit, and my thoughts on each item.

Eyeshadow "helpers"

I generally don't like a lot of fuss when it comes to make up and skincare. For example I hardly ever use primers, I just think it's an extra step in my beauty routine that I don't need. But.... lately I've been loving using these 3 things I like to call eyeshadow helpers. Why? Because they really enhance the colour of my shadows and make them last longer. What are they? Two are jumbo pencils, and the other is a cream eyeshadow pot, and all are drugstore products.

Milani Baked Blushes

I'm finally getting on the Milani Baked Blush bandwagon! With summer quickly approaching in Australia, I was looking for some shimmery blushes as the majority of mine are matte. And of course who better than Milani for beautifully shimmery blushes? In Australia there are a number of online retailers where you can buy them from - I bought mine from Rouche Boutique.

The colours I picked are Dolce Pink, Bella Rosa and Corallina. All come in a round compact with a  brush hidden underneath it. The brush is ok, it's good if you're carrying the blush around with you during the day and need it for touch ups, but I'd stick to a proper blush brush for normal daily application.

International Giveaway: Win a Gorgeous Cosmetics Pack worth $364

Hi lovelies, if you read my post yesterday chances are you had an inkling that this was coming. What is it? It's a MASSIVE INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!!! I've teamed up with Gorgeous Cosmetics who have kindly offered to give one lucky reader of Makeup and Macaroons a prize pack identical to the one below (minus the foundation).  To see an in depth review of the individual items click the link to the previous post HERE.

What can you win?

1 x First Base Foundation Primer - AUD $55
1 x 8 Pan Everyday Beauty Eyeshadow Palette - AUD $89
1 x 8 Pan Contour Palette - AUD $89
1 x Gel Lipliner in Tangerine - AUD $25
1 x Lipstick in Tango - AUD $35
1 x Lipstick in Man Trap - AUD $35
2 x Lashes - AUD 18 each (total AUD $36)
3 x Base Perfect Foundation sample sachets (please note, due to foundations being hard to colour match instead of the winner receiving a full sized bottle, they will receive sample sachets).

TOTAL VALUE OF PRIZE PACK = AUD $364

Gorgeous Cosmetics Review & FOTD

Today I'm reviewing some fantastic products from Gorgeous Cosmetics, and if you tune back in tomorrow there will also be a surprise for you from the brand! In case you haven't heard of the brand before, they were founded in Australia in 1999 and are now stocked in Nordstrom and other high end retailers in Europe and US. And soon with Sephora coming to Australia, Gorgeous Cosmetics will also be stocked there!

This is my first in-depth foray into the brand, and I must say I'm impressed. I'd tried one of their lipsticks before but that's it, so I was very happy to be given this opportunity to try more products. Here's what I've got, and my thoughts on them.

Base Perfect Liquid Foundation and First Base Foundation Primer
I'm not generally a primer user but this I don't mind using at all. Why? Because it sinks into the skin really quickly so there's no waiting around with a sticky face for the primer to soak in. Plus it makes my foundation glide on and last all day. The foundation, oh this would have to be my favourite from the range. It's medium to full coverage, long lasting and despite me having dry skin this does not emphasise any dry bits like normal long lasting foundations do. It feels very light weight and lasts the whole day. I was sent the colour 1YBP which is perfect for my NC25 skin tone. Both the foundation and the primer come with a pump applicator which is not only hygienic but also easy to use.

Gel Lipliner in Tangerine and Lipsticks in Man Trap and Tango

All these shades are such "me" shades, I'll be getting a lot of use out of them for sure! The lipsticks are both very creamy and very pigmented. They really glide on the lips and even if you have dry patches (like I do), they tend to be quite forgiving! And the lipliner is creamy enough to be worn on its own for a bright orange lip look. 

L/R: Man Trap, Tango, Tangerine

8 Pan Everyday Beauty eyeshadow palette
As the name suggests, this has a good mix of shades perfect for everyday wear. The finishes of the shadows are mostly metallic, but in a more mature way rather than in a glittery way. They all have a lovely sheen to them. All colours are extremely wearable, though my favourite is the silvery mauve on the bottom right.

8 Pan Contour Palette
This is something I was very excited about, as you know contouring and highlighting is all the rage right now! This palette comes with 2 highlighting shades, 4 contour shades and 2 blushes. The range of colours makes it suitable for many different skin tones. One of the shades is far too dark for my skin tone to use as a contour product, but you know what? It's actually great as eyeshadow, or even as a brow powder.

The only thing I can't really comment on are the lashes. I have never worn false lashes before, I have a bit of a phobia of them actually (as in, I worry I'll rip out my own lashes when removing them!), so I can't tell you what they're like.

Ok, and here's a makeup look I did using the above products. On lips is Man Trap.

You can get Gorgeous Cosmetics through their WEBSITE, which has international shipping. You can also check for their bricks and mortar stores HERE. And as I said, don't forget to check back in tomorrow because there will be a surprise!

*Press samples

4 More Shanghai Suzy lipsticks to add to my collection

Look, there's really no excuse. I know I have a lot of lippies already, but I've become addicted to Shanghai Suzy lipsticks, at $12.95 each they're actually a great price for the quality you get. Plus there's generally a sale on as well, e.g. I got mine in a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal. Three of the lippies I picked up were from the new Spring/Summer 2014 collection, and one was an older one that I'd missed out on before.

Behold, the bright gorgeousness that are the Shanghai Suzy lippies.

AM to PM Makeup

A few weeks ago we attended a friend's wedding. Gone are the days when I had the luxury to spend ages getting ready for such events. No, now I have a 2 year old toddler that demands constant attention and loves being taken to playgrounds. Which means any makeup I do needs to be toddler proof (no super glossy lips for me anymore), not look too out of place in a playground, and be able to quickly transform into a night out look. So here's the look that I wore on the day of the wedding, and how with some key products I quickly transformed it into an evening look.

Mini Inglot Haul and Review

Inglot is one of my favourite brands, their eyeshadows are just out of this world (yes, better than MAC in my opinion), and their prices are very reasonable. I used to buy a lot more of their products in the past but then for a while every single Inglot store that was close to me closed down and their website isn't very user friendly, so I stopped buying things from them. But.... I discovered that they had opened up a store in my local Westfields again, yay! So one lunch time from work I popped over and got reacquainted with the brand.

Here's what I picked up.

Eyeshadows in #153 (silvery taupe) and #421 (shimmery chocolate)
Sculpting Powder in #504
Blush/powder Compact with Brush to put Sculpting Powder in
Gel Eyeliner in #77

Lipstick Tales: the Ultimate MLBB shade!

For those not in the know, MLBB stands for My Lips But Better. And until recently I did not see the point in an MLBB shade of lipstick. Oh puhleeze, the whole point of a lipstick is to change the colour of my lips, not make it look like I don't have lippy on. That is, until I discovered the Bareminerals lipstick in Speak Your Mind.

Found! The nude nail polish that won't give you mannequin hands!

New Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup

I've become a huge fan of Anastasia Beverly Hills products lately, and browsing her website with its international shipping has become dangerous for my wallet. Here are 3 things I ordered recently from their website, which arrived in my hot little hands in about a week from the US. 

September favourites

I don't really do monthly favourites that often. Mainly because the end of the month always creeps up on me so by the time I remember to do a monthly favourite post it's already well into the following month. But here I am, with a September favourites post of stuff I've been loving lately.