Brand Love: Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula

Hey everyone! Today I have a brand I want to rave about. It isn't a new brand, it's a brand that has been on our shelves for a while, a brand i've been using for years but never really given enough credit to! Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula is a brand that uses cocoa butter in all their products and have some of the yummiest smelling moisturisers and body washes on the market! Today I want to share with you a few of their products i'm absolutely loving at the moment. All these products can be found at Priceline and selected pharmacies nationally.

Anti-Aging Smoothing Lotion (RRP $7.40) - This cream, enriched with Alpha/Beta Hydroxy claims to reveal younger looking skin. As i'm already still young, I don't see those benefits, but what I like about this product is that it feels really oily when you first apply it, but it absorbs really well into the skin, leaving it feel super hydrated and soft and not at all oily. It has the signature cocoa butter smell with a hint of lemon.

Eventone BB Cream (RRP $9.99) - This BB cream is a really light-weight formula with low-medium coverage. It blends really well and gives a very natural-dewy look to the skin. I love the way this product makes my skin look and feel and doesn't look greasy after a whole day of wearing considering it contains spf15!

Cocoa Butter Body Wash (RRP $5.99) - This moisturising body wash has a gorgeous rich scent of cocoa butter and lathers up really well. I use this on a loofah all over my body and it makes my skin incredibly soft and I smell good all day!

Natural Bronze Instant (RRP $9.39) -  I'm generally not one to apply bronzers, fake tans or gradual natural tanners as i'm already quite naturally tan... but after coming back from Europe looking very pale (for my standards) I was glad to try this out! It is a chocolate brown lotion that instantly tints the skin to a natural looking colour. I wasn't able to notice the sunless tanner develop quickly and wasn't sure how long to wait as there is no guide on the packaging. I've been tanning by the pool now (I know, i'm sorry!) and have already gotten quite a good tan, i've still been using this product on my legs and have definitely noticed how bronzed they look! I am actually surprised by this product and love the way it smells too!

Purifying Mask (RRP $9.99) - This mask is a product i've been using on and off for the last 3 or 4 years. It contains kaolin clay that helps to draw impurities and dirt out from the skin and I really love this mask. It is how a mask should be! I apply it thinly all over my face and let it dry for 10 minutes. I do this once a week. If I see a pimple (or pimples) forming then I will apply the mask directly to the pimple and not cover the entire face, and notice that it helps to keep my skin balanced, smooth and really clean! It has a clay-like smell.

So these are a few of my favourite products by Palmers, what's your favourite product from them? I'd love to know!

OPI - Gwen Stefani Collection

Hey everyone! Today I will be showing you the collection of polishes from the latest OPI x Gwen Stefani collection (on counters now). This collection consists of 7 shades; 2 glossy cremes, 2 satin-finish colours, 1 glitter, 1 chrome and 1 super limited hot red that comes in a box with swarovski studs and crystals. The stand out for me is definitely the chrome colour (Push & Shove) which even comes with its own base coat; Lay Down The Base for optimal results. 

Each photo shows 2 coats applied (excluded Push & Shove, which is 1 coat) and shows the first picture in direct light and the second photo indoors/shade.

4 In The Morning (Satin) - One of my favourite shades from the collection, is a satin black with silve micro shimmer through it. This dries to the nail slightly lighter and is gorgeous!

Hey Baby - A hot pink bubblegum creme. Very girly

In True Stefani Fashion - A super dense silver and holographic packed glitter topper. Micro glitters and hex glitters galore!

I Sing In Colour - My least favourite from the collection. A dark, deep eggplant shade. This shade is just not for me. Applies perfectly though!

Love.Angel..Music.Baby - This stunner is my favourite from the whole collection and is a gold fine glitter that dries to a stunning satin finish. It is super elegant and girly. I adore!

Over & Over A-Gwen with Swarovski Gold Studs -  A super bright fire engine red. A classic colour. The studs are gorgeous and very sturdy.

Push & Shove - The most anticipated and exciting colour by OPI to date (i'd say, anyway!), this super shiny, eye-searing silver chrome polish. It is actually much brighter in person than Layla's version. It's a shame on the wear time though (about 4 hours before chipping commenced)! 

I have really enjoyed this collection. 4 out of 7 colours are new, fresh and exciting and I love seeing what nail polish brands can do! One day soon, I hope to see a gold chrome colour - that lasts longer than 24 hours as well! Let me know your favourites! Thanks for reading.

Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess Collection 2014

Hey everyone!! Today I have swatches of a new nail lacquer and lip product by Estee Lauder to show you. These two products are from their new collection called Bronze Goddess, available now from counters nationally.

First up is the limited edition Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in the shade Squeeze (RRP $40). It is just like the old school lip glosses you would buy from the $2 store. This particular one smells so good - like watermelon and passionfruit and gives your lips a super glossy look. It does not dehydrate your lips after time and adds a very sheer colour. 

Next is the new limited edition pure colour Nail Lacquer in the Shade Hot Spell (RRP $38). I've only owned 1 other Estee Lauder nail lacquer before and know how amazing the bottle, brush, formula and colours are and this is no exception. This hot orange toned coral is perfect for the hot summer days. It applied so well and I used 2 coats for these photos.

Europe Nail Polish Haul!

Hi guys!! I'm back! I had such an amazing time in Europe, the most memorable time which I will never forget and sadly I'm back to reality! I, surprisingly, didn't go too crazy when buying nail polishes overseas! I only bought polishes that really stood out to me (which is a good way to buy when you have so many colours). Here's my haul!

Catrice; Purple Reign and Mermaid My Day, Gabrielle Salvete (Both liquid sands); Raspberry & Clementina

Barry M - Ruby Glitter, Art Deco - 18 Chrome, Models Own - Grape Juice (scented), Misslyn - Velvet Diamond (#12), Essence - The Boy Next Door

Barry M - White & Black Nail Art Pen, Models Own - Mermaid Tears (the bottle had a nasty break - somewhere between London and Brisbane in my suitcase - so I transferred to a new bottle).

I had to....when in London of course, you visit the nail polish bottle store - WOOP!!

I had such an amazing time looking at all the nail polish and make up Europe had to offer and the cheapest place on my entire trip to buy nail polish was . . . . Prague! Do you like my haul??

 

Nail Polish Store Recommendations in Europe!?

Hi guys!! So the last month has been SUPER busy for me! Along with getting a new job, I've just finished moving into a new place and to top it off - I am going to Europe on Thursday for 4 weeks! I haven't had a chance to schedule any blog posts but I want to ask my European readers something...

Can you recommend places to buy European brand nail polishes in; Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam, Munich and London??

I'd really appreciate any comments!! Thanks so much guys and see you in 4 weeks!!

Artsy Wednesday - Metallic

Hi guys!! Another AW post this week! Today's theme is metallic so I chose for some stamping! I used 2 coats of Models Own - Champagne and 1 coat of Ozotic - 186 for the stamping. It's just a random stamping plate I bought from ebay. I really need some good stamping polishes because the blue didn't show up properly! Ah well it still had a cool effect from a far! I finished it off with 1 coat of SV.

Check out these girls for this week's theme!

Michelle - Lab Muffin
Maria - Marias Nail Polish Blog
Jessica - Beauty Gnome 
Emily - An Accent Nail
Catrine - Unnakednails

Ameerah - Valiantly Varnished 

Wendy - M.A.S.P.O.O.A.S.E.

Haylee & Anna - Makeup and Masala  

Rose -  Every Little Polish  

Anna - Makeup n' More

ELES Cosmetics - Micro Mocha Lipstick

Hey everyone! Happy New Year to you all! I hope you had a great 2013 and you are ready to take on the new year! Today I am showing you a lipstick by ELES Cosmetics called Micro Mocha* from their core lipstick range (RRP $39.50). I am seriously loving ELES cosmetics - their mascara is my favourite one EVER and their lipsticks are SO smooth and creamy and highly pigmented. The micro mocha colour is the perfect red toned brown that complements olive/tan skin tones very well (like myself!). I recommend you try their lipsticks out and see what I'm talking about - they are brilliant! I can't recommend it enough to people! The picture shows 1 coat of the lipstick. It has really great coverage and opacity. Head over to the ELES website at www.elescosmetics.com.au to see all of their wonderful products!

Artsy Wednesday - Christmas Nails

Hello everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!! I hope you are all having a fantastic day and celebrating with the ones you love! This is a scheduled post but today's AW theme is Christmas nails! I absolutely LOVE these Christmas pudding nails done by Alice over at One Nail To Rule Them All that I just had to recreate them! They are super cute and SO easy to do!

I used 2 coats of OPI - Suzi Loves Cowboys for the brown pudding, OPI - Alpine Snow for the white glaze, China Glaze - Running in Circles for the holly leaves and for the holly fruit I used Zoya - Alegra + Orly - Rockets Red Glare. I finished it all off with 1 coat of SV.

Don't forget to check out the other lovely ladies for this week's theme!!

Michelle - Lab Muffin
Maria - Marias Nail Polish Blog
Jessica - Beauty Gnome 
Emily - An Accent Nail
Catrine - Unnakednails
Ameerah - Valiantly Varnished 

Wendy - M.A.S.P.O.O.A.S.E.

Haylee & Anna - Makeup and Masala  

Rose -  Every Little Polish  

Anna - Makeup n' More

OPI Brazil Collection for Spring 2014

Hi guys!! Today I have the newest collection by OPI to show you - their Brazil Spring Collection 2014 to celebrate the world cup and the Olympics!! This collection is full of gorgeous colours inspired by Brazil and their gorgeous colours. This collection consists of 12 new bright, sassy, sexy and stylish colours. This collection is due to release the 5th of February 2014. Here's a look at the spread!

 

Today I'll be showing you 7 out of the 12 polishes from the collection!

Amazon...AmazOFF* - A stunning forest teal creme. Applies perfectly in 2 coats. P.s this polish is one bad stainer!  

Don't Bossa Nova Me Around* - A nude creme with a lilac tone. This was 2 coats and applied perfectly.

I Just Can't Cope-Cabana* - A bright canary yellow creme - it is slightly pastel-like. This swatch was 2 coats.

Kiss Me I'm Brazilian* - A strawberry ice cream creme. This applied perfectly in 2 coats.

Live.Love.Carnaval* - A pink toned coral creme. This colour is so gorgeous IRL. definitely my new favourite coral and makes tan skin pop! This is 2 coats here.

Toucan Do It If You Try* - An orange toned coral. This is every so slightly lighter and a tad more orange than Live.Love.Carnaval. In nail polish lovers defence, they're not the same - they're similar. Would be perfect for a ombre look! This 2 coats.

Where Did Suzi's Mango?* - A really pretty sherbet orange creme. This dries slightly darker on the nails. I used 2 coats here.

 

So these are my picks from the latest Brazil 2014 collection. I love all the bright colours and neutral tones - OPI have perfected this collection and capture Brazil brilliantly! Let me know which colour you are most excited for!

Cranberry Christmas Nails!

Hey guys!! Today I have really sparkly, glowing red glitter nails to show you. I first did this combination on my toenails and was really impressed at how cool and "lit within" it looked! I used 2 coats of Zoya - Alegra and 2 coats of Orly - Rockets Red Glare*. It just works SO well! If you need a christmas-y nail look - this is simple and really pretty! I used 1 coat of SV to smooth it out. It was really hard to photograph but IRL it is so so pretty! Let me know if you try this look out!

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide!

Christmas Gift Guide 

Hey guys!! With Christmas literally around the corner it's that time of year when people are beginning to stress and shoppers get angry! It's all a part of Christmas time but today's post is a few examples of Christmas gifts to help make your shopping decision easier!

Stocking Fillers:

Lindor Gala Celebrations Gift Box (RRP $39.95 exclusive to Woolworths) – Do I even need a reason why these are perfect for Christmas? Lindt perfectly epitomises Christmas everyday with their gorgeous wrapping and perfect balls of chocolate. (Available from Myer, David Jones, Kmart and Target).

Philosophy – The Cookie Exchange gift set (RRP $45.00 available exclusively from David Jones). This super cute gift set by Philosophy comes complete with shampoo, bubble bath, body lotion and a lip gloss, plus a really cute cookie tin! They smell sooo delicious! This is a perfect stocking filler or last minute gift idea for any secret Santa’s or to finish off the perfect gift.

Nail Polish Addict:

For the nail polish lover in your circle of friends/family – you can’t go wrong with the newest silver and white gold top coat by OPI called Pure. It transforms any manicure to sophistication and the packaging is a real collector’s item. (RRP $39.95 available from David Jones and Myer.

OPI – The Top Ten Mini Gift Set (RRP $39.95, Available from Myer and David Jones). This set of mini OPI’s is a perfect gift to trial the best colours from OPI and doubles up as a great travelling kit! A must have for any nail polish lover.

Adventurous Girl:

The Scunci Hair Chalk tool is a great way to express yourself and to add some colour to your day! It is a really easy process – you just apply it through wet or dry hair (depending how vibrant you want it to be) like a straightener and voila! Shows up really well on all hair colours and washes out easily! (RRP $17.95, available from Big W and Priceline).

 Hard To Buy For (Male):

Justice Professional has released a gift pack for men that include the Cool Mint Shampoo & Conditioner and Firm Gel. Most men tend to be hard to buy for – but for the man who has everything, a great smelling shampoo and conditioner that cleanses and helps invigorate your scalp to promote healthy hair growth is always a bonus! The firm hair gel is a great product that really keeps hair in place all day long without the crunchy feeling. (RRP $35.90, available from Just Cuts salons nationally) 

 

The latest socks from Topman come in so many designs that I had to feature my two favourite here. Socks, especially cool patterned socks, are a very safe gift for a hard man to buy for. (The RRP is $6.00 and is available at Topshop stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland).

Hard To Buy For (Female): 

Justice Crew for Her Pack (Includes the Moisturising Shampoo, Treatment Conditioner and Smooth & Groom styler product (RRP $39.95 available at all Just Cut Salons). This pack is perfect for dry or damaged hair, or even natural hair that needs some TLC. The smooth & groom smells delicious and helps give you a groomed, pulled together look with minimal effort! It does not dry crunchy or flake off which is a bonus! 

One of my absolute favourite body scrubs is by Sanctuary Spa – the Hot Sugar Scrub that I’ve reviewed here. If you have a friend in desperate need of pampering then this product is the product for her! It smells delicious and leaves skin SO soft! (RRP $19.99 available from Priceline).

Luxurious Woman:

Laura Mercier Body & Bath – Crème Brulee Soufflé Body Crème (RRP $65.00 available from David Jones) this body crème has an amazing sweet scent that leaves your skin feeling so soft and hydrated. I love that it’s in a jar which gives it a more rustic look and means you won’t waste any!

 

Make Up Addict:

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to buy yourself YSL, or perhaps you know someone with an obsession with make-up, then the absolute perfect gift of all time will be the YSL – Glossy Stain in Rouge Laque (#9). It is such a beautiful product that gives you the glossiest lips ever and has a staying power like no other lip product on the market. This will definitely not disappoint! (RRP $50.00 from David Jones and Myer)

 

What's your number 1 item on your wishlist this year?? I hope you get it!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Hope you have a wonderful day filled with lots of love, laughter and great food!