Daiso now open in Myer Centre Brisbane

I am very pleased to inform you all of an amazing chain of stores that has arrived to Australia and have just made their way to Brisbane. (Topshop, I'm still waiting.) Daiso Japan are a unique concept, while you may think you have seen every form of reject and two bob shop around, They aren't anywhere near as epic as this.
The main shtick of the stores is that everything they sell is the meager price of $2.80 AUD. I described it to friends this week as a store you will find almost every knick-knack you would see in a house. After visiting it over the weekend, I wasn't disappointed.
The place was completely humming with people but I spent a good hour trawling the shelves. what I love about it is the authentic Japanese variety of goods dispersed in a range of everyday Westerner items. Double eyelid tape next to eyelash curlers, Traditional Tabi socks, Pocket sandwich makers next to Pasta spoons.
Topped off with the cute manner that Japanese gets translated into English all over the product labels and you have an entire store brimming with stuff to make you smile. I recommend picking up everything you don't quite understand and having a read of what they do, some of them are pretty nifty.

Check out what I hauled after the Jump!

Aveeno Skin Relief

As I've previously mentioned, my mother wasn't someone who I learnt a lick of my beauty routine or knowledge from, while my grandmother's on the other hand have occasionally given me great pearls of wisdom over the years. For instance, one of my grandmothers believed in oatmeal baths for itchy sensitive skin to calm it right down. We didn't know the science behind it but by goodness they worked a treat.

The goodies from Aveeno

Aveeno have taken the science behind this phenomenon and rolled it into their amazing Skin Relief moisturising range of skincare products.They were kind enough to send me both their Skin Relief Body Wash and Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion to try out and I couldn't wait to get my mits on them. They have been on the scene since 1945 and the world famous Mayo Clinic was their first customer! Aveeno have got to be doing something right!

I'm not great at keeping up the routine of applying moisturizer after every shower I take but I promised myself to make a good effort to try out the wash and moisturizer every time I got my body wet, and my skin is singing with joy that I did! Left to its own devices my skin can get really awful, to the point of scaly even. But normally it itches up such a storm that I have to take action before then. While using Aveeno, the wash was a very gentle clean with a light lingering softness, while the moisturiser replenishes the moisture that showers and baths can unfortunately sap. My skin after over a fortnight of use is softer, more even toned and it even has a nice glisten from being so damn happy!

One of the really good things to note about Aveeno and their ranges is that their products are also backed up with science and testing, a lot of companies out there make outrageous claims about what their products can do with barely a step into the laboratory. Like so:

"Alright folks can it moisturise?"
"Well it moisturizes until the high alcohol content content dries it up ..."
"Good enough! Lets label it quick drying and be done with it."

You always have to look for the asterix in the claims people. Aveeno spend a lot of time making sure their products do a really top job of what they say they're going to do and because of this standard of quality they have been recommended by dermatologists for more then 60 years.

What I didn't like about the moisturiser was the smell, there is a subtle lanolin kind of smell to it, and while it is very subtle it still reminds me of the sheep on my mother's farm. Lucky there's fragrance free varieties too then!

I would definitely recommend both products to those with sensitive skin, they are incredibly gentle products that soothe and smooth skin that normally like to riot. but even if your skin isn't sensitive I would say they are a good choice for fuss free and thrifty body care products.

The right way to use a Hairpin; Discuss

I came across this Meme the other day and admittedly I had a giggle, but it also made me stop and think, it's a good point, have we been doing this wrong the whole time?

I have asked a few of my friends who work in hair and beauty and heard a myriad of opinions. Some of them had the same reaction as me (What is this witchcraft!) while some others had heard of it and tipped me off as to why this method is useful.

Apparently by using the hairpin (hair grips, kirby grips, whatever) with the grooves towards your head makes the pin fit your head better, as well as ensuring a better grip on the hair it's holding.

But why do pins normally curve to fit your head on the straight side? Why do they have pretty things glued to the side that kicks out too?

I tell you what, I am puzzled. It seems that manufacturers believe they should be used one way, but hairdressers and their frequent use of the product have developed new ideas.

So perhaps we look for hairpins that don't curve along the straight side and use them in this new way?

What do you think of this new information? Will you be changing the way you use hair pins from now on?

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Highlighter

Beautiful, glowy complexions are always in fashion. I have done a comparison post on two very effective Illuminating Concealers in the past but I thought I would try something new when my last one ran out, enter L'Oreal Lumi Magqiue Highlighting Pen.

L'Oreal Paris have created the Lumi Magique range (also including a Primer and foundation collection) to help give tired and fatigued complexions a nice bit of pep to look alive and awake, and really, who wouldn't want this? Even the best of us are often tired! By using something called 'liquid light technology' and the lovely and soft brush applicator you have a very potent weapon to bring some alert to your look.

Lumi Magique Pen Swatches in Medium

The product itself does a fantastic job of concealing in a highlighting manner. Great to use for concealing under eye bags and for application around the nose and above the cupids bow to add a three dimensional effect to your complexion, and battle any shadows on your face. The formula is creamy and dries with enough time to blend properly, with the ability to layer for those really pesky blemishes..
The pen like packaging is sleek and perfect for taking on the god, taking up very little room in your makeup case, ideal for touch ups through the day and tiny enough for any overnight bag.
While using Lumi Magique I found only one real negative, the amount of clicks to get enough product to use varies greatly from use to use, and I'd find myself getting frustrated too easily and ending up with too much product. Despite this, I felt the brush really was beautifully soft and ideal for applying the product (with some patting with my ring finger afterwards to blend).
One thing I did find interesting as well was that I ended up buying the medium shade, finding it suited my light complexion more then the light shade did, so make sure you do some testing in sunlight before you buy.

Have you tried any of the Lumi Magique range? Tell me what you thought in the comments!

Have we found the best Lip Balm?

'm not one to utter the acronym HG (Holy Grail) often, in fact I don't think I ever have on this blog before. But I'm so fond of this product, it deserves a massive pedestal to be placed beneath it.
I'm  talking about Nivea's Essential Care Lip Balm.

Lip balms are a beauty product that everyone who cares about their appearance tends to use, and use often! Caring for your lips is paramount to creating a youthful look, soft full lips are universally appealing. The reason why I love Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm so much is that it feels unlike any other balm I've used. It's just so damn nourishing! You know that awful addiction your lips can get with -lets face it- most lip balms on the market? Where if you don't reapply every two hours your lips start chapping more then they were to begin with? I've never had a trace of that with Essential care, instead lips are given great moisturisation, a soft and supple feel and absolutely with no signs of balm addiction. It lasts and lasts as well,

My favourite use for it is just before bedtime, apply it liberally to wake up with gorgeous soft lips ready to go for the next day.

Do you have a HG Lip balm? What do you use?

Pure Pink Red Perfection - Maybelline Coral Crush

We're certainly onto a lip theme this week! not a bad thing in my view at all.
So I may have cheated a little on my Thrift Challenge (actually, I did quite badly for a little while there, but that's another story). But I really think it was worth it.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coral Crush is a lip colour that I've been dying to get my hands on. Week after week it was out of stock wherever I looked, I even went so far as to buy it from eBay, but when it arrived it was the complete wrong colour, (right tube, right name, wrong colour, WTF??) So when I spotted one lonely tube of it in a Priceline I don't normally venture into, of course I pounced on it.

Coral Crush is about as pink as you can get and still be able to call it coral, due to the low saturation of red it is quite a young shade with plenty of pop. It looked stunning on my light skin with dark features complexion. I don't think it'd work quite as well on a blonde, a little too barbie.
Also worth noting is that it takes a few coats to get a strong colour. One layer is rather sheer, so if you don't want such a punchy shade it's still quite workable. I really like that it's a versatile shade of pink, it sits on the fence for a lot of things, not a lolly shade, not a Nanna shade, not a nude shade etc etc.
If pinks are your shade of lip colour, or one that you're thinking of adding to your lipstick wardrobe, I'd certainly recommend giving this one a try.

The Best of Bought by Birdette 2012

Hello everyone! How did you enjoy the holiday period? We're glad to be back in business here at Birdette Headquarters to bring you all a wrap up of the most popular posts of 2012. Did your favourite make it in?

Most read Beauty Post:

How to Hair  - Serena van der Wooden's Ponytail

Always a goodie, sad to see it for the final time on TV last week but unfortunately for Gossip Girl lovers the show just wasn't what it used to be.

Most Pinned DIY:

Make Your Own Easy Fabric Bunting

A surprising success, and I do have to admit I still haven't entirely finished mine! It's about 7 metres long, I just keep running out of tape or missing flags to finish it off! I know there's a few more flags somewhere... lol.

Purchase of the Year:

Zara Plaited Leather Shopper Bag

Still a Favourite for readers all over the world, this classic bag is high up on many shopping lists.

Best Discovery:

Trilogy Rosehip Oil

If you don't already own this, I still highly recommend you give it a try, nothing else has helped me with my uneven skin tone more.

Best Tips and Tricks:

How to make your Eyes Brighter

How very well timed! I can imagine more then a few of us will be sporting bleary red eyes after partying tonight! Here's how to minimize the the appearance

It's been a good year here at Bought by Birdette and we're very happy to have you all as readers! You've been steadily growing and spreading the word and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. If you don't already, please take this chance to follow us to keep up to date. You can choose from Twitter, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, or Bloglovin, and please keep in touch! We love to know what you're loving, and want to see more of. (Comments and Shares! Yay!)

Thanks again for an awesome year and your continued support, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year, Be the best you can be, and take care of yourselves.

The Quick Drying Faux Glow Advantage - Le Tan Tanning Gel

Tanning is something I used to do a lot of while I was in Fashion School, I had a strange perception of what was a healthy size back then as the vast (VAST!) majority of classmates were a size 10 or under. I felt huge in my then smaller size 12-14 frame. I used to give myself a little self esteem by at least having a great fake tan. It's something I haven't done in a few years, but at least I have a great array of new products to try!

Le Tan Tanning Gel in Bronze (Product does not come with mitt)

One of the first I purchased is Le Tan's Tanning Gel in Bronze, being pale skinned and a novice again I didn't want to try the deeper tone. What particularly drew me to this product is that because it's a gel, it dries fast and works better with oily skin. All the better to defeat that icky product coated feel you can get with creams.

It's a clear formula with only a hint of the colour that's to come, This is fantastic when you're trying to keep the colour off your clothes and sheets but very problematic when it comes to knowing where you have applied the Tanning Gel. This can be alleviated with the use of those great application mitts you can usually find right next to the Tan range at most stockists.

My first impression is great as this is certainly one of the better smelling Tanning products on the market, there's a subtle coconut smell that doesn't start to resemble fake tan until a few hours later. If you pop the gel on just before going to bed, you won't even notice it. The products glides on nicely and there's no need to really works with it, just make sure you have applied it evenly before it quickly dries. As you can deepen the colour by applying a second layer once they first one dries. A big positive is that it won't rub off once it has dried the way that some others can, once its set it's pretty much unstoppable.
With one layer the colour is nice and subtle and hard to pick as fake, but I have to recommend you stop there, if you want to go a little deeper you ought to apply a tanning moisturiser over the top. Two layers of the gel was just too much when I gave it a go. Of course to keep the colour looking as good as possible you need to moisturise at least once a day, twice is ideal.
So in summary:

What I liked about it - 
The quick drying formula and scent.

What I disliked about it - 
Transparent formula.

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it?

GIft Guide 2012 - Priceline Stocking Stuffers

This is part of a series of gift guides I am putting together and posting up until Christmas. Please be sure to check out the others Here! 

We're getting down to the last week now, and it's truly heading towards panic stations. Unfortunately you don't have much chance of receiving anything from overseas in time now, so it's into the shops we go!
Priceline has a great range of stocking stuffers, ideal for tweens, teenagers, women, and the odd surprise for boys and girls too. As far as I'm concerned, to make an gift a good stocking stuffer it has to tick a few boxes:

• Bulky - Does it take up a substantial amount of room in the sack?
• Suited to the receiver - Men won't often appreciate a Hello Kitty bathwash.
• Good item to price ratio - Gives you change from a $20? Good. Gives you change from a $10? Perfect.

Here are my current picks from Priceline - 

A - Models Prefer Hot Hair Styling Kit

B - Batiste Dry Shampoo Bonus Packs

C - Umberto Giannini Hair Styling Kits

I love how retro glamour is coming back, this curling tool kit will get you well on your way to getting perfect curls. The Batiste packs are awesome, for about the same price as a normal bottle they have released two varieties with useful hair tools: A hair towel and a shower cap. I may have bought a pair just for myself, (I was in the market for a shower cap anyway....)

With the Umberto Giannini packs, I'm not sure if they're available from all Priceline stores as I only spotted them at Carindale. However, if you see one, snap it up. I don't think you will find a cheaper way of purchasing the tools included, hair donuts, tail combs, velcro rollers etc. and last I saw they had buy one get one free ...

Have you nabbed all your presents yet? Who do you still have to shop for?

Loving this week - Bargain leather goods and Mecca Maxima

December is here and that means I can officially get all Christmas-y without anyone cracking the sads that I'm getting in too early. Hurray for that! I love this time of the year because the weight of the year starts to lift off everyone's shoulders. Even people on the street seem to smile more.

Of course it also means great deals for shoppers too, so I've been pounding the pavement (or carpet in Westfield Carindale's case!)

Colette is a store I haven't paid much attention to, I noticed when suddenly they appeared in almost every mall overnight but I've been afraid that my allergy would prevent me from wearing the jewellery. However I was walking past the store when I saw new posters up talking up their new leather range, Always keen for a leather handbag I had to check them out.

Nice, simple and clean lines are a great first impression to make on the handbags. However, when you look a little closer the top corners of the bag actually clip together internally and form a new bag shape, and a gorgeous one at that! I'm sorry to say I couldn't find any pictures of the alternate way to wear it, but I think it's worth going to the shops and checking them out, it could just be your brand new handbag (and matching wallet!) It also currently comes in other shades of tan, dark blue, and a pinky coral hue.

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I have waited this long to check out the new Mecca Maxima, or any Mecca Maxima in that case! I've been shy. It's like that feeling you get when you see the security guard on the doors of Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes you don't feel brave enough and run away! But after entering I don't know why I felt that way. I almost squealed out loud at some of the cute stuff I found! Heart shaped foam hair rollers anyone? Don't mind if I do ...

Comes in a pack of six

I also picked up some Soap and Glory goodies that I'll talk about after I've given them a go. The tools section was of course unbelievable but the range of hard to find brands is awesome. I'm really glad to see that someone who has the means to has opened up the world of international niche cosmetics to Australians who would otherwise resort to eBay or overpriced international postage. After leaving the store I'm already plotting my purchases for next time in my head.

Rimmel BB 9 in 1 Cream Review

BB Cream by Rimmel

So I picked this up in store the other day, because the one thing I really need in my bathroom is another BB cream (Ha!) but for the price, I couldn't bring myself to say no.
What stood out for me most in the advertising would have to be that it has the highest SPF out of all the BB creams that I've seen on the market, at SPF 25 you get a level of protection that is usually reserved for products that are designed only to protect you from the sun, and not improve your appearance instantly.
Another point that I like about this product from Rimmel over others is the shade range. Yes it's only three but that's still more then other ranges, and the light is actually light! It works on my pale porcelain skintone and may even work in Winter when my skin goes completely void of colour.
The claims are that this product is 9 in 1 which is a very impressive number of tasks to roll into just one product. The list is that this product Primes, Moisturises, Minimises Pores, Conceals, Covers, Smooths  Mattifies, Brightens and helps Protect. for me, I could say that it does most of these, but I'd say it has more of a dewy finish then a mattifying one, but that's good for those who want that finish. Also conceal and cover are kind of the same thing to me...
Texture wise I found it a lot like zinc sunblock, it took a bit of work to spread, and you had to work quickly with the product before it began to set, but once you had waited a few minutes afterwards it was quite immovable.
My ultimate test with BB creams is whether the coverage is good enough to not need foundation afterwards, and I'm glad to say that this did the job nicely, I still put some powder on afterwards as the dewy finish doesn't work for long with my oily skin.

Of course I accidentally deleted the picture I took of the close up swatch spread on the back of my hand ...

Bourjois Bonus!

Yay! It's freebie time for Bourjois at Priceline! When you spend over $25 in one transaction on Bourjois you get a free makeup case with goodies.

There are some pretty damn good items in this kit,vand they all coordinate beautifully for Summer. I didn't realize it at the time but the eyeshadow palette I selected to claim the bonus goes perfectly with this colour scheme too. Rose and Tan are a match made in heaven for illuminating your skin and adding some healthy looking colour to your complexion over the warmer months.

Smoky Eyes Palette in RoseVintage

Smoky eyes are a universally flattering technique for applying eye makeup and premade kits make it a cinch to coordinate colours, but you shouldn't just stick to basic black and brown. Trying it with different colours like this selection called Rose Vintage can help make your eyes pop and are also a great and subtle alternative for daytime wear. Build up the colour to your desired intensity.

Delice De Soliel Bronzing Powder

Shimmery bronzers like this one are better for using to add colour where you would naturally tan, instead of sculpting, though the brush included lends itself fantastically for shading gorgeous cheekbones! What sets this bronzer apart to me is the awesome and nifty swivelling mirror, you can spy on what's happening behind you with ease! (Lol!) Seriously though, the mirror is a great size for a travelling makeup kit.

Nouveau Gloss Effet 3D in Brun Rose Academic

This gloss is lovely, not too sticky,with a gorgeous amount of colour and a brush style applicator, and the shimmer is perfect for lighting up lips. More then happy to give this one pride of place in my makeup kit for Summer!

Loving this week - Summer boots, Oil and it's finally raining!

I'm a fencesitter, while you get most people who are very black and white about things I tend to find the good in both ends of the spectrum. I like cats AND dogs, Summer AND Winter. But most of all I love it when a piece that would usually be relegated to one season, can be worn in the other.
Cut out boots are going to be huge this Summer, and already there are enviable versions in store. Balenciaga have an awesome pair but not everyone can reach that price point. Here are two styles that I would love to add to my shoe rack, perfect to throw on with a summery above the knee dress. These two varieties by Jeffrey Campbell tickle my fancy. The Tripoli Cutouts almost look normal from the front but feature a sneaky cut out around the heel, while the chunky flatform of these Roscoe Cutout Boots rock my socks.

Nothing beats an oil to remove hardcore makeup. They operate on the notion that like attracts like to remove the day without stripping your skin of its natural protection. So far all of the ones I've found are just too expensive for me, So when I spotted Cleanse off Oil by MAC for $15 a bottle I figured I'd have to give it a try. Add to cart.

Lastly, it's raining.. Oh my god. It's been about 3-4 months since we're had proper rain, and the days where it's sprinkled I could count on one hand. I miss the way the world is lit with white light under the clouds, the way water runs down the window panes, and the crisp, clean scent. Snuggled on the couch with a book and a nice hot cup of tea. These are my favourite kind of days.

Incoming: Baroque Trend

I'm sad that I won't get the chance to wear this trend well for another four months as it's certainly better suited to cooler weather, but that doesn't mean our friends on the north-side can't get into it now! Baroque fashion is something that had it's heyday in the 80's in the time where nothing could possibly be too excessive. Opulent, Decadent, Elegant, Lush, all words that describe this look to a tee. It's a very European trend, A trend where more is more, and jewels are not just an option, they're obligatory.

Asos Brocade Baroque Skinny Jeans

The reason why this trend works so well in winter is because so many of the fabrics used are heavy. Brocades, jacquards, damasks, embroidery, sequins, beading, they're all fabrics that tend to be thick and warm. You can still wear it in the warmer months by wearing fabrics that have been printed with detailed and baroque style prints, but I think to truly pull it off you need the genuine article. The colour scheme first time around tended to be dark and moody, but for this remix gelato and pastel hues have been added to update for this season with flashes of metallic gold and silver. Dolce and Gabbana, and especially Versace have this look nailed.

Ally Pastel Skater Skirt

One way to quickly add this trend into your wardrobe vocabulary is the adopt something with a 'Scarf print' Scarf peint is a pattern that features ropes, tassels braids and occasionally equestrian themes. I kind of giggle when I think of this, as my Nanna has a great scarf print suit in her wardrobe that she brings out for special occasions... I may just have to steal it.

Oasis Scarf Print Dress

Another fast update would be to go into the jewellery, big, bold and colourful gemstones set in gold are the ideal, with door-knocker and drop style earrings being the perfect item.

Diva Black Opaque Stone Drop Earrings

You have to be careful with your makeup when you wear this look, it's the only part of the trend where 'more is more' need not apply. For a modern take keep your make up fresh and natural using nudes and pale pinks with a light fake tan, but if you want to carry on the bold theme of your outfit, play up your lips with a dark shade of lipstick. This trend is perfect for a deep red, or even purple contrasting against a pale base. If you're not feeling brave enough for bold lipstick then strong eyebrows work just as well. Russian doll style hair will complete the look, Think a straight middle part with hair either up or down in a smooth style.

More Revlon Lip Butters!

Lip products are becoming a weakness for me, every time I see a new colour I like on someone I have to race down to the shops and buy something like it, Gossip girl especially, (Oh that coral sheer pink Blair Waldorf was wearing in the first episode of this season, <3 <3 <3). sticks, glosses balms, I'll take them all! I'll even ask ladies on the street what they're wearing, if they have a similar hair and skin colour to you you can pretty much guarantee they will work for you too!
I've bought two new Revlon Colourburst Lip Butters this week after seeing them on co-workers, they're both shades of pink that suit my pale skintone, here are my swatches!

Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie

Raspberry Pie is a nice blue pink that makes a great alternative to a red lip, it's a darker shade and not a punchy bright, if you still want something strong but red just won't work for your outfit, give this shade a try.

Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop

My camera didn't even begin to show how punchy this colour is, it's  true candy pink for those who like a lipstick colour that has full on impact.

Benefit Myer Centre have moved, and you get the goodies!

Today's minor Benefit Haul

I had a mild panic today. I walked into Myer in Brisbane CBD on a mission to fix my overgrown eyebrows, (you know that moment where you look in the mirror and decide "Enough is enough! It's professional time!") So I trundled to where I'm expecting The Benefit Brow Bar to be and discovered another Beauty label has taken up residence. "Hmmm," I thought, then walked around to where the normal Benefit counter lived, only to find it was gone too! I almost wailed out loud at this point, but luckily I had the sense to have a quick scan of the floor and spotted a brand new and gorgeous dedicated set up just across from the MAC area, Hurray!

After chatting with the lovely counter ladies they informed me of a fantastic deal they have going for their grand relocation opening week, (Just at this location, sorry ladies!) You will get a free Eyebrow Tint with every Brow Arch Wax! I had this service done for the first time today, my eyebrows are rather dark as it is and thought it wouldn't be worth a go, but it has subtlety added a bit more shape to my brow. I like it, it will lessen my need to fill in my brows and will last around three weeks.

This is not the only deal they have going this week though, When you buy two products from the Benefit range they will also throw in a Cabana Glama DesTANation makeup kit in too! Of course I couldn't pass this up and grabbed a few items I've had my eye on.

Cabana Glama 

The Perk Up Artist

Speed Brow

So go on, Go give the girls in pink wigs a visit this week and leave with some perfectly shaped eyebrows. No booking required! 

Nude by Nature Natural Tinted Mineral Moisturiser Review

Phew, what a mouthful that is to say! I found this little present in a 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty goodie bag, and it's been a great score. I haven't tried any Nude by Nature products previously,the gimmick they came out with originally just came over as far too 'Danoz Direct' for me. I find that sort of thing can really out me off buying things. However I'd have to say that they are one of the most recognised Mineral make-up companies in Australia, and you don't get that famous without doing something right!

So the product I received is the Natural Tinted Mineral Moisturiser in Nude Beige, Looking on their site however I can't find this shade available, sad because it's a very close match to my skin colour! (Ed- Scratch that, they have two shades listed, Beige and Tan, I'm guessing that just add the word 'nude' in front on the packaging?) The formula is nice and thick, but is very easy to smooth onto your face. I found that you had to pat any other products you would use over the top on, as it had the potential to slide about a bit when other products were added to the mix (Primers, Foundations etc.) Powders worked really well over the top though, to set the moisturiser and add a little more oil busting oomph.

Nude Beige Swatch

The scent is a really nice botanical smell which I really enjoyed, and coverage was light but effective, the redness in my skin was reduced, and it didn't look as though I was wearing any make-up. It's an incredibly natural finish which is something I look for in Summer. I even wore it on its own with just a little bit of concealer to work yesterday, by the end of the day I didn't have that 'built up' yuck feeling I can get with make-up on my oily skin. Instantly on application it sets to a matte finish, and helped to hide pores.
Overall I would recommend this for someone who wants to disguise their oily skin, redness and has issues with more irritating products.

Have you tried Nude by Nature products before?

Tip of the day: Mistake proof nail art

Perhaps I should start this post off by explaining that I had my first ever Shellac Manicure and Pedicure last weekend. I am impressed, I'm rough and tumble with my hands and often have chips within a day of my nails drying, but more then a week later, nope nada, not a chip in sight. Perfect nails!
Mistake proof nail art may be a slight exaggeration, but it's only a slight one. When I started out doing designs on my nails I made more of a mess of my nails then successes, and to clean any errors was so painstaking or I'd have to take the entire nail of polish off. This is a much easier method.

This is where the Shellac comes into play. To avoid having to take off your entire nail of art when you make a mistake, get a base of Shellac applied. This trick works because Shellac requires more then a bit of elbow grease to get off, (In fact they recommend you only have professionals remove it in salon) and you can change your art however often you like. I decided to get a dark purple colour on my nails, I did a gorgeous galaxy nail over the top, then removed that after a few days and applied some nail stamping with my MLS 301 plate.

Now you see it

Now you don't

Oh Hai ice-cream and lightning!

It's worth noting that glitter is even more of a pain to remove with this idea though, because you're still trying to remove it without damaging the Shellac underneath. 

Do you have any hints and tips for making nail at easier? Or perhaps an awesome mani you'd like to show me? Let me know in the comments!

Rosehip Oil really is the Beauty Bomb

A little while ago I told my readers that I was trying Rosehip Oil, to see if all the claims of its fabulous abilities to create awesome skin were true. Truth be told, I'm actually really impressed and a little surprised by the results.
I used it nightly for the last three months or so, just at night time as I found it didn't help my make-up stay on, quite the opposite in fact. I've been applying three or four drops in a light circular motion over my face and neck but avoiding the eye area for obvious reasons, following with a night cream and then going to bed for the night.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil, the product I tried.

What did I notice different? My skintone is now pretty incredible, to the point where I'm much less afraid to go without make-up, (Yes, it has actually improved that much.) I have had problems with acne, oil, and redness with my face since I went through puberty, and while the Rosehip Oil didn't clear up the oiliness, it didn't make it worse. It didn't give me more acne either which was one of my bigger fears. Where it has stood out and done something incredible is for my Rosacea. The flaky skin I get around my nose has been a blip on the radar while using this product instead of hanging around for weeks on end. The ruddy redness and uneven skintone on my face, especially around my nose has been reduced and I even think my pores are clearer too. My skin feels plumper and younger, more glowy and just yum.

To me the positives beyond outweigh the minor things I didn't like. I had a problem initially with the unavoidable fact it's an oil, and I myself already posess verrrry oily skin. When this is the case you can form a stigma against using products with oils, but that's a thought that is very quickly crashing down with the advent of amazing oils like rosehip and some glorious cleansing oils on the market too.
My only real gripe is that the smell isn't pleasant  I wouldn't actually mind a little fragrance so it didn't smell like salad dressing, I was hoping for a lovely rose scent when I first opened the bottle, but instead I smelt dinner. Luckily the smell doesn't stick around for long though but the gorgeous skin does!
Consider it added to my friends presents this Holiday season.

What are your thoughts on Rosehip oil? Have you thought about using it?