LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 30

Wowza. Has it been thirty days already?! Admittedly it's been tough averaging a post a day, but doing this challenge has prompted me to rediscover many lippie loves that I've neglected for too long, and encouraged me to shop my stash rather than adding to the collection! For today, I thought I'd compile a little summary of the month, in case you got lost along the way (besides, you're probably sick of my face by now - as I am! - with all of those #selfies...). It's probably easiest to use the 'Blog Archive' sidebar down the side - happy scrolling!

- Refer back to Intro to see what this month was all about, and for more info about the Liptember initiative.
- If you're after tinted lip balm suggestions, see days 1-3, with a review on day 4.
- Burt's Bees Lip Gloss got a special mention on day 5, with a review on day 6.
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters were featured on days 7, 11 and 15, and reviewed on day 19.
- Check out my lip balm wants on day 8!
- Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick was reviewed on day 9, and worn on day 10.
- Clinique Chubby Sticks were worn on days 12 and 13, and reviewed on day 14.
- LUSH Lip Tint was worn on day 16 and reviewed on day 21.
- See Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers on days 17, 22 and 26, and the review on day 27.
- NYX Black Label Lipstick was worn on day 18.
- Various Avon lipsticks were worn on days 20, 23, 25 and 29.
- See day 24 for 'lippie layering'.
- See the 'red lipstick roundup' on day 28!

Sidenote: See here for a tasty greek salad recipe, and here to learn how to make curry puffs!


Hope you had a great September! :) x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 14

Just a mini review on Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balms (L-R: 07 Super Strawberry and 15 Pudgy Peony), which I rather adore. In these last couple of posts, you've probably gathered enough about these fun jumbo Crayola-esque lippies, but I thought I'd compile a little summary for y'all.

Texture: They have a glossy/balmy feel, and glide on smoothly generally-speaking, though in colder weather they do take a little bit of time before melting into the lips - presumably due to the various nourishing oils (e.g. mango and shea butter) that they contain. To me, they are quite similar to tinted lip balms, except with more colour. They also glide over dry lips with ease, and don't highlight flaky bits.

Opacity: These are actually rather opaque for what they are - semi-opaque would be more accurate (refer to Day 12 and Day 13 to see what they look like on). They are pigmented enough that I wouldn't apply them without a mirror, though some of you talented ladies probably could! They can also be 'dabbed' on for a sheerer hint of colour, though I usually use them like I would a crayon.

Hydration: These are wonderfully moisturising and balmy, and have a bit of slip, so they don't give off a weird, uncomfortable feeling if you rub your lips together frequently, which I tend to do! That said, they can leave my lips feeling a little dry if I don't reapply after wiping it off my lips or after eating/drinking.

Longevity: As they are so hydrating, they don't last for too long - maybe an hour or two with careful  (very careful) eating and drinking.

Price: $35 for...? (I couldn't find it on Clinique AU website, but according to Sephora, it's 0.1 oz, so around 2.8g, which is kinda steep if you think about it!)

Other notes: I find the twist-up design super handy - no sharpening required, and also love that they come in so many colours (16 in the regular Chubby Stick range, plus 8 in the 'Intense' range). They are also quite handbag friendly and portable - and have no discernible scent.


Are you a fan of 'jumbo pencil' style lippies?
Have you tried these Chubby Sticks? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 13

Today's face is a quick, basic low-maintenance work look, with eyeshadow being thrown in to the usual cycle as of late. I went through a bit of an eyeshadow phase earlier this year, then got over it, but now it looks like it's starting to sneak back in. But back to the topic - another Chubby Stick?!?!?! Erm...yes. I like that they're moisturising and not too loud in intensity - plus they're a cinch to apply. The Lippie of the Day is actually one of my most favourite shades - Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry. It's a gorgeous muted strawberry colour, that gives a bit of a 'MLBB effect' in warmer months when I'm more tanned. The true colour is slightly less bright in 'real life' compared to the photos above.

The other stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (warm burgundy brown shade, second from right applied all over lid) + Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry


Have a great weekend! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 12

Bringin' a bit of berry back with Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony for today's lunch with Mother Dearest on her day off. The Clinique Chubby Sticks are a firm favourite of mine, as they're portable, easy to apply and moisturising - and they also come in a wide range of colours. I also thought I'd switch things up a bit by dusting off my Essence mono eyeshadows, and trading my usual black eyeliner for bronze.

The rest o' the good stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night + Manicare Eyeshadow Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 03 Berry Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze


Happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend :D x

#FOTD 7 // FEAT. FAVES

I realised it's been a little while since I did one of these.

I was catching up with a friend over lunch, so I felt obligated to make an effort! I decided to go back to my 'tried and true' beauty faves, after doing a bit of tinkering lately. Much like the humble sloppy joe that you reach for automatically when you want something comfy to lounge about in, or the killer pair of heels that you feel great in for a night out, I think each chicka has a stash of beauty products that they know are reliable for no-fuss days. I'm a bit hesitant to use the label 'holy grail', because to me that product has got to be the most incredible thing ever to deserve such a title, but along the lines of an HG. So most of my picks will come as no surprise as you've probably seen them before (or even numerous times!):

The faves*

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light tinted facial sunscreen - You may be sick of seeing this one by now, and I hear ya. But it's just such a winner! How could I say no to a moisturiser, sunscreen, illuminator and face perfector all in one?! It really is a winter essential for me.

b Collection by Bloom cream blush in Barossa Valley - I wore this one to death in the summer months, though I've found that it gives a pretty pop of colour to brighten up my pastier winter face, too. It's especially kind to the dry patches on my cheeks, which I appreciate - and which is what influenced me to pick this over a powder blush, which often highlights dry areas and can sometimes looks patchy.

MAC Select Cover-Up concealer in NC30 - I do prefer this one in the summer months as it adheres well (i.e. won't sweat off) and has a powdery finish. For winter I find it a little dry, unless applied over quite an emollient base (like In a Good Light). It's not a bad pick for redness and spots, and the shade thankfully still suits my complexion.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal eyeliner pencil in Black - I like using this eyeliner pencil for subtle definition - it can be smoked/smudged in for barely-detectable eyelash beefing up. While it's not the most long lasting, it does a decent job if I remember not to touch my eyes!

Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry - One of my first 'proper lippies'; I love this for its moisturising properties, and the pretty MLBB tint it imparts. It's quick and easy to touch up - no mirror required. What's not to love?

*Apologies that the pink tones in the photo above aren't very accurate! (Cream blush is more of a coral pink IRL, and the Chubby Stick packaging is a muted raspberry colour).

If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope that you're enjoying the last vestiges of sun!
Which prods have made it into your collection of beauty faves? x

#FOTD 3 // OFF DUTY

Taking a break from attempting a smokey eye today... And instead going for something lighter and fresher, inspired by the gorgeous weather outside, and the equally wonderful fact that I don't have to work today.

FACE:
Mecca Cosmetic In a Good Light Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30
The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip and Cheek Dome in 20 Pinch Me Pink

EYES:
L'oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel - A cool iridescent taupe-y mauve-y brown that is rather difficult to describe, spread over the lid as a base (patted on with fingers).
Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner Palette in 20 Naturally Glamorous - Warm chocolate-laced-with-burgundy shade (second from right) blended into the outer 'V' using Ecotools Petite Shader Brush.
Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in 03 Bad Girl Bronze - Used as eyeliner and smudged along the upper lash line and outer 1/3 of lower lash line using Ecotools Smudger Brush.
Ecotools Angled Crease Brush used to blend.
Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner pencil in 100 Eggplant - An oldie but a goodie. The perfect purple eyeliner.
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
Maybelline The Colossal Volum'Express Mascara in Black - Finishing touch to the eyes.

LIPS:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - To prep the lips (you know the drill!)
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry

Have a great rest of the weekend! (:

DEPARTURE // GOODBYE (BUT NOT FOREVER)

This will be my last post for this month, as I'll be overseas for three weeks, returning at the end of April. I never really know what to take overseas - I feel like there's an art to it, and I'm not one who has packing down to a science! I used to be far more organised - in fact, I'd be the kid who'd start planning for months before the actual trip, writing and rewriting; collating lists of things I'd need, 'the essentials'; what I could potentially buy, etc. Now, the definition of 'packing' is the equivalent of me throwing things haphazardly into a suitcase, hoping that some of it might come in handy, and that I won't have forgotten something I really need.

My makeup bag is no exception:

The breakdown:
Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Stippling Brush
ModelsPrefer Airbrush
EcoTools Deluxe Concealer Brush
B Collection by Bloom Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks in Barossa Valley
Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Black
Neways Barrier Cream
Tweezerman tweezers
Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry
Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel
Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry
MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30
Agnès B. makeup pouch
Natio gwp makeup pouch

The verdict:
Do I really need four brushes? Probably.
Can I really do without a base? If I can get away with it, yes!
Only four lip products? (Am I going to survive?) Oh, don't worry, I'm sure that total will have doubled by the time I return...

See you soon! x