Dreamy products

Today I bring you some beautiful products that may not be on your ultimate ‘if I was a millionaire’ wish list, but don’t have the nightmarish price tags that most luxury items do. Think of it as dreaming within reason. Sure, dreaming with limits can sound quite dull and restrictive, but thankfully some lower end beauty brands do cater for budget conscious folk. Cue, from left to right, swoon inducing beauty...

Benefit They’re Real mascara

I confess, this tube did dry up a while ago, but having finished it and moved on to a new mascara I now realise just how amazing it is. I go into a little more detail about this in a coming empties post, but let’s just say that this mascara has holy-grail status. It may be because of it’s speculated waterproof formula, but my lashes hold their curl with this, are lengthened, volumised, separated, and look damn good. Ok, so it’s not ten dollars, nor twenty, actually nor thirty but it’s definitely not as pricey as a YSL or Dior offering. Maybe one to put on the Christmas wish list. I know, Christmas talk already, blame all the bloggers and YouTubers for their premature festive spirit.

ecoTools Powder Brush

Before I bought this brush I was using a kabuki brush that I received as a gift with purchase. Though it does remain in my makeup bag as it’s the perfect size, I like to use something a little less scratchy at home. When I’m powdering my face for a night out I prefer to use something big and fluffy, distributing the powder evenly and avoiding the “cake face” look. Actual cake on my face, yes, but caked on makeup? I’ll pass. What’s different about this brush is that it’s almost flat on either side (this may have been a result of its packaging), but surprisingly it works effectively. Rather than spreading the base makeup, it glides over the top, preventing shine and not disturbing all the hard work you did blending. You can find this at Priceline so its very affordable, but wait for a sale and you’ve made me proud.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Inked in Pink 

This is a gorgeous line; creamy, cheap and cheerful. My alliteration is on point. Blame my upcoming English exam. The colour tattoos are beautiful cream eyeshadows housed in little pots, that deliver high pigment and leave an interesting eye look in one swipe. This particular shade is one that is quite unusual as it’s not a typical neutral shade. Wear it in the inner corner of the eye to add some appeal, paired with lots of mascara. You can also wear it all over the lid, a little brown shadow blended into the crease with lashings of mascara. Don’t be scared that it’s pink. On the eye it looks like there’s a little colour, but nothing worthy of a child’s makeup bag. Have a swatch next time your shopping, its well worth the under ten dollar price tag.

TheBodyShop Madagascan Vanilla Flower Eau de Toilette

I received this as a gift from my mum and sister last Christmas. I’m always on the hunt for a perfect vanilla perfume; my favourite scent. This is much more luxurious than other body shop fragrances; it’s a much more amped up version of a body mist that lasts on the skin. As it’s described on the website it’s ‘earthy, warm, seductive, carefree.’ It does have a typical vanilla sweetness but it has a warmth and depth to it also. The layered scent makes it seem more expensive than it is, a scent that is perfect for summertime, or all year really. As it’s a mono fragrance you can layer with other perfumes, creating a bespoke scent. One that I’m almost half way through.

theBalm Mary Lou manizer 

This is an absolutely raved about product in the beauty world. It’s a powder highlighter that deposits an ethereal glow onto any point you place it. I think I recall someone describing it as angels radiating onto your face? This highlighter will emphasise cheekbones, protrude a cupid’s bow and give you and all over incandescence to your complexion. Expect to turn your head side to side in the mirror to catch the light; it’s literally head turning. If there’s one thing you think might be lacking in your beauty stash then give this highlighter a go. Not as expensive as MAC’s Soft ‘n’ Gentle and a fraction of the price of a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, Mary Lou has definitely lured me in.  

MAC Retro Matte lipstick in Relentlessly Red

Personally, a lip product does not get much better than a completely opaque matte lipstick. I have talked about this lipstick here, but thought I better remind you about it. It’s a gorgeous pink that leans a little orange, a little red. Hard to put a finger on an exact shade it’s a beautiful colour on the lips which sticks around due to the long lasting matte formula. One you can get away without a touch-up if you’re lazy like me. They’re no Tom Ford magnet close lid type, but they make up for it with the vanilla scent. A lipstick I could honestly open and sniff away at. Better than textas, right? Save this one for when you receive a Myer giftcard, my chosen means of purchase. 

Slipper Collection

This post has been a long time coming. I have no idea why I have put if off for so long though! Today I bring you my slipper collection, and before you say anything, I definitely have too many slippers. And yet I have no intention of stopping. I may hate shoe shopping, but slipper shopping is all kinds of exciting. There is just so much glitter, pink and bows! Just a little disclaimer that I work at Peter Alexander, which may explain the various Peter Alexander branded ones, but I did purchase two out of the five before I got my job there. Read on to hear my very intelligent thoughts on home footwear (it’s really just me gushing about how cute they are!).

The first pair were part of a Valentine’s Day collection Peter Alexander had earlier on this year. It was a choice between this pair and a baby pink one, and if you know me then you know how indecisive I am. Either way I was going to end up with a beautiful pair of slippers, but decided to go with the red as they were just stunning. I have already worn these quite a few times and I’m always moving my foot about in the light so the diamantes can twinkle. It’s just so pretty! This is also my favourite style of slipper that Peter makes as they are just so comfortable, while holding their shape and providing minimal support. 

This pair I bought perhaps two years ago as I thought they could become my ruby slippers. Read on if you want to see my real ones! I actually haven’t worn these, hence the horrid dent as a result of being squashed on the shelf. The bow is velvety and gorgeous, while the entire shoe is covered in this sequin-like, sparkly material. Again, they are in my favourite style and I really should start to wear these as the weather gets warmer again. 

I loved these next slippers so much that I had to go back and buy another pair, as a replacement if I happened to ruin the first ones. They are from Kmart, my second favourite store to buy slippers, and I believe these were released around Easter time. They are so very cute with the ears and the embroidered little face, and the lining in the slipper is beautifully soft. When they say it’s like walking on clouds, it literally is. I had to take a close up shot of the white, fluffy material; just like a real rabbit (no rabbits were harmed in the making of these slippers). 

Yes, I have two colours in this style of slipper. Obsessed you say? These are what can be described as a cheap ‘n’ cheerful slippers as they cost only dollars, from Kmart of course. These are great when you want something on your feet, but not socks or really warm slippers. Think of these as a little barrier between your feet and the floor, providing a bit of warmth but really preventing the soles of your feet from looking black at the end of the day from too much walking around barefoot on the floorboards. Also, I don’t really worry about these getting dirty as much so if you have to walk to the letterbox (or go pat the cat outside) then these are perfect. Kmart seem to bring these in quite regularly in different colours so keep an eye out. 

This next pair is all kinds of ‘aw’ worthy. It’s a sheep in slipper form! I’m fairly sure that when these came out at Peter Alexander all of my coworkers got a pair; it’s a given. They have a very soft lining and the outer beige part is a sort of microsuede, definitely not ones to be pulling any weeds out in garden with. Save these for a night in perhaps when you watch a movie, just make sure not to drop any ice-cream on them!  

These are a pair from Target that I bought about a year ago. That day I decided to wear flats, bearing in mind I only own two pairs of flats, and my feet began to ache with blisters. Then my mum reminded me that I had just bought nine dollar slippers and could wear those in the meanwhile. Feeling a little self-conscious I donned my pink, sequin slippers as I finished shopping in the city. After about ten minutes I had no shame, reassuring myself that they looked like normal shoes, though a little embellished. As I got no strange looks that day I believe that my plan was a success. Pain free with my feet looking cute, I was one happy girl. Unfortunately walking around the city with these rendered them quite dirty looking, and many attempts to find more failed. One day, many months later, I spotted them on the shelf and bought another two pairs. I’m now comforted by the fact that I have backups for these (who except me has backups of slippers?), and I can continue to enjoy my cute, pink slippers. 

These are a pair my mum bought me about two years ago from a Peter Alexander outlet store. They were an absolute bargain at ten dollars and I have worn them excessively since then. They have become my slippers to just throw on, though I guess you can’t really “throw on” slippers, wearing them for any activity around the house. The style, pattern and lizard/crocodile detail makes me feel like a very classy woman who is lazing about the house, doing the housework in an effortlessly chic ensemble. I like to think that women like this still exist, perhaps dusting while their hair is perfectly coiffed, all whilst wearing red lipstick. The image I radiate, however, is a top-knot with a bare face, wearing my sophisticated slippers with grey Kmart trackies. Now that’s class. 

I have really saved the best until last with these pair. My official ruby slippers! I was so excited when the movie range was released at Peter Alexander this year (I believe these may still be available), and of course these were at the top of my wish list. Ruby slippers in literal slipper form? I was in slipper heaven. These are magically beautiful with the perfect shade of red, covered in sequins over the entire slipper. They also come in a cute box, which I love to display on the shelf in my room. I actually wore these while watching The Wizard of Oz about two months ago, and you can imagine just how content I was. The best thing is that I don’t need to click my heels three times; I’m already home. 

Day to night: Makeup edition

This is a look that I actually wore the other week to a nighttime barbecue. A little over the top for a casual event, perhaps, but any excuse to put on some makeup and get out of my loungewear is a good excuse. During the day I was doing some shopping around my local shops, so I kept everything quite simple and weekend appropriate. A layer of BB cream, a little winged liner, dramatic lashes and a pink gloss. To amp it up for night I decided not to take off all my makeup and start over, not out of complete laziness but a lack of time. These next steps will take you from day to night very quickly. It may look like a lot of products, but a quick sweep here, a swipe there and you’re ready to own the night. 

Step 1: Concealer is your ultimate weapon. To avoid plastering on another layer of foundation, apply concealer to any blemishes or areas where foundation has worn off from the day. I always find that I end up coming home with a completely bare nose, where for some reason my BB cream has just disappeared. Perhaps a makeup phenomenon? If your concealer is light enough you can also sweep it under the eye area, highlighting and disguising any fatigue from earlier on in the day.

Product: Maybelline Fit Me concealer in 10 

 Step 2: Intensify the base. As we are not adding any foundation we can do with a little facial enhancement. Apply bronzer under the cheekbones with a contour brush, achieving ultimate cheekbones. Add a beautiful glow to the face with a highlighter, applying on the tops of the cheekbones to further accentuate them, the bridge of the nose and the cupid’s bow. This will definitely take the look from sweet to sultry. 

Products: Revlon Photoready Bronzer in Bronzed&Chic, Real Techniques contour brush (part of set), theBalm Mary Lumanizer

Step 3: Control the shine. If, like me, you can get a little shiny from being out all day, then this is a crucial step. Using a large fluffy brush, swipe over the T-zone to keep the greasiness away. A big beauty mistake is having a shiny looking face, so use a translucent powder to make sure you look dewy, not oily. 

Product: Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent

Step 4: Give those lashes a pick-me-up. If you cannot bear the thought of curling your lashes post-mascara application, feel free to skip this step. For girls like me whose lashes have a tendency to flop throughout the day, curling them will give you a false-lash looking appearance without the fuss. 

Product: Shu Uemura eyelash curlers

Step 5: Perfect that pout. In an attempt to clean my lips from the remnants of my lipgloss, I gave them a rub with a makeup remover wipe. This worked out even better than I expected; rubbing them gently will not only remove the residual lip product, but will subtly scrub them. What you’re left with are perfectly primed lips ready for lipstick application. This is a gorgeous night appropriate lipstick that not only looks beautiful, but the proceeds got to the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline. This product is available from Priceline for the Liptember campaign, but hopefully it will still be in stock. 

Products: Simple Kind to Skin cleansing facial wipes, Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Liptember mauve 

Shoe haul

I’m not sure whether I’ve voiced my aversion to shoe shopping on her before, but lean in a little closer as you’re about to hear a tale that may only be told once. Recently, in a very casual shopping trip I managed to score three pairs of shoes. Three pairs of shoes in one trip! This is a complete rarity for me as I find that either the shoe doesn’t quite fit, they don’t have my size, the strap cuts me off, my feet look huge, the style isn’t exactly what I’m looking for or they’re too expensive for the quality. For some reason my shoe dreams are never quite realised; but I guess I can’t expect every pair of shoes to resemble one of Charlotte Olympia’s creations. 

Tru Blue shoes was my first stop, which is a discount shoe store that sells high quality shoe brands like Tony Bianco at an outlet price. These pink heels cost me a grand total of ten dollars, the price of a sandwich nowadays. I thought that these would be perfect for those parties that may include dancing on the grass or stepping in the mud. Classy. The gorgeous hot pink colour will really make a statement and the platform with the ankle strap will add comfort. 

The next stop was Kmart, of course. What would a blog post be without mentioning Kmart? They have a very comprehensive selection of shoes ranging from heels, sandals, boots and slippers(my favourite!). The first is a combination between a heel and a sandal; more aptly named the “flatform.” Firstly, they are in the all-complementing shade of black and they came to twenty dollars. What attracted me to these is they solve the problem of what shoe option to choose for those awkward situations that are too causal for a heel, and not casual enough for just sandals. These will give me a little height and I think they’ll fast become my most worn shoe this spring/summer.

The third pair, again from Kmart, is perhaps my favourite of all three. They are quite reminiscent of the & other stories pair or the Zara sandals that Anna from ViviannaDoesMakeup seems to mention quite a bit. In an ode to Anna (and we share the same nickname, by the way), I was already sold on these black and leopard print pair. Normally leopard print can be garish and a little tacky, but I think the placement just on the band around the foot stops it from being tasteless. I wore these on the night that I bought them, and they were fairly comfortable. I imagine myself wearing these to dinner on balmy summer nights in the city.