Colourpop Cosmetics x Hello Kitty Swatches + Review

Hi loves,

I'd originally planned on posting this so much earlier, but life got in the way. Unfortunately this was a limited edition collection which has now been discontinued, but I asked you guys on my Instagram if you'd still like for me to make this post and I got a positive response directing towards a solid 'yes!'

How-To: Tell What Your Breakouts Mean

Hi loves,

After reading profoundly on breakouts and how to determine what kind of inner disruption is causing its outbreak, I found it really fascinating how the location of each zit has a particular cause behind it, and the idea occurred to me that it might help some of you out there figure out the frustrating mystery of the p i m p l e !

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour Swatches + Review

Hi loves,
This product has been living in my beauty collection for a few weeks now. I really wanted to make sure my review was as accurate as possible, and in order to do that, I had to get a few wears out of it. Now this liquid lipstick has an oddly satisfying look for packaging. Because of its distinct packaging difference, the product itself will draw you in and intent your curiosity. As you can tell, I was four times as curious as anyone.
So if you're interested in knowing how these went, read on!

Too Faced Melted Matte in Cool Girl: Swatch + Review

Hi loves,
My deepest apologies for the ultimately delayed upbringing of this post. I'm aware that the release on meccamaxima.com.au is happening at 8.30am tomorrow, which is why even though I'm still recovering from a painful case of tonsillitis and a mild flu, I wanted to make sure I tried my best to get this review up before tomorrow so you guys had an idea on what the product was like before blowing your bucks on them! They will retail at Mecca Maxima (online and in store starting from tomorrow, August 23rd) for $31 a shade.
So if you're still with me, let's get right into the review..

My Everyday Makeup Routine

Hi loves,
I've never actually done a post like this before, so I'm pretty excited to talk a little about my everyday makeup routine tonight. After testing out numerous products, I've found these work best for me, so I want to share it with you all. Now I'm sure this post would be easier in video form, but I'm still not so confident in front of the camera, so yes, I did try filming this, but it was TERRIBLE.

BYS Velvet Lips: Swatches + Review

Hi loves,
During an errand run, before I could quickly zoom past Gloss like I normally do, I actually stopped, took a little peek in, and spotted these new girls. My heart has a soft spot for pink and lipsticks. Now whilst these look good and are respectively inexpensive, I hadn't heard anyone talking about these, so I thought I would start the conversation.

NYX Lip Lingerie: Review + Swatches

Hi loves,
By now, you would have heard that NYX Cosmetics is finally releasing their Lip Lingerie matte liquid lipsticks down under, and the excitement for this is so huge; everyone wants to get their hands on this entire collection.
No, this isn't a sponsored post, but I've got a wonderful aunt who lives in America and she so kindly let me order these and have them mailed to her house, where she then had them forwarded to me; all because I couldn't wait until July 16th, and I'm so glad I didn't wait.
For my review and swatches, read on...

MAC Lipstick Collection

Hi loves,
Despite constantly adding more to my collection, I was finally able to control myself, which is why this post is happening right now, because I guarantee you, after this goes up, there will be more additions *someone help me*
As you can tell from the title, this is my collection of MAC lipsticks in several finishes.
From a young teenage age, MAC lipsticks were at the top of every one of my birthday and Christmas wishlists. It was the go-to lipstick brand that everyone loved, and I had to have a piece of that pie.
I started my collection with my first MAC lipstick in 2011, and the love grew from there.
But instead of me recounting every MAC lipstick's origin into my beauty collection, how about we get into the individual lippies themselves below?

Colourpop Cosmetics Haul

Hi loves,
Purchased during the 20% off flash sale, taking four weeks to arrive on my door step, I finally have these beautiful colours in my super excited hands, and so today, I'm coming to you with a Colourpop haul.
Enough babbling, let's finally get on to the haul;

Real Techniques Bold Metals eBay Dupes

Hi loves,
I'm not 100% certain on the rules, but I saw a bunch of photos of these brushes making their rounds all over a Makeup Group on Facebook. I noticed that it was the Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection set, and I became envious. How dare they flaunt their luckiness and wealth in affording these disgustingly overpriced makeup brushes! Only, I was close to finding out that these girls had only good intentions to share a special secret: these were the realistic as sh*t dupes!!!

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit: Exposed & Koko K Swatches

Hi loves,
I never really intended on purchasing more of the Kylie Lip Kits as I was quite satisfied with the shades I'd already received. I saw that she released her newest matte shade, but I knew it was going to be quite difficult to get, so I held off on purchasing. Little did I know, my incredibly sweet boyfriend ordered it for me, alongside Koko K (which he previous had heard me talking about wanting), which brings me to today's post!

Colourpop Cosmetics: Swatches + Review

Hi loves,
Okay, I kid you not, I was taking a well-deserved nap today after writing up four new drafts of upcoming blog posts (stay tuned!), but the second I heard our 'Under the Sea' themed doorbell ring, I quite literally jumped out of bed and sprinted towards my front door (my room is all the way at the back of the house, so you can imagine how out of breath I was when the delivery guy saw me.)

I was so excited that my Colourpop Cosmetics package had finally arrived!!!! Delivery was almost at 3 weeks, but I noticed some other girls around my area getting their orders within a week? That doesn't matter anymore though, because they are here, and looking stunning!

I've been meaning to make this huge Colourpop order for a while now, so when I finally had some disposable income, I made sure to splurge and treat myself as an early birthday gift. Considering the shipping prices are so exremely ridiculous for Australians, I suggest making your order as big as possible to make it worth it.

Now let's finally get on to the good stuff; the swatches and reviews!

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit: Candy K & Posie K Swatches + Review

!!!WARNING: BURST OF SELFIES ARE COMING UP!!!

Hi loves,
As you may already know, I recently received the famously popular lip kits created by the youngest Jenner of the (stylishly-dressed) clan. As someone who's not a major Kylie fan, I wasn't too fond of the craziness that came with trying to get my hands on a lip kit. But after some intense research (and by research, I, of course, mean YouTube beauty guru reviews), I decided to brave it out and attempted to purchase them when they were released at the beginning of the month. I successfully got 5 lip kits (2 for me, and 3 for my friends!)
Kylie Cosmetics claims the lip kits to be cruelty free, long-lasting and comfortable to wear. Continue reading to see if they actually live up to the hype.

Nude by Nature Pro Brush Collection

Hi loves,
I've recently been on a hunt for new brushes. The brushes I am now using are brushes I got when I first started testing out makeup, and that was when I was 17. I obviously didn't have the right frame of mind when it came to brush-buying because many of those said bought brushes are quite poorly now.
Not a worry, it only gives me more of a reason to shop around and find the perfect brushes for yours truly.
I got extremely lucky because the same time my brushes decided to give up on me was the same time Nude by Nature released their new Pro Brush Collection, and it is to die forrrr!
The brushes are deliciously soft, and admirably gorgeous (I drool over anything rose gold), making these brushes definitely worth your bucks.

Swatches: Barry M Palettes

Hi loves,
Let's be real, I don't know much about eyeshadow, so for me to be reviewing these palettes is kind of insane, but I just want to give my two cents for those who are contemplating buying these products.
With each palette costing just under $20 each, it's a real steal for what you're getting. Although cardboard isn't my favourite material when it comes to packaging for palettes, it makes it easy to carry around as it is super lightweight, and easily compact so it becomes conveniently easy to throw into your purse when on-the-go. But you don't have to worry about it spilling all over your bag and getting onto all of your possessions because the palettes are secured with a magnetic fastening.

So if you're now interested in a beauty-clueless gal's opinion on these products, keep on reading...

I've heard numerous rave reviews regarding Barry M cosmetics. Granted, I'd only heard about the lipsticks and nail polishes, but I saw the eyeshadow palettes at Big W and couldn't help but grab them to try them out.

Too Faced Cosmetics Haul

Hi loves,
It's been too long since I posted a haul, so I'm very excited to be posting this one because it's about one of my most favourite beauty brands.
You can probably safely say that the first thing that attracted me to Too Faced Cosmetics was the packaging, because just by taking one quick look at it, you could instantly tell that I would be all over this brand. But look past the pretty packaging, and you'll find great quality products which you will want to replenish over and over again.

Essence Spring Trend Collection: Brit Tea

Hi loves,
Happy Sunday!! I just got back home from a weekend getaway to Port Stephens with my boyfriend and our son for our ninth anniversary. We had the absolute best time, and guess what, we vlogged the entire trip. It was so much fun, and I'm so excited to edit it and post it up on our family YouTube channel soon. So, stay tuned!

Anyway, who knew that my first beauty post on the new and improved blog would be a prize pack I unknowingly entered and won? Definitely not me!
This post is most certainly not sponsored, but I am so excited to bring to you guys exclusive pics of essence cosmetics' spring trend collection which is actually now in all Target stores, so after you read this, head on out to your nearest Target and splurge splurge splurge, ladies!

If you know me personally, you'd know that I absolutely adore pastel colours. There's just something so beautiful and girly about pastel shades.

I was so excited to have been able to receive this prize pack because ever since I found out about the collection coming to Target stores, I sought out every single Target store in my district every day, but didn't manage to come across it. Luckily, I won the competition on their Facebook page because now I get to try out every beauty product from the collection!

Don't worry, I'm going to test them out, and the ones I absolutely love will go into my giveaway which is coming real soon.

So without further ado, essence cosmetics Spring Trend Collection: Brit-Tea ♡

What's In My (Makeup) Bag: Updated!

In every girl's bag, you'll find a smaller bag. No, we do not store our entire home in there - but we do store our face in there, well, the products that enhance our natural beauty.
It's been almost two years since I last did a post like this, so I figured it'd be pretty fun to see how my makeup routine products have changed - nice to see they barely have. I'm a girl who stays content and sticks to routines, thus, explaining why majority of my products are the same from two years ago.

Instead of rambling on, let's get on with it.

The products in my makeup bag are:

• Maybelline FIT ME Foundation in 230
• Maybelline FIT ME Concealer in 25 Medium
• Face of Australia Translucent Loose Powder
• Benefit Cosmetics Sugarbomb Blush Powder
• Australis Cosmetics High Lights Mineral Face Highlighter in Gold
• Face of Australia High Definition Brow Kit
• Models Prefer Eye Brightener
• Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner in Black
• Maybelline Baby Lips Colour Lip Balm in Pink Lolita
• Chanel Rogue Allure Lipstick in 94 Extatique
• Christian Dior Addict Gloss in 453 Dolly Pink
• Forever New Large Powder Brush
• Forever New Angled Blush Brush
• Forever New Spooli Brush
• Forever New Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush
• Topshop Liquid Foundation Brush

Faves from my face base products:

I love the coverage I get from the FIT ME foundation because personally it doesn't feel too cakey on my skin. Although it does appear to make me look oily, which is why I use the translucent loose powder on top of it to matte it down. I feel like matte foundations keep my skin from breathing and make it super dry, which is why I choose to use a slightly oily liquid foundation and top it off with a powder.

The concealer is not my favourite thing to use for under my eyes (my eyebags and dark circles don't get concealed all that well), but I do find that it conceals my redness and blemishes flawlessly.

Faves from my highlighting products:

Unlike other people, I'm obsessed with Benefit's Sugarbomb blush powder rather than Hoola! I feel like bronzer does nothing for me except make me appear to look like a cast member of Jersey Shore - but a nice blush can give me the perfect pink flush to accentuate my cheekbones (or lack thereof.) A few dabs of the powder onto the brush and no more than 3 swipes, you're ready to go!

Faves from my eye products:

Not a huge fan of eyeshadow, as I don't know how to properly apply it, so the next best thing for me is a tie between my two most loved eye products - liquid eyeliner and brow powder. I can't go with a day wearing makeup without creating some sort of a winged liner and/or my brows done right. But I promise you, I will learn how to properly apply eyeshadow one day.

Faves from my lipstick products:

How does one not have Chanel as one of their most favourite lipsticks ever? The hint of blue in this shade is perfect for me. It suits really well with everything I wear and it doesn't overpower anything. It blends in with my skin really evenly and enhances my entire face. That's what a simple lipstick can do.

As for my makeup bag, I got it from Target a few years back. I've been really connected with it, but I feel like it's time for a change and time to go out and get a new one.

Until my next post,

lots of love,

Danica xo

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

As much as I love and adore makeup, I'm hopelessly terrible at applying it. I never had a big sister to look up to, and my mum rarely wore makeup because she basically had natural and flawless skin., it didn't need retouching. My beauty big sister was DOLLY and Girlfriend magazines. But even so, I barely knew what to do with foundation, or blush, or concealer, and what was this frightening tool for?! (It was an eyelash curler)

It wasn't until I reached 14 where I heavily used black eyeliner. I steer clear of black liner on my lash line now because never will I flash myself back to 2007. But the truth is, I literally learnt how to properly apply makeup last year. Not even joking; I'm a late beauty bloomer.

Nevertheless, as time has passed, I have found what works for my skin and what doesn't. Thus, a post of my Summer must-haves!!

I honestly cannot tell you enough how much I am adoring these beauties (see what I did there?).

Considering Summer is the horrid time when sweat appears in every which way, using a scrumptious smelling perfume will cover you perfectly. Personally, I'm a massive Selena Gomez fan - her style has been impeccable lately - but her self-titled perfume is seriously just as amazing. It's a sweet scented perfume in the prettiest bottle! It's been my go-to smell ever since I bought it.

I carried around my huge heel problem for months during Winter. I could not catch a break, or the right product, until I stumbled into MYER Sydney city and found myself standing in front of KIT Cosmetic's Soap & Glory shelf whispering to myself "what should I get?!", and ended up picking this baby up.

Don't pretend like you've never stood in front of S&G products and admired how pretty they looked, but a few weeks before I bought this, I actually bought their hand cream & hand sanitiser and fell abundantly in love.

My heels had been cracked for months, and after using this for about 2 months or even less, my heels are unbelievably smooth and soft. So worth the $12.95!!!

I only recently switched to Benefit's Sugarbomb blush (after having it for a couple of weeks) because I was way too attached to my Sportsgirl Get Cheeky shimmer, but the sweet smell and amazing application of this blush is what has made it onto my list of Summer must-haves! Looking forward to trying out some more Benefit products because I've had nothing but incredible experiences from their products.

Ah, eyebrows. 2013 was certainly the year of the eyebrows. I spent most of my time lusting over girls and their eyebrows. Okay, I'm totally joking, but it has been a pretty big year for the over-looked face feature.

I not-so-surprisingly didn't get into the eyebrow spirit until last month. Sure, I got the regular grooming done, but it was never up to the fab standard I wanted it to be until I decided to pay a visit to the Benefit Brow Bar in MYER Sydney City, and had a lovely lady wax my eyebrows into perfect formation.

After my fab wax at Benefit, I finally had a use for my Face of Australia brow kit, and we've been incredibly inseparable ever since.

Normally, I'm a massive lipstick lover. Find my lips in any shade of pink, orange or red, and you'd know it was me, but as of lately, I've been loving natural shades of lippies, and by far, this Napoleon Perdis lipstick in 'Ava' is taking the cake. I've been wearing everywhere!

Ever since the day I got this powder, I've been obsessed. I love how it lasts so long and how there is still so much in it even if you use it religiously. It's the perfect powder to use when setting your makeup. I only wish there was a smaller one I could carry in my purse for a touch-and-go kind of situation. But seriously, this is probably my must-have all year round!

Have been loving my Real Techniques blush brush incredibly this Spring/Summer! It's so soft and applies my blush wonderfully. Definitely a beauty must-have for this scorching weather, because what else would you use to create that cute flustered cheek?

Also, don't really know where I'd be without my Topshop foundation brush. I thought that because it was Topshop it wouldn't excel my level of beneficial, but this foundation brush has been my absolute best friend. Applies my foundation on perfectly and really easily! What else can a girl want?

There you have it. My Summer beauty must-haves! Next will hopefully be my Summer fashion must-haves (right after I do some shopping, hehe)

Until my next post,

Danica xo

Beauty-ful Space

A girl's sacred space (besides her closet) would have to be her vanity. Sitting on my vanity, of course, is my beauty organizer. It holds majority of my main products, and when I happen to have new beauty products come in, they'll find that their place is right here.

It's so much fun to be able to display your favourite products and have them in arm's reach. Here are some tips on how to keep it neat and dust-free based on what I've been doing!

• Buy an inexpensive powder brush, and use it to dust the area as often as possible.
• Rearrange the items every so often, just to make it a bit more fun and non-boring.
• Clear out the organizer and wipe it down with a damn cloth every second weekend or so.

That's not much, but they're the best and most appropriate tips I could give you. They work so well for me and keep my organizer clean and tidy.

Oh, and don't worry, I plan on doing a room tour (in pictures very very soon).

Until my next post,

XO