Tuesday 27 November 2012

StyleTread Epic SALE Haul!!!

Styletread is having a massive sale. And when I say massive, I mean MASSIVE, possibly the best sale they have ever had!!!

For anyone not from Australia style tread is a website that sells a huge variety of shoes, bags and accessories for men, women and children.

I absolutely love this website but I only really buy when they have a sale on because otherwise items are full price so you might as well buy them in store so you don't have to wait for postage.

What is really great about this website is that you can buy shoes in a few different sizes or styles, try them on at home and then send the ones you don't want back for a full refund.

On non sale items postage and return postage is free.

On sale items there is a $6.95 flat shipping rate, which is still amazingly good!!

So heres what I bought at the sale!!

1. BearPaw black Ugg boots - $25.90
I haven't owned Ugg boots since I was about 14 years old but since I am going to the UK and Europe in January and that involves a 36 hour flight, as well as my first experience of EPICALLY cold weather, I thought I would invest in a pair.
These are great, they seem really sturdy and well made, they are fluffy on the inside and incredibly warm!

2. Indy C cream square bangle - $4.90
I just thought this bangle was really cute and it is really different from anything I own. It's thick, and a really pretty cream, marble patterned Resin and every side has little gold and jewelled details. It's really pretty, modern and sophisticated and it was less that $5.00!!! AMAZING!

3. Indy C Leo hold all slouchy  handbag - $15.90
This is by far my fourite purchase in a long time. This bag is amazing. It's a lovely caramel brown colour with bronze/gold hardware and leopard print detailing. It's absolutely huge, meaning you can fit like your whole life in there and it has a long should or cross body strap as well as a smaller strap to carry it in your hand. This was also a purchase for my up coming Europe trip and I think it will be absolutely perfect. Another plus is that it was originally around $80.00 and I only paid $15.90!! Such a great bargain and an amazing bag!!

If you want to check out Styletread's amazing up to 80% off sale it is still on at the moment if you click here, but be quick because it has been on for a little while now so I don't now how much longer it will last. They have some seriously amazing deals!

What has been your favourite online sale recently?

Until next time :) xx

**I am not affiliated with any of the brands or service mentioned, this is not a sponsored post and all opinions are genuine and my own**

Sunday 25 November 2012

November Bellabox: Soiree Season Staples!!

So it is that time again! My Bellabox has arrived!! Well it actually arrived a while ago but I have been so busy I didn't even open it until a couple of days ago.

Just a quick update on these boxes, I have now unsubscribed to Lust Have It. It just wasn't as good as Bellabox and really didn't seem worth the money anymore. So I am now only subscribed to Bellabox and as usual, the November box does not disappoint!!



This months theme was Soiree Season Staples. That basically means all the essentials to get you through summer and the holiday season!

What's in the Box??

1. Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleansing water Sample 20ml
I received a sample of this in a previous beauty box and have used it a couple of times. I have heard a lot of negative things about it but I actually really liked it. It gets off all the makeup and because it is water based it doesn't leave your skin dry or tight.
RRP: 250ml $39.95

2. 4me nail polish remover pads FULL SIZE 30 pads 
These are a two-in-one nail product, they remove nail polish while conditioning nails and cuticles. They are acetone and alcohol free so they won't dry out or damage your nails.
RRP: $3.49

3. Swisse Hand Cream with Vitamin F and Pomegranate Sample 30ml 
I didn't even know Swisse made hand creams but alas, I now own one. haha. If you haven't heard of Swisse before they are a vitamin supplement company. This hand cream is lovely. Is moisturises without leaving a residue on your hands and it smells of citrus which is lovely.
RRP: 100ml $14.95

4. Palmolive Luscious Mango Body Butter Wash Sample 50ml
I have reviewed the Strawberry smoother version of this body wash in a previous post and I am absolutely in love with it! I am really excited to try  the mayo version, it smells lovely and fruity!
RRP: 400ml $6.49

5. Bloom Glitter Liquid Eyeliner in Star Gazer FULL SIZE
I received a different colour of this eyeliner in a previous box and used it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It goes on smoothly and looks amazing over black eyeliner. I got so many compliments on it so I am really excited to have another colour. This will be great for all those Christmas parties etc. coming up!.
RRP: $14.95

6. John Plunkett Essentials Multi-vitamin Moisturiser FULL SIZE
Another moisturiser packed with vitamins, which is exactly what you need after spending a few hours in that hot Aussie sun! It is for normal and sensitive skin and contains vitamins A, B3, B5, C and E.
RRP: $9.95

7. Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack Sample 1 sheet
This is a Korean product which is designed to remove blackheads, contract pores and control oil over the nose. I'm very keen to try this as I always have trouble with the skin on my nose over summer because it gets very oily causing it to break out.
RRP: 10 sheets $21.99

More Info:
Bellabox is a monthly subscription box which contains a variety of beauty rested items. The cost is $15 per month.

This month Bellabox is giving away a free moustache necklace with every purchase from their online store.

To subscribe, purchase products or for more information head to their website: www.bellabox.com.au

Until next time :) xxx

** I am not affiliated with any of the products or services mentioned nor am I being paid for this post.**

Nail Polish Haul Australia!!!!

So I've been online shopping again! (Surprise!! haha) This time I bought a few nail polishes from the website mbeautylounge.com. It's an America website that has a huge variety of nail polish brands, many of which are very difficult, if not impossible to find in Australia, at seriously discounted prices!

It's a great website, the only downsides are that shipping can be quite expensive and it also takes several weeks because nail polishes cannot be sent via airmail because they are flammable. But it is totally worth it for the massive savings and incredible range!

So here's what I bought:



China Glaze 866 Four Leaf Clover 
This is a gorgeous green colour, perfect for the holiday season!
Price: $4.85

China Glaze 955 Sunset Sail 
A lovely peachy nude colour, great for a more sophisticated summer look.
Price: $4.99

Essie 783 Play Date 
A lovely light purple.
Price: $7.10

Zoya ZP625 Zuza 
A gorgeous green with gold and silver sparkles through it, once again this will be an amazing colour for the holiday season!
Price: $6.60

Zoya ZP555 Keiko
A lovely deep purple which will be great for the cooler months.
Price: $6.40

Shipping cost: $18.98

I definitely recommend you head over to the website and check it out, they have a massive range of international nail polish brands really cheap, and new collections are added all the time!!

Where do you like to buy nail polish??

Until next time :) xxx


**I am not affiliated with any of the products or service mentioned in any way. I am not being paid to review these products/services.**

Monday 19 November 2012

I ♥ Drugstore Makeup (Australian)!!!

In the interest of getting more into blogging I thought I would give another tag a go! I saw this one on http://beautifullyglossy.blogspot.com.au, so here it goes! 





1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand?
Hmmm it would have to be out of either Rimmel or Maybelline. I really can't choose between them! 
2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?
 
Face: Australis True Translucent Finishing Powder. This powder is AMAZING it matte-ifies your foundation and makes it last all day and it's totally translucent so it doesn't effect the colour of your face. All that and it's super cheap!!

Cheek: Lately I've been loving the Rimmel Match perfection blush in light. I talked about this in a recent haul and have really been loving it over the past couple of weeks. Because there are three different shades in the one blush I have been using the lightest shade as a highlight and the mixing all three as a blush. It gives great colour payoff and a very reasonable price compared to other blushes in Australia. 

Lip: Maybelline Colour sensational Lipstick in Pink Freeze. I have mentioned this a couple of times before and it is my favourite shade of al time! 

3. Least favorite product?
 
That's a hard one, I haven't come across a lot of makeup products that I really hate as I try to do my research before I buy anything. One product I haven't been all that impressed by is the Rimmel BB cream. I have't used it many times but so far I don't think it really gives enough coverage for me. 

4. What is the best makeup bargain?
 
Essence Stay With Me Lipgloss!!! These are amazing! You can read my full review here. But in short they give amazing colour payoff and are only around $4, which is AMAZING in Australia! 

5. What is your favorite underdog product?
 
Once again the Essence lipgloss! I really don't think they get anywhere near enough attention in the beauty world because they really are awesome for the price. 

6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?
 
Haha all makeup is overpriced in Australia but probably the worst is Loreal. 

7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!
 
I don't really own any high end products so I have no idea. 

8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?
 
Maybelline lip butters. They're nice but they are definitely not worth $20. The colour payoff isn't great and I didn't even think they made my lips feel any more moist or soft. I don't understand why people love them soooo much! 

Saturday 17 November 2012

The latest Social Media Trend: 'How Dare You Say That!'

Lately it seem like everyone is taking offence to absolutely everything that is posted on social media! It's becoming an epidemic. 

If you live in Australia, you may have heard about the 'fake mamamia' hashtag that was flying around the twitter-verse last night.

For anyone who doesn't know, here's a run down. MamaMia is an Australian online publication, aimed at women and run by Mia Freedman. It's basically an online version of a women's glossy.

They pride themselves on providing a casual, social 'round table discussion' arena for women to discuss and engage with the issues that are impacting them i their everyday lives.

They publish news, current affairs, lifestyle, opinion, fashion, beauty, parenting, relationship advice etc.

After the controversy in Ireland over doctors denying a women an abortion which would have saved her life because they are "A catholic country", MamaMia published several reports on the issue of abortion, from various stand points. On post, published yesterday, which related to this topic was shared by MamaMia on Twitter. The tweet read:


Mainstream media (The Age, Sydney Morning Herald etc) have since reported that tweet alone was the cause of a series of tweets that began appearing with the hashtag #fakemamamia. Although those involve say that was simply the catalyst.  

Some of these tweets included: 


So after a while the notorious Charlotte Dawson decides to put her two-cents in, accusing those participating in the Hashtag of attacking Mia Freedman and then turning on each other. Which by most accounts is not what happened. This triggered a few other minor Australian celebrities to get involved, which of course alerted the main stream media. 

Neither Mia Freedman or MamaMia have commented and really don't seem to be all that bothered by it really. 

Heres what some people said when the backlash began:


If you read through the tweets you will see that they were using satirical humour to mock the entire women's magazine industry. Not specifically Mia Freedman or MamaMia. It's true the women's magazine industry can seem a little shallow at times, but it caters for an audience, a niche market if you will, of women who want to know about the latest trends and receive the latest relationship or parenting advice. 

In this 21st century information age, MamaMia serves it's purpose and it's market, as does every other publication. 

The FakeMamaMia hashtag was not an attack on Mia Freedman or MamaMia but instead a satirical look at the ways of the women's magazine world and the way that we, as women, have created this industry through our insistent desire for all things pretty and fluffy. 

I think this is the perfect example of how society has become far too politically correct lately. When someone makes a joke about something, more often than not they are making fun of society. Of themselves. For the way that we perceive the world. For what we deem to be important. 

Next time your about to get offended by something someone says or writes, maybe you could ask yourself, why am I offended? Who is this comment really attacking? and Does this actually hurt or impact me in any way? Chances are, it's not all that offensive anyway!

What's the most overly-politically-correct thing you've seen lately?

Until next time :) xx

Friday 16 November 2012

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger TAG.

I saw this tag on 'Beauty Down Under' and thought I would give it a go, maybe you will learn something new about me. :) I know I'm not an established beauty blog yet, but I hope to be one day, so it could be interesting for me to do this tag again when I've been blogging for longer and see if anything has changed!!

So here goes: 


How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts? 

I don't really keep track of it, I really just blog when I feel like it or when I have a new idea. I suppose each post takes around an hour taking/finding photos, editing them, writing and then working on the layout for a bit.

Are you a spender or a saver
Definitely a spender!!! It's really, really, really bad!!! I always tell myself I'm going to save more and stop shopping so much but it never lasts long. Online shopping has definitely become my biggest frenemy!! 

When is it easiest for you to write your posts?
I really just do it when ever I feel like it. It's usually better if I write it ASAP after I get an idea, otherwise I tend to either forget or over-think it and convince myself i's a terrible idea. Blogging is really a spontaneous thing for me at the moment. 

What makes writing posts comfortable for you?

I just really love writing and web design etc. I'm studying journalism at University, so it really just comes naturally. It's what I love to do! 

What's your worst make up/hair habit?
Not getting my hair trimmed enough. I can just never be bothered and I always seem to find something more fun to spend my money on. I am very good at convincing myself that it doesn't really need to be trimmed, when it really, really, really does need it. (Like now!! haha it's been a while!)


What's one quote you wish the world would live by?
"The probability that we may fail in the struggle need not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just"
- Abraham Lincoln

How long do you spend getting ready everyday?

At least an hour and a half. It's terrible, I know, but I'm just so indecisive. 

What's your favourite post on your blog?

Hmmm.... that's a good question. I think probably my October Favourites. It was my first time writing a post like that and it made me feel like I was a real blogger. Haha I don't know it just made me really excited to get this blog up and running!

Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers than they have?

http://animatedconfessions.blogspot.com  
I like her. But like I say, I am new to this world so I don't follow all that many blogs. 

What's one thing you're excited about in the coming year?

I am going to Europe in 6 weeks!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!! Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, London, Amsterdam, Heidelberg.... I CAN"T WAIT!!! Also, graduating University this time next year! :)

What's been your favourite blogging moment?

Getting my first follower. I only have two, but I'm just glad those two people actually want to read my blog!! I can only hope there are more to come! 

How long does it take to prep for a post?

I don't really prep, like I said it's fairly spontaneous! I just get an idea and off I go!! 

Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or are you wearing pajama bottoms?
Pyjamas!!! hahaha!!! 

What are you most proud of in your life?
Finishing high school and going to University. I was the first person in my family to do that so that feels pretty awesome! 

I TAG EVERYONE!!!! :)

If you do the tag, leave a link to it in the comments, I'd love to read yours!! :)

Until next time :) xx

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Christmas gifts for mum!!



Christmas Series #1

Wondering what to get for the woman who gave you life this Christmas? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

My dad, brother and I are all putting in to get mum an iPad which is a great gift idea if you have a few people to go in together, or if your just ridiculously rich! haha. Tablets are becoming so popular these days so as long as your mum has some technological knowledge it could be a really good idea.

If your looking for something a little cheaper here are some other ideas;




1. If she has a tablet computer or smartphone you could consider buying some Apps for her that you think she'd like and downloading them for her on Christmas morning.

Alternatively you could get an iTunes voucher.







2.  Buy her a subscription to her favourite magazine. If your mum if anything like my mum, she'll love cooking/recipe magazines. Or maybe she is more into celebrity mags or lifestyle publications such as the Australian Women's Weekly. Whatever the topic, it'll be a gift that keeps on giving, and you'll be in the good books all the way until next Christmas. (Always a plus haha.)




3. If you think your mum works too hard perhaps you could treat her to some relaxation products. I try to avoid the stock-standard gift packs as they are almost always over-priced and usually come with at least one item that is fairly useless (a bar of soap anyone?)
I find it to bed a more personal gift if I go to a store such as The Body Shop or Lush and select a few individual products that I think she would benefit from. The usual favourites include hand creams, bath bombs, night creams etc.
Just be careful of anything that claims to be 'anti-ageing' or 'anti-wrinkle' as some people may be offended by this and you don't want to be the one who starts the all-out massive family brawl on Christmas day.




4. On the relaxation theme, you could purchase a voucher for a facial/massage/spa day. If your close with your mum you could book a mother/daughter day to make it even more special.



5. Books are always another favourite and given we are living in the 21st Century, you could consider Ebooks as they tend to be slightly cheaper and are easy to read on the go.



These are just a few suggestions of things that always impress my mum.

What are you getting your mum for Christmas this year?

What's your all-time favourite gift?

Until next time :) xxx

Sunday 11 November 2012

This week I've been pinning...

I have decided to do a weekly post (every Sunday) to show you the things I have been pinning on Pinterest that week. 

Week One!


In an effort to cheer myself up in the lead up to my final exam for the year I pinned quite a few quotes. 























Then after my exam was over I got in the mood to do some redecorating (more on that soon) and started pinning some inspirational designs. 





And finally, getting into the swing of spring (ahhh alliteration, how nice) I posted a number of my favourite spring/summer fashions. 



















Let me know what you love to pin in the comments :)

You can follow me Pinterest here: pinterest.com/loveb4h8 

Until next time :) xxx

Saturday 10 November 2012

Target Make-up Haul!!

I was in Target today to get some new leggings and thought I would just stop quickly by the cosmetics section. 
I'm glad I did because they have some really fantastic sales on at the moment!

This weekend only (10-11 November, Australia) all Revlon lip, cheek and eye products are 40% off!!!! 40 PERCENT!!!! How good is that?

So I FINALLY picked up a revlon lip butter. I know, a tad behind the eight ball there, but there was NO WAY I was going to pay $21.95 for a lip balm. However, with the 40% off I got it for just $13.50. While that is still more than I would normally pay for a lip balm I have heard amazing things about the Revlon Lip Butters and have wanted to try them for quite sometime, so I thought I would bite the bullet so to speak and just go for it.
I decided on the colour 055 Cupcake, which is a gorgeous pastel pink colour that I thought would be lovely during the summer when I don't really want to wear a full lipstick.

As part of this weeks catalogue sale Target also has a great deal on Rimmel cosmetics. All foundation, blush and powder products are 2 for $20. Depending on which products you choose, that pretty much works out to be buy one get one free, which I think is AMAZING!

I have been looking at the Rimmel Match Perfection blush since it came out and have always wanted to try a BB cream, given all the hype they've received lately.
So I decided to go ahead and get the Rimmel BB Cream, 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup in the shade Light, and the Rimmel Match Perfection blush in the shade 001 Light.

I am really excited to try out all of these products and definitely think any of my Australian readers should get down to Target first thing tomorrow if your after any new makeup and love a great deal!!!

I'll try to have a review up on all of these products soon!

Until next time xxx :)

Saturday 3 November 2012

2012 October Favourites!!








Here are my top six favourites for the month of October, 2012! I absolutely recommend them all!







1. Goldwell Rich Repair 60 second hair treatment
I have had this for a few months but it has been an absolute life saver throughout October. I use it weekly as a deep conditioning treatment and it has done my hair wonders. As the weather has been heating up here in Melbourne lately, my hair was starting to dry out something shocking, but this treatment makes it feel amazingly soft and silky. It reminds me of when you've just had your hair dyed at the salon. It's pretty expensive (I think it was around $30) but it lasts literally ages!! Especially if you only use it once a week like I do. A little goes a really, really, really long way! I usually leave it in for about 5 minutes, because I use it as a deep conditioning treatment, but the instructions say it works in 60 seconds. This product is a definite must to save your hair from the sun, sea etc. over spring and summer.

2. Palmolive Strawberry Smoothie exfoliating body wash
I found this at the beginning of October and I am soooo in love with it! I purchased mine at K-mart for $4!!! I have also seen it in supermarkets and at Target, but it costs about $5.50 there I think. It smells soooooooo delicious!! Exactly like a strawberry smoothie! It has little exfoliating beads (that look like strawberry seeds) and contains Apricot, Peach and strawberry extracts, jojoba butter extracts and coconut oil (among other wonderful additives lol!). It leaves your skin feeling soft and clean and you get a lovelu subtle strawberry scent for the next few hours! I just love strawberry scent in spring and summer, it just reminds me of ice-cream and smoothies at the beach on a hot day!!! SO good!

3. Betty Crocker strawberry shortcake candles
Surprise!! Another strawberry scented product (I see a theme emerging here :P). I purchased these candles on Groceryrun.com.au (I'm not sure how much they were but it was pretty cheap). They give off a lovely sweet strawberry scent when you burn them, it reminds me of strawberry icing!! Only problem is, they always leave me craving sweet food! But what are you going to do? haha.

4. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman foundation brush
I've had this brush for about three weeks now and it's my first real techniques brush. I had heard amazing things about the brushes in Youtube and in the bloggersphere, and thought I would give it ago. I had never used a brush with liquid foundation before so I wanted to invest in something good. And I was not disappointed! The bristles are soft, it gives amazing, even coverage and is so quick to use, it has cut my foundation time in half! It blends foundation and concealer easily. I would definitely recommend it. The only downside is it costs about $21 at Priceline (although I have since heard it is much cheaper on the website!)

5. Maybelline Colour sensational lipstick in 805 Pink Freeze
This is my absolute favourite lipstick of all time!! I have mentioned it in blogs before and I think I have used it almost every day throughout October. It is the perfect colour for spring and summer, it is bright hot pink, has amazing colour pay off, lasts about 5 hours and doesn't dry your lips out too much! Theres really not much more I can say about it, it's just amazing and I have already repurchased it for when this one runs out because I use it that often!

6. Australis Nudist Eyeshadow palette
Unfortunately I bought this on clearance and I don't think you can buy it anymore but it has been my go-to palette throughout October so I thought I should mention it anyway. It has 8 neutral shades, ranging from light to dark, and is reminiscent of the Naked Palette by Urban Decay (Although not as good quality obviously). On clearance I picked this up for around $6.00, which was an absolute BARGAIN! They eyeshadows are great quality and last all day (over an eyelid primer). They have great colour payoff too, and you only need a little bit to cover your lids perfectly!


Let me know what you have been loving this past month, I am always looking to try new things!

Until next time :) xxx