Wake Up & Glow!

If you didn’t know, I started a new job about 7 months ago… a FULL on job. It’s fast paced with long hours and sometimes I find myself up at the crack of dawn and need to make myself presentable for the 10-12 hours ahead, without the aid of my beloved 8-hours beauty sleep.

Thank heavens for the new Wake Me Up Foundation from Rimmel London, a liquid foundation that instantly re-awakens skin with a healthy, radiant looking glow,whilst also helping to minimise signs of premature ageing. No matter how little hours sleep I had last night, this anti-fatigue foundation immediately helps to eliminate visible signs of tiredness. I should know… it’s been my saviour many a time.

The other reason I love this foundation is because it’s a multi-tasking beauty product, as the foundation is also imparted with illuminating particles. When I only have 15 mins to get my face on in the morning, this foundation is all I need to look “alive” with its radiance pearls to help illuminate skin with a gorgeous, healthy-looking glow. And not an oil slick kind of glow… no no no. It’s a natural ‘I look this good when I wake up’ kind of glow. I sometimes I even wear this foundation without powder over the top to take advantage of the dewy glow (SHOCK HORROR!), and I’ve never looked in the mirror and thought, ewwww look at that oily t-zone.

The foundation’s light, smooth texture glides on easily to give a 100% pore-less coverage with an even, flawless, natural-looking finish, not mask-like. Effortlessly easy to blend and immediately moisturises so skin feels hydrated all day, Wake Me Up also feels so lightweight and comfortable that I don’t even notice I’m wearing it.

But wait! There’s more… the high-tech formulation features peptides, which helps increase skin elasticity, so it can recover and bounce back more quickly. As a result, my skin looks more radiant and fresh. Finally (and most importantly), Wake Me Up Foundation is the first Rimmel foundation to contain an SPF 15 to help protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays. BIG TICK!

There are 5 shades in the range, and I found that I matched well to 103 True Ivory AND 303 True Nude, which is a little bit darker but would be a summer colour for me. The glass bottle is a little bit on the risky side (as in slip and smash risk :P), but it gives it a luxurious feel, and with the added advantage of a pump top (my fave) I am very very impressed with the overall packaging and performance of this product.

Wake Me Up Foundation is AU $19.95 and available now from from David Jones, Kmart, Target, Coles, Big W, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Priceline pharmacy and selected pharmacies nationally. For stockists please call 1800 812 663.

I was kindly sent these products for consideration, as per my disclosure statement, this did not influence my opinion in any way and all reviews are of my own honest opinion.

New Year, New (organised) You! WIN a Makeup Box Set for 2012!

*** COMPETITION CLOSED***

 

If I had to pick only one favourite product from 2011, I’d honestly have to say it was my Glamour Makeup Box Set from The Makeup Box Shop. You might recognise these makeup storage units… yes they are VERY similar to the ones used by the Kardashian sisters as seen on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The Makeup boxes are made of high quality 5mm thick acrylic and are very sturdy. Very much worth the investment.

My little acrylic family consists of a 5 drawer Glamour Makeup Box (AU$124), brush holder with beads (AU$15 with any box purchase), and a nail polish stand (AU$21) and I have to say… I’m madly in love with my little acrylic family. Before they came along, the state of my bathroom drawers were atrocious and my brushes were squished into a pencil holder… horrible I know!! I couldn’t even consider getting more brushes or makeup in fear of trying to find a place to put them.

And here’s a confession… I’m a massive product packaging hoarder. I’m the girl who keeps all my new makeup in its original packaging and will continue to do so until the box is so tattered it looks horrible or it starts to annoy me. I just found that I could stand my blushes up in boxes in my bathroom drawers and read the names on the top, making it easier to know what’s what. Oh and also because I like to know what ingredients are in what… who knows, I may need to look at some of them if needed in a blog post.

So as you can see below, the Makeup Box holds A LOT of products. It so fun organising your makeup into it, I call it ‘Makeup Tetris’ lol. Having this storage unit was also the push I needed to get my products out of their packaging and into their new home! You can see from the last square that I got rid of a LOT of boxes. It was very therapeutic and great to clean and sort out my product stash. It’s amazing how much room the boxes were taking up in my drawers!

This is a snapshot of what products each draw holds… top drawer – eye shadows, second drawer – blushes, third drawer – lipsticks, fourth drawer – mascaras, concealers, eyeliners and primers, and last drawer (the deepest) – my box-o-powders, foundations, powders, illuminators, Illamasqua glosses, bronzers.

This is my little acrylic family… the brush holder comes with the beads and the nail polish stand holds 12 huge OPI size nail polishes (or more if smaller bottles). The Makeup box is also great to store perfumes on top, in full view when you’re getting ready in the morning, so you don’t forget to spritz yourself – and it also saves bench space. Yey!

To get your hands on these awesome makeup storage units, check out www.themakeupboxshop.com or head over to the Facebook or Twitter pages. The Makeup Box Shop does free shipping* within Australia (*NT, SA, WA & TAS Customers please add an extra $7 for shipping).

Thanks to The Makeup Box Shop, I’m running a New Year, New (organised) You competition! To help you be the very best, organised you in 2012, you could WIN a 4 drawer Glamour Makeup Box, Foundation Blending Sponge and Brush holder set (RRP AU$139). Here is the 4 drawer glamour box:

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling us your New Year’s Resolution for 2012. (1 entry)

2. ‘Like’ the The Makeup Box Shop and Hip & Haute pages on Facebook (+ 2 entries)

3. ‘Follow’ the The Makeup Box Shop (@TheMakeupBoxAU) and Hip & Haute (@hipandhaute) on Twitter (+ 2 entries)

4. Share this competition on Twitter or on your Facebook page via the social media buttons below (+ 3 entries)

Please leave your name and email address in the comment below so I can contact you if you win! And please tell me which steps you completed above.

Good Luck Hautees! And Happy New Year! 

Terms and conditions: Competition is open to Australian residents only and ends Monday 16 January 2012, 4pm EST (Brisbane time). Winners will be contacted by email and announced on the blog. If a winner doesn’t give me their details within a week, another winner will be drawn.

My first ILoveThisBox (November 2011)

I was nicely offered to trial the first ever ILoveThisBox beauty sample box. I was a bit sceptical about the beauty sample boxes, but I’m glad to say that I was nicely surprised by this one. 🙂

ILoveThisBox brings a fabulous monthly selection of up to 5 luxurious cosmetic samples straight to your door. By working with the best brands and focusing on the latest trends they ensure each month’s box is a real treat.

Delivery is included in your monthly or annual membership fee and you can cancel a monthly membership at any time (which I know is one of the first questions asked by most). The monthly subscription fee is AUD 14.95.

My first impression was, WOW… there are a LOT of full size products included, and some of them are new and or not seen before – which is exactly what you want to get from these sample box services.

The package arrived in good condition and the box/packaging was very cute… and it came with product detail card to tell you exactly what you got.

Want to see what I got in the November box?…

November’s box included:

– NEW Keratinology by Sunsilk Salon Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner full size products – a premium collection formulated with Keratin Micro Technology

– Certified Organic by NATURE, NVEY ECO’s Taupe [#172] Eyeshadow full size product – a lovely taupe eyeshadow colour that is talc free

– POD Liquid Tan Gradual Tanning Face Serum full size product – a light weight serum using a eco-cert vegetable tanning active

– Caudalie Paris skin care samples: Premières vendanges moisturizing cream, Anti-wrinkle serum,  Anti-wrinkle ultra-nourishing cream.

– Essie mini nail polish in French Affair from the Spring 2011 Collection

When I first opened the box, there was this AMAZING smell – turned out to be the New Sunsilk Keratinology hair products. These are great and have been my favourite products from the box so far. The nail polish is a gorgeous colour and I’m keen to try out the facial tanning serum.

There was also a discount offer for Magnolia Silver Jewellery included.

All in all, I was very pleased with the first box from ILoveThisBox, and I think that the brands they have partnered up with are quite good and something that I would love to receive. And the goodies were ginormous!
These boxes could also be a great gift for somebody, I mean who doesn’t love getting presents in the mail?

You can check out more about ILoveThisBox over at their website. They also have a blog! Make sure you sign up if you are interested… I think that the cut off date for the December box has passed, but you should be able to get in for the January one!

This was provided for review as per my disclosure statement.

CHANEL Graphite Le Vernis

So call me evil, but when shopping in David Jones with my Mum a few weeks ago, I may have sneakily suggested we check out the new collection from Chanel. You see if there is anyone more swayed by pretty cosmetics than me, it would be my Mother. We are similar in the sense that we are both attracted to expensive beautiful cosmetics like Snoop Dogg is attracted to a poolside party full of big bosomed, bikini-clad chicks.

So there we were, cooing over the new nail varnishes, when one of the lucky 3 made a lasting impression on us. My mum tried it on, and we had only turned around and walked a few steps before we were both back begging the Chanel lady to sell it to us. The excuse? My mum had a few special events coming up and this colour was PERFECT! Oh and it turned out to be the last one! “See”, I said “It was meant to be”. And that’s how my Mum became the proud owner of Chanel Graphite Le Vernis (AU$39) from the Illusions d’Ombres de Chanel Fall 2011 Collection.

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART…

I am one of those people who don’t see the point in spending a near 40 bucks on a nail polish, but I may have spoke too soon, as Graphite is a unique breed of varnish. And I am a sucker for Chanel packaging so yeh.

I would describe Chanel’s Graphite as a charcoal silver foil with a chameleon effect. Depending on which way the light hits it, it can throw a silvery sparkle or a gorgeous green-gold sparkle. It truly is gorgeous. The finish on the varnish is great too – even though it has fine glitter particles through it, it applies smoothly and leaves a smooth flat finish. Two coats and a top coat were enough to create the look above. These were taken in natural sunlight – where they do their best work!! 🙂

Chanel Graphite is listed as Limited Edition, so if you are lucky enough to still find a bottle of this – SNAPPLE IT UP!! I don’t think there are any exact dupes out there for Graphite, and it is quite unique. I’m wishing I hunted down a bottle for myself. I’m going to be unwilling in giving this one back to mother dearest.

It was purchased at David Jones for AU$39.

What do you think? Would you fork out $39 for a Chanel nail polish?

CHANEL Perfection Lumière

I know news that Chanel was discontinuing the Pro Lumiere foundation range shook the boat for a few devoted users of the range, and when it was revealed that there would be a new foundation replacing Pro Lumiere, a lot of people were curious to know WHAT COULD BE BETTER? Well wonder no more beauties, as it has been revealed that the replacement for Pro Lumiere is CHANEL Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup (AU$86/US$55).

This new foundation uses a special technology to create a ‘second skin’ for the face, as well as featuring special light reflecting pigments and powders that will ‘perfect’ any signs of imperfections so that you can achieve a dewy, flawless base that looks like your skin – but perfect! Sounds good to me. You know what else sounds good? The fact that it is oil-free, SPF 10, long-lasting 15 hour wear time, and is suitable for all skin types – whether you have oily or dry skin, it will deliver a luminous semi-matte finish. WINNER!

I know a lot of girls have been hanging out to hear all about this new foundation. And quietly, I can’t wait to try it and see if it lives up to its hype. And hoping that I look half as good as these models below wearing  Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup.

Chanel 2011/2012 Cruise Show Beauty – Fall 2011 Sneak Peek

Perfection Lumière will launch in Australia on the 2nd of October (launching in the US mid-September) for AU$86.

Will you be racing out to try the new Chanel foundation when it hits counters early October?

[Image Source: primped.com.au  temptalia.com ]

Birthday Haul/Presents

For my birthday last month I got given some Sephora Gift Cards (DREAM.COME.TRUE) and I also booked myself in at M.A.C on my Birthday to get a makeover so I could redeem the cost on some Semi Precious collection items and have my make up all done nicely for dinner that night. Cos if you can’t spoil yourself on your birthday… then when can you hey? Oh and talking about spoilt… I think I did pretty alright don’t you think? On top of my gifted Sephora goodies and self-gifted M.A.C makeover (I redeemed the Rose Quartz MSF, some falsies and Creme Cup, and my Mum bought me the Hint of Sapphire mineralise eyeshadow), I also got the new Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation (thank you Boyfie), the Babyliss Pro Jumbo Conical Wand (thank you sis), Lancome Hypnose Mascara (thank you besties) and a Free Philospohy Shower Gel in Vanilla Birthday Cake (thank you Sephora for my free birthday gift)!

Check my swag yo!

My Birthday haulage/presents include:

• Sephora Pencil Sharpener
• Clarisonic Replacement Sensitive Brush Head
• Nars Matte Lipstick in Carthage
• Benefit to-go set including Stay Don’t Stray, Erase Paste and Creaseless Eyeshadow
• Nars Blush/Bronzing Duo in Orgasm/Laguna
• Givenchy Peach Gloss (free sample)
• M.A.C Rose Quartz Mineralise Skin Finish
• M.A.C Hint of Sapphire Mineralise Eyeshadow
• M.A.C Creme Cup Cremesheen Lipstick
• Dr Jart+ BB Cream (free sample)
• Caudalie Paris VinoPerfect Day Perfecting Fluid (free sample)
• Urban Decay Naked Palette
• Guerlain Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation in 02 Brunettes (free sample)
• Ole Henriksen truth revealed super creme spf 15 (free sample)
• Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate (free sample)
• Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream spf 35 PA+++ (free sample)
• Kate Somerville Trial Pack (free sample)
• Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil (free sample)
• Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation x 3 (free sample)
• Urban Decay Quickie Afterglow Glide on Cheek Tint (free sample)
• Bulgari Jasmine Noir (free sample)
• Kate Walsh Boyfriend (free sample)
• Philosophy Shower Gel in Vanilla Birthday Cake (free birthday gift)
• Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in Shade 04
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara
• Babyliss Pro Jumbo Conical Wand 32mm – 19mm

Sephora haul was done online at www.sephora.com (Sephora does not take Australian Credit Cards nor does it deliver direct. I was fortunate enough to have my boss over in the US that had a US CC and address, and he forwarded it on).

M.A.C Semi Precious items and lipstick from M.A.C counter at Myer.

Illamasqua foundation from www.illamasqua.com (they ship to Australia).

Lancome mascara from David Jones (and picked up the Gift With Purchase).

Babyliss Pro Conical Wand from Price Attack.

I love that you get so many free samples with Sephora online (I had to split the products up into 3 x $50 gift card purchases so I got 3 x the free stuff)

If you can, Sephora hauls are the best – they have so many good brands and the US retail prices are like half what we pay here in Australia.

luxe leather love

I stumbled across this insane makeup case here, and was immediately taken aback by the beauty of this simple, but incredible luxe piece by Natalia Brilli. It’s stylish and quirky and would certainly demand attention (no cooping this baby up). Kind of amazing hey?

For $450, this black leather makeup case may just have to stay being admired by me… I don’t think I could justify a $450 makeup case to my boyfriend.

[Image Source: finalepisode.com.au ]

weekend.snapshots / birthday edition

Last Monday was my 25th birthday, so of course, being a girl, I claimed the weekend before and the week following as a kind of “festival of my birth” to enjoy being spoilt and relax. And it was great. Sunday we had a barbeque at home and the day was beautiful… glorious in fact! I had to wear sunnies and move out of the sun. The boy took on his challenge of making me a Hello Kitty cake, and as I’m sure you can agree, he succeeded well beyond many expectations (he fancies himself a bit of a chef). I finished off a great Sunday by watching my fave – One Tree Hill (I’m up to season 7).

Monday was THE day! I was given my new Canon Ixus 220HS by my darling boyfriend and after making sure I had perfect eyebrows (I actually said to the boy, it’s my birthday I have to have perfect brows!) we both headed off to Vue Lounge for a late breakfast. As always, the food was great. We then headed to the shops, where we met my Mum and had a look around before I headed off to my appointment at MAC to get my makeup done. The Semi-Precious range had been released that very morning, so I took delight in choosing out some pieces for the MUA to use (so I would know whether I wanted to get them or not – AND I DID!)

So with my makeup done, I then rushed off to South Bank with the family to have my birthday dinner at Bamboo Basket (dumplings… my fave!) and closely followed by a choco-verload at Max Brenner!

Now I guess I better get cracking on that quarter life crisis! 🙂

June Favourites 2011

It doesn’t look like I will get around to doing a June Favourites video, just like it doesn’t look like I’ll be 5kg lighter this summer. Oh well. You win some you lose some. Some major tooth pain from a root canal procedure, coupled with a sense of blah has really put my mojo off this month. Being in a drugged up stupor wasn’t very conducive to blog writing/youtube videos either (that may work for some people, but not me). Hopefully the worst of it is behind me now, I don’t want to be mojo-less for much longer.

So I know it’s almost to the end of July, but better late than never right??! Here is the rundown of my favourite products from the month of June:

White D-Tox [Bright Cell] Cleanser – $49.00 (AUD) for 125ml

This instant brightening micro-scrub cleanser is formulated with Biotherm’s ‘Bright Cell’ complex and Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton to help minimise the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots on the skin’s surface. And it does just that! Don’t you love products that do what they actually say they should. Let me answer that for you, YES! Hence why it is one of my favourites for the month (and every month mind you).

Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol – $60.00 (AUD)

The swirl of rich pigments in this baked blush creates a natural flush that lasts all day. The shimmering shades imbue skin with a ravishing pop of color – who doesn’t want that? Blush Patrol is enriched with Vitamins A and C. I love the fine gold flecks in this blush, that would suit any skin tone. The colour pay off is incredible, and gives your face that glowy gleam that we crave so much in Winter. I have been reaching for this blush a lot the past month to instil some colour and glow to my dull complexion.

NARS Orgasm Illuminator – $58.00 (AUD) for 30ml

Another shimmer inducer! This luminous cream magically transforms lackluster skin into a flawless, glowing complexion. I love the faint gold fleck combined with the peachiness of this, as I always like to wear coral blushes. The Orgasm Illuminator gives me glowing cheeks and a lit-from-within look that perks up my lack-lustre complexion.

Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Night Cream – $65.00 (AUD) for 50ml

Biotherm creates SKIN.ERGETIC NIGHT, its first overnight visible high-recovery moisturiser with five tea & seed fractions. A formula with a purifying complex that promotes the elimination of impurities generated by free radicals on the skin’s surface and diminishes visible signs of fatigue. As a non-user of night creams, this one was PERFECT for me. I was always scared that a night cream was going to be too oily and heavy for my skin, but this night cream from Biotherm is such a winner for younger skin. It hasn’t broken me out and I don’t wake up with a oil slick. Phew!

OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Minis Collection – $24.95 (AUD) for 4 x 3.75ml

A limited edition collection of four mini swashbuckling shades from the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection. The OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Minis Collection contains: Skull + Glossbones: a khaki gray shade; Planks A Lot: a lavender shade; Sparrow Me The Drama: a strawberry pink shade; Stranger Tides: a sage green shade. I love all the colours and they all apply like a dream!

Rahua Finishing Treatment – $65.00 (AUD) for 2oz

A finishing treatment that rivals the famed Morrocanoil (in my opinion). Super-fine Rahua oil molecules deeply penetrate the hair’s cortex to rebuild even the most damaged tresses – strengthens strands and leaving hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free. Silicone-free, it strengthens and allows hair to grow longer while providing a glossy, weightless finish. Rich with organic and 100% natural ingredients… oh and it smells nommy!

Have you tried any of these? 

Tell me, do you have any favourites that I MUST try?

[Image Source: www.bathingbeauty.com.au  www.clubbiotherm.com.au  www.adorebeauty.com.au  www.napoleonperdis.com.au ]

Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolors

Finally! Rumours had been flying around, secret tweets were tweeted, and photos emerged that all pointed to the fact that the Kardashians were releasing a line of nail polishes in conjunction with OPI. And it’s true, Nicole by OPI and the Kardashian/Jenner family announce the launch of Kardashian Kolors, 14 new nail lacquer shades inspired by Kris Jenner and her five daughters—Kourtney, Kim, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

I am so obsessed with this family and will need to get my polished paws on these babies whatever way I can, BIBLE! (In Kardashian speak that means I swear to god). I have a feeling that they will only be available in the US and Canada (as we don’t usually get the Nicole by OPI collections here in Australia), so it might prove a little difficult for me… but I will try as hard as I can! How good would it be if it was released here in Oz?!

“We are so excited to work with everyone’s favorite TV family—the Kardashians—to share a diverse collection of fashion-forward shades,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Kardashian lacquers range from high-shine and sparkly hues to neutral taupe and pinkish coral.”

Each of the 14 shades, which have been co-designed by 27-year-old Khloe and 32-year-old Kourtney, have been named in honour of their other family members. And here are Khloe and Kourtney at the launch in New York on Monday, flaunting some of the kolors from the kollection – ‘ey ‘ey you see what I did there? 🙂

In true OPI style, all the names of the polishes are cute and quirky, and the girls have done a really good job at choosing the names. The 14 shades are called (in order of the top main image):

It’s All About the Glam – Shimmering-white glitz

Kim-pletely in Love – The pink of her dreams!

All Kendall-ed Up – Powder your nose and get some pink on those toes!

Wear Something Spar-Kylie – Glitter-ly the prettiest pink ever!

Sealed with a Kris – This klassy red is top-of-the-line!

Rainbow in the S-Kylie – Girls just wanna have…glitter in every color!

Disco Dolls -Glittery gold glam gone wild!

Kendall on the Katwalk – A head-turning blue-green with a “sparkling” personality!

Listen to your Momager! – If you don’t, you’ll never see this fabulous blue again!

Follow Me on Glitter – A glittery deep gray that always has something to say!

My Empire…My Rules – This take-charge taupe is always on-trend.

Khloé Had a Little Lam-Lam – A deep dark emerald worth falling for.

Hard Kourt Fashionista – This delicious deep brown is the chicest hue in town!

Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi! – This captivating coral looks “fab” on everyone!

Nicole by Opi Kardashian Kolors will be available Holiday 2011 for $7.99 US each ($11.00 CAD)

Online at nicolebyopi.com 

So what do you think of the colours?

Will you be trying to get your polished little paws on this collection? Or should I say kollection?

UPDATE: I came across the Saralli Designs website and found that she stocks the Nicole by OPI polishes! Yeyyyyy

[Image Source: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vmnis/opi-kardashian-collection  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2014368/Fingers-OPIs-The-Kardashians-add-expanding-empire-new-nail-polish-collection.html ]