Mariah Carey PURE 18k White gold and Silver Top Coat

Who doesn't went gorgeous leaves of gold on their nails? The most expensive bottle of nail polish I have bought on a whim the second I saw it. I was roaming around David Jones waiting for Mia and googled pictures of what this top coat looked like. I liked what I saw, a gorgeous flakey gold top coat. I believe similar to something previously released by OPI. This bottle did cost me $39.95 and I had to have it, it looked so beautiful and its limited edition. It's actually the first time I've come across these leaf top coats and as I take pride in my blogging here I had to do it for my readers. It works as a top coat, and generally one coat is enough to bring out the gold flakes. I anticipated a silver type of flake rather than gold since it did say 'white gold'.

I have a base colour of pink, OPI's "Suzi & the Lifeguard", it is a pearlescent pink. I think a matte colour would work much better with this top coat to bring out the gold flakes beautifully. I've seen pictures online from other bloggers and nail lovers and I think a black or red base looks absolutely gorgeous! I will definitely update this post when I've tried those two colours.

OPI has launched this in line with other Mariah Carey shades part of their Christmas line, so I'm sure those shades will match perfectly with this top coat and bring out its amazing beauty.

What's your opinion on this limited edition top coat? Will you be rushing to your closest stockist to purchase this?

Yellow and Black Reverse French Mani

Today I've got a REVERSE FRENCH MANICURE! Lets all throw some confetti because I don't know why I didn't try this earlier, its GORGEOUS! Its like a little sneaky design where a pop of colour peeks through. Here I'm using the Sportsgirl 'I art Nails!' that I purchased wayyyy back in May and don't you think its just eye catching-ly amazing?

Step 1: Apply a base coat
Step 2: Apply a generous coat of neon yellow or any colour of your choice
Step 3: Let the base colour dry completely before applying another colour of your choice.
(I have chosen black so the yellow can pop out more)
I have used OPI black onyx and have free handed the black coat, it's requires a very light hand and patience.
tips: If you are right handed then when painting this for your right hand it's going to be a nightmare, so I actually recommend cutting out a curve from scotch tape and placing it over the base colour like you would with a normal French Mani.

Step 4: For my feature nail instead of having the neon pop through I've added the rhinestones that were included with the nail polish.
Step 5: Don't forget your topcoat!

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Half Moon Manicure

Spring is here and I dug up some of my Spring polishes and found the Essie Spring collection from 2011 and here I have featured on my index finger Nice is Nice and the pink is French Affair. It slightly feels like sunmer sometimes though. These half moon manicures are actually harder than I thought. I had to cut precise curves from scotch tape and you can even see how some of them look a little funny, and they aren't as curved as I would have liked but it's a first attempt so hopefully this will do for now. I will master this and show you in a future post.

After you've applied your base coat  out the scotch tape you have cut onto the base of your nails, and apply the colour over it. The trick to get the clean cut look is when you're applying your last layer of nail polish you rip off the tape quick and fast like a band-aid. Another tip for this type of manicure is to add one thin layer of clear nail polish. Why? Because of the scotch tape, you want an event surface so the clear coat is mainly focusing on where the tape was earlier. And then top coat. That's how easy it is, but I found this more time consuming than a normal french mani.

Cheat: use those circle stickers you can buy at any newsagent or office works, they do wonders for this manicure.

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O.P.I Euro Centrale Collection

The Euro Centrale collection has been out for a while and I purchased this a few months ago and just forgot about it, I was just too busy to swatch it. But I've swatched each nail with each colour. Lets start from left to right from the swatch above.

1. Vant to Bite my neck?

A gorgeous deep eggplant purple, possibly because I was trying to keep each coat thin I ended up doing three very thin coats to get the consistency above.

2. Can't find my Czechbook

This is just a beautiful aqua and would look amazing in Spring and Summer.

3. Suzi's Hungary AGAIN! 

It is a very warm pink, I found that two coats was okay but three coats gave it full opacity.

4. Polka.com

Blue and Violet glitter sequins, absolutely LOVELY! I pretty much bought the whole set just for this.

I will keep these posts short since they are more swatch type posts rather than reviews or heavily comment based. If you like these types of posts let me know and I will post more. 

September Violet Box

Violet Box this month seems to have adopted a Nail theme with three different full size nail products. I was super excited with their sneak peek of a range of Sinful Nail polish that was in this month's box. I have slight mixed feelings about this month's box even though it seems to have a nail theme. Absolutely love that there is a nail polish, and cuticle cream but on the other hand I'm just not really feeling the emery board. (Jump to 2 if you want more of my thoughts). But very happy with the other products. Keep posted for the October Violet Box, and VB are offering a discount code for $10 off your first violet box enter VIOLETBOX10.

1. The Vintage Cosmetic Company Floral Slanted Tweezers RRP $14.95

"Gorgeous slanted tweezers made from high quality stainless steel...signature floral on one side and soft vintage cream on the other...perfect for brow shaping and must have for every girls make-up bag."

These tweezers feature a gorgeous floral side, they are quite different to my usual tweezers especially when pressing the sides together, I don't feel like it has much of a grip for the hair since I can't apply the level of pressure I would like compared to my usual tweezers. 

2. The Vintage Cosmetic Company Emery Board RRP $4.95

 "Use this gorgeous emery board to shape and smooth away any rough edges... suitable for use on soft, weak and fragile nails."

It features the same floral design as the tweezers but what is there to say further about an emery board? Nothing much, it does what it needs to do but it is perfect to carry around with its adorable design.

3. NS-5 Cuticle & Nail Complex 15g (full size) RRP $9.95

 "Rich emollient formula absorbs equickly to nourish and restore dry, ragged cuticles, hangnails and split fingers. Silicea helps strengthen nails, hydrolysed Keratin restores elasticity, prevents nails from flaking and breaking."

This product will be featured in an upcoming review, it might take a tad while but I'm hoping it can repair some of the damage my right hand nails suffer.

4. Sinful Nail Polish RRP $4.95 (Hazard)

 "Sinful Colours nail enamel has a long wearing, chip-resistant, professional formulas. Available in 69 runway inspired shades. Made in the USA, Toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free."

Above I have swatched Hazard, which comes across as a peachy type colour, it is perfect with two coats and absolutely fit for Spring and upcoming Summer. I only swatched it so I can't comment on how long it will last and whether it will chip or anything.

5. Eleven Australia's Miracle Hair Treatment (sample size)

 "Lightweight leave in treatment delivers eleven benefits your hair will love. Suited to all hair types, simply apply to damp hair."

This baby smells like coconut, and if you're a fan of coconut products you most likely will love this. I, on the other hand am not a huge fan of coconut smelling products even though I know how good coconut oil is good for your hair. My dislike for coconut scented products began in Fiji... but that's another story for another day. But I absolutely LOVE drinking and eating coconut, it has a different smell than the scented products do. This product will also be featured in a review, I haven't tried this yet since I'm using another hair product at the moment, but I will get around to it soon.

6. Timeless truth Q10 Caviar Nourishing Mask RRP $7 (1 Piece)

"To enhance skin's natural beauty & preserve its elasticity, helps reduce signs of ageing. For a healthier and nourished skin, you can't afford not to use it!"

Not sure of the benefits of this mask but I will have my mother try it to see how she likes it. But generally you can't go wrong with a mask, it gives you a little temporary boost of moisture and in terms of reducing signs of ageing it would require frequent use.

Mariah Carey Liquid Sand Mini Set Review

One coat

Two coats

OPI released a texturised polish called Liquid Sand and I always wanted to try it but didn't want to grab just one colour for $20, so I decided to buy the Mariah Carey collection so I could try four different colours. They all looked so vibrant in their tiny OPI bottles but oh my gosh they are so sheer I'm not getting the colour pay off . It definitely does have a grainy texture hence liquid sand, but you can't top coat it at all otherwise you loose part of that texture. I think I'm going to test out other liquid sands that are out at the moment just to see how the colour pays off, because I'm not happy with this set at all.

Keep posted because our September Violet Box post is coming at the end of the week!

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Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System

Hi all! 

It's been a while but I'm glad to finally have time

to write up this blog post. I've been using the Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System for around 2 months now. I picked this up when there was a half price sale for all skincare at Priceline. 

Olay's Claim - 

It is a new Olay way to cleanse ageing skin. Designed to cleanse, exfoliate and prepares your skin for your anti ageing routine , this NEW Cleansing System loosens, lifts and swirls dirt away effectively - gently exfoliating the skin, resulting in more active anti-ageing ingredient penetration.

Overall Verdict -

I'm actually extremely happy with this product. I purchased it after I saw the advertisement claiming it "cleanses as effectively as the $200 cleansing device (hint hint Clarisonic)." Have yet to try the Clarisonic but overall, I'm quite happy with this product, it definitely has changed the way I cleanse my skin.

Rotating brush -

The brush head is actually quite soft on the skin, it gives my face a daily mini massage! 

Usage -

I remove my make up every day with a cleansing water and then eye make up remover. Just in case I miss any spots and to ensure my face is super clean, I usually cleanse my face with my favourite Perfect Whip cleanser. Now I added this beauty tool to my daily regiment! 

Improvements -

Although I can't say this completely cleared any acne or acne scarring, it has definitely improved the overall texture of my skin. I only break out now around that crazy time of the month and my scars have been fading much faster. I've also noticed that after washing my face, I absorb moisturiser and toner much faster. Overall, my skin texture has improved!

Repurchase worthy? Definitely!

Sportsgirl Nail it!

Thursday night was Vogue's Fashion night out, a lot of stores had discounts and even though I didn't shop as much as I wanted I did manage to pick up nail polish. Sportsgirl had 20% off and I was hoping to grab a few pieces of clothing but ended up just looking at nail polish. I've always seen Sportsgirl nail polish but just never got around to actually trying them but I grabbed their new Blue speckled nail polish and a white nail sprinkles.

The Blue Speckled Nail It polish retails for $8.95 and I bought it last night for $7.16. I think this is quite affordable since the bottle is 11ml, it is also made in Australia which is an added bonus since who doesn't love buying Australian products! I've checked the ingredient list and if I'm not mistaken it is 3 free, free from DBP, free from toluene and free from formaldehyde. And it's also states that the product is not tested on animals. Barcode sticker actually covers most of this information but I don't think thats a big deal unless certain things like where it's made or animal testing is what makes it or breaks it for you. The application is very smooth and two coats is perfect. These are a more affordable alternative than the speckled polishes from Illamasqua.  I'm very excited that I've decided to try Sportsgirl nail polish, it acutally smells quite different from other polishes it doesn't have that strong lingering smell and I think this is one of its greatest features.

The White Nail Sprinkles retails for $7.95 and I bought it last night for $7.16. It is very fine like sand and has aside from the white sprinkles there is added reflective tiny sprinkles for extra glittery goodness! I love how there are easy and simple instructions on how to use the shimmer. This is actually part of their sprinkles line which is caviar nails but this white one is just made of acrylic. I haven't tested it out yet but I'm hoping to use it for some wedding nails I'm planning to feature in a few weeks time.

Eyeshadow Nail polish

 

I've always wanted to do something with eyeshadow and nail polish, and decided with creating a blue nail polish using some eyeshadow I had lying around and a nearly finished inexpensive clear nail polish.

Step 1: Smash up an inexpensive eyeshadow and make sure its very fine (otherwise the nail polish will turn out clumpy.

Step 2: Create a funnel with a piece of paper and tip the eyeshadow in.

Step 3: Roll the bottle around in the palm of your hands or if you're impatient like me just shake it vigorously until its blended in.

Step 4: You're ready to start painting your nails.

Note: mine is a little grainy because I didn't smash up the eyeshadow finely enough so it didn't blend completely , but it's not bad. It is also quite sheer but it is buildable.

One problem I had... heavier particles just settle at the bottom and I think that's what generally happens but just give it a good roll before applying and it will good as new.

Would love to see some pictures if you give this a go, or even link me to your blog if you have one! Just comment below or tweet, facebook, instagram or even email.

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August Violet Box

Did someone say THREE FULL SIZED PRODUCTS? Oh yes... Violet Box have delivered a great box for the month of August. Let me go through my quick review for this month before I write up all the boring bits. 

Believe it or not, I never thought beauty subscription boxes delivered at all, in terms of products and samples I was always skeptical of signing up. And Violet box is on the pricey side at $22.95, and to be honest ever since I've received the first box I've been trying to find a fault so I can just unsubscribe and save my money. But my gosh I still can't believe that this month there were three full size products. I'm going to keep my subscription for next month because it's just too exciting, since I am hoping for some nail polish to try out.

There was a sneak peek from Violet Box earlier in the month and it just made me even more excited and I cannot believe there's a GHD style heat protection spray. It's one of those things that we all say we should use but just never getting around to actually purchasing. I've curled my hair for years without using protection spray even though I think it will make that difference I just never got around to purchasing it.

Let's go through our products of this months violet box.

1. Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush - Full Size RRP $20 

"A moisturising lip stain that tints your lips with just the right amount of juicy colour and hydrates like a balm"

My colour came in Cranberry and I have it swatched for you in the picture on the left and it certainly does stain when I washed off the swatch. It feels quite smooth and I've never heard of this brand but definitely quite happy since I've been meaning to get something along the lines of the Revlon Balm Stain, or the Clinique Chubby sticks.

2. Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner - Full Size RRP $19.00

"A uniquely formulated crayon that doubles as an eyeliner for thick, precise lines as well as a perfectly -blended eye shadow"

 I received the colour in Bronze, so I expected something with a little shimmer but it was just a plain normal brown, so lets call the colour Brown. It is quite smooth and I also have it swatched on the left I haven't found anything amazing about it though.

3. ghd Style Heat Protection Spray 120ml - Full Size RRP $24.00

"Provides an invisible barrier against everyday heat damage on damp or dry hair... can be layered with other styling products to create the result you desire."

4. Goldwell Dualsenses Rich repair cream shampoo and anti-breakage conditioner - Sample (Full size RRP $24.95 each)

"Repair your hair from the inside out... using the most advanced technologies and customised ingredients to combat dry, stressed hair forever, even a single application can deliver softer, healthier looking hair."

Even though this is a sample I cannot wait to try it, I love trying hair products since I have very long hair and it truly tests out the product.

5. Dr Bragi Age Management Moisturiser - Sample (Full Size RRP $179.00 - 60ml)

"Super active marine enzymes with the added hydrating and plumping abilities of hyaluronic acid. This versatile moisturiser helps to reduce the signs of ageing by fighting the effects of environmental stress."

Maybelline Shredded

Maybelline shredded in Silver Stunner and Magenta.

The whole shatter, crackle and shredded deal has been out for a number of years since OPI came out with its black shatter, and since then there have been new colours out. Ever since I bought OPI's black shatter I didn't think any of the colour shatters would look great but I actually accidentally bought Maybelline's Shredded in Magenta in my May Haul  from priceline. I had no idea that shredded meant it would be shatter but oh well. And I came across Silver stunner on sale also part of my May Haul  at target. I haven't had time to play around with shatter since I'm scared of matching the wrong colours and for it to turn out horrible. So I've swatched it for you above, the one thing you have to take note of is to make sure that the base polish (I've used black) is completely dry, otherwise once you add a layer of Maybelline Shredded or any crackle or shatter on top the base colour will be pulled when the polish shrinks to create that shatter look.

I will be posting the August Violet Box tonight so stay tuned!

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Maybelline Coloursensational Lipstick Reviews

Since it's finally warmer I think it's time to whip out these two gorgeous colours of lipstick from Maybelline. I bought these a couple of months ago and never got around to using them because I've been using my Max Factor Elixir stick in Vibrant Pink (which i absolutely love). But here I have from Maybelline the Colour Sensational The Shine in Mango Diamonds (top left) and Colour Sensational Vivids in Fuchsia Flash (top right). I don't do many lipstick reviews but I like to do my 'three kiss test' so you can see how much it transfers and how much product is left on the lips and also a smudge test.

Warning: a very photo heavy post!

Swatch - Fuchsia Flash & Mango Diamonds (left: no flash, right: flash)

Fuchsia Flash (before 3 kiss test)

Fuchsia Flash (post 3 kiss test)

You can see a huge difference between both pictures, initially it is a very vibrant Fuchsia which I think is quite similar to the MaxFactor Elixir stick but I still think its gorgeous. I don't find it overly dry or moisturising and it seems just right. After the Three Kiss Test the colour isn't completely gone but there is a signficant difference.  

Mango Diamonds (before 3 kiss test)

Mango Diamonds (post 3 kiss test)

Can you see a huge difference from my hand swatch to the colour on my lips? There doesn't seem like there any lipstick on, it looks more like a gloss. Very disappointed since it's quite sheer and its just not showing up as gorgeous as the swatch was. Even after the Three Kiss Test you can see that the glossiness has just disappeared.

These two lines of lipstick by Maybelline have been released quite some time, the more recent line by Maybelline is the Whisper line which I have yet to try but pop online to Priceline they still have the 50% off Maybelline until tomorrow.

Blue Freeze - Maybelline

Maybelline - Blue Freeze

A new found love in Maybelline Blue Freeze, it seems to be a blue version of the Models Own  Deep Purple. A perfect description of Sydney's weather right now as well, with crazy freezing winds. Its a gorgeous deep blue that seems to come to life under the light and I just love it! The picture above is with flash  and the one below is without flash. When the picture is taken without flash or under dull light it looks like a shimmery black or dark blue but I just love how the colour changes with lighting.

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