The Great Escape

The great escape. Its all about excess, not doing things by halves, and just escaping whatever it is that's happening in your life. For me, its work related stresses, so every Sunday night, I devote an hour or two purely to myself, to primp, preen, and prepare myself for the week ahead.

The Dos and Don'ts Debunked

Ever had the never-ending list of beauty rules recited to you, but never really known why you're not supposed to do something? Here I've made a list (by no means a full one!) of some of those rules that get preached to us sans an explanation.

Brand Curiosity - Charlotte Tilbury

Keeping with the theme of my curiosity into certain brands, this week's brand of choice is the new-ish make up line from make up artist extraordinaire Charlotte Tilbury.

November Favourites

Unlike the last couple of months, November has indeed been a month of discovery for me. From skincare to make up to candles, I've added a few items to my holy grail list this month, and here they are...

The Christmas Shopping List Part Two

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

A luxurious dry oil, perfect for face, body and hair? Yes please!

Brush Cleansing

Spot cleaning, deep cleaning, liquid cleansers, cake-cleansers. It can all be a tad confusing, right? Let me explain my approach to blush cleansing, break down some of the confusing terminology, and get your brushes squeaky clean.

The Christmas Shopping List...

My impending visit home to the UK is filling me with all sorts of excitement on the shopping front. Along with many, many, gifts to myself, Christmas also falls into the mix, so I'm in the market for a few new bits and pieces over the next month or so.

Face of the Day: Spring Edition

Head Over Heels For Kiehl's

First item on the agenda: I thought I had been super cool and original with the title of this post. And then I decided to Google it, just to see if anyone else had been as clever as me. Turns out they had. Lots of them had. But to me I still came up with it all by myself, so it stays!

Elizabeth Arden All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

I've been on the look out for a new eye make up remover for some time now. Since I finished my travel size bottle of Clinique Take the Day Off, I haven't really had anything to use, and have been using my cleanser, which I don't like because it seems to get in my eyes quite easily. I don't mind the Clinique one, but at $38, its not exactly cheap, and I went through the smaller size at a rate of knots, which didn't bode well for the bigger size.

Essential Beauty Tools

Essential beauty tools doesn't necessarily have to refer to a set of good brushes. While brushes play a vital part in the make up and beauty process, here I have listed some of the unsung heroes of my beauty regime.

Be Still My Beating Heart

Be still my beating heart, Bioderma has arrived on Australian shores. Its expensive, but its here.

I should clarify that I hadn't actually used Bioderma before I saw it sitting proudly on the shelf in Priceline, because I didn't think I could. More on that later. But being the skincare and beauty addict that I am, I got super excited anyway.

My Five Product Face

I'm not going to lie, I can sometimes be quite high-maintenance on the make up front. But sometimes its nice to tone it down a bit, and use as few products as possible. I like the idea that I could get myself all made up with only five products, but prior to this post, I had always laughed off the idea that I could actually achieve this. But alas! After some careful consideration, and lengthy perusal of my make up collection, I think I've finally got it!

The Spring Edit

I do quite like Spring. A lovely day for me is one where the sky is blue, the sun is shining, but its still not madly hot. The heat brings out a side of me that I'd much rather keep hidden. Plus, where's the fun in it being so hot that your make up just slides off your face the minute you step out of the door? Welcome to summers in Australia!

Brand Curiosity - Nuxe

I have to say, its not so much the brand itself that I've become interested in, but one stand out product.

Anyone who's anyone has heard of the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm, since it took the beauty bloggersphere by storm.

Brand Curiosity - Pai Skincare

Having quite sensitive skin, as you will know having read some of my previous posts, it can be hard to experiment with new skincare brands. 

I recently heard of the brand Pai, and I'm keen to give them a whirl.

October Favourites

I didn't do a favourites post the last couple of months, and that was down to the fact that I really didn't use anything new. I had been a creature of habit for a good two months, reaching for the same products every single day. But hurrah, time is now on my side, and I've had the chance to bust out a few new products.

The accidental Chanel splurge...

Oh Lord. I have a new found obsession with Chanel make up. Goodbye bank balance, its been nice knowing you.

One of my local shopping centres has just opened a Chanel beauty boutique. And can I say, just for the record, the customer service was excellent. 

Stuff That's Caught My Eye...

Its been a long time since I've had the chance to sit down and write a few good blog posts, and for that, I can only apologise and promise to do better. Although it seems quite self-indulgent to boast about one's 'busy schedule', I really have just been that busy, that the idea of sitting down to write about my favourite beauty items has become a far gone fantasy. I have however spent many a long car journey on my way to work thinking about the stuff I'd like to get my hands on. Here's the low down...

All Hail Essie

Good Lord. Which rock have I been living under all my life? Ladies and gentlemen, its official - I have discovered Essie nail polish. I don't know what took me so long to get my rear into gear, but I have made my first foray into these delightful polishes, and I think they're here to stay.

The Travel Post

Now, I may not be an international jet setter, but I have partaken in my fair share of long-haul flights, usually between the UK and Australia, and on the beauty front, I've done it wrong every single time. I always fly with a full face of make up, no matter the time of my flight, and I never cleanse my face while I'm on the plane. Don't get me wrong, I pack my little travel sizes of the various lotions and potions that I convince myself that I will use, but does it ever happen? Well that would be a big fat no. 

Product I Love: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I promised a full rave on this one in my July favourites, so here it is!

When it comes to mascaras, I tend not to follow the trends. I've tried heaps of mascaras that have been raved about in the beauty blogging world, and they have all failed to live up to their expectations. Does anyone remember how much air time Maybelline Great Lash got? Terrible mascara. Terrible. Then again, it may be the holy grail to someone else, so I shouldn't be too harsh, should I?

July Favourites!

First of all, let me apologise for my incredibly late July favourites! By the time I get this post up it will almost be time for my August favourites, but I am determined! Its been a busy start to the month of August, but I've still managed to discover a couple of favourites over the last month that are serving me well even now. Its an even mix of make up and skin care this month, with an incorporation of new and old items, but I don't think I've loved a bunch of products more than I have this month. Lets get started shall we?

A Week in Lipsticks

This week I decided to try something a bit different. When it comes to make up, I'm guilty of neglecting most of the items in my collection. I zone in on one particular product, and bam, once I'm using it there's no stopping me. Until the next thing comes along a couple of weeks later. But no! I am attempting to put a stop to that once and for all!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze

New holy grail product alert! I bought this ages ago, used it once, didn't like it, and stashed it away in my make up drawer. For some reason, a few days ago I pulled it out and gave it another go. I had very clearly been using it wrong the first time, because I think this is one of my favourite eye shadows now.

Just a little something...

In the middle of my hauling, reviewing, lusting after etc of beauty products, its sometimes easy to lose sight of what's important. Sure, I love make up and beauty products, and this blog has been a great experience for me, but I think its important to remember a little something called natural beauty. Constantly having anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, anti-this, that and the other pushed at us from every angle, its easy to fall into the trap of believing that you are not naturally beautiful, and that you have something that needs fixing. Every single person on this planet is beautiful in their own way. Don't ever let anyone or any thing convince you otherwise.

Winter Essentials

Although winter is my favourite season, it can sometimes be hard to feel...nice. I think many ladies can relate to me when I say sometimes its hard to find the motivation to exfoliate, moisturise etc, when you know that you'll be wearing jeans/tights and not much of you will be on show. I have to say though, I'm guilty of going weeks on end in winter without moisturising, and my skin pays the price, particularly on my legs. When I do force myself to exfoliate and moisturise however, the difference it makes is amazing! It also makes it much easier to slip back into my summer routine, when I don't have to start from square one at the start of every summer.

First Impressions: Rimmel Funtime Fuchsia

I'm a sucker for pink lipstick. I'll just say that right now. I just can't help myself. While I think I've said before that I don't think I own any pink lipsticks that are the same shade, I certainly own a fair few.

June Favourites!

The start of a new month can mean only one thing: a review of the best items from the previous month!

I don't have too many favourites this month, as I've been quite busy and haven't been trying as many new products as I would like to, rather I have been reaching for items I know and love, in the name of speed and getting the job done.

Product Review: Tangle Teezer

Before I hear you ask 'isn't it just a hairbrush?', let me answer you. No. This is not just a hair brush. This is the best thing since sliced bread. Or something. What it is is the end of knotty hair, the end of dragging a massive paddle brush through my poor hair, the end of tugging and pulling and generally just being nasty to my hair.

Topshop Beauty Review!

Perhaps I'm a bit late to the party on this one, but wow, I love Topshop make up. Living in Australia, I've only recently been able to purchase Topshop make up (I didn't really fancy buying it online without being able to see colours etc). I bought three items back in March, and I really like them. The standout product for me is most definitely the Lip Glaze in 'Laid Back'. Its just a really pretty pinky peachy colour that it so versatile. I love the formula (some say that its quite sticky but I think its quite nice), and the colour is so perfect for a brown smokey eye.

Product Review: Nature's Extracts Hand and Nail Creams

I quite like these. I received an email a couple of weeks ago informing me that Marks and Spencer were doing free shipping again to Australia from the UK. I often place an order when they have this offer on, because normally they charge fifteen pounds for shipping to Australia which is just obscene. This time, I decided to peruse the beauty section, and stumbled upon a brand called Nature's Extracts. Everything was between one and three pounds, so I thought I would pick up a couple of things to share with you here.

Perfume Review: L'Occitane Fleurs Merveilleuses

I've got quite a few perfumes, but I'm very picky when it comes to choosing them. I don't like anything sweet and sickly, I don't like anything overly floral, and I don't like anything too weird and wonderful. Amazingly enough I've managed to find several fragrances that I adore, and L'Occitane are responsible for two of them, the one in question being the limited edition Fleurs Merveilleuses.

Mini Nail Polish Haul

I call this a haul but that might be lying a little bit. I bought two new nail polishes while I was browsing in the shops this morning. While many would argue that I have far too many nail polishes (and they might be right), whenever I buy a new one, I always try to go for a shade that I don't already own. I just don't see the point in buying several nail polishes in the same shade of red, unless you're not happy with the ones you already own and you're on the hunt for something better.

Favourite M.A.C Eyeshadows

Settle in ladies and gentlemen, this is another long post!

I have a fair few M.A.C eyeshadows, but there's a few that I constantly come back to time and time again. In my opinion, M.A.C do the best eyeshadows, closely followed by Urban Decay (a full review of the Naked palette is on its way). M.A.C eyeshadows have the best colour range imaginable, and the quality of them is fantastic. They aren't chunky like some eyeshadows, and they blend really nicely. I feel like I can make this assertion because I've tried many cheaper eyeshadows in the past and I often wondered why my make up looked terrible - I wasn't using the right eyeshadow! Before I start to sound like a walking billboard for M.A.C eyeshadow, I challenge you to find me a person who can do a successful smokey eye with chunky eyeshadow that falls down all over your face. Just you try!

Pomegranate Comparison: APIVITA Pomegranate Lipcare vs. Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter

I had heard so much about the Korres Lip Butters that I just had to see what all the fuss was about. And, well, I was a bit disappointed if I'm honest. I used it for just over a week, and didn't see any discernible benefits - if anything I think it actually made my lips a bit irritated. I do love the smell and the texture of it though. It sat nicely on the lips but I think it was very much like the Nivea Lip Butter that I reviewd earlier this week. It was ok to wear, but didn't really hydrate my lips.

Product I Love: LUSH Lip Scrub in Vanilla & Chocolate

Confession: I mostly like this because it tastes so good. I'm not even lying. It works pretty well as a lip scrub too, but the smell and taste of this are both delicious! Which makes me incredibly sad to inform you that it has since been discontinued. I bought mine late last year and am about half way through, and after that I will be forced to choose a different 'flavour'. 

Want It, Need It, Must Have It: Clinique Chubby Stick in 'Heftiest Hibiscus'

I'll confess something to you right now. I've been checking the Clinique website every single day to see if this is on sale yet in Australia. As I write this post, the Chubby Stick Intense range is not yet on sale in Australia, but I imagine they would be released soon, and when they are, I'll be first in line to get my little mitts on the shade 'Heftiest Hibiscus'.

A Little Research...

I'd love to know if there's any particular reviews that you'd like to read or would you like more make up, skin care or nail polish? Would you like to see more photos too? I'd also love to know some of your favourite beauty items too.

Leave me a comment below and let me know!

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New Stuff!

I may have purchased one or two little items this morning. I think I showed extreme restraint, because I was in the mood to spend a lot more money than I did!

Apocalips in Australia!

Glory be, the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers have arrived in Australia!

First of all, they took their sweet time getting here! I'm sure it must be knocking on a year since they were released in the UK, or maybe not quite as long, but they've been a long time coming here!

Product Review: Models Prefer Moisture Lust Glossy Lip Tint

While I was browsing in Priceline the other day, I came across a brand called Models Prefer. As far as I can tell, they are a bit of a cheaper brand, but some of the products looked quite good. I refrained from picking up too many things, because most of the things I found were quite similar to items that I already own, but I did see what I think is a new product of theirs - the 'Moisture Lust Glossy Lip Tint'.

Product I Love: Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

This poor little mascara gets a lot of criticism across the beauty board. I can't for the life of me work out why. I absolutely love this mascara, and I think its one of the best ones I've ever used.

Product Review: Nivea Vanilla & Macadamia Lip Butter

I first heard about these a few months back, and to be honest, the reviews weren't all that great. While I was browsing in my local Priceline the other day however, I noticed that they were on special for $2.99, so thought I would give it a go. 

My Favourite M.A.C Lipsticks!

When it comes to lipsticks, I tend to gravitate towards the same shades. Whenever I buy M.A.C lipsticks, I try to go for something a bit different. My four favourite shades are Impassioned, Chatterbox, Rebel and Angel. While they're all shades of pink, at least they're a bit different. 

Want It, Need It, Must Have It: Illamasqua Cream Pigment in 'Hollow'

I've never really been on the 'contouring' bandwagon. Having very pale skin means it can be difficult to find a contour shade that doesn't look too orange or muddy. As it is, I never wear bronzer, because it just sticks out like a sore thumb, but I have been interested in using a bronzing product as a contour shade. But alas, I've bought a few, and swatched several more in the shop, and they're all just the wrong colour for me, and I end up with the dreaded stripe down the side of my face.

Product Review: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I must warn you in advance...I'm going to rave about this product.

This concealer has been big on the beauty circuit for some time now, and I've been using it for around six months, give or take. Prior to this, I was a disciple of the M.A.C Studio Finish Concealer. In my opinion, things just didn't get any better than that product. And then I met this one. Studio Finish was swiftly cast aside, to make way for my shiny new friend.

Products I've Used Up!

All right ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the world's longest blog post...

Over the last couple of months I've used up quite a few of the products that I use on a regular basis. Some of them I have already repurchased, and some of them I haven't but here's a quick look at what I've been using recently. It isn't an overly exciting list of products, but for the most part, they're really really good!

Coming Soon...

Just a quick post to let you know that photos will be coming soon to Confessions of a Cosmetics Queen!

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Product I've Rediscovered: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten

When this was first released, I trotted off to the shops and bought four colours immediately. They were released in Australia a little after the UK and the US, and I had heard many good things about them.

They didn't fail to live up to the expectation either. I purchased the shades 'Smitten', 'Romantic', 'Honey' and 'Lovesick', and I quickly fell in love with 'Smitten' and 'Romantic', while the other two were cast to the back of my make up drawer.

Product I Love: The Body Shop Shea Whip Body Lotion

I love this stuff. I love it, I love it, I love it.

Now that we've determined that I love it, shall we talk about why?

Product Not Worth The Hype: Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

I've said it before and I will say it again. When I say that I hate a product, I am aways mindful that someone else could absolutely love it. Just because I say I don't like it doesn't mean its a terrible product. It just means that for me it didn't work out so well. 

Product Review: Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

When it comes to foundation, I'm at a bit of a disadvantage, as I need to use fragrance free products (skin care and foundation). Its not too often that I come across a cheaper/drugstore foundation that is suitable for me to use, so I was delighted when I discovered that the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation was indeed fragrance free.

Clinique Foundation Comparison

I have tried and tested a fair few Clinique foundations in the past few years.

My favourite by far is the Superbalanced Foundation ($50), which I reviewed in a little more detail in my May Favourites post. I find that it is a great foundation - its long-wearing, and makes my skin look great. Check out my May Favourites for a more in-depth review of this one.

May Favourites!

The end of the month of May means only one thing - my May favourites!

This month I haven't discovered too many new products, but I have been using a few things that I had almost forgotten about.

Product Review: Rimmel Apocalips

I must say, I'm a bit confused about this product. It is one of the latest products in the 'its-a-lipstick-but-its-a-gloss category. For all the air time it gets, I was expecting it to be fabulous - but its a little bit...not.

Want It, Need It, Must Have It: Dior Creme De Rose Lip balm

I may be a little bit late to the party on this one, but I really want the Dior Creme De Rose Lip balm. I did consider buying it a while ago, based on the recommendations of both bloggers and YouTubers, however the rose scent put me off somewhat. 

Product Not Worth The Hype: MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl

Whenever I say that I dislike a particular product, I always try to keep in mind that for someone else it could be a holy grail product. And for many people I know this one is. I may cause a rift by declaring this, but hear me out. I purchased the MAC Cream Colour Base in the colour 'Pearl' based on the recommendations of many bloggers and You Tubers alike. 

Mid-week Confession: I had a mini 'drugstore' splurge

This week's mid-week confession: I splurged a tiny little bit in Priceline. I went in to browse at some shampoo and ended up walking out with a little bag of goodies (and the shampoo I had originally gone in there for was not one of them).

First Impressions: Pantene Intensive Damage Repair Oil

I'll let you in on a little secret about my hair - it's a bit rubbish. Its fine and I don't have a lot of it, and it can't handle a lot of product at all. I had been toying with the idea of using a hair oil for some time but was always too chicken to give it a go, as I have tried similar products in the past which haven't worked out for me.