March Loves and Loathes 2014

Well it has been a whirlwind of a March! Customary I-can’t-believe-how-quickly-it-has-gone. Only two more months of the awkward transitional season of autumn and we arrive at my favourite month - Winter. Winter is coming guys.

Side-stepping that pun, here are the things I have loved and loathed this wonderful season. 

I’ll start with the things that I have loved.

Loreal Base Magique Primer

I have a few primers - in fact primers are one of the things I hoard. But this has to be the best of the drugstore. It is all on them pores like I am on cake. 

It has a powdery feel and a matte or satin finish. I have been absolutely loving this and using this product nearly everyday (if you can’t tell by the huge dent I created)

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Nude and Black

It took me ages to find these. Every time I went to Priceline the Nude would be sold out. Well I finally found it at the Priceline 40% off sale and both black and nude is amazing. Once it has set, it really does stay. Which is amazing for me as I have never found a liner that stays on my tight line and waterline like these (or without turning into a panda).

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Diva, Vintage Pink and In Love with Ginger

I have four of these thanks to Priceline’s Rimmel sale. Diva is a dark 20’s red, Vintage Pink is a stunning mauve and In Love with Ginger is a wearable orange. I do have Ringa Ringa Rosie, but I’m not a huge fan of the colour 

Come back on Wednesday for a review of this product.

Arizona Tea

I absolu-tea love this tea (so puny :3 ). I can only find this in Woolworth's, so Coles -get your act together. It’s refreshing and slightly sweet, which is good because March has been warm. 

House of Cards

I finished this season in a few days. I am obsessed. I really don’t want to give the ending away but I can tell you PLOT TWIST.

My favourite character is Claire, Francis’s wife, and I while I use to love Zoe, my second favourite is now Linda, the Secretary of State. Watch this if you like political dramas such as Scandal and Homeland.

I already own Season 2.

Wolf Mother’s new Album.

This will give you shivering, strong, eargasms. I’ve always been a Wolfmother fan, but after what seems an eternity (five years since Cosmic Egg? Really guys?) they have finally released ‘New Crown’ viva leg stealth mode. Sneaky Sneaky.

It sounds like Led Zepplin, with strong but mystical (really? can I use that as an adjective?) riffs, rising and falling vocals and overall 70’s goodness. I actually am aiming to pick up the physical album, which I never do.

Jack Links Beef Jerky in Original and Teryiaki

This sounds gross, and people always give me weird looks when I’m studying and tucking in to a bag. But seriously guys - chewy, meaty goodness? Why isn’t everyone else on the wagon?

There is only one I have absolutely loathed this month, so not too bad.

Olay Fresh and Flawless BB Cream

No coverage, strong fragrance and doesn’t even feel moisturising. What else is to say about this other then it is not worth your time. Which is sad as this is the first BB cream I have ever tested, so any recommendations on BB cream will be much loved.

So these are my favourites. Please comment below on what you think and recommend products you have been loving this March.

Want more March goodness? Check out Heather’s March Favourites 

Wanna have more updates on what I’m wearing and trying, check out my Instagram: @shaydoesthething.

Haul from Priceline, Woolworths, JB-HI-FI and … New Zealand Natural?

Do you know those days where you just want to grab your boyfriends old shirt, forego pants and curl up with your cat, a tv show and your favourite hot beverage? Well, this was me for the day exempting the fact I had to go out to buy more eyebrow products because my trusty Maybeline New York Define-A-Brow in blonde ran out and I had uni. We can definitely see which is of more importance here.

Unfortunately I have a problem. There is little chance I can walk into Liverpool Westfield’s and leave with only the one item I need. Actually there is no chance of that at all.

So here are the things I bought. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in the shade 52 Vanilla

I have heard all of the hype of this foundation. While I haven’t used it yet, I am expecting big things. Especially as it claims quite a lot, such as a flawless complexion, lasting up to 16 hours, hydrating, luminous and full of fruit therapy. Here it is compared to (bottom up) Revlon Colourstay and the Rimmel 25 hour foundation.

ModelsPrefer Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Light

The tone is a bit warm and I actually meant to get the darker colour. Overall, it is nicely waxy and is perfect for my eyebrows.

House of Cards DVD

I’ve already watched five episodes of this. I am obsessed. Think Homeland cross Scandal. I love the little advice and metaphors Frank gives the audience and I particularly love the characters of Claire and Zoe. A must watch for anyone.

Arizona Green Tea with Honey

Oh my! Have you tried this? You should! It is amazing. So amazing that I actually bought three of them. I usually like lipton, but when ever I am in the vicinity of Woolworths I stock up. I can’t say that the ingredients are the best, but hey.

Free Lip Balm from New Zealand Naturals.

Obviously any girl that does shopping needs a decent drink. Did you know that when you buy a regular sized smoothie at New Zealand Naturals you receive a free lip balm?

So that is what I got today, what have you been buying recently? Have you tried any of these products and how do you feel about them? Comment if you would like any of these reviewd :)

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in 100 Ivory

What it claims:

Sweat Proof, Heat Proof, Humidity Proof and Transfer Proof for up to 25 hours

Enriched with a revitalising Mineral Complex and Moisturising Aqua Primer

Skin feels energised, hydrated and lightweight.

Quick about my skin

Just a quick fact sheet about my skin so that you can get a better idea how this will affect yours. I have dry, sometimes flakey, skin that foundation seems to cake on. I have large pores around my nose that foundation often sinks into. However, sometimes my t-zone does get oily, even though it is usually the driest area on my face. I get a few pimples, but my main problem is that I have redness. I have yellow undertones, but I’m actually a close neutral.

Packaging

I hate the tube. I manage to waste and it makes it hard to mix the formula in the tube, which is necessary as it separates. I wish it came in a bottle with a pump.

Consistency

The consistency of this foundation is watery. So much that sometimes when I open the tube it drips out. I prefer a thicker foundation, but it definitely lives up to its’ claim of being light weight. It feels moisturising and doesn’t highlight my dry patched.

Coverage/pigmentation

Despite the watery texture this is a medium coverage foundation that has the ability to be full coverage if you are careful not to make it cakey. It didn’t cover all the redness on my cheeks, as I found I still had to use a colour corrector and a concealer.

Finish

The finish is a semi-matte finish, which is surprising because I associated the moisturising component with a dewy finish. It doesn’t make me look flat. It does have a strange tacky feeling.

Lasting Power

The lasting power would probably be about 11 hours. I don’t think it is heat, humidity and sweat proof, and it is definitely not transfer proof. 

Application

I found the best way to apply this product is with a brush. I used the Real Techniques Buffing brush. It sets quickly and becomes tacky, making it a but difficult to blend and work with.

Scent

It has a mild floral scent, which while I don’t notice, may upset sensitive skin.

Price

This is $17.95 AU in Priceline stores.

Pros

Breatheable

Moisturising

Doesn’t highlight dry patches

Semi-Matte Finish

Long Lasting

Doesn’t make me look flat.

Cons

May become cakey

Isn’t heat, sweat, humidity or transfer proof.

Floral scent may irritate.

Sets too quickly

Becomes tacky

Can be hard to work with.

Watery consistency - drips out of the tube sometimes and may separate in the tube.

Limited range.

Would I recommend

I would recommend this product as it is cheap and does a decent job for it’s price. I will probably use this foundation regularly, but I’m not sure I would repurchase as I probably would prefer to try different ones.

Have you tried this product? Tell me what you think? What foundations do you love?

'What’s in my Make-up Draw Friday' #1: Lip Products: Nudes, Reds and Darks.

Hey Guys! I’ve decided to start this friday series called What’s in my Make-up Draw Friday. Why? What better way to get to know someone then to see what they paint their face with? So lets start with my favourite and most prized collection - lipsticks. I did lip swatches at the behest of Heather Faye, and oh my do my lips hurt. Someone get the lip balm.

I’ve decided to create this in two parts. Part A are my nudes, reds and dark colours, part B will be Pinks, purples and Oranges. If you don't want to read the whole post and just want to skip over to my favourites, I bolded them for you :)

So lets get cracking!

 Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipsticks by Kate Moss in “03” 

This shade is one of my favourite nude as it has a brownish pink tone. The formula is wonderful, but not long lasting as the name implies. I wish they had named this line.

Face Of Australia Lip Quench SPF30+ Lipstick - 'Lychee Crush'

The colour is a beautiful nude pink with a slight peach. However, it smell as tastes like chemicals and accentuated dry patches.  While I do wear it for the beautiful colour I do kinda regret it.

Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in ‘Skin’ 

Can we all have a moment for Avon lipstick packaging. Apparently they have or are replacing the shape of the lipstick bullet. This is sad because this is all I really like about the lipstick.

Maybeline Colour Sensational in ‘Nearly There’

I love the colour and formula of this lipstick. It is almost a perfect copy of Rimmel’s Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in’03’, except for the finish. Which is, unfortunately, frost.

Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stain in ‘Honey’

A medium mauve colour thats absolutely stunning. Unfortunately not that long lasting. It does have a minty smell that I like, but you may find it annoying.

Max Factor Lasting Colour in Truely Toffee

This a caramel toned nude that is creamy and nice on the lips. I actually don’t wear this much, but it is pretty.

Natio in Eden

This is another one of my favourite lipsticks of all time. Me and my mum are known to share it when we go out. While it doesn’t look like it in the picture, it is a brownish mauveish nude that is gorgeous. The formula is amazing, but touch ups are required. And often.

Rimmel Colour Show Off in Red Fever

This is such a bright and intense red. It has blue undertones. Unfortunately as it is

matte, the formula is extremely drying. I actually stole this one off Heather Faye, and

used it when I first cut my hair off. It began my lipstick passion.

Coral Colour Cosmetics in ‘Classic Red’

Another blue toned red! I can’t get away. The formula is creamy and

moisturising and it does not stain my lips. Hail the lipstick Gods!

C-II in Lady Danger

There is a little shop located in the Westfield's closest to me. In it are copies of mac lipsticks. I’m not sure if they are dupes, but the colour is nice and the formula is creamy. This is an orange toned red.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in ‘Diva’

While these don’t last long on the lips, just oh my this colour! This colour is a deep raspberry red and I am in love. Maybe this will become my signature red? 

Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in Starry-eyed

This is a hard colour to describe. It is a dark berry, plum, maroon colour. Perhaps an ox-blood? I absolutely love this for autumn and it is actually the lip colour I was wearing when I met my current boyfriend. Memories.

What are your favourite lipsticks in this post and your own collection? What lipsticks should I try and what have I made you want to try? Also link me to your lipstick posts on instagram (@shaydoesthething) or Tumblr (http://shaydoesthething.tumblr.com).

Have a good day lovelies :)

The Beauty Blogger Made Me Buy It Tag

I have a problem.  A beauty blogger/vlogger problem. Some people read the paper, I read blogs or watch youtube. So here, for your enjoyment, is the Beauty Blogger Made Me Buy It Tag. Thanks Heather Faye for tagging me in it.

Who are your most influential bloggers? Who are the ones that you really rely on for reviews and swatches?

SO my obsession started with Youtube. I could probably give you my whole subscription list and point to each one, saying how they inspired me. But I’ll give you a short list.

Shaaanxo; has amazing tutorials. How does she make make-up look so good? Witchcraft.

Essie Button; Not only is she the most adorable youtuber/blogger, she does extensive brand focuses. I also love her vlogs.

KitchSnitch; Does fearless reviews. Fearless. She tells you her honest opinion bluntly and clearly. If she doesn’t like an item, you know it.

Weylie; She’s hilarious and does a great review, what more could you want? Also check out her vlogs.

HollieEatsLipstick: She loves lipstick as much as I do and is another fearless reviewer. I love her Dita Von Teese style.

And Finally, Sarah Hawkinson. She refuses to call herself a beauty guru but she has an amazing style and awesome psychology videos. Also, have you seen her recent shoe hauls? Heaven.

But really, I could go on for days and days.

Do you buy a product solely as a result from one review from your favourite bloggers, or do you look for more reviews from others?

If the product is relatively inexpensive, or is highly recommended by Essie Button, Kitsch Snitch or  HollieEatsLipstick, I will probably go buy it just to give it a try. Usually however, I look up multiple reviews or buy my items on a whim.

What is your most favourite item that you have ever brought as a consequence of blogs?

Probably M.A.C Lipstick. I bought St Germaine because of how amazing it looked on Shaaanxo and I have never looked back.

What is your least favourite item that you have brought as a consequence of blogs?

Rimmel True Match in ... . I remember that everyone was raving about it while I was using the Fit Me foundation in 115. I made the change and I was stuck with a foundation that didn’t suit me, clung to my dry patches and then oxidized. I also hopped on the lumi Magique thanks to Chloe Morello. Too sparkly for me, however if you want to look like the sappy, male role of a popular book series, go for it. Now, I will never go back to neither.

Name five products you have recently purchased as a result of blogs;

M.A.C St Germaine (Shaaanxo), Base Magique (Shaaanxo), Lumi Magique (Chloe Morello), Revlon Colourstay in Ivory (Hollie Eats Lipstick) and Colour Tattoos (pretty much everyone).

Have you ever given in to blogger hype? If so, which hype?

I finally gave into the M.A.C Lipstick hype a few weeks ago. Other then that, primers. I never used primers now I have 4. 

Have you ever avoided blogger hype? If so, which hype?

Mostly things that involve high ended products, as I only have a part time job as I finish uni. Like Urban Decay. I do want them, but they are more difficult to get here in Australia. Though as soon as they sell here, BAM!

Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking a review?

I actually mostly buy things without reviews. I have a horrible habit where I go somewhere, see make-up and buy it. Its impulsive, but I’ve found some cool things.

So who are your favourite bloggers? And what products have they made you buy?

Please do this tag and send me a link, because I would love to know your beauty blogger favourites :)

The Beginnings of this Blog and my Make-up Addiction

I began my journey to an addiction of beauty and fashion possibly about 2012. It began with me cutting my hair into a closely cropped pixie styled hair cut. Suddenly faced with the worry of appearing incredibly masculine and by-passing a sort of feminine androgyny I was looking for, I turned to lipsticks. Mostly bright reds.

Now, two years later, with my hair passed my shoulders, I still love lipsticks. And now I'm getting in to clothes and shoes and accessories.

So, inspired by bloggers, such as the confident Kat from Kitsch Snitch, the goregous Hollie Forrest from Eating Lipstick and the funny Essie Button, I decided to make this blog so you could join me as I continue my journey on exploring my new passions.

I hope to post reviews, hauls, what I'm currently loving, as well as a bit of my life if you're willing to read.

SO thank you for joining me and reading my blog Beauty Dork,
Shay x

-> You can follow me on;

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