tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91810530933848688382024-03-12T17:35:11.554-07:00Sophie's MazeSophie's MazeSophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-87359876375348902842013-04-30T17:19:00.001-07:002013-04-30T17:19:15.302-07:00Giveaway Winner Announced!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankyou everyone for your feedback from the Kerastase and MUA giveaway. It seems far and away that haul and review posts are the most popular, so see more of those coming soon!!</div>
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And the winner is.....</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c01630/" id="rc-5c01630" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Congratulations Jenny :)</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-30125144292899816642013-04-28T22:32:00.002-07:002013-04-30T17:19:33.188-07:00April Faves 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
I am pretty excited to be posting this favourites post while it's still actually April! Yay for timely posts.</div>
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This month has been minimal makeup again. The minimal makeup thing appears to be a bit of a recurring theme at the moment for me. I kept eyes really simple, using <u>Burberry's Pale Barley Eyeshadow</u> all over the lid. Pale Barley is a gorgeously sheer medium brown that's a little taupey, with a golden sheen. I have fallen for Hakuhodo brushes and the <u>Hakuhodo J5523</u> is the most outrageously soft multi tasking brush for eyes. I use it for applying shadow all over the lid or blending. I hear it's a softer, cheaper, better dupe for the MAC 217.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXegY834EE/UX4CPcqfEgI/AAAAAAAAAoY/rSla_UOVIcQ/s1600/Burberry+Pale+Barley+Eyeshadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXegY834EE/UX4CPcqfEgI/AAAAAAAAAoY/rSla_UOVIcQ/s400/Burberry+Pale+Barley+Eyeshadow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Burberry Pale Barley Eyeshadow</i></div>
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My favourite mascara is by YSL and I'm pretty sure that <u>L'Oreal Voluminous</u> is a very close dupe and was an affordable add-on from a recent amazon order. I use the black-brown shade because I find it flattering for everyday and easy to wash off. Due to me getting enough sleep for once in my life, I'm steering clear of under eye concealer and just using the infamous <u>YSL Touche Eclat</u> (in shade 2, if you were interested) to provide a little bit of camouflage and highlight.</div>
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The weather has cooled down and my skin has become a little dry. To keep my face fresh, I adore the herbal scent of <u>Caudalie's Beauty Elixir</u>. It's great to spritz on a fresh face or over makeup. In the mornings I love to use <u>The Breakfast Scrub from Soap & Glory</u>. It's an amazing, hydrating, sugar based scrub that smells just like pancakes with maple syrup. Who could ask for more? ... And no calories.</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">What have you been loving this month?</span></div>
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<b>Don't forget to enter my giveaway that finishes tomorrow (30th April 2013)!! Click <a href="http://bit.ly/10O3hSX" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-72721356629637569682013-04-14T23:08:00.002-07:002013-04-15T02:48:29.389-07:00L'oreal Lineur Intense - Earthen Rock BrownIf you have seen my Drugstore Makeup Tag video, you may be aware that I am not a huge fan of the <u>L'oreal Lineur Intense</u> liquid eyeliner in Carbon Black. I am, however, quite a fan of the Earthen Rock Brown version.<br />
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My big beef with the Carbon Black version of the <u>L'oreal Lineur Intense</u> is that I find it goes on patchy and not fully opaque. Luckily for the <u>L'oreal Lineur Intense in Earthen Rock Brown</u> I love how it goes on easily, cleanly and opaque in a single swipe. I adore the flexible tip applicator of this liquid liner and the gorgeous, rich, dark, chocolately brown colour. Unless my eyes deceive me, I also notice a very faint, almost imperceptible but beautiful bronzy shimmer.</div>
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I am quite a fan of brown eyeliners because I think they are more flattering on my fair skin and light hair. Black eyeliner is very stark and I need to be wearing a lot of makeup so that it actually works without me looking like a lady of the night.</div>
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On the practical front, I love that this eyeliner stays put all day with no flaking or smudging and comes off easily in the evening with warm water. What more could I ask for? I haven't seen this in Australian stores but purchased mine off amazon.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Have you ever tried brown liquid liner? What are your favourites?</span></div>
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<b>Enter my giveaway <a href="http://sophiesmaze.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/the-i-dont-need-excuse-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you haven't already. It is open until the end of April.</b></div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-13181616971035135992013-04-08T21:43:00.000-07:002013-04-08T22:22:14.725-07:00The "I don't need an excuse" Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have had these goodies kicking around for a while, waiting for a milestone so that I could do a giveaway. But you know what? I don't need an excuse. I would just really like to do a giveaway to thank everyone for their support of my blog thus far. The giveaway includes the Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo and Conditioner, which are amazing for volume, shine and smoothness. Also included is the MUA Undress Me Too palette, which is touted as a great dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. Lastly, there are 2 liquid and 2 pencil eyeliners in the most popular colours this season, green and turquoise.</div>
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<b>Prize:</b></div>
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Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Shampoo for Long, Fine Hair</div>
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Kerastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal Conditioner for Dry Lengths or Ends</div>
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MUA Undress Me Too eyeshadow palette</div>
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MUA Liquid Eyeliner in shades 1 and 2</div>
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MUA Intense Colour Eyeliner in Forest Green and Turquoise<br />
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<u>This giveaway is open to Australia only</u>. One winner takes all the prizes.<br />
To enter, please use the Rafflecopter widget. You must leave a comment telling me what kind of blog posts you love to read and follow me on either Bloglovin' and/or GFC. Please leave either your Bloglovin' page link or GFC username in your comment. Don't forget to put your e-mail address in the comment too so I can contact the winner!<br />
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The giveaway closes on the 30th April.<br />
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Good luck!! :)<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c01630/" id="rc-5c01630" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-6585951826431846372013-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:002013-04-07T20:18:42.072-07:00March Faves 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Time just flies by so fast, so it's another late favourites post. I've been spending a lot of time at home recently, so quick and simple has been my mantra. I am absolutely loving the <u>NARS Deep Throat and Laguna Duo</u>. How had I not tried these earlier?! I can't figure out how to make this next part not sound a little wrong, so let's just go there.... Apologies to all those Orgasm lovers out there, but Deep Throat has it pipped at the post with a pinkier hue that has a nice sheen, not a disco sparkle. For lips, I'm loving the easy, neutral colours and the <u>Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon</u> has been with me most days for a moisturising hint of pinky, peachy brown.<br />
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Skincare wise, I can't believe I have had this little sample of <u>natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment</u> lying around without using is for so long. It is a petrolatum free paw paw ointment that rivals my Nuxe Reve de Miel for lip hydration, but has a nice satin finish instead of the matte feeling of the Nuxe. It's too early to say, but maybe my HG Nuxe lip balm has been usurped. I have almost finished the <u>Alpha-H Liquid Gold Smoothing & Perfecting Mask</u> and am ready to buy a new one because it does such an amazing job of clearing and brightening my skin. This one isn't for the faint of heart. It has a strong lavender scent and has a tendency to sting a little for the first couple of minutes due to the glycolic acid, but the results are worth it.<br />
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Another sample I have had lying around for quite some time is the <u>davroe thermaprotect</u>, which claims to "guard the hair from heat styling infused with gingko biloba & chamomile". I have been reaching for this every time that I curl my hair because it provides decent hold and shine, all while protecting my hair from heat. I love a good multitasker. Last but not least, as the weather starts to cool down, I am loving the cosy warmth of my <u>Prada Candy</u> perfume. Interestingly, I find many fragrances turn sickly sweet on me, but this one just provides a beautiful, caramely, woody warmth.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Those are my short but sweet favourites for the month. What have you been loving?</span></div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-91556708070241214632013-03-20T19:01:00.001-07:002013-03-20T20:07:13.219-07:00How to follow blogs without Google ReaderSo Google Reader is going the way of the Dodo and I haven't been able to totally figure out what this means for Google Friend Connect (GFC, or all those smiling faces in the sidebar). I am going to assume that this will be ripped from our desperate grasp too.<br />
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As an alternative, I really like to follow blogs with Bloglovin'. It appears that Bloglovin' is the winner with the whole Google Reader fiasco because most people are encouraging their readers to switch to this platform. I encourage you to do so too! I find the interface a lot easier to use than Google Reader and much more aesthetically pleasing.<br />
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I have a lovely naked lady on my sidebar if you'd like to click her to start following me via Bloglovin'.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">What's your favourite way to follow blogs?</span></div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-73242909657321607412013-03-20T01:25:00.000-07:002013-03-20T20:05:07.434-07:00What I Ate WednesdayI have slowly been making changes to my diet in the past 6 months in an effort to generally get healthier. It was mostly spurred on by hormonal issues and terrible acne. So most of the foods I try to eat show benefits for skin health and also balancing blood sugar levels.<br />
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I thought I would start a new series that was inspired by various food and health bloggers I have seen around the traps that document what they eat for a day. I think this will also inspire me to mix it up a bit so I don't end up showing exactly the same foods every wednesday!</div>
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Blueberry, banana, acai, spinach and chia seed smoothie</div>
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I drank half of this smoothie before I remembered that I was thinking about doing this blog series.... I don't have only half a glass of smoothie for breakfast! I have blueberries and bananas in the freezer, so this gorgeous smoothie only takes me about 2 minutes to make. I love adding chia seeds to smoothies to add protein and skin and health loving Omega 3s. I wizz it together in my blender with plain yogurt and almond milk.</div>
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Sprouted chickpeas and lentils with tomato, chilli, thyme and fetta</div>
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Vanilla Rooibos Tea</div>
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This lunch was even better than I hoped it would be! Super tasty and only took 5 minutes to cook. I sprout a whole bunch of chickpeas and lentils, par-cook them and freeze them in batches, all ready for super simple recipes like this. I took out a package of my frozen chickpeas and lentils and put them in a pan with a touch of stock, a freshly chopped tomato, some chilli and a couple of sprigs of thyme. I cooked that for a few minutes then served with some crumbled fetta (only the sheep and goat's milk version will do!).</div>
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Handful of nuts (pepitas, almonds, cashews and walnuts)</div>
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Another thing I do is make a big batch of activated nuts. The nuts are soaked overnight in some water with a touch of salt. The next day I strain the nuts and spread them on a baking tray and put them in the oven on the lowest setting for 24 hours to dry out. These nuts are seriously the best nuts ever. Activating nuts reactivates enzymes in them so they are easier to digest. I swear they also taste a bit sweeter. </div>
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Beef and pinenut burgers with harissa, yogurt and sweet potato chips<br />
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It's really not very pretty and I was too hungry to bother trying to make it look nice, but this was sooooo yum. Give me sweet potato instead of normal potato any day.</div>
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Chocolate, ginger and almond freezer fudge</div>
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Yuuuummmm! Dessert! This is my favourite indulgence (and no, I didn't eat 4 pieces!). The base is a concoction with almond butter, salt, vanilla and coconut oil. The top bit is coconut oil, raw cacao powder, maple syrup and ginger. Chuck it in the freezer and you have a yummy, fudgy treat.</div>
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Let me know if you're interested in these kinds of posts. Or is it only me who's a bit nosy about things like this?</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-74150148585663314852013-03-11T21:33:00.001-07:002013-03-20T20:05:34.063-07:00My Morning Skincare Routine<br />
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So here is the morning half of my skincare routine that has really helped clear up my skin. My acne has mostly disappeared (apart from a nasty outbreak I've just gotten after having a virus). I don't have major sensitivity issues and the redness in my face has pretty much disappeared.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-N6xsuYbqQ/UT6sQcUsvnI/AAAAAAAAAmA/F6rWjzUW80k/s1600/alpha+h+paulas+choice+morning+skincare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-N6xsuYbqQ/UT6sQcUsvnI/AAAAAAAAAmA/F6rWjzUW80k/s320/alpha+h+paulas+choice+morning+skincare.jpg" width="307" /></a>I start by cleansing my face in the shower with the oddly non-foaming cleansing gel from Alpha-H, the <u>Triple Action Cleanser</u>. Some very mild cleansing agents with a dash of anti-bacterial Thyme make this a winner. I jump out of the shower and shake a bit of <u>Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid</u> onto a cotton pad and swipe it over the areas of my face prone to congestion to exfoliate them. Next up is <u>Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum</u>. One pump of this vitamin C serum covers my whole face to help treat hyper pigmentation. A dab of <u>Bobbi Brown EXTRA Eye Repair Cream</u> keeps my fine lines plumped. Finally, a pump of <u>Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF30+</u> protects my face from the hot summer sun.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbDcrvnYjWU/UT6sMSxvjHI/AAAAAAAAAl4/w16yhnHpyKg/s1600/sukin+bobbi+brown+moogoo+morning+skincare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbDcrvnYjWU/UT6sMSxvjHI/AAAAAAAAAl4/w16yhnHpyKg/s320/sukin+bobbi+brown+moogoo+morning+skincare.jpg" width="240" /></a>To keep the skin on my body as healthy as the skin on my face I use <u>Sukin Botanical Body Wash</u> in the shower on a shower puff. It's SLS free, smells fresh and I got this jumbo bottle for a bargain at Priceline. My unglamorous deodorant is <u>Alvera Aloe Unscented Deodorant</u>, which I've switched over to recently from a traditional anti-persperant. For about a week I was seriously smelly but now I am smell free with lovely moisturised pits (yum!). For the final step, I slather on <u>Moogoo Cover-Up Buttercup SPF15</u>. This is an all natural moisturiser with Zinc Oxide for sun protection. I really love this stuff to keep my exposed skin sun protected and super soft.<br />
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What are your favourite products to keep you fresh and ready for the day?</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-13532695266918768492013-03-09T23:37:00.000-08:002013-03-25T21:19:46.569-07:00To go natural or not to go natural - that is the question.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So sometime last year I read a book by Dr Perricone that talks all about the influence of diet on your skin. I don't follow all the guidelines in this book. Let's be honest I can't eat <i>that</i> much salmon! The book did however make me think a lot about how my diet might be affecting my skin. Well not only my skin, but my entire body. I've been blessed with some lovely hormonal issues that affect lots of things, but the easiest one to see when I look in the mirror every morning is my skin. I had some awful cystic acne crop up around 18 months ago, which along with other things in my life that were going on, really shocked my confidence. Moving on, because this isn't a big sop story. The point is that I looked at my diet and made the following changes because they might help with the hormonal and skin issues:<br />
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<li>No coffee - switched it out for green tea</li>
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I made these changes from doing lots of research into foods that cause acne and how to lower inflammation in the body. It was also important to focus on stabilising blood sugar levels which are tightly interwoven with hormone imbalances. All these changes have really cleaned up my diet and I'm really conscious of what I put in my body now and have started moving toward eating a lot of organic foods and shopping at farmer's markets. My skin has made a massive turn around and is much clearer with less redness.</div>
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A natural progression from this is the question about whether I should be cleaning up my skincare too? I've already swapped out all products containing sulphates because I've found they were the key to my flaky irritated skin on both my face and body. For my face I don't use anything that foams, even natural based cleansers and I haven't had any issues with sensitivity since. I have a couple of apprehensions with natural skincare. Firstly, I haven't found any natural moisturisers that are as cosmetically elegant as the ones I currently use. Secondly, I wonder that us humans didn't go through our evolutionary process rubbing all this junk on our skin, natural or not natural, so does it really make a difference? And lastly, just how effective will they be at keeping my skin clear?</div>
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Just some Sunday afternoon musings... I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts. Please share!<br />
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What do you think of natural skincare? Have you found any amazing products (particularly for combination, acne-prone skin like mine)? </div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-37300409471325142672013-03-05T22:29:00.002-08:002013-03-05T22:29:36.511-08:00Lovin' the drugstore makeup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love drugstore makeup. Really I do. It's funny because before I started getting into blogging I hadn't visited a Priceline in years. Now I can't get enough of the stuf!!</div>
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<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-15396786973927582562013-03-03T22:52:00.000-08:002013-03-20T20:06:15.678-07:00First Impressions: MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4oiB7qNVSg/UTRARyL_0UI/AAAAAAAAAkc/slmGIWWKKAE/s1600/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+and+concealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4oiB7qNVSg/UTRARyL_0UI/AAAAAAAAAkc/slmGIWWKKAE/s320/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+and+concealer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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MAC have released a new foundation for 2013, the Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">MAC says:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>An innovative, gorgeous new formula, full of extraordinary benefits. Its lightweight lush texture feeds skin instantly with mineral-rich nourishing hydration, all day long. The uniquely creamy fluid, ideal for dry skin, blends beautifully, providing light-to-medium buildable coverage. Features our 77-Mineral Complex including Shea Butter, emollients and conditioning extracts to keep the face soft and supple.</i></span></span></div>
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In anticipation of the coming winter I ordered both the foundation and mineralize concealer in NC15 to deal with dry, winter skin. I had heard the concealer is similar to Maybelline FitMe, which I really like the consistency of but can't find a colour match.</div>
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The MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation comes in a nice, frosted glass bottle with a pump.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUGZcEWmUR0/UTRANLN3lUI/AAAAAAAAAj0/Zjh01IkmCnM/s1600/MAC+mineralize+concealer+NC15+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUGZcEWmUR0/UTRANLN3lUI/AAAAAAAAAj0/Zjh01IkmCnM/s400/MAC+mineralize+concealer+NC15+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The MAC Mineralize Concealer comes in a tube with a flexible applicator.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb0HD_M0wq4/UTRAQI-Jr1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/zOS2sxWbtTQ/s1600/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+and+concealer+NC15+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb0HD_M0wq4/UTRAQI-Jr1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/zOS2sxWbtTQ/s320/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+and+concealer+NC15+swatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Left: MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation in NC15, Right: MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC15</div>
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The foundation has a reasonably runny texture but feels like a rich moisturiser on the skin.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPN_JF4DTV4/UTRATZkbc9I/AAAAAAAAAkk/8QayP0JHXns/s1600/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPN_JF4DTV4/UTRATZkbc9I/AAAAAAAAAkk/8QayP0JHXns/s400/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+swatch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Left to Right: MAC Matchmaster 1.0, YSL Teint Touche Eclat BD10, Bourjois Healthy Mix 51, Revlon Colorstay Whipped Buff, MAC Mineralize Moisture NC15</div>
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NC15 in the Mineralize Foundation is a fantastic colour match for me and I don't have a bottle of studio fix fluid to compare it to but I would say it runs a little bit lighter.</div>
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Ingredients (click for a larger image)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZtLS9wFKpQ/UTRAPpIhDeI/AAAAAAAAAkE/c4qMMweInFI/s1600/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+NC15+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZtLS9wFKpQ/UTRAPpIhDeI/AAAAAAAAAkE/c4qMMweInFI/s320/MAC+mineralize+moisture+foundation+NC15+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The finish of the foundation is really dewy looking, but sets quite nicely. I'm thinking it might be too moisturising for my combination skin over the next week or so with the hot weather we are expecting here. The coverage is light-medium and I preferred to apply it with my fingers rather than a brush. On initial application, the MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation SPF15 is everything I had hoped the YSL Teint Touche Eclat foundation would be: dewy, moisturising, seamless on the skin. The concealer blends really well and offers medium coverage.</div>
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MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation SPF15 RRP AUD$49</div>
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MAC Mineralize Concealer RRP AUD$38</div>
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FOTD makeup:</div>
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MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation SPF15 in <i>NC15</i></div>
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MAC Mineralize Concealer in <i>NC15</i></div>
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Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in <i>Transparent 001</i></div>
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NARS<i> Laguna </i>Bronzer</div>
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NARS <i>Deep Throat</i> Blush</div>
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LORAC Pro Palette</div>
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Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara</div>
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Chanel Crayon Sourcils <i>Blonde Clair</i></div>
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Clinique Chubby Stick <i>Mega Melon</i></div>
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Are you interested in trying this foundation? Nothing quite like a new offering from MAC!</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-64617991217428999182013-02-11T13:05:00.001-08:002013-02-11T13:09:52.263-08:00Dermalogica joins the packDermalogica is the latest to reduce their Australian prices. It looks to be roughly 10-20% cheaper across the board. They have a list of the price changes on their website.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dermalogica.com.au/au/" target="_blank">Dermalogica's Website</a></div>
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I've had my eye on the Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. What about you?<br />
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-80931826937249969122013-02-05T19:19:00.000-08:002013-02-05T19:19:27.902-08:00Hello 2013!!!!So it has been months since I've last posted anything. First and foremost... sorry.<br />
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I have been so busy over the past few months with life and study. I really should have made a post explaining my absence, but I just never got around to it. Pretty arsehole really.<br />
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Things are turning around. I am still pretty stressed out because I am writing up my thesis at the moment, but things have calmed down considerably and I am not running around highly strung and tearing my hair out.<br />
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I really want to communicate with others about my silly beauty related obsessions, but the blogging thing never 100% gelled with me. I like communicating with you guys but I find the actual writing of posts quite tedious. I've decided to try something different and mix it up with some videos instead because I might find the format a little easier.<br />
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We shall see how we go. So here's my January favourites in video format!! Let me know what you think. I still haven't decided if I'm mortally embarrassed posting this or not.<br />
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<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-74821967894969839232012-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:002012-10-03T16:59:15.793-07:00The "what would you like in my giveaway?" post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_b_fzk8mGM/UFBUkpY2GMI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/sgE1oI3AFVE/s1600/keep+calm+and+carry+on.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_b_fzk8mGM/UFBUkpY2GMI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/sgE1oI3AFVE/s1600/keep+calm+and+carry+on.jpeg" /></a></div>
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So as I am about to head off to europe for 3 weeks and will be doing mucho shopping. I thought I would spread the love and pick up a few items for a giveaway.</div>
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My question is... what are 2 things you'd like to see from French or UK brands?</div>
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Are you hankering for some Bioderma? Maybe a spritz of Caudalie beauty elixir? What about a Sleek blush trio? Do you like the idea of Bourjois 1 second nail polish remover? How about some Barry M nail polish?</div>
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Let me know and I'll see you when I get back!</div>
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And just a heads up, this will be an Australia only giveaway.</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-3229773993354235232012-10-02T22:06:00.000-07:002012-10-02T22:06:53.408-07:00September Faves 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I always find it so difficult to whittle the numbers of favourites down to a reasonable number. I think I was quite concise this month!<br />
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I've actually got a lot of skincare favourites, but I think I'll do my skincare routine in a different post. I have finally got to a stage where I'm really happy with my skincare routine and it's really working for me.<br />
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<b>Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in <i>Crystal Baby (Creme)</i></b><br />
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This is a gorgeous creamy, pinky nude. I got this lipstick as a sample in an Estee Lauder gift pack at some stage and I'm absolutely loving it. It's my go-to-lipstick for a natural look. The scent is the typical EL fig scent, that is yummy without being over powering. The lipstick itself is moisturising and lasts a few hours on me. Similar to the MAC cremesheen formula but a little bit creamier.</div>
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<b>NYX Blush in <i>Desert Rose</i></b></div>
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I made a huge haul from beautyjoint.com not that long ago, including a few NYX blushes. NYX blushes are amazing! I find the fomulation to be so similar to NARS but without the high price. Desert Rose is a beautiful deep, shimmering rose. It is very pigmented and due to me being ghostly pale I need to use a really light hand. This is a statement blush for me and gives me that flushed English rose complexion. Soooo pretty. This blush would work amazingly for darker skinned girls or those crazy white girls like me.</div>
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<b>Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator</b></div>
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<b>Bobbi Brown BB Cream in <i>Extra Light</i></b></div>
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<b>Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in <i>1N1</i></b></div>
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OK I'm going through these together as they have been my everyday staples and I'm loving the combination. Perricone's face firming activator has been a saviour for my skin. It a thick serum/light moisturiser based on glycolic acid and lots of other skin goodies. This feels so good on my skin, keeps breakouts away and really calms the redness I am prone to. I follow this up with Bobbi Brown's BB Cream, which gives me SPF35 protection, evens out skin tone and really balances my skin to reduce the oily T-zone and moisturise the rest of my face. Sometimes I've been leaving it there and continuing on to concealer etc, but if I want a smoother finish I go in with EL Invisible Fluid Makeup. This combination is great for everyday, natural makeup. Let me know if you'd like a more in depth review on these?</div>
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<b>Kerastase Chroma Riche Hair Masque</b></div>
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This hair mask is amazing! I don't have enough good things to say. Maybe I've found my HG hair mask? It leaves my hair so soft and moisturised without weighing it down. I use it every other wash and I really look forward to those washes. I would use it every time I wash my hair except I am too lazy as I leave it in for a few minutes. It's designed for colour treated hair and it's meant to make it luminous and accentuate the colour. I'm not sure it's amazing for that, but it certainly doesn't leave it dull. I do still use a serum afterwards.</div>
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What are your faves this month?</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-55504220292829824992012-09-29T02:19:00.000-07:002012-09-29T02:19:52.142-07:00I won! Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ5WcDJZ-GQ/UGa7cdXalyI/AAAAAAAAAhY/TlvMRBurz9s/s1600/Maybelline+color+tattoo+barely+beige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ5WcDJZ-GQ/UGa7cdXalyI/AAAAAAAAAhY/TlvMRBurz9s/s640/Maybelline+color+tattoo+barely+beige.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thank you so much to Kate from <a href="http://labeauteetleblogueur.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">la beaute et la blogueur</a>!! This is my first blog giveaway win :) I was stoked to receive an email from Kate a) because it's exciting to win something and b) because I was lusting after this product.</div>
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This is the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige. The shade was released as part of the Fall 2012 Collection in the Northern Hemisphere. I'm sure we will get it here at some stage, and really hope we do because it is a beautiful shade.</div>
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This cream eyeshadow is a gorgeous light champagne gold. It is basically my skin but shimmer-ier. I love to wear this on it's own and also as a base. It is so easy to wear and has meant that I can check MAC's bare study off my lemming list as they are quite similar shades.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpGHsc1JntA/UGa7bcd5FaI/AAAAAAAAAhU/jYec2kmp8jU/s1600/Maybelline+color+tattoo+barely+beige+swatch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpGHsc1JntA/UGa7bcd5FaI/AAAAAAAAAhU/jYec2kmp8jU/s320/Maybelline+color+tattoo+barely+beige+swatch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you won a giveaway before? And what's your favorite Color Tattoo colour?</div>
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<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-63053126438569338972012-09-24T00:06:00.001-07:002012-09-24T00:06:17.523-07:00Lust Have It - September 2012Ok so I'm not sure how this will turn out. I'm trying to blog from my iPhone app because some crazy puppy critter demolished my laptop power cable (see below).<br />
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I was actually excited to open this month's box. Quite a few nice goodies!<br />
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Aum gentle facial foam cleanser:<br />
Looks nice but fragranced heavily with essential oils so my skin might freak out.<br />
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YSL Opium Vapeurs De Parfum:<br />
A flanker to the original Opium fragrance. It's meant to be a more wearable, lighter version. A quick spray has me intrigued... Quite sweet and zesty, waiting to see if the sweetness settles on the dry down. I hate sickly sweet scents.<br />
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Davroe Colour Senses Ends Repair:<br />
A leave in treatment to seal split ends and make them shiny. I'm so there.<br />
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Morrissey Hand & Body Lotion:<br />
Smells nice but like I need another body lotion sample...<br />
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Mirenesse Icon Sealer 24hr Concealer:<br />
This looks really nice. Concealer and eyeshadow base in a shade pale enough for me.. No seriously it is!<br />
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Update on the perfume 5 minutes on - arrrggghhhh I smell like a candy shop.<br />
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How did you fair with LHI this month??<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9KHtnJkbfxQ/UGAGVzm6m_I/AAAAAAAAAgo/OTmZFvbhKhI/s640/blogger-image-242478703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9KHtnJkbfxQ/UGAGVzm6m_I/AAAAAAAAAgo/OTmZFvbhKhI/s640/blogger-image-242478703.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u_l7NW1uhP4/UGAGXeu40MI/AAAAAAAAAgw/APJ-zRnAnjA/s640/blogger-image-2128475005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u_l7NW1uhP4/UGAGXeu40MI/AAAAAAAAAgw/APJ-zRnAnjA/s640/blogger-image-2128475005.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-efy3mm3cWa8/UGAGYhGM1VI/AAAAAAAAAg0/jK-baRlgyQA/s640/blogger-image-692562778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-efy3mm3cWa8/UGAGYhGM1VI/AAAAAAAAAg0/jK-baRlgyQA/s640/blogger-image-692562778.jpg" /></a></div>Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-73819949922985914452012-09-23T00:54:00.000-07:002012-09-23T00:54:27.056-07:00Foundations for Pale Skin Pick: MAC Matchmaster 1.0<br />
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So I previously posted about a few foundations I was trying that might match my pasty skin (<a href="http://sophiesmaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/on-trial-foundations-for-pale-skin.html">ON TRIAL: Foundations for Pale Skin</a>). As you can tell from the title of this post, the foundation that I went for was MAC Matchmaster in shade 1.0. The claim for the MAC Matchmaster foundation is that it will adjust to match your skin tone. I don't know about this, but the colour match is great and they have a wide range of colours. I can't really imagine shade 1.0 being too pale for many people.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYmPeKerb9o/UF66fGlcveI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Y9RMCVFuiWM/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1+foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYmPeKerb9o/UF66fGlcveI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Y9RMCVFuiWM/s400/MAC+matchmaster+1+foundation.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAp-nVVqgL4/UF66jVI3pOI/AAAAAAAAAf4/_CWeLWcbKl8/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAp-nVVqgL4/UF66jVI3pOI/AAAAAAAAAf4/_CWeLWcbKl8/s320/MAC+matchmaster+1+label.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the swatches, it is a nice pale, neutral shade.</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivQumUB6MHY/UF66l6R_TiI/AAAAAAAAAgA/9ri-sreVhyg/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivQumUB6MHY/UF66l6R_TiI/AAAAAAAAAgA/9ri-sreVhyg/s200/MAC+matchmaster+1+swatch.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1qQZP6csBY/UF66odbdmDI/AAAAAAAAAgI/gz8srOYn4yw/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1qQZP6csBY/UF66odbdmDI/AAAAAAAAAgI/gz8srOYn4yw/s200/MAC+matchmaster+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I like that this foundation provides medium coverage, which is what I like. I prefer to use a medium coverage foundation and conceal any extra spots. You do have to be careful because if you build it too much then it can get cakey. It wears a good 8 hours for me without fading. And there is only slight fading around my chin and nose from there until I take it off (up to 14 hours I've worn it). In terms of texture, it is neither thin nor thick in consistency but it has a powdery feel to it. I think due to these powders, you have to work quickly to buff it into the skin. I suggest working in sections as it really does set. You don't really need to use a powder, but I like to use a light layer of MAC MSF Natural just to give the finish a bit of dimension. I find it can look flat without a bit of help. This is not a foundation for dry skin. It works great on my combination skin type.</div>
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The only frustrating thing I find about the Matchmaster foundation is that it is really important to be well moisturised before applying the foundation because it dries so quickly. I always have to apply a thin layer of moisturiser immediately prior to applying the foundation so it glides on nicely. For people who regularly use a primer, I guess this is a non issue.</div>
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For everyday wear I like to apply the foundation with my fingers because I find the warmth helps to blend it in nicely. For a fuller coverage I like to use a buffing brush/flat top kabuki.</div>
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Overall I'm really happy with this foundation. The colour match is the best in my collection and for that it will be a stayer.</div>
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<b>Before and After shots</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDLS6l6HJ4E/UF66zXaduaI/AAAAAAAAAgY/eDl7zRNa0n8/s1600/no+makeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDLS6l6HJ4E/UF66zXaduaI/AAAAAAAAAgY/eDl7zRNa0n8/s320/no+makeup.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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No makeup :(</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmQ8Lanh-uQ/UF66uT1OutI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/fcpvVyJWFS8/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmQ8Lanh-uQ/UF66uT1OutI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/fcpvVyJWFS8/s320/MAC+matchmaster+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One layer of MAC Matchmaster in 1.0 applied with a Real Techniques Buffing Brush</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWo_k2spU8k/UF66hAI-WJI/AAAAAAAAAfw/o5LjmM8P_b8/s1600/MAC+matchmaster+1+full+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWo_k2spU8k/UF66hAI-WJI/AAAAAAAAAfw/o5LjmM8P_b8/s320/MAC+matchmaster+1+full+face.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Full Face of makeup:</div>
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MAC Matchmaster 1.0</div>
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Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in <i>Fair</i></div>
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Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment in <i>Fair</i></div>
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MAC MSF Natural in <i>Medium</i></div>
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Chanel Crayons Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil in <i>Blonde Clair</i></div>
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Stila In the Light Eyeshadow Palette</div>
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Maybelline the Falsies Mascara</div>
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MAC Pro Longwear Bronzer in <i>Nude on Board</i></div>
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NYX Powder Blush in <i>Desert Rose</i></div>
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Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick in <i>Crystal Baby</i></div>
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Apologies about all the unflattering photos in this post, but I think it's great to see how a foundation works in action.</div>
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What's your favourite foundation??</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-68780647057406452572012-09-19T14:57:00.000-07:002012-09-19T14:57:19.451-07:00Online Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkzu6aiRuiI/UFo_ig0ZRKI/AAAAAAAAAfI/9siaQTioP6U/s1600/online+shopping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkzu6aiRuiI/UFo_ig0ZRKI/AAAAAAAAAfI/9siaQTioP6U/s320/online+shopping.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I buy a lot of my beauty products online. So I thought I'd put together this list of websites that I've used that I think are fantastic. Check them out!!</div>
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<b>strawberrynet.com</b></div>
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As quick as 3 days from date of order! Usually a week.</div>
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Skincare, fragrance, haircare and makeup.</div>
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<b>lookfantastic.com</b></div>
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Free delivery to Australia. </div>
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Super cheap Kerastase.</div>
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<b>sasa.com</b></div>
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Lots of great asian brands - japanese sunscreens!</div>
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<b>styletread.com.au</b></div>
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Australian based shoe store.</div>
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Delivery in a day or 2. </div>
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Free returns!!</div>
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<b>beautybay.com</b></div>
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Lots of great brands and free shipping. </div>
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Delivery usually 2-3 weeks.</div>
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<b>kissandmakeupny.com</b></div>
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What I buy from here:</div>
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NARS (I haven't got Laura Mercier or Smashbox from here but I would in the future)</div>
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<b>beautyjoint.com</b></div>
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US drugstore brands such as Wet n Wild & E.L.F. </div>
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10 days from order to receipt of goods.</div>
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<b>iherb.com</b></div>
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Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes</div>
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Delivery within a couple of weeks.</div>
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<b>adorebeauty.com.au</b></div>
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Shipping within a couple of days. Australian website for makeup and skincare. </div>
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Free samples and a free fun size chocolate bar >.<</div>
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What's your favorite online store?</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-82324059344142625902012-09-17T03:59:00.002-07:002012-09-17T03:59:51.637-07:00NOTD: butter LONDON Pink Ribbon<div style="text-align: center;">
I got a free butter LONDON nail polish in Pink Ribbon with this month's InStyle magazine. There's a choice between this one or Pillar Box Red. This is 3 coats. It doesn't really go opaque. I don't really love it as it is but it would work amazingly for a french manicure!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nw59mYPGWKw/UFcB5VL_OiI/AAAAAAAAAeo/g_8FsbtuKgE/s1600/butter+london+pink+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nw59mYPGWKw/UFcB5VL_OiI/AAAAAAAAAeo/g_8FsbtuKgE/s320/butter+london+pink+ribbon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bonus puppy shot! (excuse the fluff I just brushed off her)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JxfzfUvrfM/UFcB23g2jBI/AAAAAAAAAeg/38sliENapTk/s1600/butter+london+pink+ribbon+puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JxfzfUvrfM/UFcB23g2jBI/AAAAAAAAAeg/38sliENapTk/s320/butter+london+pink+ribbon+puppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Did you pick up your freebie nail polish this month??</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-42734975164398281022012-09-13T18:33:00.000-07:002012-09-13T19:08:47.620-07:00Spring has Sprung! ~ Favourite SunscreensWe have had a few days of fantastic sunny weather here in Melbourne and I've started cracking out the sunscreen. I always wear face and neck sunscreen (always always always always), however I've started slapping on the body sunscreen for the extra bits that show too as the sun is getting stronger and I'm wearing less! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to go through my favorite sunscreens.<br />
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I generally like my sunscreens to contain the physical sun blocker (inorganic), Zinc Oxide. I won't go into all the nitty gritty on the different between organic and inorganic sunscreens as futurederm has just recently done a wonderful series on comparing chemical and physical sunscreens (find the final part and summary <a href="http://www.futurederm.com/2012/09/13/are-inorganic-sunscreens-better-than-organic-ones-part-v-conclusion-and-product-recommendations/" target="_blank">here</a>). It's a great read.<br />
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For me, the reason I gravitate toward Zinc Oxide is that because it is a physical blocker, it is more stable than chemical sunscreens. So as long as you aren't out in harsh sun and the product is still on your face at the end of the day, it should still be protecting you at the end of the day.</div>
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I'll start by saying that the reason that these all made my faves list is that they offer good UV protection - I don't stay this pasty by using SPF15. They also all set to a nice matte finish that is dry to touch and work great as a primer to help my T-zone stay matte.<br />
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So without further ado, here are my favourite sunscreens.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKJ3JHYlwkQ/UFKHUue1-JI/AAAAAAAAAds/SKv8NBNQiV4/s1600/sunscreen+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKJ3JHYlwkQ/UFKHUue1-JI/AAAAAAAAAds/SKv8NBNQiV4/s640/sunscreen+review.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gloO12DPZ34/UFKGvCLvDeI/AAAAAAAAAdA/EiBXkIycTAg/s1600/clinique+city+block+SPF25+sheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gloO12DPZ34/UFKGvCLvDeI/AAAAAAAAAdA/EiBXkIycTAg/s200/clinique+city+block+SPF25+sheer.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25</b><br />
<i>$36 for 40mL from Clinique counters</i><br />
<i>Titanium Dioxide 7.3%, Zinc Oxide 6.9%</i><br />
This sunscreen doesn't contain any chemical UV filters. I really like this sunscreen on it's own if I am going makeup-free (or just some mineral powder) as this is the only one with a tint. The only thing that stops me using this every day is that I don't find my liquid foundations sit that well over the top of it and it lends to a powdery kind of finish. The other great thing about this sunscreen is I find it moisturising enough with a hydrating serum underneath so it's quick and easy. This sunscreen is also the only unfragranced one. Probably the best of the bunch for drier skins due to it's moisturising ability. I use this for face.</div>
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<b>Dior Diorsnow White Reveal UV Protection SPF50 - Translucent</b><br />
<i>$59 for 30mL from strawberrynet</i><br />
<i>Zinc Oxide 19%, Octinoxate 7.5%</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIV2hMkPISM/UFKGz8xU-nI/AAAAAAAAAdI/MM0Y4C88Ltw/s1600/diorsnow+white+reveal+UV+translucent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIV2hMkPISM/UFKGz8xU-nI/AAAAAAAAAdI/MM0Y4C88Ltw/s200/diorsnow+white+reveal+UV+translucent.jpg" width="150" /></a>Now I love this sunscreen due to the ultra high SPF, so this is for when I want to pull out the big guns. I don't recommend it for everyday use because it is quite thick and it does leave a notable white cast. I find foundations don't layer that well with this either, similar to the clinique. All these drawbacks are due to the super high Zinc Oxide content, which is it's big bonus too. This also contains a good number of antioxidants including vitamin C, which is great for when you're out in the sun. This one is also the priciest. I use this for face.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fTbpcYnU3Q/UFKG-s1NhtI/AAAAAAAAAdc/JrtOfu6yBUA/s1600/shiseido+extra+smooth+sunscreen+spf38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fTbpcYnU3Q/UFKG-s1NhtI/AAAAAAAAAdc/JrtOfu6yBUA/s200/shiseido+extra+smooth+sunscreen+spf38.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF38 PA+++</b><br />
<i>$36 for 50mL from strawberrynet</i><br />
<i>Zinc Oxide 9.6%, Octinoxate 7.4%</i></div>
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I think this is available at Australian Shiseido counters under the same name but listed as SPF30+. I got mine from strawberrynet. This sunscreen gets the most use due to the fact it's a great all rounder. It doesn't leave a white cast, has a really nice smooth texture, is a combination of physical and chemical UV blockers and works well with makeup. The SPF level is one I'm happy with for all year round too. This one has the smoothest finish out of the lot and really evens out my skin's texture. I use this for face.</div>
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<b>Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF30+</b><br />
<i>$17.99 for 85mL from priceline, supermarkets etc etc</i><br />
<i>helioplex: Homosalate 15%, Octyl Salicylate 5%, Oxybenzone 6%, Octylcrylene 4.5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LHMUEGu6f4/UFKG5nMY81I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/EPlOCXmZbms/s1600/neutrogena+ultra+sheer+dry-touch+spf30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LHMUEGu6f4/UFKG5nMY81I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/EPlOCXmZbms/s200/neutrogena+ultra+sheer+dry-touch+spf30.jpg" width="150" /></a>My favourite inexpensive (relative to my other choices at least!) sunscreen. I use this sunscreen as my daily body sunscreen and also for both face and body when exercising. I prefer this sunscreen on my face for exercise because for some reason I'm concerned about Zinc Oxide blocking my pores when I'm sweating profusely and this is a chemical based sunscreen. I don't know if my fear is unfounded or not, but I'm happy with this anyway and it definitely doesn't clog pores. I also don't worry about throwing this in my jersey pocket when I go cycling - no way I'd throw one of my expensive sunscreens back there. This sunscreen is fabulous, protects your skin for hours and has a great matte, dry touch finish. I've not found another sunscreen from the supermarket/priceline that has as nice a finish as this. I use this for face and body.</div>
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So which sunscreen would I choose to take with me if I was only allowed one on my desert island? The Shiseido Extra Smooth - it's got the best finish and is so comfortable to wear.</div>
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Remember you need to apply 1/3-1/2 tsp for full SPF protection for face and neck.<br />
I'm always on the lookout for new, good sunscreens. What are your favourites??</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-54175779752885098742012-09-13T02:52:00.000-07:002012-09-13T02:52:17.237-07:00bellabox! September 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uywElLAgH8/UFGkgVyXPfI/AAAAAAAAAco/EnW_wpimCmk/s1600/bellabox+sept+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uywElLAgH8/UFGkgVyXPfI/AAAAAAAAAco/EnW_wpimCmk/s640/bellabox+sept+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel</b></div>
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A nice big 10mL sample, I wish it was in a resealable tube though. I like my Bioderma makeup remover so it'll be interesting to try some other bits from them.</div>
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<b>Bioderma Sebium Akin Purifying Corrective Care</b></div>
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I really wish they would include ingredients for these products. I'm confused because the description makes it sound like a moisturiser for acne prone skin and then they talk about using it as a spot treatment. I'm interested to know what the active ingredients are to make this claim. Interesting little product in a cute little tube.</div>
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<b>You, Me & Everybody Sumptuous Skin Mousse</b></div>
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This is a basic body moisturiser in mousse form. Gimmicky but cute.</div>
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<b>Savoir Faire Concealer Kit</b></div>
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There's 4 little concealers in a range of shades and a couple of setting powders in this kit. This is a cute little addition, I always like makeup products. It will be handy for travelling if the product is any good...</div>
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<b>USPA Beehold</b></div>
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This medium hold hair styling gel comes in really cute packaging. It looks super gloopy and I'm not so good with styling product so I'm a bit scared but intrigued too because this is meant to help volumise during a blow dry. Nice addition.</div>
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<b>Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream</b></div>
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This 3g sample is in a super mini version of the full size product's packaging. It's a cute jar and 3g of eye cream goes a long way. Excited to try this... it will be tough to top the results I've seen from using a little sample of Bobbi Brown's EXTRA Eye Repair Cream recently.</div>
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There's also a $15 voucher for theiconic.com.au ahhhh do I need MORE shoes?</div>
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Did you get the same box this month?</div>
Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-8566673664760873292012-09-11T04:23:00.001-07:002012-09-11T04:23:08.866-07:00The Followup - 10 days, 10 products<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMV54TMWxKA/UE8e3Nr6aII/AAAAAAAAAb4/ot_DR8Sv8Ss/s1600/10+things+10+days+followup" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMV54TMWxKA/UE8e3Nr6aII/AAAAAAAAAb4/ot_DR8Sv8Ss/s320/10+things+10+days+followup" width="320" /></a></div>
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(First post <a href="http://sophiesmaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/10-days-10-products.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</div>
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Don't get me wrong, the whole 10 days, 10 products things was an awesome experiment... But OM(F)G am I glad that's over! OK so let's break it down:</div>
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<b>What I learned</b></div>
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I really do have way too many cosmetics</div>
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You can pretty much get away with 10 essential makeup items</div>
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Lip colours are my addiction</div>
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I'm more of a pencil liner than liquid liner gal</div>
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I feel confident going out with just BB cream, mascara and blush on</div>
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<b>What I loved</b></div>
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Not having to think about what makeup I'm putting on each day</div>
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Fresh face in 2 minutes flat</div>
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Realising how much I love the Bobbi Brown BB cream</div>
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Rediscovering Maybelline's Age Rewind Eraser Concealer</div>
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Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Blackened Brown</div>
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<b>What I hated</b></div>
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Not being able to coordinate lip and cheek colour with my outfit</div>
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Not having a bronzer</div>
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I had to use the same powder in the morning and take it with me in my bag, which was annoying to keep moving back and forth</div>
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Even though my 10 products included eyeliner, a cream eyeshadow and a lipstain, I found most days I skipped these steps altogether. I really learnt how much I like to coordinate the colours I use with what I wear for the day and found I'd prefer nothing than risk having it not suit the look.</div>
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What products could you not live without?</div>
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Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-32334013062760817422012-09-09T03:57:00.000-07:002012-09-09T03:57:53.493-07:00NOTD: L'Oreal Colour Riche Beige Boheme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9FiBjxWPV8/UEx0B46vnQI/AAAAAAAAAbg/z4KW0smIIn8/s1600/l'oreal+color+riche+beige+boheme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9FiBjxWPV8/UEx0B46vnQI/AAAAAAAAAbg/z4KW0smIIn8/s320/l'oreal+color+riche+beige+boheme.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Excuse the teeny tiny unmanicured nails! I tried a new base coat and it decimated my nails. I have tiny nails to begin with because I was a ridiculous nail biter when I was little - you know the eat them 'til they bleed type so I permanently shortened them. So anyway... about the nail polish! I love these mini bottles. The L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis range comes in awesome little 5mL bottles that retail for AU$6.95. I like small bottles because I have never finished a polish before and it lets you try more colours.<br />
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Beige Boheme is a gorgeous creamy beige with just the tiniest hint of pink. It's the perfect neutral polish for me. The formula is so creamy and is opaque with 1 coat, but I used 2 because it evens out the colour a little better. The brush is one of those fantastic wide brushes with a curved cuticle shaped tip. The finish is smooth and glossy, as you can see from the photo - look ma, no top coat! Now I've just applied this so I can't comment on how long this polish lasts, but it feels quite solid.<br />
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The L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Vernis are currently available in 27 shades according to the L'Oreal website and are currently on sale at Priceline :)<br />
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If this wears well I will definitely be picking up a plethora of shades.<br />
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What's your favourite neutral polish?<br />
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<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181053093384868838.post-62743650406548078272012-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:002012-09-07T22:18:38.822-07:00LUSH haul!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqUba4yoIVs/UErS7N6I_dI/AAAAAAAAAas/mR7hWkGylSE/s1600/lush+haul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqUba4yoIVs/UErS7N6I_dI/AAAAAAAAAas/mR7hWkGylSE/s400/lush+haul.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So I went into LUSH today because I wanted to try out their dry shampoo. I've got a couple of overseas trips coming up and I wanted to see if this is the kind of thing I could use to refresh my hair so I look fresh instead of mucky when I get off the plane :) </div>
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It appears a few extra things jumped into my basket....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNuNehVFZIk/UErSrR-MNzI/AAAAAAAAAac/m2QQHGbpdjw/s1600/lush+bubbleroon+and+bath+ballistic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNuNehVFZIk/UErSrR-MNzI/AAAAAAAAAac/m2QQHGbpdjw/s320/lush+bubbleroon+and+bath+ballistic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon - I haven't tried these bubbleroons before, but I love Yuzu (eating it!! yum!)</div>
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Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic - trying something new, this is meant to be apple scented and have some glitters. My faves are geo fizz and butter ball.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfL56pQLyAc/UErSy54LZGI/AAAAAAAAAak/wy-bW7Za9PQ/s1600/lush+eau+roma+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfL56pQLyAc/UErSy54LZGI/AAAAAAAAAak/wy-bW7Za9PQ/s320/lush+eau+roma+water.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Eau Roma Water - another purchase I thought that would be handy for flying. My facial spritzes are either over 100mL or in a pressurised can so I thought I'd give this a try. I love the rose and lavender scent although my husband thinks it smells a bit like public toilets >.<</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naFPI7MEJ40/UErTDOEayYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/OkK9KzgLPdA/s1600/lush+no+drought+dry+shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naFPI7MEJ40/UErTDOEayYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/OkK9KzgLPdA/s320/lush+no+drought+dry+shampoo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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No Drought - the powdered dry shampoo I actually came in for!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIgOAMAQKLo/UErTMDZBzmI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Wh3KWJn_3ws/s1600/lush+sweet+lips+lip+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIgOAMAQKLo/UErTMDZBzmI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Wh3KWJn_3ws/s320/lush+sweet+lips+lip+scrub.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sweet Lips - I've been dying to try this vanilla and chocolate lip scrub for ages. It tastes great and is easier than making it myself.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9dDQwjZiPU/UErTUcDuMRI/AAAAAAAAAbI/0rYpUEue-5U/s1600/lush+the+olive+branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9dDQwjZiPU/UErTUcDuMRI/AAAAAAAAAbI/0rYpUEue-5U/s320/lush+the+olive+branch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Olive Branch - this shower gel smells lovely and fresh and is meant to be soothing for dry skin. Another one to pop into my travel bag!</div>
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What's your favorite LUSH product? Let me know so maybe it will accidentally fall into my basket next time.</div>
<br />Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12737506558002596381noreply@blogger.com8