Christmas Holiday Sets

It's almost that time of the year... Are you just as excited as I am? This years holiday sets just makes me wanna go out and buy everything i can get my hands on!

Here is my Christmas Wish List for 2013:

1. Ciate Limited Edition mini mani month $89.00

2. Kit Cosmetics Limited Edition OMG Kit $79.95

3.Lancome Visionnaire 30ml Christmas Set $97.00

4. Benefit Primed for Lovin' $43.00

5. Benefit Love me B.right $48.00

Yeah I do realise my little obsession with nail polish, eheh I just can't enough! Feel free to add anything on your wish list this year. :)

Vannie xo

I'll be back

This post is long overdue… because it’s SWOTVAC WEEK and it’s killing me! However that hasn’t been stopping me from shopping! I seriously bought a whole lot of cosmetics this past couple of weeks, I made my first cherry culture order, got my parcel from theBalm during their 50% sale, some NARS limited edition blushes and other miscellaneous things… (heh I get a little crazy) Anyways, that’s something to look forward to!! I shall be back soon guys! xo 

(heres a snippet of my instagram with my recent purchase!)

Vannie

Who doesn't love discounts?

Been looking for a particular cosmetic but don’t want to pay the full retail price for it? Well I’ve been there before and you don’t have to! Australian prices are just ridiculous and sometimes we just cannot afford to pay $40 just for a lipstick and such. So I came up with some reliable websites some from past experience where you can purchase any beauty products at a discounted price.

Strawberrynet.com

Site contains many brands Clinique, Chanel, Dior, Mac, Nars and many more.  Site also includes skincare, perfume, cologne and hair products. From time to time there’ll be special further discounts and you don’t have to pay for shipping! The more you order, the more discounts you’ll receive. On your first purchase you usually get a special gift to go along as a new customer.

Urbanoutfitters.com

If you look through the beauty section, urbanoutfitters stock some well known cosmetic brands, NYX, Limecrime, Beauty Blender, Stila and such. However, the variation of stocks is limited. Urbanoutfitters offers free shipping over $50 of purchase and anyone who is a member of unidays can use their discount code as well *bonus*

BeautyBay.com

A UK based website containing well known brands which includes, Urban Decay, Too faced, Stila, Beauty Blender and the list goes on... As we Australian know, it is almost impossible for us to even get any urban decay products, thank goodness for beautybay! Too faced and Stila products are cheaper than what you can find at Mecca Cosmetica. Offers free worldwide shipping and extra discounts on your birthday.

Redefiningbeauty.com.au

Site contains sigma makeup, prices are exactly the same from the sigma site however, you do not have to pay extra for shipping when you spend over $100. (Shipping can be a little expensive).

Kissandmakeupny.com

Was a little bit sketchy about this site, but I made an order anyways and it come through successfully!! (yay) Prices are the same from the US which is great for us in AUS!! Heaps cheaper than Myers and David Jones. Site includes some of the well known brands Nars, Laura Mercier, Smashbox, Clarisonic and more. Flat rate shipping at $9.95 worldwide.  

Benefitcosmetics.com

Love benefit makeup? Buy it on the US site at US prices! Free shipping over $125 for AUS.

If you guys got any other beauty sites to share, just leave a comment down below!! :D

Vannie xo

Essie Nail Polish Review

I have never walked out of the house with my naked bare nails. I always paint my nails every week or every couple of days. 

Essie Nail Polish has been on the hype alot lately and priceline finally got them in stock early this month! There is a limited colour range and the price starts from $16.95 normal colour nail polishes to $17.95 nail care. Priceline is having an 'Intro offer' for Essie, price starting from $12.95 to $13.95 for a limited of time online and in-store! 

 Some of the polishes i picked up.

left to right:

bikini so teeny

tart deco

turquoise & caicos

no chips ahead top coat

set in stones

manicure of the day!

applied a base coat

layered 2 coats of with essie bikini so teeny

added essie set in stones

set everything with essie top coat

pros:

• requires two coats for opaque colour
• no bubbling or streaking
• wide colour range
• doesn't chip easily (lasts up to 5 days)
• smooth consistency

cons:

• can be costly 
• nude or pale colours maybe require more than 2-3 coats.

You can also purchase Essie nail polishes at dfo from a store called cosmetics fragrance direct for $6. :)

Vannie xo

Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick Review

I love my lipsticks and I have to say one of my most favourite is YSL rouge volupte range. The gold mirror packaging is so chic and sleek and the formula is creamy and highly pigmented, keeping my lips hydrated.

In my little collection I have a combination of YSL Rouge Volupte and YSL Rouge Volupte Shine which is the new range. Sadly the rouge volupte is being discontinued, so get them while you can! :)  

    

(photos taken myself)

swatches 

 from left to right:

rouge volupte 13 - peach passion

rouge volupte 15 - extreme coral 

rouge volupte 27 - rose paris 

rouge volupte shine 12 - coral incandescent 

rouge volupte 11 - rose culte

rouge volupte shine 5 - fuchsia in excess 

differences between rouge volupte shine and rouge volupte:

• rouge volupte shine formula is more sheer compared to rouge volupte however, the lipstick is buildable to desired colour.
• rouge volupte shine do not have spf 15. 

pros:

• high pigmentation
• long-lasting
• creamy formula
• hydrating
• subtle scent
• gold packaging
• spf 15 (rouge volupte range only)

cons:

• costly ($55AUD) 
• stains a little

Vannie xo

Current Favourite

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Buff Beige

“All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.”

My friend recommended me this foundation when it was first released in Australia. She could not stop complimenting how good the foundation is and she’s right! I went out to purchase the foundation from Priceline and they slashed the price down to about $13-$14 (RRP $19.95), which was a bonus!

Definitely is long lasting and the formula has great oil control, I can probably use it without setting powder. I have combinational/dry skin but tend to be drier in the cold weather. Cover girl Outlast Stay 3-in-1 is hydrated enough to not show any flakiness on my dry patches. For any of those who are looking for a long lasting, flawless, full coverage foundation giving off a matte finish. You will not be disappointed. 

For any reference, I’m usually a NC25 and I use Cover Outlast Stay Fabulous in Buff Beige.

Vannie xo

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