Tip of the day: Saving time in the morning

I'm not a morning person. At. All. So any time I can save in the morning is something I try to improve upon wherever I can, and it's not just for any who isn't a morning person. Just for the sake of getting out the door without wasting time is a huge help for anyone time poor too.
Tying in with this are a stack of little odd tasks in your routine that can overlap. Did you know that it is ideal to let your layers of make-up set between applying the next? Moisturiser, serums, primers, foundations, concealers That's five minutes of waiting just there! So here are some things you can do while you're waiting.

• Brush your teeth - This one is ideal for the earlier stages where you won't ruin your make up, just after moisturiser is ideal.
• Moisturise your legs - Takes two minutes if that.
• Apply deodorant and perfume - Something away for your face for a minute.
• Brush your hair/comb through any product - Rid your hair of its overnight tangles and apply any product you desire.

Another complete favourite of mine is during your shower, while you wait for your conditioner to develop (which is recommended by most brands for at least a couple of minutes) I find it good to cleanse your face, and either shave your legs or completely exfoliate your body with a pair of scrub gloves. Perfect amount of time!

Bottom Lash Mascara

I never thought about using mascara on my bottom lashes. I did it once, didn't like the effect it gave me then (shadows, and hard to do without getting it everywhere!) so I didn't bother with it again until recently when I was given a tube of Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara as a freebie, and since I've taught myself more then a few tricks since I started playing with make-up, here is how to use it effectively! ( I do apologise for my sub-par photography skills, every time I think I haven't wobbled a little, indeed, I have.)

Step one: Depending on whether you prefer to do your mascara early or later on in your routine, do your face up until that point, I prefer last of all, so I'd already have my eyeliner and any shadow on.

This is my bare eye, no make-up besides foundation and concealer. it's much easier to explain what's going on without my eyes lined!

Step two: Use your regular mascara on your top lashes, as many coast as your prefer. (I leave about 30 seconds and blink as much as I can to dry it a little before going for a second coat.)

I still use the combination of mascaras I outlined in this post, I'm hunting for a new lengthening formula though!

Step three: Bring out the bottom lash mascara! Note the itsy little brush? Not only is it good for using on your lower lashes, but it is epic for getting to lashes in the corners of your top lashes!

Woo! All done! Now flutter my pretties.

Tip of the day: How to make legs appear longer and slimmer

Of course I would make a post about this while the weather is utterly monsoonal in Brisbane ...
A quick trick for making your legs appear longer and slimmer is an oldie but a goody, and the more (Fake) tanned your legs are the better the effect will be.
Take one shimmery high lightening make up product. The best for this is some sort of stick, but you can also use liquids or even a nude shimmery eye-shadow if you're in a bind. Try to find one that is paler then the skin on your legs for the best effect, silver for pale legs, gold for tanned, and champagne will go with a lot of in between. The next thing you want to do is locate your shin bone down the front of your calves, it's pretty much dead centre, from kneecap to ankle. Swipe your product down the bone and then blend from side to side until there are no tell tale lines.
How this works, is a lot like those optical illusion dresses with darker panels down the sides, by placing a subtle lighter stripe down the centre of your legs, you are creating an optic trick that will fool onlookers into thinking your legs are incredible.
Isn't science fun?

Source: Digitally Refreshing

Priceline Haul: January Bargains

So there's not really enough buys to constitute a haul but I waned to tell you guys about these buys before the sale ends. (You have until the 30th of Jan, Go!)
First of all, Priceline have taken 50% off(!!) the price of their beauty tool range. So make-up sponges, nail clippers, tweezers, make-up brushes, the range is good quality for the price, and to be honest, their isn't much difference between a $5 pair of nail clippers and a $20 pair. I picked up a cuticle clipper for less then $12, I've never found one cheaper before. and I can do my own manicures at home now! (Yay! Budget!)
I also picked up a small bottle of Lee Stafford Argan Oil (at 20% off) to keep at work, I used to keep my large bottle there but found I needed it at home, as well as work. I love hair oil, yes, my hair is oily, but it's also frizzy as at the ends and this tames it beautifully. If you haven't tried a hair oil, I highly recommend it in humid conditions. Just ask your hairdresser about it next time you're having a cut!

Last but not least I also picked up a set of Lady Jane hair extensions (at 20% off), This three pack in particular go along great if you attach them close to the bun when you're doing the high bun tutorial I posted some time ago, you just tease them like the rest of the hair and blend them in. You can also take them to your hairdresser to get them cut to blend in with how long your hair is if you plan to use them as highlights. You can also heat style them up too 210 Celsius! A hot straightener will surpass that, but  a medium setting SHOULD be Ok.

All of the above products are available from Priceline Australia.

The new Block Colour trend: Mod

Translating last seasons clothes into this season can be tricky but always fun, when the new seasons looks start to trickle out it can pay to keep an eye out for what looks similar to what you're wearing! I'm glad to say that last seasons bright colours trend has a friend in the new Mod stylings coming out now.
So let's have a look at what we can do.
The shift dress is often the first thing anyone thinks of when they think of Mod, and for good reason. It was a style staple to have your hems tiny and dress like a baby-doll. There are some incredibly cute variations that actually will suit a stack of shapes an sizes. To really amp up it up, buy some bright tights in a coordinating colour to really oomph it up, Something I'm loving at the moment is mustard gold and deep burgundy. Of course if you're not quite feeling it, a pair of black opaques will go with almost anything, and black shoes with black tights will make your legs look longer.

Otherwise a tunic and skinny jeans is a modern take on this trend. Sportsgirl have taken this trend and run with it, with cute collars, boxy tops and the perfect pants to wear with them, their Stevie style is ideal.

If you already have some cute high necked tops and want to add something to them, a lot of collars are in the shops waiting to be added. I bought one a while ago too.

Loving Sportsgirl's range out this month, all the items in this post can be found instore now.

GlossyBox!

GlossyBox is a new company that sends out boxes of (worthwhile) samples once a month to people who sign up and pay a small fee. After reading about them in other blogs I found that of course, curiosity got the best of me and I found that I wanted, no needed(!) to check them out.

I had a look through previous boxes and their contents and found they were pretty awesome, full size lip pencils and balms in the December box? Surely I don't mind scoring such bargains! So I signed up, in the name of beauty blogging to see what I would find.

When you sign up, their is the opportunity to pick and choose the type of products you're going to receive, according to your skintype, and weather you'd be interested in nail products, skincare, hair care etc..

First of all, the packaging, I have never received something so nice in the mail! Even the outer postage box is lovely, and inside it you find a gorgeous solid, reusable giftbox, with your goodies for the month inside. Ha, the symbol on the top is even vague enough that you really could reuse it in a present, homemade cookies anyone?
Inside I found a stash of both full and sample sized products, this month it's a liquid eyeliner, lipgloss, a scrub and two moisturisers, if I did the maths they would add up to more then $50 in value! Epic.

They also have a ripper loyalty program with reviews you give and new clientele you bring to the site contributing to payment for a GlossyBox,

One thing I do find an issue though is finding where to review the products, what you need to do is login, then click the 'products' drop down menu to find the month that your box arrived in, on that page you can then click 'feedback' to leave your thoughts and earn your dots. To be honest I thought that was a little hidden away. But if that's the only thing I can find to bitch about, I'd say I'm onto a great thing! So check them out at http://www.glossybox.com.au/ 

Avoiding hair product overload

So tell me, where do you first start to apply products to your hair? Whether it be mousse, gel, or oil out of habit it will often be the very top and front. But when you do this, your hair will become greasy and lanky in a flash, while the ends of your hair will be relatively product-less.
The trick to applying these sort of products is to start at the ends of your hair, it's easier if your hair is longer, but try to just apply product to the ends of your hair with your hands, and once you're done with that, grab a brush or combs and brush through the rest of your hair as your normally would.
The brush will carry some of the product up to your roots but not overload this section of your hair, where product overload can cause all kinds of limp, lank problems.
Of course it's also wise to start with just a tiny bit of product, less then what you think you need as you can always add more, but once you've applied too much you'll have to wash your hair!
This also doesn't apply to powder products, dry shampoo and hair powder/dust are designed to mop up grease at the roots, so you are fine to apply these there. My trick with hair shampoo is to spray it on, and then rough your hair up with a towel to distribute, this way there is much chance of that dandruff type build up you can get from dry shampoo.

Do you have any other tricks to stop product overload in your hair? Tell me in the comments!

Ra Ra Superstar Garage Sale Brisbane

Right about now I'm regretting my decision to budget budget budget and try and pay off my credit card, but that doesn't mean you can't go to this!
Over in Paddington there is an epic vintage store by the name of Ra Ra Superstar and today they're holding their Laneway sale. (yes, I should've told you early, bad blogger! Bad!) You can pick up dresses from as low as $15! and Accessories from as low as $5.
So the Details Birdette? Don't hold out on me!:
Where: Ra Ra Superstar store 284 Given Terrace, Paddington (Brisbane).
When: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Today! (21 of January 2012)

I hope you enjoy it and please show me anything you pick up!

Dita sets a date!

So as previously mentioned here Dita Von Teese is releasing a range of underwear through Target Australia. and a date has been set!
The range will be available on the 8th of February so jot it in your calendar and be first in line (with me!)

Loving this week: Lip Smackers Soda-Pop Caps.

So put up your hands if you didn't have a Bonne Belle Lip Smackers tube (or 7!) rolling around in your back pack and pencil case when you were at school? I'm guessing there aren't many hands that aren't in the air, everyone had them! And they were awesome, a nice little prelude into make-up, and a sign of things to come for those of us now who consider it a way of life.
I've never really grown out of having them in my bag, and have loved the soft drink incarnations since I first discovered them. Check this out!

Epic! Lip balm in bottle cap packaging, I'm hoping like hell that they've released the Dr. Pepper one in Australia, though I'm yet to see it.

What was your favourite lip smackers flavour?

Bought! Cushions by Pulp Kitchen

So I may have a soft spot for novelty cushions, but why not? Not only do they make your couch cozy but they're great to throw at my friend's kids when they come over and find I have no toys! (child free homes tend not to, but a three year old doesn't seem to understand that...)
That aside I actually bought the Valium cushion for the boyfriend. When he's in pain for some unknown reason *coughhangovercough* he'll usually want to sleep it off on the couch and just complain that he's not hungover, just tired. So here hun! Take the Valium and have a sleep*!
The Toast cushion was for me, and I'm hoping it doesn't make me hungry every time I see it! But how could I say no to that face?? These cushions are seriously comfy too, and for those that want a breakfast theme I also spotted a pancake stack!
These cushions would also look cute as sitting on your bed, and even the kitties have taken to snuggling up to them ... provided we stop rolling the Valium cushion along the floor at them.

Has anyone else shopped with Pulp kitchen before? What did you get?

*Ha, just to cover myself, Birdette doesn't recommend taking Valium unless it's been prescribed by your doctor!

Tip of the day: Quick fix for a bad neckline

Fashion Math time! There's always a dress on the rack that you adore and everything works on it for you, except the neckline. High necklines only ever seem to flatter those with a smaller bust because when a larger bust wears it, it can make you look ... well large. Meanwhile the opposite can be said as well, a low cut neckline on a small frame has made some of the girls I've seen out there look like a chicken wing. (Perhaps I was hungry at the time?)
Either way, there is a quick fix to this that doesn't involve a tailor. Grab some statement necklaces!
The big chunky bib styles that have been fashionable recently are amazing for this. In effect they create a new line for the eye and cut through that massive expanse of either skin or fabric, the bigger and bolder the necklace, the better job it does.
So next time you're trying on a dress with a neckline you would normally discard, think of what you already have (or could pick up cheaply) to try this trick with!

What other tricks do you use to make an otherwise unflattering style work? I'd love to know!

Jersey Pencil Tube Skirts

My new summer saviour. Pencil skirts are coming back into fashion with the trend turning back the clocks to a time where dressing like a lady was at its peak. How glam!
Pencil skirts have always been an office staple and I love them for it, but recently I've gone toward jersey tube styles. I never used to wear them out of the fear they would show every flaw and bump but I've been pleasantly surprised at how flattering they are, in a medium weight fabric and dark colour they are pure bliss!
If you're still wary, try and look for details like ruching to flatter and show off the good while hiding the bad, this skirt by ASOS is a perfect example.

You can also tie them in nicely with the panelling trend, check out this gorgeous skirt by Malene Birger, the dark side panels will slim down your figure brilliantly, optical illusions are epic.

Incoming: Bag on Bag trend

This was a trend I noticed emerging a little while ago but now that I've seen some more sites putting their weight behind it, I have more confidence in it. Twinset bags are not entirely crazy so much as it's actually quite useful. A lot of women I see about the city tote two bags around, albeit one of them is often either the large shopping bag of somewhere prestigious and not in Brisbane, (Harrods and Topshop anyone?) and the other is their handbag. Why can't the two of them match for a more chic look?
I'm not so much a fan of the two bags in the same style just in different sizes. I think if you get the smaller one that is certainly a handbag and put it with a larger tote style bag you're onto a winner. Look for the same fabric across two different styles for an easy way to do it. Check out my finds!

Matt & Nat do it with Fuchsia

More ideas after the jump!

Product Review: Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

I'm not afraid to admit that advertising helps me decide, a few years ago I even wore that statement on a t-shirt! I love the colour of this lipstick in the advertisements, to the point where I had to pick myself up a tube and give it a whirl. I'm not regretful at all!
I have to admit that I was expecting a different formula though, Max Factor describes the lipstick and I quote: "The Elixir formula contains a 60% blend of skin emollients, conditioners and antioxidants including vitamin E, for a visible transformation in the look and feel of your lips in just 7-days. As you apply the Colour Elixir Lipstick, it actively moisturises and smoothes lips."
I found that despite that claim, it was really matte. Perhaps I wasn't loading the colour on as much as they'd like, but I don't like smearing it everywhere. I also didn't really find it especially moisturising. Don't get me wrong, it didn't feel dry, and it was quite comfortable, but it didn't feel like it was conditioning my lips as much as the claims made me expect it to.

One thing I did really like was the staying power, I ate, I drank, I barely needed a touch up! Even when I went to gym at the end of the day and took it off with my make up remover, it took some real work to get it all off.

The colour is a nice pink shade of red that matches my NC20/NW20 skin tone. I also found it brings out the Balayage in my hair.

Swatch on forearm in cloudy, natural light

Poor lighting, I know.

Incoming: Hervana by Benefit

Benefit by far make some of the best face powders and cheek colours out there, so imagine my glee when I spotted this coming out soon. A gorgeous ethereal pink toned cheek colour that's 'Enough to make an angel blush'. Lol.
Hervana is quite a good medium between some of Benefit's heavier pigmented powders, like Bella Bamba that can be a little too loaded for some girls and Sugarbomb which is rather subtle. The idea is to stick the brush in and swirl to then apply to your face, but I've found the provided brush to be of little use. Admittedly it's still better then brushes provided in their earlier powders but even then I'd recommend to use a fluffy blush brush instead. It's also not worth trying to use each colour individually! The four shades work together marvellously and have a subtle sculpting shimmer to the final colour, just enough to sculpt with no chance of looking like you dove into a pot of glitter.
I'd use it as a soft colour pick me up, much like Dandelion as it takes quite a lot of product to produce a depth that's noticeable on your skin, so def recommended for the girls who want just a hint so their cheeks aren't bare.

Do you have a favourite Benefit powder? Tell me about it in the Comments!

Loving this week: Napoleon Perdis Double Agent Rouge Lip Palette

Brilliant concept! Napoleon Perdis has come up with a lip palette with a Semi Matte lipstick next to a setting powder for long lasting wear. It comes in a gorgeous shade of red is a cute little vintage inspired compact, with two brushes for application.
The colour goes on sheer but can be built up with a few layers for something a bit more punchy, then you pat the powder on to set. I'd recommend sitting down with some of the counter girls to see how it works and to see if the colour will suit.

The only issue I can think of is that it only comes in one colour! It may just be a case of testing the waters to see what customer reaction would be, but I think it's a good idea, a little gimmicky at first glance but it does the job to boot. I can't help but wonder what direction this will go in now?

Bought! ASOS haul

It's not so often that I spend a few hundred bucks on an online order and find every item I've bought to be amazing and perfect, but this was one of those times. I took some risks on what I was buying, a shift dress, on this frame, (size 12-14 with boobs, butt and a tiny waist)? I'm so so so chuffed with how amazing it looks!
I think the trick to finding a shift that will suit a curvier and bigger shape is to find one with appropriate darts. If you pick up a dress and the only darts it features are the onse on the sides of the bust, put it back, you need something that has darts that travel up the front of the garment somehow too. it is also imperative that you choose the size of your largest er, asset. For me, my bust is 12, and my hip is 14. BUY THE 14!

I also picked up a jewellery box that I've mentioned in a previous gift guide I posted last year, had to get one for myself. perfect for brooches and rings.

Oof, this next item is heeeeeavy! I didn't realize it had quite so much beaded fringing to it, so I'll have to take extra special care of it, it moves beautifully. A nice moody piece that'll take out at night.

All items featured available from ASOS.com

What bargains have you guys found in the sales? Tell me about them in the comments!

Bought! Stornas Table by Ikea

Yes, I have been bitten by the Ikea nesting bug much to my Fight Club loving boyfriend's disappointment. But at least I now have a solid timber dining table that I have wanted for months! The kitties approve of it too. I'm currently typing with Mischa curled up on a bundle of fabric next to me and since it has been assembled I can frequently find either one or the other sleeping atop it.

Sleepy Cat is Sleepy.

What drew me to this table was the idea that it is extendible, the smaller length fits nicely against the vast empty wall in my kitchen, but when I have more then one couple over I could fit 6+ people at it, (The + is more for high-chairs, I don't think I could really get more then six adults here). The solid pine wood is heavy and durable, a veneer just wouldn't cut it, with this finish I can strip it, paint it, stain it, whatever my heart desires over the years, and you wont get that nasty peel back that you get with veneers after some mishandling.
Being from Ikea, I had little luck finding a second hand table from markets, eBay and stores that suited my budget and tastes. With four matching Kaustby chairs the total came to still under $500.

The best mattifying product I have found

Phew, Heatwave! It's nice to finally see the sun up here in Brisbane but the heat has truly taken over our southern states, sticky, moist, and no chance of your make up staying in place. Or is there?
I found this product a year ago and it is amazing, I have never had nothing work as well on mopping up the oil on my face so my carefully applied make up doesn't end up a smeared mess when I try to use blotting papers. De-Slick in a tube by Urban Decay isn't available for an easy purchase in Australia (Boo!) but you can purchase it easily enough from sources on eBay, just make sure you go for someone who has minimal negative feedback. (Some negative feedback is just people bitching that the postage took a few extra days and meow meow meow, totally the biggest issue on the planet!)
The way I use it is as a layer underneath my foundation but above primer. Urban Decay tell us that it can also be used throughout the day on top of make up, but I haven't figured out how to apply it on top without messing up my make up.
The feel on your skin can be a little tight but for the mattifying power it has that's a small price to pay!

Recap: December 2011

Best purchase:

Zetta Tote from Mimco $119

Good advice:

The cost per wear Theory

OMG! WTF?:

Would you wear it? Prada

Cannot fricken wait!:

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese

Cuuuuute:

Dotti Cupcake memo pad