Bioderma Sebium Products Review

Hey Readers, it's great to have you here for my review of this range. Bioderma have been released in Australia for less then a year now but even before that there has been a plenty of buzz about them. Why? Because they're THAT good.
I was lucky enough to be sent the entire range of Bioderma's Sebium products to test out and review, which is perfect because it suits my skin to a tee. To describe my skin in all brutal honesty I would call it oily with a side of pores. The range has been specifically created for those looking to decrease and control oilyness, reduce the appearance of pores, and help diminish any acne. Cannot get much more suited then that.
The reason why I am reviewing this range is because in recent weeks they have released two key products, Sebium Global and Sebium Pore Refiner. I have been using the range in conjunction with my normal makeup removing cleanser in the evening, as you don't want to get this stuff in your eyes. A normal morning looked like this:
Cleanse for around a minute with Gel Moussant (or Gel Gommant to exfoliate for two minutes).
Apply Global if my skin was behaving well or AKN if I had any spots.
Apply Pore Refiner across my nose and cheeks to hide my pores.

Because the formulas do not contain sunscreen and are not recommended around eyes, I would then apply sunscreen and go about my makeup routine as per usual.

So how has that gone for the last month? While my skin is not particularly mattefied it feels much less congested and like it's operating how it should. Taking the extra effort to double cleanse with a makeup remover and the Gel Moussant in the evening has really helped. Straight after using the Gel Gommant scrub your face looks and feels amazing and applying the base products leaves skin feeling soft and perfect. I noticed my skin did clear up and my pores were cleaner while using the products, not shrunk but a cleaner pore is much less of a hassle to hide! The base products do make an excellent base for makeup, but the mattefying abilities didn't stand much of a fight against a Queensland never-ending Summer, but then again, what does? None the less because of the fact that my skin was much more refined and functioning better it did have less of an issue and just feels much more healthier.

Would I buy the range? I think I would, I have each of the bottle next to me as I'm typing this and the only one I wouldn't go for again in the micellar product, and that's only because I'm not a big fan of the cleansing water thing.

Something interesting to note is that while I was staying in Melbourne earlier last month is some horrid Wintery weather, my face felt tight when I used pore refiner all over, and it did feel quite mattefied. if you want a mattefying option for winter, it's a winner!

You can find these products at Terry White Chemists and Priceline Stores across Australia.
Please note that though I was gifted the range all opinions written in Bought by Birdette are my own.

Topshop launches in Brisbane!

Yes, completely aware that I'm a little late in this news and hopefully you've all already been to check out Topshop's gorgeous new store in Brisbane! During launch night I was lucky enough to gain access to the event and even ask Chairman of Next Athleisure Hilton Seskin (The company responsible for bringing Topshop to our shores) a few burning questions about Topshop.

How will Topshop/Topman cater to Brisbane?
A lot of research goes into any new location we open in, and we strive to understand the local fashion scene in order to tailor our collections to the audience. Combining this with our fast fashion philosophy, this is one of our key points of difference in the market.

Where will you be opening next in Australia?
These is a new location coming to Melbourne at Highpoint Shopping Centre and a store is planned for Perth in 2014.

Has Brisbane influenced the current collection?
We have sent Topshop/Topman designers to Brisbane to design exclusive wares for our latest audience. The collection we have in store here is custom selected and designed with Brisbane in mind, so there are many items in here that you won't find online or in other stores.

Are the collections in Australian stores what you'll find online?
Not quite, You will find completely new designs for each store each season and while there may be familiar themes we select different fabrics, shapes and stories across our stores.

What do you like about Brisbane?
I have been here many times and I'm finding that Brisbane is becoming more quirky. There is a renewed interest in the little laneway cafe and the trendy restaurant, There is a lot of personality and individual touches to find.

So how about that! I'm really impressed to find that amount of research and care is put into each Topshop location, Have you checked out the shop? What did you buy!

Chalky roots, Begone!

Chalky roots, ugh. Since becoming a pink haired fiend I've been washing my hair less and have become a slave to the wonderful world of dry shampoo. Always used it since it become the new thing but just never as much as I have in the last few months! Personally I love the Batiste brand as it comes in so many yummy varieties, but following that is Klorane, the scent may not be as delicious by but god it does the degreasing job like no other! Both of these varieties can be easily found at Priceline.

Anyway, I've discovered a neat little trick to avoid the chalky roots that makes it so obvious that you didn't have the time to wash your hair.
Spray your hair with dry shampoo the night before! You want to do it the usual way, shake the bottle, lift sections of your hair to focus on your roots and remember that a little can go a long way.
By doing this you ensure that while you're sleeping, the product will get dispersed throughout your hair and you won't get obvious marks. You may need to change your pillowcase, but to me that's a small price to pay for perfectly non greasy hair the next day.

Have you got any other nifty tricks for dry shampoo? What brands do you use?

How to choose the right Fake Tan for your Skintone

Summer's coming, for a lot of us out there it feels like it's already here too! So here I'm going to tell you how to avoid a common dilemma with an ubiquitous Summer product.
How many of you out there have used fake tan only to leave the experience looking like a Cheeto/human hybrid? Or even something more interesting? This has scared lot of girls into never going there again or worse, shelling out far too much money at the professional spray booths. Sunless Tans come in a massive array of brands and varieties that it can be hard to find which one will work for you, but hopefully you will know your skintone, and that can make selection a lot easier.

How to Fake a Beestung Pout in one step

I finally caved and bought the lipsick du jour and I'm so glad I did! Ruby Woo by MAC really is an excellent go to shade for those with cool colourings and the impact is amazing. When I wear it I feel like a gorgeous forties starlet, when lipstick was bold and glamorous. I find it really fascinating that when economies go down sales of prestige makeup actually goes up, even if ladies can't buy designer clothes they still want that designer pout!

My favourite tip for lips any day is to use a brow highlighting pencil to create that pillowy, Angelina Jolie look that both men guys and ladies swoon over. A good budget option I love is this one by Models Prefer, available from Priceline. Simply trace the outside edge of our cupids bow and the lower outside of your bottom lip before you apply lipstick and liner, to see what I mean have a look at the picture below:

Once you have drawn the lines, use your ring finger to gently pat the product to blend any harsh lines.

This is a great trick to use with any lip colour, but if you want to look even more pouty, dot a bit of complimentary shimmery eye shadow in the middle of your lips (gold or silver are ideal). I skipped this step as my lips need a little boost, not a full on transformation.

What I really find interesting is that when I went to a MAC counter some years ago and asked for a good matte red they didn't suggest this one. I may or may not have a large MAC red lip collection but when a brand does them so well it's hard to stop at just one.

Do you have a go to brand for lipsticks? What shade do you find yourself reaching for again and again?

Bioderma, Uriage and Nuxe coming soon to Priceline!

This is great news you guys! Priceline Australia are about to start stocking some incredible brands from France and I couldn't be happier. (Not having to use eBay to find potentially fraudulent cult status items? Defs a win!)
What am I talking about? Bioderma, Nuxe and Uriage! Three world famous brands and rightly so, their products have both stood the test of time and are coveted by those in both the beauty industry and at homes across the world. This is just a quick introduction to their star products, make sure you go and check out the ranges in store soon.

Bioderma is a cult status beauty brand. With the ubiquitous product Crealine in their arsenal they are a brand to be reckoned with. Bioderma create products with the belief that skin in distress not only needs to be treated but also encouraged to use its own resources to aid in healing itself, this has led them to create incredible non irritating formulas that will make those with sensitive skin weep with joy. What makes Crealine so special is the Micellar technology that attracts oil based cells. When applied to a cotton pad and wiped across the face it binds makeup, oils and pollutants to the pad without interrupting the skin. Quite often you'll find it's the only make up remover an artist will use because it's effective without irritating a model's overworked skin.

Chances are you have an oil product in your Beauty Stash and Nuxe may just be the brand you have to thank for this! Aliza Jabès (a Pharmacist's Daughter) created the Dry Oil product Huile Prodigieuse over two decades ago, introducing what would become one of the best selling beauty products around, a bottle of this glorious oil is sold every 6 seconds worldwide! You can use it in your hair, as well as your face and body. It absorbs super quickly and has the most heavenly scent. A great use for it is actually before you shower, Comb it through your hair and leave for 20 minutes -under a clean towel is ideal to create warmth- and them shampoo and condition your hair as normal.  Easy, gorgeous soft hair!

Something for those with problematic and sensitive skin, where even tap water can freak them out is the star product of Uriage. The product is so effective that there is even an Uriage Thermal Centre, where people can be treated for severe skin irritations using the special naturally balanced water sourced from Uriage-Les-Bains, near Grenoble, Uriage Thermal Water spray is the take home version. For every day users like myself it's great for setting make up at the start of the day with a quick spray but it also wonderful for use during the day. It won't ruin your make up if you give yourself a very light spray during the day, but will in fact refresh it. I think it's going to help me survive summer!

These brands are going to start appearing on Priceline's shelves soon and are expected to be out by mid October, so do yourselves a favour and keep an eye out for them, Bioderma is already available at Terry White Chemists if you just can't wait though!

Have you ever used these products before? What did you think of them? Be sure to tell me in the comments!

Products have been provided for consideration.

Winter Facials by Guinot

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Pritchard of Guinot (pronounced Ghee-no for those new to the brand) to experience a Liftosome Facial, one of two Winter treatments (the other being the Hydralift Treatment) available from Guinot that lifts and firms the face. So off to Outshine Beauty Salon and Medi spa in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane I went to check it out.
Outshine is a chic little beauty haven nestled just off James Street where you can easily spend a day exploring some of Brisbane's best shopping. I've recently rediscovered this little nook down the hill from Fortitude Valley and love it to bits!

The Liftosome Facial from Guinot

What makes this facial so special?
Featuring a serum that includes four star ingredients (Pro Collagen, Alaria Esculenta, Vitamin C and Bio-peptides EL and CL) the treatment will take around 45 minutes. During the process they also apply a special clay mask that heats up to a gentle warmth to ensure that the applied product works its way deeper then usual into your skin for even better results. I asked to have a look at it afterwards, and it was interesting but also a little scary to see just how thick it was! It didn't feel that heavy at all.
Your beauty therapist will then massage your face, neck and decollete with the serum. This was my favorite part of the treatment, it's so relaxing to have an expert treating your skin with such care and excellent technique.
You also get some amazing results after just one treatment with firmness increased by 26.5% and wrinkles diminished by 20.4%
The end result is firmer, brighter skin with added perk. This is an ideal treatment for a special occasion as the results are quite immediate, but will get still improve even further after a short program of facials. I was really stoked with the results but felt even better about them when a friend of mine who didn't know I was going for this facial commented that my skin looked amazing two days later. She wanted to know what I had been doing differently lately!

For those who are interested in the Hydralift Treatment, while I didn't experience one firsthand I can tell you that it is an effective method to exercise the muscles in your face. Much like your body, your face benefits from working out too to give you a youthful look. By draining toxins and stimulating muscles the treatment reshapes, tones and firms, while minimizing fine lines. Products used during your Hydralift session will be tailored to your skin type with a choice of half hour, full hour or two hours for your treatment. Further sessions have the added benefits of being even more effective in banishing wrinkles and lifting the eye area.

For more information, please visit the Guinot Australia Website where you can also find your local Guinot treatment supplier.

Please note that while this service was complementary, the above opinion is purely my own and in no way swayed by any third parties.

Daiso now open in Myer Centre Brisbane

I am very pleased to inform you all of an amazing chain of stores that has arrived to Australia and have just made their way to Brisbane. (Topshop, I'm still waiting.) Daiso Japan are a unique concept, while you may think you have seen every form of reject and two bob shop around, They aren't anywhere near as epic as this.
The main shtick of the stores is that everything they sell is the meager price of $2.80 AUD. I described it to friends this week as a store you will find almost every knick-knack you would see in a house. After visiting it over the weekend, I wasn't disappointed.
The place was completely humming with people but I spent a good hour trawling the shelves. what I love about it is the authentic Japanese variety of goods dispersed in a range of everyday Westerner items. Double eyelid tape next to eyelash curlers, Traditional Tabi socks, Pocket sandwich makers next to Pasta spoons.
Topped off with the cute manner that Japanese gets translated into English all over the product labels and you have an entire store brimming with stuff to make you smile. I recommend picking up everything you don't quite understand and having a read of what they do, some of them are pretty nifty.

Check out what I hauled after the Jump!

Aveeno Skin Relief

As I've previously mentioned, my mother wasn't someone who I learnt a lick of my beauty routine or knowledge from, while my grandmother's on the other hand have occasionally given me great pearls of wisdom over the years. For instance, one of my grandmothers believed in oatmeal baths for itchy sensitive skin to calm it right down. We didn't know the science behind it but by goodness they worked a treat.

The goodies from Aveeno

Aveeno have taken the science behind this phenomenon and rolled it into their amazing Skin Relief moisturising range of skincare products.They were kind enough to send me both their Skin Relief Body Wash and Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion to try out and I couldn't wait to get my mits on them. They have been on the scene since 1945 and the world famous Mayo Clinic was their first customer! Aveeno have got to be doing something right!

I'm not great at keeping up the routine of applying moisturizer after every shower I take but I promised myself to make a good effort to try out the wash and moisturizer every time I got my body wet, and my skin is singing with joy that I did! Left to its own devices my skin can get really awful, to the point of scaly even. But normally it itches up such a storm that I have to take action before then. While using Aveeno, the wash was a very gentle clean with a light lingering softness, while the moisturiser replenishes the moisture that showers and baths can unfortunately sap. My skin after over a fortnight of use is softer, more even toned and it even has a nice glisten from being so damn happy!

One of the really good things to note about Aveeno and their ranges is that their products are also backed up with science and testing, a lot of companies out there make outrageous claims about what their products can do with barely a step into the laboratory. Like so:

"Alright folks can it moisturise?"
"Well it moisturizes until the high alcohol content content dries it up ..."
"Good enough! Lets label it quick drying and be done with it."

You always have to look for the asterix in the claims people. Aveeno spend a lot of time making sure their products do a really top job of what they say they're going to do and because of this standard of quality they have been recommended by dermatologists for more then 60 years.

What I didn't like about the moisturiser was the smell, there is a subtle lanolin kind of smell to it, and while it is very subtle it still reminds me of the sheep on my mother's farm. Lucky there's fragrance free varieties too then!

I would definitely recommend both products to those with sensitive skin, they are incredibly gentle products that soothe and smooth skin that normally like to riot. but even if your skin isn't sensitive I would say they are a good choice for fuss free and thrifty body care products.

The right way to use a Hairpin; Discuss

I came across this Meme the other day and admittedly I had a giggle, but it also made me stop and think, it's a good point, have we been doing this wrong the whole time?

I have asked a few of my friends who work in hair and beauty and heard a myriad of opinions. Some of them had the same reaction as me (What is this witchcraft!) While some others had heard of it and tipped me off as to why this method is useful.

Apparently by using the hairpin (hair grips, kirby grips, whatever) with the grooves towards your head makes the pin fit your head better, as well as ensuring a better grip on the hair it's holding.

But why do pins normally curve to fit your head on the straight side? Why do they have pretty things glued to the side that kicks out too?

I tell you what, I am puzzled. It seems that manufacturers believe they should be used one way, but hairdressers and other frequent users of the product have developed new ideas.

So perhaps we look for hairpins that don't curve along the straight side and use them in this new way?

What do you think of this new information? Will you be changing the way you use hair pins from now on?

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Highlighter

Beautiful, glowy complexions are always in fashion. I have done a comparison post on two very effective Illuminating Concealers in the past but I thought I would try something new when my last one ran out, enter L'Oreal Lumi Magqiue Highlighting Pen.

L'Oreal Paris have created the Lumi Magique range (also including a Primer and foundation collection) to help give tired and fatigued complexions a nice bit of pep to look alive and awake, and really, who wouldn't want this? Even the best of us are often tired! By using something called 'liquid light technology' and the lovely and soft brush applicator you have a very potent weapon to bring some alert to your look.

Lumi Magique Pen Swatches in Medium

The product itself does a fantastic job of concealing in a highlighting manner. Great to use for concealing under eye bags and for application around the nose and above the cupids bow to add a three dimensional effect to your complexion, and battle any shadows on your face. The formula is creamy and dries with enough time to blend properly, with the ability to layer for those really pesky blemishes..
The pen like packaging is sleek and perfect for taking on the god, taking up very little room in your makeup case, ideal for touch ups through the day and tiny enough for any overnight bag.
While using Lumi Magique I found only one real negative, the amount of clicks to get enough product to use varies greatly from use to use, and I'd find myself getting frustrated too easily and ending up with too much product. Despite this, I felt the brush really was beautifully soft and ideal for applying the product (with some patting with my ring finger afterwards to blend).
One thing I did find interesting as well was that I ended up buying the medium shade, finding it suited my light complexion more then the light shade did, so make sure you do some testing in sunlight before you buy.

Have you tried any of the Lumi Magique range? Tell me what you thought in the comments!

Have we found the best Lip Balm?

'm not one to utter the acronym HG (Holy Grail) often, in fact I don't think I ever have on this blog before. But I'm so fond of this product, it deserves a massive pedestal to be placed beneath it.
I'm  talking about Nivea's Essential Care Lip Balm.

Lip balms are a beauty product that everyone who cares about their appearance tends to use, and use often! Caring for your lips is paramount to creating a youthful look, soft full lips are universally appealing. The reason why I love Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm so much is that it feels unlike any other balm I've used. It's just so damn nourishing! You know that awful addiction your lips can get with -lets face it- most lip balms on the market? Where if you don't reapply every two hours your lips start chapping more then they were to begin with? I've never had a trace of that with Essential care, instead lips are given great moisturisation, a soft and supple feel and absolutely with no signs of balm addiction. It lasts and lasts as well,

My favourite use for it is just before bedtime, apply it liberally to wake up with gorgeous soft lips ready to go for the next day.

Do you have a HG Lip balm? What do you use?

Pure Pink Red Perfection - Maybelline Coral Crush

We're certainly onto a lip theme this week! not a bad thing in my view at all.
So I may have cheated a little on my Thrift Challenge (actually, I did quite badly for a little while there, but that's another story). But I really think it was worth it.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coral Crush is a lip colour that I've been dying to get my hands on. Week after week it was out of stock wherever I looked, I even went so far as to buy it from eBay, but when it arrived it was the complete wrong colour, (right tube, right name, wrong colour, WTF??) So when I spotted one lonely tube of it in a Priceline I don't normally venture into, of course I pounced on it.

Coral Crush is about as pink as you can get and still be able to call it coral, due to the low saturation of red it is quite a young shade with plenty of pop. It looked stunning on my light skin with dark features complexion. I don't think it'd work quite as well on a blonde, a little too barbie.
Also worth noting is that it takes a few coats to get a strong colour. One layer is rather sheer, so if you don't want such a punchy shade it's still quite workable. I really like that it's a versatile shade of pink, it sits on the fence for a lot of things, not a lolly shade, not a Nanna shade, not a nude shade etc etc.
If pinks are your shade of lip colour, or one that you're thinking of adding to your lipstick wardrobe, I'd certainly recommend giving this one a try.

The Best of Bought by Birdette 2012

Hello everyone! How did you enjoy the holiday period? We're glad to be back in business here at Birdette Headquarters to bring you all a wrap up of the most popular posts of 2012. Did your favourite make it in?

Most read Beauty Post:

How to Hair  - Serena van der Wooden's Ponytail

Always a goodie, sad to see it for the final time on TV last week but unfortunately for Gossip Girl lovers the show just wasn't what it used to be.

Most Pinned DIY:

Make Your Own Easy Fabric Bunting

A surprising success, and I do have to admit I still haven't entirely finished mine! It's about 7 metres long, I just keep running out of tape or missing flags to finish it off! I know there's a few more flags somewhere... lol.

Purchase of the Year:

Zara Plaited Leather Shopper Bag

Still a Favourite for readers all over the world, this classic bag is high up on many shopping lists.

Best Discovery:

Trilogy Rosehip Oil

If you don't already own this, I still highly recommend you give it a try, nothing else has helped me with my uneven skin tone more.

Best Tips and Tricks:

How to make your Eyes Brighter

How very well timed! I can imagine more then a few of us will be sporting bleary red eyes after partying tonight! Here's how to minimize the the appearance

It's been a good year here at Bought by Birdette and we're very happy to have you all as readers! You've been steadily growing and spreading the word and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. If you don't already, please take this chance to follow us to keep up to date. You can choose from Twitter, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, or Bloglovin, and please keep in touch! We love to know what you're loving, and want to see more of. (Comments and Shares! Yay!)

Thanks again for an awesome year and your continued support, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year, Be the best you can be, and take care of yourselves.

The Quick Drying Faux Glow Advantage - Le Tan Tanning Gel

Tanning is something I used to do a lot of while I was in Fashion School, I had a strange perception of what was a healthy size back then as the vast (VAST!) majority of classmates were a size 10 or under. I felt huge in my then smaller size 12-14 frame. I used to give myself a little self esteem by at least having a great fake tan. It's something I haven't done in a few years, but at least I have a great array of new products to try!

Le Tan Tanning Gel in Bronze (Product does not come with mitt)

One of the first I purchased is Le Tan's Tanning Gel in Bronze, being pale skinned and a novice again I didn't want to try the deeper tone. What particularly drew me to this product is that because it's a gel, it dries fast and works better with oily skin. All the better to defeat that icky product coated feel you can get with creams.

It's a clear formula with only a hint of the colour that's to come, This is fantastic when you're trying to keep the colour off your clothes and sheets but very problematic when it comes to knowing where you have applied the Tanning Gel. This can be alleviated with the use of those great application mitts you can usually find right next to the Tan range at most stockists.

My first impression is great as this is certainly one of the better smelling Tanning products on the market, there's a subtle coconut smell that doesn't start to resemble fake tan until a few hours later. If you pop the gel on just before going to bed, you won't even notice it. The products glides on nicely and there's no need to really works with it, just make sure you have applied it evenly before it quickly dries. As you can deepen the colour by applying a second layer once they first one dries. A big positive is that it won't rub off once it has dried the way that some others can, once its set it's pretty much unstoppable.
With one layer the colour is nice and subtle and hard to pick as fake, but I have to recommend you stop there, if you want to go a little deeper you ought to apply a tanning moisturiser over the top. Two layers of the gel was just too much when I gave it a go. Of course to keep the colour looking as good as possible you need to moisturise at least once a day, twice is ideal.
So in summary:

What I liked about it - 
The quick drying formula and scent.

What I disliked about it - 
Transparent formula.

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it?

GIft Guide 2012 - Priceline Stocking Stuffers

This is part of a series of gift guides I am putting together and posting up until Christmas. Please be sure to check out the others Here! 

We're getting down to the last week now, and it's truly heading towards panic stations. Unfortunately you don't have much chance of receiving anything from overseas in time now, so it's into the shops we go!
Priceline has a great range of stocking stuffers, ideal for tweens, teenagers, women, and the odd surprise for boys and girls too. As far as I'm concerned, to make an gift a good stocking stuffer it has to tick a few boxes:

• Bulky - Does it take up a substantial amount of room in the sack?
• Suited to the receiver - Men won't often appreciate a Hello Kitty bathwash.
• Good item to price ratio - Gives you change from a $20? Good. Gives you change from a $10? Perfect.

Here are my current picks from Priceline - 

A - Models Prefer Hot Hair Styling Kit

B - Batiste Dry Shampoo Bonus Packs

C - Umberto Giannini Hair Styling Kits

I love how retro glamour is coming back, this curling tool kit will get you well on your way to getting perfect curls. The Batiste packs are awesome, for about the same price as a normal bottle they have released two varieties with useful hair tools: A hair towel and a shower cap. I may have bought a pair just for myself, (I was in the market for a shower cap anyway....)

With the Umberto Giannini packs, I'm not sure if they're available from all Priceline stores as I only spotted them at Carindale. However, if you see one, snap it up. I don't think you will find a cheaper way of purchasing the tools included, hair donuts, tail combs, velcro rollers etc. and last I saw they had buy one get one free ...

Have you nabbed all your presents yet? Who do you still have to shop for?

Loving this week - Bargain leather goods and Mecca Maxima

December is here and that means I can officially get all Christmas-y without anyone cracking the sads that I'm getting in too early. Hurray for that! I love this time of the year because the weight of the year starts to lift off everyone's shoulders. Even people on the street seem to smile more.

Of course it also means great deals for shoppers too, so I've been pounding the pavement (or carpet in Westfield Carindale's case!)

Colette is a store I haven't paid much attention to, I noticed when suddenly they appeared in almost every mall overnight but I've been afraid that my allergy would prevent me from wearing the jewellery. However I was walking past the store when I saw new posters up talking up their new leather range, Always keen for a leather handbag I had to check them out.

Nice, simple and clean lines are a great first impression to make on the handbags. However, when you look a little closer the top corners of the bag actually clip together internally and form a new bag shape, and a gorgeous one at that! I'm sorry to say I couldn't find any pictures of the alternate way to wear it, but I think it's worth going to the shops and checking them out, it could just be your brand new handbag (and matching wallet!) It also currently comes in other shades of tan, dark blue, and a pinky coral hue.

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I have waited this long to check out the new Mecca Maxima, or any Mecca Maxima in that case! I've been shy. It's like that feeling you get when you see the security guard on the doors of Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes you don't feel brave enough and run away! But after entering I don't know why I felt that way. I almost squealed out loud at some of the cute stuff I found! Heart shaped foam hair rollers anyone? Don't mind if I do ...

Comes in a pack of six

I also picked up some Soap and Glory goodies that I'll talk about after I've given them a go. The tools section was of course unbelievable but the range of hard to find brands is awesome. I'm really glad to see that someone who has the means to has opened up the world of international niche cosmetics to Australians who would otherwise resort to eBay or overpriced international postage. After leaving the store I'm already plotting my purchases for next time in my head.

Rimmel BB 9 in 1 Cream Review

BB Cream by Rimmel

So I picked this up in store the other day, because the one thing I really need in my bathroom is another BB cream (Ha!) but for the price, I couldn't bring myself to say no.
What stood out for me most in the advertising would have to be that it has the highest SPF out of all the BB creams that I've seen on the market, at SPF 25 you get a level of protection that is usually reserved for products that are designed only to protect you from the sun, and not improve your appearance instantly.
Another point that I like about this product from Rimmel over others is the shade range. Yes it's only three but that's still more then other ranges, and the light is actually light! It works on my pale porcelain skintone and may even work in Winter when my skin goes completely void of colour.
The claims are that this product is 9 in 1 which is a very impressive number of tasks to roll into just one product. The list is that this product Primes, Moisturises, Minimises Pores, Conceals, Covers, Smooths  Mattifies, Brightens and helps Protect. for me, I could say that it does most of these, but I'd say it has more of a dewy finish then a mattifying one, but that's good for those who want that finish. Also conceal and cover are kind of the same thing to me...
Texture wise I found it a lot like zinc sunblock, it took a bit of work to spread, and you had to work quickly with the product before it began to set, but once you had waited a few minutes afterwards it was quite immovable.
My ultimate test with BB creams is whether the coverage is good enough to not need foundation afterwards, and I'm glad to say that this did the job nicely, I still put some powder on afterwards as the dewy finish doesn't work for long with my oily skin.

Of course I accidentally deleted the picture I took of the close up swatch spread on the back of my hand ...

Bourjois Bonus!

Yay! It's freebie time for Bourjois at Priceline! When you spend over $25 in one transaction on Bourjois you get a free makeup case with goodies.

There are some pretty damn good items in this kit,vand they all coordinate beautifully for Summer. I didn't realize it at the time but the eyeshadow palette I selected to claim the bonus goes perfectly with this colour scheme too. Rose and Tan are a match made in heaven for illuminating your skin and adding some healthy looking colour to your complexion over the warmer months.

Smoky Eyes Palette in RoseVintage

Smoky eyes are a universally flattering technique for applying eye makeup and premade kits make it a cinch to coordinate colours, but you shouldn't just stick to basic black and brown. Trying it with different colours like this selection called Rose Vintage can help make your eyes pop and are also a great and subtle alternative for daytime wear. Build up the colour to your desired intensity.

Delice De Soliel Bronzing Powder

Shimmery bronzers like this one are better for using to add colour where you would naturally tan, instead of sculpting, though the brush included lends itself fantastically for shading gorgeous cheekbones! What sets this bronzer apart to me is the awesome and nifty swivelling mirror, you can spy on what's happening behind you with ease! (Lol!) Seriously though, the mirror is a great size for a travelling makeup kit.

Nouveau Gloss Effet 3D in Brun Rose Academic

This gloss is lovely, not too sticky,with a gorgeous amount of colour and a brush style applicator, and the shimmer is perfect for lighting up lips. More then happy to give this one pride of place in my makeup kit for Summer!

Loving this week - Summer boots, Oil and it's finally raining!

I'm a fencesitter, while you get most people who are very black and white about things I tend to find the good in both ends of the spectrum. I like cats AND dogs, Summer AND Winter. But most of all I love it when a piece that would usually be relegated to one season, can be worn in the other.
Cut out boots are going to be huge this Summer, and already there are enviable versions in store. Balenciaga have an awesome pair but not everyone can reach that price point. Here are two styles that I would love to add to my shoe rack, perfect to throw on with a summery above the knee dress. These two varieties by Jeffrey Campbell tickle my fancy. The Tripoli Cutouts almost look normal from the front but feature a sneaky cut out around the heel, while the chunky flatform of these Roscoe Cutout Boots rock my socks.

Nothing beats an oil to remove hardcore makeup. They operate on the notion that like attracts like to remove the day without stripping your skin of its natural protection. So far all of the ones I've found are just too expensive for me, So when I spotted Cleanse off Oil by MAC for $15 a bottle I figured I'd have to give it a try. Add to cart.

Lastly, it's raining.. Oh my god. It's been about 3-4 months since we're had proper rain, and the days where it's sprinkled I could count on one hand. I miss the way the world is lit with white light under the clouds, the way water runs down the window panes, and the crisp, clean scent. Snuggled on the couch with a book and a nice hot cup of tea. These are my favourite kind of days.