Sunday 29 December 2013

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer; 101 Celestial

Rimmel, you always produce some winner products.
Rimmel is my favourite make up brand, I have countless items of their products. Their lip product range is incredible, their lipsticks, glosses, lip stains and liners are all winners and there is something for everyone.
I recently popped into a discount chemist and I could not resist looking at the Rimmel stand. I noticed that it was 50% off, which is just fabulous! In Australia, store make up brands are so expensive, meaning I often wait around for the special offers. This was my chance to try the rather hyped Apocalips, can we take a moment to appreciate the creativity of the name?
I'm a bit late on the bandwagon with the Apocalips, but at an average price of $14, I couldn't justify spending that much on it. However, when I saw 50%, I began to round up the coins in my purse to purchase the product I've wanted try for months and months.
Now, the trouble was picking a colour. I cannot pull of the bright shades or very nude shades, I every much needed the perfect pinky nude known as Celestial.


The colour is perfect for my pale complexion, not too 'out there' but not too basic. The colour just adds that something special to your lips. The application couldn't be simpler. The doe foot applicator makes it an ease, but I do recommend applying with a mirror, it can get messy without. What is wonderful about the product is you can mute it down by blending it out with a lipbalm, or add more to it to make the colour bolder.

I now have my eye on the colour, Nova.
Have you tried the Apocalips? What colour is your favourite?
Thanks for reading! :)

Monday 23 December 2013

The Christmas Tag

I have seen this tag floating around the world of blogs and YouTube, and I loved the sound of this tag, so I thought why not give a tag a go?


Here we go,

What's your favourite Christmas movie?
If you haven't been up to date on my festive blog posts, I have been doing regular posts on my favourite Christmas movies, so go have a stalk of those. My top three are Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday.

What's your favourite Christmas colour?
I love gold, silver and royal purple. Trust me, narrowing it down to three was a challenge.

Do you stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?
In PJ's for most of the morning, then dress up nice. :)

If you could only buy a present for only one person, who would it be?
Oh this is too hard! I love getting Christmas gifts for others, I don't know if I could only buy for one person! Choosing presents for others and seeing their faces light up, is one of the best things about Christmas.

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas Day! I couldn't open them Christmas Eve, I would feel like I would be cheating on Christmas Day.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house? YES! Let's just say it fell to pieces, multiple times. Was not successful, icing tasted amazing though.

What do you like to do on your Christmas break? Relax, take time out for myself before the new university year starts again, just enjoy myself and be in good company of others.

Do you have any Christmas wishes? Well, I do love those Cadbury Chocolate Wishes, could go for a few of them right now. Cadbury, take note here, do not take them away once Christmas is over, chocolate tastes amazing in star form. :) On a serious answer to the question, I wish to have a lovely day, filled with smiles and treats.

What's your favourite Christmas smell?
I love the sweet and spicy scents, like the smell of cinnamon, peppermint, anything sweet scented really.

What's your favourite Christmas meal or treat?
Too many to name! I love it all, I have quite the sweet tooth, so bring the Christmas truffles, shortbread, cakes, gingerbread my way. They will be consumed happily.

What's your favourite Christmas drink?
It's always hot for Christmas, but when there's the occasional cool day on the lead up to Christmas I love a good chai latte, apple and cinnamon tea, or a Christmas themed drink from coffee houses menus, and Christmas biscuits. However when its hot, cranberry juice with carbonated water, bliss!

Candy Canes or Gingerbread men?
Oooh, this is hard to choose, but I think gingerbread men have an edge. :)

What's your favourite Christmas song?
If you haven't been keeping up with my festive posts, every so often I link one of my favourite Christmas songs, so go have a stalk on my blog of my favourite Christmas songs. :)

What's the weirdest gift you've received?
I cannot think of any!

What's at the top of your Christmas list this year?
I don't think there's anything, nothing is springing to mind, I'm a tad stuck on that one!

That was fun! So anyone give it a go and if you do, do this tag let me know please!
It's nice to reflect on Christmas traditions that you may have.

Merry Christmas,
Stephanie.






Sunday 22 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Movies #5 - Noel

This movie can bring a tear to my eye. It's a beautiful film and worth a watch. The film has a similar basis to Love Actually, of characters being linked together in some way or another.
Noel focuses on strangers, who are linked together and meet each other at separate times, by several events that take place on Christmas Eve.

This has to be the one I love to watch the most. It tugs at the heart strings, can make you smile and can make you giggle. Time well spent watching this.

Have you seen this film? What did you think?

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Friday 20 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Movies #4 - Christmas with the Kranks

Not a typical favourite Christmas a person would pick, but I just love this film (along with the past three I listed before).
I remember first seeing this film with my mum, and it is one of her favourites too. Thus, naturally it would become one of my favourite Christmas films.
The film is based from a book called Skipping Christmas. The storyline follows a couple who decide to skip Christmas one year since their daughter is away for the season. However, the Christmas spirit and festivities suck them right back into celebrating Christmas.
It's a funny film to watch during the lead up to Christmas.

Have you seen this film? Comment some of your favourite Christmas films. So close to Christmas now!

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Tunes #4 - It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

 
Ohhh, Michael Buble, your beautiful voice will forever have my heart. Ooft. This song is just beautiful and it is a signature song to have playing during the Christmas season. This is a cover of the original song I believe, but after all the covers I keep on coming back to the Buble. A joy to listen to.

Do you love this Christmas tune as much as I do? Can you believe how close Christmas is, I still have to find gifts. Anyone else in the same boat as me with that one?

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas now
Love always,
Stephanie

Saturday 14 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Movies #3 - Love Actually

Okay, so this movie makes me believe that my love life will never be satisfactory until someone runs through an airport to stop me from getting on a flight. I love how every time I watch this movie, I feel so uplifted and positive. It's probably because at the ends on the beautiful sentiment, 'love is actually all around'. When I reflect on it, it truly is. It's a beautiful film to watch during the Christmas season as it lets you reflect on what you are grateful for. It just reminds me of the fact, love is all around.
The film is set in the city of London and follows the lives of numerous characters whose lives are intertwined in some form. The film starts from five weeks before Christmas and follows weekly countdown until Christmas.
The cast is incredible, beautifully scripted, I cannot speak more positively about this.
I feel like this is the Christmas movie for 'grown up's', so the children have The Santa Clause (but hey, I still love to watch that). Nevertheless, it's still has that Christmas film appeal to young adults/adults.


I have to say, this is a movie I will always adore and love. Do any of you love this movie?


Don't forget, Love actually is all around,

Love always,
Stephanie

Friday 13 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Tunes #3 - Mistletoe

Okay, so I'm not the greatest fan of Justin Bieber, I'm just not a die hard fan. However, one song that I adored during the Christmas season a couple of years ago was his Christmas song, Mistletoe. It's gorgeous and the lyrics just describe Christmas perfectly. It's a lovely simple song for the festive season, and I could listen to it for hours. Just gorgeous.


It's the most beautiful time of the year, lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer.

So how about you all? are you the same as me, not the greatest fan of him, but will happily have a cheeky listen of one of  his songs? Let me know in comments. :)

Not long now to Christmas.
Love always,

Stephanie




Wednesday 11 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Tunes #2 - All I want for Christmas is you

You know its Christmas time when department stores resurrect the classic 'All I want for Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey.
Now, I'm not going to lie, I do love this song, its the Christmas pop song that department stores, shopping centres use to death, and I'm that person that sings along while browsing the aisles.
It is the Christmas lyric that everyone joins in on; 'ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS.. IS YOOOOOOOOOUUU!'


This song will always be a favourite during Christmas time because once the department stores and shopping centres start to play this tune, it's the Christmas season.

So, are you like me and sing along to this tune? Is it a song you love to hate, or just love? Let me know.
Christmas is coming! :D

Love always,
Stephanie.

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Tunes #1 - Underneath the Tree

Okay, Christmas isn't Christmas without a Christmas song to sing along to. So over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing a few of my favourite Christmas tunes. Now the fabulous Kelly Clarkson has released the Christmas album 'Wrapped in Red', which is just beautiful. One of my favourite tracks is Underneath the Tree. I think I like it so much because its such a pop beat. This song is catchy and Kelly's voice is incredible, so take a listen, does it get you in the festive spirit? I can honestly say makes me want to dance, and sing around the kitchen baking Christmas biscuits. I might just go and do that.

Love always,
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Movies #2 - Elf

Two posts in a row? Gosh, I'm on to it.
Okay, the second favourite Christmas movie, is a favourite of everyone. It is.. ELF!
Now, I have not met a person who hasn't enjoy this movie. This movie will make you giggle and smile. This movie can put anyone in the festive spirit (and makes me wish it snowed here in December).

The movie follows one of Father Christmas' elves, who then discovers he is a human. The Elf known as Buddy travels to New York City  to meet his biological father, and spreading Christmas cheer wherever he goes. It's such a great, funny movie this is. Elf is a winner for young and old.

Sounds like a perfect date :P - Source

Whenever I watch this movie, I sing along to all the Christmas songs in the movie, and about four hours later after I finish the movie I'm still singing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'.
Proves how good of a movie this is.

Source
Now, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

Love always,
Stephanie

Sunday 8 December 2013

Favourite Christmas Movies #1 - The Holiday

Hello there! It's been awhile. :)

Since December is here, it is now acceptable to break out the Christmas movies. Now the first of my favourites is The Holiday. I have seen it many times, but on a recent supermarket trip, I saw it was $5 and well I couldn't resist picking it up to watch during the Christmas season.
This is such a good movie to watch during Christmas. The Christmas aspect is quite subtle but it is still there an perfect to watch one evening with some Christmas biscuits and a cup of tea.

Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Kate Winslet - The cast of The Holiday

The basis of the movie is focused around two women who have experienced some heartbreak and are wanting to get out of their home town for the holidays to avoid it all. One women is from L.A the other, from a small village in the U.K, who lives in such a beautiful cottage.
The women switch houses for the holiday season, but they both find love in the new towns they are in, but that's just the gist of it, so much more happens. Iris (Kate Winslet) and Myles (Jack Black) are my favourite little love story in the movie, just so sweet. I just love rom-coms, best genre for me, therefore The Holiday is the best pick for me during the lead up to Christmas.

So, I might as well go and watch it again now. Please comment some of your favourite Christmas movies! I would love to hear them.

Love always,
Stephanie.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

The Wishlist #2 - LUSH

On YouTube recently, I've noticed all my favourite YouTubers (boy, there's a lot of favourites), doing videos on their recent LUSH hauls. Lush is one of those stores I could spend hours in sniffing their delightful scents. Now I love baths in the winter, something so calming about a bath with candles. However, I'm not one turn one down during the summer. We all have those days where we just want to relax and switch off from the world.
Recently, I've complied a mental list of Lush goodies I would like to get my hands on inspired by all these Lush hauls that keep popping up in my subscription box. Now in Australia Lush is a bit more expensive than say in the U.K and I haven't been able to try a Lush bath bomb or soap.
This year, I figured I might spoil myself with a bath bomb, you know has a reward.

I was watching Fleur De Force's Lush haul and she said that she loves the spicy, cinnamon scents. I completely agree, something about cinnamon that screams Christmas. Fleur featured a bath bomb called Cinders, it smells divine! its orange, with popping candy on top. It's meant to re create the scenery of a bonfire, lovely. A whole lot of cinnamon goodness. It is a limited edition, Christmas item, which means I have to snap one up ASAP.

The second item on my Lush wishlist is to test out Candy Mountain! Now this one screams me. I adore sweet scents, sickly sweet scents, and this smells a bit like Snow Fairy. Which everyone seems to love, another thing to add to the list! Candy Mountain is a bubble bar, which means you crumble the littlest bit under running water, and presto, a beautiful sweet bubble bath.

The third item on my list is a regular product at Lush, which is Rose Queen. I find the scent of roses to be the most relaxing thing. I know if I got my hands on this bath bomb, it would start a regular addiction. Rose Queen is also pink! could this be more up my alley?

The fourth item is from their soap range, I also believe this product is limited Christmas edition, Angel's Delight Soap. Oh my goodness, it was love at first whiff! it is so citrusy, which I love as the scent just wakes you up, just what I need. It's gorgeous! all multicoloured  and just lovely.

The fifth item on my wish list is the Twilight Bath Ballistic! I was told that this bath bomb is the most relaxing one they have, perfect for a relaxing, pamper night. It smells of calming lavender, which is the most calming scent I know of (besides rose of course).

The last goodie is their Think Pink Bath Bomb. Oooh baby, another sweet based scent! It's gorgeous, it smells of sweeties and vanilla. Perfect combo! This is a must try I think, with little coloured flowers on top, can it be any more cuter!

Sorry for such a text based post, but if I get my hands on some Lush goodies, would any of you like pictures and a review? Also let me know what is your Lush products? I can always add to my wish list. They are called wish lists for a reason right?!
Check out Lush!

Love always,
Stephanie

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Christmas Ideas #1 - Nail Art

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As my last post suggested, Christmas inspired posts are upon us, which I hope to inspire you. If you have any Christmas ideas and suggestions, let me know.  A fellow blogger friend posted on some of her favourite nail polishes, which spured me on to looking at festive nail art. I am not talented enough to pull off gorgeous nail art like this, but I can attempt it right? (cue nail polish remover and cotton wool pads)

My favourite one is the top left, how stunning is it! I wish I could actually recreate this, something tells me if I tried to, it would get real messy.

If you know any nail art, or have pictures of your own, I'd love to see them, further inspiration! :)

Love always,
Stephanie.

Monday 25 November 2013

My latest obbession #2 - Christmas treats and baking!

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9

 
I have been looking for some Christmas treat ideas to recreate from photographs. These are a few of my favourite photographs. Some of these if I ever tried to make wouldn't turn out as pretty as these, but I'm sure they will taste just as good! These look divine!

What do you all like to indulge in around the festive season?

Love always,
Stephanie

Sunday 24 November 2013

The skincare diaries #1 - Biore Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strip

I have found my holy grail product to getting rid of those blackhead/clogged pores (sounds quite ew), but we can't pretend that this doesn't happen to our pores.
Earlier this year I noticed I had a lot more blocked pores on my nose even though people couldn't see them, they could when they turned into a pimple! I didn't know why this was happening, I had a regular cleansing routine which included a facial scrub. Obviously, the scrub wasn't getting into the nose pores enough. This led to me going on the hunt for a product that could solve my pores woes. I tried an abundance of scrubs, still little to no change.
Until I decided to try cleansing nose pore strips, I was apprehensive at first as I heard good and bad things about what nose strips can do for the skin.
These Biore Deep Cleansing Strips are incredible! I noticed a huge difference within a month of using them.


The Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are amazing for the price. I purchased these for $3.99, but they might have been on offer at the chemist (lucky me). It contains tea tree oil and witch hazel which helps the skin further. I'm surprised my skin hasn't reacted to this, I have sensitive skin when it comes to products which means I spend time testing out a range of skincare products, finding a product and sticking with it. These Biore nose strips have become apart of my skincare routine  and I haven't looked back, they are a real skin savior for me personally.
What are your thoughts on the Biore Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips?

Now to the next challenge, finding the perfect facial moisturiser, as most unfortunately have the tendency to break my skin out. If you have any recommendations, please let me know!

Love always,
Stephanie

Saturday 23 November 2013

The Wishlist #1 - Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit Cosmetics have always been a brand I've wanted to try, but the price tag is a bit much than my purse will allow. I find myself lusting over the product counter, at products I would love to test out and see if these products live up to the hype.
I have four products on my radar that I have read about on many beauty blogs and many beauty youtubers. Benefit caught my attention again when I read Louise (SprinkleofGlitter)'s latest blogpost regarding Benefit's Christmas treats.
Here are my products on my radar (credit to Benefit Cosmetics);



Benefit Cosmetics - Perfume - 'Watt's Up' Highlighter - Mascara - High Beam


 
Under My Spell Noelle - I want to try this so bad! it just screams Christmas! The packaging is fabulous! I can't speak more wonderfully about this. Hopefully Father Christmas will leave this little gem for me.
 
High Beam & Watts Up Highlighters - I've been on the hunt for the perfect highlighter, most highlighters make me look like a discoball! Not the look you want on a sun bright day, trust me, I've been there. These have been raved and raved about, that I'm just itching to get my hands on them.
 
'They're real' Mascara - When Zoella and every other beauty guru raved about this mascara, I knew it was added to the wishlist. The brush interests me, it looks slightly similar to Define-A-Lash, but with more bristles which excites me, more to grab my lashes with.

Maybe if I won the lottery I would be able to test out these beauties.

What do you love from Benefit? I'm always happy to add more to my wishlist.

Love always,
Stephanie


 

My latest obsession #1 - Keeping Up with the Kardashians

It happened. I avoided this for so long, I tried to resist every time I saw a hilarious gif from the show, I resisted watching, I resisted all the magazines hyping up the family, I stood strong. This family were everywhere, you couldn't escape this worldwide famous family. It's happened, I'm hooked and I don't want to admit it, but I am. I've become so hooked on the Kardashians, that I was saddened to hear Bruce and Kris were separating.

Source

This new found love for a reality series happened one night, I saw that an episode was about to start, and thought might as well see what the fuss is about. That was my first mistake, which lead to my new obsession. This family my gosh! I wish that I had the wardrobes of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian and the wardrobes of Kylie and Kendall Jenner. (ALSO! as if I didn't know Brody Jenner was the son of Bruce, brought back memories of the The Hills) The girls fashion sense is amazing, one day I'll shop in DASH.
What makes reality television so addictive!? If you know the answer let me know!
What is your current obsession?

Love always,
Stephanie

Friday 22 November 2013

Lovely Scents #1 - Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears

I have an obsession. You see, I adore, love, obsess over perfumes. I have so many perfumes that I rather not confess the number to anyone reading this, it might shock you. However, I can never seem to stop collecting them, I'm a sucker for bargain perfumes.. and I wonder where my money goes.
I thought to myself, why not make use of my perfume collection and share some of my favourites with you all.
One of my absolute favourite perfumes of all time is Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears. Oh sweet lord, this perfume is beautiful.

Midnight Fantasy Packaging and Bottle

I'm a huge fan of Britney Spear's perfume range, and I've built up quite the collection as a result. Surprisingly, I prefer this to the orginal Fantasy (that one is fabulous too). Some may think that the bottle is a bit tacky, BUT I love it. It looks stunning sitting on my perfume shelf, I adore the colour and the little gems on the bottle.
Now, my scent vocab does not extend very far, but it smells like a deep sweet scent with hints of vanilla, musk, fruits and florals, thus making it a very sweet scent. Since my description couldn't narrow it down, I've found the fragrance notes for you all.

Fragrance Notes: Framboise, Black Cherry, Musk, Night Blooming Orchid, Vanilla, Plum, Freesia, Amber, Iris

I love to wear this perfume as an everyday wear, but sometimes it can be considered a bit too strong, but its perfect for a night out. This perfume I find to have such a long wear time, I would put it on in the morning, head for my bus, then to my second bus, arrive at university, then for someone to compliment the scent of the perfume near the end of the day. Either the lovely person complimenting has the strongest smelling skills or this perfume is the real deal for longtime wear.

Overall, I adore it. Do any of you reading this love Midnight Fantasy? What are your favourite perfumes? I'm always up for testing some new ones! :)

Love always,
Stephanie

Listen #1

I tend to waste spend my time happily on YouTube. I find I discover so many gems of 'youtubers', musicians, the latest movie trailers, and the latest music singles (yes, I do love me some mainstream music).
If there is one thing you should know about me, it's I love Disney, but then again who doesn't?
I recently heard through the grapevine there was a new Disney movie being released called 'Frozen'. The movie sounds amazing and I can see my best friend and I heading to watch it when its released in Aus.
I went on a bit of a tangent there, but my main point was one of the tracks in the movie is 'Let it Go' by Demi Lovato. When I first heard it, it was love. The lyrics are so lovely and has a message everyone could relate to. I can see me having this song on repeat for a long time!
Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn my back and slam the door

Take a listen! Let me know what you think?
Love always,
Stephanie

University Life #1

Recently, I just completed my first year of university (where does the time go!). I created this blog awhile back when I was feeling all inspired to blog but then university commitments came around this ate in to my time. However since I've finished I figure this would be a lovely way to keep me occupied.
I thought my first post could be some thoughts on my university first year experiences, maybe I can look back on this post and some memories can come flooding back.
I found my first year of university and amazing experience. Being surrounded by people who are similar to yourself makes making friends so wonderful. The people I have met in my first year, have inspired me to be more passionate about my course.
For me, personally, on my first day of university as corny and cheesy as it sounds, my first thought was here I am, a new chapter to the future and career I want. I love what I'm studying and being surrounded by likeminded passionate people makes it even better.
The workload is quite a step up from high school, but you soon quickly adapt. I was a bit of a nerd and high achiever in high school so I settled into the work load quickly. If you're passionate about what you're studying, the workload doesn't seem too bad. I believe you should study something you're passionate and interested in, that's the key here.

For anyone that reads this little post, thank you so much for stopping by and taking a read, much appreciated <3
Also, for anyone in university or post university, let me know of your thoughts on your experience at uni!

Love always,
Stephanie.