Avon mega effects mascara in blackest black

Never did I think I would need instructions on how to open or use mascara! Enter Avon...

I had to read the leaflet before knowing how to take the brush out, I didn't want to break it, so I did the smart thing and read the leaflet, which had pictures and really helped. 

My usual make up routine is quite simple, bb cream, bronzer, eyeliner and mascara. Occasionally I use concealer and blush. And extremely occasionally I use eye shadow.

So, Avon mascara fitted in perfectly with my routine! I added a bit of eye shadow for one of the pictures to give a fuller picture of what the mascara can do for you. However I didn't curl my lashes before hand, but they still look quite full and curly.

When I usually apply mascara I use my heated eyelash curler, then apply a coat of mascara, then once dry I use a normal eyelash curler to set it curled. I then apply eyeliner along my top and bottom lash line.

I did the same in this case, and found the mascara coated my lashes quite well, it gave a sort of false lash effect which I love. It didn't clump much, but I did have to use an eyelash brush after applying it and curling my lashes. It wasn't flaky at all, and dried really quickly. 

The mascara was easy to apply, once I got used to it. Remember to bend the handle while using it. It was quite messy though, I never get mascara on my top lid usually, but in this case most of my eyelid was covered in mascara. Lash cards would come in handy with this mascara! Over time I may get better at applying it, and hopefully won't have mascara on my entire top lid. The mascara itself is a great long lasting formulation, that really is "Blackest Black". My lashes look longer, blacker, thicker and curlier too.

The shape of the brush fitted my eye perfectly, although I couldn't get into the inner corner lashes very well. It was relatively easy to get to the base of the lashes and then brush out. Having the bristles in different directions separated the lashes before coating them, so lashes look longer and do not stick together.

I attempted to use the brush on my lower lashes too, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, unless it is your Halloween look.

On the whole this is a good innovation, and I'm sure other brands will catch on soon. I'm hoping that once I get the hang of it, the application won't be so messy. My usual mascaras are Lancome, Clarins and Estee Lauder, and this one fares well against them, so if you have patience and time to clean up I will definitely recommend this mascara, as the effect on my lashes is undeniable!

Have a look!

No eye makeup at all

The mess on my eyelids

Mascara only and liner on my lower lid

Mascara and classic smokey eye

Unboxing the October Rubybox- Elizabeth Arden Edition

For the October Rubybox, subscribers could opt in for a special Elizabeth Arden box, or stick to the normal box. I have always been pleased with the special boxes, so I opted in!

And I was pleased indeed!

I received the following in my box:

Prevage Serum

Prevage Day Cream

Prevage Eye Cream

Elizabeth Arden Lash Enhancing Mascara in Black

Elizabeth Arden Untold Perfume

Total Value... R600... Awesome!

I had also placed a boutique order, which arrived too. 

Sephora Shimmer Sheets: 90 sheets of shimmer, 30 bronzers, 30 blushes and 30 illuminators!

Has anyone use these sheets before? I am really excited to use these, it seems very convenient for travelling, which my boyfriend and I will be doing soon, Thailand and Singapore, here we come! 

Pink and bows- Breast Cancer awareness nail art

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

This is my stamping attempt, which didn't come out as I liked. But I had good intentions :)

I used Essie Pink Parka, and an Essence stamping plate, with Konad stamping polish.

Clicks finally has the Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Range!

I Walked into Clicks yesterday to browse, and look what I found! Finally the Sugar Coat polishes are here. 

There are some stunning pastel colours for spring, and black too. These polishes are textured polishes, and have a slight grit to it. I will post swatches soon.

I had to get me one, I have been after them for a while! So, I bought the Sour Apple shade, which is a stunning mint green.

I also found the nail polish corrector pen by Essence, which is quite useful to clean up the edges of your nails. And a Vitamin C Radiance Powder Mix from The Body Shop. I love the vitamin C range from The Body Shop, so I am super eager to try this!

Time to sugar coat my nails!

Dermagen Skin Care Supplements- Nourish your skin from within

I was lucky enough to receive two months supply of Dermagen Supplements, and I cannot wait to use it!

Dermagen is a revolutionary concept in skincare, meticulously developed by Fusion Laboratories. It is specially designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system while nourishing and revilatising your skin, and aims to:

Detoxify the skin

Treat skin disorders

Enhance skin clarity

Improve skin tone and elasticity

Reduce visible signs of ageing

THE RESULT

A significantly more radiant appearance.

The packaging is so cute, I love the red and white combination! 

This product contains ingredients such as Glutathione, Co Enzyme Q10 and even Collagen! I have listed the benefits of some of the ingredients taken from the website. 

Glutathione is considered the 'master antioxidant’. It is effective in the treatment of blemishes and pigmented skin, both of which are caused by oxidative stress. Glutathione binds liver toxins and facilitates the process of waste disposal, thus promoting clearer, healthier skin. The strong antioxidant effect of glutathione keeps cells functioning optimally and also inhibits the development of melanin , which determines skin tone.

Co Enzyme Q10, this miracle ingredient stimulates collagen production and neutralizes harmful free radicals which are the main cause of aging and skin damage. It has a profound effect on energizing the skin consequently repairing damage, renewing skin cells - culminating in fresher, brighter skin.

Collagen is a protein that serves as a key structural component of connective skin tissue. It is used for its rejuvenating and hydrating potential promoting firmer, more even toned skin. It also minimises the development of lines and wrinkles consequently delaying the aging process favouring a glowing, radiant & more youthful complexion for longer.

Wow, I am excited! One capsule taken daily activates your skin’s metabolism through the delivery of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

To find out more about Dermagen, visit their website. There is also a full list of ingredients, I have only listed three, but there are many more, with all the benefits too! 

The company also has hair supplements to combat hair loss and weak hair, for both men and women.

Trichotin

Trichotin DHT

I will keep you posted!

I was nominated for a Liebster Award!

I was nominated for a Liebster Award!

What is a Liebster Award? It is an award given to new, up-and-coming blogs, and is intended to give some exposure to these small blogs.

Thank you to Michelle from Ordinary Misfit Blog, not only does she help with stamping tips and tricks, she has now nominated me for this award! What a star!

There are a few rules:

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you

3. Nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers

4. Go to the blogs you nominated and notify them of your nomination

5. Give your nominees 11 questions to answer.

So, here are the questions from Michelle:

What is in your bag right now?

My bag contents change constantly, but today is Stila baked cheek duo in Rosy Pink, La Mer Hand Cream, Cath Kidston nail file, Revlon lip tint, Softlips lip gloss, my Samsung Galaxy note personal phone, my blackberry work phone, my purse, chewing gum and wet wipes.

What is your favourite nail art technique?

Well, thanks to Michelle I would say stamping, it is quick and easy, and looks so stunning!

You can only choose one colour nail polish for the rest of forever.  What colour do you choose?

I would probably say white, it always looks so chic... Can I at least take a few glitter polishes too :)

Quick! There is a fire and you have to run for your life.  What 5 items do you save first? (Not people or pets)

Photo box, cellphone, laptop, car keys and my purse

Your top 5 beauty products you have to have and can’t live without?

Well, I don't know if you mean product types or product names. So, I will say Rimmel BB cream, The Body Shop black eyeliner, Stila lip glaze,  hand cream and all my nail polishes.

Why do you blog? What do you want to achieve most?

I blog because it is fun, and I like to share my reviews and experiences with others. I would like to give true and honest reviews.

Who is your favourite author or favourite book?

I would say Jodi Picoult, always so heart wrenching.

Your ultimate holiday destination.  Where would you like to travel to most?

Well, since I will be going to Thailand for the third time in December, I will say Thailand.

Your ultimate brand of polish or beauty product.  Which brand would you love to have everything of?

I think Stila, I just wish they had nail polishes :)

Strawberry or banana?

Strawberry daiquiri and banana smoothies

What is one thing no one – or very few people – know about you?

I have met two presidents in my lifetime so far, Nelson Mandela in 1994 when he was elected, and Bill Clinton last year in 2012 and this year in 2013.

Now to choose my 11 nominees:

Shades of Mink
Purple Sparklez
Mother City Mom
Madness Nails
For the Love of Nail Art
Dive Desle
Gee Whiskers
Lipgloss Kisses
Princess Noo
Pretty Please
Candice Dhani

It is really hard to choose only 11, and even harder to know who has more than 200 followers!

My questions for my nominees:

1) What is your favourite fashion or beauty item, that you own?

2) What inspired you to start blogging?

3) What is your beauty or make up routine?

4) Who is your fashion or beauty idol?

5) What is your beauty secret, or any tips or tricks you would like to share?

6) What beauty product or fashion item is on your wishlist?

7) What is your favourite skin care or beauty brand?

8)What is your cheapest beauty product?

9) What is product can you not live without?

10) What is the weirdest fashion or beauty trend that you have ever tried?

11) What is your pet peeve?

Thanks again Michelle, and I look forward to hearing all of your answers!

So I went a little Cray Cray at Mr Price

I popped in at Mr Price, to do some browsing, and I fell over some things on my way out the door...

How cute are these double rings I found! Totally love them...

And this spiked hair band, nothing like adding some spikes to a sleek pony tail!

Last up, I love the flats available this season, comfy and stylish!

Mr Price ships worldwide from their online store too... And are mighty cheap!

Have a little look...

Time for romance- Nail art stamping

I must say my stamping has improved dramatically... Even if I say so myself :)

I used Sparitual - Stargazer as a base, then Essence - Time for romance, one coat of each.

I then stamped using an Essence stamping kit, and an Essence plate. Stamped using TipTop - Armourplate.

I did not put a top coat on for this picture.

This is before I stamped.

You like?

My Victoria Beckham inspired jacket

Loving my jacket... Unfortunately I only wore it once this winter... And now it is summer time! :)