Fancying Friday with Mr P

Hi Ladies

How is it already the end of January!

Today I have a little wishlist from MRP, I love how affordable and on trend their products are!

Have a good weekend ladies!

Shop My Stash- NARS, MAC and Sephora

Hi Ladies

Today on Shop My Stash I have some amazing products!

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft and Gentle' is a great highlighter, it gives a subtle lit from within glow, without too much shimmer. Love it and I highly recommend this!

NARS 'Laguna' is a great matte bronzer, which I love using for contouring. It doesn't have that muddy orange look that I hate in bronzers. Unfortunately NARS isn't available in SA, which is a pity!

Last up is this Sephora Sun Disk Limited Edition which my dear BF bought for me, along with a whole lot of other things, you can have a look HERE. Because I am a hoarder I only tried this out this past week, a whole nine months later. But that is the point of the Shop My Stash posts, to try products I am hoarding. This was probably the hardest product of the three to use, since it is so darn pretty! But I am glad to say that the camo design was not messed up, it was hardly even smudged! This is an amazing bronzer, it isn't shimmer and it isn't matte, it is some sort of perfection in between. It gives a sunkissed glow, I tried it with a fluffy brush along the contour areas of my face, and I also used it with an angled brush for a more defined contour, both worked very well, it also works well as an all round face powder, but just with the lightest touch. There are three shades in this Limited Edition Sun Disk, compared to the standard single shades. The beige is to even skin tone, the lightest peach shade to brighten and the bronze shade to give the sunkissed look. This product is huge, and I think even if I used it every day it would last a couple of years, so it is definitely worth the price!

Unfortunately I love all these products, sorry ladies! But checkout my previous Shop My Stash posts HERE and my Blog Sale HERE.

Thanks for reading!

Shoesday Florals

Happy Shoesday Ladies!

I bought these heels years ago from Rage, and I love them. They are probably one of my most worn heels. They are really comfortable and super pretty. I love the peeptoe, the floral design, the neutral shade and the little bow. They pair really well with just about anything. 

Mani Monday Bronzed Up

Hi Ladies

Today I have a polish from Essence called 'Steel-ing the Scene' which is part of the Metal Glam Collection. I am always a bit weary of metallic polishes since they can look a bit cheap. This polish however is a stunning, smooth and highly pigmented polish. This is two coats, and is streak-less!

I paired this with 'Bronze Upon a Time' from Catrice Luxury Lacquers. It is a densely packed glitter polish, only two coats are needed for full coverage without a base. I prefer this polish paired with black though, since it kind of fades in here.

Have a good week ladies!

Dupe or No Dupe: MAC vs. Essence

Hi Ladies

Today I have a possible dupe for the LE MAC Ombre Blush in Azalea Blossom, and it is as affordable as can be! It is from an Essence Trend edition called 'Rock Out', and is currently in store. To find out more about the collection click HERE. 

Essence Multicolour Blush in Global Icon is not ombre, but it does have two shades similiar to MAC as you can see above. The lightest shade of the Essence Blush throws the dupe off a bit, but lets continue with the swatching. The Essence blush was about R63 I think, so it is totally affordable!

As you can see in natural light the swatches are similiar, with Essence being slightly more shimmery. I tried to avoid the lightest shade when swatching, so that we could compare like with like.

In artificial light the shimmer shines through, and we can really see a huge difference in the two. The lightest shade has the most shimmer (which I tried to avoid), but the other two shades are still way more shimmery than the MAC.

And so... Dupe or No Dupe?

Packaging- Nope

Colour- Dupe in natural light

Finish- Nope, shimmer vs matte

I don't think this is a very good dupe. The colours are pretty similiar if you are sticking to natural light though. So maybe half a dupe? I do like both blushes though, and I definitely think the Essence blush is a good buy.

What do you think ladies?

Shop My Stash! MAC LE Collections.

Hi Ladies

Today on Shop My Stash I have three products from MAC, all LE!

First up, Sharon Osbourne Blush in Peaches and Cream, when I initially saw this blush I thought it was going to be way too light for me, but I actually love it! It is a very soft pink which gives a flushed and healthy look, as if I have just run a mile in high heels!

Next up, Archie's Girls Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flatter Me. This is an amazing product, a gold/peach highlighter with built in coral heart blushes! The highlighter is MAC Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl, and the blush is MAC Powder Blush in Foolish Me. I love the idea of having the highlighter and blush together, where you can either use them seperately or together. And how cute is it, I must admit I didn't want to use it and spoil the design!

Lastly, I have the Casual Color Pot from the Playland Collection in Hi Jinks! I have only used this on my lips so far, it was a bit drying, but I love the colour! Your lips definitely have to be in perfect condition, because it will emphasise any dryness. It is important to layer your lips with a moisturising balm first before applying this. I am yet to try it on my cheeks, I tend to stay away from cream blush in summer as I feel it is just too hot and I find powders stay longer, but I will be trying it soon!

Unfortunately nothing for the blog sale today ladies, but there are still some other items, so have a look HERE

While I was overseas and going crazy buying beauty products I didn't forget about you guys! I bought an extra of two products which aren't available in SA, and I will be putting them on my blog sale sometime soon. Have a look at my haul HERE, can you guess which two items I bought extra of?

Polka Dot Shoesday!

Happy Shoesday Ladies!

I haven't done one of these posts for quite a while!

I bought these cute heels from Legit late last year, and I think they are still available. I just love the polka dot design and I love the pop of colour on the strap and side. These aren't very comfortable, but cuteness wins in this case, and I will definitely try wear these more often. I paired it with skinny jeans and a statement tee for a contrast between cute and casual chic.

Essence New Collection In Store Now! Rock Out!

Hi Ladies

I have another new collection from Essence for you today called Rock Out, which is currently in store at Clicks!

My favourite product from this collection is definitely the blush, which reminds me a lot of my MAC Azalea Blossom. I will be doing a dupe post soon, so keep an eye out!

Happy Shopping Ladies!

Spending Ban... Say What?!?

Hi Ladies

So, I am supposed to be on a spending ban, since I did some major damage overseas, you can check out my beauty haul HERE

Against better judgement I decided to go to Eastgate this weekend, you know, to do some research for the blog, beauty and fashion newness and all that... Excuses Excuses! But in all fairness I have been out of the country since December, and a lot can change in that time!

I always tell my boyfriend I have to go check what is going on at Clicks and Dischem, as if I am a shareholder or something!

Well, luckily I did go to Clicks, since I found a new Essence Collection called Rock Out! Think glow in the dark nail polish and silver eyeshadow. The only thing that caught my eye is the blush, which looks like a dupe of my MAC Azalea Blossom, take a closer look HERE I will be doing a comparison post soon. For more details on the collection click HERE

I picked up some Tip Top and Nubar nailpolishes. I haven't tried Nubar before, the colours are amazing, and they are really reasonably priced, I think about R25. I also bought a MaxFactor foundation and Bourjois bronzer. And then of course the Essence blush.

My next stop was Edgars, where I bought some Kings & Queens goodies, I really love the packaging and the scents! I bought a couple extra which will be part of a box of goodies I am putting together, called PrettifulBlogBox. There will be a limited number of boxes for sale, and they will be filled with awesome products that I have been collecting.

And I always have to make a stop at Legit, there shoes and statement tees get me all the time!

Mani Monday Brown To Gold!

Happy Monday Ladies

For today's mani I used Sinful in Nirvana, which is supposed to be matte according to the bottle, but there is nothing but glossiness here!

I then used Catrice Luxury Lacquers in Stars and Stories for a glitter gradient, which didn't capture very well unfortunately.

I also have a bit of a haul to share with you all HERE, even though I thought I was on a spending ban...

MAC Lightness of Being Collection Preview

Hi Ladies

If you love a glowing/shimmering/highlighting look, then you will love this new collection by MAC. 

I found the highlighters were the stars of this collection, I found the blush was a bit too shimmery for my liking. The pastel shades of lipsticks and lipglosses were really pretty, perfect for spring/summer.

This collection is not available in SA yet, but I was lucky enough to get two products (the highlighters) in Malaysia while on holiday, along with the Prabal Gurung blush I was after! I will be doing reviews of them soon, hopefully before the collection launches. You can read more about my Holiday Beauty Haul HERE

The collection includes Highlighters, Blush, Eyeshadow, Eye Pencil, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Lipgloss and Brushes.

Mineralize Skinfinish (R450) in Lightscapade and Perfect Topping

A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adding buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. New window compact

Mineralize Blush (R300) in Uplifting and Please Yourself

Baked minerals refined into a powder blush formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer. New mirrored compact.

Mineralize Rich Lipstick (R260) available in 5 shades

A 77-Mineral Moist Complex that instantly nourishes lips with maximum moisture in a lightweight, non-sticky formula. Larger bullet applies bright, long lasting colour in a single stroke. Medium shine finish, buildable coverage. Magnetic closure.

Mineralize Glass (R28) available in 5 shades

Your lips can be the ultimate style statement. A sophisticated new Lipglass formula with a 77-Mineral Moisture Complex, infused with nutrients, delivers luscious colour in 12 pearlescent shades perfect for every mood. Mineralize Glass keeps lips soft and silky, providing a luminous shine. The comfortable formula in stylish new packaging smoothes on with a plush applicator.

Mineralize Eyeshadow (R250) available in 6 shades

Baked minerals refined into a powder formula provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. All in a new, modern package.

Eye Pencil (R185) available in dark grey and dark brown

Eye Pencils are formulated to provide rich, consistent colour. They are comfortable to apply and sharpen to a fine point to allow for a precise application. Eye Pencils can be used to create a sharp line or a softer, smoky effect.

287 Duo Fibre Eyeshadow Brush (R350)

A rounded, medium sized, double-chiseled, paddle-shaped brush. Perfect for applying and blending Eye Shadow. Made from a blend of soft, natural bristles and synthetic fibres, allowing for a light wash of colour.

159 Duo Fibre Blush Brush (R480)

A small rounded, double-chiseled paddle-shaped blush brush for the smooth, refined application of powder to shade, blush and highlight the face. Made from a soft blend of natural and synthetic fibres.

187 Duo Fibre Face Brush (R530)

A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres.

Studio Nail Lacquer (R150) available in 2 shades

M∙A∙C Studio Nail Lacquer provides rich, opaque colour in three high gloss finishes

The collection is on the website, but is COMING SOON and not available to buy yet, check it out HERE. The collection is expected to launch on Monday 19th January 2015.

My journey from Hillbrow to NowNow with Gumtree

Hi Ladies

Are you planning on moving soon, and are property prices making your head spin?

Gumtree has a new property pricing tool which is super easy to use, and quite fun too! It helps you find prices of properties for rent and for sale, and gives you the average price of properties in the selected area depending on the number of rooms, from studio to five bedrooms. 

Below is a list of the information you can expect after selecting your area:

•   Average buying price according to number of bedrooms
• Average rental price according to number of bedrooms
• Buying price per square meter
• Renting price per square meter
• Graphs showing the movement of rental and buying prices across three months
• The status of the property market in the area
• And a list of properties for sale and to rent in your area

Unfortunately not all areas are listed, and I am hoping that more areas will be added soon, because we all know that even neighbouring areas have a huge disparity between them. For example, Sandton, Marlboro and Alexander, are all pretty much neighbours, but the differences between them is as evident as the income gap between the haves and have nots in our country.

I am a Joburg girl, always have been, and probably always will be. Let's take a trip through my life, from where I was born, to where I currently reside, taking the property pricing tool along for the ride.

I was born at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Hillbrow, before it became the Hillbrow we know today, a place most people think is best avoided. Back then Hillbrow was a bustling and vibrant cosmopolitan area. I couldn't find Hillbow, so CBD will have to do.

The current average monthly rental price for a 2 bedroom property in Johannesburg CBD on Gumtree is R3,750.

The current average buying price for a 2 bedroom property in Johannesburg CBD on Gumtree is R310,316.

We lived in Lenasia, which is South of Johannesburg, better known as Lenz, from before I was born until 1994. My dad had to bring me all the way to school everyday, which was quite a far journey, since it was in Observatory, which is kind of the East of Johannesburg. I attended Sacred Heart College in Observatory from nursery school until matric.

The current average monthly rental price for a 2 bedroom property in Lenasia on Gumtree is R3,200.

The current average buying price for a 2 bedroom property in Lenasia on Gumtree is R346,500.

In 1994, post-aparthied South Africa, we moved to Cyrildene, we were now only 2km away from my school, which made life much easier. Over 20 years later a lot has changed, my dad moved out, my brother moved out and then moved back in, and my mom and I have been pretty much constant in the same house. Our house went from white to pink to yellow, don't even ask why! Our area has changed a lot, one of the changes is the conversion of Bruma Lake to a Park, when we moved to the area, we would spend weekends on paddle boats on the lake. The oak trees are the same, lining both sides of the road, the leaves becoming quite a mission in Autumn. Thankfully Eastgate has just gotten bigger and better!

Unfortunately, Cyrildene/Observatory are not in the list of areas, so I have to use Bruma, since it is the closest.

The current average monthly rental price for a 2 bedroom property in Inner City / CBD & Bruma on Gumtree is R4,300.

The current average buying price for a 2 bedroom property in Inner City / CBD & Bruma on Gumtree is R446,000.

And that is where my journey ends for now. My next home will be when I get married, and this tool is definitely going to come in handy. 

Check out the tool HERE

*This is a sponsored post

Shop My Stash- Lippies!

Hi Ladies

I am back with Shop My Stash!

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper and Pink Pong- Used once each

These colours just don't look good on me, I was expecting to love these, since I have heard such awesome reviews, but unfortunately not. So, these will be added to my blogsale HERE for R65 each.

Next is Clarins Gloss Prodige in Papaya, I am loving this, it isn't a very sticky gloss, but it is long lasting, and gives a subtle colour to the lips. 

And, as you might have read HERE, I went a bit crazy with beauty shopping while I was overseas, and that means that there will be more goodies in Shop My Stash!

Shoesday Haul

Hi Ladies

As I mentioned in my Holiday Beauty Haul post HERE, shoes lost, hands down, but I did come away with a few pairs, all practical types, ie flats 

These were split between Thailand and Malaysia, the two front row shiny pairs were from Malaysia, and the rest from Thailand.

Being back at work and all that I haven't had a chance to take photos for my usual Shoesday posts, but next week will be better, I think. In the meantime have a look at my previous shoe posts HERE

Enjoy your day ladies!

Holiday Beauty Haul

Hi Ladies

I am back from an amazing holiday with my mom, and boyfriend and his family. It was an exciting and tiring holiday, but really great. 

I took my mom to Krabi in Thailand, and then we went to Bangkok, where we met my bf and his family. Our families then returned home to SA, and we jetted off to Malaysia and then back to Bangkok for a bit.

I will do a more detailed post of my holiday in my Travel Diaries Section HERE soon

Let's get hauling!

There is usually a bit of competition between my obsession with shoes and my obsession with beauty products, this year, beauty won, hands down! With shops like Sephora, Boots and SASA, who could resist? I am also running out of space in my shoe closet, and well, make up is smaller and easier to find place for, right?

First up, Sephora, both Thailand and Malaysia

A combination of Benefit, NYX, NARS, Stila, Too Faced, Sephora and Urban Decay. I am not going to list every product above, but leave a comment if you want any more details.

And my dear BF got me this makeup box to carry it all home in, isn't he the sweetest!

Next up, SASA, Malaysia

I first came across SASA last year in Singapore, and I love it! I bought Mary-Lou Manizer and a blush, also from The Balm.

The Beauty Cottage, Thailand

This brand has the cutest little store, with the shop assistants dressed in theme appropriate outfits. The packaging is also super cute, I bought two blushers and a contour kit

Boots, Thailand

Mostly Soap and Glory, since the boots I went to had a huge collection!

I think I bought every Real Techniques brush they had in Boots, a girl can never have enough brushes, right?

Some skincare from Boots, Soap and Glory, and this sunscreen product from L'Oreal, which reminds me a lot of the La Mer Sun Fluid.

Guardian and SASA, Malaysia

A couple of skincare products I bought this trip

Streets, Thailand

While walking on the streets of Bangkok I found these awesome brushes, at even more awesome prices, yes please! And a little highlighter/bronzer compact too

The Face Shop, Malaysia

Mostly makeup, with two Konjac Sponges thrown in

MAC, Malaysia

Yes, they have Prabal Gurung, read my post on the collection HERE, sadly this range didn't come to SA! And, they have the new Lightness of Being Collection, which is not yet available in SA, I bought both shades of the Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Lightscapade' and 'Perfect Topping' This collection is on the website, with a coming soon tag. You can check out the Lightness of Being Preview HERE

Take a closer look ladies, isn't it beautiful!

I really had my heart set on this blush, and we saw it in Malaysia, and my sweet sweet BF spoilt me with it, YAY. It is way more expensive than a usual blush, about R840, but that is because of the packaging, it is so heavy too, it could be real gold! I feel like I never want to use it it is so pretty, paper weight maybe?

And that is my beauty haul Ladies! I am officially putting myself on a spending ban, I hope...