Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - REVIEW - All 8 Shades

When I saw the Rimmel Apocalips on ASOS a couple of weeks ago, I pounced pretty quickly. Sadly they only had two shades in stock then, so I purchased both the available shades to try. I tried them and then when all shades were available a couple of days later - I purchased the other six shades. Let's just say I like to have a complete collection. 

As the name suggests the Apocalips are a liquid lipstick. To me, they are different from other liquid lipsticks I have tried as they are actually quite moisturising on the lips and stay glossy for some time. The Apocalips also last a good length of time on my lips - around 5 hours before the colour starts to fade. 

These are not sticky on the lips though I find I can still feel them on my lips. They are by no means uncomfortable to wear though.  I also love how amazingly pigmented these are! I mean they are full on colour, even the lighter shades. 

I really like the packaging of the Apocalips too. They have a nice black tube that ends up clear on the bottom halve so you can see the shade. The shape of the lid makes me think of a diamond. It has that sharp angular shape. 

I also really like the applicator. It is pointed so you can get a precise application. The applicator also has an indent in the centre allowing enough product to be on it so you don't have to keep dipping it in to have enough to apply for the lips. 

One thing to note is that they do have a bit of a plastic smell, this doesn't bother me once they are applied though. 

There are currently eight shades of the Apocalips available. They are (in this same order in every photo):

• 101 Celestial - dusty rose pink
• 102 Nova - baby pink
• 301 Galaxy - shimmery purple
• 303 Apocaliptic - bright fuchsia pink
• 400 Big Bang - classic red
• 501 Stellar - pink with coral leanings
• 500 Luna - pale, peachy nude
• 600 Nude Eclipse - nude beige

I love the variety of shades in this range. There is a shade here for everyone to fall in love with. Personally I love the brights like Apocaliptic and Stellar (duh!). But Celestial, Nova and Luna are great work appropriate shades.

Overall I really like the Rimmel Apocalips. They are highly pigmented, wear well and have a fantastic range of shades. They are something I am really glad to have in the drawer with my lip products. I mean look at that pretty rainbow above!

If you are interested in the Rimmel Apocalips you can purchase them here from ASOS for less than $8.00 each - BARGAIN! Only six shades are available currently though.

They are not yet released in stores in Australia at this time - hopefully they will be soon though. 

Have you tried the Rimmel Apocalips? What do you think? Do you want to try them? 

NOTD: Maybelline Color Show

I painted my fingernails last night for the first time in weeks. I purchased this polish ages ago when Priceline had a 3 for 2 deal on Maybelline. I really liked the wintery feel to this polish. 

Apologies for the crappy paint job too... I am not the best nail polish applier. This polish also seemed to be on the more watery side. 

I applied two coats of this polish - 420 Wine & Dined and then one coat of my new top coat - Seche Vite. First impressions? I like the Seche Vite better than OPI RapiDry. 

You can see that I really needed to apply a third coat of the colour to get full opacity. I did actually apply three coats to my thumb nail and it looks heaps better. 

Unfortunately this polish has already chipped slightly on two nails. I blame this on work though... I had to count lots of coins today and it does effect my nails.  

Have you tried the Maybelline Color Show nail polishes? Your thoughts? What are your nails wearing? 

Lust Have It - April 2013

My Lust Have It box arrived on Friday but I am only just getting around to blogging about it. I worked on Friday and I didn't leave work until about 6.15pm and then had a 45 minute drive home - I had left home at 7.45am that morning so I was exhausted. Saturday was then spent out, so blogging had to wait til now. 

From the looks of the card, there is no theme to April's box. It kind of seems like a random assortment of products. 

The April Lust Have It box contains:

Gosh Cosmetics Mono Eye Shadow - $16.00 1.7g

LOVE to see a full size make up product in my box. I recieved this shadow in the shade 016 Aubergine which is a beautiful deep purple. I look forward to trying this out. I have heard of Gosh Cosmetics before but have never tried them.

Nude by Nature Nude Papaw Ointment - $5.95 30g

I already own this and honestly? It is not that special. I do like that it contains no petrochemicals, so it is more natural. Love that it is a full size product too.

Goldwell Dualsenses Ultra Volume Conditioner - $20.95 300ml

Does anyone else think it is a little strange to just receive a conditioner and no shampoo? I saw some people just got the shampoo no conditioner. Personally I like to try both the shampoo and conditioner from the same line to see what it is like. Saying that I will use this 100ml sample - I always run out of conditioner before shampoo so it will be handy.

Pink Tiger Duri Cosmetics Nail Tools: Buffer & Lint Free Gauze - no prices given 

This buffer is massive and personally I think it is a little too coarse - it feels more like a nail file than a buffer. It is also meant to be washable. The Lint Free Gauze are well, pieces of gauze (like from a first aid kit). They also came in a resealable sandwich bag which I find a little cheap. 

Ocean Essence Crystal Microdermabrasion - $24.95 60ml

This brand and Lust Have It must have a deal going on. Last month I received a full size eye cream and this month a full size exfoliator. The other option was a mask, I'm glad I got this product though. Will use but I like to see more variety of brands in my boxes. 

This months box is not a bad one. It has good variety and value for money. I am just bored with them. I think it might be time to end my subscription.

What did you receive in your Lust Have It box? Are you bored like me?

A New Experience - Arbonne

Arbonne is a brand that has been popping up a bit lately around beauty blogs. When I was offered the opportunity to trial some products, I couldn't resist. Especially when the words; lipstick, blush and pink were involved! I was sent one blush and two lipsticks which I will be reviewing for you today. 

"Incredibly lightweight, mineral-infused pigment creates a natural-looking blush to highlight the complexion. Suitable for all skin types."  Arbonne

I received the powder blush in the shade Taffeta. It is a gorgeous bright pink. I am so in love with this shade, it just suits my pale skin perfectly. It gives me a natural looking healthy flush to my face. You would think with my blush collection that I would have a similar shade, right? Wrong! 

This blush is incredibly smooth and pigmented yet still easy to blend into the skin. I have found it lasts a full day on me, with minimal fading towards the end of the day. 

This blush retails for $40.00 for 4.5g and can be purchased from here. 

"Long-wearing, feather-resistant lipstick glides on easily for full coverage, and intensely conditions and hydrates lips." Arbonne

I received two lipsticks in the shades Candy and Coral Reef. Both shades are very pretty but not as vibrant as I expected. Candy is a medium pink with quite a metallic finish. Coral Reef is a quite dark coral that looks quite orangey/brown on my lips. 

To me these lipsticks have the texture of traditional lipsticks. They are creamy and moisturising and last well on the lips. The colour is opaque when applied. 

These lipsticks retail for $36.00 for 2.7g and can be purchased here. Just one point, at 2.7g these lipsticks are very small in weight. Most are at least 3g, usually around 3.5g.

I would not hesitate recommending the blush to you. I am truly in love with the shade. The lipsticks are nice but the shades aren't as vibrant as I am used to. But if you like more toned down shades then these may be for you!

Have you tried Arbonne Cosmetics before? Thoughts?

*These products were provided for consideration for review in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. This has not affected my opinion, honesty always.*

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour - REVIEW

Confession: I can be really, really lazy. Especially when it comes to eye make up. I love the look of eye shadows but cannot be bothered spending ages blending and shading etc etc. I usually resort to just liner and mascara or my favourite easy eye shadow - cream shadows! 

Meet my new obsession - Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour! 

These shadow pencils are amazing! I originally purchased two and instantly fell in love so I proceeded to purchase three more. I wanted to purchase another two after that but I showed some restraint.

They are creamy when applying and easy to blend out the edges but once they set after a couple of minutes. the do not move a millimetre. Seriously, 10 hours wear - at least! I fell asleep with my make up on the other night and when I woke up a couple of hours later my eye make up was still flawless. 

These shadow sticks make wearing eye shadow super easy. Even I can do it... and it is really quick and the result is excellent. 

I usually apply one of the lighter shades all over my lid and then a darker one on the outer corner and into the crease (blended out with a brush). I even use it as a liner (applied with a small angle brush).  

The shades I have are (in the same order in every photo):

• Amethyst 
• Cocoa
• Khaki
• Rosegold
• Sugar Frost

I love all the shades but Rosegold and Amethyst are especially gorgeous on the eyes. All shades are beautifully pigmented and sparkly.  

I highly recommend these, whether you are lazy with your eye make up or not. They are just fantastic. You need them now. I know I will be purchasing more in the future (but for now I need to stop spending).

I will try to showcase these in a FOTD soon. 

The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour retail for $39 and can be purchased from Adore Beauty. 

Are you lazy with your eye make up? What is your go to eye look?

BellaBox - April 2013

Firstly - apologies for not posting for a week. I have been really sick with a flu like bug. So sick I even had to take some time off work. I am finally starting to feel more normal. Rest assured I managed to go on a sickness induced shopping spree this week. I have had lots of parcels arriving this week with more to come - will share soon. If interested? 

Now onto the April Bella Box with the theme of 'Innovative Beauty'. It also introduces a new way to purchase items from your box - by text or email by using a special code for the products. This months box includes 7 different products. 

The April Bella Box contains:

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel - 60g $69.00

This is a facial mask that you apply for 15 minutes and then remove. The description includes lots of scientific words like; molecules positively charged and negatively charged. From what I gather it is meant to draw out bacteria & impurities from the skin. This is a 7g sachet - probably only one use. 

Lash Card - 10 cards $7.95

These are little pieces of cardboard with curved ends with the idea that you put them behind your lashes when applying mascara. Nice idea but I think it would get expensive for everyday use - you are only meant to use the card one application. This is a sample pack of two lash cards. 

Indio Skin Tonic - 200ml $44.00

This is a toner or hydrating skin mist - depending on what you want it to be. This smells nice and is a decent 30ml sample. I feel like I have these mists coming out of my ears lately though.

Ayurda Skin Perfecting Moisturiser - 120ml $79.95

This has a whole heap of natural ingredients and smells really nice. Pity about the actual sample pot - the pot is less than half full and when I opened it, it went everywhere. The pot says it is a 10g sample but I have my doubts. There is also a pamphlet about the brand and a 5ml sachet of a Silk Skin Firming & Toning Cream.

Proplenish Marine Collagen Sachets - 30 sachets $49.95

These are sachets you dissolve in water and then drink (duh Stephanie - you can see the still hazy sickness brain coming into play here). These are meant to help you achieve beautiful healthy skin, hair and nails. Three sachets are included.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colour - $16.95

A full size nail polish! I got this is in the shade 901 Golden Conduct which isn't a shade I would normally go for but it is quite nice and my Mum liked it.

Cedel Dry Conditioner - 100g $7.99

This is a foam you apply to your hair as a conditioner without needing water. It suggests that it is perfect for using after dry shampoo to add moisture back into your hair. This is a 30ml sample can.

So there is this months Bella Box! I quite like it but I just wish there was more MAKE UP! I am so in this for the make up. Though there is some new and innovative products in this months box that I look forward to trying. 

Another apology - for the very basic English in this post. I am still all stuffy in the head making my thinking not the best...

What did you receive in your Bella Box? Happy?

Introducing Betty & What's in my Bag?

Apologies in advance for the dodgy photos and any errors in this post. I am currently sick but can't sleep because when I lay down I cannot breathe (and then when I do fall asleep I wake up thinking I am dying). Plus I couldn't wait to share my new purchase with you all. xx

I have been wanting to buy a luxury handbag for ages but I had not found one that I loved that is in my price range (I have always wanted a quilted Chanel but at this time that is just too pricey for me). That is until I saw Betty on the Cultstatus website a month or so ago. I agonised over whether to purchase it or not for weeks but then I decided to take the plunge...

I placed my order late Tuesday and my precious parcel arrived on Friday. Cultstatus were excellent to purchase from - polite & quick communication and my parcel was posted the next day after my order was placed. Postage was $20 sent by Express Post Platinum with Australia Post. 

Ta-Da!

Meet Betty and her friend!

This is the Saint Laurent Paris Betty - Studded in medium. Isn't she beautiful?!?! I am so in love right now. I mean seriously I realised earlier that I was actually cuddling her...

Betty is made of beautiful black leather with pretty gold studs on the front. The handle is a snake chain that can be doubled or used as one strap for a lower hanging bag. I love the style of this bag - it feels very classic but with an edge. 

This is the Alexander Wang Prisma Long Wallet. The leather has a lizard feel to it with pretty gold hardware. It is a pretty big wallet at 20cm long - I wasn't sure if it was going to be too long. But it is perfect!

This wallet is the perfect size because it fits everything in it. All my store and loyalty cards along with my essential cards (think debit, credit, licence etc). I can also fit my mobile in it, if I wanted to use it as a clutch. 

I thought since I was showing you my new bag and purse that I may as well show you what I keep in Betty. I can fit a surprisingly large amount, plus there is still room for more! Personally I think the less you carry the better - a too heavy handbag can cause back problems.

So what's in Betty?

Wallet

As mentioned above this is by Alexander Wang and it is fantastic for holding lots of cards and stuff. I never carry much cash - I am more of a card girl.

Work Cards

These are essential for work - if I didn't take them I can't work... Must keep with me - they are not meant to be left unattended. My Smart Card is on a Dollarmites lanyard (hehe).

Nail File

I hate having uneven or broken nails. This is one from the Essence Snow White collection.

Lip Balm

I always have a lip balm with me. Currently I am loving the Nivea Lip Butters - this is the unscented one.

Powder

This is a Guerlain Meteorites Compact. Look at how gorgeous it is! I love it but sadly have hit pan on it. Also doubles up as a mirror.

Pen

Another essential, this is one from work.

Keys

These are my car keys - they have a Lego Captain Jack Sparrow key ring. I don't carry house keys often - there is usually someone at home.

Mobile

This is an iPhone 4S. I take it everywhere with me but has recently gone a bit bung - the top button does not press down any more. 

Hand Sanitiser

I swear by hand sanitiser, I use it very regularly. I actually just refill this bottle from a bigger one. Anyone know of a brand that is in a prettier bottle?

Lipstick

Usually I only have one lipstick in my bag at a time. I have a habit of taking my lip product out of my bag when I get home so they don't build up. This is my current favourite - MAC Angel. 

Other Essentials

I keep a perfume sample in my bag - this is Chanel No. 5, hair tie and bobby pins and the essential pain killers for when a headache strikes when out. 

There you go, I hope you enjoyed this less beauty focused post! 

Anyone have any suggestions for looking after a designer bag? I want to keep it looking as good as possible for as long as possible...I am sure you understand me.

I feel a new addiction coming on... But for now back to bed with my flu like sickness :(

What is your dream handbag? 

March Favourites

I actually found it really hard to pick my favourites for March. Over the last month, I have had so many new purchases, which means I am constantly trying new products. These are the few items that managed to get repeated a few times during the month. Sorry in advance for the bad photography, I am too tired to try again. 

Giorgio Armani - Maestro Fusion Makeup

I have really been enjoying this since purchasing. It has the most amazing feel when being applied to the skin. It does not add much coverage but it makes my skin look radiant and healthy. Which I love. Full review to come soon. 

Bourjois - Healthy Mix Concealer

This is a great all round concealer. I use under the eyes, on spots or any area that needs extra coverage. It provides good coverage and lasts well on the skin. I also like the nice slim packaging. 

Too Faced - Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

How could you not love a blush in the shape of a love heart? This adds a perfect peachy-pink glow to my cheeks. It is quite sheer so it is hard to go overboard with this. I just love it!

Estee Lauder - Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Copper

This eyeshadow got a mention in a recent post. After the love this shadow has received from me since purchasing, I had to include it in my favourites. It is the perfect shade for a quick and simple, one shadow eye look.

MAC - Lipstick in Angel

I really love this nude pink lipstick. This is saying a lot! I am a massive lover of bright lipsticks. I just find Angel a really work appropriate shade. The only thing I don't like is the frost finish. I would love it even more without it. 

Nivea - Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

The blogging world has been going crazy over the new Nivea Lip Butters. So naturally I had to pick them up. Caramel Cream was the first I purchased and I now understand the hype (I have since purchased the other two scents). I love this for a quick dose of hydration and lipsticks apply really well over the top too. 

So there are my March favourites. I should have probably included chocolate thanks to Easter but I didn't (I did eat a lot of chocolate though). I have high hopes to get lots of posts written this month, I have lots of new products to share with you.

What were your March favourites?

March Empties

A small empties post from me for March. I haven't used up many products, mainly because I have purchased new skincare, hair care and body care in the last month and have been really enjoying them. Will tell you more in later posts when I have formed a full opinion. 

March empties are:

GKMBJ Lactic Hydrating Shampoo & Chemically Treated Fortifying Honey Cream

I had never heard of this brand before receiving these sample sized products in a Lust Have It. I really enjoyed them, especially the honey cream - it smelt divine. I was surprised that these 30g bottles lasted me for around 3 weeks. I would look into purchasing these.

Arpelles Bath & Body Skin Detox Shower Gel

This is another sample from Lust Have It. The tube claims it has a wild berry scent - I didn't smell that. It was an okay body wash. I seem to recall the card in the Lust Have It box telling me it was a hotel brand. I can tell that after using it - nothing special and kind of generic. 

Avon Naturals Refreshing Shower Gel in Strawberry & Guava

I used up a watermelon version of this a couple of months ago that I really didn't like. This scent was much nicer - not as fake and it was actually refreshing. Otherwise it was a pretty standard body wash - the best bit was the price only around $2 a bottle. 

Clarisonic Sensitive Skin Brush Head

I realised recently that I have had my Clarisonic for around a year and it still had the original brush head on it. You are meant to change it about every 3 months, but then I only use it a couple of times a week - not twice a day like the instructions say. I figure then that I can get more than 3 months out of a brush. I however decided it was time to purchase a new one as the original brush was starting to fray and look a bit gross. I didn't want to use it on my face so a new one is now on my Clarisonic and it is back to getting the love it deserves. 

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter and ate way too much chocolate (I know I did). Hopefully April is a good month and it doesn't get cold too quickly. I will probably be pretty busy with work but I have some heaps of products I want to share with you so I will try to post as much as I can. Even if they are just short posts (do tell me if you would prefer short posts more often).

What did you finish up in March?