Where have I been?? Exciting News

Hello! Long time no post I know.

But it was for a good reason I promise...

BLAKE AND I GOT ENGAGED!!

Yay :) Yup we are getting married and I couldn't be happier. 

It all started with me coming home from work on the 12th (the day before my birthday) to a house full of balloons and a sign on the wall telling me to pack my bags. As you can imagine I was pretty stoked, Blake had arranged with my work for me to have some time off and he booked us flights to his home town Geelong, Victoria. 

So that night was spent packing and the next morning we were on a plane to Geelong :)

The proposal happened on Saturday afternoon (15th Dec). He told me we were heading to his brother's place which is on the coast, however, we were going a different route then normal *my first hint something was going on* Blake then announced that we'd just quickly pop down to Bell's Beach to take a look at the surf.

It was at the look out at Bell's Beach where he popped the question. I wasn't all that shocked as I had been expecting him to ask me for a while now but I still cried when he asked!

The biggest shock was how gorgeous the ring he chose was and that he had chosen it all by himself! No-one else knew what was going on. 

The next day we got to celebrate with Blake's family and friends and even had my mum, step-dad, sister and nephew surprise us by flying overnight to be with us to celebrate on Sunday.

It was very much a whirl-wind trip and things have just been so busy since with Christmas yesterday and starting to plan the wedding! Blake originally told me I had 2 months but I have managed to sort some sense into him and give us until October next year haha.

So yeah that is where I have been! I will be sure to start more regular posting again soon. 

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are gearing up for a great new years!!

Hannah xox

Review: Mask in a Cup

At home face masks are one of my little luxuries in life. I love whacking a mask on when I am feeling stressed and it instantly relaxes me. Mud masks are probably my favourite kind of mask so when I was offered the chance to test out a few from Terra 2Skin I jumped at the opportunity. 

Mask in a Cup is made from active clays "which are extracted under strict conditions and naturally sun-dried to ensure that their active mineral contents and rich trace elements are retained, silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous and zinc to name a few".

I was very interested in the how the clay was beneficial for the skin. Terra 2Skin explains that the clay is "naturally absorbent, detoxifying and draws toxins, excess oil and impurities from the skin." They also explain that "the rich minerals and trace elements naturally contained within the clay are also a drink for your skin, replenishing the necessary nutrients that our busy lifestyle, lack of sleep or pollution may have depleted".

The mask was super easy to use. All you need to do is lift off the lid, add 30mL of water and stir using the spatula provided. The instructions explain to only use the wooden spatula provided as metal can affect the  clays elements. Using this spatula you then apply the mask to your face. It is very easy to control as it has a paste like consistency that slides onto your skin.

There is quite a lot of product in the container, even after layering it on I still had plenty for another use. You could definitely get three uses out of the one container. It says you can store it for 2-3 days under cling-wrap, otherwise you could simply split up the powder into three uses before adding the water.

When applied to the skin it has a cooling feeling and as it dries it tightens on the skin. The drying time depends on the thickness of application. With a thin layer it took about ten-fifteen minutes to dry. The instructions tell you to remove the mask with warm water, but if you are anything like me I love pulling off the big chunks of clay first before I remove the remainder with water. (Yeah I'm a sicko like that...you know the kind of people that use the pore strips and examine what comes out - that's me! haha)

The mask left my skin feeling clean and looking brighter. I definitely recommend these masks, they made my skin feel really clean and soft and it was super easy to use. The benefits of the clay on your skin are also very impressive.

Before

Just applied

Mask drying (I put a bit too
much on the cheeks!)

After

Mask in a Cup retails for $8.99AUD each and can be purchased here. I definitely recommend trying these out especially if you like mud masks. They are great value as you can get at least 3 uses from each cup. There are a few different kinds to choose from; including ones for dry skin, oily skin, aged skin, tired skin and sensitive skin.

Have you tried these out?? Are you a face mask fan??

Hannah xox

**Product provided for review, but my opinion is 100% honest as per my disclosure policy :)

Lust Have It! November

November...it's november guys...Christmas is less than 4 weeks away and I have done absolutely nothing to prepare for it! ahhhhhhh

Ok so lets get on with it. This months came in another little make up bag, however, the accompanying card revealed that this will be the last bag and from now on they will be in "collectible packaging". I am hoping this means a return to the old Glossybox style packaging of the cute boxes as I found them to be really handy to store things.

Here is what was inside;

1. ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Mascara (Full size - $28.00)

I was excited to see a full sized makeup item in the bag this month. Fibre mascaras are really great at lengthening your lashes as they have tiny fibres in them which adhere to your lash hair making them longer. I have tried a few in the past and got great results so I am keen to see if this is any good.

2. Davroe Hair Wellness Argan Oil (Full size - $23.95)

Blake dropped my bottle of Moroccan Oil a while back and I haven't yet re-purchased it so I was happy to see this in my bag. Will give it a go and see if I like it more than the Moroccan Oil. I like the Davroe brand, they are an Australian made brand using pure plant extracts and are vegan friendly.

3. Face of Australia Purifying Cleansing Wipes (Full size - $4.95)

I go through makeup wipes so fast so I was glad to see a pack of these in the bag. I have never tried FOA's version as I usually just buy the el cheapo $2 ones from the supermarket haha

4. Star & Rose Hologram Tweezers (Full Size - $9.95)

I am forever losing tweezers so these were a welcome addition. The holographic print is really cute and the tips seem very precise. They remind me a lot of my Tweezerman tweezers which I lost....see what did I tell you! haha

5. Lomasi Body Creme in Cucumber & Aloe (30mL sample - $22.95 for 236mL)

This body cream smells just like cucumber and aloe and has a lovely texture to it, its quite thin but still moisturising. I've never heard of the brand before and can't find much about them online but I wasn't impressed to read that the cream contains palm oil.

Total value: $28.00 + $23.95 + $4.95 + $9.95 + $2.91 = $69.76

I was very impressed with this months bag, 4 of the 5 items were full sized and things that I would actually use! The one let down was the cream, but I will still use it up.

What did you think of this month?? Any idea what the packaging will change to?

Hannah xox

Review: Model's Prefer BB Cream

While shopping around at Priceline the other day I noticed Model's Prefer have released their own skincare line. One item that really intrigued me is their BB cream. I know what you're thinking....not another westernised tinted moisturiser claiming to be a BB cream in a hope to capitalise on the craze! 

Simple sleek packaging

But this one is different, for starters it is actually made in Korea - so that should give you an idea of how similar it is to the original asian style BB creams.

Great size for travel!

Here is what they say "MP BB cream effectively minimises pores and smooths the skins surface whilst concealing imperfections. BB cream leaves the skin perfectly soft, moisturised and with a flawless glow." The whole skincare line including the BB cream contain the "MP aquaflex system" which is supposed to do all this great stuff but really I think its just a fancy term for locking in moisture. It is dermologically tested, free of parabens and fragrance free, so is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

No wastage with such a thin nozzle

The packaging is a thin, sleek tube with a screw top lid and thin nozzle. It's easy to squeeze and contains 40mL of product. The thin nozzle gives you great control over how much product is dispensed so you don't get any wastage.

Swatched. Heavy on the left & blended out to the right.

In terms of consistency it's thicker than the western BB creams (i.e. Garnier), however, its slightly thinner than traditional asian style BB creams (i.e. Missha). I use my fingers to apply as I find they are best at really melting the product into the skin. It's one of those products that as you apply it your skin looks instantly smoother and evened out. It gives a medium coverage and so can be used in place of foundation, which is how I have been using it. I find that it is quite long-lasting as well. I have been wearing it to work most days and I find it still looks great by the end of the work day.

Just the BB Cream

As you can see this BB cream gives you a really nice glow but it isn't overly dewy (like the Garnier one) so even oily-skinned girls could get away with using this by just adding a powder. It is also pretty good at covering any minor imperfections as you can see in my before & after photos below. 

Before

After

The one downside is I don't think it contains any SPF. The reason I say I don't think it does is although it sorta smells like my other korean style bb creams (you know the slightly sunscreen-y smell) which do contain SPF it doesn't say anywhere on the packaging that it does. 

All done :)

The Model's Prefer BB Cream comes in two colours Light & Medium. I have the Light and it is a pretty good match for my skin, which is quite pale. It retails for $12.99 which I think is such a great price for what you are getting. This has fast become my favourite BB cream as it gives good coverage but is still quite natural-looking.

Have you tried this? Or are you a bit over the BB cream craze??

Hannah xox

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger Tag :)

I saw this tag on Beautifully Glossy and as I have been slack posting lately I thought this could get me back into it!

How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts? 

I don't really keep track of the time as it's a bit all over the place. I usually spend a couple of hours taking the photos and then cropping and picking out the best ones to use. Writing a post will usually take me about an hour to do. I don't like to force myself to blog though so I do it when I feel like it.

Are you a spender or a saver?

A bit of both. If I have something I am saving for, e.g a holiday booked then I find it a lot easier to put money away. If I don't have anything planned I tend to be more of a spender.

When is it easiest for you to write your posts?

I usually keep it for the weekends as I find during the week I just can't be bothered concentrating on anything when I get home from work!

What makes writing posts comfortable for you?

Doing it when I have the urge to do it, I cannot write if I feel forced too. I use a laptop currently but I would love a desk to sit at dedicated to blogging.

What's your worst make up/hair habit?

Washing my hair every day...I know its bad for your hair but I just can't stand my hair feeling the slightest bit dirty.

What's one quote you wish the world would live by?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" An oldie but a goodie!

How long do you spend getting ready everyday?

Including a shower it's about 30 mins.

What's your favourite post on your blog?

I love my posts about doing other peoples makeup. I did my sisters here and Lea's makeup for her wedding here.

Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers than they have?

There's too many to name! I wish I had more time in a day to read all the blogs I am subscribed too, there are so many amazing bloggers out there.

What's one thing you're excited about in the coming year?

Going to Japan with Blake in March. It'll be the first time for both of us and we are super excited! Also becoming an aunty again in February!!

What's been your favourite blogging moment?

Probably getting my first follower :) I was just happy someone wanted to read what I was writing!

How long does it take to prep for a post?

I don't do a whole lot of prep work - unless you include the countless hours I spend in Priceline looking at products! haha

Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or are you wearing pajama bottoms?

PJ bottoms! haha although it is 8pm!

What are you most proud of in your life?

Meeting Blake, buying our house and starting the business. I couldn't have done any of it without Blake and I'm so thankful that he came into my life right when I needed him!

I tag anyone that wants to do this :)

Hope you are all having a great week!!

Hannah xox

Lust Have It! October

Another month another box and different packaging once again! October's Lust Have It! box came in a little pink netted bag, probably because the contents were too big to fit into one of their regular makeup bags.

My box only arrived last week and because of this I got to see other bloggers reactions to the box and they weren't all that positive. They've recently changed the system so now instead of everyone receiving pretty much the same box there are 3 different possible boxes that you can receive. Of the reviews I have seen I got the "Fun & Flirty" box which looked to be the best of the three so I was pretty happy with that.

Here's what was inside!

1. Mask in a cup (Full size - $9.95 for 35g)

I actually received a couple of these from Terra 2Skin, which I have yet to use, but they look really cool. It's basically natural clay which you mix with water to become a mud mask. I will be sure to review for you once I have used them.

2. Star & Rose White Bath Fizzer (Full Size - $4.95 for 145g)

I love baths, like really love but sadly we don't have one at our place :( It's one of the only downfalls of our little house. Therefore I might have to give this beauty away...although my sister has said I can come bathe at her house haha that might be a little weird though! It has a slight floral scent to it but its not overpowering.

3. Avene Cleanance Skin Trio:

Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser (25mL - $27.99 for 200mL)

Avene Cleanance Emulsion Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion (5mL - $22.95 for 40mL)

Avene Cleanance Cream-Gel Exfoliant (5mL - $24.99 for 40mL)

Even though I've never actually bought an Avene product, I've got so many samples from them I know that I love most of their products. I was super happy to see not one but three samples from them in this months box. There is a gel cleanser, cream exfoliant and an anti-shine moisturiser. I can't wait to try these out, they smell amazing! and the cream exfoliant sounds really interesting.

4. Caron Waxaway Ready to Use Sensitive Wax Strips (2 Strips - Pack 20 from $9.95)

I'm not much of a waxer not because I am scared of the pain just because I find shaving easier. I'll be interested to test these out, although as there is only two I don't know what I would wax! haha

5. NYX Cosmetics Girls Nail Polish - Clear (Full size - 12mL for $4.95)

I was excited to see a NYX item included although would have preferred a makeup item, or at least a cool colour polish instead of the clear. I guess it will be good for my new office job though as I can't really wear anything too crazy on my nails.

Total Value = 9.95 + 4.95 + 3.49 + 2.86 + 3.12 + 1.00 + 4.95 = $30.32

I was pretty happy with this months box. It included 3 full sized items and 3 Avene samples. The wax strips and the nail polish weren't that exciting but I think the rest makes up for it.

What did you guys get?? Were you happy with it??

Hannah xox

Shameless Advertising: The Cool Plumber

As I mentioned in my last post my boyfriend Blake has just come home from working fly in fly out up north. The reason behind this was to spend more time with me of course! haha But also so we could start up our own air conditioning and plumbing business, The Cool Plumber.

I am so so proud of him for taking this huge risk and although he's only been in business for two weeks he's already pretty busy!

So if any of you Perthians in the northern suburbs need an air conditioner or anything plumbing related please give him a call, he would love it 0421 502 370. Feel free to check him out on Facebook "The Cool Plumber" or shoot him an e-mail at thecoolplumber@mail.com :)

Thanks guys xo

Hannah

Boyfriend Does My Makeup Tag!

I love watching these tags on Youtube. One day I thought why not give it a crack and do it as a blog post. So here we are!

The set up! All the goodies I gave Blake to play with

If you read my blog you'll probably know my boyfriend's name is Blake and lately he has been working fly in fly out on the mines. As he has finally returned home for good I thought I'd ask him if he was keen, luckily he was!

Assessing his options!

Now Blake being a tradie he is quite a blokey guy, however, he does have to listen to me drone on about makeup quite a bit and has seen me getting ready multiple times, so I thought he might have a chance.

The first strokes..

He started off a bit shaky, deciding to use a combination of bright blue, gold and brown eyeshadow followed by lining the bags of my eyes with black liquid liner, which he subsequently removed when he realised it didn't look quite right.

Blakes attempt at liquid liner!

A bit better...

He actually did alright with the foundation, although he failed to blend down my neck and into my hairline….blush was a different story! He picked the brightest blush he could find and decided to place it on my cheeks and down to my jaw…not my usual blush placement!

My first look!

Blake had an interesting technique to decide which brush to use with which product. It involved smelling each of them and trying to match them up! I almost died when he tried to use my fragile angled blush brush to apply liquid foundation. I know I wasn't supposed to help but I had to stop him with that one!

BEFORE

AFTER

The end result is pretty amusing! He managed to know where to put most things, however, I think he needs to practice his technique a little bit :P

If you decide to do this or have done it already let me know in the comments! I'd love to see!!

Hannah xox

My Perfume Collection

I've always loved perfume but never usually had more than two on the go at once. Lately, however, I have amassed quite a collection - be it from gifts, vouchers or sales. So I thought I'd share with you all my collection :)

Here it is: 

Look at all those pretty bottles!

CK One

Top Notes: Bergamot, cardamom and freesia.

Heart Notes: Violet, rose and green tea.

Base Notes: Musk, amber and oakmass.

CK One

This is my signature scent, one I always come back too and holds special memories as it was the perfume I was wearing during the time Blake and I started dating. I've gone through multiple bottles of this and will always have it on my dressing table.

CK One Summer

Top Notes: Blue mint, cucumber, lime, bergamot.

Heart Notes: Watery accord, green apple, rosemary, water lotus.

Base Notes: Rum cocktail, sandalwood, driftwood, sea mass.

CK One Summer

This is one of my newer scents, it's this years CK Summer release. They release a new one of these every year and I always love the scents they come out with. This one is no different. The combination of lime, cucumber and mint is super refreshing and smells just like summer.

Burberry Brit

Top Notes: Green almond, pear and italian lime.

Heart Notes: Sugared almonds and white peony.

Base Notes: Amber and mahogany.

Burberry Brit

This is quite a heavy scent but I still find it appropriate for during the day. To me this has quite a vanilla smell even though there is no vanilla notes. This is the scent which lasts the longest thorough out the day on me. It's also one of Blake's favourites.

CK Forbidden Euphoria

Top Notes: Mandarin, passionfruit, iced raspberries.

Heart Notes: Tiger orchard and jasmine.

Base Notes: Patchouli, musk and cashmere woods.

CK Forbidden Euphoria

This is probably the strongest and sweetest perfume I own. I got a sample in a subscription box one month and fell in love with it. Kindly my mum & step-dad got this for me duty free on one of their travels. You can definitely smell the tartness of the passionfruit and the raspberries and mixed with the musk it smells divine.I usually only wear this at night time as I find it a bit too strong for the day. I think this is a scent people would either love or hate, personally I love it but some might find it too sweet.

Beckham Signature

Top Notes: Anise flower and candy apple.

Heart Notes: Orchid, heliotrope and vanilla.

Base Notes: Patchouli, amber and musk.

Beckham Signature

This was a recent purchase for me. I had a voucher from Priceline and thought I'd use it to buy a new perfume. A while ago I bought Blake the men's version of this, which we love so I thought I'd give this one a sniff and I really liked the scent. It's a mixture of musk and florals but is still quite light so its perfect for daytime. 

Gucci Guilty

Top Notes: Pink Pepper

Heart Notes: Lilac

Base Notes: Patchouli and amber.

Gucci Guilty

This has to be my favourite scent of them all and the one I receive the most compliments for when I wear it. The only way I can think to describe this is pure sex appeal. For that reason it is my go to perfume for a night out or a date night. You must go smell this if  haven't already. I just bought another bottle of this as I was down to my last drop.

DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom

Top Notes: Grapefruit, cassis and apricot.

Heart Notes: Muguet, rose and jasmine.

Base Notes: Blonde woods and smooth skin accords. (whatever they mean!)

DKNY Be Delicious

This is quite a light floral smelling fragrance and one I often wear to work as I find it quite fresh and not in your face. There is nothing worse than working with someone with an overbearing fragrance and I don't fancy being that person haha. It smells exactly like the notes would predict, there is a strong rose aspect to it but the grapefruit cuts through the smell nicely to modernise the scent. 

DKNY Gift Set

My lovely step-dad Kim bought this for me on his way home from an overseas work trip. It was a such a nice surprise as I love all of these scents! As much as I love these types of sampler sets I hate that they don't have a spray top. I had seen reviews of atomiser spray bottles on YouTube so decided to invest in some, although I wouldn't really call it investing as they were super cheap! I plan on decanting these into them so I can take them on the go with me. 

Baby perfumes!!

How cute are the mini Be Delicious apple bottles! I love all these scents. I highly recommend this for a present as I think the majority of ladies would like each of the scents as they are all quite light clean fresh smelling scents.

What are some of your favourite perfumes?? I would love to know!

Hannah xox

When in Rome...

Buy your daughter lots of makeup goodies! Haha I have the best mother in the world. Fact! Every time she goes away she always brings me back some really awesome makeup goodies.

This time was no different. I thought I'd share with you guys the goodies she got me.

Look at all those goodies! So spoilt.

Sephora

Mum knows how much I want to go to Sephora so whenever she is in a country that has one she always picks me up a few things I have been lusting over.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Benefit They're Real Mascara

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Legere Moisturiser

I've never had a full size primer potion before so was pretty happy with this as I am almost out of all my mini sizes. Benefit's They're Real mascara has been so hyped I just had to give it a try. The last thing is this moisturiser that mum had been raving about. It's a french moisturiser from La Roche-Posay called Hydreane Legere. It's quite thin and gel-like in texture which I love but it is still quite hydrating. It also smells amazing, possibly the best smelling moisturiser I've used.

MAC

While in Dubai, taking advantage of the cheaper prices, mum picked me up a few MAC goodies. These products have been on my shopping list for a long time but you know how MAC prices are here!  It makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off every time I walk up to the counter.

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study (92.00AED = $24.30AUD)

MAC Mineralised Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle (122.00AED = $32.20AUD)

MAC Lipstick in Snob (81.00AED = $21.40AUD)

Bare Study is a gorgeous beige/champagne colour with a lot of sheen to it. It doesn't apply as pigmented as I would like but its still great as a base or a simple wash of colour when I am not wearing eyeshadow.

Soft & Gentle is my first MSF from MAC and I really like it. Its a gorgeous champagne colour with quite a bit of shimmer. I think I'll have to be careful with this one as it might make me look like a bit of a disco ball if I apply too much.

Snob is a satin finish lipstick in the neutral/mid toned pink family. Perfect to pair with a smokey eye on a night out, which I'm sure I will be doing quite soon.

L-R: Snob lipstick, Bare Study paint pot and Soft & Gentle MSF

I've also done a bit of shopping myself lately, picking up a few goodies from MAC duty free on the way back from NZ as well as one thing from a local chemist.

MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy

Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup

Groundwork had been on my wish list for ages now, ever since seeing Lisa Eldridge and the Pixiwoo girls using it in a few tutorials on YouTube. Its a matte mid toned brown cream shadow which works great as a base or simply on its own as an all over colour. 

Teddy eye kohl was another that's been on the list for a while. I don't own a whole lot of brown eye liners so I was in need of a good one and this one has a hint of gold sparkle in it which makes it a bit more interesting than the average brown liner.

I also picked up Revlon's ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup while at a local chemist the other day as it was on sale for $10 and I thought it might be a good alternative to my MAC MSF natural. I've used it a couple of times to set my makeup and so far it has been good. One interesting thing about it is that it has a cooling effect when you apply it to the skin, making it great for hot days!

Groundwork paint pot, Teddy eye kohl, Revlon powder (if you can see it!)

Do you have awesome relatives that bring you back pressies too? What have you bought recently?

Hannah xox