Sunday Special-FMS gift exchange and My First Sephora

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well and that your Christmas has been wonderful!!! I am here today with another Sunday special!!! This year I participated in a international gift exchange and I wanted to show you what I received in my package!! But first a little bit of explanation....If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I participate in the fmsphotoaday challenge this is a month to month challenge that gives you a prompt for everyday and you take a photo and post it on Instagram adding a simple hast tag to your photo of fmsphotoaday you are able to share your photo with all the other players but also see how everyone else interprets the prompt as well, its a great way of connecting with others around the globe.

 To further this connection Chantelle the lovely lady and founder of this challenge also runs a gift exchange every year. Now the exchange is completely anonymous so you use Instagram and a little bit of face book to work out what to get your partner for Christmas it also is an exchange where the person you are buy for isn't the person buying for you. Its really fun and both this and last year I have really enjoyed participating.

Now I know last year I didn't blog about what I sent and what I got but as I didn't spend my Christmas here at home things got crazy and I left it too late to blog the experience. Now last year it was a random draw and I sent my gift to South Australia and my gift came from America with goodies from the store Ulta!! It was great and I enjoyed everything I received but this year we got to choose the area in which we would like to send I chose worldwide so signed myself up to sending a gift anywhere.

I was paired with a lovely lady in America. I was so excited to send some goodies overseas at the same time though felt a little under presser as my gift was going to a first time exchanger!! My gift recipient is a busy Mum of two who loves to garden, read and take photos (her Instagram and blog photos are amazing!!!) and who also loves flowers and has a talent for arranging them. So I had a little bit to go with. At the same time my information became limited as issues with our facebook group arose and it was hard to search for answers to questions so primarily I had use instagram photos and blog posts from my giftee to work out what to send. My gift ended up being a mix of many things as I wanted to incorporate her love of flowers, something practical, something just for her, something unique to Australia, and a small gift for her children.
So the following items got sent:

I couldn't help but pick this decoration up its so cute and I really wanted to include something specifically Christmasmassy!! 

The calendar of Australian wildflowers, tea towel with Aussie animals and reusable bag with the Australian flag covered my want to send something that included the love of flowers and items that are practical!! 

My gift just for her. I couldn't help but send a handbag (again practical and with flowers) as well as a little bit of makeup with everything coming from Australian brands!!!

Bag is from Colettte by Colette Hayman

Makeup included Lucas Pawpaw ointment, lipstick from Face of Australia,
Mascara, Gold eyeliner/shadow, eyelash curler all from Models Prefer
and nudes eyeshadow palette from ChiChi Cosmetics.

And a little something for her children, pencil cases printed with a picture of the story bridge unique to where I live here in Brisbane. Pens, pencils a ruler, eraser and sharpener with Australian prints now for her little girl I couldn't help include a Christmas lip gloss as well as including some cadbury chocolates for both of them. 

All packed up ready to send!!!

So that ends everything I sent.

So onto what I received. As I said last year I was lucky enough to recieve makeup from Ulta as well as other brands unique to America this year I was second time lucky not only being paired with another American Santa but also a Santa that likes to shop at Sephora!!! I was so excited when I opened the box!!! Not only did my gifter include all makeup items she was also able to get some samples to send as well. 

Kat Von D Lip Love Lip

This is a lipstick and lip gloss duo. The Lipstick is a mini studded lip stick in the shade Lolita and the lip gloss is a mini everlasting liquid lipstick in the shade berlin. Lolita is a pink nude shade that I am thinking on its own will make for a great my lips but better look. Berlin is a little bit bolder in comparison this is a deep but bright pink that will make a good statement to any look. Both have a matte finish.  

Bite Lush Lip Trio 

These are three lip glosses in the shades Rambutan, Currant and Strawberry. Rambutan and Currant are neutral colours in this trio with Rambutan slightly lighter than current. Strawberry is a light pink. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in the shade Nude 

Heard so much about this and so excited to give this a try!!! From what I have seen it has great coverage and is long lasting. 

Sephora Mascara and Eyeliner in the shade Evening Blue

This is a glittery blue black and silver eyeliner and mascara in one, I could not wait to open it to find out how it does both!! The wand end has both a mascara bristles and small eyeliner brush its really cool and I cannot wait to try!!! 

Buxom Vanity Lash Mascara with Full and Fabulous Brush in the shade Show off Black

Again so excited I love mascaras and especially ones that give volume!!!

Glam Glow Samples

A sachet of Glam Glow PowerMud Dual Cleanse treatment, a sachet of ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment  and a sample of BrightMud Eye Treatment. Its the first time I am excited to see sachets glam glow is something I've only seen and heard reviews of via youtube happy to be able to try it myself!!

Algenist Alguronic Acid and Propeptide3 Firming and Lifting Cream

This is a anti aging firming and lifting cream that contains a property created by san francisco scientists. It sounds interesting!!!

Cyndiband elastic hair tie 

This is the cutest thing ever!!! Its not only a hair band but its branded with the benefit cosmetics logo so cool!!! I doubt I will ever bring myself to use it as a hair tie but its so fun owning a makeup labeled one!!! 

So many goodies!!! That ends this post as you can see I have been extremely spoiled this Christmas and I cannot wait to try everything!!! I hope you've had a very Merry Christmas and are ready to party into the new year!! Until next post Happy reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne.  

Bellabox December and November Review

Hey Readers, 
I hope this post finds you well!!. WOW another month has passed and a new BB arrived at my door this week!!! I cannot believe its nearly Christmas and soon we will be saying good bye to 2014 and hello 2015. It astounding but moving on from that as I said my December BB has arrived and I thought I would share the goodies we got. But first I will review the products I received for November!!

November Review

Coastal Scents Revealed Palette Eyeshadow Sampler
I was impressed by these from word go by these shadows they make an everyday look for work easy and with the darker shadow I could easily turn the look from day to night. There was a small amount of fall out with the two brown shades but overall easy to apply, blend and they lasted all day. Very happy!!

Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Still cannot believe I finally own this one at the same time though am disappointed I haven't had the chance to try a rainbow liner yet. (maybe for new year) Over all though it makes a great base going on smooth and blending out smooth makes any eye shadow pop!!!

Le Tan Wash off Bronzer
As I said in my original post this one does the job easy to apply not a bad colour just not a product I use a lot of I have put it in my give to a good home box!!!

Palmers Multi Effect Perfecting Facial Oil
I still have not put this on my face I know I said about the article I read saying that facial oils are good but something just has healed me back!! Anyway I have tried on my neck and shoulder area and I have to say its not bad. Goes on smooth, absorbs easily and leaves skin soft. 

Allegra Rhodes Hand and Nail Cream 
Once again this stuff smells gorgeous, easy to apply, absorbs quick and doesn't leave your hands greasy the only thing is the lid of this little pot was a bit hard to get off so I have depotted it into another small jar!!!

OK so onto December Bellabox, Now I hate to start this post on a less positive note but I have to say that I am not as excited by all the products like I was in November. We really got a treat last month and I was hoping that being the end of the year and Christmas we really would receive something exciting.  Don't get me wrong we have received products that are great but I just wanted something a bit more to this box!!! 

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr Purifying Day and Night Cream received a full size 50ml
This is a light weight moisturiser that hydrates and helps to control excess oil it contains grapefruit, mandarin and green tea combined with Vitamin A, E and C. Interested to try I have looked at this range previously wondering if Miranda Kerr's flawless skin really came in tubes and bottles but with the higher price point I could never really justify spending the dollars just to find. Reality I think will be probably just a decent face moisturiser we will see!!!!

It's So Big Mascara by Elizabeth Mott received a 4ml mini sample full size is 10ml
This cult brand mascara will lengthen and curl your lashes without smudging and give mega volume all day long but is also easy to remove!! Woo a new mascara probably the most exciting product for me in this box I love mascara so very happy!! 

Enbacci Pore Minimiser received a 10ml deluxe sample full size is 50ml
This cream utilises the benefits of tea tree to promote the reduction of pores leaving skin looking smooth. Have never tried this brand or a product like this before interested to try see if this works!!!

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash received a 14ml deluxe sample full size is 175ml 
This is a cleanser designed for acne prone skin it contains salicylic acid says it will leave skin clean and fresh whilst help keeping pimples at bay. Always good to have a cleanser on hand my skin is good at the moment but will try and see how it goes.

Kerestase Paris Nutrive Nectar Thermique recieved a 10ml deluxe sample sachet full size is 150ml.
This is a leave in nourishing cream that helps to protect your hair from heat styling damage suitable for dry to very dry hair. I don't heat style and I do not have dry hair so not that excited by this product.

Maybelline New York Super Stay Better Skin received a sample sachet in the shade 21 Nude.
This is the bonus sample for the box this month and while this is a decent shade match for me, I am not really that excited as I have tried this before I bought this when it was first released earlier this year its an OK foundation not the worst I have ever tried but not the best either good for those that haven't picked it up already to try.

So that ends my December BB as I said before not as good as last month and the couple of months before but over all some good products to try all of which as always I will review next month. As this is my last post before Christmas Day, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your time with family and friends!!!  

Everlynne. 







    

The Parcel by Marie Claire Summer Edit

Good Afternoon Readers,  
I hope this post finds you well!!! The summer edition of the parcel by Marie Claire arrived this week and I have been so excited to tell you about this one ever since I opened it!! Christmas has come early and this box is so jam packed (I will insert the photo below of how it looked before I messed it up!!). I have so much to talk about but first I have to say at this point I am so impressed with these boxes, I know this is only the second one but the product quality, the amount of products we are receiving. The fact we are getting deluxe samples not sachets, as well as some full size products and the attention to detail with packing, shipping. I am enjoying the change from the hassle that the month to month boxes usually bring!!!  I am also liking that all subscribers receive the same products so everything we are all getting the same moneys worth. 

How it was packed all nice and neat!!!!

Ok so onto whats inside.....

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant received a deluxe sample size approx 5-10ml (not stated on tube) Full size is 50ml.

A little bit of luxury to start off the box This is a do it all balm that says it will help to soothe and soften dry and irritated skin. Have heard of this before  but don't think I have ever tried it. The information card that we received with the box says that you can mix with foundation for a dewy glow!! Interested to see what this is like.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3 in 1 Cleanser recieved a 30ml deluxe sample full size is 90ml. 

This 3 in 1 cleanser for face and eyes says it removes makeup, dissolves dirt, tones and lightly hydrates the skin in one simple step it is also pH balanced!! Love a good cleanser and I am forever trying new ones this isn't a brand I have stumbled on before so really happy to try something new.

Essie Nail Polish in the shade Tart Deco 13.5ml

This has to be the highlight of the box for me this peachy coral shade just looks gorgeous and I cannot wait to try its the perfect summer colour!! Excited!!! Would also like to say that this came wrapped in a bubble wrap pouch I did read that there was some issues with smashed nail polishes from the last box I am impressed that they have endeavored to solve the issue and make sure it didn't happen again.

Essie All in One Top Coat 13.5ml 
This is a base and top coat that not only gives high shine but also will help to strengthen nails as well. Again excited!!! Will go perfect with the tart deco cannot wait to try!!!

Jergens Ultra Healing Body Moisturiser 100ml 
This is one of the newest brands to hit our shores and I have to say after seeing many American youtubers rave about their BB cream for the body as well as their tanning products. I was excited when it was released in Priceline a few months ago sadly I have not been in the market for a new moisturiser or sunless tanning product I just haven't picked anything up interested to try and see what these products are like.

Revlon Age Defying CC Cream in the shade Medium 30ml
Your going to be sick of reading this but I am excited about this one two!! I love my makeup thats no secret and I have been experimenting with the bourjouis CC cream recently so interested to see what this one is like. Its a colour correcting cream so says it will even out skin tone, address signs of aging hyper pigmentation, fine lines and dehydration all while offering SPF 25 and buildable coverage. Interested to see what its like on the skin, From what I've learnt about these type of creams so far they work better as a makeup base with a powder foundation over the top they are quite light and sheer on their own. Happy to try!!! 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II recieved a 5ml deluxe sample full size is 15ml. 
My first thought when I first picked this out of the box was WOW This stuff is so fancy and after reading the title I was like they don't even tell you what it is on the packaging if its a cream or balm!! The Estee Lauder website simply says its a treatment!! Oh wait just read the card Marie Claire tell us its a Gel Serum!!! Three times the sample we have received in this box is $95 so regardless I will be using this wisely!! It says it will zone in on fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circle, uneven tone around the eyes it works to repair, hydrate, brighten and protect the delicate eye area!!! Interested to see what a high end product is like!!!

John Frieda Luxurious  Volume Touchibly Full Shampoo and Conditioner recieved a 44ml deluxe sample of each full size is 250ml
This shampoo and conditioner combo are said to transform fine hair making it visably full, touchbly soft all while keeping a natural look not sure if these type of products ever make my hair feel more volumious but I am always interested to try something new and if this doesn't give me enough volume hopefully the next product will!!!

John Frieda Luxurious  Volume Fine to Full Blow out Spray recieved a 29ml deluxe sample full size is 118ml.
This spray says it creates an all over natural fullness for the look of a salon quality blow out given I do not get my hair professional blow dried not sure I will be able to tell the difference but will try it out to see if it works!!!

So that end this edition of the Parcel by Marie Claire hopefully this hasn't been too long a post!! I am really happy with everything I have received cannot wait to try everything!! As I said at the start really impressed with the products included they have definitely gone one better on the first box and in general kept the standard high!! Hopefully they keep this up!!! 
If your interested in subscribing check out the website the box is $25 and it comes every three months!! Until next time Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!!

Everlynne.

Taking it Off!! A Makeup Remover Review

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well!! Today I am going to be talking about taking it off!! Your makeup that is!! This year I have tried a few different ways of getting rid of a good days makeup this year and thought it was time I shared what I really enjoyed and some products I just don't reach for much any more!!

Makeup Remover Wipes.

Milk and Co Beauty Wipes 
These have been one of my go to wipes all year and I did a full blog post on these back in January (click here to read and see more photos) they are the perfect option when taking your makeup off after a long day is too much effort. These larger sized wipes have both a smooth and exfoliating side. The smooth side is great for taking off all your makeup and the remover they are soaked in is not only gentle on the eyes but also takes off heavy shadow and liner with ease. The exfoliating side is gentle but also rough enough to get rid of any build up around your nose, between the eyebrows and is great for getting off stubborn lip stick stain as well.  These wipes are also a great option for travel. 

Cleansers 

Simple Kind to Skin Purifying Lotion
I went through a phase earlier in the year of wanting to use less chemical products to take off my makeup, I was also wanting a cleanser I could use with and without water. This is what I picked up its a really creamy lotion that massaged in takes of all your makeup gently and is as easily wiped off with cotton pads as is washed off with water. It is a little hard to get eye makeup off some gel liner and mascaras did not really budge but everything else comes off quite easily!! However this is one remover I don't reach for all that often I am not saying it isn't good but it takes a little more effort than I am willing to put in most nights particularly when I have had a long day or have been travelling.

Models Prefer Mousse Away Foaming Cleanser  with MP aquaFLEX 
This is an in shower cleanser that I picked up as it is designed for oily combination skin it says it will remover makeup, dirt and oil whilst maintaining the skins natural moisture balance. This I thought would be a good option for a double cleanse. Take my makeup off with remover, micellar water or a wipe and cleanse with this in the shower after. How do I say this politely... Fail!!! This does not take anything off and it doesn't leave your skin feeling nice. It foams well but the cleanser doesn't do anything it really didn't get makeup residue off at all and even when used just as  a cleanser it didn't really do much at all I also feel my skin produced more oil as opposed to feeling balanced. Not a product I use at all any more.

Micellar Waters 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water  
This was my go to for a lot of the year these products are really the best thing for removing makeup I find they not only do it quickly and easily but they actually get most of the makeup off and they are up to removing heavy shadow and liner with ease. They are also quite travel friendly which I love. This one has a light scent, removes all makeup including eyes without stinging!!! 

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover
This is my new go to and my garnier took a back seat to this when I discovered it a few months ago. Its smells so fresh (like cucumbers) and it works so well. It removes makeup with ease, doesn't sting your eyes or leave a residue. 

So that ends my post of taking it off!! I hope you found this helpful and next time your in the market for choosing a new makeup remover definitely try the milk wipes or try one of the micellar waters!!! Until next time Happy reading and Happy Shopping.

Everlynne.

November Favourites!!

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. Once again I apologise for no favs post last month and that posts this month have been scarce. October and November has seen everything get really busy all at once and it has made time to blog hard but I found have some free time and I decided it was time to tell you about the products I have been loving over the last two months. October while not as busy as the current month saw the introduction to a few new products to my collection so I had spent most of the month getting to know those as well as continuing to shop my stash to work out my most favourite products, with November being so busy I really have been sticking with what I know will work!!! So here are the few outstanding products for the months!!

Lorac Pro Palette
I have ummed and arrrghd over buying this palette for most of the year while at the same time I have really been on the hunt for a good matte and shimmer palette and after much research I knew that this was my pick but spending the money to get my hands on one here was what held me back!! It was Instagram one day that a girl I follow from the states was selling the palette for a reasonable price she also was willing to ship internationally at a shipping price I couldn't pass up!! Now I have to be honest and say that it wasn't the easiest experience this seller at times was hard to communicate with as she spends periods of time away from social media and email not answering communication regularly, at the same time you take the chance with the postal service as well this ended up in Canada at one stage and was sent back to the seller before making it to me!! After all that though I ended up with a perfect palette free from damage and I have pretty much used it ever since. The slim line packaging makes it easy to travel with and the combination of neutral shimmer and matte colours means that I have any look at my finger tips!! All shadows are true from pan to skin and are soft, buttery, pigmented, easy to apply and blend.  I have had small amounts of fallout for some of the shimmer shades but once applied the stay all day.  I am loving experimenting with different looks, mixing different shades, creating all matte or all shimmer looks. If you can get your hands on one I highly recommend!!!

Essence Be Loud Blush in 01 AP-RI(C)OT
This blush was apart of the Be Loud trend collection a couple of months ago and it has been my go to for most of the month this mosaic of pink, light and dark apricot combined gives a gorgeous predominatly matte (it only has a slight shimmer running through) peachy pink to the cheek it is easy to apply, blend and is buildable it also lasts which is why I love essence blushes!!

Essence Viva Brasil 02 Destination: San Paulo!
This has been my other go to blush these past couple of weeks now this isn't a colour I would usually pick up but something drew me to it at the time of purchase and I am glad I did. This is a highly pigmented blush and a little goes a long way. In the pan it does look a slightly scary deep red but on the cheeks this blends to a beautiful red coral that gives a gorgeous colour to the face and cheeks now as I said it is pigmented so a little goes a long way and being to heavy handed can cause the clown effect but it does blend out easily so don't be too worried if you go over board!! It also is long lasting which I have been loving for when I need my makeup to go all day.

Now I know these are both limited edition and its most likely that you won't be able to get your hands on these ones particularly but I include them to show you just how good they are!! Essence is probably our most affordable brand that has amazing quality to their products and its the reason I snap up products from their trend editions. Their blushes particularly are more often then not matte, highly pigmented, easy to apply build and blend and they last all day without fading or touch ups!!



Model Co Lip Lacquer in the shade Morocco
I am not the biggest lip gloss fan and at the same time my relationship with model co cosmetics has been a bit hit and miss but this lip gloss has become my go to. Its not only an easy neutral colour to wear not to pink and not too brown has the right amount of gloss. It isn't sticky but yet lasts a long time and the slightly extended applicator means its easy to apply even when your using you phone as a mirror!!! Packaging is a little over sized so putting it in your pocket to go isn't the easiest but a small clutch purse it does fit.  

Physicans Formula Eye Definer Felt Tip Eye Marker in Ultra Black
I usually prefer to use pencil liners as often I make mistakes with my liner and I like the option of being able to blend it out or put shadow over the top to fill in the gaps so I am not entirely sure why I pulled this out of my stash this month but all of a sudden I felt like bold black liner. I have had this liner for a while and it is the only felt tip liner I have ever owned that has lasted such a long time. Its really easy to apply great for adding a wing and it stays a true matte black all day long I have actually really enjoyed the change from pencils!!! 

So that ends the products I have been loving for this month. If you are in the mood for a new blush I do recommend the essence ones and if your looking for a new liner the physicans formula one is good (see iHerb.com for cheap prices). Until next time Happy reading and Happy shopping!!!

Everlynne.