FMS Photo A Day Challenge Makeupstyle!!!

Hey Readers,

Been wanting to talk about to you about these challenges for a long time but haven't gotten to writing a post and now (last minute of course!!) I have had an idea for this month which I really wanted to share. So I thought I would do a quick post to let you guys know what I am doing!! If you follow me on Instagram (Makeupscience) you will know that I participate in a photo a day challenge. These challenges are set month by month, each day is given a prompt which themes the photos for that day. The prompt gives you a start you can take it literally, play on the words, or think outside the square its up to you. Its amazing what people come up with everyday and the photos that they take to put a word into an image!! 

This creation is the work of Chantelle aka Fat Mum Slim who sets the challenge to make people think, challenge them, get them taking photos but also to connecting people all over the world you. You can share via instagram, facebook, your own blog, tumblr, flikr and even twitter. 

I really enjoy taking photos with my iPhone but I also love seeing how others interpret the prompts each day. So this month I thought I would try setting myself an extra challenge not only will I try to put up a photo everyday (as I often get behind and not post anything) I am putting the theme of makeup to every photo!!! I think this will add an extra bit of fun and I'm hoping some of you will come and play along too!! These are the prompts for this month 

Some of them do look a bit tricky for my theme but I am excited to see how I go!! So come follow me on Instagram, find Chantelle as well (fatmumslim) and play along!!! This link gives you a bit more detail on how to play fmsphotoaday  and the hash tag for Instagram is #fmsphotoaday. 

Happy Reading and Happy Snapping!!!

Ever 

Bellabox January and December review

Hey Readers, 
I hope this post finds you well!! My first Bellabox for 2014 has arrived and I wanted to share what I have received for the month of January. But first I will review BB December!!!

Romy hand and nail cream 

This one didn't get a try this month. I thought maybe I would use it while I was away given it included air and car travel. But I just didn't find myself reaching for it I'm thinking maybe when it gets cooler it may get a turn.

Kosmea rescue balm 

Have really enjoyed this product the most out of all the items that I received in the box for January. This is a little pot of amazing!! There's not much that it can't do!! I have primarily used this on my face to stop blemishes in their tracks as well as heal ones that took hold before I had a chance. Its a really easy to use product and I am excited to keep it on hand.

Eslor sample pack 

While I have only tried two out of the four samples I received I'm still a bit in the fence about these products. I  have only had a chance to use the scrub and cleanser from the sample pack this month. The scrub has a gorgeous smell and has particles that are substantial enough to smooth the skin nicely but there's not enough cream base to allow it to spread easily and really be able to work it into the skin as for the cleanser it foams nicely, cleans well and doesn't leave your skin feeling dry or tight but it has a really earthy smell that isn't over powering but isn't that nice either. Still am yet to try the mask and moisturiser so will see how they go!! 

Avene Cleanance K Cream
This was not the most exciting product in the box this month as I have recieved this before and once from LHI, I'm sorry if I've said this before but I am a little over the inclusion of Avene products to Bellabox its not that I don't like the brand I do but I've just received this is so many times I'm ready for other products. 

Simple eye makeup remover 

This is a really great gentle makeup remover and you don't need to work that hard to get rid of any makeup it not only does you eyes but can also be used on the rest of the face if you've forgotten you makeup remover!!!! It makes light work of heavy eye shadow, liquid liner and mascara. It doesn't sting, feel too wet or leave residue!!!

Mary K Fluid Eye Colour  

I have used this so many times particularly over the Christmas period this light champagne shadow makes a great base for other neutral shadows or on its own with a winged eyeliner. Its so easy and smooth to apply and you can change the intensity to suit your look and it lasts all day!!!  

So onto January Bellabox...
This box comes with the theme of 2014 new year small changes and Bellabox have included a range of products to help ease into the new year and incorporate new products into your routine.

Scandalous Rock Chick Wave Spray received a 150ml full size.
This is a hair spray that allows you to create rock chick waves in a simple spray application. Having short hair these days and recently going through the moments of not being able to get it into many styles I am interested to try this and see how it works out!!

Avene Soothing Mask and Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream both 5ml samples.
Ok as spoken about previously I have received many Avene products from Bellabox and surprisingly this time they have sent me two samples that I haven't received before!!! The moisture mask says it helps to dehydrated skin and helps to leave skin soft, supple and radiant. The Hydrance Optimale is a daily moisturiser that offers dry to very dry skin hydration day and night. While I have combination skin I do get dry patches in the winter time so maybe around then it will get a turn. 

INM Natural Manicure/Pedicure File 
As the card says this is an essential item and I have to say will be good addition to throw in my handbag. 

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Daily Body Lotion SPF 15+ 25ml full size is 200ml.
This is a sunblock and moisturiser in one with the aloe vera included its a great travel size and will be a great light moisturiser for the end of summer. 

Model Co Fat Lash Volumising Mascara 
This is definitely the most desired item of the box. As you all know I love a good mascara and this offers the best of both worlds offering length and volume as well as a unique style of brush that offers spikes at the end of the wand to catch the inside outside and bottom lashes. Have high hopes so you may see it in next months review as well as a mascara maddness!!!

So that is all for Bellabox January overall a good start to the Bellabox year will see how these products go this month and give my thoughts next month. Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Ever.

Milk&Co Beauty Wipes

Hey Readers, 
Hope this post finds you well!! I have been wanting for a while to tell you about these wipes for a while so I thought it time I sat down and wrote a post about them.

I mentioned last year that I had read an interesting article on the nasty chemicals found in makeup wipes and that they can be a contributing factor in major health issues. This is the article I read from natural news. At the time I also admitted that I probably relied a little too much on makeup wipes to remove my makeup and it was high time I found an makeup removing alternative!!! While I have found many great cleansers over 2013 I still wanted to have a convenience option particularly for when I travelled. I was on the hunt trying to find a makeup wipe without the harsh chemicals mentioned above and it was during on of Pricelines 40% off skincare that I found these.

These makeup remover wipes are work of Milk and Co which is a company started by Michael and Lindy Klim a brand focused on products that are natural and products that are kind to the skin. So far the only wipes I have found that don't contain the harsh chemicals mentioned in the article and also the only wipes I have used that are double sided and double the size of a regular makeup wipe. One side is smooth and great for removing a hard days makeup including liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara and the other side has small bumps which create an exfoliating surface that isn't to harsh on the skin and great for the area around the nose and in between the eyebrows where I find a lot of makeup and any impurities bulid up during the day. They are so easy to use and don't leave your skin feeling tight or dry and their light scent isn't overpowering. They also have a closeable lid which means they aren't easily dried out and great for travel.

Extra large size 

The exfoliating bumps

The closeable lid.

So I hope you enjoyed this post and if your on the hunt for a new makeup wipe give these a try. If you know of any other good makeup wipes please leave me a comment below!! Until next time Happy reading and happy shopping!!!

Ever.

Happy New Year and January Favourites

Hey Readers,

Hope this post finds you well!! 2014 is here!! Happy New Year!!! I hope that you have had a wonderful festive season and are not having to many back to work blues and any resolutions you may have made are going well. This year I haven't made too many resolutions in regards to my blog as I wish to keep going with monthly beauty box posts and reviews as well as my monthly favourites which I still want to keep a mix of shopping my stash as well as falling in love with any new goodies I buy. I will however be trying to put up some extra blog posts on individual products during the month both first impressions as well as reviews in a bit more detail then I usually get to in my favourites and not just waiting till my favourites post to tell you about them. I am also going to be using my Instagram (makeupscience) a bit more for my blog this year not to just post up when I have written a new post but also to post up my beauty purchases and also to do some mini reviews of products I am really enjoying, so please if you have an Instagram  please come and follow!!!

So the festive season and start of the new year have been busy I have traveled a lot and spent a fair amount of time in the sun so my favourites this month are products that have helped protect from the sun, keep my makeup from melting away and becoming shiny as well as being easy to apply and keep things natural!!!

Nivea Sun Light Feel Every Day Sun Lotion 30+ SPF
I know I spoke about this in my 2013 favourites for the year but I have used it so much this month I just had to include it again. I am amazed that every time it applies easily, dries quickly and that there is no greasiness. Its really been so good for the hot summer days we've been having to be able to apply and go and to prevent sunburn!!!

Chi Chi Super BB cream SPF 30 in the shade Medium
I purchased this at the end of last year when target had 30% of chi chi cosmetics I had heard a lot about this BB cream from you tube and I wanted to give it a try. This BB cream has been one of my go to bases all month it gives the perfect amount of coverage (light- medium) which is buildable for the areas that need a bit more coverage but still light on the skin. Its great at taking away redness, evening out skin tone and creating the perfect base. I have needed to top with powder to keep myself from getting to shiny but even without powder it still lasts all day. I also love that its a tube with a pump so not only can you get every last bit of product but it dispenses easily. 

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream in the shade Medium
Originally introduced to this as a sachet sample via bellabox and then again in a lust have it box. I bought the full size as I wanted to try it out a bit more. This version of Maybellines BB cream includes 2% saliycylic acid said to help with fighting blemishes but I also feel helps with oil control. The cream itself just goes on so easily and lasts a good number of hours without powder and I have found it great with oil control. It is a lighter coverage than I am usually after but its a great no makeup makeup option and I have really enjoyed using it as a base/primer with a mineral foundation buffed in over the top.

Loreal Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
I received two samples of this primer via beauty boxes in 2013 and as a little bit goes a long way I am still loving it. Its the first primer I have used that doesn't feel slippery and dries powder light. While I don't feel in disguises my pores it definitely helps foundation apply smoother and keep it lasting longer, not melting away in the heat!!!! I am on the hunt that does a similar job though as the full size of this comes in a tub and with all my travel I really need something in a tube or with a pump. If you have any suggestions please leave me a comment!!!

Rimmel London Stay Matte in the shade 005 Silky Beige
I think I bought this early last year and I have only just hit pan over the Christmas break!! It still is my go to powder and as the days have gotten warmer I really have been relying on this powder to keep the shine at bay it also gives a little extra coverage so has been good not only to set makeup but also carry in my handbag for touch ups!!

Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder in the shade Beige
This was a powder that I bought ages ago from iherb after dropping and smashing the same one but in the natural shade I never felt the natural did anything for me and for whatever reason this one ended up in my draw of unopened use next makeup. So when I saw it being used in a couple of YouTube tutorials I decided to give it another try. I am really loving it and while I do avoid putting it over my T zone as it does have a small bit of shimmer it  gives a lovely glow to the rest of face and with the incorporation of the pink blush heart you can add a little colour to the cheeks as well.  I've been really enjoying teaming it with the rimmel stay matte for a quick easy look on the go!!!

Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Powder in the shade 12 fair/medium 

This has become my go to bronzer this month!! On its own or as a contour paired with blush it blends and adds warmth to the face giving a glow without the shimmer and ive never had it look orange or muddy. It also comes with a decent size mirror that swivels 360 degrees perfect for the cosmetic bag and even the hand bag!!!  

It has been a three way tie for my favourite lip product this month not only do they work alone they also pair together well in combination!!

Essence lipstick in the shade 07 Natural Beauty

I think I have spoken about this before but I am just loving this lipstick at the moment!! This is a really easy to wear nude pink that just adds a bit of extra to any look and is great in a rush to glide on and go its moisturising and lasts a reasonable amount of time and has paired well with the next two lip products...

Maybelline Colour Wisper in the shade 25 lust for blush

This was a you tube made me buy it purchase at the end of last year that and they were on special at Coles for $8 which is cheapest ive seen these lipsticks in a long time. So I thought why not I will give it a try. These colour wispers are probably the best formula of lip stick I have found there creamy, glossy and moisturising. Lust for Blush is a soft pink that for me is probably a little too light particularly if I'm too heavy handed in my application. I find best if I just apply to my bottom lip press my lips together evens out the colour enough not to wash me out the other two options I love to wear this one is mixed with the essence lipstick I spoke about above. I also love to top it with the next product for a little extra gloss!!!!

Covergirl Smoochies Lipslicks in 255 Sweet Tweet

These smoochies are new from covergirl and I'm not sure why I picked them up for some reason I was just drawn to them. These Lipslicks are the perfect combination of lipbalm and lip gloss. They smell sweet, are twist up, easy to apply, have just enough gloss to make your lips shine but no stickiness!!! Yay!! Finally a company that has gotten this right!! They are quite sheer when it comes to colour so on there own as a natural gloss to the lips and adding a bit extra to my essence lipsticks or my maybelline colour wisper.

So that completes my January favourites I hope you enjoyed this post and I would like to know what your favourites were for January so please leave a comment below telling me your favourite product/s are and until my next post Happy reading and Happy shopping!!!

Ever.

My 2013 Go To Products aka Favourites of 2013

Hey Readers, 
Well the end of the year is here and most likely by the time I get to post this the new year is most likely to have started but I have been waiting all year to share this post with you. Every month I usually collect my favourite makeup/beauty products together take photos and write a post. As you will know I change my makeup mind all the time rotating through all the makeup goodies I own. Given I am also subscribed to two beauty boxes I am also constantly being exposed to new products so also changing what I use skin care and beauty wise. However all year long I have been wanting to tell you about the products and makeup items that I always go back to even when I am loving something new or something I've rediscovered I just have products I always go back to and never can be replaced!!! I do apologise in advance though some of these I have mentioned in previous favourites and also please excuse that some of these look a little worse for wear being my most used items they packaging sees a far bit of wear and tear!! 

Nivea Repair and Protection SPF 20 Lipbalm
This year really has been my year to change up what I use on my lips and I have also been slowly getting into colour. As a general rule my lips are quite dry and flaky so for most of the year paw paw ointment and the carmex twist up balms were my go to. But when I found myself getting a little bored I went looking for something new. I found these Nivea balms one day and thought they worth giving a try. They are extremely hydrating, moisturising and long lasting. While the product does absorb into your lips a little they still feel hydrated and not like you need to top up have really enjoyed these this year you also get a lot of product for your money so they last a long time and as a bonus they have an SPF of 20.

Swisspers Pure Softness Makeup Rounds
I started the year using a homebrand type version of makeup rounds and I found that when taking off heavier eye makeup or foundation as soon as they were wet they would fall apart and leave fibres on my face and I was also finding it was talking so many rounds to get my normal makeup off I was using roughly a pack a week. So I was on a mission one day and found myself in Chemist warehouse and they had a twin pack for about $6 and I have never looked back. Even when my makeup is at its heaviest I only really use six rounds and the best part is that they survive being wet and you can use both sides without them falling apart and leaving fibers.

Simple Kind to Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion
As I have spoken about in previous post after learning earlier this year about the nasties in makeup wipes I had to find an alternative I also knew in the back of my head that actually washing my face was going to be better for my skin in the long run any way. I picked this up during on of Priceline's 40% off skin care sales they had early in the year. The best part about this lotion is that is can be applied to dry or wet skin and it still removes all makeup completely including eyeliner and mascara. It also leaves the skin soft and smooth.

Bioderma Sebium H2O Solution Micellaire 
Initally introduced to this by bellabox and then repurchased via the bellabox webstore this is another great alternative for makeup removal wipes. And has been my travel option this year as I have tried to down size my toiletries pack and being able to put this in a smaller bottle and just take a small handful of makeup rounds to go is so much easier. Its also a good option as you do not require water so you remove makeup while on the go!!! in an airport, airplane, car (not driving obviously), bus it is convenient and it removes all makeup including mascara and eyeliner without leaving a trace!!!

Natio Renew Radiance Foam Cleanser 
This has been my go to cleanser for over a year now and I just can't let it go and it is so good that not many other cleansers can compare. It is just a great all round cleanser that foams well, gets rid of any dirt and grime leaving skin soft smooth. It also has a soft rose scent that isn't over powering. I have tried many cleanser this year from both bellabox and lust have it and always find my self reaching for this one again and again.

Imperial Leather Foamburst Foaming Shower Gel
This is a you tube made me buy it product but I simply can't get enough!!! This I had seen in so many you tube videos favourites videos and I picked one up just to see the hype. I just love the way it instantly foams it really makes this shower gel shine it builds on itself creating a thick foam which is amazing not only as a all over body cleanser but also for a smooth shave, cleaning hair brushes and combs, jewelery and amazing for getting makeup out of brushes leaving them clean soft and smelling gorgeous. That is also the other main thing I enjoy about this product I haven't found a scent I don't really enjoy.

Dr Lewinns Private Formula Puressence Day and Night Fluid 
This is another skin care product I have used for many years and sadly I am starting to find it hard to get a hold of. Despite that I have still been using this all year while trying to find a decent replacement. The beauty about this is that not only can you use it any time its the perfect balance between a day lotion and a night moisturiser its not to heavy and not to light. The fluid itself absorbs instantly to the skin no stickiness, greasiness or residue it also takes one pump covering my face and down my neck. The bottle also has a vacuum type pump so as you pump product out the bottom gets pushed up (seen in the photo) meaning you get every last bit of product!!!!  

MOR Hand Cream Orange Blossom 
I included this in my winter favourites but I had to include it again as I really do use this all year round. I wash my hands at work multiple times a day, wear gloves, work in air-conditioning and am in and out of walk in freezers and fridges everyday. As a result my skin particularly my hands get dry very easily so I essentially need a good moisturiser on hand all the time!!! This is a great product from MOR it not only has a great scent and absorbs so quickly I can put it on and either put on gloves or pick up a pen to write without sticking or greasy residue. Being in a tube its also handy for the hand bag and the flat spot on the lid means in stands on its own on a bench or bedside table.

Nivea Sun Light Feel Everyday Sun Lotion SPF30 
I only discovered this half way through the year but I had been on the hunt for a decent sunblock for a while. I find sunblock a hard one sometimes its an essential given I spend a lot of time in the sun and living in Queensland the sun is hot even in winter but since I was a kid and especially now I hate the smell and the greasy sticky feeling when you've just applied it or the clammy feeling when you've been in the sun and surf all day and sunblock has mixed with salt water and sweat. I also have found some sunblocks hard to apply mulitiple times without resulting in a white cast and not absorbing properly.
This takes all that out of the equation it doesn't smell like sunblock to start with, doesn't leave your hands or skin greasy post application and no matter how many times you apply it goes on smooth and I love the touch dry finish. I really am confident every time I apply this one that it works and I wont end up sunburnt at the end of the day.

Real Techniques By Samantha Chapman Your Base/Flawless Expert Face Brush
This is a holy grail brush for me and as a result of loving my first one a little too much (the handle fell off!!!) I now own two!!! This is an amazing brush its dense bristles and dome shape are just the perfect mix. It allows you to stipple, stroke and buff foundation in to you skin, it small enough to get product under the eyes and around the nose for a flawless finish every time and it doesn't discriminate between BB cream, liquid or cream foundation. The best bit is product doesn't get lost in the bristles and what product is left washes out easily and I have never had any shedding from this brush all year!!!

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara 
This is one of two mascaras I had to include in this post. As you know well I love my mascara and have tried and bought a lot of them this year. It is the one makeup item I always find time for even when I'm at my busiest. I just love how mascara makes lashes stand out and frame the eyes and makes you look put together with very little effort. This year I have used both the black and brown version of this mascara and I just can't get enough. Most days I choose to wear a natural look everyday so while I love wearing mascara I usually prefer a me but better lashes look. It coats the lashes without clumps and extra product build up. It gives enough definition, volume and a little bit of length while still looking natural and Iv'e never had it flake either.  I've really enjoyed it this year and cannot wait to try the newest in the line clump crusher extensions versions. 

Prestige My Blackest Lashes
I know I only just reviewed this in my last mascara madness post 
(mascara madness #5) but I cannot tell you enough how much I have enjoyed using this one. It really does give an amazing darkness to the lashes, volume and bold definition. Like the clump crusher is goes on smooth and you really only need one coat to get amazing results. I have really enjoyed this one particularly for a more defined look and its great for a top up before going out at night. 

Bobble Water Bottle
The beginning of the year saw me constantly buying bottled water and while I did reuse the bottles the bottles themselves don't last that long. I also don't really like the taste of bottled water or water that has been sitting in one of those bottles for any length of time. I found these bottle grocery shopping one day and decided to give them a go. Not only are the bottles sturdy but they also have a filter built into the top of the bottle which means your water is clean and tastes good all of the time. The filters themselves are sold separately so you don't have to buy a new bottle every time!!

So that wraps up my go to products for 2013!!! Leave me a comment below what your go to products were this year I would love try some new products in 2014!!! As this is my last post for 2013 I hope you all have had a wonderful 2013 and are doing something fun to welcome in 2014!!! Stay safe Happy New Year and until next time Happy reading and Happy shopping!!!

Ever.






Disclaimer: I am not sponsored to write this post and I have not been paid for my comments nor have I received any of the above products for review. All items I have paid for with my own money and all comments are my own.