May Favourites

So that time of year has come around again and its May Favourite time. I always love a good favourites and so I am going to be sharing mine with you. Stick around to the end for my May Favourites Video

I have been loving wearing very seasonably inappropriate nail colours and really embracing the warmer hues for the cooler months. The two I have been reaching for are 'Cute are a Button' (on the left) and 'Tart Deco' (on the right). 

Glowy skin is my thing at the moment and these two products have truly changed how my skin looks on a day to day basis. I apply the blush (Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Luminous Flush') all over my cheeks and build up the pigmentation to bring back some colour to my other wise pale complexion and then I use the Highlighter (MAC Mineralize skin finish in 'Soft and Gentle') liberally on the high points of my skin to bring the light back to my face. This combination is To-Die.

My two skin saviours of the month have been the La Roche Posay 'Effaclar Duo' and the Kate Somerville 'CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective eye cream' and they have been working a little miracle. The 'Effaclar Duo' is an amazing Acne fighting cream/serum/moisturiser that is used all over the face to control those nasty break outs and boy does it work. The 'CytoCell Eye cream' is the first eye cream I have used where I have noticed a difference, my dark circles are less noticeable and puffiness is at a minimum. 

Of course a monthly favourites couldn't be made without the inclusion of the Revlon Lip Balms (Matte and Lacquer). I wear these products almost every day. The soft texture, subtle minty scent and the amazing colour payoff, what more can you ask for!

The 'Tangle Teezer' is a relatively new addition to my hair care routine but I really do understand the hype. The soft rubber bristles glide through the hair with no pulling or harsh tugging that will cause breakage, it also feels very nice on the scalp, like a little head massage.

My new shower loves are the Soap and Glory 'The Breakfast Scrub' and the Dr Bronner 'Hemp Peppermint Castile Soap'. I loves using the soap to give my whole body a great clean but I also find it works great as a shaving gel type product and leaves the legs tingling. The scrub I like to think of as the Dessert of my shower routine, a sweet maple syrup scent with a milky texture to finish off a lovely hot shower is perfection.

That is it for my Monthly Favourites, make sure you check out my video for a more in-depth chat about each individual product.

Zeeta x

Matte or Lacquer

Lets talk my current lip obsession that is not going away, and of course it is Revlon Balm's: Lacquer and Matte.

I struggle to find anything other than highly pigmented lipsticks that I like to wear and that look good, but I have found my new love.

From the Lacquer range I have 'Provocateur' and 'Coquette', the first being a a bright pink based red which is very vibrant and highly pigmented, the second being a bright mid toned pink which I love as an everyday colour.

The Lacquer balms apply very smooth to the lips and the colour builds very easily. The subtle minty scent of the entire range is a nice touch but not too over powering (something I hate in products). They last for several hours on the lips and do leave a stain, but nothing to offensive or that will sit in fine lines.

The one criticism everyone has had is the glitter in formula. At first I didn't even notice any glitter, and thats because there wasn't any, well at least until I got down in the tube a little, and then BAM! there is a whole lot of glitter. I now have a lot of glitter in the 'Coquette' colour which is a little uncomfortable, I just wished they had skipped on that step. 

From the Matte range I have 'Unapologetic' and Stand Out' and I cannot say enough good things about these. I have always loved the matte look but have struggled to find one that was comfortable on the lips and didn't ball up in the corners (the most frustrating thing).

The pigmentation is amazing and the finish is beautiful, a creamy matte that doesn't appear dry at all. They are so comfortable to wear and easily reapply throughout the day without looking clumpy (not that they need much topping up).

'Unapologetic' is a bright coral pink which is right on trend with the colours of 2014, and just happens to be a shade that I LOVE. Although it is the wrong time of year for this beauty I still love brightening my day with it and cannot wait till summer to wear it everyday.

'Stand Out' is a truly amazing deep red that I am obsessed with. I personally struggle with traditional red colours and gravitate towards plums and berry tones when wearing red but this colour has changed that. Being such a deep red with blue undertones (that almost sways towards purple) this colour does not wash my pale skin out and would amazing on anyone.

The four shades I have are my favourites from the two collections which are available in Australia but I do really want to give a few more a go because my obsession with these grows stronger everyday.

I would love to know your opinions on these products because I know there have been both positive and negative reviews.

Zeeta x

NOTD: Secret Story

So it's no secret that I have a little obsession with Essie nail polishes, well it's becoming a kind of large obsession, so before I do my official collection video I wanted to share some fun colours with you in the form of Nail Of The Day posts. I also want to share a few different formulations that I have noticed amongst the range. 

Lets begin is 'Secret Story'

This polish is a mix of a bright, almost fluorescent shade with strong muted undertones to make it more wearable, I would call it a traditional bright pink.   

I love the formulation of most Essie polishes as they are very creamy and opaque, however I have purchased a few that are a little lacking on the creamy side, and this is one of them.

I find these polishes look amazing in the bottle and while they apply just like every other polish in the range they are a tad sheer.

As you can see, this polish still looks beautiful on the nails and I intend on wearing in till the bottle runs out, I just find it odd that there are a few shade in the entire collection in this formulations. 

I have applied three coats of  'secret story' and a single coat of top coat. 

I hope you have enjoyed this review, I have quite a few more lined up for the coming months.

Zeeta x

Perfect Blur

Lets talk bases!

As someone who suffers from enlarged pores and an uneven skin tone I do enjoy a good perfecting base, however they can feel heavy and just plain uncomfortable. 

In a spur of the moment shopping trip recently I picked up the Garnier Perfect Blur base perfecter which to be honest I hadn't heard a lot about, but it was on sale and I thought I would give it a go.

I comes in a simple pale pink tube, nothing flashy about this packaging but nothing offensive either. It comes in the 22.0ml size which seems about average for a priming product

This product claims to be a skin tone evening, light reflecting, smoothing a blurring and I would have to agree. This has been marketed to a mature clientele but I have had no issue on my young oily skin. 

You apply a small amount of the product onto your skin after applying your daily skin care routine, I tend to focus on the centre of my face as that is where I have the most unevenness. This product fills in pours and noticeably reduces the size once make up is applied.  I do not think this product necessarily fills in fine lines but I do think they look less serve.  

When this product is applied alone I do think it helps reflect the light and create a healthy finish to the skin but after foundation application I do not notice a large difference, something I do notice is that my foundation applies so smoothly over the top that my skin looks much more airbrushed. 

To me this product is very similar to the Loreal Base Magique but perhaps a little thinner and slightly smoother feeling on the skin. It can also be compared to the Benefit Porefessional primer which I am a huge fan of, and while I think they are very similar I do love the Porefessional for my skin issues. 

I would recommend this product over the previous two mentioned to a more mature skin type as it is lighter and worn on its own creates a very nice finish and glow.  

I am very much enjoying using this product and given that it is only $16.99 full price it may be something I purchase in the future to avoid paying the $40+ for equivalents.

Zeeta x 

Glossy Stain

So for today's post I wanted to share with you a very unique lip product that I am sure you have already heard all about. This is the Loreal Shine Caresse in 'Romy'. These came out a while ago now and while marketed separately it quickly became known that they were essentially the same as the YSL Glossy stains (a much better name for a 'glossy stain' product if I do say) and they were all the talk back then, now things have calmed down a little, lets talk.

While I have several of these I just wanted to talk about one because the formulation is very consistent in the line. 'Romy' is a medium, warm based pink with a hint of nude (or that 'your lips but better colour). On me the colour is noticeably pink as I have Yellow undertones to my skin and am very fair, however on someone with Pink undertones who is slightly more tan this could certainly be considered a nudey pink.

As for the formulation they are a medium pigmentation, somewhere between a lipgloss and a stain, nothing like a lipstick though, however with the magic of these product you can build them up. One coat will leave you with a gloss look with a small amount of pigmentation, the second coat will look more like a sheered out lipstick and the third looks like a full on glossy powerhouse of pigmentation.

These are a very sticky consistency so if you are not one for a bit of tack then this isn't for you, however if you don't mind then the staying power of there is amazing, they really do last hours and hours. While you can do touch ups when needed you cannot keep applying throughout the day without getting a small amount of clumping but nothing worse then a matte lipstick.

The applicator is very unique in almost a tear drop shape. Made of very soft plushy material and being quite flexible means you can easily create the shape of the lips. 

Overall I do enjoy these products, not my favourite in the Lips department but a nice little change from time to time.

Zeeta x

Top 10 Drugstore Poducts

Why hello there, today I uploaded a new video where I share my TOP, Favourite and in my opinion, some of the best products available at any Drugstore. While this is an Australian edition (lets face it, its a whole lot harder to get products here then in some other country's) only a few products are not widely available internationally. 

Zeeta x

Soft and Gentle

So if you have been watching my recent videos you may have noticed my skin looking substantially more glowy then normal and that is all because of this little beauty.

During this last month I was #feelingspendy and this was one product on the top of my list of must have buys, and so I bought it. The M.A.C mineralize skin finish in 'soft and gentle' is a golden champagne highlight colour which while being a beautiful light shade also adds warmth to the face and doesn't look too harsh no matter what the look. 

The marbleised mix of pale champagne tones with warm golds and a few darker bronze splashes (don't worry its not like a bronzer) creates the most unique glow I have come across and I truly don't know why It took me so long to pick it up. 

The packaging is the standard M.A.C black powder packaging, nothing special but sturdy and simple, it will always look classic in your collection. The size is amazing, even with the $47 price tag, you will have this product for ever. 

This product would look amazing on any skin tone, and could create a variation of looks on different people. I do feel this would pick up very intensely on darker skin tones and may look overwhelming on pale, pink under toned skin, although I don't think this would be terribly common. If you have a medium, yellow skin tone this is your perfect highlighter. 

It is not the smoothest powder ever and does have a few specks of larger glitter but I do not find this offensive and with a good blend and a steady hand I never feel over done wearing this product. It is highly pigmented but blends into the skin tone easily and becomes a subtle glow.

I am so impressed with this product that it has become an obsession and I really want to own a variation of these products but I will just have to wait for another collection.

Zeeta x

Style Crush: Margot Robbie

So can we all just take a moment and adore this wonderful lady! I am obsessed, from her early days on Neighbours to the flourish of her new found Hollywood fame she has always been fabulous and her style just keeps getting better. 

Lets start the style obsession with her everyday, relaxed New York look that she has been donning recently. A gorgeous palazzo pant jump suit perfectly tailored to her shape in a slightly glossy fabric covered effortlessly with a beautiful Chanel-esc coat, simple silver jewellery and her hair pulled back is an easy up-do, whats not to love! 

Taking things up a notch but still keeping it day time and simple we have this lovely black and white peplum concoction. On the bottom this outfit is quite plain but still elegant with perfectly fitting trousers and a pair of large pumps, nothing super special, but when added with the amazing exaggerated peplum with sharp, crisp white details, sublime.  

Looking every bit the classy socialite in this pattern clashing outfit and her 'off duty model' hair, there is nothing I don't love about this look. The mixture of the leopard print and the small Gingham can he hard to pull off, but keeping them in the same colour palette has worked a treat. Keeping the bag simple and classic and adding in a nude pair of pumps is just the cherry on the top!

So we have covered the day time/ casual looks, lets step it up a bit. Keeping the sex appeal she has become known for, this form fitting jumpsuit with a banded waist, slack style pants, a Grecian neckline and of course the delicate lace sleeves. While this is quite a dramatic look, the black colour keeps it elegant.

And finally we are finishing off with her infamous Oscars dress, and where to begin. Lets talk shape, I would call this dress quite a simple cut, but it is how it fits that makes it a winner, the neckline is amazing, the dress doesn't cut under the arms at all, and the way the fabric falls to the ground hitting at just the right length. The spit is very high but placed far enough on the side that the risk of any accidental showings is highly unlikely. 

The fabric itself is quite thick and opaque so the form fitting style is easily smoothed over. Now the accent of the emerald green, I am obsessed with jewel tones in any capacity and this is no exception. The lines of emeralds, surrounded by clear stones lining the waist, up the sides and around the arms is just the right amount of sparkle without over doing it. The Loubotins in the same colour are just enough pop at the bottom to break up the fabric and the simple earrings tie it all together, pure bliss. 

Zeeta x

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Lumi Magique

So a while back I lost my precious M.A.C studio finish concealer and was in desperate need of some replacements, unfortunately I wasn't anywhere near a M.A.C counter or any of the high end brands at all, this lead me to trying a few drugstore concealers which is something I have never dabbled in before.

I decided to pick up the Loreal Lumi Magique concealer on the recommendation of so many people and the endless chatter about its comparison to the YSL Touche Eclat which I wasn't prepared to pay the crazy price tag for. 

Firstly the packaging is stunning, especially for being a drugstore item, not often to you find a product looking this pretty in your local chemist. It is very similar in packaging to the Touche Eclat and the brush also seems very much the same (I have never owned the Touche Eclat but I have swatched it instore).  

The colour I chose was number 1 Light which was the correct colour for me but given the limited 3 shade options there simply wont be one for everyone. I also want to mention the $27.95 price tag attached to this item which I do believe is a rip off. 

The brush works well with the product coming through easily but I don't really understand the use for the brush end as you cannot blend the product out on its own, you could have just as easily used the product with a different applicator.

Now here is where the disappointments started. This product is marketed as a 'Highlighting Concealer', the Highlighter portion is totally correct, creating a variation in skin tone that looks natural but adds shape to the face, but the concealer portion is just not a good name for this product. I found the coverage slightly uneven, patchy in places and just not enough coverage for anything. I wanted to be able to use this product on 'no make up, make up days' but I cannot get away with using this product alone.

The product also dry's very fast which makes it quite hard to blend, not at all something I was expecting.

I will say it really depends on what you are looking for in this item, it simply doesn't meet my needs. If you have very even, normal skin that you only need a little brightening added to make it nice, or perhaps have mature skin, this might work wonders, but for my young, oily skin this does not help the case.

Zeeta x

Beguiled

I thought we would kick off the Winter months with one of my favourite vampy lipsticks, and on the plus side, its at a really great price point.

Of course I am talking about the infamous TopShop 'Beguiled' Lipstick. This stunning product has been compared endlessly to M.A.C's 'Darkside' as well as a myriad of other High End lippies that are substantially more pricey. 

The packaging is the standard TopShop 'LIPS' styling with the white matte tube and the dark grey stripes and text. Although I really like how secure they feel when opening and closing as well as the way they feel in the hand, you cannot deny the outside gets very dirty, very easily. 

Described on the website as a 'Wine' colour, I would totally agree, you could also call it a rich berry tone, or a medium plum. This is honestly my favourite type of colour with my skin tone, I just think the warm, rich and deep mix of colour works for me, and this is one of my favourites. 

As with all TopShop lipsticks they are a matte finish with a very slight satin glow. I find these are one of the most moisturising formulas on the market and are easy to wear all day in comparison to other with a similar texture. 

As a whole I would totally recommend the TopShop lipstick in any colour, they are one of my favourite formulas ever. This colour is spectacular and would look great on anyone of any age, trust me, a mature woman could totally rock this shade. 

Zeeta x

Non-Beauty Favourites of the Moment

It is that time of them month where I share my Favourite Non-Beauty items with you all! 

Check it out here 

Everyday Items

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I like to keep the necessities in one place, and for me this is a wooden chopping board that was a wonderful wedding gift (I received for attending the wedding, I did not get married) that is a symbol of that wonderful day but also a rather hand places to keep everything I need when running out the door (and look rather stylish)

The board itself is a hard wood 2inch thick, dark stain board that has pride of place on the island in the kitchen as this is the most convent place to keep all of these items. 

First up we have my car keys, nothing too exciting, but I do have a rather cute collection of antique (and completely useless) keys that I have used as my key ring since I got my car, I like it but sometimes I have to sort out eight keys before I get the right one. 

Next is my watch and bangle that I wear everyday without fail. The bangle is a gold band from ASOS that was very affordable (I will link it or something similar HERE) which is the perfect combination with the watch. The watch itself is the Michael Kors MK8077 I believe and is readily available. It is a unisex watch and I adore the size as well as the true yellow gold colour as I am a golden girl at heart.

The sunglasses are a cheap and cheerful pair from Portmans that were $25 just after New Year. I really love the understated round shape that is made even more subtle with the semi clear tortoise shell frame and well blended smoke colour. The lenses are also a mid-tone brown purple which is less harsh then the normal black I tend to go for.

Lastly the necklace is also an ASOS buy but unfortunately it is no longer available. I love this as an everyday piece as it is simple but adds a little edge to an outfit. It is easy to throw on with anything and looks great with my watch. 

I hope you enjoyed this little peak into my everyday Items and how I arrange them for easy use.

Zeeta x