It seems like this brand just came out of NOWHERE. My sister mentioned it to me saying she had heard some good things about it, then an ad for The Ordinary popped up on facebook, then I saw a few blog posts..and it made me realize: I must try this brand.

The Ordinary is a cruelty free Canadian brand which offers high quality skincare at affordable prices. Their value statement "clinical formulations with integrity" was formed due to seeing brands overcharging on skincare when it doesn't need to be so expensive. The team is specialized in materials chemistry and biochemistry which no doubt explains the success of their products. From reading multiple reviews online it's difficult to find anyone who has a bad thing to say about it. 

Today I went into Myer with my sister and bought quite a few products to try. It's so hard not to overspend who everything is so damn cheap!! 


I first heard about this product on Wayne Goss' YouTube channel (video here) where he raves on about how incredible it is. Can't wait to properly try it.

Price: $13.90
What is claims to do: "This new generation of primer is a lightweight serum-like formula that increases the spreadability of subsequent complexion makeup to help avoid unnatural and uneven accumulation of pigments especially around the eyes and on dry skin". 

From reading reviews online this primer seems better suited to those with dry skin.

Price: $9.80
What is claims to do: "This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of impaired Natural Moisturizing Factors. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use."

Some reviews i've read online say that it's great for sensitive skin and gives great hydration to dry skin. The only negative thing I read said how they wish it came in a bigger tube, but for $9.80 I think it's pretty affordable to re-purchase.

Price: $21.90
What it is: A brightening serum with stabilized vitamin C derivative. pH is 6.0-7.0
What it claims to do: "Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it's impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits."
When to use it: Apply a few drops to face in AM and PM, use before other oils and moisturizers. 

This seems like one of the most popular products from The Ordinary so i'm excited to give it a whirl

Price: $12.70
What is it: A high-strength lactic acid superficial peeling formulation (basically an exfoliator)
What does it claim to do: "Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation. "
When to use it: Apply once per day. The pH is approx 3.8 so it's important to avoid mixing with other products with a much higher/lower pH. 

Price: $17.90
What is it: A stable emulsion of next-generation forms of retinoid. Retinoid is vitamin A derivatives and have anti-aging properties. pH is 5.0 - 6.0.
What it claims to do: "This product uses next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of ageing than retinol without irritation."

On The Ordinary website there is a lot of science jargon I don't really understand but basically from a lot of the reviews i've read people have said it has made a noticeable difference to their skin making it look healthier than ever. People have said it works with all types of skin. pH is 5.0 - 6.0
It's important to know the pH as it can alter when you use a product and what you use it with. To get the greatest benefits it's advised to mix similar pH products together otherwise it can be counterproductive to use ones on opposite end on the spectrum. I'd get into the nitty gritty details but this article here explains it INCREDIBLY and a lot better than I could. 

So basically out of my products I should use the Advanced Retinoid 2% and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% together and avoid using the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% at the same time. My plan is the use the lactic acid in the morning and use the other two in the evening. 

On the weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Bloggers United event in Brisbane. I had purchased my ticket a few months ago and was uber excited. On the actual day I was filled with a lot of nerves, albeit I was mostly pumped, but very nervous at the fact that I was going to an event where I didn't properly know anyone. Eeeeek. In the end I gave my self a pep talk on the car journey there and told myself that it won't be as daunting as I think it is. Upon my arrival I met a bunch of lovely girls and felt at ease, us bloggers are all quite similar aren't we?
The event was great - it featured a few brands (such as BYS and Kiehls) which gave information about their brands vision and different products. It also featured two established bloggers on a panel who gave some advice about starting your own business and how to manage blogging. I don't see myself chasing blogging as a full time thing but a lot of their advice was really encouraging and beneficial. It also allowed time for mingling which made me really bond with quite a few other bloggers!

I think that's what I loved most about the event was getting to meet other like minded people. We were all so similar and have such a passion for creativity. It was really refreshing! Hopefully in the next few weeks a bunch of us are going to meet up again which will be great. I feel so cool now that i've finally made some blogger friends!

• Steph from The Soul Echo (just a gorg blog, her photography is amazing)
• Alex from Justashine (writes super cool interesting stuff like ingredients in makeup )
• Shivanni from Quarter Life Crisis (writing about life as a millennial) 

I have been an extremely good girl this year. I've become quite savvy with saving money and have repeatedly opted against going on huge shopping sprees. After months of being quite good and only splurging here and there on drugstore makeup I decided it was time to go to Mecca Maxima. Albeit I didn't go CRAZY and buy up the whole store but I did buy a few bits and pieces that I have been wanting for ages. I also got a free beauty box from Mecca so a few of these items are from that.

Nars Laguna Bronzer: Have been after this for agesss so I knew it was time to give in to the temptation. Used it once last night and so far I really like it.
Blush Duo of Hot Sand and Orgasm: A blush and a highlighter duo? Yes please! Orgasm has been a cult favourite for years so the beauty blogger in me just had to buy it.
Stila Stay-All-Day Liquid Lipstick in 'Perla': I've never tried this formulation and even though I thought I was done with my phase of liquid lipsticks..I just couldn't resist? As soon as I swatched it on my arm I had to buy it. Have worn these the last two days and I love it.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray: Not only does this smell amazing but it was only $9! As a big fan of dewy makeup and facial mists it was something I really wanted to try.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara mini: Got this in the beauty box, score! I really rate this mascara so i'm glad i've got another one.
Stila Stay-All-Day Liquid Lipstick in 'Rubino': Another mini from the beauty box. Haven't worn this yet but the colour it is right up my street.

Some days you wake up and it feels as if the world is trying to pick a fight with you, whether it be realizing how ghastly pale you've gotten or new spots emerging in the midst of the night. Whatever it is:  you just feel rubbish. On these days (heck, sometimes it can last weeks) it can be so easy just to hibernate away but there are some things I like to do which make me feel human again. These are also the things I do when I want to feel on my A game for a special event. So you sitting right there reading this: if you are in need of a bit of a pick-me-up then try out a few of these things.

I have gotten a lash lift twice and can testify that it makes me feel soo nice. It's just something about how it opens up my eyes and makes me feel as if I have nice fluttery eyelashes. Some before and after pictures are on this post here so you can see what a difference it makes. I've actually booked myself in tomorrow to get another lash lift. An alternative is eyelash extensions, I haven't gotten this before but I have seen some girls with them and it just looks lovely.

I can get a bit lazy with this but every time I get my eyebrows waxed/shaped I go "why don't I do this more often?!". My brows can get a bit out of sorts so having them freshly done can really make me feel a lot better.

My nanna has always been one of my biggest inspirations. At 87 years old she still has all the elegance and grace one could ever dream of having. She still loves colour coordinating her outfits, wearing brooches, doing her hair, and applying make-up. One of my favourite memories was taking her out on a spur of the moment shopping trip and once we got to the shopping centre she realized she forget to put on lipstick so she asked if I could apply one of mine of her. I just love that, at 87 years old still caring about how you look and wanting to feel nice.

I decided it would be a lovely idea to do a post on my Nannas tips on beauty. She has always been super glamorous and never lets me forget how all the boys would chase after her when she was younger. The pictures at the top are ones of her when she was in her early 20's. No wonder all the boys loved her!! Heartbreaker Nanna.

Skincare Tips:

1. "Always clean your skin before you go to bed and always put a good moisturizer on"

There are so many products out there that are designed to plump up your lips, today I am reviewing the Dior Lip Maximizer which is probably one of the most popular lip plumping glosses.

What does the Dior Lip Maximizer claim to do?
"Moisturizes lips and gives an incredible instant-volume effect for a glossy smile and full, plump lips, as if transformed"

What is the formula like?
It's enriched with collagen which is the ingredient that is supposedly meant to plump. I actually really like the formula of the gloss itself, in fact I would say this is my favourite lipgloss ever. It's quite thin, tastes of mint, and isn't crazy sticky.

Does it actually plump up your lips though?
I took a photo of my bare lips and then with the gloss on. I left the gloss on for a few minutes before taking the photo so it could sink in a bit. To be honest...it...slightly works? I feel my lips tingle once it's on which means something is happening to them. As you can see in the photo the gloss gives the appearance of my lips being bigger but there isn't a huge difference.

If I had to choose the product which surprised me the most it was the Colourpop Ultra Satin Lips. When I originally did my Colourpop order I added two to the cart just to "try out". I wasn't expecting to get obsessed with them but I did. I ended up ordering another and will go back to order more. As you may have read in my last Colourpop review (here) I was disappointed with the Ultra Matte lips as they were horribly drying and flaky. The Satin Lips on the other hand are incredible.

What I like about them is that they pack a punch with pigment. One swipe is enough to completely coat your lips, and it doesn't apply patchy at all. They go on quite liquidy and then dry down to a satin finish. I find they are comfortable to wear and last a decent amount of time (5+ hours). Last night I wore Echo Park and only had to re-apply once in the night. They do transfer but they don't budge around on the lips.

So if you are someone who is not entirely into ultra matte lips but still want to give liquid lipsticks a try then this is the product for you. Colourpop has free international shipping until the 31st of December so if you want to make an order then now is a great time to do it.

Rounding up a whole years worth of favourite beauty products was easy-peasy. This year was a mix of trying out new products whilst also sticking to good ole favourites. Some of these products have already been mentioned in my 2015 favourites post here but I thought I would add them in again seeing as I have stuck to them religiously.
1. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer 
This year was the year I got into primers and after trying out a couple this would be my favourite of the bunch (Too Faced hangover primer is a close second!). It smooths out my skin and is a good base for applying foundation.

2. Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint in Shell
This is my go-to full coverage foundation as it provides a seamless finish without looking cakey. For best application I usually blend this in with a beauty blender. A bit on the pricey side but for me personally it's been worth it.

3. Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc
The perfect dewy looking foundation which is great for everyday wear. Sadly i'm running out of this but I am repurchasing soon as I can't be without it!

4. Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in shade '2'
This packs a punch with coverage. When it comes to concealer I only like full coverage ones as anything else can't compete with the darkness of my under eyes. Has been mentioned on my blog since the beginning of time but I will forever be recommending it.
5. Too Faced Soulmates Blushing Bronzer in Carrie & Big
This is the bronzer I reach for everyday and it never fails me. It also can double up for a subtle contour due to it being slightly cooler toned.

6. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping
My holy grail highlighter. It compliments my skin tone well and can either be a subtle or bold highlight. Unfortunately it was limited edition but if it ever comes back I will stock up on a few.

6. Topshop Cream Blush in Illicit
I'm not a big blush girl but I liiike this a lot. It's subtle but still gives your cheeks a nice rosy colour. I don't wear blush everyday but this is the one I reach for the most!
7. Revlon Eyebrow Liner
I'm pretty lazy when it comes to my eyebrows so I like this as it's quick and easy. One end has a comb and the other has a small pencil which is nice for filling in my little eyebrow gaps.

8. Loreal Brow Artist Plumper in Translucent
Sometimes i'll only wear this on my brows and nothing else as it combs my brow hairs in the right direction and keeps them put. This has become part of my everyday routine.
9. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Another product that was mentioned in last years favourites but definitely worth mentioning again as I have used this allll year!! Out of all my mascaras it just gives the best volume and curl. Of course it's a HG and something I recommend to all my friends. :)

10. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
Although it doesn't look it I have used this palette tons of times! I just like how warm toned it is and how you can do a mixture of everyday looks to night time looks. So glad I finally got my hands on it in February.

11. Colourpop Supershock Eyeshadow in Sequin
It was difficult narrowing down which particular Colourpop Supershock shadow to mention as I literally love every one I own but this seems to be the most used. These are so incredibly pigmented and have great staying power. I use this particular shade either all over my eyelid or in the centre of a smokey eye look to give a halo effect. Do yourself a favour and try these, the formula is insane.
12. Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Alyssa
Although I only purchased this in the second half of the year it has already been bumped up to my favourite lip product ever. Can't you tell how much it is used by all the writing being rubbed off? Haha. It's a beautiful everyday pink which lasts well considering it isn't matte. Just love, love, love it.

13. MAC Viva Glam II lipstick
My perfect nude lipstick as it's cool toned!! This is something thrown into the handbag all the time.

14. NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake
I'm not a massive gloss girl but this was what made me get into them again. It's not too sticky and goes well over so many different lipsticks. Will definitely be buying more of the butter glosses, they're too lovely.

Whether you're involved in the beauty world or not: you would have heard about all the hype with matte liquid lipsticks. Despite them being around for quite a long time they didn't make quite the impact as when Kylie Jenner released her liquid lipstick line. Since then each brand has brought out their own version of the liquid lipstick trend with some being great and some being "eh".

I first heard about the Colourpop liquid lipsticks when they were said to be the same as the Kylie Lipkits except at a much more affordable price. Since then they have been on my radar so when Colourpop had a promo stating it was free international shipping when you spend over $50 I knew these would be one of the first things i'd add to my basket. I purchased the shades Midi and Clueless.

I wasn't blessed with beautiful curly hair like some girls. It's the same old argument of "straight haired girls want curls and curly haired girls want it straight" and I definitely apply in this situation! Although I don't mind my natural hair, which is really quite straight, I have always envied those girls with beautiful natural curls..where they can just wake up and their hair looks beautiful as it is. *sighs* Sooo after years of trying to find ways to curl it such as using a hair curler, hair straightener, rollers...nothing worked well and my hair always eventually dropped out. Perhaps I just need to master those other things..and maybe the issue is me? I AM a complete hair novice after all.

I FINALLY FOUND A VIDEO THAT ACTUALLY WORKED! Whoever this girl is....YOU ROCK. It is SUCH an easy method which is so effective. I do this right before I go to sleep and then take it out in the morning. I always feel like Hermione Granger in the first Harry Potters with my bouncing curls. All I need is a wand.

I use the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray before I put it up in the buns as I find this helps give a texture to my hair and makes my hair stay curly for longer. If you are someone with long hair I would recommend putting some type of hair product in (whether it be a surf spray or hairspray) as it will help the hair hold its shape better.

No matter how much you're into make-up a great nude lipstick is something every girl should have. I'd consider them to be a secret weapon, something you can just apply on the run to feel all that more put together. Last year I had a massive nude lipstick phase and since then I have dwindled it down to these six which are my go-to. Luckily for you guys - they are all drugstore except for the MAC one! I do enjoy a good high end lipstick but I also love the feeling of finding a gem among the drugstore brands.


When it comes to a nude lipstick I prefer it to be a matte formulation but there are a few that are exceptions. J-Los Nude (Revlon) is the most recent purchase, it's hydrating and gives a nice subtle pink tint on the lips. Viva Glam II (MAC) is a great cool toned lipstick which I like to pair with a smokey eye, it's a satin finish too which is my favourite MAC formulation. Daringly Nude (Maybelline) is in the comfort matte formulation which is exactly what it says it is, I feel like this is the truest nude colour out of them all. Aquarius (Colourpop) is very similar in colour to Viva Glam II but slightly more hydrating and almost has a glossy finish - i've REALLY been loving this one lately! Stockholm (NYX) is a matte lip cream which goes on like a mousse but dries completely matte, it doesn't feel too drying though thank goodness! Stockholm is something I like wearing on 8 hour shifts as it lasts a long time and I only need to re-touch it once. Pa-Ree (Australis) is verrrry similar in formula to the NYX soft matte lip cream, this shade looks quite similar to Koko K by Kylie Cosmetics.