EOTD: Lime and Lavender...

Apart from my camera capturing the purple component of this look as blue (boo!), I think it's such a fresh and pretty combo for Spring..
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For my base I used two kajal pencils by essence - SCREAM GREEN on the inner corner, and LOVE ME LAVENDER over the rest of the top lid. All essence crayons create fabulous foundations for any shadows - they're dense and creamy, the colour range is brilliant, and they cost less than a packet of chewing gum...

I'm making good use of this Max Factor Wild Shadow Pot in Untamed Green (thank you again darling Gemma!) - I adore the vibrancy of the shimmery lime, and it makes me smile from the moment I apply it to the time I take it off ♥ Over the lavender kajal, I pressed down the purple from the L'Oreal Color Rich Disco Smoking palette - yes, the shadow is most definitely purple! I've had this colour shift problem with all cameras I've owned, but I'm not about to start fiddling with the photos, so you'll just have to pretend it's purple lol...

On the outer corner and in the crease, I blended the mossy green from the NYX Bohemian Chic Matte palette, and added MNY single shadow #741 under the lower lashline. On the waterline is Green Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel Liner... 

As you can see, my lashes are continuing to lengthen and gain some volume, so much so that they're starting to get tangled (woo hoo!), even the lower ones - this is thanks to one of the beauty world's miracle products, RapidLash. I've just about finished my first tube, and will post a RAVE REVIEW of this sensational stuff very soon...

Take care of  you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir...

My love for these lip colours has already become quite a torrid affair - it started with a whimsical purchase of Petal Plush a few weeks back, the prettiest softest pink, and I've already bought two more. My passion seems to be growing daily, and I can see myself adding the whole set to my kit. Been a while since I've been seriously smitten with a lip product - I've tried a few brands with similar formulas lately, but I reckon this is "The One"...

For starters, I adore the packaging - there's something about the glossy lipstick-like tube inside the clear acrylic that has my heart skipping a beat, and the fact that they twist shut with a firm click adds to the delight. But what's inside has my pulses racing - a soft furry does foot cleverly angled to pick up a generous slick of the glossiest creamy dreamy formula that not only keeps my lips magnificently hydrated, it even smells delish. I tell you it's no wonder I'm a goner...

The three I have are all pinks - this is Petal Plush, my first love...

And here it is swatched on my leg over the top of a bbcream. It's quite sheer, but the colour is angelic...

Here is Blush Essence, a deeper more vibrant shade - absolutely gorgeous, and it's a tad more dense than Petal Plush...

I did all these swatches under the same cool lighting conditions...

And finally, Caramel Infused - still very definitely a pink, but with a touch of...caramel in it lol...

Such beautiful mirror glosses - the RRP is $17.95, and I think they're great value...

They're refreshingly hydrating, a wee bit tacky but not sticky, with a nice bit of slip - they don't last more than a couple of hours on my lips, but I'm yet to find a gloss that does stay put for any length of time. I've experienced no colour bleed whatsoever (a bonus compared to some other brands), and they leave a hint of tint behind. Gosh, they're just so adorable I actually look forward to reapplying them...

Have you tried any of these MNY Color Sensational Color Elixirs yet?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: W7 Shades of Mauves...

Well now what would Spring be without a pastel purple EOTD? I dug really deep into my palettes drawer to find this old favourite - W7 Silky Smooth Quad Eye Shadow - Shades of Mauve. This must be at least 3 years old, and yet the pigments are still as beautiful as they day I bought it, for about $6 at a discount chemist...

It's not listed on their website so it's obviously not made any more, but I've seen it at Chemist Warehouse in the last few weeks, so if you're lucky you'll be able to pick it up. Total bargain - the colours are just so fabulously complimentary, and the sparkle content is subtle yet provides a very pretty multi-dimensional finish...

For the base I used Face of Australia Budge Proof Gel Eyeliner in Pure Purple. I do love to use this cream as it takes a bit longer to dry than say the MNY Tattoos, and that gives me more time to apply the pigments over the top before it sets...

This was one of those rare times when I used ALL shadows from the one palette, starting with the white on the inner corner, then the pink, followed by the pale lavender, and I finished on the outer corner with the bold purple...

 In the crease and underneath the lower lashline, I blended Highness from the Sleek V2 Matte palette, and of course, essence white kajal on the waterline...

On the lips I used Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Violet Frenzy, and topped it with Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss in the shade Tease...

And for my cheeks, I used MUA blusher in Shade 6...

What's your favourite shade for Spring eyes?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

The Spring Tag!

Oh yay! The beautiful IndieAna tagged me with this fun list of questions - thanks ever so hon ♥ And having already caught a severe case of Spring Fever, here we go...

Ok, we're talking coffees- What's your favourite seasonal coffee from Starbucks or another coffee shop?

Well now I'm not into flavoured coffees, although I tried one with hazelnut when I was last in New York (a LONG time ago) and really enjoyed it. I like mine half strength because I can't handle the bitterness, and I don't consider my day has even BEGUN until I've downed a large skim latte. My favourite comes from Rocket, which is right next door to where I work. They use Allpress coffee beans and the taste is the best of any I've tried - of course a skillful barista is essential ♥

Accessories- What do you opt for - sandals, floppy hats or flower crowns?

Sandals are definitely my thing for Spring - in fact I tend to go straight from boots to sandals without anything in between! I only own 2 pairs of regular shoes, and couple of peep toes - the rest are all strappy little numbers, and I have lots in all different colours because I'm easily bored. Which reminds me I need to get the toes painted, and break out the fake tan - my feet aren't my favourite body part, but with some polish and bit of colour, they pass muster ♥ (I save the floppy hats for Summer, and I admire flower crowns on other gals, just not me.)

Music- What's your favourite music to listen to during Spring?

Like Indie, I don't change my music with the seasons - the music library on my phone is permanently set to "Shuffle" because I love surprises, and I never EVER get tired of the selection. I have my faves of course, from the 60's (Beatles, Monkees, Doors) right through the disco era (BeeGees, Gloria Gaynor), to Mowtown, Britney, Madonna, Pink, Elton John - the list is endless!

Perfume- What is your favourite scent for this time of year?

The easiest question of the lot - my new love is Versace Bright Crystal Absolu, I only just reviewed it last Saturday. This fabulous fragrance is Spring-In-A-Bottle - just bursting with fruit and flowers, it makes me so happy when I wear it. It's light but also packs a punch, elegant, feminine, simply divine. Prior to discovering this beauty, I would have said Eclat d'Arpege - a similar fruit floral, my fave category for Spring ♥

Candles- What scents will you be burning this season?

I was in Myer last night and found this HUGE Sohum soy candle in a tin for half price (see below) - the fragrance is Pomander, listed ingredients are pink powder, geranium leaf, turkish rose, pansy, peru balsam and violet leaf. Wow, I can't think of anything more "Springy" than that hey? Gosh it's smells so divine, I might just go back tomorrow and stock up...

What do you love most about Spring?

There's not a single thing that I DON'T adore about Spring, but I reckon what's dearest to my heart is...the light.  You know, when the days are getting longer and everything looks fresher and brighter, and you start thinking about wearing sunnies again...

Favourite makeup look? 

Another no-brainer question - soft rose lips, baby pink cheeks, and a sprinkling of pastel petal shadows on my eyes...

What are you looking forward to most in Spring?

Not wearing a coat! Ugggh - I'm over the whole gloves and scarves thingy. I don't mind getting all rugged up with boots and woolly sweaters at the beginning of Winter, but by the end of it, I'm done with all the layers, and all I want is to wander around in a t-shirt and crop pants...

Take care of you,

kats xxx