EOTD: MBA Cosmetics Copper & Rumors...

Hard to believe, but amongst the considerable array of eye shadows in my collection, I don't have a coral. Kinda odd when you think about just how many palettes and pans there are out there, and yet to this day I haven't come across one in my travels. It's a colour I wear frequently - clothes, cheeks, lips, and thanks to Bloggers United AU, I now even have a coral mascara, but no coral eye shadow. Weird huh? I'll keep searching of course, but meanwhile, I have to manufacture one out of the pinks and oranges I already have, and the best result so far have come from blending two gorgeous shadows from MBA Cosmetics - Copper and Rumors...

They're from the Silk FX Pressed Shadow range - buttery, shimmery, magnificently pigmented, and they blend beautifully to make this (seemingly) elusive hue..

My base was essence white kajal, and all I did was press layers of each over the top - I wanted a more pinky coral, so I started and finished with Rumors, and kept blending till the shade was just right. Waterline got the Chi Chi Caribbean Queen Waterproof Eye Liner Gel treatment, and the crease and outer corner scored Sleek Noir...

My foundation was Mirenesse Liquid Silk, cheeks were Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick in Coral Sheen, and I added a dusting of the middle pan from the BYS Endless Summer Blush Trio. Lips were Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in the shade In With Coral, and then topped that with Mirenesse Lust Me 3D Forever Gloss...

Do you ever mix and match your pigments to make the colour you're after?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Bloggers United AU Prize!...

A few weeks back I had the amazing good fortune of winning a prize from the fabulous gals at Bloggers United AU. They were celebrating reaching 3000k followers on Instagram, and so generously offered a surprise box of goodies to some lucky gal, and it turned out to be me! If you're an Aussie blogger, and you haven't hooked up with these ladies, you're missing out BIG TIME. You can read all about them here and what they're up to. I can assure you, these lovelies are doing such brilliant things for the Australian blogging community - bringing folks together to share their experiences, provide opportunities for bloggers to expand their friendships and exposure in the blogging world, and they have the support of heaps of major players in the beauty market. They hold regular "events" around the country where bloggers can meet fellow bloggers, enjoy product presentations from top market reps, and from what I can gather from the pics, there's always a fantabulous array of loot to take home. I haven't been able to make it to one of their exciting gatherings as yet, but it's top of my list of priorities whenever my workload permits (oh please make it soon boss!)...

Warning: picture heavy post!

So here's the details of what they so kindly sent to me...

First up is a selection from the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipsticks Nude collection - the timing was perfect as I fell in love with them as soon as I read Jasmine's review. Of course I'll write my own review once I've tried them all...

And the perfect partner to the lippies - Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner.  Delighted to receive this as I wear lipstick every single day without fail, and often experience the dilemma of not having a matching liner in my kit. I've no doubt this will improve the quality of my lip swatches too...

How about this cute-as-a button Artiste kabuki brush? I only have one - it's years old and looking a little worse for wear, so I'm thrilled to have a brand newie, and especially one of such excellent quality...

Next is an Aloe Vera Cucumber Face Mask from Kmart - keen as mustard (or should I say cucumber) to try this, and will save it for a long hot day when my face needs some loving refreshment...

You can probably imagine how spoilt I'm feeling right now ♥ LOVE these LonVitalite facial masks. Have only tried their eye masks so far (and they are magical) so I'll be taking some much needed time out to enjoy this one on my whole face...

I let out an extra big WHOOP! when I saw these NYX Colour Mascaras - aren't they just the prettiest hues? You'll be seeing these featured in my EOTD posts in the coming days/weeks, once I make the torturous decision which one to use first - actually it's not that hard, can you guess?..

If there's one thing that my lashes need is volume and curl - so it's Rimmel Super Curler Mascara to the rescue! This will also feature in some of my posts - it's supposed to hold the curl for 24 hours, but I'll be chuffed even if it's only 12. And with the tube being such a stunningly virbrant purple, I'll always be able to find it in a flash...

And here's something that's been in my kit for many moons, and will be for as long as they keep making it - Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. Can't live without this in my cleansing routine - it's so gentle AND effective...

And this pretty little fabric pouch contained a very glamorous Shower Cap. Also from Kmart, it's lined with plastic, which means it's waterproof - perfect...

And to my delight there was a bottle of Rosehip Plus Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil - well two actually, the one on the right is a roll-on! How clever is that? Already in my makeup bag...

And this last one has me both intrigued and excited. I'm not familiar with this brand at all but the name has my heart pounding - Scentrelle Reverse Time Face Serum. Sounds like just the ticket for my ageing face...

I haven't pictured the Cadbury choccies because they melted a bit, but still tasted delish (yes, already demolished). And if all this wasn't enough, they included a lovely card, with the sweetest message...

They're having another Sydney event next Sunday, and although I can't make it, I'll be there in spirit - sending my warmest wishes to the Team, and all who attend. Betcha it's a blast! Thank you again Bloggers United AU - may you continue to grow and prosper ♥

You'll find more info on Bloggers United AU at NJT Bloggers, Sweetaholic Beauty, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW & EOTD: Lacura "Define" Eye Shadow Palette - Lavenders...

If you're lucky enough to have an Aldi store near you, then keep your eyes peeled for this palette, especially if you love lavender eye shadows - it's a beauty, and it only costs $9.99. I meant to do this post a month ago when I first picked this baby up, but I was able to find another one just a couple of weeks back, so if you're lucky, you may still be able to grab one...

The colour range includes silvers too, a couple of neutrals and very pretty reddish brown - all the shadows are creamy, there's minimal fallout, they're all reasonably well pigmented, and have a delicate shimmer. There's a generous mirror inside the lid, and it comes with a couple of those fairly useless sponge applicators, but we won't worry about those at this stage ha ha...

Here are the swatches - not bad for the price, and the box is sturdy and stylishly glossy black, closes firmly too...

For this look I used the top four pans starting from the left, and applied them in the same order, from inner corner to outer. Base was Chi Chi Beauty School Drop Out Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, which I used on the waterline as well...

My foundation was DB Cosmetics Full Coverage 24 Hour (review soon!), cheeks were the reddest blush from the bhcosmetics Glamorous Blush palette, and lips were Lacura Lipstick in shade 83...

Can't help myself - safe to say I'm a fairly committed Aldi fan, and Lacura is sure upping their game in the makeup stakes. Can't wait to see what comes out next in their range ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle "Comfort" Fragrant Reed Diffuser...

I posted an absolute rave review of Urban Rituelle Fragrant Reed Diffusers back in June, and having just tried another from the range, figured it was high time to reiterate the love ♥ My most recent purchase was Comfort, a stunning blend of Sandalwood and Tangerine. Somehow I just knew I would adore this combination, and I'm confirming that here and now. Boy oh boy, it's a beauty...

Whoever is coming up with these fragrances at UR is a clever and creative cookie, and the name they chose for this beautiful blend is spot on. This calming fragrance has such a soothing effect on my whole being - I feel so cosy and cared for whenever I enter my blogging HQ, which is where this baby has it's home. It's a replacement for the Pink Grapefruit and Lime Zest (Creativity) one that's been keeping me going for the last 4 months, and which still has a couple of weeks of life left in it. But it's time for a change, and loving Sandalwood as I do, this heartwarming mix was irresistible...

Love the colour of the liquid too - the earthy brown just adds to the richness of the whole fragrant experience. Sometimes I touch the reeds just so I can enjoy the scent on my fingers as well...

If Sandalwood is your thing, I guarantee you will adore this blend - the Tangerine is barely noticeable, but there's a faint tangy sweetness that complements the main woody note quite magically. Some might say it's a masculine scent (and I'm certain fellas would go for it big time) but I've never given a hoot about perfume gender - I just know what I love, and I'm head over heels for this comforting concoction ♥

For label lovers, here's what's on the back of the box...

No Urban Rituelle products are tested on animals, and their packaging is not only recyclable, it's elegant and classy too - my only wish is that fragrant oil REFILLS were available (hint hint UR!). I've sent Santa a letter saying I want more of these sets (please!), and I've already added a few of the other varieties to the gift list I'm compiling for family and friends this Christmas - there's no doubt they'll be popular...

How do you feel about woody fragrances - do you love them or loathe them?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party is a fun collection of blogs where you're bound to find something you'll enjoy reading - starts 6:30am, don't miss it ♥