A Touch of Christmas

I love Christmas. A lot. Especially when it comes to painting my nails festive. I've been experimenting with so many different colours on my nails over the holiday season so far. I thought I'd share a very simple and classic look with you today. Red and gold, can't get more festive than that. I've used Essie Bordeaux on most of my nails, with Essie Good as Gold as the accent nail for a pop of shimmer. I love the way these two colours work together, and I am a big fan of a nice, deep red for any time of the year. Essie is easily one of my top favourites when it comes to nail polish brands! I find their colour range is so beautiful, and they generally last well on my nails without chipping. A little tip is to give your nails up to twelve hours to dry to avoid smudging from your pillow. I'll generally paint mine in the morning before 11am to ensure that they're fully dry by the time I go to bed. Happy Christmas everyone, may your nails be festive and beautiful! 

Lust Have It! | November Box

It's always my favourite time of the month when a pretty beauty box lands on my doorstep. I have to say that I was really impressed with Lust Have It this month because I literally squealed with excitement when I opened my box. I know that I'm going to get use out of everything in my box, and that makes me so happy (and doesn't happen often). 

Starting with the Essenzza Natural Japanese Silk Facial Treatment Masks in the citrus and pineapple enzymes scent. I have an obsessed with cloth face masks. I think they're brilliant. So when I saw that this box had not one, but two, of them, I was thrilled! I can't wait to use these over the holiday season. Next up is the Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel. Now this may not seem all that exciting to you, but I'm eager to try it and see if it helps my legs when they get super sensitive (which happens a lot during the warmer months). There is also a teeny sample of the Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect. As this is a small sample and I have a lot of hair, I'll probably only get one use out of it, but that's alright. I have bleached hair, not colour-treated hair, so I'm not sure how well it will work for me, but I'll give it a go! I was really excited to see the So Susan Water-based Pure Luminizer because I think it's the perfect thing this time of year. The festive season makes me want to wear shimmer everywhere, and this adds that perfect hint of sparkle to your makeup look, without being too over the top. Last, but certainly not least, is The Cosmetic Kitchen Pressed Mineral Blush in the shade Sherbert. I love a good blush, and this one is a pinky-peachy shade that is very wearable! Quality of it is really nice as well. These are definitely a brand to check out because it's certified vegan, certified cruelty free, GMO free, talc, bismuth and dimethicone free, plus they're 100% natural! 

So that concludes this months Lust Have It box, be sure to check out their website here if you're wanting to sign up - and you can use the code 'SAMINDIGO' for $5 off! 

*This box was sent to me for consideration, however all opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post. 

Lush In Action #1 | Luxury Lush Pud

I recently picked up quite a few bits from Lush, because their limited edition Christmas stuff is just simply the best. I actually posted a haul of everything I bought on my YouTube channel (and you can watch that here), but I thought it would be a cool idea to show you how some of them actually look when you use them! So alas we have a mini series which I've titled 'Lush In Action' where I will do just that! 

The Luxury Lush Pud bath bomb is described as being a twilight-scented luxury. It is a calming lavender scent and soothing pastel colours that float atop the water. Basically, it is gorgeous and it smells divine. The water goes all different colours, but then settles to be a berry red shade. This bath bomb also has glitter in, which I didn't realise until I noticed that my bath water was sparkling and so was I. It's the perfect little Christmas bath bomb to use before bed and I loved using it! 

You can buy one for yourself here or just pop into any Lush shop before Christmas comes!

A Naughty Mecca Purchase

Left: Dragon Girl, Right: Luxembourg

The other day I placed a naughty little order online at Mecca and treated myself to two NARS lip pencils. Side note: these two colours may or may not have been totally enabled by Taylor Swift after she revealed which two reds she often wears. Oops. I picked up Dragon Girl which is a velvet matte, and Luxembourg which is a satin finish. They are both absolutely stunning and I am in love. No doubt they will be featured in a video sometime in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I haven't worn either of them out yet, but when I swatched them they were creamy and pigmented and went on like a dream. Honestly though, what more would you expect from NARS? If you have any other colour recommendations please let me know in the comments. I'm keen to build up my collection! 

Zoella Beauty

Let's just get the soppy moment out of the way first okay...I'm almost in disbelief over the fact that I am sitting here writing this post! I remember when I first started watching Zoe's videos and reading her blog a few years back, and now to be holding some of her very own products in my hands is incredible. She has worked so hard and I could not be prouder! Okay, soppy moment done...for now.

I ordered a few bits from the range from FeelUnique, because they are the only ones who will ship to Australia as no stores here stock her range. First off, can we please take a moment for the packaging. Oh my, it's beautiful. It is so totally Zoe, and I love that. It's fresh and simplistic, yet still has that cute factor about it which I just love. Next thing on the list is the scent. It's amazing. Everything has the same fresh, but floral, scent and I am a fan! It's such a gorgeous pick-me-up scent that instantly makes you feel clean and lovely. So far I have used everything except the fizz bar. The lotion is moisturising and not at all greasy, the bath soak/shower cream works great as both, and the candle makes the room smell lovely and burns down well. In the near future I'll be doing a little pamper video on my YouTube channel so be sure to check back soon to see these products in action! 

If you're able to, I absolutely recommend picking these up because they are just gorgeous products that won't break the bank, but will make you feel a million dollars! 

Lust Have It! | October Box

Nothing beats a pretty new beauty box arriving at your doorstep! There's always something very exciting about opening it up and seeing what goodies are inside that's never not exciting. The October Lust Have It box has some goodies inside that you can own too, just visit their website www.lusthaveit.com.au to place your order! You can also use the code SAMINDIGO to receive $5.00 off your first box. Go on, you know you want to...

Now onto what is actually inside! The first thing to catch my eye was the Montagne Jeunesse Glaycial Clay Spa face mask. This is a sheet mask, which has the product soaked into it, or possibly on top of the sheet. I'm not quite sure because I've only ever used sheet masks that are soaked with product rather than a clay one, so we'll see how this one goes. I'm excited though, I love a good face mask. Next is the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, which is a multi purpose oil. I've never used something like this before, but am willing to give it a go. The So Susan Intense Eyeshadow Palette looked beautiful, and I'm eager to use it and see how they apply. Sadly when I swatched them they weren't as pigmented or creamy as I was expecting, but we'll see how they go on the lid. I love a good eyeliner, and the Inika Certified Organic Eyeliner in the shade Black Caviar looks good. When I swatched it, it looked like it was creamy and opaque in colour, but once again I'll have to see how it applies. Looks promising though, and I like that it's organic. The one product that was a bit of a miss for me was the Colour by TBN lipstick in the shade A Kiss is Still a Kiss. Although the formula was creamy and pigmented, the colour was just not my cup of tea. It's a very brown, warm-toned nude and that is just not my kind of lipstick. However, I'll try and make it work somehow. Lastly there was an eye mask from Glamourflage, which I'm sure I'll be able to find some use for. 

Overall, the box was good. I was quite pleased with what I received and know I'll get use out of almost everything! 

*This box was sent to me for consideration. All opinions are my own, this is not a sponsored post. 

Fancy a Splash of Grenadine With Your Tea...?

In today's little post I'm talking about two of my favourite things - Essie nail polish and tea. The colour in the spotlight today is Splash of Grenadine, and I have been itching to get my hands on this shade for the past year. Essie describe the shade as a playful magenta pink, and it's the perfect shade for spring and summer - but if you're anything like me you'll wear it all year round! I picked my bottle up from Priceline. 

The little tea cup that's featured alongside it is from Kikki K. I love Kikki K in general, but I do have a soft spot for their mugs. I just thought this one was not only super cute, but uplifting and positive as well. What better what to start the day than with an encouraging mug? 

If you have any Essie shade recommendations, be sure to let me know in the comments because I'm an absolute sucker for Essie...

Three Lip Balms For a Perfect Pout

I'll be the first to admit that I love a good lip balm. In all honesty, I'm a sucker for them! These three are the ones that take the cake in my opinion. The Vitamin E & Peppermint Beeswax Lip Balm from Burt's Bees is refreshing, cooling, soothing, and perfect to apply underneath lip gloss and lipstick. It's the perfect base because it has a natural finish, nothing shiny and nothing too matte. Rêve de Miel by Nuxe is such a cult product, and for good reason. If your lips are in need of some TLC, this is absolutely the one to use. It's thick and nourishing, and smells like lemon and honey. I pretty much use this every night, and have noticed such a difference in the texture of my lips. The Body Shop's Aloe Lip Care is kind of similar to the one from Nuxe, but in a tube form, making it perfect for your handbag. This one is thick and gel-like in texture, but works very well at repairing and soothing dry, chapped lips. 

5 Brushes You Need In Your Life

1. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

For anything related to your face, such as loose powder, pressed powder, blush, bronzer, this is your guy! I use this to apply my loose powder, and it works a dream. It blends perfectly and allows you to always apply the right amount. Duo-fibre brushes are the best for blending everything out. In the past I used to use this for bronzer, because it allows you to have so much control so that things don't end up looking too muddy. 

2. Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush

For anything cheek-related, this is the one to use. I mainly use mine for blush, but it would also work great to contour, bronze, and highlight. It fits perfectly on the apples of my cheeks, picks up a good amount of product, and blends it out well. It's also great quality and feels so soft and lovely on your skin. 

3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush

This brush is probably no stranger to most of you reading this post. It is the queen of buffing brushes, and absolutely perfect for foundation. It just blends everything so well! I use this brush basically every time I apply foundation, though sometimes I will use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush which is very similar. I honestly think this is such a staple brush that everyone should have in their core collection. 

4. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Eye Brush

The duo-fibre brush makes an appearance again. This is my go-to brush for when it comes to blending eyeshadows, because it just does it so well. It never leaves harsh lines, but instead everything is blended beautifully. Another absolute staple eye brush to have!

5. Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush

Last but not least, a MAC 217 dupe. The MAC 217 is essentially the queen of all eyeshadow brushes, and while I do not own it, everyone seems to be comparing this one from Zoeva to it. This brush is great for everything. Literally. It's great for packing on colour, blending, defining, you name it! It's pretty close to perfect...

So You Want a Light Coverage Base...

These days I've been opting for a more light-medium coverage base. I've been wanting to let my skin breathe, and I just don't feel the need for anything heavy duty, especially for the general everyday wear. I've been using these three foundations for a good few months now so I thought it was time I shared them with you. If you're after something not heavy or thick on your skin, something that lets your natural beauty shine through, then this post is for you!

Base 1: Bourjois Happy Light Foundation (shade 50 Porcelain)

I love this a lot! It's got no SPF in it, so it's perfect for the night, especially if you'll be using flash photography because there won't be any white cast on your face caused by the flash. The finish of this foundation is neither dewy nor matte, but somewhere in the middle. It almost reminds me of a less dewy version of the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation. I just love it because it has medium, but buildable, coverage. It never looks cakey and lasts a decent amount of time. It doesn't cling to dry patches either. The only downside is that this shade is the lightest shade that they carry, and it's even a little dark for me. So if you're quite pale, you may struggle to find a shade that suits you. 

Base 2: Rimmel Matte BB Cream (shade Light)

All you BB cream lovers out there, this one is for you! This has really lovely coverage, especially for a BB cream. This has an SPF of 15, which is perfect for the everyday gal who won't be spending too much time in the sun. Although it says matte, it's definitely not super matte. If you have extremely oily skin then you may find it won't work for you, but if you have dry skin don't be put off because it isn't drying. The packaging of this makes it very travel-friendly. 

Base 3: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (shade 110 Ivory)

This has been my current favourite, go-to, most used foundation. It is the perfect shade for me. And when I say perfect, I mean there are no visible lines on my neck or anything. It matches my skin tone to a tee! This is meant to look like your skin but better, and I definitely agree. It has SPF 20 and has a natural finish. If I set it with powder, and touch up when and if I need to, then it works fine for me. It also lasts well on the skin! If you're after something inoffensive that blends well, lasts a long time, and actually looks like skin, then this is the one for you. 

If you have any other recommendations of light-medium coverage bases, be sure to let me know in the comments below! They will be my staple during summer, so I need to be as prepared as possible with some more. 

If You're Fair-Skinned Then You Need This

If you happen to be a fair-skinned gal like me, then you will understand the struggle of trying to find a good bronzer. They're either too dark, too red, too pigmented, and just never right. Well girls, I've found a winner! The Honey Bronzer from The Body Shop ticks all the right boxes. It's not too pigmented, but easily buildable, so you won't ever apply too much. It never looks too red or muddy. I have the shade 01 and I find this to be perfect for my skin tone (I'm about NC15 in MAC foundations if that helps). It's a matte bronzer, which makes it perfect for both bronzing and contouring. 

I love to apply this with the Domed Bronzer brush from EcoTools. It just always applies the right amount and blends well. I went from absolutely hating bronzer, to not going a day without using it, all thanks to this glorious product. 

The Spring Lookbook

Yesterday I uploaded my very first lookbook on my YouTube channel, as you can see above. To go along with that video I also took some photos of my outfits to put in a post on here. You'll find some closer shots of my and certain aspects of my outfits. I hope you enjoy this little post, and be sure to watch the video as well. Information on all my outfits and the makeup I'm wearing can be found in the information bar on the video, just incase you're curious!