I'm Back.. With a Haul and Update.

Hey ladies, it's so embarrassing when I look at the date of my last post. Ergh lol. Been busy with my awesome TAFE course I just started. I'm studying a Diploma of Specialist Makeup service at Chisholm and I love it. I took a year off University so I can do this course, and I am not looking back. Also, I have dyed my hair black, love that too haha.

With this haul, my spending ban has come to a close, I lasted almost two months and I'm proud of it haha. Certainly refreshing to buy makeup again, but I will still restrain myself until I finish a significant amount of makeup.

- The Haul I Was So Longing For -

- L'Oreal True Match Foundation in W3 $32.45
- L'Oreal Nude Magique in Light $26.95
-Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer 10mL $25
- L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara in Black $27.95
- Sportsgirl Paint The Town Lip Paints in Purple and Red $4.95 on sale each
- Essence Eyebrow Stylist $4.25

I was always intrigued about the hype around the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, but my goodness $75 for the full size (30mL) .. not right now buddy. However, Hourglass did put their thinking caps on and have a smaller version (10mL) which stands at $25. I think this is great, you're still getting the same amount at the same price, and you won't feel so bad wasting a lot of money if you don't like it. I picked up the 10mL version at Mecca.
At Priceline today, they had 3 for 2 on L'Oreal cosmetics, so I had to get the True Match Foundation which everyone raves that is it a dupe for MAC Studio Fix. Also, I picked up the Nude Magique BB Cream, I tested it out and I was sold how it turned into the exact colour of my hand, as well as the beautiful finish it gave. The third product was the Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara, I needed a waterproof mascara in my kit to use for weddings, so I thought I may as well use the 3 for 2 to get this. The makeup they gave us for my course didn't really have any eyeshadow colours for filling in brows, so I bought the trusty Essence Brow Stylist to put in my makeup kit to use for TAFE as well as casual jobs.
Then I popped into Sportsgirl and bought two lip paints that were on sale.

Not too bad Kathleen, not too bad at all.

Makeup My Friend Got Me From The US.

I am super dooper lucky for my gorgeous friend Tash whom went out of her way to pick up some products for me in America on her holiday. I can imagine she came home with two suitcases full of makeup and skincare since she is beauty obsessed as well. I limited myself for this rare opportunity because I didn't want to justify spending a lot of money just because it's cheap, so it was a smaller list than I intended at first.

Cosmetics, skincare, blah blah blah, is much more expensive here in Australia (and our neighbour New Zealand) than the US, as well as the rest of the world. A MAC lipstick here is $36, whereas it is $15 in the US (not including tax). Crazy but it is something that we Aussie girls have to live with. I have included the US and the Australian pricing down below for comparison.

- The List - 
- MAC Face and Body Foundation 120mL in C2 - $33 US, $60 AUS

- MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC20 - $27 US, $49 AUS

- MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul - $25 US, $43 AUS

- MAC Pigment in Vanilla - $21 US, $39 AUS

- MAC Lipstick in Rebel, Russian Red and Shy Girl - $15 US each, $36 AUS each

- MAC 217 Brush x 2 - $23 US each, $37 AUS each

- Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector in Moonstone - $41 US, $66 AUS

- Total of: $238 US, $504AUS
(not including tax [US] and other costs)

- Swatches -

(I took photos of the swatches of the Shimmer Skin Perfector, Vanilla Pigment and Warm Soul, but the crap lighting and the camera I use didn't give any justice to how pretty they are in real life, so I only included the lipstick swatches)

Massive thank you to Tash if you're reading this. I'm so thankful that she did this for me, and especially running around, searching all over for the Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector. After paying extra for tax and other costs, it was a "saving" or difference of almost $200. Crazy right?

Let me know if you would like to see a review on any of these products.

iHerb.com Haul Disaster: Ecotools, Bdellium, etc.

I love receiving packages in the mail, it feels like Christmas to open it up and swim in the goodies you bought. But, I couldn't really open this one up, since it was already open to begin with. Let me explain and show you.

I could provide a rant the size of a 1000 word essay, but to keep it short, DHL did not bother to ring my doorbell, or knock, hence I had to pick up my package the next day at the post office, and this is what I saw. Obviously, my package did not receive careful handling at all, it was torn, ripped and thrown around. Neither was it packaged well as one of the contents were bigger in length than the actual box itself. So the service of iherb and DHL were clearly poor.
This mistreatment took great effect to the contents inside, packaging of the products were torn, had dints and the Mint Julep Masque's cap was completely smashed, causing the product to leak in the plastic bag (that had holes in it, which could have made the mask leak on everything else!)
Safe to say, I was bloody fuming, so I made complaint emails to both companies. I am waiting for their replies. I will update this post when this issue is resolved.
I have made numerous orders on iherb before and have never had a problem like this. The order I made is significantly larger to other orders I have made in the past, so packaging is different and should have been put in a larger box. Also, I have always chosen the cheapest method of shipping for previous orders (Global Priority Mail by DHL), but this time I paid a bit more and chose DHL Express to receive my order quicker. Safe to say, I will stick to the cheapest method and wait a little longer.
Anyway, rant over, now over to the haul.

- UPDATE -
So I finally got a reply back from iherb.com, they are going to send me a full replacement with shipping with no charge. DHL said it was iherb's responsibility to give me compensation for the delivery, shipping is through iherb's account in which they have with DHL. I'll update this again when I receive the replacement.

Oh, I should mention, I did say before I was on a spending ban, however, these were on my 'need' list for quite a while since I wanted to get a separate set of brushes for my makeup course I start next week (so excited!) and some new skincare (ban applies only to makeup). I'm going really well on my spending ban, haven't bought makeup since my last haul, I've noticed that I have more money in the wallet which is great!

Here is what I got:

- Bdellium Tools Studio Line 12 Piece Eye Brush Set with Pouch - $47.60US

http://www.iherb.com/Bdellium-Tools-Studio-Line-Eyes-Brush-Set-and-Pouch-12-Pc-Set/45981

- Ecotools 6 Piece Brush Set - $10.40US
http://www.iherb.com/EcoTools-Bamboo-6-Piece-Brush-Set-1-Set/25451

- Ecotools 6 Piece Day to Night Brush Set with Clutch - $14.16US
http://www.iherb.com/EcoTools-Six-Piece-Day-to-Night-Brush-Clutch-Set-6-Pieces/46978




- Queen Helene The Original Mint Julep Masque - $3.84US

http://www.iherb.com/Queen-Helene-The-Original-Mint-Julep-Masque-8-oz-226-8-g/5796

- Aura Cacia Organic Restoring RoseHip Oil (30mL) - $9.34US
http://www.iherb.com/Aura-Cacia-Organic-Rosehip-Oil-Restoring-1-fl-oz-30-ml/38543

There was an extra 5% discount on all orders over $60 and I had rewards of 18 cents. I chose the DHL express shipping method which was $10. All together it cost me $90.89 US, or $99.37 AUS (dat exchange rate D:)

My order shipped on the 5th of July and received on the 9th of July (picked up the next day at the post office), average time on the website stated 2-4 days. I think mine was a bit slower since it was over the weekend.

You can use my discount code on iherb.com to receive up to $10 off your first order, enter in when checking out: FUF619.

Let me know if you would like to see any reviews on these items :)

Have a good day! :)

June Haulin' (I NEED to go on a spending ban edition): Sales, sales, sales.

This month, I went a bit crazy. Being really busy with studying for exams, so sorry for the lack of posts, but I am now finished! YAY! So to celebrate, as well as taking that advantage of exam stress to use as an excuse to participate in retail therapy, I present to you a big ass haul.

Firstly, the makeup I gathered from Chemist Warehouse. That 50% off tag makes it so hard to resist not to pick up a bargain.

- Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory

- Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Polish in Lava

- Rimmel Lipstick Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight

- Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish lipstick in 07

- Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in Pink Pop and Vibrant Mandarin

- Maybelline Baby lips in Pink Glow Mixed Berry and Mango Pie

- Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal In Black and Bronze

- Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black
- Rimmel Match Perfection 2-n-1 Concealer and Highlighter in Ivory

Then I picked up a few things at Priceline 

- Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

- Essence Pigments in Be My Brightsmaid and Box of Chocolate

- Ardell Demi Lashes in 120 and 102

There is a sale that goes on a couple times a year done by the Heat Group and they sell heavily discounted items from Max Factor, Bourjois, Covergirl, Essence, etc. If you are in reach of Caribbean Gardens in Victoria, I suggest you look up Heat Group on Facebook, as well as their website to check out their next sale because it's so worth going to. Everything Essence was $2, Bourjois Foundations $8, Max Factor mascaras $3 to name a few bargains. Prices change a fair bit each sale, but a bargain is a bargain.

- Essence Rebels Lip and Cheek Tint in Peach Punk

- Max Factor Cream Blushes in Soft Murano and Soft Copper

- Bourjois Queen Attitude Khol Kajal

- Essence Fix and Matte Translucent Loose Powder.

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 53

- Bourjois Flower Perfection in 53

- Max Factor Lip Colours in Eternal and Frivolous

- Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzer for Blondes

- Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara

- Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

- Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

- Essence Eyeshadow in Olive Garden

- Essence Ballerina Backstage Eye souffle in Pas De Copper

Last but not least, a few random items I have gotten from MAC, Inglot, Beautybay and B collection by Bloom.

- MAC Creamsheen Lipstick in Ravishing

- Inglot Freedom System 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette

- Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow in 154
- B collection by Bloom Eyeshadow in Hudson River
- Urban Decay Naked Palette with sample size Primer Potion.

I'm so happy with all my purchases, and this does mean I will officially put myself on a spending ban from makeup, I believe I do have enough to last me quite a while.
I will post up one more haul in the next week or two, and that is going to be what my beautiful friend Natasha got me from the U.S.
I need to start posting up some FOTDs soon, or do more reviews, let me know what you would like to see next and if you would like me to do a look or a review on any of the products you see in this post.

If you're a uni student, or from high school, tell me how you went on your exams and what have you done to treat yourself?

Little Haul + Don't Be Scared To Ask For Samples!

Yesterday I went to Chadestone with my mumma and my sister to have a girls day out and I did pick up two things as well as drown in samples.

- Here I got -

- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus $47
- Sample - MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC30
- Sample - Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude
- Sample - Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundation in 5.5
- Sample - Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation in 5.5
- Sample - Clinique Pore Refining Solution Correcting Serum x 2
-  Sample - YSL Le Teint Touche Elcat in BR30
- Sample - Clinique Pore Refining Solutions in Natural
- Samples - Neutrogena Gift Pack (link below)
- Lush Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask $16.95
- Sample - Lush Herbalism Cleanser
- Lush Full of Grace Facial Serum $14.95

Being a uni student, my budget is pretty tight, so I want to try out products before I buy, especially foundations. Any Aussie lady knows that Australian prices for cosmetics are extremely high, in comparison to the US, and for that reason, I want to make sure if I want to buy something high end, I will know it'll work for me 100%, so I'm not wasting my money and time.

If you're curious about anything you have seen hyped up in the YoutTube community, in blogs or other beauty sites, you may as well go and test it out for yourself. Some companies don't offer samples at all, but give it a go. When I approach a counter to look at a product I have interest in, sometimes after a chat about the product, they might offer you a sample or an application. Yesterday, I was offered the samples at the Clinique counter just because I told her I had large pores. If they don't offer you a sample, it doesn't hurt to ask if they can get you one. And don't be afraid to ask, even if they look a bit intimidating, because at the end of the day, it is your money. Sales assistants are more than happy to help you, it's their job, however you do get a couple that might just be having a bad day.

I went to Lush for the first time after going into Myer and David Jones, and I wanted to look for a serum or moisterizer, something for my skin to help repair at night. And the girl that helped me was so helpful, she took me through a few products that would be suited to my skin type, but I held back and just purchased the Full of Grace Face Serum. When I told her it was my first time being there, she gave me a generous sample of Herbalism as well as the Blazened Honey Face Mask.
I left Chadestone with a gazillion samples, which was unexpected and amazing haha.
When I got home, I realized I got my Neutrogena Gift Pack in the mail, you can get it on Facebook with this link: https://apps.facebook.com/neutrogenagifts/

So I was swimming in samples, and I cannot wait to try all these products out! I hoped this post helped!

Priceline 40% off cosmetics haul!

Good day ladies. I received an email a day or two ago from Priceline to see that they have a massive 40% off cosmetics sale for today (23rd April) and tomorrow (24th April). It's online and in-store so get your butts down there, or on your computer chair and start your much needed retail therapy.

I got up early this morning to get there at 9am sharp so I didn't miss out on sold out products and had a chance to beat the rush. I stayed in there for over an hour and came out with a lot of stuff, $92.05 worth of goodies to be exact, and surprisingly, I got at the register the G.W.P bag with products worth over $220 inside if you spend over $60.

Here is what I purchased:

- Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner in Black (R.R.P $13.95, saved $5.58)

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer in Medium (R.R.P $18.95, saved $7.58)

- Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (R.R.P $11.95, saved $4.78)

-Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Shocking Coral (R.R.P $16.95, saved $6.78)

- Face of Australia Face Base Primer (R.R.P $11.95, saved $4.78)

- Face of Australia Blush in O Peachy! (R.R.P $9.45, saved $3.78)

- Australis Pout Paste in Pash Me Pink & Berry Nice Kiss (R.R.P $12.95 each, saved $5.18 each)

- Australis Nail Glitter Top Coat in Milk Way (R.R.P $7.95, saved $3.18)

- Essence Eyebrow Stylist Kit (R.R.P $4.25, saved $1.70)

- Essence Mono Eyeshadow in Cappuccino Please (R.R.P $2.85, saved $1.14)

- Essence Lipsticks in In the Nude, All About Cupcake & Red Carpet (R.R.P $3.50 each, saved $1.40 each)

- Essence Multi-Action Blackest Black Mascara (R.R.P $4.25, saved $1.70)

- Essence Circus Collection Lip Laquer in Applause Applause (R.R.P $3.50, saved $1.40)

- Essence Silky Touch Blush in Natural Beauty & Babydoll (R.R.P $4.25 each, saved $1.70 each)

- Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Tu-Tu-Turquoise (R.R.P $2.50, saved $1.00)

And here is the goodies that was inside the G.W.P bag:

- Ecotools Bath Sponge

- Savvy by DB Makeup Remover Wipes

- Kiss Everlasting French Nails Kit

- Australis Paparazzi Perfect Concealer in Medium

- Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara

- Nude by Nature Undercover Airbrush Mineral Primer

- Models Prefer Brow Highlighter Pencil

- Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum

- Natio Lipstick in Flutter

- Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in Shimmering Sand

- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Midnight in NY

-  Press and Go Manicure

- $5 off Revlon Photoready BB cream coupon at Priceline

- Manicare Cuticle Therapy

I don't think I'll need any more makeup anytime soon, and I'm also going to put myself on a spending ban for a while (let's see how that goes haha).

Let me know what you got at the Priceline 40% off cosmetics sale!