My Eyebrow Routine

So I have finally updated my eyebrow routine to something I am really happy with and I wanted to share it with you.  I have really thick long eyebrows which is currently good as it's in fashion but it does mean I need to get them done quite often.  I choose to wax my eyebrows and I do it at a salon because I am terrible at that sort of thing.  I get underneath my brows waxed because I get a lot of stray hairs growing and need to redefine my shape and then ask them to trim the top.  This way the natural shape of the brow remains and they don't become skinny snakes instead of eyebrows.

STEP ONE

To begin my eyebrow routine I use my Manicare Slant Tweezers - Gold Tipped and pluck any stray hairs appearing beneath my brows out.  Just use your favourite tweezers to do this step as the brand/type doesn't really matter.

STEP TWO

Next I brush through my brows with my Revlon Double Ended Eyebrow Brush which has a spooley on one end and a comb & a brush on the other end.  I just do this step to get the natural shape of my brows and to get them all going the right direction.  This also shows me where I need to fill in my brows.

 

STEP THREE

Once my brows are where I want them, using the brown end of the Nyx Eyebrow Push-Up Bra pencil I draw little strokes onto my brows.  Generally I only draw where there is thin areas on my brows because (as I've said about a million times) I want them looking natural.

 If I have made any mistakes/harsh, obvious lines I just brush through my brows again with the spooley end of my brush and it will soften out the lines.

STEP FOUR

 I then run my  Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel in Clear wand through my brows to hold them in place throughout the day.  Make sure you use a light with this type of product as you don't want them to look obviously crispy or there to be any globs in them.

I then use the highlight colour on my Nyx Eyebrow Push-Up Bra pencil under my brows and in the inner corner of my eye.  I draw it on and then blend it out with my ring fingers.  I love this end of the pencil as it is so creamy and glides on like a dream!

If you would like another post on my favourite products to fill in my brows let me know as I have used a couple of different ones in the past.  Obviously this is currently my favourite but I love the others too!  Also let me know if you have tried any great brands/products to fill in your brows as I am always looking for ways to make my routine even better!

Quick & Easy Moisturisers (Time Saving)

Recently I have tried two different types of moisturisers that are both marketed as time saving and effective.  I thought I would do two reviews in one and let you know which I preferred and which I would buy next.

We'll start with...

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser - Dry Skin Repair

I got this product in a prize from Coles and I am so happy that I did!  It retails at $9.99 (AU) and comes in a 190g spray bottle.  You can get two other varieties however I have only tried the dry skin variety.  This product smells like melons and just makes you feel so fresh.  You literally just hold the bottle about 30cms from your body and spray everywhere lightly.  Then quickly rub it in and you're good to go!  I have noticed difference in my skin since using especially on my dry areas (elbows, legs).  I love the smell (trust me, it's amazing!) and it's also great how you can lock the lid so no product comes out while you are travelling.

The second product I tried was the...

Nivea's In Shower Rich Body Lotion Skin Conditioner - Very Dry Skin

I originally got a sachet sample of this and really liked it and wanted to try it again so purchased the full size.  This one retails for $7.99 (AU) and comes in a 400ml squeezy bottle so is cheaper.  The concept behind this moisturiser is that you wash yourself in the shower then apply this all over and then wash it off.  This is meant to save you the time of having the dry and then apply moisturiser.  Now when I originally tried this moisturiser I really enjoyed but now not so much.  It's so strange as I usually love Nivea products but this one was a bit of a miss for me.  I have quite dry skin and this one made me feel a bit greasy.  I don't like the way you have to squeeze the tube to get it out because I am (extremely) weak and struggle with it every time.  I will finish this body lotion however won't repurchase it.

The Verdict: 

Overall I would say that I definitely repurchase the Vaseline Spray On over the Nivea In Shower moisturiser.  With the first I saw results straight away whereas the latter hasn't really done anything.  I was actually rooting for the Nivea one because I love the brand (and it's cheaper lol).  But Vaseline won it for me this time.

Let me know if you've tried any time saving moisturisers either that I've listed here or if you have any others for me to try/review!

Bella Box April 2014 - What I got

My April Bella Box came over a week ago but because of the Easter long weekend I haven't gotten around to showing you what was in it yet.  Because it's been a while since I received it I have been able to use some of the products and so the review part of this box shouldn't be so long a wait!  Every month there is a theme for the box and this month's was Autumn Winter Style which is pretty self explanatory.  We are now well into Autumn and the box would have things that would help us prepare for the colder months.  Each box contains at least 5 deluxe samples and it costs $15.00 per month.

Each month there is a sneak peak and this month we saw that each member would getting something from Burt's Bees and the second sneak peak showed a coloured makeup item.  The sneak peaks were very exciting indeed and I couldn't wait to open my tiffany blue Bella Box and start using my goodies!

So here is what I got...

1.  Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm  -  Cult

Cost: RRP per 8.5g is $7.95.  Full Size Sample!

2.  St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Face Lotion  -  Cult

Cost: RRP per 50ml is $49.95.  I got a 5ml sample which is worth $5.00

 

3.  Indio Eye Rise  -  Luxe

Cost: RRP per 15ml is $67.20.  I got a 5ml sample which is worth $22.40

4.  Avon Mega Effects Mascara  -  Colour

Cost: RRP per 9ml is $19.95.  Full Size Sample!

5.  Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti-Ageing Body Lotion  -  Essential

Cost: RRP per 225ml is $7.68.  I got a 25ml sample which is worth $0.85

BONUS  Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup

Cost:  RRP per 30ml $25.95.  The bonus samples were about 1ml which is worth $0.87

 

And that was the content of my April 2014 Bella Box!

Total Box Value = $57.02

 April's Bella Box has been my favourite so far with TWO (you heard that right!) full size products!  This box is the most well suited to me so far and also worth the most moolah $$!  I'm really looking forward to reviewing these products for you in greater depth and hopefully will have that up for you after the long weekend! Woop Woop I love long weekends :)

What did you get in your Bella Box?  I'd love to hear your reviews on your box and whether you think it's worth the money you pay!

Wishlist: Beauty

 I love doing these wishlists and today instead of the chatty post I was going to do I decided to do a Beauty version.  Some of these things will probably be on my wishlist forever however others I plan to purchase when I go to America in January next year!  (WOOHOO!)

 (left to right, top to bottom... you know the drill!)
 
Alex Drawers - $119.00
 I love the idea of these drawers - they are sleek and would hold everything together.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - $68.00
I have heard great things about this foundation and would love to try it - it's just the price tag that is scaring me :)

 M.A.C. Lipsticks
I'm not particularly fussed over which colour as I have never swatched any (let alone been in a M.A.C. store.  But I am dying to try the brand!)

Confessions of a Concealaholic - $36.00
I have heard great things about Benefit's concealers and this looks like a good way to try different ones :)

Makeup Manual - $55.00
 (I've seen this book cheaper online)
I saw a review of this book on Autumn Leaves and now I REALLY want to read this book!  I'm going to search for it today in my library *fingers crossed* :)

Essie Nail Polish in Cocktail Bling - $16.95
(price in Australia)
I am loving grays in nail polish at the moment but don't own any grey nail polish.  There is something about Essie nail polish - I just love the colours and the cute little bottles.  I particularly liked this colour.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - $54.00
I think everyone wants this palette - I love the browns and pinks!

24-Lipstick Acrylic Organiser - $9.50
I have SO many lipsticks!!  Anything to help store them would be great!

Malm Dressing Table (White) - $199.00
 My dream is to have my own little makeup setup with a table and mirror to spend time doing my makeup.  One day maybe :)  For now I just use the bathroom and my makeup is in my bedroom all jumbley :P

Usually doing chatty posts makes me feel better when I'm stressed because I can get everything out and it all somehow feels clearer.  Today however this post has made me feel calm... maybe because it came so easy to me.  Lol I love thinking about beauty products I would love to buy.  I can't wait to go to America next year and get everything cheap!  :)

Let me know what would be on your Beauty Wishlist - I'd love to know and am always looking for new products to add to mine :)

Getting Paid to Lose Weight

I was reading an article yesterday on iVillage yesterday and it got me thinking.  (Link).  It was all about a lady who really wanted to lose weight and as an incentive her husband said that when she reached her goal weight she would get $1000 from their tax return to use to buy new clothes for herself.  And I thought it was great!  I know how hard it is to get those last few kilos off and also I understand not wanting to buy new clothes until you reach your goal.

I mentioned it to my husband last and we have decided that we are going to do this too!  Haha it sounds hilarious but I think it may work.

So here is the plan...  Every kilo (2.20462 pounds) I will get $10.00 to put in a jar.  Once I have lost 10 kilos I get to go SHOPPING!!!  Plus I get an extre $200.00 dollars :)  Eeeepp!  I can't wait!

I will keep you updated and we'll see if this works...



Have you found something that helps with your weightloss journey?  Give me tips! :)

 

Bella Box March 2014 - Reviews

This review post is super late and I am sorry ;)  Life has been so so crazy and I have barely had time to use my regular products, let along review new ones.  That said I figure I need to get this post up ASAP as my new one should be waiting at my door when I get home!

I loved the new Tiffany blue Bella Box this month and look forward to using them for storage in the future.  Now on with what was inside :)

1.  ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick in Matte or Cream Matte  -  Colour
 I don't wear red lipstick so when I picked up the tube and saw it was red I was extremely disappointed especially as I had put pinks on my 'beauty profile'.  That said I was still willing to try it and this is what I thought.  Let's start with the packaging - it is extremely tacky.  I know I sound like a negative nelly but I am not going to praise something that isn't worth it.  The colour was a bright fire engine red but the lipstick itself dragged a bit on the lips unfortunately.  I don't think I'll be using this :(

2.  St Tropez Gradual Tan Medium/Dark  -  Cult

 Another product I don't usually use - Boo :(  I don't tan!  That said I still tried the product.  I like the consistency of this tan but I didn't notice any change so must not have put it on enough or washed too soon?  I don't know!  Any tips?

3.  Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Daytime Treatment  -  Cult

This was a bit of a meh product for me because though I was really excited to try it, it didn't really seem to do anything for me?  That said I am always keen to try new skin care so not too negative on this one :)

4.  Wotnot Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin  -  Green

 I had never tried these wipes and I LOVED them!  I loved the smell and the way they took my makeup off extremely easily... even my eye makeup!  I still used my cleansing water but these are nice when you can't be bothered :)  I will definitely be repurchasing this!

5.  Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner  -  Essential

 Wow!  There was such bad hype about this on the facebook page!  Now I was skeptical about using this when I got it as a sample to review earlier in the year but I gave it a go and loved it!  It really did what it said it should and made my hair light and full of volume!  I will definitely be repurchasing this too!

BONUS  Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel

 As this was a bonus (and just a foil packet) my husband used it when he got sunburnt and really nothing special just a normal paw paw gel.  Nice but nothing special :)


Overall I liked my box but I didn't love it.  I won't use 2 of the items which makes it really not worth the money :(  Hopefully this next box is better and from the glimpses I've seen already I think it may be!  Keep up the good work Bella Box!

Next month's sneak peaks have already come out with the possibility of 2 items from Burts Bees and also some makeup items.  I can't wait to get my goodies for next month already!

What did you guys think of March's Bella Box?  Did you get any different products or have you got any tips on using the products better?  Let me know!

Wishlist: Target Home Decor

I've been looking at the Target Home Decor section both on the website and in-store a lot lately and noticed a whole lot of cute things.  I thought I'd put together a wishlist that will give you a little glimpse into my home style :)

(moving from left to right, top to bottom)

1. Potted Yucca 71cm - $49.00
2. Diamond Fabric Storage Cube Size A - $12.00
3. French Print Oval Basket Medium - $15.00
4. Abstract Fabric Storage Cube Size A - $12.00
5. Iron Table Clock - $25.00
6. Lisa T Vintage Cafe Tin Utensil Holder - $10.00
7. Crochete Paper Rope Lidded Box - White - $15.00
8. Timeless Photo Collage - $25.00
9. Printed Tin Waste Bin - $12.00
10. Lisa T Vintage Cafe Large Print Wall Art - $35.00
11. Vintage Cafe Glass Cookie Jar - $12.00
12. Lisa T Cape York Desk Organiser - 40.00
13. Lisa T Vintage Cafe Tin - Set of 3 - $25.00
14. Lisa T Cafe Glass Wall Art - $25.00

I really love all the home decor at Target at the moment especially Lisa T's new collection.  As you can see I like a bit of a mish-mash of things but I am slowly getting there with my house.  A good tip if you are starting to decorate your own place or even your bedroom is buying one or two bits a week/pay cycle.  That way you can slowly get everything you want and not break the bank.

Update!  I bought the 'Lisa T Vintage Cafe Tin - Set of 3 :)  And I love them!  Can't wait to set them up and be all vintage-y and fancy lol

Have you seen any great home decor steals recently?  Let me know! :)

Anniversary Weekend

 On the 31st of March my husband and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary and this year it was my turn to organise a surprise weekend.  We ended up going to the Stamford Grand Glenelg for the night and I thought I'd just show you a few pics of our room and view.  I organised an Ocean View room and booked the Romance & Seduction Package.

 Rose petals and candles littered the room...

 And a single red rose placed on the bed along with luxurious toiletry products...

 Canapes, Chocolates & Chocolate dipped strawberries were ready for eating...

And a bottle of chilled French Champagne ready to pop open...

 Delicious!

I like some sushi but this wasn't my favourite... the little tarts however were delicious!

We watched the sun set from our amazing view...

And then strolled down the main street of Glenelg and had a simple tea ;)

 And then had a coffee & licorice log (as is our tradition) at Bracegirdles...

 The next morning we work up to this....

 What an amazing view?  The best part was that as we were the 2nd from the top floor you could see the ocean from our beds so we slept with the curtains open and woke naturally.

The package came with room service breakfast and selection was amazing!  Look how much we got!

The package included valet parking and a late checkout of 12pm which were added bonuses :)

We had a lovely weekend away and enjoyed walks on the beach and just relaxing.  It's nice going on a holiday that isn't far from home because it means you don't tire yourself out on the trip home.  Overall I really enjoyed the package I chose at the Stamford Grand especially the breakfast... a little bit fancy!  We even got a bottle of wine with a personalised message to keep which is such a nice addition.

Hope you are all having a good week.  I'll talk to you soon!

Btw check out my latest post on my foodie blog if you haven't already!

Sometimes you just need a week off...

Hi Guys, I know I haven't blogged much recently but I have really been in need of a week off.  It's that time of the year that Summer turns into Autumn/Winter and days get shorter.  And I hate this time of year!  It's not that I don't like Autumn & Winter... I actually love it when the leaves start to change and it gets colder.  But what I don't like is how tired I get while my body works out that the season is changing.  I don't like saying goodbye to Summer and Day Light Savings and all my happy holiday memories.

So I have had a week off to just be by myself and struggle through these changes.  I will be back next week with a few exciting posts and hopefully two posts up on my new blog!  (which if you haven't followed yet it is learningtwocook.blogspot.com.au - haha shameless plug!)

So I will leave you with a postive... what I AM looking forward to about Autumn/Winter...

1.  The leaves changing to beautiful colours that give me the urge to learn to paint.

2.  Watching the rain or driving in the rain in the country

3.  Long relaxing baths

4.  Getting cosy on the couch or snuggling with the hubby under a warm blanket

5.  Walks with my love in the rain or kicking leaves

What are YOU looking forward to about Autumn & Winter?  I hope you all have a lovely weekend and I will talk to you next week!

New Blog

So for those of you who have not heard I have started a new blog called Learning 2 Cook.  I have been cooking for my husband & I for 2 years now and really want to start experimenting more so that I feel more comfortable entertaining.  Every fortnight I plan to cook 2 new recipes:  a sweet and a savory dish.

The blog is currently very basic but I hope to be able to work on it so that can become something special.  This may take some time though as I work full time and then need to cook & clean when I get home.  I plan the recipes up with step by step instructions and photos along with a review of the recipe.  I also will share my tips on how to find good recipes and what cook books & magazines are my favorites.

I know that Thinking About April is a beauty review/lifestyle blog but I hope that some of you will be interested in the "foodie" aspect of my life too :)  I have already cooked my first recipe and it was a hit so I can't wait to share it with you (and finish the leftovers tonight!)

Let me know if you have any recipes I should try or if you have any blog posts/tags you'd like to see on this blog :)