THROUGH BEAUTY EYES' LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURVIVAL GUIDE & GIFT IDEAS 2012

5 more days to Christmas? Yeap, I think its time I start squeezing myself into the human sardine can (ie, shopping malls) and get some Christmas shopping done. (I have gotten my lunch plans sorted for the next three days!) Last minute, much? Well, #standard. I work better under pressure anyways – and I think this apply to Christmas shopping too. 

(SEE: LAST YEAR'S EVIDENCE :P)

Here are a few tips that I have been adhering to, especially if you are trying to get your Christmas shopping done at THIS time of the year.

-          MAKE A LIST. I cannot stress enough how important a list is when it comes to mass Christmas shopping (or anything in life, really) which makes your life so much easier and ensure that you don’t overbuy stuff or missing someone out. Include the loved ones that you would like to share some love and presents you think they (may) like.

-          INCLUDE AN EXTRA ITEM for each person just in case you couldn’t find that particular present. Always include a back up item on your list for those who have difficult wishlist. For example, a pink headphones with that particular design and certain features.  Last thing you want is trying to run around like a headless chicken within the crowd trying to figure out what to buy for your boyfriend’s sister because you couldn’t find that lime green satchel bag that she has been lusting for.

-          FOCUS & DO NOT GET DISTRACTED. I know its hard to not check out that favourite floral pants of yours that is currently having 30% of its RRP.

-          COMFY SHOES. Please for the love of god, do not do your Christmas shopping in your favourite stripper pumps, especially not in the hustle bustle of last minute Christmas shopping “traffic”. Trust me, I have seen people in those and I really wonder what was going through their mind!

Boring tips aside, now we shall move on to what’s hot (and cool #ohtheirony) this Christmas and some last minute Christmas gifts ideas that will hopefully help you guys! I will be splitting the Christmas guide into two sections – Personal and General and here are a few of my favourite picks:

PERSONAL

By personal, I am referring to people that hold a place close to your heart, people whom you know almost inside out, people whom you know their likes and dislikes… you get the gist. You may consider options like perfume and skincare for those who fall within this category and here are a few of my picks: 

L’OCCITANE’S DELICATE CHERRY BLOSSOM COLLECTION, RRP $100 (From their Christmas Collection)

I have always been a fan of L’occitane’s Cherry Blossom handcream – so this range is perfect with a collection of Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 250mL, Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30mL, Cherry Blossom Soap 50g, Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette 100mL and Cherry Blossom Shower Gel 250mL. Fancy a cherry blossom shower? This is your answer *sniff self* #NoIAmNotCreeepyAtAll

L’OCCITANE’S MARVELLOUS FLOWERS EAU DE TOILETTE, RRP $60

With rose absolute and peony extract, it smells like a joyful marriage of both flower and fruit – just the way I like it! Get this sweet little gem for your girlfriend/ sister or mum if she is a fan of sweet refreshing scent. She will be evoking the scent of roses and peonies with a dash of sparkling red berries. #yummy

BODY SHOP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Instead of the following the “White Christmas” theme just like the rest of the globe, The Body Shop Australia decides to introduce its very own “summer collections” by launching the NEW! Ginger Sparkle range, NEW! Cranberry Joy range, NEW! Vanilla Bliss range, “Book” sets and the cutesy mini “pamper tins”. My personal favourites are the Book Sets and Pamper tins only because they look SUPER ADORBS! It’s probably more for collection purposes =P But if you want something more practical – definitely check out the NEW! Chrissy range. 

DERMALOGICA DAILY MICROFOLIANT SET, RRP $83.50 (Microfoliant comes with FREE Gentle Cream Exfoliant 10mL and PreCleanse 30mL)

I know I know, this isn’t exactly one of those pressie where you squeal and yell cos its so pretty or cute or sparkly.  But as someone who swears of this holy grail daily exfoliant, I will be pretty over the moon if I receive this full sized product along with the freebies that come along with this. Extra points if my current one is running out. Trust me, us ladies love products that keep our skin nice and healthy as much as pretty things!

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCE CHRISTMAS LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

I was one of those who reckons buying candles is like burning your money #punintended. You buy the candle – you burn it – it’s gone. But boy was I wrong when I was introduced to Glasshouse Fragrance thanks to the lovely ladies from Invisible Thread PR as a post Bio Oil celebration gift. And, that, my ladies, changed my life. I find it extremely relaxing and soothing just letting yourself go in a room filled with burning Glasshouse candles with your favourite tea and a book/ mag in hand. My recommendation will be  Glasshouse Fragrance Christmas Limited Edition Collection. I personally have not tried any of their Christmas collection but I love my jasmine and lime candle that was gifted to me and Sweet Orange & Nutmeg, Sweet Sugar Plum, Fruity Clove do sound pretty delicious to me, don’t cha reckon?

GENERAL

For friends or acquaintances or even colleagues in which you are close but not overly close to know their personal perfume preferences and what skincare products they fancy. 

Illamasqua Generation Q Collection 

Empower Palette, RRP$53; Lipsticks in Underworld (Blueberry violet shimmer) and  Lipstick in Magnetism (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$25; Nail Varnishes in Charisma (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$21; Powder Blushers in Sophie (Golden coral shimmer) and Allure (Dusky rose pink shimmer), RRP$28; New Precision ink in Wisdom, RRP$26

How can I forget the good ol' Illamasqua when it comes to gifts? Of course, I am not asking you to buy an entire collection (in which you may if you wish :P).With this new, dynamic range of products that are ageless and without limits or restrictions, Generation Q has been formulated and chosen irrespective of age, race, gender or sexual preferences and seek to empowers and complements the user with light reflective products! That means, you could probably get ALL your shopping done for your mum, sister, auntie, grandma, cousin, or that older colleague at work at the Illamasqua counter. 

VASELINE TOTAL MOISTURE STRATYS-3 RRP$5.41

(Available in Dry Skin, Aloe Fresh & Cocoa Glow) 

Once again, this is more of a practical gift than a "pretty" gift, which I think is a pretty good KK present. You are probably going, WHAAAa....aaaat? Vaseline as present? Trust me, when I was first sent these products, that's the reaction I had too. This is a classic example of do not judge a book by its cover. The Total Moisture in Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Glow are absolutely amazing! I have already gone through a bottle of Aloe Fresh myself! Reasonably priced, moisturising without leaving you feeling all sticky (major pet peeves in summer!), doesn't that just spell awesome?

Photo Credit

TYPO

And if all the above fail, JUST GO TO TYPO! For my non- Australian readers, TYPO is a "stationery" stores that sells incredulously cute and quirky stationery at a really reasonable price! And you are often greeted with discounts and sales at the store. One of the few stores that I have to keep a constant distant to avoid hoarding random stuff that I don't need just because they are "too cute to pass" #OhNoIDidNT

Products range from iPhone case to decorative items to stamps to notebooks and diaries to laptop casings to colour pens. In fact, I received my Christmas pressie from the bestie this morning from TYPO! Except, there's special meanings/ reasonings behind these gifts. <3 font="font" nbsp="nbsp">

Of course, there isn't a black and white line that divides the present groups between general and personal and you are more than welcome to move it around. (perfect example: TYPO). It's subject to your understanding of that particular individual! BUT REMEMBER, you should only be considering products like perfume, candles and skincare IF AND ONLY IF you’re close to this person and you know her well. I have received perfumes as gifts from acquaintances and let’s just say they probably spend more time sitting in the corner of my room than having body contact with me. It’s not that I am ungrateful or anything but they just aren’t my scent... You get the point :P

ULTIMATE - MIX AND MATCH GIFTBOX

AND if you still can't find THE gift, how about a mix and match giftbox of products and stuff that you think your "receiver" may enjoy. It could be beauty products, chocolate, accessories... anything really. You may be able to get some ideas from my previous favourites posts, my fav lippies and contouring products, or even pop into GLOSS for some quick and cheap fix to your present crisis! 

I hope this last minute guide assisted you with your christmas shopping one way or another!

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! 

Done with Christmas shopping? You can now reward yourself with a chilled glass of Savignon Blanc ;)

XOXO,

A

SPONSORED POST: STRAWBERRY NAILS & #GLOSSMANICAM BY GLOSS

Fun and quirky accessories - CHECKED

Hair styling tools - CHECKED

Everyday bag & party clutches - CHECKED

Wide range of nail polishes - CHECKED

A variety of make up products - CHECKED

Extremely affordable - CHECKED 

That's GLOSS for you. 

I know, it's pretty hard to find a store with a vast variety of beauty and fashion products which allows you to splurge without breaking the bank here in Australia. By extremely affordable, I mean you are able to get lipsticks, blushers and nail polishes with a 5 dollar note. I know right. 

And now, you can add manicure/ nail art service to the list above.

Gloss is now offering manicure for FREE with any purchase of $50 and above or $25 (if you do not feel like hoarding any more products =P), at its Parramatta flagship store. 

So, amidst my hangover and feeling somewhat fragile from my Friday night shenanigans, I got my (strawberry) nails did at the GLOSS Parramatta store yesterday by the famous nail team from I Scream Nails in Melbourne. #winning I Scream Nails were specially flew in by the GLOSS team in conjunction with the new store launch! 

And the BEST part of this launch is............ *wait for it*....... the #GLOSSManicam.

Puzzled?

Mani.... what?

You should be! 

The creative team from GLOSS has came up with this idea of having a red carpet for nails. That's right, imagine your freshly painted nails walking down the mini red carpet! Total cool beans!

 After having my nails painted with the bright fuchsia that screams summer and watermelon accent fingers, of course I have to flaunt them on the catwalk! 

Unfortunately, the catwalk photos taken by the store manager has not been sent to me as I am typing up this post but it looks pretty similar to the watermelon nails above. I mean, they are both from the fruits family. =P

Aren't these nails adorbs? 

*squeals* 

Here are the nail art designs offered by GLOSS:

If you are feeling like a pampering session for the upcoming festive season, don't forget to drop by the GLOSS Paramatta store for an instant pick me up! 

You can also do some last minute Christmas shopping before getting your nails did as GLOSS offers some really cute and reasonably priced Christmas gift sets! #KillingTwoBirdsWithOneStone

For more information about GLOSS, don't forget to check out their website or "LIKE" their Facebook page for the newest updates on their products.

XOXO,

A

QUICKIE FRIDAY FAVOURITES: CONTOURING PRODUCTS (QUICK REVIEW + SWATCHES)

"Its Friday, Friday, Friday...."

And it's time for some Friday Favourites again. Now that it's summertime in the land down under - its all about the minimal makeup, sun kissed look! I shared with you my current spring/ summer fav lippies two weeks ago #badblogger. This week it's about my favourite "colouring" products. By colouring, I really meant contouring =P

Arbonne Bronzer, A$46* - I think I might have just discovered my favourite bronzer! Matte finish without giving you that dirty "greyish" undertone = #winning! Also, its moderately pigmented - which translates to you don't have to risk looking like someone who has just dunk her face into a bowl of orange powder. Just a few swirl with a large fluffy blush around the temple of your forehead, under your cheeckbones and your jaws (also known as the "3" zone) and voila - sunkissed finish! :) This has been my daily contouring bronzer since well, I got it from the lovely girls from Brand New Solutions and it’s safe to say I will definitely repurchase once it hits pan!

ELF Mineral Blush in Candid Coral, US$3 – Natural flush, pigmented, easily blendable, cheap, this baby here ticked the box for all of the above. Looking for something more subtle and give you the summer glow? This blush is your answer! This is my fail proof everyday blush and has been making frequent appearance ever since the land down under was greeted with spring.

WITH FLASH (L - R): Australis Highlighter, Benefit High Beam, Benefit Cha Cha Tint, Benefit CORALista, Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick, ELF Candid Coral, Arbonne Blush in Blossom, Arbonne Bronzer

Bobbi Brown Bronze shimmer brick, A$85 - This is my to-go-to "blush" for my cheekbones when I want a really bronzy, sunkissed look with a glowy finish to complement either my bold eyes or bright lips (usually the latter)! Do keep in mind though, as the name is pretty self-explanatory, please keep the shimmer on your eyes to the bare minimum as the last thing you want is to look like a shiny disco ball. Unless, that's what you fancy.... If that's the case, go for it. :P The only downside is, it’s probably costs you a week’s worth of lunch to “invest” in this brick. #damnyouAustralianretailprice

Arbonne Blush in Blossom, A$40* - It reminds me of NARS Orgasm when I first received it (although I don't own Orgasm myself) - tell me if you agree? Blossom is a gorgeous coral blush with gold shimmer bits - the perfect blush to "wake you up" and give your look some colour. This blush is usually seen on my lazy days when I am a tad couldn't be bothered with my eye make up! The formula is super pigmented and very blendable. Like any good blushes, a little go a long way..

NATURAL LIGHT (L - R): Australis Highlighter, Benefit High Beam, Benefit Cha Cha Tint, Benefit CORALista, Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick, ELF Candid Coral, Arbonne Blush in Blossom, Arbonne Bronzer

Benefit Go Tropicoral, A$59* – Your everyday carry-on beauty kit for instant beauty. No, you do not get a prize for guessing which colour family did I choose when I was given a chance to trial one of Benefit’s lip and cheeks kits (Including Sugarlicious and Feelin’ Dandy).  This compact but handy kit consists of a 4mL Cha Cha Tint, 4mL High Beam highlighter, 3g CORALista face powder & 6.5mL Ultra Plush CORALista lipgloss – perfect for touch ups and takes you from beach day to drinks at the bar. Blend away with a pea size of Cha Cha Tint on the apple of your cheeks; High Beam highlighter on your cheekbones/ undereyes and your nose bridge; and finally a sweep of CORALista lipgloss and you are ready for the beach! Ready to move on from the beach to the nearby pub? You can add on some CORALista face powder on top of your cha cha tint and instead of using the CORALista lipgloss on its own, you might want to apply some ChaCha Tint under the lipgloss for a more intensify lip colour for the night. My favourites from the kit are non-other than the famous Cha Cha Tint and High beam highlighter! :)

Australis Highlighter in Pearl, A$14.95* – Australis claims that it contains skin illuminators to reflect light, leaving your skin looking forever fresh, radiant and glowing. I couldn’t agree more with it! This has become a new favourite of mine – half a pea size is sufficient to brighten up your otherwise dull and “dead” morning face, giving you a glowy finish!  If you do not have the habit to highlight your face, you should probably start now. Trust me, it really makes a difference in “waking you up”. 

That pretty sums up my current favourite summer products - there are actually more to the list now that I have started trying a few new products. But, I shall keep that for the future! 

Have you tried any of the above products? What are your favourite contouring products?

Can you guess which one did I wear to work and what will I be wearing?

NEXT UP - stay tune for my last minute shopping gift guides :)

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

FRIDAY FAVOURITES: LIPPIES (QUICK REVIEW + SWATCHES)

Happy Friday lovelies!

Feeling absolutely jolly and chirpy as I'm writing this - Sydney is at its best, showing off its warmth; it's FRIDAY (Friday FRIDAY!); life is a whole lot better compared to the first three quarter of 2012; just demolished my daily dose of small strong latte, about to get myself a grilled chilli prawn pizza LOL and just simply because its SUNNY FRIDAY! (Now, to assess whether hitting Bondi Beach is feasible during lunchtime =P)

At days like this, I am usually spotted with a bright coral/ orange lippies to match the mood. On a moody day, I can be seen with bright fuchsia or a cooler toned pink with lavender undertone lippie. On days that I feel a tad under the weather or having some self-doubts (you know, one of those days), I turn to my faithful red lippies for some confidence booster!

(Did I just write a paragraph on the relationship between my mood and my lippie of choice?)Yes ladies (and gents), this is totes, like, legit.

Just thought I'd share with you the lippies that have contributed to my right biceps (read: lippies that I carry in my bag with me) and are currently on high rotation:

(Please note: These are my current favs in no particular order. As mentioned earlier, it's highly dependent on yours truly mood at time of selection).

REVLON Lip Butter in Trutti Fruti: PERFECT everyday, to-go-to corange (coral + orange) lippie - it's moisturising, pigmented (for a "lip butter" standard), long lasting and not too OTT. If you have always wanted to try orange lips but feel that it's a tad too much, this is a great product to start with! (You can vouch me for that =P)

Wet & Wild Lipstick in 907C – This baby is a scarced resource in the land down under – I was lucky enough to try this lippie thanks to my lovely twitter-pal, Gwen who kindly included in my love package a couple of months ago . I am never a firm believer of love at first sight, except when lipsticks are involved. And this is a prime example. This is a cool toned, bubblegum pink colour *squeals* with matte but non-drying formula, smooth, long lasting, pigmented… what more can you ask for? I can definitely see more wearage out of this in the cooler months.

Without Flash

 L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge. 

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Make A Wish (Limited Edition) - This could be a tad too much for work, but it is one of my top lippies and it's usually spotted after hours - be it an event or after work drinks! Pigmentation - superb; lasting-power - amazing; best part is its super affordable! Priced at $12.95 a pop (you can get it at a cheaper price during specials) - pretty on the lips, easy on the purse! (For Australian standard, that is). I have already bought a backup for this lippie, seeing that it’s a LE collection. #Hoarder

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in #20 and #22 (not pictured)* - If you haven't tried the lippies from this range, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? If I gotta pick ONE fav drugstore brand (please don't make me do that, it's a very hard decision to make), this range will probably get the title. Buttery smooth texture, extremely pigmented, long- lasting, sleek packaging, has a natural rose scent (not the usual yucky plastic lipstick scent!) and incredulously affordable for a product of such quality! #20 is my favourite fuchsia shade - and also my instant "glam-me-up" product that takes me from work to an event! #22 is a siren red whenever I need an instant pick-me-up to feel like a Wonder Woman.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Parisienne Pink from Karl Lagerfield X Shu Uemura collaboration* – Isn't the packaging SUPER ADORBS with the kawaii Monshu Girl? Parisienne Pink is very toned down in comparison with the other lipsticks of choice - more of a lip balm texture, sheer and extremely moisturising! I find myself reaching out to Monshu Girl on days where my lip requires some immediate TLC or when I'm having bolder smokey eyes! 

With Flash

L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge.  

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipgloss in Fandango* – This is probably a cheaper “dupe” for SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge - but a tad brighter. As mentioned earlier, I am not usually a fan of lipgloss. However, Fandango looks absolutely amazing when layered on top of Make A Wish to give a plumper effect – perfecto for a weekend night out. Did I mention, it actually tastes quite yummy too? #DontJudgeMe

SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge* - The hybrid between a lipstick and lipgloss. Rouge has the texture of a gloss (thicker than a lipstain) but with amazing pigmentation and it lasts longer than a lipgloss! I opt for this precious over Australis Make A Wish when my lips are exceptionally dry (which happens a lot over the past few weeks!) and I am in the mood for bright co-range lips. This is a fantastic product for the fans of lipgloss, looking for something more pigmented. However, for yours truly, lipgloss formula has never really been on my favourite list! Lipgloss, long hair, wind... you get the picture. This stays in my make up pouch to save me during my “dryer” days. LOL

As you can see, I'm definitely no brand snob here. If you are, you should definitely give these drugstore products a go, you'd be surprised! Same amount spent, you get more products or you could use the change to grab yourself a glass of bubbles. =P 

Have you tried any of the above lipsticks? What are your favourites?

Can you guess which one did I wear to work and what will I be wearing?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

UPDATE: ThroughBeautyEyes Social Diary

Hello my lovelies readers, once again my apologies for the unannounced hiatus and gone MIA-ing again. I have been busy settling into my new work place over the past month along with several year end launches by the brands and busier social calendar with the party season coming up! 

Instead of the usual beauty products talk or instagram updates, I thought I'd update you with my social diary over the past 1.5 months! Hope you enjoy it. :D

Bio Oil 10th year anniversary celebration at Chiswick, Woolahra! 

Champers, scrumptious food, beauty products = my fav combination! 

Clockwise from TOP: Asian Katy Perry/ Fun Photobooth Shots/ With Cindy from FashionablyYummy & incredibly delicious cocktail and mushroom Capuccino! 

At Schwarzkopf #ShakeItUp launch @ Gastro Park. 

With Jesinta Campbell who is way more gorgeous in real life and extremely down-to-earth! Not to mention, insanely tall too! :)

Photo courtesy of: FashionablyYummy

This is my new "dark cherry"/ semi-purple hair using Schwarzkopf LIVE Shake It Up Colour Foam - a super easy DIY hair dye by simply mixing the developer lotion with the colour powder to the shaker powder and shake it up! Such a shame that my original hair colour is so dark that the colour is only somewhat visible under the sun or special lighting! 

L-R: Larah, Sara-May & Christina

Team #DUCKFACE at the Lord & Berry Launch @TheOneRoom 

Did I mention I LOVEEEE events with Photobooth? This is probably one of the 402394823084023 photobooth shots I took that night ;)

STUNNING view @ Sails on the Beach, St Kilda and the GORGEOUS bride! 

Yours truly was in Melbourne for a friend's wedding! 

A holiday is not a holiday without copious amount of alcohol =P 

I attend my AA meetings religiously - #AlcoholAppreciation that is! 

 With the lovely NivaJean (lady behind Face Of Australia :D) during her visit in Sydney! Love this girl to bits! 

MELBOURNE CUP 2012 @CargoBar

 LOLLIES BAR @ The BodyShop #festivetreat Christmas Collection Launch last Tuesday! 

I don't know if it was good or bad that I didn't have chance to devour these sweets as I had to duck out to Bar100 for another event! Those lollies looks SO good. I guess my thighs and ass thanked me after. 

OH HAIZ gingerbreadman from the Christmas Collection! 
Check out your closest Body Shop store like, NOW! 

With the lovely Lucy @TheBodyShop launch with our champers, of course. 

Photos courtesy of: 360 Immerse

Christmas came early for me, that's for sure!! 

Stay tune for a more thorough run down of these babies :)

Then, it was Avant Grade Launch night @Bar100. 

 When you have hotcakes for breakie with such stunning view along with skincare talk, it makes waking up 1.5 hour earlier a whole lot more worth it! 

LaMav breakfast launch last Thursday - an Australian wholly organic and natural skincare brand! Of course, more on that later! 

LOLLIES BAR again @Platinum PR Bloggers Night! I wasn't that good this time and took home an entire takeaway box worth of lollies! 

MARQUEE last Friday with le girlfriend! :)

Cheers to the frickin' weekend! 

(which is another 3 more days to go!!)

That's pretty much my social diary for the past 1.5 months!!

 How was yours and how does it look as we enter into the festive season?

(Any fun parties that I should be crashing? :P)

Hope you ladies (and gents) have a lovely start to the week!

XOXO,

A

Shu Uemura X Karl Lagerfield 2012 Holiday Collection release today, 25 October 2012!

What's the baby when the make up genius, Shu Uemura and fashion god, Karl Lagerfield decide to work together?

Le Mon Shu Girl!

The wait is finally over - the Shu Uemura X Karl Lagerfield 2012 Holiday Collection will finally make it's grand appearance to public tonight!

Shu Uemura X Karl Lagerfield collection will be unveiled in selected David Jones stores tonight - Elizabeth St, Sydney City; Bondi Junction; Bourke St, Melbourne City; Chadstone; Queen Plaza, Brisbane City; and May St, Perth City! Be the first to find out about this AH-MAZING collection!!!

*pictures curling your lashes with Mon Shu Girl eyelash curler*

XOXO,
A

QUICKIE UPDATE: A little bit of everything + disco ball nails ft ORLY Can't Be Tamed & Be Brave

So, once again, I might have gone on another unannounced hiatus. 

#BeautyBloggingFail #12837127319237912 

This was my excuse - cramming and squeezing every drop of my brain juice dry for my final and (hopefully) last exam for my Chartered Accountant Program! That was how I spent my 24th birthday too -have a hot time sexing it up with my EBA notes.

Don't mind the fatty TimTams - its part of my exam diet. ;)

I know, I have left you ladies hanging from my Beauty Bloggers Utopia Day 01, which was over a week ago. Shame on me. Don't worry, I promise to kill your bandwidth in my next post with more photos from my #BBU12 weekend. ;)

For now, just a quickie update about what have been happening in the past 10 days or so when I disappeared from le blog:

Attended Bio Oil's 10th birthday at Chiswick which left me leaving with a 5-months-food-baby! A more detailed update on that to come. 

I won a giveaway from my fellow base toucher - Michaela from LatherRinseRepeat! She incorporates some pretty damn awesome GIFs in her blog post, show her (and her GIFs) some love! 

A word of advice, I hope you aren't drinking or eating as I will not be held responsible for anything that lands on your computer screen (mainly whatever you have in your mouth at that moment). ;)

 I received a MASSIVE love package from my favourite LA chica - Gwen <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

I will be sending some love to your way shortly!! 

 Turned another year older - to the ripe age of 24.

And no longer do I enjoy a massive birthday cake - a variety of nomlicious cake pawns a massive cake of the same flavour ANYTIME. Maybe, I am just a #fatshit ;)

Those lemon tart & ricotta cheese cake were orgasmic!!!

Signed and sealed - starting a new job on Monday!! I am excited yet nervous at the same time as this is something quite different to what I have done in the past 2 years! Nevertheless, it's a fresh, new beginning!!!

Also, lunch buddy required in Bondi Junction, enquire within. ;)

Weekend DISCO NAILS featuring ORLY Can't Be Tamed & Be Brave - ready to PARTY ROCK tonight with birthday drinks and a night out with the crew!!! 

Hope you guys have a lovely weekend ahead and happy Friday!!! 

What have you got planned for the weekend?

XOXO,

A