THROUGH BEAUTY EYES 2013 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It's that time of the year to be festive and jolly! Quite possibly my favourite time of the year - summer, family & friends, food & wine, holidays, presents... what not to love?

However, presents can be a tough one sometimes, especially when the market is OVERLOADED with options. And unlike last year, I am slightly early in helping you with your decisions and not get carried away by the shiny christmas packs. :P Skin Care, Body Care, Candles, Make Up OR Nails, got you all covered. 

So, to make things a little easier for you girls, I have either "BFF" or/and "Mum" badge on each Christmas pack. 

BFF: it could be for your best friend, sister, cousin... pretty much anyone that you have a pretty good understanding of and is around the same age as you are.

Mum: Pretty self-explanatory isn't it?

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The Jojoba Company Limited Edition Christmas Starter Pack (RRP $59.95): The Jojoba Company products are suitable for all skin type and all ages so this is a pretty fail proof pressie for a friend who is new to the skincare world. It helps fight everything from ageing to acne, nappy rash and eczema. Tried and tested by yours truly, I can definitely vouch for them. :) The Pure Jojoba Oil  has saved my life when I was going through a bad phase of rashes/ eczema. It's pretty much the only product that doesn't sting when applied. 

People for Plant

This certified organic brand by our dear Jamie Durie is one of the newer players in the market but has already established a pretty strong name for themselves since launch. This would definitely be a winner for that girlfriend of yours who only use certified organic products. 

PFP Nuture From Nature (RRP $49.95): Consisting of (white tea, aloe, witch & hazel) cleanser & make up remover, (rose, otto, burdock, kakadu &; plum) mist toner and (rosehip, gingko & shea) Day Cream, this pack would definitely be a winner for that girlfriend of yours who only use certified organic products. 

PFP Organic Shea Nourishing Pack (RRP $24.95): The ideal care kit for the cold weather with a 150mL Gingko, coconut & shea Body Cream and a Manuka honey shea organic Lip Balm. Have a girlfriend that is going for a holiday in the Northern Hemisphere soon? Perfecto. If not, it is never too early to stock up for winter. ;) 

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Christmas Pack (RRP$199) : The products from this range are light on the face but made of potent botanicals and antioxidants to help smooth fine lines and leave you with a fresh & revitalized skin. In a mood to spoil your loved ones? This is the pack to go for (or the Age Defying Essentials for some anti-aging care)

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Essentials Christmas Pack (RRP $168.99) - After all the years of hard work and care your mum had for you, I think she deserves to be spoilt. What's better than this pack of goodies consisting of higher performance anti-aging botanicals which helps to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone? Your mum will definitely appreciate the fact that she will look 20 years younger in no time. :P

L'occitane Romantic Rose Collection (RRP $110): Another favourite of mine from L'occitane, which combines four different type of roses to give you the ultimate romantic scent! This collection includes EDT, Bath Soap. Bath & Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Body Milk and a Perfumed Sachet. Full pampering session = sorted.

LUSH Christmas Pack: A christmas is NOT christmas without Snow Fairy. #truestory As expected, Christmas time means a vast variety of Christmas gift guides combining a range of different scent and shapes. Try not to go crazy in the store and ended up filling up your own stocking with all the LUSH goodies instead ;) No prizes for those who guessed what my favourite Gift Pack from LUSH is :P Celebrate this jolly season with some #crueltyfreechristmas LUSH products! 

Jurlique Limited Edition Sugared Spice (RRP $35.00): A warm scent of brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and a gorgeous blend of sugared fruits preserves made from strawberry, cherry, apple, plum, raspberry and a touch of citrus - THE winning combination for a bedside candle. I have yet to burn mine and I am already in love with the scent, can't imagine what my room will smell like when I could finally be bothered to repurchase a lighter. This would make a great gift for someone who enjoys a good and relaxing pampering sesh. 

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Trio (Hand wash & Hand Lotion - RRP $39 each; Single Wick Candle - RRP $85): Molton Brown simply shouts sophistication, elegance and luxury, This is a pretty awesome way to trick your mum/ girlfriend that they are living in a historic, 1800s English castle. ;)  Unlike Sugared Spice, I personally think this is more of a lounge room/ main area kinda scent. You could either buy them as an individual gift or make it a trio gift pack - brownie points for extra options! 

The Body Shop Honeymania collection (Bubble Bath Melt - RRP $24.95; Body Scrub - RRP $27.95; Shower Gel - RRP $12.95): Big fan of the honey scent? This is the collection for you - perfect gift for someone who prefers a more subtle scent. 

Napoleon Perdis Imperial Collection (RRP $89): " The Imperial Collection captures regal elegance with a necessary hint of drama" - NAPOLEON | With four gorgeous shade of eyeshadows and lip colours AND the classy gold nail polish, the looks to be created from this collection is endless. 

Napoleon Perdis Limited Edition Empress Eyeshadow Palette (RRP $79): This palette consisting 12 beautiful eye colours has become a permanent fixture in my handbag as it is perfect for touch up and giving you the option to change or intensify your look from day to night.

Mary Kay At Play Collection box: This is a custom-made giftbox consisting of 4 At Play Baked Eyed Trios and 2 of the At Play Jelly lipgloss. How cute is the box?!? I love a good Christmas gift box that comes with a range of different make up from eyes to cheeks to lips as that's the best way to experiment a range of new products! The only downside about Mary Kay products is you would need to look for a "beauty consultant" before you could order them. 

Models Prefer Nail Emanel Christmas Pack (RRP $20): This is a no brainer gift if your friend has the habit of looking up #nailporn and #instanail before she kickstarts her day. At $20 for EIGHTEEN nail polishes, I can almost guarantee you that you will get a massive hug & even kisses on your cheeks when this present makes its way out of the wrapper. 

These are gift ideas for your loved ones (read: more than just an acquaintance or drinking buddy) as these presents are pretty personal. You will need a petty good understanding of their skin type, favourite scent and what not...

Stay tune for the next Gift Guide edition: stocking fillers and Kris Kringle present ideas. ;)

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST, it ain't Christmas without some giving right?

Thanks to the lovely Lesley from L'occitane, I have a few gift packs to giveaway to 3 lucky readers/ followers of mine.

The Cherry Blossom pack giveaway is now running on my Instagram acccount. Head over to www.Instagram.com/ThroughBeautyEyes and enter now! 

COMMENT BELOW AND TELL ME WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PACK FROM TODAY'S GIFT GUIDE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A L'OCCITANCE ADDICTIVE ALMOND PACK (VALUE @ $70)

Competition ends Sunday, 15 December 2013 11:59 AEST. 

Winner has 24 hours to get back to me with their best mailing address or else a new winner will be picked.

Australian Residents only.

XOXO.

A

4 TIPS & TRICKS (PLUS EXTRAS) TO HIDE YOUR "I-AM-SO-EFFING-HUNGOVER" FACE

Sometimes, the life of a beauty blogger can be tough, especially when you have a full time job and gym commitment (Yes, working out is part of my full time job too :P)

I am not sure if I am actually being sarcastic there because truth to be told, I quite enjoy the events and launches (can be found on Through Beauty Eyes Social Diaries ). I mean, what's not to love when you get to check out and play with new products, catch up with the lovely bloggers over a glass (or perhaps a few) bubbles or vino and meeting new peeps?

[My latest wrap up of the recent events around Sydney can be found HERE. ]

Whilst I do enjoy attending these social events - let's be real here, I am turning into an old hag and ain't 21 anymore. AND, rocking up to an event looking like Amanda Bynes isn't an option either.

THANK GOD for my fav HG products and a few tips and tricks that prevent that from happening - which I will be sharing with you girls today!

How do I hide my "I-am-so-effing-hungover" look and look fresh the next day?

1. HYDRATE the f*ck out of your skin

It's a no brainer that alcohol sucks up every possible drip of H20 in your body - especially when you go a little overboard with them wine. (It's rude to say no when the waitresses kept coming back for a top up :P) Apart from skulling heaps of water and coconut water (this stuff works WONDERS when you're feeling the aftermath of wine), don't forget to give your skin some extra hydration. 

My recommendation: Hada Labo Moisturising Serum

I love this serum - one of my must-purchase items every time I am back in Asia for holidays. Its texture is in between a cleanser and serum, which feels extremely hydrating on the skin. I apply this before applying my moisturiser - an instant hydration boost to the skin! 

2. Use an eye "cooler" to reduce puffiness of the eyes and cover it up with hydrating concealer

My recommendation: Benefit #FakeUP Concealer* and Make Up Store Moisturising Eye Roll-On*

The Eye Roll-On has a cooling effect and reduces the puffiness under your eyes. Perfecto! The last thing you want is bringing out your eye bags with the wrong concealer and adding that extra "lines" cos your under eye is so dry! Benefit #FakeUp Concealer is life-changing and has been my to-go-to concealer most days, especially after a big night out.  I have raved about it on my Love List 5 - Beauty Edition post.

3. Bright and bold lips makes everything better.

True story dot com. 

I have always been a huge fan of bright lips - and the fact that it instantly brightens up my look makes me love it even more.

My current favorite picks are: 

From left to right:
CK One Glorious (deep red)

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107 (perfect berry/ wine colour for autumn)
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 111 (chilli red)

Models Prefer Infinite LipLiner in Forever Pink (Bright Coral Fuchsia)
Maybelline Lipstick in Vivid Rose (Bright Coral Fuchsia) 

MAC Candy Yum Yum (Cool Barbie Pink with Purple Undertone)
Make Up Store Sparkling Lipstick in Blackcurrent (Not pictured)

 Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 107

CK One Glorious

Rimmel Lasting By Kate Lipstick in 107 on top of CK One Lip Rouge in Glorious

Maybelline Vivid Rose on Top of CK One Glorious

MAC Candy Yum Yum

Make Up Store Sparkling Lipstick in Blackcurrent 

4. Highlight the high points of your face to brighten your look and give you an instant "lift"

My pick: Illamasqua Supernatural Gleam Cream

This bronze "illuminator" is a little different from your usual pearly/ white highlighter. It's a coppery-bronze highlight with "iridescent pearlescent pigments", which can be used alone or with foundation. I usually apply it on the apples of my cheeks (and apply my blush of day on top), cheek bones and nose bridge for that coppery glow. Perfect for giving your look a warm lift! 

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A little advice from the Editor: 

Don't forget to take some time off the social scenes and pamper yourself. Be it a facial (if you have extra cash to splurge) or "mask time" at home or a massage.
Invest in scented candles, a good magazine and enjoy it with a cuppa tea in bed.
Don't #FOMO 24/7!

Currently loving:

Dermalogica Hydrating Masque 

I pamper myself with a mask session once every 2-3 weeks (I know I should be doing it weekly but did I mention I am kinda lazy? :P) and have been loving Dermalogica Hydrating Masque!  It's extremely hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after getting in touch with my skin (see what I did there? :P) for a good 15 minutes!

Glasshouse Fragrance in Galapagos (Lime and Cocoa Butter) - quite a refreshing scent but I am loving my new Glasshouse Triple Scented Fragrance in Tahaa (Vanila Caramel) I recently bought! My room now smells like Peter Alexander <3 nbsp="">

CollectiveHub Magazine 

If you haven't already heard of this magazine, you should get on it like, right NOW. 

Renegade Collective is the love child of Lisa Messanger - which focuses on inspirations and entrepreneurship. So, I am quite a sucker for glossy covers and pretty magazines and more often than not, I always end up purchasing magazines with mediocre content. Renegade Collective is the first and only magazine that I actually look forward to the next issue before finishing the final page of the current issue.

Lean start up, successful entrepreneur stories, strategies, inspiration.... all in one magazine.

Whilst the price is a little on the steep side (retailing at$12.95) compared to most magazine, its well worth every penny of yours. And not to mention, a highly engaging community too where Lisa actually replies to your Tweet and Instagram messages! 

DMK Enzyme Facial @ The Laser Lounge*

Enzyme facial is designed to remove dead protein, toxins and other effluvia from the epidermis using a process called 'reverse osmosis'. The enzymes aim to strengthen the structural integrity of the skin, exercises facial muscles and works to leave the skin feeling firm.

(My apologies for the unedited, gross photo - but that's how it looks like when the enzymes "harden up")

This reminds me of homemade egg mask, except better. It does feel a little uncomfortable when the enzyme "hardens up" (as pictured above) but it felt like I was given a set of new skin after removing all my dead skin. I was fortunate enough to be given a complimentary treatment by The Laser Lounge a while ago - but it seems about time to book in my next "relaxing" sesh soon?

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Models Prefer Infinite Lip Liner in Forever Pink + Maybelline Lipstick in Vivid Rose
(another new favourite combination of mine!)

Bright lips DOES make it better :)

Those are my few tip & tricks as well as some fav products to hide my hungover face after a big night out!

What are yours mini tricks to hide your hungover face?

Disclaimer: Products and services marked with asterisk* were provided 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

#LOVE LIST #5: Beauty Edition

Since the beauty component of this blog has been MIA-ing quite a bit as or late, I thought I'd dedicate a Love List for the beauty products I'm currently loving!

I have been sent a few products at the start of the year (can you believe we are already in the second quarter of the year?!?) and finally got the chance to try them out and these are the ones that I'm diggin' at the moment!

Illamasqua Speckled Nail Polish in Fragile - A gorgeous Tiffany blue WITH speckles! That means you don't have to go through the hassle of applying 5 coats (2 for the base colour, 2 for the glitter AND top coat)! I was wearing this nail polish during my short trip back to Malaysia - and one of Mum's friend was IN LOVE with this nail polish. Lucky her, I brought it with me. =P

Wearing Katie and Ambition here 

Illamasqua Blush Duo in Katie and Ambition - Ambition is a mauve coloured blush with tiny bits of glitters whereas Katie is a matte baby pink blush. Ambition is a great colour on its own - it gives ithat gorgeous flush (somewhere between bronze and coral) within being to over the top; Katie, on the other hand, is a tad too pale for my skin to wear on its own! 

A CLOSE UP of the blush combination :)

However, Katie is the perfect shade to mattify Ambition if I am feeling a no-glitter kinda day! This Blush Duo has been my everyday blush during my short Malaysia trip during Easter! 

Models Prefer Lust Lipstick in Cupcake - Another new found love of mine - this coral lippie with extremely moisturising formula is surprisingly pigmented and long-lasting. It reminds me a lot of Revlon's Lip Butter in Trutti Frutti (reviewed HERE). The best thing is? It's only $11.99 a pop. Gotta love me some good cheapie lippie! 

Benefit FAKE UP Concealer - You might have came across this product on Through Beauty Eyes from my Social Diaries #2 updates (Remember the topless butler? Yes, THAT) I finally get around to trying this and my FAKE UP cherry was popped after a long haul flight. Needless to say, I was hooked since then and FAKE UP has definitely made its way to claim the HG concealer spot. LATERS, dry undereyes! However, if you're looking for a full coverage concealer - this might not be the man (or lady) for you as the formula is pretty sheer (due to its moisturising nature I suppose). I do get the desirable concealing I am looking for by applying a couple of layers. Make sure you try it out at your nearest Benefit counter before doing any purchase! A quick tip I learnt from the #FakeUpevent is to apply this concealer in a "V shape" on your undereye and blend it upwards using your ring finger. 

URIAGE Thermal Water for sensitive skin - This baby was a life savior during my short trip to Malaysia - a couple of pump of this thermal water in the hot and humid weather is one of my simple pleasures in life! So refreshing, so good. URIAGE Eau Thermal is still saving my life skin now that I am back in Sydney. With the change in weather - my skin has been PMS-ing like a bitch. Ridiculously dry and rashes poppin' up left right centre (quite literally). I try to spray this every half an hour or so to replenish my skin with some water it desperately needs. LOVE! 

Hope you enjoyed this my love list and quick reviews this week. J

Have you tried any of these products?

What are on your love list this week and did any of the above products make it into your list?

XOXO,

A

Summer Sunday #2 - More haulage from SportsGirl, ModelsPrefer, ZARA, TYPO

What up lovelies?

Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend. Mine was easy and relaxing - apartment inspection, lunch with W, and more haul at Chatty, in my beloved DAISO and La Senza and Lovely Culture. Yeap, that was *quite a bit*. LOL. 

Anyways, I digress. 

So, this is the second post of my Summer Sunday series in which I talk about any summer related stuff - from haul to tips to must haves to favourites. Today's post is a continuation of the first Summer Sunday post and its one of the many hauls I have been doing lately. #BadAccountant 

TYPO - because I am a sucker for cute stationeries and pretty note pad

SPORTSGIRL - Always look through their sale section for some good buys and their new make up line is pretty impressive and affordable too :)

ZARA - Finally gotten something there after its opening a few months ago.

PRICELINE - I should be a VIP member by now, nuff said. :P

*CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE*
Clockwise from top left - TYPO, SPORTSGIRL PRICELINE, ZARA

TYPO - Raided their sale section (yes, I am a bargain hunter :D) for a "New York" note pad to jot down random thoughts which strike me when I am out and about; a food diary pad and a "Shit-To-Do" To-Do-List pad. 

SPORTSGIRL - A white envelope clutch, floral plimsole shoes, lippies and lipgloss. 

ZARA - Pink & orangey-peach cardis, which ironically have been put in full use the past couple of weeks considering we are in SUMMER now. =/

PRICELINE -  ModelsPRefer Inky Smokey Eyes Set, REVLON Vanila Soy Candles and SUKIN Aloe Vera Gel.

Since Through Beauty Eyes is predominantly a beauty blog, let's focus on the beauty products from this haul, shall we?

Products I bought in the name of "blog research". 

In accounting world, research and development are capitalised over a period of time and shouldn't be expensed. So, there you go, these products are more of an investment than retail therapy expense LOL. 

SportsGirl Pout About It Lipstick in Juicy Watermelon (Matte) ($9.99)

SportsGirl Pout About It in Fuchsia Splash (Matte) ($9.99)

Swatches L-R: Juicy Watermelon, Fuchsia Splash and Give Some Lip Liquid Lip Colour in Summer Holiday

ModelsPrefer Inky Smoky Eyes Set ($9.99)

I have tried ModelsPrefer Mineral Eyeshadow DUO and I really love them. ModelsPrefer has been making its name in Priceline the past year and they have really great products at a really affordable price. I will do a more detailed coverage soon on ModelsPrefer products. :)

L-R: Royal, Mystic, Vixen, Haze

As you can tell, the colours are pretty pigmented (with the darker colours more pigmented than the lighter colours) with just one swatch. 

With Flash - Royal, Mystic, Vixen, Haze

Without Flash - Royal, Mystic, Vixen, Haze

REVLON Vanilla Scented Soy Candle
RRP is $16.99 but I got it for $9.99 on special @ Priceline.

I have always wanted to try out candles but never really gotten the chance until I saw this on special at Priceline. 

I have been burning this for the past week and lets just say this isn't the best candle in the market. (Not that I have tried many to start with) In fact, I actually think that the vanilla scent is stronger after I put the fire off the candle.

Hope you guys enjoyed this Summer Sunday Haul #2. I am sure everyone loves a bargain yet awesome buy once in a while. :)

Have you been hauling much lately?

Share some of your bestbuys with me. :)

XOXO,

A

FOTD - Spring is in the Air

TGIF

TGIF

TGIF

Humming Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" (which pretty much put my Friday nights into a song LOL) while writing this post. Lets see how will I survive with 4 hours sleep today. Hopefully it will be an early night for me. :P

Today's post is going to be a quick FOTD post to keep my posting somewhat consistent as well as to preview a couple of products that I will be reviewing soon :P 

Spring-inspired FOTD

The mixture of plum and peach colour using MAC Play On Drum Mineralised Eyeshadow DUO to welcome the arrival of spring, which is in about a week's time!!! Everybody says whoop whoop! I foresee more colours revolving around the likes of corals and peaches very soon! :)

I have previously done a FOTD post using the same eyeshadow duo HERE.

On my EYES

ELF Mineral Primer

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Delirium* 

MAC Mineralised Eyeshadow DUO in Play On Drum

Milani Techno Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Maybelline Falsies Volume Mascara in Black

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard

On my FACE

Cover Girl Aqua Smoother Tinted Moisturiser

Rimmel Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer & Highlighter in Ivory

Jane Iredale Pure Mineral Pressed Powder*

Models Prefer Blush in Desk to Date*

Milani Baked Blush in Bellissimo Bronze

Illamasqua Powdered Metal in Ether*

Face of Australia Translucent Powder*

On my LIPS

Ciccone Cosmetics Lipstick in Oceanus*

Thank god its Friday and have a good weekend everyone!!!! Be it party it up or spending time with your loved ones. :) 

What is your favourite spring colours? 

Does your make up style/ colours revolve around the seasons?

(*) Asterisk marked products were provided to me by the PR for consideration. I am not affiliated with them, neither am I compensated for this post. 

XOXO,

A