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

Through Beauty Eyes Social Diaries #3 +

*Checks calendar*

What the fuuuuuu....dge? It's JUNE already?!?!?! 

How did the first half of the year flew by? And how did I neglect my little baby here for over a month? 

Well, I have been working on a side project which to be revealed at the end of the post and that has been taking up a whole lot of my time along with other life issues, gym and well... social events =P 

Lets catch up with what's happening in the beauty and social scene on Sydney as of late, shall we? And of course, some new products for the colder weather! 

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Pearls, bow tie, flappers seem to be back in action ever since our dear mate made its appearance in this new film called "The Great Gatsby" and yours truly happened to be partying like its 1920s at The Great Gatsby Soirée at Hugos Lounge last Friday. 

Photo Credit: Hugos Lounge

Close friends of mine would know how bad of a "dresser" I am when it comes to dressed up party. Like really bad. 

Photo Credit: Hugos Lounge

But I think I'm getting better at it especially after THIS particular rad, badass shot with my drinking partner in crime. :P

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Apart from cool parties and events, I do try to attend at least 2 events/ conferences/ exhibitions that's related to personal or professional development. "Make sure you invest some time and money in learning" said Jack Delosa

Your's truly at CEBIT 2013 - the largest business technology conference in Australia. Whilst I am no where close to be a decision-maker of a large corporation, it was really a massive eye-opener in terms of the technology available out there, especially with the evolving digital industry. 

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Remember that morning where your feed is flooded with Sydney's fog? Yeh - that ONLY morning where I was fortunate enough to a breakfast launch at Orbit Restaurant and Bar - one of the best spots in Sydney with stunning view, Sydney decides to be shower its concrete jungle with nothing but fog. 

Thanks buddy. 

We were introduced to the brand new RACINNE skincare range that was recently launched in Australia. 

Seven years of dedicated research later, this Canadian brand with world-leading Korean formula released two new ranges - The Ultimate Aqua Blanc Series (for women 30+) and The Ultimate Hydra Perfection Series (for women of all ages). These new ranges boast an advanced biotechnology formula, known as "Callus Cultivation Technology" providing nourishment, hydration and protection to skin. 

"The new ranges penetrate to the deepest layers of skin improving dull, dehydrated and aged skin, which is a common side effect of a natural climate such as in Australia" (BDM of Racinne International)

I am pretty excited to include these new babies into my winter skincare routine especially my skin is "well known" for being exceptionally dry during the colder days. Did I mention that they are pretty reasonably priced too? They are now available online at www.racinne.com.au 

I will let you know what I think about them once I go on a thorough test drive. :)

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Yet another great LiveAspireBlog event with my lovely and absolutely talented friend - Christina from Hair Romance as one of the speakers. If you are looking for some simple yet creative hair-spiration, Hair Romance is THE place to go to! She's currently doing a 30bunsIn30days challenge, don't forget to check that out too!

Check out my wrap up of the previous two #LiveAspireBlog HERE. 

The extremely talented Miranti from Pen & Peplum was one of the sponsors of the recent Live Aspire Blog and look at this genius and gorgeous creation of hers! A Blogger-To-Do-Lists! 

I.AM.IN.LOVE.

Seriously, a must-have for bloggers!

Unfortunately, her ETSY store is temporary shut as she is away on her holiday. However, don't forget to check out her lovely blog and look out for any updates on when its available again. 

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I love breakfast,  I love breakfast launches even more. I love breakfast launches with scrumptious menu and awesome team the most! 

(That's because I get to enjoy the favourite meal of my day, learning about awesome new products/ services before my day job!)

Pretty-In-Pink table settings at HerFashionBox Blogger Brunch | The Grounds @ Alexandria

PINK Box matches my iPad mini and lippie :P

HerFashionBox is a monthly subscription box with 2-3 fashion accessories + added beauty and lifestyle products and a bonus magazine that shares the latest tips and how-tos using the products included in the box. 

Unlike other subscription boxes with one-size-for-all-concept, you get to select your style - Classic, Feminine or Trendy with HerFashionBox. 

Wanna find out more about HerFashionBox, Norlin from Baubles Bubbles Blog did two detailed reviews HERE and HERE. 

And guess who I bumped into at Hugo's Gatsby Soiree? 

The cofounders of HFB - Kerry & Kath! 

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LUSH heaven with a glass of Chandon in hand, NEED I SAY MORE? 

With my gorgeous "blogger" friend - Nella aka Miss Beaute Gazette

Rockin' LUSH Sea Spray (LOVIN this!) with my fresh-off-the-salon hair cut from John Azi (more to come!) and one of my fav bubblegum pink lippie - MAC Candy Yum Yum

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One event after another, a few during the week, over a couple of weeks is the reason why I very much enjoy Saturday-Night-In in my pjs doing nothing with my candle and a good mag or a chicklit.

Photo Credit: Urban Society

 With Andy (aka Mister Kitchen Ninja) at Crane Bar launch at Potts Point after the LUSH Bloggers Event. 

Just your usual Wednesday night where you get to have a photo with the sexy Luke Jacobz

 

Japanezu Girls

 *insert Asian emoticons*

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The sleek interior of newly launched Brad Ngata on Crown after 12 years at his Goulbourn Street salon! 

Ladies and the man behind Maxted Thomas 

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Eurovision Finals Dress Up Party at Oxford Art Factory with Mel & Le Bestie!

Let's just said the best part of the night was dressing up and I was proud to stay around to find out what the fuss about Romania is all about! Eurovision is definitely not my cuppa tea. 

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As mentioned earlier in this post, THIS is the side project that I have been working on that's launching in the next two weeks! :)

WWW.EATTHISBURNTHAT.COM

(Head over there NOW and sign up to our newsletter to get FREE and latest update about our launch and any health & fitness related stuff!)

Don't forget to share the love on Eat This Burn That favourite hang out spots too!

www.facebook.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.instagram.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.twitter.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.pinterest.com/EatThisBurnThat

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 Wonder how I survive a week filled with events without looking like a dag? Stay tune for my next post where I take you through my life-saviour/ HG products that save you from looking like Lindsay Lohan after media Thursdays :P

That's an update from my side of the Social Diaries - what have you beauties been up to?

XOXO,

A

Collective Haul - Part 1

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

I spent all Saturday being a slob, watching Sex And The City in bed with my pjs on all day although the weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was nice and warm with the sun shining brightly, just exactly what Sydney needed after those insanely chilly days. I have been busy with events, catching up with friends, Fashion Weekend after my CA paper so it's good to finally have some relaxing "me time", doing absolutely nothing! 

If you followed me on twitter, you would of probably known of my impulsive online shopping spree during my study break (and maybe a couple more before that :P). Imagine being cooped up at home for a week studying, the least I can do to make me feel better is some retail therapy. You know you went a little overboard when people at work thinks you have a problem due to the constant delivery. LOL. That's the reason why I will be splitting the collective hauls into parts. 

Without further ado, I will stop babbling any further and share my purchases with you guys. :)

LOVISA

If I had to choose to wear only ONE kind of jewellery, rings definitely tops the list, especially statement rings! How can I miss the opportunity when Lovisa was having their $5 sale?! I rarely pay full price for rings cos I can be quite a tight arse sometimes they usually go on sales at a really reasonable price too. 

My favourites are the knuckle ring and the watch-ring (although the watch doesn't work.lol).
Which one is your favourite?

LUSH

There's nothing better to end a crap day at work than to have some retail therapy at LUSH and get some awesome body products. Ok, maybe zumba and a CC dry helps too but thats besides the point. :P

WHOOSH - shower jelly with revitalising essential oil blend of refreshing grapefruit. I picked this up because I was rather intrigued by its wobbly jelly texture and all you do is rubbing WHOOSH is between your palms before applying it all over your body. 

Rub Rub Rub - body scrub which smells a little bit like my toothpaste. =/

Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion - Hand cream that smells like chocolate.

I have mixed feelings about this product - whilst it works pretty good as a hand cream, a hand cream that smells like chocolate is a tad weird. To me at least. Just in case you don't really know, I am all for scented products! But chocolate scented hand cream just doesn't really do it for me.

Skin Drink Face Moisturiser Sample

HOT DOLLAR, BURWOOD

Hot Dollar in Burwood actually carries stuff from Japan for only $2.50. EVERYTHING for $2.50! They have HEAPS of random, cute stuff in the shop, not exactly useful but extremely adorable! It takes ALOT of effort for me not to buy the entire store. I did, however picked up a few stuff including an awesome umbrella (which got stolen when I was at the gym! Pffft) and some random gym towels. Lol. Don't worry, I wouldn't be boring you with those randoms just the beauty-related ones. :)

Heart-shaped ash tray (at least that's what I think it is) 

I don't smoke but I thought these will be an awesome home for my newly purchased rings from Lovisa. :)

A storage thingamajig, which I knew would be perfect to store all my lip products! I'd love to own one of those awesome lipsticks holder but 1) They are way too expensive for a make up storage 2) I would probably need more than one to be able to fit all my lip products. 

$2.50 and it fits ALL my lipsticks and lipglosses. Perfecto! 

I know I should place a lipstick ban on myself but I just LOVE lipsticks. I am currently lemming for MAC Candy Yum Yum lipstick but I have quite a few bright fuchsia lipsticks but they aren't one of those everyday colours suitable for work. SHOULD I?

Another make up storage box, which I used to store my eyeshadow trios/quads. :)

Cute bloating paper - My face is anything but oily but I use this to bloat my sweat without smudging my make up. 

Super cute falsies box.

SOAP & GLORY from KIT COSMETICS

I got my first Soap & Glory product - Flake Away during my trip to Singapore last year and I absolutely LOVED it. But knowing Australia, we are deprived of alot of awesome brands and being the noob I was, I had to ask around on twitter as to where can I get Soap & Glory products. Thanks to the lovely Jade who told me that KitCosmetics stocks them and they were having free shipping at that time. BOOM! An order was made within minutes! 

I was so happy when the delivery came the next day at work, totally made my day! I love receiving packages when I am at work, especially when I had a shit day. :)

Clean On Me Shower Gel - $14.95

The Righteous Butter Body Butter - $27.95

Flake Away Spa Body Polish - $17.95

Definitely my HG body exfoliator!!! I used this twice a week and it leaves my skin extremely smooth after and it smells so yummy too! 

I will be doing a review on these Soap & Glory products soon as I really love them. :)

SHOPBOP.COM

I have always wanted the original Ray-Ban Wayfarers and when a friend of mine kindly informed me that ShopBop was having free shipping during Easter in between one of our "study breaks", I knew it was time. Gotta take advantage of the strong Australian Dollars!

Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers - Approximately $135 (if I am not mistaken).

This is definitely a steal, considering it retails for at least $200 in departmental stores. #OnlineshoppingFTW

You know you spent a little too much when you are unable to fit all your shopping hauls in one post. My credit card statement just arrived yesterday and it wasn't that pleasant. I think its about time place a shopping ban on myself. We will see about that. 

Stay tune for Collection Part 2. :)

What have you haul-ed recently? Anything exciting?

XOXO,

A