PRODUCTS I LOVE #3

One of the few things that gets me really excited is discount.

Great discount.

Not your pathetic get $5 rebate for spending $200 (which is a mere 2.5% off btw) or 10% off some low price point items.

Who's with me?

Well, great news to you beauty lovers, my favourite drugstore in town, Priceline (kinda like Walmart in the States but not as cool) will be having 40% off all beauty products today(19 Nov 2013) and tomorrow (20 Nov 2013)!

This Products I Love segment will be a few of my recommendations of products that are “Hot Right Now”, some were provided for trial by the brands and some were purchased but they are all my current FAVs (and a few repurchased item!):

 

-          Face of Australia Budge Proof Eyeshadows in Violet Rays, Bling Bling & Bronze Sphinx* 

I have raved about these eyeshadows in my recent Products I Love: Spring Edition post a while ago and still loving them. They are part of my daily make up routine – colours depending on my mood and weather of the day. Violet Rays is perfect for smokey eyes, Bling Bling for summer-peachy look and Bronze Sphinx for your fail-proof neutral eyes. Click HERE for swatches.

-          Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer in Light 

This concealer contains Olay regerist serum and specially-blended pigments to combat dark circles. The creamy consistency, hydrating and lasting formula made this a star product! I bought this about a month ago and have already gone through half a tub of it. The hoarding nature in me is considering buying a backup because you know, I have 10 pair of eyes that need concealing daily. #hoarderproblems

-          Cover Girl Clean Glow Blusher in 100 Roses*

I was sent this blusher about 3 weeks ago and it has become my almost every-day blush since. 100 roses is a natural, warm berry colour which goes perfectly well with my darker skin in the hotter days. I like to pair this with my Nude by Nature Natural Bronzer for the sunkissed look.

-          Face of Australia Carnivale in Summer Lovin (Bright Pink), Mango Slurpee (Orange) and Masquerade (Purple with Glitter Chunks)*

TOP: Summer Lovin; BOTTOM: Mango Slurpee

Remember all those mornings when you wake up only to realise that your freshly painted nails are filled with sheet marks? Well, sheet marks is now a trend with the brand new sandy finish formula for both Summer Lovin and Mango Slurpee.

As for Masquerade, it’s the ideal choice of polish when you are looking for something girly and “loud” with ALL THE GLITTERS!

-          Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 (Baby Pink) and 235 (Coral)*

Hotter days = sweaty me = light-weighted products will take preference for day to day wear. I am still very much in love with my bold, pigmented  lipsticks but these Gloss Balms are a better alternative on a scorching, casual day out. Lasting power is amazing and pigmentation is pretty good for a “gloss balm” – not overly sheer as I am not a fan of sheer colour balm. Definitely a summer handbag essential, me thinks. 

-          Nude by Nature Mineral Foundation in Medium

My HG mineral foundation - had repurchased this twice, once HERE and another one made in the last Priceline 40% sales. As I have pretty sensitive skin and it goes cray cray on me from time to time, this is probably the only “foundation” that is able to provide decent coverage and doesn’t sting. My everyday face routine involves this + tinted moisturiser or BB cream depending on the coverage I am looking for.

-          Nude by Nature Natural Bronzer

My to – go Summer bronzer. First discovered this in my goodie bag from Miss Universe Australia 2011 Party and had also repurchased this in the last Priceline 40% sales. This colour is a little too dark for winter but perfect for summer. It works best with a huge blush brush that allows you to blend evenly. Don’t use anything to dense as you will probably end up looking like Snooki. :P

-          Face of Australia Eyebrow Kit*

As you can see, the gel part is almost hitting pan. I use this on most days (except lazy days) and its one of the best eyebrow kits in the market. Love that it doesn’t have a hefty price tag for a product of such high quality. WIN. On to my 40% shopping list you go, Mr Eyebrow Kit.

-          Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel

This has been my HG Eyebrow pencil before I discovered the Face of Australia Eyebrow Kit. I still use this on a lazy day when I ceebs drawing my brows with a brush and I always have one of these in my makeup bag – just in case any touch up is required.

40% off – definitely stocking up. #GottaStopBeingAHoader

-          Face of Australia Tinted Moisturiser*

I am a huge fan of tinted moisturiser for day-to-day use and selected BB creams (which doesn’t result in me looking like a geisha). For full coverage, I am definitely loyal to my HG foundation  - Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation (as seen HERE and HERE).  Mild coverage, light weight and matching skin tone makes this my daily pick – to be applied before applying the Nude by Nature Mineral Foundation in medium.

-          Australis Curve Eyeliner (not pictured)

With the curve design making flicking achievable, even for amateurs, this is my second favourite eyeliner after my HG Dolly Wink Liquid Liner (which is irreplaceable at the moment). I bought this when I ran out of my Dolly Wink Liquid Liner and was pretty impressed with it. Easy to control, dark and pigmented ( don’t you just hate those liquid liner which aren’t and appears like a grey line when applied?) and the ultra thin brush means that you could control the thickness of your line when applying. Bingo.

To repurchase or not, considering that I still have a backup of my Dolly Wink Liquid Liner?

  Hope you're taking advantage of this 40% off on Priceline! However, make sure you don't overspend and be a massive hoarder like me. 

A little tip: MAKE a list before entering the store before unnecessary damage. :P

Have you tried any of these products?

What's on your shopping list?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk(*) were provided for consideration. I am not compensated for this post or any sales made from these products. For more information, please refer to ThroughBeautyEyes' disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

PRODUCTS I LOVE #1

One of the "privileges" (that many consider) as a beauty blogger is the vast range of products samples that were gifted to us for trial purposes. Or misfortune, when a certain products do not work towards your favour. I am pretty lucky in that aspect - have not had a crazy breakout or reaction throughout my years as a guinea pig!

Today, I will be sharing a few of my favourites in which I had personally tried and tested. Just so you know, there is a lonely corner in my bedroom which accommodates unused press samples (some of which are still in the goodie bag). In another words, I am selective and do pick products that best suit my skin/ preference and also for the blog. The fact that they are gifted has absolutely zero influence on my opinion. 

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Deluxe Edition 

This is a more intense, deluxe edition of Jurlique's best selling risewater balancing mist - with all proceeds going directly to Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience to support Indigenous Youth. This Limited Edition Rosewater Balancing Mist has a stronger rose scent which is not surprising at all as it contains 10,000 rose petals. Nothing better than a few spritz of this baby in the morning before applying anything on my face for a little wake-me-up. Deluxe also means it comes in a 200mL bottle.

Bigger  IS better. #TWSS

EYLURE Katy Perry "KA-POW" Color Pop Lashes 

(available in September)

Prior to the discover of these incredible falsies, I have almost retired from the falsies scene. Rocking Friday night after work drinks with some killer lashes just seem a little overkill. However, I have been spending an extra 5-10 minutes (at the expense of my drinking time - which BTW, is very important on a Friday arvo) after work to apply these lashes every since I got them from their launch party. 

It feels so comfy (non of those thick band bullshit), natural looking yet enhance my asian almond eyes and did I mention there's a hint of purple too? I don't know about you, unless I am walking down the runway or attending some kinda costume party, anything purple on my lashes is a big no no! But the subtlety of this purple, is just perfect!

On a side note, a huge thank you to the Eylure team for sending me a replacement KA-POW when they found out I have misplaced mine during one of my many Friday shenanigans. Please tell me I am not the only one who rip their falsies off after one too many Moet Sav Blanc. I am not that much of a baller as yet. 

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova

 L - R: Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova 

If you are a frequent stalker follower of my twitter, Instagram, or Facebook (if not, WHY HAVEN'T YOU :P), you could probably already tell that I am a fan of bright, bold, lips. This is exactly why I have been reaching out for these few babies lately (and left the remaining nude colours feeling #foreveralone). Lasting power and pigmentation is beyond amazing! I am still very much a lipstick person though as I don't like the "glossy" feel on my lips. 

 L - R: Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova (Without Flash)

Key tip: don't forget to blot your lips upon application! You don't want to look like you have just finished an intense make out session with the sexy lawyer working on the same floor as you. :P 

PURE TAN Pure Moisture Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Coconut Body Creme

(Available in September)

See, I have this love hate relationship with anything coconut flavoured. I love coconut but most often than not, the scent of coconut flavoured products are just way too overwhelming that it makes me sick. This Body Creme however, has just the right degree of coconut scent. BINGO. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil? Moisturizing factor - TICK. The fact that it's organic? Don't really care. 

I polished my sample tub within a month and the actual product is not going to be released till September! WAHHHH. *sad face*

Thank GOD I have more than one favourite products, most of the time. (Hence, I barely declare HG status!)

AVEENO Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

This is my to-go-to product when my skin goes completely havoc. I tend to avoid scented products when my skin gets extremely dehydrated and is borderline scaling to avoid. This moisturiser works wonders! On my better days, I mix this up with my other scented body butter to "omph" up the moisture & smell good! #winning Now that my coconut creme has hit tub, this has became my go to body moisturiser!  

Shu Uemura Powder Blush in Soft Pink & Highlighter in Radiant Pearl

After a somewhat long love affair with my Illamasqua blush in Ambition, I believe its time to give other blushes a chance. The Shu Uemura Powder Blush in Soft Pink caught my attention amidst all other product in my lonely stash. I can't believe I didn't use them any sooner! (I believe they were sent to me at the beginning of this year!). This baby pink is the perfect cool tone for winter and it goes extremely well with my smokey eyes! As for the highlighter, it really accentuates my non-existent cheek bones and give my face and instant lift! 

Do keep in mind though, there are tiny shimmer bits. If you are not a fan of glittery highlighter, you might want to give this a pass! 

David Babaii Blow Out Rapid Blow Dry Spray 

God sent for a frequent hair washer like myself, who happens to have very thick hair and loves showering late at night. A heat protectant and speed up blow drying time? YES PLEASE. 

Warning: You might appear weird to public for sniffing your hair every 5 minutes. 

YEAP LADIES, it's coconut scented too! 

CHAPSTICK Night Repair Lip Treatment

Every girl needs a chapstick, especially in winter. Nuff said. I am digging the night repair one at the moment, slap it on before bed and wake up with a smooth & moisturised lips the next morning! 

That pretty much sums up the recent products that I have been trying and loving! 

I wonder if there's actual correlation between winter and the number of moisturizing products posts. As you can tell, I haven't been that "adventurous when it comes to make up products besides lipsticks. It's all about getting moist, darling! #ThatsWhatSheSaid

Have you tried any of the products above?

If not, what are your current favourite?

Disclaimer: All products above 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

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! 

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

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?

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

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

Diary of the "One Handed Warrior" - 9 Fun Facts of a Cripple

Howdy! 

For those of you who follow Through Beauty Eyes social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook or Instagram), you would have known I snapped my middle finger, walked around with a HUGEASS cast which I thought wasn't that necessary for 1.5 weeks, had two screws inserted to fix my broken bone with feral stitches, and now finally en route to recovery with a robot-like splinter for the next 6 weeks. (For visual effect, please click on each event - as there are some that are not for the faint hearted) :P

1. The White Cast has became my daily accessories. 

As evident by the series of my #OOTD above.

Spotted: Lotus Mendes Goddess Ring! 

In fact, I rocked up to Colgate's #OpticWhite event without realising that it was a White Party. BUT HEY, MY CAST IS WHITE SO I WAS KINDA FOLLOWING THE THEME. #winning

2. The White Cast can also be a pain in the arse, especially when it's raining. 

God bless Glad Wrap! This is how I roll - rain or shine; cripple or not - I party on! :P

BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP ME FROM CRIPPLE FIST PUMPING AND SAVING THE WORLD WITH SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA! 

3. The White Cast AND the splinter are both a huge pain in the arse! 

Because I can't get it wet and have a hard time keeping it dry. This is NOT what she said.  

Imagine having to wrap the cast/ splinter up everytime I shower, do dishes, meal prep or any activities that might potentially get it wet... NOT FUN! Which brings me to the next point....

4. EXFOLIATION became a LUXURY! 

I have been exfoliating every 2-3 days ever since I discovered The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Exfoliator (which recently took over the HG Exfoliator title from Soap & Glory Flake Away exfoliator). SMELLS SO FRICKIN AH-MA-ZING & SO GENTLE on the skin with its tiny exfoliator bits.

I did not exfoliate during the 1.5 weeks when I had my massive cast and only resumed exfoliating a couple of days ago after the cast came off and the post-surgery pain has subsided. And BOY, DID IT FEEL GOOD! Except, my right arm will probably need an INTENSIVE exfoliating once my suture wound has fully heeled. GO FIGURE! 

5. At the very least, I can haz pretty painted nails with splinter. 

 Taking the new Illamasqua Speckles Polish in Mottle from I'MPerfection collection on a test drive! This polish is revolutionary and an absolute darling - mint plus glitter bits 2 IN 1? YES PLEASE! 

At least, it made my splinter slightly prettier. 

#ThisISHowYouSpotABeautyBlogger

#NOTD #Cripple #Edition

6. My skin, face & body is lacking TLC.

Try picture trying to massage the serum and/or moisturser all over your face; applying body butter/ lotion all over your body; and applying haircare post shower single handedly. 

Yeap, fun times.

I probably wasted half of bottle/ tub of skincare in the past three weeks; pretty much passed on bodycare since the faithful day; and so's my haircare. (I did however, manage to curl my hair with my robot cast. =P)

7. When I am feeling down or depressed over my injury or the inconvenience caused by it, BRIGHT lipsticks always save the day. 

Illamasqua Lipstick in Immodest on the left and Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in Bright Pink on the right. 

I know I went through an orange/ coral phase towards the end of last year, I am now swaying back to bright, matte barbie pink lippies with smokey eyes. :)

Whilst they are both matte and look pretty similar on the lips but when swatched, Immodest is more of bright fuchsia and Bright Pink is well, more of bright barbie pink. :P

8. I MISS THE GYM SO FRICKIN BAD 

Especially lifting AND pole dancing! 

Yours truly sneaking in a spin class a day before my surgery.

I could barely walk after the class and cast didn't exactly feel the best (EW, I know) - it felt SO. DAMN. GOOD. The endorphins kick was priceless! Me thinks I am going to sneak in a pilates session later this arvo although my physio said I shouldn't really be hitting the gym till the stitches are off this Thursday! 

Gym Junkie or Gym Addict? You tell me! ;)

I have also been working on my new side project Eat This Burn That - will let the cat out of the bag when everything is more organised! At the meantime, don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@EatThisBurnThat) or Facebook for health and fitness updates! :)

Hand exercise, as prescribed by the physiotherapist. This is as active I have been since surgery. =.="

(Pun might be intended)

If only I could list down all the inappropriate comments I received :P

9. IF ALL THINGS FAIL, GRAB A SPOON AND HAVE BEN & JERRYS 

Chocolate Therapy is my drug to replace Panadeine Forte when I was in pain or when I am down and annoyed. #LetsDigIn

FINALLY,

My GORGEOUS & AMAZING bestie whom I stumbled upon (literally) 5 years ago! She's pretty, smart, kind hearted and an awesome listener & advisor when I need it! LOVE YOU LONG TIME MISS CSJ! 

I am glad that despite all the hoo-hah, I am able to celebrate my bestie's 25th birthday - partyin it up like its 2008. My dress even matches my splinter! :P

A little unusual compared to my usual post but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!

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

FOTD - HARAJUKU INSPIRED FT ILLAMASQUA HUMAN FUNDAMENTALISM COLLECTION

Happy hump day lovelies! 

As you may have noticed, ThroughBeautyEyes have been lacking posts in the beauty department as of late - as far as I can recall, the past few posts were update-related kinda pictureposts. It's time to bring the beauty stuff back, don't you think? I mean who am I kidding, one of the main reasons this space was created was to accommodate my never ending musings about beauty related stuff.

Without any further babbling ado, lets move on to my "Harajuku" inspired FOTD created using the Human Fundamentalism Collection by Illamasqua as the "main theme".

Before you start painting images of yours truly strolling down the street with some funky Harajuku outfit, STOP RIGHT NOW! Japanese fashion and I were never friends and I don't think we will ever be. The closest I can possibly get is probably "gyaru-inspired" make up. So, when Fashion Hayley needed someone to help her with her Harajuku - inspired shoot, I turned into my best friend - Google and Google told me "outrageous" and "out of the ordinary" were the key. So, BAM, a little mix and match here and the look is created. :)

Human Fundamentalism Collection by Illamasqua. 

The products used from this collection were:

*Skin Base Foundaton in Shade Au (which I mixed with it with my Skin Base Foundation)

*Fundamental Palette

The Fundamental Palette - used to express your alter ego. 

From Left to Right: 

- Powder Eyeshadow in Hype

- Matte Cream Pigment in Mint Green

- Powder Eyeshadow in Inception

- Liquid Metal in Molten Pewter

*Precision Ink in Scribe (anti-liner that acts a highlighter)

Scribe - The Anti-Liner. 

And also, someone outside of the Illamasqua family :P

The INGLOT Custom Eyeshadow Palette used to complement the Fundamental Palette.

STEP TO STEP TUTORIAL TO CREATE THIS HARAJUKU LOOK:

STEP 1: After priming your lid with your favourite eyeshadow primer (I used Urban Decay Primer Potion), apply Cream Pigment in Mint Green all over your lids.

STEP 2: Apply Hype on the 2/3 of your lid and a dark green/teal colour (I used my INGLOT Custom Eyeshadow Palette) on the remaining 1/3 of my lids. Use a blending brush, blend the 2 colours together to remove the harsh edges. 

STEP 3: Using an angled brush and Inception, gently draw a line along your crease, where your eye socket sinks in. 

STEP 4: Apply a matte coral-red eyeshadow (Once again, I used my INGLOT Custom Eyeshadow Palette) along your crease and blend it with the purple eyeshadow drawed earlier. 

STEP 5: Apply Precision Ink in Scribe on your lower lid.

STEP 6: Then, apply any purple gel/ liquid eyeliner you own ( I used Youngblood Incredible Wear Gel Liner in Black Orchid) under Scribe. Set the gel liner using Inception. 

STEP 7: Finally, using Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Blue to line my lower lash line. 

You can either leave it as it is like the first picture above or you can add a final touch by adding a blue liquid eyeliner. Personally, I think the look is incomplete without lining my upper lash line. But whatever floats your boat really :D

 And finally, add a few generous coats of your favourite mascara. (I used Australis Voluptulash Mascara and Australis Killer Curves Mascara here - my all time favourite combo!) You may add some dramatic lashes here for a better effect but I was running out of time so I decided to give it a miss. 

V-O-I-L-A! The Complete Eye Look! 

Products on my FACE:

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in Shade 11

*Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in Shade Au (the reason behind the dewy-bronzy look)

Illamasqua Powder Blush in Hush

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind In Nude

MAC Mineralised Skin Finish in Medium

*Jane Iredale In Touch Highligher in Complete

On my LIPS 

*Illamasqua Lipstick in Atomic 

Circle lenses worn here were from MUKUCHU* - EOS 201 2-Tone Toric Lenses in Blue. 

Here are a couple of outfit shots "styled" by Fashion Hayley:

It looks pretty "kawaii" in my opinion but definitely not something I would wear on a daily basis!

(Accessories are my own)

The entire outfit! :D

Got these burgundy booties from ZU for a steal of $30 when they were on sale! One of my best buys to date! Who says pretty stuff gotta be exy? :P

Hope you girls enjoyed this Harajuku inspired FOTD tutorial. 

It has been a while since I have a tutorial that sways away from the usual "safe" neutral colours. 

Do let me know if you would like me to do a detailed review or swatches on any of the products above! 

Are you a fan of the Japanese fashion? 

Have you created any "Harajuku-inspired" FOTD? 

Please share them, I would love to check it out. :)

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterick (*) were provided to me for consideration. I am in no way affiliated with any of the brands above, nor am I being compensated for this post or any sales made. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please review Through Beauty Eye's disclosure policies. 

XOXO,

A