NYX

I'm Liking this BB cream from NYX 😊 - its lightweight, smoothing and hydrating. You could wear it on its own to even out skin tone for a natural no fuss look, or its great to use as a primer under your foundation for a flawless finish. 

The only negative - the colour selection is minimal

Waist training ❤️

Super Hydrating ❤️ Clarins #clarins #beautyblogger

Waist Training

So, I thought I would try a little waist training for a couple of reasons... 

1.. It's the new fad in the USA and I thought why not give it a try. I love trying new things :) *Sans 1939 film Gone with the Wind*

2.. It gives a beautiful hourglass look.

3.. It holds 'everything' in.

4.. It helps with posture. 

5.. It supports your core.

Although, initially when I purchased the waist trainer it was for a bit of fun and to try something different  but I am pleasantly surprised, it really has given great support to my core and posture which I love. 

I had an accident almost two years ago which damaged my back leaving me unable to do most exercises, especially sit ups and lower body strengthening. This has left my core a little 'slack'. Not to mention being in my Forties ( the body changes ladies ) and after having three children ( this is not an excuse ) but the combination of all and not being able to keep my core strength after my accident my midrif was feeling a little out of shape. After wearing the waist trainer for a few hours my core felt supported and my posture felt better.

Now, I know this is a temporary 'fix' as only diet and excercise will really improve your physique, but for now I am liking the support I am getting for my back and core even if it is only temporary. Who knows, maybe the longer I wear it the better the results...I will have to wait and see ❤️BB

purchased from premadonna www.whatsawaist.com there are different styles to choose from.

Keratin Smoothing Treatment

I had this amazing Keratin smoothing treatment done yesterday that has left my hair feeling like silk. 

I like to wear my hair straight and I use straighteners almost everyday, but the damage to my hair is un avoidable ( i do use heat protecting products etc but there is only so much they can do )

so, if you like wearing your hair straight but don't want to use heating tools on the hair all the time, or would like to save 'hair' time in the mornings then give this a try. 

The treatment is a wave/ curl relaxer that takes away any frizz and lasts for approx 4-6 mths. ( this is not a chemical hair straightening system ).

The process takes approx 2hrs and you can't wash or 'crinkle' the hair for 3 days post treatment, after that you can do as you please even curl it if you like.. Then after washing it goes back to the smooth, straight look. I will keep you posted in the coming weeks / months on the lasting results. So far, so good ❤️BB

P.s I had the treatment done by the Lovely Anna at Tonella's Hair Room Henley Beach.

Ooooo I L💓VE me some Tom Ford 💋 

Lipstick = Flamingo 

Aspect Pomegranate Peel

Beauties, if you are looking to re fresh your skin without using injectables etc.. Try Aspect Pomegranate Peel. I had this peel done today and my skin looks and feels amazing. 

It's a superficial peel that helps rid the skin of dead cells. It contains antioxidants and helps to stimulate cellular turnover. Excellent for the beauties who have dull, ageing, or skin that needs a pick me up !! Love this :) ❤️ BB

Cleansers

Can a beauty have too many cleansers ? And which one should I get ?

My point is I have tried numerous cleansers and not just the ones pictured eg, milk cleansers, foaming cleansers, gel cleansers, water cleansers, exfoliating cleansers, glycolic cleansers,mousse cleansers, oil cleansers, expensive cleansers, inexpensive cleansers etc 

And guess what ?? They all cleanse !! 

The most important thing is to Find what is suitable for your skin type, then choose which consistency you prefer eg- foaming, milk, exfoliating etc..The brand doesn't matter nor does the cost. 

I would rather invest in a good serum or eye cream !! Hehehe priorities 💋

Bellami clip in hair pieces are amazing ! they feel so thick and soft and look so natural. Fantastic quality ❤️ ( full pack not used in this pic ) I got the Bambina 160g 20" pack colour #2 @BellamiHair @LillyGhalichi

Bellami Hair

Woohoo my Bellami Hair has arrived !!

To fill or not to fill 😉

Day 2 results of Juvaderm Ultra. I decided to have a little play around with a filler in my lips. As you can see they are quite swollen and bruised. ( I bruise easily and tend to get lots of swelling ) the bruising lasted about a week and the swelling about 3-4 days. And to top it off I did end up with a cold sore too.. 

I chose to try the Juvederm Ultra (it's a thicker consistency) as I already have quite full lips but I wanted that extra volume to 'plump' them out without looking too pouty. Plus, I wanted it to last. I had the product put into the body of the lip rather than the border to achieve the look I wanted. Although, 3 Weeks on my lips have settled and the results are quite subtle and looking quite nice.

The only down fall to having this product is that it only comes in one quantity. I found the quantity for one persons lips ( my lips ) would be way too much ( unless of course you like that look ) so I chose not to have the full amount placed in my lips. I'm also a bit concerned about the lasting fullness as each week that passes the more I see less volume. This product is supposed to last approx 1year. Hmmmm we shall see !     Ps. Maybe I should have used the full amount in my lips. But then again the volume should stay the same regardless. ❤️BB

Oil pulling

I have tried this, but consistency = results

For the beauties who aren't sure what oil pulling is, you can google. But putting it simply, it's swishing coconut oil (or other oils ) around the mouth to keep it free from bacteria and plaque build up etc, this technique has been used for hundreds of years ! Cheap and effective 👍 ❤️BB #coconutoil  

Tip- if you are doing this frequently with coconut oil remember, when it cools it solidifies. So spitting down a drain could clog if drainage is poor.

New 'bits' to try :)

Foundation

Good Morning Beauties :) I often get asked which foundation I wear. Now this is a tough one for me to answer as I am always changing and trying different foundations and I have many that I like. I am pretty lucky in the fact I can pretty much wear any foundation and make it look nice on the skin. It's all about prepping the skin 

eg: if I'm wearing an oil free foundation I make sure I use a serum, hydrating cream and hydrating primer under the foundation otherwise it will be very drying on my skin and the finish will look flat, dry/ dehydrated and even could enhance lines etc

If I want more coverage with a foundation I will layer it ( build coverage, use powder foundation on top and so on... )The MOST important thing with a foundation is getting a correct colour match.

My new foundation likes are from Mac - Studio Fix (oil free )and Studio Sculpt (moisturising ) ❤️BB

Good morning Beauties 😊 

If you're struggling to get texture and lift with you're fine hair, or your hair is too soft after washing to keep the style like mine then read on ! 😉

Thumbs up to this salt mist spray from Keune. It helps give my fine hair a little texture without the crispness you get from other salt sprays and It Works really well with a blow dry. ( some salt sprays are best left on hair to dry naturally)                                     on damp hair I spray a little near the roots and 'very lightly' throughout hair, then blow dry and it leaves my hair looking thick and full with lots of volume ..yay ! 

 it also works well when I leave my hair to dry naturally,  i spray evenly throughout the hair to help define and enhance my natural wave giving a beachy look , but again without that crispy feel .. ❤️. #beautyblogger #hair

Flying solo !

I hate to admit it, but I really, really enjoy time on my own ( especially at the end of the working week) I actually like it when I have the house to myself..... So, on the rare occasion when my loved ones are out for the night and I am left at home alone I make the most of it ! I kind of celebrate :)

And this is how I do it !

I start by running myself a bath/ spa and depending on how I feel I will add either a detox bath salt or a relaxing bath salt from Bare Body Australia ( I'm in love with these products ) Whilst the spa is filling I will pour myself a nice glass of wine :) ( this is essential ) lol and light a scented candle to set the mood.. For myself :/  lol 

Once I am relaxing in the tub I cleanse, exfoliate & mask ( tonight I used Alpine Cleanser & gentle peel from Clarins and a hydrating mask from Kora ) and then I just lay back in the warmth and relax whilst the mask absorbs into my skin...

Around 20mins later I will exit the tub and apply a beautiful body moisturiser and face oil.. Tonight I used Creme Brûlée from Laura Mercier on the body mmmm yummm & trilogy rose hip oil on the face. 

Next up I order some take out..  Anything I WANT, no negotiating !! finishing up with a little chocolate and a sookie movie.. Again no negotiating ! :) 

This is my perfect night in, allllll alone :))) and then I sleep like a baby, I am so relaxed.

I hope I'm not the only one who enjoys a little solitude ❤️BB

Coconut Oil ❤️

One of my favourite all round beauty products is Coconut Oil. This super product can be used for so many beauty needs 👏

eg- body/ face moisturiser, cleanser, eye make up remover, cuticle oil, sunburn soother, dandruff treatment, stretch mark prevention, eczema etc, etc

 

Today I'm using it as a hair treatment, it helps to re-condition, strengthen and adds shine to my hair.. Love this stuff ❤️BB

Mascara I am currently using x

Good morning beauties :) just a little re-cap on the mascara I am currently using as not a day goes by that I don't get asked which one I use. 😉 

Its the L'Oreal Telescopic in extra black :)) 

I find it lengthens and separates and it's easy to build volume without looking 'gluggy' ❤️ BB

Good morning Beauties :)

I'm feeling a little 'Morange' today 💋 lipstick = Mac 

     Colour = Morange

My new 'fave' gradual tanner..no mess, no fuss :) and cheap ( under $10 )

This product gives you a natural looking tan without all the mess and preparation. No tanned tiles as you can get with spray tans, no streaking, easy application, you don't even need to exfoliate before use and it doesn't have that 'smell' 😉 and best of all you are moisturising your skin at the same time :)

I have been using this product for a couple of weeks and found I only needed to apply it 2-3 times a week. The colour is natural and long lasting. 

In between applications I did my regular routine of hair removal etc to keep the skin smooth & I also regularly moisturised to keep the skin hydrated. ❤️BB 

Tanner :)

I'm looking forward to trying this new product from Clarins. 

Like most beauties my face is a little pale compared to my body, so when Im not wearing any makeup I feel I look a little 'ill' ! 

This is a gradual tanner for the face :) you just mix in a few drops to your daily moisturiser and bobs your uncle !!! A nice healthy glow 👍 

Ps. You can increase/ decrease the amount of drops required for the 'tan' required ❤️ BB

Bobbi Brown Foundation

My 'current' fave foundation at the moment 😉 is the long wear even finish compact foundation from.. #bobbibrown 

*medium coverage, great colour,  cream texture and feels very lightweight on the skin. 

I use Studio Fix (from Mac) over the top to set and also to build a little more cover x

Serums

If you have been following my page you will know how much I love serums :) I believe they play a huge part in maintaining the skins youthfulness.

I like to change things around depending on my skins day to day needs.. My skin has been a little 'flat' 'dull' lately & when this happens I know it needs an antioxidant boost. Antioxidants protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can do a lot for the appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of aging, repairing sun damage and improving circulation to the skin therefore giving you back the 'glow' :)

This is my first time trying the Kosmea serum & I can say it did boost the radiance and overall appearance of my skin 👍 I will definitely use this again ❤️ BB

Play time !!

Thank you Laura Mercier :))

New eyeshadows, lipstick, lip pencils, mineral powder, pony tail brush. Yay 

Sunday Funday :)

Sunday Funday :) @kookai 

Hydrating Mask :)

This is how I get around the house on my day off !! Lol ( only when no one is home )😉                                               

I try to use a hydrating mask at least once a week to keep the moisture in my skin and especially the fine lines at bay.... I have a normal skin with a little dehydration. 

So, using a hydrating mask helps to keep it balanced, smooth and naturally glowing :) 

My go to Mask for hydration is the Hydraquench Mask from Clarins :) love it ! ❤️

My choice of Sunblock

Better late than never !! 

The 36 degree weather today has inspired me to share my choice of my favourite Sunscreen. 

It's designed for kids but skin is skin ! 

This 50+ sunscreen sprays on clear and it leaves the skin with a nice sheen without the greasy, heaviness of zinc based, pore clogging / cream sunblocks. 

The application is easy with a spray nozzle, so it's easy to apply on yourself. (Even on your back) & it's cost effective... Around $15

Definitely a winner with me ❤️BB #bananaboat 

Brows

And another one to the collection 😉 yes, I am just a little obsessed with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow products #perfectbrows 

I'm using the dipbrow pomade in chocolate x

Luxe to Less

NYX lipstick $8.95 !!! Love this colour

💋

Cosmetic Cube

All Organised :) :)

I had been on the hunt for one of these cosmetic cubes for a while and there are quite a few on the market which made it hard for me to choose. I wanted quality, reasonably priced, fast delivery and not ridiculous postage fees !! 

Lol I'm not asking for much 😉 

So, I am happy to say I found what I wanted and I am loving my Ettica Cosmetic Cube... 

Any beauties who are interested Ettica is offering my followers a 10% discount off store wide !! 👏 just quote this number when placing your order ( BB10 ) ❤️BB  Happy Shopping :) 

www.ettica.com.au/

Ps. My next purchase will be the lipstick holder !

Cleansing Brush

A few months back I started using a cleansing brush in conjunction with my usual cleansing routine. At first I was using this 3-4 times a week but have since dropped back to 1 x week as I find this is enough for my skin. 

I used to get breakouts just under my jaw and at the side of my neck.. I thought this was possibly from hormonal breakouts, but since I have been using the cleansing brush I have no longer had any breakouts. So the only other reason for my breakouts could have been that I wasn't cleansing thoroughly in that area. I wear makeup daily to work and I double cleanse every evening but this manual cleansing wasn't enough for me.

Beauties if you wear makeup or sunblock and are getting breakouts (and have tried most things) try a cleansing brush, it will thoroughly cleanse the skin removing any build up of makeup and/or sunblock and help prevent breakouts ( cystic acne and oily skin needs to be assessed ) Bonus- your skincare will be more beneficial on a thoroughly cleansed skin. ❤️BB

Fresh Colour :)

I'm one of those people that hairdressers don't like !! I like to experiment at home ( I am not a hairdresser) I experiment with my own colour mixes and on the odd occasion  I will cut my own hair. I don't do anything too drastic just a little bleach, tint, semi etc.. Thankfully I haven't had any major mishaps... Yet 😉 

Results = no more greys and smooth, shiny hair ❤️ 

#lakme #smoothhair #beautyblogger #limecrime

Sample Jurlique

I am very lucky to be able to try so many different products from a variety of skincare companies. I literally a have hundreds of samples... And sometimes finding the time to try them all is a task. So, when I'm away from home I like to take my samples to trial. Recently, I was holidaying in Queensland with lots of sun, swimming, beach and activities and this left my skin a little more dry & dehydrated and than usual. I had a few samples from Jurlique and found this replenishing day cream was a dream. I would apply it in the afternoon after coming back from my daily activity when my skin felt over exposed. It felt beautiful, so rich and nourishing exactly what my skin needed 👍

Note: this cream is quite rich and I would only recommend it for Norm/Dry, very dry or mature skin. 

Pure Tan

This tan will leave the skin with a beautiful bronzed glow... It's a bit more fiddly to apply than my usual fave ( sugarbaby spray tan in a can ) & you will need to use a mitt for even application + you don't want to get your hands stained 😉 #nofilter

Shadow Shields

Yay, they arrived !! Can't wait to try 😉 #shadowshields

Waist Training

Remember back in the day when the ladies used to wear corsets.. Well they seem to be making a come back.. Called waist training !! I have mixed views on this.. But to each there own 😉 

I think they would be good for the ladies who need help with posture and abdominal strengthening and especially good for postnatal use. 

Then of course there are some who take it too far !!! Trying to achieve a 12 inch waist ! 😁 which is extremely dangerous to internal organs etc.

> a little write up on the corset      What is  cincher waist Training? Waist training is a gradual process of waist reduction using a steel boned cincher. Also known as waist cinching or tight-lacing the practice came to prominence in Victorian times but has made something of a comeback in recent years. Wearing a tight-lacing corset, exercise and eating a healthy diet can radically reduce the waist of women. 

Furthermore, the wearing of a cincher whilst undertaking a healthy diet helps reduce food volume intake by constricting the internal organs thus helping promote the healthier practice of smaller meals, more often, rather than three large meals a day.

Tight-lacing as a means of permanent waist-reduction and re-shaping is a practice requiring discipline and is best achieved when the following 3 components work in harmony: 

Waist Cinching using a traditional steel-boned corset

Healthy Diet

Regular Exercise

??? What are your thoughts Beauties ?? Yay or Nay ❤️BB

Some Faves from Clarins :)

Healthy Detox Water

My latest concoction 😃 healthy detox water. Ingredients = filtered water, lemon, mint, rosemary and chlorophyll. 

Mac Exchange

A little reminder to all the Beauties that use Mac Makeup...make sure you keep all of your empty makeup containers eg (compacts, lipstick, foundation etc ) when you have collected six you can then exchange them at any Mac counter for a full sized Lipstick 👍 happy shopping ❤️BB

Biotin update

A little update from my Biotin post ... 

I have been taking a Biotin supplement daily for nearly 2 weeks and I have definitely noticed a difference with my hair... Although, I have only been taking this vitamin for short of 2 weeks my hair feels a little thicker and has definitely had a little growth spurt. I thought this was a little too soon and I may have "imagined it" but when I saw my hairdresser today for a trim and she confirmed that yes it feels thicker and has grown!! ( she had no knowledge of what I was taking) I will continue taking this vitamin and keep you all updated.... I'm quite impressed 😀 another bonus I have noticed with this vitamin is it seems to level out my hormones (Vit B) .. Hahaha happy wife = happy life !! ❤️ BB

Brows

I have a little brow obsession !! My latest purchase and I can't wait to try this is the brow genius kit from @anastasiabeverlyhills ❤️ this kit comes with a powder that you can mix with a gel to waterproof it ( yay ) = swimming and brows 👍 

the kit also has a brow brush/groomer and an angled brush to apply the powder. You can use the powder on its own for everyday wear and then mix it with the gel when you need it to be waterproof. 

I am also going to experiment with this and try it as an eyeliner (not on the waterline) but on the edge of the lashes for a waterproof finish ( for swimming etc) it's good to improvise !!! ❤️

BB

Shadow Shields

Loving these Shadow Shields....such a great idea.... (No mess and no smudges !!!) I ordered mine today and I can't wait to try ❤️

Ps. I will keep you posted with a yay or nay 😉

Happy Australia Day :)

Lime Crime Lips = Countessaflourescent ❤️

Gett'n my roll on !!!

Is anyone else "mirror dyslexic" when putting in rollers ?

They end up going backwards, sideways or lopsided...much easier to roll without the mirror !!

My new Vitamin phase :) I have started taking Biotin to help strengthen my hair and nails. This Vitamin is also great for hormone function which I am sure will be beneficial to myself .. Happy Hormones = Happy Life

Biotin, sometimes known as Vitamin H, is part of the B complex group of vitamins, and is essential for converting food to fuel. It helps the body metabolize proteins, fats and glucose.

The benefits of  Biotin helps to strengthen hair and nails ( great for thinning hair and brittle nails) other benefits include : 

Biotin plays a major role in your blood glucose production. Since biotin is heavily involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates within your body, it is largely responsible for keeping your blood sugar at healthy levels. If you suffer from diabetes, you may be given a Biotin supplement as a way to get your blood sugar levels up to properly functional amounts. 

Weight Loss - Biotin is essential for your metabolic process. This vitamin processes nearly every type of food that you ingest, including carbohydrates, protein and fat. When biotin levels are at the proper levels in your body, the food that you take in will be processed quickly. A Biotin supplement may help, since it is sometimes thought to speed up weight loss due to its effects on metabolic levels.

Skin -A biotin deficiency can lead to a variety of skin problems including rashes, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and overall itchiness. Toxicities will form throughout the nervous system and manifest itself on the skin’s surface.

Also, B vitamins play a key role in the function of the nervous system and do affect hormone function ( so also great to take if you suffer from depression) ❤️BB

Pretty Patterns :)

My Bible :)

True that :)

Detox/ Cleanse

From the 1st of January I have been doing a little cleansing of my body by drinking my detox water everyday :) I felt my body needed some cleansing and a little TLC after the rough year of 2013 and of course after the busy festive season. 

I have been consuming any where from 1-2 litres a day and I have noticed  a few little differences with my body... My skin..(face and body) feels and looks more hydrated & radiant my stomach is flatter ( I don't seem to get bloated or that "heavy" feeling Even before my cycle 😉 ) which is usually my worst time.. My thighs appear smoother 😃loving this ! ( less cellulite ) and i have more Energy...  ❤️ BB. 

Give it a try Beauties and keep me posted x

This weeks ingredients = Filtered water, Cucumber, Mint, Rosemarry and Lemon

Eye Brow Threading

I had my first eyebrow threading experience today ( I rarely if ever let anyone touch my brows  lol )  

well I got more than I bargained for !!! 

After the lovely beautician finished my brows, I asked if she also does the jaw "fluff" You know that little bit of fluff, no colour hair that you can only see in the sunlight or the rear view mirror in the car... So, she starts on the jaw fluff then moves to the cheek and then the upper lip and continues .. Before I know it she has practically done my whole face 😳 I really didn't think I had that much fluff.. Lol               The results, I am left with a very smooth face .. It kind of feels like I have had a deep exfoliation and I am liking the way my skincare and makeup are gliding on the skin. 

P.s 

 She did a great job with the brows and the "fluff" !!! ?

Pamper Me !

Pedi and Shellac time :)

A little Blog Protection ❤️