Spring Beauty Favourites

Hello Everyone,

Can you believe that it is 18 days into summer already and I have only just started to write my 'Spring Beauty Favourites' post just now? Christmas isn't too far away and I have most of the gifts lined up, but haven't wrapped any of them yet. I know I'm not the only one who puts off wrapping presents till the last minute... Nothing too exciting has happened lately. I'm still waiting for my new guitar too arrive. I haven't gone out as much as I would have liked to (except for karaoke). I finally figured out a bit  of a setting pattern for my hair (which is forever stuck in the "growing out stage"). And, I am finally trying a new alcoholic drink that isn't wine...

I've actually got quite a few new favourites this time around, which is a bit of a change.

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BEAUTY:
- After my local supermarket stopped selling my favourite facewash, my mum managed to find it on 'Catch of the Day' website. Garnier Pure Deep Clean Cream wash is one of those face washes that I didn't really take a whole lot of notice of, until I ran out and had to use something else. My skin was starting to get really bad again and I am so glad this face wash is back in my life.

-I tried the Palmolive Oil Infusions Body Lotion (the Avocado oil and jasmine one) and I really like it. It smells really good, is really nourishing and doesn't cause any bad reactions with my skin. It would be awesome if they made a body wash in this line too...

- I started using my Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume (from the miniature set) again and I can't get enough of it.

- I love my new Besame Lipsticks in 'Blood Red' and 'Victory Red'. 'Victory Red' really stains your lips, so I highly recommend it if you are looking for a red that will last.

- I got a bunch of new things from Colourpop again. At the moment I really like 2 of the highlighters ('Flexitarian' and 'Might Be'), the brow pomade in 'Red Head' and the Ultra Satin Lip in 'Calypso'.

-I bought a Morphe Liner Brush on Ozsale and its the best liner brush I've tried so far. I highly recommend it.

HAIR:
- My favourite leave in conditioner is the Toni & Guy Prep Leave in Conditioner. It's not too greasy and it actually works. I own a few different leave in products and I always come back to this one.

-I always put Tresemme Wave Creating Sea Foam in my hair before curling it (wet set curls or with using hot tools). It doesn't irritate my scalp like some styling products do and it doesn't make my hair too wild.

- I usually use the pink 'Volume' one of these, but I've decided I really like the purple 'Satin' version of the Loreal Elnett Hairspray. Mostly because you can brush it out.

-I really like my Conair Sponge Rollers, Diane Pin Curl Clips and my Breville Curling Iron which have all been getting a work out now that my hair is getting a little longer. My hair naturally has a bit of a wave to it, but in my current hair style it tends to stick out a bit and look a bit fluffy so I like to curl my hair downwards and style it a bit like Scarlett Johanson in This Picture. My hair isn't as long as hers and it doesn't look quite the same.

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STYLE:
- I have been trying to keep it simple, because it is hot and I'm usually strapped for time. I have a couple of basic outfits that I just wore over and over.

- I also made a Pintrest Board...

MUSIC:
-The Album 'The Getaway' by Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I really like 'The Getaway', 'Go Robot', 'The Longest Wave' and 'Goodbye Angel'.

- 'Burn the Witch', 'There There', 'The Let Down' and 'My Iron Lung' by Radiohead

-'Follow the Boys' by Connie Francis

-'Running to Stand Still', 'If God Will Send His Angels', 'Staring at the Sun', 'Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out of' and 'Desire' by U2

-'Stay' by Rihanna

-'Dancing on My Own' Cover by Calum Scott

-'Road To Nowhere'  and 'Psycho Killer' by Talking Heads

-'Lovely To Look At' by Eddy Duchin

-'Love is a Blindness' and 'Love Interruption' by Jack White

-'The Breaks' and 'Run Me Down' by The Black Keys

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MOVIES:

-I rewatched 'Aloha' which I think is an awesome movie.
-I really enjoyed 'Hello My Name is Doris'
-I thought 'Roberta' was a lovely movie.

OTHER:
- I started going walking again which has been really nice. I got stopped by the rain for a while, but I will start going again as soon as I get a chance.

-I bought 'The Fashion File' by Janie Bryant on Ozsale for a ridiculously cheap price and I love it. The illustrations are so cool and the book has a lot of classic style advice. This is also a great read for 'Mad Men' fans.

DISLIKES:
-My only real dislikes  were these Freestyle Bendy Rollers I tried which don't really stay put in your hair and can snag on your hair.

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I hope you are having a wonderful summer/winter and that you are as excited about the holidays as I am. I am especially looking forward to new years. I am hoping to get a few more blog posts in before the year is over. So no this isn't the last you will hear from me in 2016.

What are your current beauty favourites?

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Winter Beauty Favourites

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Hi Everyone, 

Well winter is over already. I can't believe how quickly it went. Winter didn't get very cold at all and I managed to get through it without buying any new knitwear or jeans. I feel like this was the most eventful part of 2016 yet. It rained a little bit (which is not the usual weather for this season) and I went out a fair few times. I also turned 23, which is something that wouldn't be included in this post if I had of written it on time...

I had a pretty good birthday and I celebrated a few other peoples birthdays too. 

 I feel like I've changed a bit this year and my attitude towards going out has changed (the kind of time you have really depends on where you are and what kind of people you are with). I've had a lot of fun nights and I've made some new friends that I otherwise might not have met. I went to Karaoke at one of the local pubs whenever it was on and it is the most fun I've ever had.

I also decided to spend a little bit more time on some of my hobbies such as guitar. I ordered a new guitar and promised myself I would make more of an effort to learn guitar if I spent more money on it. My guitar hasn't arrived yet, but all the other bits and pieces (pedals, amp, case etc) are here.

I hope you have all enjoyed your winter (or summer if you are from the Northern Hemisphere) and that there is something in this list of favourites that is helpful or entertaining to you in any way. I have decided to include some favourite links to cool videos etc as well. Please note, because this post is late, some of the favourites are very recent early spring discoveries rather than favourites.

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BEAUTY:

- I bought two new lipsticks this winter and I have been wearing them a lot. Revlon Superloustrous in 'Ravish Me Red' is an orangey red, and Loreal Color Riche in 'Carmin St Germain' is a pinky red. They are both very creamy and perfect for this sort of weather.

- I really like the Australis Eyeshadow Primer it isn't completely crease proof, but I think it does an alright job.

- I am in love with the NYX Pin-up Tease Mascara. At first I thought the name was a bit gimmicky, but it really is the nicest mascara I have ever tried. And it is water proof too. 

- I recently got a bottle of the Taylor Swift 'Incredible Things' Perfume and I have been wearing it every day.

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STYLE:

- Since I am trying to grow my hair, I have started wearing hair flowers more often. I managed to get some nice ones on sale from ASOS.

- I have really gotten into wearing short shirt-dresses (button up dresses with collars). I really like the way they look with a cardigan and ballet flats. I think they are fun and comfortable, but they are also respectable enough to wear to work.

-I didn't manage to buy any new pairs of jeans  this winter, so I spent most of the colder days (luckily it doesn't get too cold here) with stockings or footless tights on under my dress/skirt. 

-I have been getting a lot of wear out of a black round neck cardigan I bought from Target. I love the 1960s look you get from buttoning the first button on a round neck cardigan.

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MUSIC:

- 'DNA' by The Kills

- 'Impossible Tracks' by The Kills

- 'Dark Necessities' by Red Hot Chilli Peppers

- 'There Goes That Song Again' by Roy Orbison

- 'One' by U2

- 'Only One' by Sarah Blasko

- 'Nothings Gonna Hurt You Baby' by Cigarettes After Sex

MOVIES:

- Pal Joey

- An Affair To Remember

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YOUTUBE FAVOURITES:

- Premier Guitar Rig Rundown with Jamie Hince from The Kills

The Kills is one of my favourite bands, so I was pretty stoked to find this video of Jamie Hince talking about his guitar collection. 

- 'Blue Monday' New Order cover by Orkestra Obsolete

Some musicians cover 'Blue Monday' using musical instruments that would have been available in the 1930s, plus a few "alternative" musical instruments (such as wine glasses or playing a saw) I think it is the most inventive cover I have ever seen.

- The Pinup Companion - Pin Curl Tutorial

One of the most honestly done Pin Curl tutorials I have seen. 

- Marilyn Monroe Iconic Make-up Look with Lisa Eldridge

I think this video was intended for people who want to dress up as Marilyn for a costume party, however I think some aspects of this make-up look could be used everyday if you wanted. I have adopted the under-eye line that she does to fake a "shadow" from the eyelashes.

- 'Cheap Thrills' Sia (Lyric Video) 

It says "Lyric Video" but this is actually like a second music video. I think the concept for this clip is awesome.

- 'Don't Know Why' Norah Jones Guitar Cover By Hooni Jeon 

This is a really lovely cover.

- The Edge and echo from 'The Story of Guitar' part 3 

This is a short video of the famous Guitarist The Edge (from the Band U2) playing the intro to 'Where The Streets Have No Name' and talking about the use of a delay pedal in the song.

OTHER:

- I really love the sound of the "Slap" setting on my new TC Electronics Flashback Delay Pedal. (guitar effects pedal)

- I am in love with my new Joyo Ironman 'Space Verb' Reverb Pedal. (guitar effects pedal).

- My parents bought me some Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers movies which I am really looking forward to watching.

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I'm looking forward to the warmer spring weather and getting to wear some of my patterned skirts again. I'm also looking forward to getting my new guitar (hopefully it is suitable for what I want) and some other online purchases. My travelling friends might be coming back this way in a month or so and it should be good to catch up with them. 

What are your beauty favourites this season?

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Pretty Picture Post: Vintage Hair Envy

Hi Everyone,

After having a short pixie cut for so long, I have decided it is time for a change. No I'm not giving in to all those people that say they liked my hair when it was long. I'm just wanting to grow it a tiny bit longer into a short Marilyn style. I think I would like to experiment with my hair a bit more and try out different ways of styling it.

While I was looking up pictures of different hair cuts on the internet, I came across some really cool and unique looks from a few different eras. I thought I would share them on here as it has been a little while since I did a picture post. I included some longer hair pics as well. I would also like to do a shout out to a new favourite Youtuber Dizzymakeupgirl who has some great tutorials on styling short hair.

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There are so many different hair cuts and hair styles for vintage style enthusiasts. Don't be fooled into thinking you can't have a vintage hair style because you don't have long hair, or because you don't know how to do some of the trickier styles like victory rolls. 

I hope you all enjoyed this post. Let me know if you'd like to see more of this kind of thing,

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Autumn Favourites

Hi Everyone,
I can't believe it is June already! We didn't really have much of an Autumn in this town. The skies started to get prettier in the afternoons than usual and the sun took longer to come out in the morning, but other than that, it has been pretty summery through most of the season. I would say that the season has been very up and down for me personally. I had some pretty low moments, but I also had a couple of really good moments. I feel like I don't want to jinx anything, but maybe things are getting a lot better.

I had a really awesome time at our local Rock n' roll dance (Sorry there won't be an outfit post this year, but I might do a 50s playlist in honor of the event instead), I became an Aunty (which was really exciting), And, I made a new friend (which is a big deal for me). I hope the weather wherever you are has been kind to you. Here are my seasonal favourites for Autumn:

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BEAUTY:

-I like both the lip colours from the Colourpop Alchemy range by Jaime King. 'Polite Society' is an awesome pink colour that is not too bright and not too pale. I adore 'JuJu Rouge' which is quite similar to the 90s Grunge collection lippiestix in 'Dazed', but a little brighter.

-I love using the Colourpop Lip pencil in 'Aquarius' as an alternative to nude lip liner.

-I tried out some new brow products and I really like them. I've been using Colourpop Brow Colour in 'Black n' Brown' or Ardell's Brow Pomade in the same shade. 

-I tried out the Nivea Mens Sensitive After Shave Balm as a make-up primer (the one that NikkieTutorials on Youtube raves about) and it is actually pretty decent.

-I have been loving Loreal Elnett hair spray (the volume one) for fixing my hair into place. I'm trying to grow it a little bit ,so its in a weird phase that requires a few miniature bobby pins and strong hair spray.

STYLE:

-I have been loving my Cotton On Shoes. If you are in Australia and you are looking for some affordable and vintage appropriate flats, Cotton On has an awesome range.

-I recently bought a pair of Metal Sunglasses (Kind of like Aviators, but with the horn rim on the top) and I'm obsessed with them. 

-I feel like I've been taking more risks with my wardrobe, by buying things that are a little more fitted and wearing things I have never worn before. 

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MUSIC:

- 'One' by Johnny Cash (U2 Cover)

- 'Life Fades Away' by Roy Orbison 

- 'Power' by Kanye West

- 'I Wanna Be Your Man' by Sarah Blasko

- 'Empty' by Garbage

MOVIES:

-Inventing the Abbots

-Beastly

-The Wedding Singer

OTHER:

-I have been trying different wines out and I think McWilliams Fruitwood Red is a favourite. It is cheap, it is not too dry and not too sweet. 

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Please Note: I do not own any of these images. If you would like to see the original image source, please click on the "*" underneath the picture.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Summer Favourites

Hi There,

So it is technically the second month of Autumn right now, but as you already may know, a small computer break-down prevented me from writing this post sooner. I have my work holidays over most of the Summer. I spent most of the holidays at home in the air-conditioning or out walking at the park. I watched a lot of movies and I read a couple of books. I also mucked about with some new beauty purchases.

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BEAUTY FAVOURITES:

-I have really enjoyed wearing Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in the shades 'Tulle', 'Avenue' and 'Trap'

-I wore Colourpop Lippie Stix in 'Silk' and 'Nevermind' quite a bit also.

-I tried out the Colourpop Gel Creme Liners and really liked 'No Shame' and the pencil in 'Cry Baby'

-I fell in love with the Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Eyeliner pen and have actually started using it more often than I use the Master Precise Eyeliner I usually rave about. 

-I switched to the Rimmel Wonder'full Mascara (Water Proof Version) which I don't like as much as their other one, but it doesn't smudge as easily in the heat.

-I started using the Designer Brands Finishing Illuminator which is okay. 

HAIR FAVOURITES:

-I started pinning my hair when it gets longer around the sides and front. So I have been using Loreal Elnett hair-spray again.

-I have been dying my hair a Violet colour and letting it fade out to more of a red colour. 

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BODYCARE/SKINCARE:

-I switched to Palmolive Honey and Milk Bodywash, because it seems to be the only thing that doesn't really irritate my skin, when it is playing up.

-Another sensitive skin find was a Amele Shave Gel which doesn't make me want to scratch off my legs after I shave them.

-I have mostly been using a Revlon Perfume called Charlie Red. I don't know why I love it so much...

FASHION FAVOURITES:

-I've been wearing lots of simple outfits with a t-shirt top and high waisted bottoms. 

-I bought some strappy sun-dresses and have been wearing them a lot.

-Wearing a lot of Black because it goes with everything.

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MUSIC FAVOURITES:

- 'Get Lucky' by Daft Punk 

- 'Short Skirt Long Jacket' by Cake

- 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga

- 'Ain't that a Shame' by Fats Domino

- 'Blackest Day' by Lana Del Rey

- 'What I'm Looking For' by U2

- 'Fade Into You' by Mazzy Star

- 'Ask Me Anything' by The Strokes

- 'Tenth Avenue Freeze Out' by Bruce Springsteen

MOVIES:

I watched so many! 

My favourite was probably 'Miss Meadows' which I have seen three times already.

BOOKS:

I have got a couple of book reviews coming soon. 

As I keep saying I've got a lot of posts to catch up on. It probably won't be long and I will be sharing my Autumn Favourites!

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Ten Reasons Why I Wear Make-up

Hi Everyone,

Now that I have finished work for the year I am officially in holiday mode and I'm starting to experiment with my make-up a bit more. I wear make-up almost every waking minute with the exceptions of swimming, lounging around the house in my pajamas and fishing. Contrary to popular belief, I do not wear make-up to impress others and if I was wearing make-up for that purpose I probably wouldn't bother as much with it. I know some people think that my obsession with painting my face is a little bit weird and I've had plenty of interesting remarks thrown my way.

 I've been told that I look "fine" without make-up, and I have also been complemented on how nice certain lip colours look etc. I thought it was about time I wrote a post about why I choose to wear make-up as I have been thinking about writing something along those lines for a while. Hopefully this article can enlighten a few of those who are curious as to why I do wear it, and that it might provide a few of my fellow beauty queens with some points that I'm sure they will resonate with.

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TEN REASONS WHY I WEAR MAKE-UP:

1. EXPRESSING MY MOOD/PERSONALITY:
I am a shy person and I'm not great at expressing my feelings to people. I tend to keep my personality to myself and it is pretty hard for people to get to know me. To me make-up is another outlet (like fashion or art) that allows me to share a bit about myself visually. While, sometimes the make-up I choose to wear is suited more to a specific occasion than my mood, it is fun to have the option of expressing myself in that way. Wearing make-up in this way takes a bit of confidence, but it also makes me feel more confident knowing that what's on the outside reflects how I feel on the inside.

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2. ENHANCING FAVOURITE FACIAL FEATURES:

I think of this as enhancing your "natural beauty". For example: I like the colour of my eyes and the shape/size of my lips, so I will often wear an eyeshadow that compliments the colour of my eyes and a bold lip-colour that brings attention to my lips. To me, make-up is a way for you to show people what you like about yourself. It's not about trying to change into someone else, or trying to cover up your skin with a mask. 

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3. HIDE/DISGUISE FLAWS:

Sometimes, you get that big pimple pop up right before a special event and you really need to cover it up with something, so that when you look back on the photos in the future you remember the fun memories and not the pimple. I don't love my skin as much as I should and it doesn't always love me, so sometimes life is just a whole lot easier and less stressful when you get out the concealer and cover what you want to cover.

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4. IT MAKES ME LOOK HEALTHIER AND MORE AWAKE:

I have pale yellow skin and dark under-eye circles. It doesn't matter how happy I am or how much sleep I have, when I don't wear some kind of tinted face product I tend to get asked if I am feeling sick. I don't know about you, but I prefer to be told that I look nice, than to be asked if I feel okay. I also like to wear it when I'm feeling a little off, because having my make-up done puts me in a positive mindset which I always hope will trick my brain into thinking I'm fine and I won't get sick...

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5. IT'S ART FOR YOUR FACE:

Putting on make-up requires creativity, the use of application techniques and allows you to play with different colour combinations. There are so many different looks to create and ideas to convey. If you like make-up, then dressing up for events and costume parties becomes a whole lot more exciting. 

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6. IT'S PART OF MY OUTFIT:

Sometimes my make-up is what pulls a look together. The vampy lipstick I wore with the girly dress gave me more of a 90s grunge look, while a simple pink gloss would have made me look much more sweet and innocent. If my outfit isn't sharp enough a bit of eyeliner usually fixes that. Sometimes I feel like make-up can make the daggiest of clothes appear "Chic" or maybe that's just what I keep telling myself...

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7. BEAUTY PRODUCTS DISTRACT ME FROM THE NEGATIVE THINGS IN LIFE:

If I am feeling sad- I can take my mirror out of my handbag and fix up my lipstick- I can feel sad and pretty. Not only does using beauty products distract you from whatever is wrong with the world (for a short time at least) it restores some of my confidence, so that I feel like I can deal with those problems or forget them completely.

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8. CONFIDENCE:

I feel like I have touched on this a few times in the other points. Confidence is a big one for me. By putting make-up on- covering my insecurities, enhancing certain facial features- I feel like I can take on the world. Do I feel fierce because I put on that striking lip colour, or did I put that lippie on because I feel fierce? You'll never know. All I know, is that by initially having the confidence to wear such an out-there colour (something that many people I know are too scared to do) I can feel confident enough to do other things that might scare me. It might sound ridiculous to some, but I feel a whole lot better about myself when I'm wearing my make-up.

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9. BECAUSE IT'S LUXURIOUS:

Putting on make-up makes me feel just a little bit glamorous. It's me-time. Everyone is entitled to some kind of luxury in their life and for me make-up is it. 

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10. IT'S FUN:

Make-up is something I enjoy doing.  Regardless of how shallow it may seem, make-up is just like any other hobby out there. To me make-up isn't something that I feel obliged to wear. I look forward to putting it on.

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So there you have it. Ten Reasons Why I Wear Make-up. I think some of the points are definitely linked to each other and for that reason this post might seem a bit repetitive. If you enjoy wearing make-up don't let anyone make you feel ashamed of that. Make-up may seem insignificant compared to a lot of other things, but if it gives you confidence and makes you happy, that's all that matters. 

I hope you enjoyed this post regardless of your stance on make-up.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie