Hello Everyone!

How has your September been? I seem to have blinked and it's over already. One thing that I loved doing this month was updating my makeup collection and trying to improve my beauty skills. Since we all have to treat ourselves to a little makeup splurge every now and again, I decided to put together my own wishlist. I sourced these from ASOS and makeup.co.nz.

Bourjois Mat Illusion Bronzing Powder

I always get excited when I see a product that offers a matte finish. I'm not a fan of shimmer in face products, although I will occasionally try it again. This bronzer has a shine-free formula and is designed to smooth your skin. I'm actually in need of a new bronzer so hopefully I can order this one soon!

Rimmel Provocalips "I'll Call You"

  I'm a big lover of Rimmel products, and am yet to be disappointed by them. I've read a few reviews of these and they have all been positive so far. This lip stain has a 16 hour lasting promise so I'm looking forward to putting it to the test. 

Nars Dual Intensity Blush "Adoration"

How pretty is this? I feel like this could easily become a staple item for my everyday makeup routine. And with Nars you know the pigmentation of the colors is going to be incredible. 

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

 I'm a big fan of using pencils to fill in your brows. I find them a lot quicker and easier to use than other kits you can purchase. This one caught me eye, and even though Benefit products have been a hit and miss with me, I'm still willing to give it a go. 

Loreal Skin Perfection Serum

I saw one of my favorite beauty YouTuber's Shaaanxo use this in one of her tutorials and it helped her foundation go on flawlessly. It's supposed to help smooth your skin and tighten pores. Sounds like a winner to me!

Stila "Eyes Are The Window" Palette

I have been eyeing this beauty for a while now. I'm pretty sure Louise/SprinkeofGlitter was raving about it a while ago too. The shades are perfect for both everyday and a night out. Plus the pigmentation looks incredible.

Bourjois Bronzing Powder and Highlighter

If you saw my shopping haul the other day, you'll know I'm quite new to contouring. I thought this duo would be great for an everyday look, or just something easy to put on if I'm in a hurry. 

theBalm "Nude Tude" Eyeshadow Palette

This one is just so pretty! There are a lot of lighter/feminine tones that I would use on an everyday basis. I love that most of the shades have a shimmer finish as well, a look I've been loving lately. Plus, the packaging is just beautiful!

 Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

I think we all know why I want this one! It's a popular favorite among bloggers and YouTubers. Now that it's Spring too, it would be nice to have a brightening foundation. I think it would be worth the money to try this. 

theBalm Boy's Blush "Cabanaboy"

For some reason I really feel like trying a much more berry-toned blush. And since I love Hawaii and the beach, the packaging has me sold already. 

Well there we go! Just a little list to motivate me.

What makeup is on your wishlist? Tell me in the comments!

Until next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

  

Mini Shopping Haul!

Hello Everyone!

So my Mum had to go on a two day business trip this week, so to cheer her up I decided to take her out shopping for the day. Neither of us had the biggest budget, but we still picked up a few bits and pieces each. Here's what I picked up:

Australis Contouring and Highlighting Kit -Medium 

 I'm completely new to contouring and had no idea what products to even go for (there is a serious gap in the market here!) but i stumbled upon this kit and it's made me feel a lot better about my amateur-ness. I LOVE the packaging and mirror is ginormous which is great for me, since my eyesight is shocking. This was also really affordable ($21.50) and I got the Contour tool for free. Can't wait to give this a go!

Australis Liquid Eyeliner  

I've been having trouble with my current liquid eyeliner so I decided to go for this style of application to see if it would make things easier. And I was right! I tried it as soon as I got home and it's super easy. The swatch I put on my hand also lasted ages and dried quickly, so I have a feeling this will become a staple for me. 

Kikki-K Travel Case 

You all know I can't resist a stationary store, and I absolutely adore this one. I picked up this case (which was on sale for, yay!) that is supposed to be for an Ipad but I thought it would be perfect for storing my new graphics tablet. It's a perfect fit and I can even keep my drawing book in there too. Here's their website if you want to take an gander - Kikki-K 

Typo Headphones  

I seem to be going through so many sets of headphones lately! I blame my poorly positioned socket in my laptop for destroying the cables. Anyway, how cute are these? I found them on sale for $10, and I've bought headphones from Typo before so I knew they would be good.

And that's about it! How was your weekend? 

x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

25 Random Facts About Me!

Hello there!

I find personal posts are probably my favorite to read, no matter what your blog is about. I love knowing about the person behind the keyboard! I thought it was about time I share some facts about mwah. Here we go:

1. I studied ancient history for fives years, just because I enjoyed learning about it. It also gave me an honors degree whoop!

2. If I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose Boston.

3. Growing up with an older brother meant more superheroes than princesses, and I loved it! The fascination continues today (Yes, that's where the Marvel in MarvelSteph came from).

4. I've been a vegetarian for nine years now after watching a documentary. Not everything you do in your teens turns out to be a phase!

5. City or Country life? City! I have to be among the hustle and lights. I thrive in places like that.

6. I absolutely despised sports in high school. Ironically, I now love being active and my goals is to run a full marathon in a few years time. I'm nuts, right?

7. I hate it when people call me by my full name, Stephanie. It's reserved for strangers and my angry mother.

8. Snow is my favorite thing ever. I'm like a kid who just found Narnia.

9. My biggest dream would be to stand in a bookstore holding my own book. One day for sure!

10. My Aunt took me to get my ears pierced when I was 2, without telling my Mum! Don't worry, she's still one of my favorite people ever.

Say hi to my dog Buddy! Still cute with only one eye

11. I have seven tattoos (and counting!), my first one being when I had just turned 16. Is it weird to like the smell of tattoo parlors?

12. I make lists for everything! I love doing it too. My memory is also shocking, so I know I will just forget if I don't write it down.

13. I'm about as stubborn as Katniss Everdeen, which is a lot. It's notorious on my Mum's side of the family; serves me well as an adult though!

14. I'm a complete journal hoarder. To be fair, I do have lots of ideas and projects going on at one time. I can't stop myself buying more!

15. I'm one of these weird people who enjoys going to the gym. Having an awesome personal trainer is key!

16. My favorite ice cream flavor is mint choc chip.

17. I hate being in crowds, yet I love going to concerts. Ed Sheeran was the best show I have ever been to. He absolutely blew my mind.

18. My most prized possession is a Pocahontas figurine I got when I saw it as my first movie, when I was 4. I still remember when I got it too.

19. I can't snap my fingers on my left hand, only my right.

20. I shattered the ball of my elbow when I was 10 after a trampoline accident. I've never gotten the scars removed though, it makes for a good story to tell!

21. Because of the shifts my parents had to work, my brother and I always got ourselves to school in the morning. It's probably the reason why I'm quite independent and self-motivating nowadays.

22. My worst fear is being stuck in the middle of the ocean alone.

23. I'm a perfectionist, yet my room is always messy...

24. When the last Harry Potter book came out I shut myself away for two days to read it so that I could know what happened. Ok, I definitely wasn't the only one to do this, right?

25. I spent a lot of my childhood traveling New Zealand while my brother was competing in BMX racing. It's where a lot of my favorite family memories come from.

And that's me!

Now tell me about you! I want to know more about you guys, so leave a comment telling me a fact about yourself.

Pretty please?

'Till next time x. 

Review: Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara

Hello, Everyone!

Is anyone else always hesitant to try new mascaras? I don't know why I find it such a big commitment! This one, however, got my attention and I just had to try it.

Now, Covergirl promises something that I have never been able to find in any other mascara: lashes that never go brittle or stiff, and are soft to the touch. And did they fulfill that promise? Yes! Even after several coats this mascara stays soft, yet still holds your lashes all day.

 I could easily wear this mascara on its own and still feel confident. I absolutely love the formula, which builds easily and doesn't clump at all. Unlike a lot of mascaras that cause your lashes to stick together, this one separates them really well for a much more natural look.

 I was pretty quick to love this product and have even been reaching for it over my Benefit They're Real mascara. I know, it's that good. It might not be for everyone, but I personally enjoy using this product and would definitely recommend it.

Lengthen or volume: Lengthen

Everyday or Night out: Everyday

Price: $23 (NZ)

Repurchase: Yes!

Out of 10: 8

What's your favorite mascara? x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

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Ten Things I'd Tell My Younger Self

Hello, Everyone!

 I've seen this topic on a few blogs recently and it got me thinking of what I would tell myself as a teenager. Now, I am by no means old and wise, although my 24th birthday is looming on the horizon. I've spent the last few years going from study to work, traveling, and being by myself which has definitely taught me a lot. This post is also the result of reading far too many motivational quotes on Pinterest and Instagram...

1. NEVER apologize for being emotional.
I think we are all brought up to believe that being emotional is a weakness, right? I certainly felt that way growing up and I have had my fair share of low moments because of it. I've always been an emotional person, very quick to tears, a complete sensitive-Sally. But you know what, I can honestly say that it's not a trait I consider to be a weakness at all anymore. It's simply how my brain is wired and how I deal with things. Never apologize for being human, kid.


2. Don't be ashamed of what you're passionate about. 
I'm not just talking about career goals here, I mean all the stuff that makes you glad you're alive. I've always loved anything that sparked my imagination, books, movies, music. I think fandom life chose me at a young age, to be honest. Harry Potter, Transformers, Twilight (a very cringe-worthy phase), Charmed, and so many more that pro-fangirl should be on my resume. The point is, I love getting excited about things and you should never have to hide that for anyone.

3. Always follow your gut. 
Because your head will always think too much, and your heart will always be big and hopeful. Tell them both to settle down and just go on what feels right or wrong. Life's decisions become a lot simpler this way.


4. Never EVER apologize for being too quiet. 
I've always fit that shy-kid stereotype. I was always told "Speak up more!" or "Join in discussions" by my parents and teachers alike. It's not until later in life that I've realized that I wasn't always scared to speak, I just didn't feel the need to. You know the book/movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Yeah, I'm Charlie. And proud of it too. I LOVE observing and understanding through listening, and it's where I feel most comfortable in social situations. We can't all be the life of the party, right?

5. Know the difference between quitting and walking away. 
I had terrible self-confidence as a kid, quitting was my first response when things got tough. I was hard on myself for it too. Thankfully my confidence grew over time and it's not a problem for me anymore. What I have learnt recently, however, is that sometimes walking away can be a healthy thing. Give something everything you have and if it still doesn't work, start again with something else. I recently made the decision to walk away from my first full-time job, and it feels amazing. Things became toxic for me, but I was smart enough to remember that there's always Plan B!


6. Drink more water! 
Seriously Steph, start this habit as early as possible. You will feel so much better. Dehydration is a killer of dreams and motivation, so start carrying a drink bottle everywhere.


7. Love yourself first. 
This seems like a lot to ask of a moody teenager. I think it was one of those issues I always avoided like the plague. But after six tattoos, a quarter-life/existential crisis, and a LOT of pop songs later, I feel like I'm finally there. Be your own best friend, hell, be your own fan-club! You'll build healthier relationships later and it makes likes life a lot more fun!

8. The less you care about what others think, the more fun you will have. 
I've never been a people-pleaser, but there has always been that anxious side of me that stops me from having fun from time to time. One thing I know is that I love being around confident people; your vibe attracts your tribe. If I want to wear bright pink lips any day of the week, I will do it and have fun along the way too. Never mind any conservative strangers. 

9. Don't look up at the mountain, just concentrate on the steps in front of you. 
There have been quite a few times over the years where I have felt overwhelmed by the future. Que the existential/quarter life crisis of 2014. Starting from the bottom is incredibly daunting, but we all have to start there and by putting our heads down and taking small steps every day, we eventually reach the top. Keep it in your sight, but don't spend all your time focusing on it. 

10. Everything in life is a choice.  
I feel like there are a lot of people who make life worse for themselves when they settle for less. This is something I'd go back in time and shake myself for, since there were so many times I was unhappy yet I did nothing to change it. You want to feel healthy? Eat well and go for a walk. Unhappy with your job? Find a new one and quit. Want to be happy today? Choose to be! This is where my stubbornness and self-love treat me well now-days.

There we go! Hopefully this helps some of you.

Tell me in the comments what would you tell your younger self!

Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Review: Goodness Natural Beauty Lab

Hey, Everyone!

While I was out shopping with my Mum the other day, I browsed the beauty section at Farmers and stumbled upon these gems! Goodness is a New Zealand skin-care brand that is certified organic and 100% awesome.

I have been using their Every Morning Moisturizer daily and the Every Week Face Scrub twice a week. So far I am loving the results and I have definitely noticed a difference. They promise healthy skin, and I can honestly say that they keep this promise! From the first time I used their morning moisturizer, my skin has felt so smooth and nourished. The scrub is gentle, yet effective and did not dry out my skin at all. With ingredients like chia seed, avocado, coconut oil and aloe vera, this stuff will keep your skin super-healthy. Plus, they smell amazing!

I've also noticed that since using their products I haven't had as many breakouts (thank you!), and my makeup goes on easily. The formula isn't oily at all, even for someone like me whose skin type can lean towards the oily side. I would highly recommend this brand to anyone looking to try something new, especially if they feel like their skin needs a little nourishing. And to top it off, these products are very affordable and you only need a small amount so they are long-lasting!

I will most definitely be including this brand in a future giveaway, so keep your eyes open!

 

For more info, here's their website for you to check out. 

What's your favorite skin-care brand? 

Until next time x. 

 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Review

I should probably start by saying that I am a huge Maze Runner fan. I read the first book before I had even heard that they were turning it into a movie. It's also one of the only book trilogies where I enjoyed each one as much as the original. I absolutely loved the first movie and completely understood the changes that had to be made. I will forever thank Wes Ball for making Gally a much more likable character!

After enjoying the book and getting really hyped by the trailer I had high hopes for the second film. I was absolutely NOT disappointed at all! This new movie raised the bar high from the first one, and even my entire family walked away saying "Yeah, that was better than the first!."

It's action-packed and suspenseful from the very first minute of the film, which for me just added to the whole experience. I felt just as anxious to get across the scorch as the characters were! This reflects the book perfectly too, as each chapter would end on some sort of cliff hanger so you had no choice but to keep reading (well played, James Dashner!).

I won't bore you with the plot line, but basically this film sets the characters against the world outside of the maze. They're running from bad guys, battling the elements, and facing their own zombie apocalypse. I usually don't like it when movies get really gritty, but I found that this one was perfectly balanced. The environment of the scorch sets such an epic and dangerous scene, without overwhelming you. Just as a warning, the cranks (zombies) made for quite a few jump scares, which I personally love.

If you have read the book as well, just be warned that they did make some plot changes. Nothing too bad, but I feel safe to say that you can put your trust in director Wes Ball. This guy knows how to perfectly adapt a book to a movie in a way that it will make sense whether you have read the books or not. For me, the changes were so well thought out, and I think if some scenes had been kept in the movie it would have dragged too much or made things complicated. The guy is a genius.

Reasons you should go see the Scorch Trials:

• It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time
• Jorge was MVP and all kinds of awesome 
• Epic setting and action scenes to match
• Great character moments to make you all kinds of emotional
• If you enjoy zombies movies, this one's for you!  
• Newt finally calls him Tommy

Watch the trailer here!

Photo Credit: EW

Until next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Fashion: Spring Style Inspiration

Hello, Everyone!

I've been seeing a lot of awesome styles lately that I'm excited to try out. The weather is finally heating up so what better time to have a bit of fun with my style, right? 

Naturally, I took to Pinterest for some inspiration and settled on seven styles I'm excited about most:

Denim Skirts

These were popular when I was younger, and I have to admit that I'm loving them again! So simple and fun; just in time for Spring!

Overalls

Another childhood favorite, although I initially hesitated on this trend. Now I think they are perfect for any season, and look so fun to experiment with different patterns.

Off the Shoulder Tops

How cute is this? I'm excited to try this look since it's so fresh and fun. I've also seen so many amazing dresses in this style as well. This would make a great date night outfit!

Strappy Ballet Flats

I've seen these a lot lately and I have absolutely fallen in love! I'm also someone who loves statement pieces so these would be perfect. If you're not a fan of wearing heels (like me) these are a great alternative for nights out or special events. 

Casual in all-black

You know those days where you feel the need to be a bit edgy? Nothing over the top of course, but there's a lot of fun and something slightly epic in wearing all-black. Give me some ripped jeans and a black tee and I am ready to take on anything! 

Hats

I purchased a hat similar to this one at Forever 21 during a recent vacation, and it was something I should have done a long time ago! I suit hats quite well and absolutely love wearing them. Although hat-hair is an ever-present evil I battle with.

White on Denim

This is possibly the look I am looking forward to trying most. I do love a classic style, and this matches perfectly with the warmer weather.

So that's my inspiration for Spring fashion! What do you guys think?
Are there any other trends I should try? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget to leave your blog links for me to check out too!


Until next time x.

 
Photo Credit:
Denim Skirts: afamily
Overalls:  mlovesmblog
Off the Shoulder: LivvyLand
Strappy Ballet Flats: Slufoot
Casual in all-black: Pinterest
Hats: refinery29 
White on Denim: remainsimple , brooklynblonde

Photography Spotlight: Hawaii

Hello, Everyone!

 For my Mum's birthday this year my family all decided to save our pennies and go to Hawaii for a holiday. We rented an apartment in Waikiki, as well as a car (as Kiwi's we felt so cool in our Dodge Charger; you can't find them at home!) so we ended up doing a lot of exploring around Oahu. 

The worst thing about photography missions in places like Hawaii is just trying to perfectly capture how beautiful it is in a single shot. Not to mention being in complete awe of everything around you; I personally couldn't stop staring at the mountains and how the natural history has formed them. 

I will be writing my Hawaii tips and things you probably didn't know about vacationing there in a post soon, so stay tuned! 

Where would your dream vacation be? Italy is still at the top of my list.

'Till next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

 

Defining My Personal Style #LoveMyself

 Hello, everyone!

After coming across a few blog posts and spending far too long pinning outfit inspiration on Pinterest, I decided to do some thinking about what actually defines my own personal style. Also after having an off-week with my self-confidence, this was just the boost I needed!

I am generally quite a confident person, although still very introverted. But we all have our bad days, right? I've also never been one for trends or going out and buying something everyone has. Something else that inspired me to write this post is the song Love Myself  by Hailee Steinfeld, which I am currently obsessed with. It's such an uplifting and fun song that can't help but make you feel good about yourself.

With that in mind, here are the things that celebrate my own personal style and what I love most about it: 

Blue Nails

It's just one of those colors that I'm immediately attracted too, and since my skin is olive-toned blue suits me well. Plus, I feel more like myself when I have my nails painted. Electric blue, Caribbean blue, pastel blue, no matter what tone I pretty much wear them all!

Photo Credit: omghow.com

Stripes

I know I'm not the only one who enters a clothing store and your eyes are immediately drawn to whatever striped top they're selling? Every time! I find it so classic and elegant and I love pairing striped tops or skirts with other colors or other patterns. 

Zara Perfume

 I picked this up in Washington D.C last year when my Mum and Me had a girls shopping day. I found this in Zara for $30 and it has since become my favorite perfume that I wear all the time. It's a gorgeous vanilla scent, which is a nice change from fruity and floral ones that I usually go for. Plus, it's the only perfume I've ever been complimented on. Need I say more?

High Tops

I think my obsession for these started with the movie A Cinderella Story that came out when I was about twelve. Hilary Duff wore a pink pair of converse, so of course I begged my parents for a pair. Even at 23 they're still my go-to style of shoes. 

 Snow Flake Necklace

It's a tradition in my family to receive a piece of jewellery when you turn 18, and I picked this one since I love snow and everything winter. Unfortunately this is actually my second one as the first broke. I don't actually wear a lot of jewellery, but this is one is a staple for me.

My Glasses

I've had to wear glasses since I was about fifteen, and as I've grown older they have become my best accessory. I have to have quite thick lenses so my frames are always quite bold and thick, which I love! I call these my "Superman" glasses, and the best part is the electric blue on the inside.

 Pandora Bracelet

This is another special item for me. It was a birthday gift from my family and I've collected different charms over the years. I went for leather instead of the usual silver Pandora bracelet since it's a lot more understated and something a little different. I'm quite a sentimental person too, so I love wearing things like this!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Printed Tees

Another favorite of mine from my early years. Although nowadays I usually pair them with denim shorts or a leather jacket. Don't ask me how many Marvel shirts I own.

Tattoos 

I've loved tattoos since I was a kid and I think I was always going to end up with a bunch of them. I used to get bored in Maths class and would draw lyrics and cartoons on my arms. I've always been quite artistic too, so I love the design part of tattoos as well.

Who else loves having fun with their style? This about sums me up, but what about you guys? What defines your personal style and what do you love about it?  
Let me know in the comments!
Don't forget your blog links for me to check out too. 
'Till next time x.

#LoveMyself 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

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