Yeah, you totally know I got the idea for this post in the shower. 

Yesterday I visited the only Lush store in my city and just like every time I visit, I'm hooked once again. Just the glorious smell of the place as you walk into the mall makes you want to stock up on everything in sight.

Does anyone else still get giddy when walking in?

You know whether you buy something or not, the products you test will leaving your skin so wonderfully soft. And it's always an experience smelling the bath bombs...

The only downside (apart from my budget) is that the store is on the other side of the city. BUT I really want to make it a priority to stick to the Lush products I love and really work well for me.
Here's why:

THEY SMELL SO DAMN GOOD

What do they put in their products? Seriously, it makes you want to be covered in it. Which makes my morning showers so much more luxurious. We all know Lush is great for self-care when you need it, and if you have your favorite scents around it's instant happiness! Anything zesty or honey infused is my jam. 

MY SKIN AND HAIR NEVER FEEL BETTER 

I bought my fav 9-5 cleanser and used it the night of. And BOOM the next day my skin tone was even and it all looked so smooth. That was probably when I had my "Why the hell did I stop using this stuff??" Supermarket brands full of chemicals never make me feel this good. Ever.

I also really want to go back to their shampoo bars and conditioners because DAMN they work wonders too. My poor hair gets neglected at the moment, being so overdue for a haircut and always in a ponytail. It needs some TLC and Lush is gonna be perfect. 

I LIKE THEIR MORALS

Being a vegetarian and someone who tries to have a small impact on the environment in order to help save it, I'm always picky about what brands I use. The fact that Lush are ethical buyers and against animal testing makes me really happy. Plus I also love that they recycle perfectly good pots and don't use plastic. 

THE LESS CHEMICALS THE BETTER

I've been more aware lately of preservatives in my food and chemicals in products that touch my skin. I'm not 100% a stickler for it because it can be quite difficult in the modern world, but I really want to try cut out chemicals where I can. The main reason I trust Lush is because their products expire reasonably quick. You know that means it's natural and don't have many nasty chemicals in it.

Are you with me too? I think we should all try stick to products that make us feel amazing everyday, and ones that match our morals too.

What Lush products can you not live without?
Steph x.

September Favorites!

Hello, Everyone! 

I know I don't usually put out a monthly favorites, but there are quite a few goodies I picked up in the States that I haven't had the chance to share with you yet. Most of these items have been with me throughout September and I've used them almost everyday. We all love sharing what we love, right? They all range from lifestyle, to beauty, and even a music favorite. It's been a good month!

Hermione Granger Wand

Isn't it beautiful!? When we visited Universal Studios Hollywood, the first thing we did (because I dragged my family there) was visit Hogsmeade. I loved every second of being there and I could have blown all of my spending money in Honeydukes. I didn't get the chance to go into Olivanders, but I did find another store beside the Jurassic Park ride that was full of amazing Harry Potter merch. After looking at the selection of wands, I knew Hermione's was the one I wanted most and I love it! The only other wand I own is Snape's and this is only making me want to start a collection.

Demeter Fragrance Library

"Blueberry" 

I've heard so much hype around this brand and I remember Carrie Hope Fletcher raving about different scents in a video. While we were in Honolulu, I ducked into Wallgreens to stocked up on makeup I can't get at home and I came across this counter. I was so happy! I spent ages smelling all the fun types of scents they have and decided to get the blueberry one. It just stuck out to me as something I could wear that's uplifting and perfect for Spring. I've been wearing it all month long and I'm still in love with it.

Essie Nail Polish

"Cabana Boy"

Having painted nails is one of my favorite ways to feel amazing. Essie always has the prettiest shades and I found this little beauty at T.J.Maxx. I'm a big fan of pastel shades for my nails, and this pale lavender color is exactly what I've been looking for. It has a really pretty shimmer to it too, which makes me think of it as a mermaid color whenever I wear it.

Kat Von D Shade + Light Blush 
"Bonnie + Clyde"

This is another little beauty I picked up for a bargain at T.J.Maxx. Blushes are one of my favorite items to shop for and I'm so glad I found this one. Being such a great brand, the pigmentation and quality of this blush is amazing. The idea is to use the lighter shade right on your cheek, then the darker shade towards your ear. It always comes out really pretty and it's been my go-to blush all month long. 

Skintimate Shaving Foam
"Raspberry Rain"

Whenever I visit the US, I always grab myself a new can of this stuff. It's the best shaving cream I have ever used and it breaks my heart that I can't get it in New Zealand! It's so silky and moisturizing, which we all know is important. And with vitamin E and olive butter in there formula, no wonder it feels nice! Their scents are always lovely too.


Original Source Shower Gel
"Grapefruit"

This has been a big favorite of mine for a while now, but I've never had the chance to share it. This is the shower gel I use at the gym and it has the most heavenly scent ever! It says grapefruit, but for me it's more like sour candy which is my favorite. After I've had a long workout and I'm super-sweaty, this is just perfect for feeling clean and happy again. It's like a post-workout treat!



NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder

I think this is one of those beauty items that has been floating around the blogging world. I was in desperate need of a new powder and NYX is a brand I naturally gravitate towards. Being a loose powder, it was a little awkward to use at first. But I have the hang of it now and have been reaching for it everyday. It's the perfect finishing touch to your makeup, and gives you a great boost of confidence!

Alice in Wonderland Mug

One thing that I was desperate to buy at Disneyland was a new mug. I need coffee with me at all times when I'm at home, so of course I collect mugs for a hobby. I've seen this one floating around Instagram for ages and it immediately caught my attention. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite tales, and every part of it at Disneyland was beautiful. Ever since I got home it's been my regular coffee mug and I love it!


New Gym Beauty Bag 

Finally a bag that describes me perfectly! Well, blog should be in there somewhere, but other than that this is spot on! I found it at T.J.Maxx in Hawaii and just had to have it. I bring it to the gym with me now, because it's the perfect size to hold all of my makeup brushes and favorite Naked Palette.


 Song: Let Me Love You ft. Justin Bieber, DJ Snake.

This has pretty much been on replay for me through August and September. I was watching a Lexlos vlog on YouTube and Carlos kept playing the song over again. It got stuck in my head, so I quickly found it on Spotify and it's been my go-to song since! It's pretty great for listening to at the gym as well. Always gets me in a good mood : )


Book: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas 

If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm a massive reading fan, but have struggled with a reading rut for a while now. I tried getting into Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but that just wasn't for me. I've had the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series on my shelf for a couple of months (I bought it on sale) and thought it would be perfect to help me get back into reading. I know the characters in this book are gonna break me, but it's so worth it!



Those are all of my favorites from September. I'm so happy with what I managed to pick up, especially since I don't get to shop all that often.

Let me know what some of your favorites have been this month!
Steph x.

My Night-Time Skincare Routine

Hello everyone! 

I haven't posted anything beauty-related in a while, but I finally have some products that I have been dying to share with you. As per usual, I have struggled to find a routine that fits my skin type. My complexion has been changing a bit lately, which is frustrating, but I'm slowly figuring out how to combat it. I've also been trying to use as many natural products as I can and avoid using any harsh chemicals on my skin.

Here are the products I love using in my night-time skin care routine!

Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water All In 1 

When I can't be bothered to actually wash my face (which is most nights) I always reach for whatever cleansing water I have. It's such a genius product that makes getting ready for bed so easy and quick. I don't know how I used to live without it! I've only recently started using this one and I've been quite impressed with it. What sold me what that it's designed for oily-combination skin and for those prone to imperfections. That's definitely me and so far it does seem to be helping. I never struggle to take all of my makeup off, yet it's a nice and gentle cleanser to use everyday.

Goodness Every Day Cream Cleanser 

When I do actually feel like washing my face properly, this is my favorite product to use. Goodness is one of my all-time favorite brands of skin care, especially because they pack their stuff with chia seed oil and other lovely ingredients. It feels really luxurious (without the price tag) and leaves your skin feeling super soft. This cleanser does a great job of getting my makeup off, and I actually take it with me to the gym to help me feel clean again after a long workout. Definitely going to be repurchasing this one. 

Sukin Oil Balancing Clarifying Facial Tonic

I spotted this the other week when we were out shopping and I thought it was time I tried out some kind of tonic on my skin. I really love this brand because they are all about using natural ingredients and they're even carbon neutral, which is awesome. This one has white tea, pomegranate, coconut extract, chamomile, and aloe vera to keep my skin feeling clear and purified. It really has helped balance out my complexion too.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula 
Purifying Enzyme Mask 

This is my go-to face mask at the moment and I try to use it once a week. I actually bought it a while ago and it has lasted me months. It's a clay mask that is designed to purify you skin by lifting away impurities and leaving it silky smooth. It does an amazing job of leaving your skin feeling so fresh and clean. That's why I love to use it on a Sunday evening, so that I'm ready for the week ahead.

Goodness Every Evening Cream 

 Probably my favorite night cream that I have ever tried. Just like the cleanser above, it's a lovely rich product that leaves you skin feeling softer than ever. If you suffer from dry skin, then this is definitely one for you. It has honeysuckle flower extract, chia seed, avocado, and coconut oils to replenish your skin overnight. I'm definitely taking this with me when I get on a flight to keep my skin hydrated and feeling good. 

Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Gel

This little tube has been a skin savior of mine for a while now and I love it so much. I'm quite prone to spots and it's really horrible to deal with sometimes. But whenever it acts up again, I start using a little bit of this every night after my moisturizer and it works like a charm! The witch hazel is really cooling on your skin and it calms it down nicely. You can see a difference the very next morning after using it, which you don't get with a lot of products, so it's a quick solution when you need it. Highly recommend this one.



So that's my routine! It's so nice when you find products that work well with your skin.

What are some of your favorite skincare products?
Steph x.

My Weekend Makeup

Hello Everybody!

Saturday is always my favorite day of the week for a number of reasons, but one of my favorite parts is when I get to take my time to do my makeup properly and really enjoy the process. It always puts me in the best mood and I feel great going out for coffee or doing some shopping. I have a bad habit of just doing a really basic sweep of makeup during the week, so weekends always mean that I get to spend time picking different products in my stash to have fun with.

Primer
I can't bring myself to skip this step anymore and it always stops me from worrying about my makeup fading. It's like makeup insurance! I've been using the E.L.F Tone Adjusting Face Primer and I find it works really well. It absorbs quickly and is budget-friendly.

Foundation
I've gone back to using the Maybelline Fit Me foundation which was a love of mine in 2015. I always do a light coat of this and it's enough to give me great coverage and a nice matte finish. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a foundation so quickly like I did with this one. 

Concealer  
Just for those under-eyes that will forever bug me. I picked up the Rimmel Match Perfection concealer in Hawaii last year and find it really easy to use. The coverage could be a bit better, but I still enjoy using it. 

Eyebrows
During the week I usually just flick a bit of Gimme Brow on to save time, but since I have more time at the weekend I get out my Benefit Brow Zings kit. I absolutely love this compact and it honestly makes such a difference to how I look.

Powder
I sure you guys have heard me talking about this one a few times now, but it has been one of the best investments to my makeup bag. I use the Benefit Hello Flawless powder in "Honey" and it is amazing at giving you a naturally finish. The coverage is amazing and it's lasted me months already; definitely repurchasing this one.

Eyeshadow
The Naked 3 palette is definitely my favorite out of the trio and it has the kind of shades I like to wear all the time. The one I reach for most is called "Nooner" which is a dark rose color. I paired it with another color called "Factory" which is about three shades darker, and the beauty of this palette is that all of the shades go together perfectly.

Eyeliner
Ever since I saw Hailee Steinfeld's makeup look in her music video for Love Myself, I have been obsessed with having more smokey shades with my eyes. As usual, I use a pencil liner for a base on my upper eyelid and half of the bottom, and then use liquid liner (I have the Australis one) on top. I really love the way it looks, especially since I wear glasses and my eyes need more definition than normal.

Mascara
Still loving the Benefit They're Real mascara! It took me a little while to really like using this one, but now it's a regular part of my makeup routine. It gives your lashes great definition and is always the best finishing touch to my eyes. 

Lips
I tried a new combo on this particular day: Nars Satin Lip Pencil ( I think the shade is "Rikugien"? It was a Sephora freebie anyway) and my favorite Tanya Burr lip gloss in "Lunch Date." I've been having a lot of fun finding different combinations for this nude gloss and this is probably one of my favorites so far.

 And here are the only decent selfies I could take (sorry guys, haven't quite got my beauty blogger photography feet yet.) It's a simple look, but that's my favorite kind. Bold eyes, nude lips, and flawless skin are my only makeup needs for a Saturday out.

What are your makeup must-haves for the weekend? 

Steph x.

5 Makeup Items I Can't Live Without

Hello Everyone!

I don't know about you, but I tend to go through phases with my makeup. Sometimes I'm obsessed with eyeshadows, sometimes it's blushes, or I'm just trying to keep up with the products that bloggers are raving about. But through all of that, there are some staple items that I reach for everyday and would have to replace immediately. The funny thing is, I've spent years never using most of these items. How silly I was! Here are the 5 makeup items I can't live without:


Primer 
Whether it's for my eyes or just a face primer, I don't know how I went so long without using one! When you're out and about all day there's nothing worse than checking the mirror at 3pm and realizing how much your makeup has faded. Primer is such a life-saver and I never go without one now. 

BB Cream
My lazy-day necessity! As much as I love a good foundation to cover up my persistent spots, some days I need to go a little more natural and keep it light. I've been using the Rimmel 9-1 BB cream for over a year now and I will always buy more because it's just so nice to use. It's so quick to apply and really handy to have on holiday where the weather is a bit warmer. 

Powder 
This is honestly a step in my makeup routine that I never skip. Not only does it make your makeup last longer, but it gives such a great finishing effect. I've been using the Benefit Hello Flawless powder and it's an everyday necessity for me now. It always smooths my makeup nicely and even makes it look more natural.

Eyeliner Pencil
I have had one of these in my makeup bag since I was in high school and it's still something I reach for everyday. Even if I'm not wearing any foundation I will still use it to give my eyes some definition, especially since I wear glasses everyday too. I'm not the best at liquid liner yet, so this an easier and faster option when I need it.

Tinted Lip Balm
For those busy days when I don't want to commit to a lipstick, but still need some color. I almost always have one of these with me when I go out. While you can't go wrong with Maybelline, I have to say that the Fresh Sugar tinted lip treatments are the best I have ever used. They're super moisturizing and leave a really lovely color. I pick one up in Sephora every time I visit the US, and they are most definitely worth the money.

What makeup items can you not go without? 

Steph x.

 

November Favorites 2015

Hello Everyone! 

Time for another monthly favorites, and it's a bit of a mixed batch this month. 
I picked up a few new additions, as well as discovering some old favorites. My budget was starting to stretch a bit thin so I needed to do a bit of "Shop My Stash" which is still fun!

Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil "Nude Perfection"
I've really got into nude shades these past few months and this has been one of my favorite finds. I read a blog post that had it as a dupe for a Mac lipstick so I went out and bought it the next day. I've been pairing it with Tanya Burr's lip gloss "Lunch Date" which is a perfect match. Great for an everyday look!

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder in "Honey"
I've been using this one for a while now and I'm still so in love with it. It's by far the best powder I have ever used. It's probably a little thicker than most powders but it gives you such great coverage and makes your foundation look flawless.

Chi Chi Creamy Matte Liquid Lipsticks 
I've been raving about these on my blog a lot lately, but they have seriously become my favorite lip products. They're basically a 3-in-1 (stain, lipstick, gloss) with amazing pigmentation. For the price you pay ($22) you get amazing quality. Read my review here!

Zoella Beauty 
I was going to talk about just one of her products, but I can't pick a favorite! Her moisturizers (I tried Creamy Madly Dreamy and Candy Cream) are quite thick and leave your skin feeling so soft. Perfect for when you want to feel pampered! I've also been using her Foam Sweet Foam cleansing shower gel after the gym and it makes you feel refreshed and ready to go. I wrote a blog post on these if you want a more extended review.
 

Lush Snow Man Shower Jelly
This is one of the only Christmas products I feel in love with this year. I mostly bought it because the scent is incredible; it's really fresh with carrot and lemon. But the best part is that when I got home I realized it's actually the shape of a snow man! How cool is that! I would show you but he's kinda melted now...sorry Olaf. 

Taylor Swift Perfume Taylor
I bought this one years ago at duty-free when I was flying to Melbourne for my birthday. I had actually gone to Taylor's concert a few days earlier and there were promo girls there so I got to try some then. This has always been one of my favorite perfumes; the scent is so lovely and floral. I randomly picked it up again and have been wearing it all month!

Do you have a favorite pick from November? 

Until next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Zoella Beauty Review

Hello Everyone!

So last week I posted my Feel Unique haul of a few YouTuber products and today I want to talk about my favorite ones! I've been dying to try Zoella Beauty for ages now and I was not disappointed.

Creamy Madly Dreamy Body Lotion
I wasn't sure about the scent as first, but now I am absolutely in love with it. If you have had a bad day, run yourself a bath with your favorite Lush bath bombs (or one of Zoe's bath products) then moisturize with this afterwards. I find the scent of this product really comforting and relaxing; it's guaranteed to make you feel better. Plus, it has quite a thick formula full of Vitamin E and Shea butter, so your skin will feel amazing afterwards.

Foam Sweet Foam Cleansing Shower Gel 
This shower gel does everything you hope it will do. It's refreshing, light and smells like a blueberry dream. I love using this after I've been to the gym or out for a run to feel nice and clean again. While I think it's perfect for the warmer months, you could just as easily use this is autumn/winter to help you wake up in the morning.

Candy Cream Softening Body Lotion 
This stuff most definitely softens your skin and makes it feel amazing. It's the perfect match for the above shower gel, since they share the same amazing blueberry scent. This is quite a thick moisturizer, but if you're like me and you spend time outside in the warm weather your skin could probably use a bit of love. Perfect for keeping your skin looking great during Spring and Summer.

I can't honestly decide which of these products is my favorite. You can tell Zoe put a lot of effort into her beauty range, packaging and all. They genuinely deliver on what they promise and are really affordable. I'm definitely going to have to go back and buy more to try!

Have you tried anything from Zoe's range? Let me know in the comments!  

Until next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Review: Chi Chi Creamy Matte Liquid Lipsticks

Hello Everyone!

I'm not lying when I say that I might have just found my favorite lip product of all time. I was out trying to find some new lip glosses (any recommendations?) when I found these gems. It's my dream to have a lipstick that's also a stain, a gloss, it doesn't dry your lips out, AND the color stays on all day. Turns out dreams do come true! OK, that was cheesy...

Long lasting? This stuff will leave you with amazing color, even after eating! I tried and tested this. I only have to reapply this a couple of times during the day and it still looks amazing.

Non-drying and Moisturizing? Yup! I keep waiting for it to dry out within ten minutes like a lot of products, but it doesn't. Maybe after a few hours yes, but considering this is basically a lip stain and lipstick, that's still impressive. I found that since it's quite moisturizing it's super easy to reapply and you won't even need a mirror.

Vivid Colors? Chi Chi are pretty great when it comes to colors. These lipsticks in particular are amazingly pigmented and have a matte finish (while still being moisturizing). I went for quite bold shades when I bought these and they give such an amazing pop of color.

If you didn't need another reason to buy these, they also smell amazing! Kinda like the LipSmacker Sours you used to get as a kid? I love a bit of nostalgia. They're also very affordable ($22 NZD) which is something I love about Chi Chi as a brand. You get great quality without having to spend all your money on one product.

 I think this is the first beauty product that I have bought, and then gone back to buy more colors. My first purchase was Show Stopper (pink/berry), then I went for Sexy Lady (berry/red) and Crazy in Love (pink/nude). Here's their website if you're interested in checking out more colors. I think I might go for Drama Queen next!

If you can't find Chi Chi in your country I would honestly be happy to ship them for anyone wanting to try them. I have a feeling I will be using these as my go-to lip colors for quite a while! 

What's your current favorite lip product?  

Let me know in the comments!

'Til next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

Beauty and Skincare Haul: feelunique

Hello Everyone!

 I've been doing really well with my fitness lately so I thought I would treat myself to some online shopping. I've been meaning to place an order on Feel Unique for a while now, especially since they can ship some brands that aren't available in New Zealand. I've been dying to try products from the Zoella Beauty range for ages now, especially since she has brought out new products. 

Anyway, here's what I bought:

Zoella Beauty Creamy Madly Dreamy Body Lotion
Firstly, can we talk about how gorgeous the packaging is? The rose gold writing is the perfect touch. I really needed a new body lotion and since this one has all the good stuff in it (Vitamin E, Aloe and Shea butter) I thought it would be perfect. It also smells incredible, almost like a comforting scent that helps you relax. I have a feeling that I will be repurchasing this!

Zoella Beauty Foam Sweet Foam Cleansing Shower Gel 
A girl can always use a new shower gel right? I'm currently running out of my Body Shop soap, and since this one is lovely and fruity it will be so nice to use now that the weather is getting warmer. I can't even explain how great the scent is...if you love blueberries this one's for you!


Zoella Beauty Candy Cream Softening Body Lotion
I know, I bought two body lotions. Please don't judge me. To be fair though, this one has little exfoliating beads in it so I probably won't use this one as much. I'm pretty sure this one has the same scent as the above shower gel, which makes me happy because it's so good. I love how bright and happy the packaging is too.

Fleur de Force Lip Gloss #30 Starlight 
I'm not the biggest fan of lip glosses, but I've recently decided to give them another go. Fleur has some really gorgeous colors, so I decided to go for this nice bright pink one. It's such a universal color for a lot of my lipsticks and I am bound to wear this  all through Spring and Summer.

Tanya Burr Cosmetics Lip Gloss Lunch Date
I'm saving my personal favorite until last. I was so blown away by the packaging of this one, it is honestly stunning. If I saw someone pull this out of their handbag I would think that it was quite expensive. The pigmentation is amazing and I can't wait to wear this one!

Freebies 
Who doesn't love free stuff? I was pretty happy to see that there was a free sample of the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, simple because Zoella has raved about it. I also got a Perfecting Concealer from Nude by Nature, which is useful considering I'm on the hunt for a new concealer.  

 Just as a side note, I would definitely recommend buying from Feel Unique. They quite often have sales or deals on (I actually got 3 for 2 on Zoella products!) and their shipping was really quick. Considering that I live close to the bottom of the world, I value this kind of service. Thanks guys!

Have you guys tried any YouTuber beauty products? Let me know if you have any favorites!

Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

My Lazy Day Makeup - Just 5 items!

Hi Everyone!

Now, I'm someone who will put on a full face of make-up even if I'm not really leaving the house that day. I do it because I love it! I'm quite an artistic person, so I find it as satisfying as sketching a picture. Obviously, there are some days (usually a Sunday) where I have to go out, but I'm in lazy-mode so I can't be bothered with a full-look.

I have refined my collection down to the basic products that I can reach for on these kinds of days. Just enough for some coverage and a bit of definition, and enough to make me look like less of a zombie. And it's also a really good idea to let your skin breath a bit on the occasional day.

Rimmel 9 in 1 BB Cream 

This is an absolute favorite of mine. It gives a really nice cover, but it's still light and breathable. Just enough to cover some red patches and a few spots. Plus it's SPF 25 so I know my skin will still be protected from the sun.

Benefit Gimme Brow

 This is by far the quickest way to get some definition into your brows. I will admit that I haven't been wowed by this product, I'm not sure it's worth the hype (my personal opinion!). But it's pretty good to use when you are in a hurry. 

Australis Liquid Eyeliner

Eyeliner is an absolute must for me if I'm leaving the house that day. This one is a recent find for me and I absolutely love it. It's super easy and quick to use, even for an amateur like me!

Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara
This is my new favorite every-day mascara. It doesn't leave your lashes feeling clumpy or heavy like other products can, which makes it perfect for a lazy day routine.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment "Tulip"
These lip balms are probably my all time favorite. Ever. The few times I've been allowed to go into Sephora, I have always picked up one of them. They're super moisturizing and leave such a pretty color.

And that's it!
What products do you reach for on a lazy day?

  Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

September Beauty Favorites 2015

Hello Everyone!

I have to say, September was a great month for finding new beauty products. I've managed to pick up quite a few new items that have made it into my everyday routine. There were a few newly-released products that I really wanted to try as well. Although, I'm quickly developing the habit of using blogging as an excuse to buy new makeup. Does anyone else do this?

Milani Lipstick  #43 Pretty Natural 

I just have to say that I LOVE Milani lipsticks! I always pick up a few when I visit the states. This was a purchase from a recent trip and I fell in-love with it quickly. It's a beautiful rose/nude color that would suit most skin-types. I've been using it for everyday wear and on the weekends as well.

Goodness Every Morning Moisturizer

This stuff is seriously like a smoothie for your face! It's incredibly nourishing and feels so lovely on your skin. It's also certified organic, so there's none of those horrible chemicals inside. I wrote a review of this and their face scrub in a previous post. Read it here!

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Color Lip Liner #5 Pure

I will admit that I'm still fairly new to lip liners, so this one has been perfect for me as a beginner. The formula for these are amazing and really pigmented. I've been using it as an all over base, then putting my Fresh Sugar Tulip Lip Treatment over top for a lovely everyday look. It's been a perfect combo for Spring weather!

Lush Shampoo bar- Seanick

Now, I am a proud Lushie but it's been a while since I've tried a product that's blown me away. My hair is naturally straight and flat (a blessing and a curse!) so I asked one if the girls for help buying a new shampoo bar. Let me tell you, this gives me crazy volume! It's basically the bar version of their sea spray. Love it!

Covergirl Full-Lash Bloom Mascara

Earlier in the month I wrote a review of this mascara saying how much I enjoyed it, so of course it was going to make my favorites! It just does everything it promises: full lashes, soft to the touch, and they don't clump together like a lot of other mascaras do. Well done, Covergirl!

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

As soon as I saw this advertised I just had to try it. The words "Matte" and "Poreless" got my attention and I just thought Yes! That's the finish I want in a foundation! Even though the formula is a lot thicker than I usually go for, I still love how this looks. It doesn't feel too heavy and even a light coat makes my skin look amazing.

Maybelline Big Eyes Liner

Since the Winter weather has finally moved onto some Spring sunshine, I've been trying to soften my makeup look. I've been using this double eyeliner pencil quite a bit since the white side makes my eyes look wide awake and soft when I apply it to my bottom lash line. It's my new favorite look!

Australis Liquid Eyeliner

Eyeliner is NOT on my list of talents at all. I had been using a Maybelline liner, but it was just not working for me. So, I decided to switch formula and applicator to see if it made and difference and it did! This has been so easy for me to use and it's great practice. I will be doing perfect cat flicks in no time!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I know I'm one of the last people to try this, but at least now I know what all the fuss is about! This is a must in my everyday routine now. Whether I just need a quick cleanse in the morning, or when I'm taking my makeup off, this stuff is great. It just does exactly what it promises and it doesn't have a horrible chemical feel to it either.

How was your September? Tell me what your favorite beauty find was in the comments!

Pretty please? 
 
Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph

My Current Makeup Wishlist

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

  

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

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

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

Instagram - @marvelsteph
 Pinterest - marvelsteph