Quick Fix- Broken Powder Compact

One of the downsides to my job is having to take a lot of makeup with me when I travel. Usually, I don't wear much makeup (aside from maybe mascara & lipstick) unless I'm either at work or going on a night out.

 

I've been pretty fortunate so far, in that I haven't lost or broken too many of my cosmetic items on my travels. The most frequent 'breakage' I tend to suffer is the dreaded powder compact drop-and-shatter. Sadly for me, the latest occurrence was while opening a new compact. In my tired state, I dropped it, and the powder cake broke. Oops. What to do? Well, if you are like me you hate waste, the good news is it's not the end for your powder foundation.

 

On a previous trip to Hong Kong, I had picked up some beauty storage containers, including this cute powder jar and puff from Sasa for a couple of dollars.

 

 

So, if you have dropped your powder like me, but want to keep using, here's what you do.

 

1. Get a powder jar & sifter set (Most Asian beauty stores have these cheaply)

2. Scrape the broken powder from the compact into a small container or bowl.

3. Using a suitable tool, crush the powder cake evenly until it becomes loose powder.

4. Transfer into the container, tapping the sides to settle the powder evenly.

 

Voila, your annoying broken powder cake is now a portable loose powder that you can carry around for touch ups :)

 

Environmentally AND purse friendly!

 

Oh and step 5? Try not to drop your next powder compact... ;)

Greyscale Snake (Outfit Post)

Recent outfit for lunch with friends.

Snake print wrap skirt & black tank- Emerson at Big W
Denim jacket - Possibly Valleygirl or Dotti
Gold necklace - Forever 21
Sandals (not seen) - Candy label at Kmart

Primark Haul!

It's no secret that I love a good bargain, and Primark would have to be the best known for a wide range of styles at pretty good prices. Now, some of their stuff is a bit on the iffy side, but if you check items carefully before buying (no missing buttons, straight seams, no pulled threads etc) you can pick up some neat clothes at purse-friendly prices.

Recently I was assigned back to back London flights. While I don't loooove these trips (since there is not a lot to do out near the airport, and the Tube trip can be a pain in the you-know-what) I do like the chance to pick up some goodies on the high street. (Reading UK magazines does not help to curb this addiction, lol)

On my last trip, it was cold and rainy, so I was inspired to pick up some winter woolies. Helps that currently it is 'winter' in Dubai and actually doable to wear cardis and long pants when you go to the mall or even outside.

Was happy enough to pay 16 pounds for this
snuggly cardi-scanned at 7! Win!

Wanting a black leather-look vest for ages.
Done! 15 pounds

I do love me a good graphic tee, combine it with my favourite
NYC skyscraper, cool Art Deco vibe and a 3 pound price tag- I'm sold!

Finally, who could pass up these cute Fox Sox?
Not me! Perfect, my slippers are getting daggy
and these are the most adorable replacement.

Shopping all over the world, just one of the awesome perks of my job. Love! Have you picked up any amazing buys lately? Tell me!

Dressing Table

I don't really have a "dressing table" as such- actually a desk & drawers in my room, but a few months back I bought a set of shelves for extra storage. Here's some of the things I have sitting on top to make it pretty :)

I like to display cute things in my room.

On the left I have (out of shot) an oil burner from the Body Shop & some of their fragrance oils. My favourite two are Strawberry & Satsuma, both hard to find in Oz. Next is my In Essence candle in 'Zanzibar', a very exotic African-inspired fragrance. I'd left this behind at home and regretted it, so brought it back with me when I went home on leave. These are normally about $40 but I got this one for $20 on clearance at Priceline.

Behind the candle are two ceramc birds I picked up in Turkey. One of my favourite colours is blue and I'd noticed a little theme starting to occur of both blue and birds, so I've been consciously adding to it since I noticed the little collection begin on its own. The framed picture is by Matou En Peluche, a Sydney based illustator who is also on Twitter. I love the whimsical designs & I've also got two of her Deco Girls which I'll post about later.

It's a little hard to see but under the picture is a small square porcelain box; this was bought in Shanghai & holds some small jewellery items. The Matryoshka doll is from my trip to Prague. My O.P.I. polishes already featured in another post; the box they are sitting on is a gorgeous game board purchased in Turkey which also deserves a post of its own. I had to haggle hard to get the price down but in the end I won, very happy with this purchase!

Far right are some fragrances; a French perfume from Fragonard, Benefit 'Your Place or Mine Gina', Elle by YSL EDP, Miss Dior Cherie, a mini Lanvin and a Korean hand cream. I'm planning to post reviews about the Fragonard perfumes and the hand cream at a later date.

Finally at front is my cheap but super cute tree-print necklace. I love this to death & call it my "Lord of the Rings" necklace as it makes me think of the tree carving on the entrance to Moria. Hope you enjoyed some of the cute things that make me smile.

Have you bought anything lately, just because it was cute? Leave a comment & tell me what you got! :)

Retro Flight Bag

It's no secret that I love me some vintage, and vintage airline stuff? Even better!! I have my own mini collection of books and bags, but if you haven't been lucky enough to score a Pan Am bag like me, or aren't a fan of bidding wars on eBay, then I saw just the thing in Typo recently. They have a retro-style airline shoulder bag, complete with the white trims so classic to this type of bag.

The cool thing is, they've updated it just that little bit, by adding the iconic giant aircraft, the A380. You have no idea how tempted I was to buy this, but since I have one of the coveted Pan Am bags from the tv promos, I left it for someone else to snap up. (Post on my Pan Am adventures to come later!) I love the Typo store and always have to restrain myself from spending too much whenever I go in there. Currently I've got my eye on their thermal mugs, perfect for work! :)

(This was not a sponsored post- though if Typo wants to send me some free stuff they are more than welcome, LOL)

Burgundy & Gold (Outfit Post)

I've always liked the combination of burgundy & gold, especially when accented with black and/or white.

I remember seeing Nicole of Gary Pepper Vintage wearing an amazing burgundy pleated skirt in one of her posts, and when I was last in Sydney, pleated skirts were popping up everywhere in the store windows including Dotti and Valleygirl. Sadly, they looked kind of wrong on me.

While on my visit to AdelaideI was very happy to discover a similar, non-pleated skirt in Supre. It also came in black, bone and a tan colour. I really liked the tan and if it's still there next time I get to Sydney I think I'll buy it as well. In the last couple of years I've thought Supre clothes are quite expensive for what they are, but as I wear long skirts all the time in Dubai this purchase would be worth it.

Today I wore it for the first time in Dubai, this test run was to the mall for a nice dinner on my own.



Detail Shot:

This shows what I like to call my 'Lord of the Rings Tree' necklace. I can't recall where I bought this but I know it was $5 or less. I LOOOOVE this necklace & have been wearing it to death lately.



These are also the first pictures of my new hair colour. The lighting is not that great but it's quite red now. Last time I got it coloured it was more a darker, red-brown than a true red-copper brown.

Skirt: Supre
Cardigan: Crossroads, about 4 or 5 years ago
Belt: ICE Brisbane, about 3 years ago
Necklace: Bargain, probably Diva or similar
Shoes: Forever21 New York City
Hair Colour: L'Oreal Excellence #44 ;)
Makeup: Dior Lip Glow, Maybelline Colour Sensational #55 Pinkalicious & Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in #557 with CoverGirl TruBlend Mineral Powder (no longer on sale) :(

Cosmetic Review: Besame Classic Color Lipstick

I've been very behind with this blog post but finally I'm glad to be able to share it with you. Part of the delay was in getting some good photos that I was happy with, but the other night I finally managed to get the elements together that I wanted for the photos.



The lovely Gabriela from Besame Cosmetics sent me a 'Classic Color' lipstick to try out for myself. I'd long been an admirer of the range both for its vintage appeal and also the natural pigments- the reds of which are reproductions of the shades used in old Hollywood films. How glam! :)

Of the ingredients, Gabriela says on the website:


Formulations that I consider responsible luxury, non-toxic, natural, and beneficial to your skin, while still retaining the feel and performance of a truly luxurious product. A mix of today's cutting edge technology and some wonderful natural ingredients that have proven benefits to your skin.

Aloe, ginseng, olive oil, green tea, jojoba oil, rose waxes, lavender flower extract, avocado oil, just to name few. Ingredients that go beyond the glamour and contribute to your well being, delivering the quality that has become synonymous with Besame Cosmetics.

The lipstick arrived in my mailbox the morning I left for a trip, I was excited to try it out but had to wait until I got back. It went in my suitcase and gave me something to look forward to when I arrived at the hotel.

This version of their lipsticks comes presented in a cute velvet pouch for safekeeping. The case is a nice metal embossed with the signature chysthanthemums and the Besame name.

It is heavy enough to be substantial but not too heavy. The size is a little bit smaller than my Maybelline Color Sensational, but still plenty big enough.

The lipstick itself is in the old 'blunt bullet' shape which means you can use either the edge for lining or the blunt face for coloring. Very handy actually!



The shade I tried out is called 'Dusty Rose'. It's a nice, slightly dark pinky brown. The Classic Color comes in 12 different shades, with a good range including a coral-type for those girls who like their bright colors.



I also got a pamphlet in the package which tells a bit about some of the Besame range. The Classic Color lipstick includes Vitamin A, E & C as well as aloe and green tea. I definitely noticed this when I tried it out. Felt very moisturising, but not too shiny or slippery- almost like a balm which is a nice change from the usual drying-out feeling I get from some other lipsticks. (The website describes the CC lipstick as "semi matte"). It also has a slight but pleasant fragrance, nothing too strong but quite soothing which I am guessing is from the aloe and other oils used in the products such as jojoba and avocado.

Photo showing me with makeup but before applying the lipstick.

The colour coverage was great; It only took one sweep to get a deep colour. While I didn't do any heavy-duty eating, I did have a drink out of a glass and while there was a little bit of transfer (usual I think with moisturising lipstick) it wasn't anything major. For me, I usually reapply after eating or drinking so personally I wouldn't find it a problem at all had it been more left.




As I don't usually wear a lipliner for everyday (non-work) wear, I tested this the same way, with just the lipstick. I didn't notice any feathering, even though the colour is quite dark on me. I hate it when my lipstick feathers so this was a plus for me. I think for a deep red a liner would be a good idea anyway, but for this shade it wasn't really necessary.



Another way I tried this lipstick was to put it on & then blot some of the colour away, leaving more of a stain and then some gloss on the top for a more understated look. I liked this method for times when I didn't want so much colour. For night time wear, I'd probably wear it right out of the tube. The only negative would be if you don't like a lipstick that's not matte. In which case one of the other formulas might suit you better. For me, I don't like totally matte so this is a nice compromise.

Overall, I really liked this lipstick, and when payday allows will be getting one of the reds for work. =)

Currently the Classic Color is available to purchase online for $22USD. Considering the packaging I think this is very reasonable. In Australia, the Maybelline I used everyday retails between $12-16AUD and my L'Oreal between $22 to $30AUD. Those are lipsticks I don't know the ingredients of and also with plastic packaging. Besame Classic Color comes in a very attractive tube which is more substantial and an accessory in itself!

(For those of you who are eco-conscious, metal tubes are great for re-using once your colour is done- just Google for how to re-make your lipstick using the tubes)

Overall, I was very happy with the product and think any girl would love to have a little bit of glamour back in her makeup bag, without breaking the bank.

Thanks Gabriela!

Be sure to check out the Besame website as there are some cool instructional videos and other vintage-styled makeup products that might be just what you're looking for to complete your look.



(Note: In the interests of transparency; my Classic Color was sent to me as a gift from Besame Cosmetics. All views are my own and aside from the product gift I was not paid for my review. You should read my review in conjunction with the Besame website to decide if this product is right for your personal circumstance.)

Makeup: Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Foundation in Buff Beige, CG Eyeshadow Quad in Country Woods, CG TruBlend Minerals Powder Compact in #2 Creamy Natural, Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Black & Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in C212 Dusty Rose.

Sunnies

During the time when I was having a crappy few days last week (homesickness, mainly) I was a bit naughty and succumbed to retail therapy.



Since I wear contact lenses when I fly and mostly during my layovers, I have some cheap'n'cheerful sunglasses as my good (read: expensive) ones are prescription. During my shop, I spotted some cute retro-style sunnies. I like some vintage styles, but they always look stupid on me; also, I tend to shy away from overly large styles. I saw a cute pair with stud detailing & liked them. When I saw the price was 30 dirhams (about $10 Aussie) I snapped them up!!


I love them!!! (However, I think I need to wear my hair out with these, as having it back combined with the large size of the glasses doesn't seem to be so flattering, haha)

I also bought a pair of aviator style glasses



(but not in the cobalt blue/silver tint I've been lusting after), this shirt from Zara- which looks way cuter in my pic-



and some new towels & bath mat for my bathroom. (That last one is boring so I won't show you!!)

Oh yeah and a Grazia, a Kinder Bueno (yum!) and some rose face cream (for half the price it'd be in Oz!)


Yey shopping! Now, I'm eating tinned soup until payday in 4 days' time... hehehehe

Some Recent Outfits

To make up for the lack of clothes-related posts, here's some recent outfit photos taken in various places.

For a day at the mall ice skating & shopping with my Dubai bestie!

This is the yellow cardigan I bought after falling in love with the one that Impossiblecat has featured in a few photos.
Cardigan & Grey top: H&M
Black Pants: Target
Fish Necklace: Markets (The fish wiggles like it's swimming as you move)

For roaming in Bangkok

Cardigan: Valleygirl
Dress: Bali Market Stall
Belt: Ice in Melbourne

Exploring Paris

Jeans: Just Jeans
Audrey Hepburn shirt: Don't recall
Cardigan: Big W
Lace Print Scarf: H&M London

Checking out the Dubai Fountain

Can't remember any of these details, sorry! :P


Paris-print Scarf: Sportsgirl in Brisbane
Sunnies: DKNY
Brooch (unseen) Alannah Hill

Beautiful Paris!

My first impression of Paris last September was that it's a very pretty, quite clean city. The locals are simply dressed yet stylish and the atmosphere is exciting and multi-cultural while still 'French'. I was unashamedly a tourist on this visit, snapping photos and oohing and aahin at the beauty of it all.What can I say, I love taking pictures and I don't care who knows it!

A longer post is to come but here's a sneak peek of my visit.







Cardigan: Big W
Jeans: Just Jeans
Top: Boutique in Melbourne
Scarf: H&M London
Hair Clip: Alannah Hill

Polka Dotty

Been meaning to post about this dress for awhile. (I really do need to get back to taking Proper photos again, by the way)


Picked this up at Debenham's for around $25 Aussie. Not too bad though I wish it were an inch or two longer!

Also I think I may finally have found myself a hat so I don't burn my face off here. I really hate how I look in hats but for once this didn't seem so bad when I look in the mirror. Of course, we all know stuff looks different in the store. So, thoughts? Yes or no...?


(Please ignore the lovely scar on my chin, result of a persistent skin-something-or-other that just will not go away! Trying to zap it with Lucas' pawpaw ointment)

In other news, I've been procrastinating doing boring things like chores and homework by making things on Polyvore. Scroll to the bottom of the page to check out my sets. I'm kind of appalled by my first ones now I compare them to the more recent ones to be honest. Let me know what you think!

I do love this photo of Princess Mary of Denmark with the Crown Prince, her dress is so pretty. Very 1940's. I have a black and cream Alannah Hill frock similar to this, though the shape on hers is much nicer.

This would be such a cute outfit for a champagne brunch with the girls!!! Oh, and she has Chanel too! A 2.55 is on my list of things to Buy Before I Die ;)

Ok, I best get back to the books!

Brisbane Buys

Earlier in the month I had a trip to Brisbane. This trip was an overnight flight which left at about 11pm and we landed in Brisbane first thing in the morning. Usually I like to go straight to sleep but on this occasion my room card did not work. So I had to schlep down to the lobby again to get a new room card. By this time a bus full of tourists had arrived. The staff at this hotel aren't exactly helpful, and instead of noticing that I had come back mere minutes after getting my key, I had to stand in line with my luggage and try not to fall asleep.

Eventually I got my key working and went up to my room. Lately my routine is to unpack and set out my clothes, toiletries etc then put on my iPod on the travel speaker and nap for 5-6 hours. I don't like to sleep all day as I feel tired on the flight home. As we only had a 12 hour layover I wanted to get outside a little. After my nap I headed over the river from the city to Southbank. As it was the weekend the markets were on, and I wanted to have a look around.

Southbank is a great area, there's the art gallery and museum, and also a great man-made beach/swimming pool and plenty of gardens and scenic things to see. (As it was Easter weekend I wore these)


At the market I bought a cute bird pin and some sweets from the old fashioned sweet shop. And some black cat earrings which I forgot about until I posted this pic, hehehe.

I got tired of walking so I bought some sorbet and sat down at the beach area for a rest. After I had rested a bit I crossed the bridge back to the city for a walk around and to get some food items from the supermarket to eat on the flight home.

Made a quick detour to Sportsgirl for a look around and picked up some makeup brushes and a blush on sale.


I've used this shade before, it's similar to a Nars one I used in a class once but way less pricey!! :)

I also got this eco-bag,how cute is it?! Only $4 too so a good happy buy ^_^


In one of the malls there's also a good discount cosmetic store. I saw these Cutex red nail polish on sale. I thought it would be good to practise with, and it's the long last formula and chip-resistant topcoat which I like.


I also got a red lipstick and lip liner (just from the super-cheap K.K. line) so I can practise doing mymakeup with it but not have to worry about making mistakes and wasting a lipstick from say M.A.C. or Dior ;)

After that I made a quick stop at the internet cafe to check my emails/Facebook and scan some documents for my EK application. So easy this online uploading business... :)

Then Subway for dinner before heading back to the hotel to get ready. Flight home was good, great crew and the passengers behaved and were happy.

Pretty in Pink

Seeing as I'm not supposed to be shopping right now, I thought I'd live vicariously through you, my readers, and share another of my favourite websites with you.

I first discovered Pretty In Pink designs back in 2008, on a trip to the Rocks Market in Sydney. The range of girly sweet clothing & cosmetic bags really caught my eye for cute things, and since then, owner Jessica has only been adding to her range of products.

The ultra-cute stall at the Rocks Market, with all the fab adorable products.


Among the items, you can buy vintage-inspired clothing such as aprons, playsuits & pyjamas, all in cute prints that Jessica sources herself from overseas. There are also other handy items such as iPod/phone pouches, pencil cases, keyrings and super-cute aprons for the kitchen.



Cute cake shaped lip gloss pots, great for a little pressie or stocking filler, I wish it was Christmas again!

From the Pretty in Pink site:

Designed and made in Sydney Australia, we have thoroughly researched our materials to ensure the highest quality and long gevity of our product. The unique Pretty In Pink Plastic Fantastic prevents discoloration, fading, wrinkling and cracking caused by sun exposure. Additionally, all Pretty In Pink products are machine washable.

I'd already bought several of the cosmetic pouches in different sizes- they're perfect for keeping your camera, DS and games safe

- but I'd been admiring the clothes as well since Jess released the loungewear range.

So a few months ago (ok, so it was before my shopping ban) while I was browsing the markets, I got one of the tie-front skirts. So cute, and sooooo comfy!

It goes with lots of things in my wardrobe and is great because you can glam it up with heels & some jewellery, or go casual to the beach with flats.

Here's me in Brisbane in my Miss PiP skirt :)

It was great to wear on a really hot day as it helps keep cool & air circulating :P Hee hee
Ok so I also got one of the lounge dresses for when I travel, as I hate the idea of having to go downstairs in my nightie everytime the fire alarm goes off. Lovely Jess also gave me a bonus keyring- yay!


You can check out the Pretty in Pink website to shop online, or find out where in Sydney you can see the Miss PiP range. If you're on Facebook, you can also become a fan of PiP!

Too sweet!

(All product photos from the PiP website, photos of stall and me are, hehe, by me!)