Accessorising For Graduation Day! ft. Colette Hayman Accessories

Hello my lovelies!

It has been awhile since I have made a post on fashion, so I am quite thrilled to be writing up this post! As you all know I have already graduated university, however a few of my best friends and my boyfriend have not. It is graduation season here in Australia and one of my oldest friends and my boyfriend are graduating! Yay congratulations boys! In honor of the special events, I have bought new accessories to pair with my outfits! You only graduate once (for most people) and your friends will only graduate once as well, may as well take the time to dress your best for it! In this post I'll be going through my take on the perfect accessories for a Graduation Ceremony.

Colette Accessories was having a Spring sale last week so I went ahead and purchased a new bag, wallet and accessories. Here's a look at what I purchased and what I deem as appropriate accessories to rock at graduation - whether it's yours or a friends. As usual, if you order your items from Colette Hayman online, all the items come perfectly wrapped.

I purchased the Belina Piping Turnlock Crossbody Bag as it looks gorgeous and is the perfect size and length for this occasion. You want something big enough to fit your phone, wallet, camera, lipstick and blotting paper so you will look picture perfect all day whilst having a bag that is also small enough to be discreet in pictures or under your graduation gown if you are constantly moving seats during the ceremony. Another great thing is the bag comes with a protector, so you can store it away safely when it's not in use and protect the gold features of it. This bag retails for $34.95 but I got mine on sale for a lovely $25!

I also needed a new wallet (as I am not particularly gentle with mine so they get battered and bruised easily). I chose to purchase the Maisy Straight Bar Wallet. Gold looks beautiful with my skin tone and I like wallets with a picture slot and a zipped up coin compartment, so this wallet was perfect for me! It retails for $16.95 but I got mine during the sale for just $10! What a bargain! Another great thing about this wallet is that it is pretty enough to be used on its own (if carrying around a bag is something you don't want to do on the day)!

Now, onto the jewellery! For a graduation event, you want to go for jewellery that is a little more classy and not as over the top. I went with gold pieces which are not too much of a statement. Subtle pieces work best for this kind of occasion. The Cobra Diamante Necklace (was $14.95 now $7.48), 8 Bangle Pack (was $9.95 now $3) and Vintage Cut Out Stretch Wristwear (was $14.95 now $7.48) are perfect examples of jewellery that is gorgeous for a graduation event.

Here are some pictures of me wearing the jewellery pieces. Note how they are simple yet give a sophisticated look to my outfit. This make up look is also appropriate for graduation, it is simple and elegant and photographs well. You don't want to go to town with your makeup for a graduation, these photos will stay with you forever so you want to make sure you have a simple makeup look that compliments your skin tone and outfit.

I hope this post gave you an idea on how to accessorise for your big day or your friends big day. Graduating from university only happens once in a lifetime for the average person, so make yours count! Feel free to share with me your graduation photos and show me how you accessorised for it. I would love to see your take on how to accessorise for the big day!

Love,
Nur xx

My Favourite Brightening Face Powder & Ben Nye Bella Luxury Powder in Banana Dupe!

Hello everyone!

Today I bring you fantastic news! I have raved about this powder on my channel before, the perfect under eye setting powder, highlighter and overall brightener - the E.L.F Cosmetics High Definition Powder in Corrective Yellow. Previously, it was not available in Australia - and it still isn't - unless you purchase it from iHerb.com. Yes ladies, you heard me right, iHerb, the most fantastic site to go to for purchasing makeup brushes and E.L.F cosmetics, has just brought in the beautiful High Definition Powder in Corrective Yellow.

This product is VERY new to the site. I decided to check out iHerb a couple of days ago as I wanted to pick up some items, and when I saw this beauty on sale, my mouth literally dropped and I wanted to yelp in joy! I knew I had to share my discovery with you guys! Being impatient, at the beginning of the year, I purchased the powder for $15! I know, I'm crazy, it was much too expensive, but I simply had to have it! On iHerb you will be pleased to know the High Definition Powder in Corrective Yellow only costs $6.76! What a bargain! I want to buy another, just because it is so cheap! But alas, this powder is so good, a little really goes a long way and I truly have tonnes left. I don't think I'll need more for at least another year. Moral of the story: I should be more patient, and E.L.F Cosmetics is awesome! Though this, I don't regret paying so much for mine, since it will last me ages and I know it's a great product which I love and recommend you guys to pick up since it is so darn cheap!

Allow me to share why you need this powder.
1) It is cheap
2) It sets undereye concealer beautifully
3) It is a gorgeous natural highlight, no shimmer or glitter required, it gives a lovely glow
4) It can be used to brighten the whole face
5) It has SPF 45 which is excellent for sun protection
6) It is a dupe for the Ben Nye Bella Luxury Powder in Banana, which Kim Kardashian apparently swears by to set her highligher. And the best thing is it is a fraction of the cost of that powder and does exactly the same thing!

If you haven't tried a HD powder, or a yellow powder before, I HIGHLY recommend you purchase this. I assure you will get use out of it and will love it too. If you're looking for a great overall setting powder, brightener, highlighter and sun protection, then look no further, this product is a must have! As I said I highly recommend it, and at just over $6 a pop, you're not losing anything by giving this a go!

Love,
Nur x

Michael Todd Chronicles: Week 9

Hello everyone!

It's week 9 with Michael Todd and I have to say my skin is pretty good this week. I haven't had any major breakouts. Just a tiny pimple or two on my nose and that's about it. My skin is also quite dry this week but other than that, all is well!

Tune in next week for my final thoughts on Michael Todd products and my recommendations!

Love,
Nur x

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - Review and Swatches!

Hey guys!

I filmed a review for you of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks! There are a LOVE for me and one of the most comfortable matte lipsticks I have ever come across! I reach for these for than my MAC Matte Lipsticks because they are so lovely and have the nicest formula! I have 3 shades, Hot Pepper, Ole Flamingo and Nude-ist and I use them all the time! To see what they look like on my lips and with my NC40 skin tone, and for an in-depth review, watch the video above. Whilst you're there it would be great if you click like and subscribe to both my channel and blog! I would really appreciate it!

Love,
Nur x

Another MASSIVE Makeup Haul! - Ft. Rimmel, Bourjois, Urban Decay, Covergirl and More!

Hello my lovelies!

Welcome to another haul post! I seriously think I'm going broke from purchasing all these goodies but I simply can't help myself! It's Spring and the lovely weather brings out the big spender in me. I'm not going to go into too much detail in this haul, just thought I would mention what I bought and talk about the items as I try them out.

I purchased both the Covergirl items from Priceline. They are having a wonderful sale at the moment where you can purchase two Covergirl products for $22! What a steal! Seeing this I quickly went to my local store and purchased the Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in the shade Golden Tan which retails for $19. The second product I purchased was the Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in shade Natural Beige which retails for $18.75. As you can see, at normal retail price these products would have cost me around $37, but with the promotion, I only paid $22 which is a steal! I believe the sale is on for another week or so, so if you're in Australia, definitely check it out!

I purchased all the Bourjois and Rimmel products off ASOS.com. Two foundations; Rimmel London Lasting Finish Nude Foundation in shade Classic Beige (the darkest they had), and Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation in shade Natural Beige (which seems like a better match than Classic Beige which looks too light). I don't know why I need more foundation, but alas, I had to get them. I cant seem to find the nude one in Australia and our lasting finish packaging is not to my fancy, hence I opted to purchase them off ASOS. I also bought the new Rimmel London Wonder'Full Mascara in shade Black as the concept of it highly intrigued me!

The Bourjois items I purchased were the Colour Boost Set and BB Bronze Up Set, which are exclusive to ASOS I believe. I purchased the Colour Boost Crayons as I wanted to compare the formula to my favourite Revlon Kissable Balm Stains, more on that soon! I purchased the BB Bronze Up Set specifically for the BB Bronzing Cream because many of my foundations are slightly too light for me at the moment, and I read off ViviannaDoesMakeup,that she adds it to her foundations to darken them up slightly, so I decided to give it a shot! I am also interested in trying out the
Cream Blush in the kit and comparing it to my new Urban Decay Cream Blushers!

The Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint not only has stunning packaging, but from what I read online, it is a gorgeous product! I like the idea of just using cream everything in the summer and setting it with powder for an effortless look, so I had to try these. I purchased the shades Crush adn Bang.

Some other makeup items I bought are the Fräulein3°8 makeup palettes. I bought these off Ozsale.com when they had these on sale and chose the 20 Colors Perfect Balance Camouflage Concealer Palette and the 6 Colours Contour Matte Face Powder Palette. Both products were incredibly inexpensive and can also be bought off the brands website, which is what I linked above, or ebay.

Last but certainly not least, I purchased two Elizabeth Arden skincare items off Catch of the Day. If you're not familiar with Ozsale or Catch of the Day, they are sites which have limited time sales which launch everyday. I love purchasing beauty items and occasionally clothing off them as they are generally of a very good price when on sale. I chose to try a couple of products from the Green Tea Skincare Range. These were the Purifying 3-in-1 Cleanser/Toner/Exfoliant and Energising Moisture Lotion. I just felt they would be quick and light to use each morning, and wanted to try out something new in general.

Anyway, that is all I bought this haul, trust me there is more to come! Have a fantastic day my loves and I will speak to you on Saturday!

Love,
Nur x

WORST Concelaer EVER Tag!

Hello lovelies!

Today, I regret to report that it has finally happened. I have finally tried a product so bad, it deserved its own tag - "Worst concealer ever". When I try concealers, they will usually be lighter than my skin tone or just match my skin tone. More likely than not, they will either be creamy or a little dry. This concealer takes the cake for shock factor. It applied ok, not too runny not too creamy. But heck this thing dried like CRAZY! it dries so fast its almost impossible to blend out nicely, especially under the eye area, not to mention it has a powdery finish which settled into my fine lines under my eyes and also painfully highlighted all of my breakouts I was trying to conceal. Now this shade is only a shade lighter than my skin tone, but the finish of it made it look 3 shades lighter. Overall, I am definitely unimpressed by this concealer and will not be repurchasing it. I wish Australia allowed you to return cosmetics because I feel I wasted my money on this and would rather have picked up my holy grail concealer instead. SUrprisingly, both this crappy concealer and my HG concealer are by the same brand, Maybelline! My HG concealer at the moment is the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and the culprit responsible for the "Worst Concealer Ever Tag" is none other than its sister, the Super Stay 24hr Concealer!

I have included some pictured of the bugger and swatches of the shade I bought. Maybe if the concealer was slightly darker I may not have been as unimpressed as I could have figured out a different use for it. But since it oxidised so lightly, I don't think that is possible. Unfortunately I don't feel I would ever repurchase this again, unless of course I get it for free and it's darker to which even then, MAYBE I'd be willing to give it another shot.

A heavy handed swatch of the concealer.

This is how the concealer looks when dry.

The dry heavy handed swatch and a blended out swatch

This is how the concealer looks when fully blended out and oxidised. Mind you it's easier to blend on my hand and that is because the skin there is not as delicate as the skin under my eyes and on my face.

Have you tried the Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Concealer before? What were your expectations and how did the concealer work for you? Is this how the formula is on everyone or did I get a bad batch? Let me know in the comments below.

Love,
Nur x

Michael Todd Chronicles: Week 8

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you have had a fantastic week!

As we approach the third last week of the chronicles, my faith in Michael Todd is slightly starting to diminish. I don't really feel any of the products are doing me any good except for the Avocado and Mango Face Mask which is helping hydrate my skin... slightly. It is also that time of the month again so as usual, breakouts galore!

 

And do excuse the slight eyeliner smudge, I took the photo and didn't notice it was there! Anyway toodles and have a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Nur xx

Hi Brow, Eyebrow! The Amazing NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil!

Hey hey! It's eyebrow day on the blog and boy do I have an exciting product to show you!

The NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil is such an amazing product! Granted I have owned this for awhile, it is only appearing on my blog now as I have finally figured out how to use it. I used to make the silly mistake of heavily drawing in my lines and having fake looking eyebrows, taking it off and chucking the pencil into my drawer. Then I'd turn to my handy E.L.F eyebrow kit and not think twice about the pencil. The other day, as I was sitting at my desk bored, I decided to give this pencil another go, this time trying to figure out how to use it. I decided to fill in any sparse areas with the pencil and blend it out with the little brush and OMG IT WAS AMAZING! My brows looked do full and natural, my mind was blown! So much so I have filled in my brows every day this week (and that is very unlike me to do)!

I can attribute the natural look of my brows after using this product to the creamy texture of the crayon and the brush. The brush distributes the product evenly through the eyebrow making it look very natural and full all at the same time. The narrow tip of the crayon also makes it easy to draw in fine hairs into my eyebrow making sparse areas seem much fuller. And dark haired girls, do not be afraid of the grey! I was initially scared of the grey but when it's actually on the eyebrow, it looks so natural and just stunning! All in all I definitely recommend this product to everyone! I absolutely am in love and have been using it everyday and see myself continuously using it for a long time to come. It is definitely ranked higher than my E.L.F Eyebrow Kit in my books right now, and I never thought anything could beat that! Here is what it looks like on my eyebrows and yes, it is a sneak peak at the video that's coming!

Love,
Nur x

Beautybay.com Haul!

Hello beautiful people!

My post today is on a haul I purchased off beautybay.com. Before I get into my actual purchases, I wanted to talk about my experience with beautybay.com. I overall loved buying off this site! It was easy to navigate through and had many high end beauty brands for sale on the site. They also have many items actually on sale which is an added bonus. Another great thing about this site is that they give you freebies depending on how much you purchase. I don't know about you but when I see a freebie, especially one I can choose, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Unfortunately, the haul above is not entirely mine. I purchased the eyeshadow palette and one of the Too Faced Lipsticks for my best friend's birthday present. The other goodies were for me though! I purchased a Too Faced La Crème Lip Cream in shade Jelly Bean and Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in shade Catfight. Both the shades are dupes for each other and the reason I purchased them is to basically compare the formulas of these two high end lipsticks and tell you which one I recommend. That blog post should definitely be up in the next week so keep your eyes peeled for that! The Mario Badescu Cleansing Lotion and Body Soap were the freebies I chose in this order and I will give you my thoughts of them when I get around to trying them out. I already like them just because they were free, but from the good things I heard about Mario Badescu skincare products, I am sure I will love them for other things too.

Anyway I will speak to you on Thursday. Have a great week!

Love,
Nur xx

Michael Todd Chronicles: Week 7

Hello!

Hope you have all been well. Welcome to week 7 of the Michael Todd Chronicles! 3 weeks to go until I give my final verdict on Michael Todd skincare. This week my skin has been alright. I have a couple of break outs on my chin and temple and that's about it. My skin is still relatively dry despite all the moisturisers I have used. I am almost certain my skin is just being weird due to hormonal changes and the crazy weather in Sydney though. Anyway that is my skin recap for the week. Have a great weekend guys!

 

Love,

Nur x

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review & Swatches!

Hey guys! I'm sorry I posted this late! I uploaded the video on thursday but it took longer than expected so it ended up getting published on Friday. On Friday however I was super busy and didn't have time to update it on my blog, so here it is!

I hope you found it helpful!

Love,
Nur xx

Hydraluron and Pepta-bright by Indeed Laboratories - My New Skincare Essentials!

Hydraluron and Pepta-bright by Indeed Laboratories are serums which as their names suggest hydrate and brighten/even-out the skin. As I mentioned in my last post, my skin has been suffering from dryness and dullness lately, so I felt I needed a little boost. I initially was only supposed to purchase Hydraluron, but when I logged into the Priceline online store, I saw an AMAZING promotion! Purchase a 30ml tube of Hydraluron and receive a 30ml Pepta-bright tube for FREE!!! OMGOMGOMG how amazing is that deal! I basically only paid $17.50 for each tube which is a steal! And since I was going to purchase Hydraluron anyway and got Pepta-bright too, I was killing two birds with one stone! This is what the products look like.

Hydraluron is a nice and creamy gel like texture which absorbs into the skin quickly and has no sticky residue or scent. Pepta-bright is a cream with a light texture which absorbs into the skin quickly and also has an odd scent which I am not fond of at all! Though this I am thoroughly enjoying using both these serums, especially together, they are a power combo!

 

Overall, I love both these serums! I think they are great and do work well. I saw almost immediate results after using them. My skin felt soft and plump and was bright and glowing and healthy-looking! They are quite expensive though so I'm only planning on using them a few times a week and will probably not purchase them once they are finished unless there is another buy one get one free promotion happening. In the next photos, I compare both my hands against each other for you to see the difference. I feel it is quite a noticeable one! As you will see, the skin on my left hand is much brighter and has a more even skin tone than my right hand and the skin appears plumper and more smooth and supple.

That said I wanted to end this post on a little note. I previously entered the E.L.F Beauty Blogger competition and unfortunately I was not the winner. However E.L.F was so lovely and sent me a letter thanking me for my efforts and gave me a goody bag of gifts! Thank you E.L.F for the nice gesture, it is highly appreciated! I do own quite a few of the products they sent already, however having backups never hurt anyone, so yay!

Love,
Nur xx