15 things that make me happy about losing 15kgs

1. My double chin has pretty much disappeared. Woo for having one chin! FINALLY. FYI: One chin = good.

2. My collarbone is starting to make an appearance. Haven't seen that bastard for quite some time.

3. My jeans are loose. I enjoy this.

4. I feel fucking awesome. Mentally and physically.

5. I have ENERGY OVERLOAD. I'd probz be able to run a marathon right now.*

6. I’m more confident and I hold my head a little higher when I'm out and about.

7. People are noticing and it makes me feel good when they point it out. Thanks Mum!

8. I feel better about myself when I look into the mirror.

9. I’m now 25kgs away from my ultimate goal, rather than 40. YOWZA!

10. I don’t break out nearly as often as I did. I’m convinced that my weight loss has helped immensely, as well as my skincare.

11. I don’t get as puffed out when my dog decides to start bolting on our walks.

12. I'm now experimenting and trying foods I never would've dreamt of trying. I find this fun.

13. I’m happier. And proud.

14. I know I’m on the way to finally getting healthy.

15. I’m getting closer to be able to wear nice clothes. I WANT TO WEAR NICE CLOTHES, FFS!


* Nah.

Models Prefer Highlighter in Fame & Fortune

Today I’ll be rambling about the Models Prefer highlighter in Fame and Fortune, which I’ve been using nearly everyday since I got it on Boxing Day. Pro tip: NEVER go shopping on Boxing Day. People are fucking insane. Anyway, here it is:

See the mess? I purposely didn’t clean it up so I could show you just how messy this little bitch can get. While the colours are nicely pigmented, they are crumbly as hell. Lightly touch a slightly pointed brush into any of them and you’ll leave a nice little crater. Fun! See the coppery colour on the right? That crumbling happened all by itself. I didn’t stab at it and I didn’t throw it around so I have no idea why it’s decided to completely fall apart. Wait, that’s a lie. I did stab at it (near the top) but the giant crater at the bottom happened all on its own. Swear. P.S. MP shadows are crumbly too.

Annoying crumbling aside, the pigmentation is pretty decent. Proof:

Nice, yes? The pearl shade is a tad chalky, but once it’s blended, it’s all good.

Now, the two darkest shades are quite the anomaly. In a highlighter anyway. Why are they there? Who would use colours that dark as highlight? Me confused. The good part? They make for great lid colours. Both of them. Good times.

All up, this little highlighter/shadow quad is nice and pretty decent to use, but it doesn’t really do too much for me. I enjoy it and I use it but once it crumbles away into nothingness, I won’t be repurchasing.

If you’re down for some crumbling highlighter goodness, you can bag this for a nice ‘n’ easy $10 at Priceline.

My thoughts on Glossybox

Sup!

A Glossybox made its way to my door yesterday thanks to the lovely Amanda who sent it over so I could check it out.

Now, I’m not subbed to any sample boxes. While I think they’re a really cool concept, I know that 90% of the samples would just add to my beauty clutter and get lost in the sea of beauty bits that fill my dressing table (and drawers). Fun? Yes. Useful? Not sure.

Here’s a not-so-great pic of what was inside…

Temporary Aussie-themed tatts

Hilarious. Obvs to celebrate Australia Day. Will refrain from making any more comments just in case I piss anyone off.

Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser (30ml)

Tiny but handy. I appreciate getting bits like this ‘cause they’re good to keep on my desk and/or chuck in my bag. I’m not too fussed on body lotions and Nivea doesn’t really excite me so this wasn’t too thrilling a get.

Sheer Cover Nourishing Moisturiser (30ml)

One of the two things that piqued my interest. Was keen to give this a go as it’s oil-free (yay) and has an SPF of 15 (more yay). I’ve used it a couple of times and it seems okay. It smells like sunscreen (and continues to do so until I wash my face) but makes my face look a tad on the greasy side. And not in the way it usually does when my skin gets oily throughout the day. You know when you use a heavy facial sunscreen and it kind of gives you that greasy glow? Yeah, that.

Sheer Cover lipgloss in Pink Praline (full-size)

Tbh, meh. I’m not that big on lip stuff so this didn’t excite me either. It gives my lips a pretty-yet-subtle colour but it didn’t wow me.

Kosmea Daily Facial Exfoliant (20g)

This also piqued my interest. I really like my current exfoliant but I’m really keen to try this out. I’m especially excited as it can also be used as a mask. May try it tonight! Let me know if you want a review. 

Mirenesse Tight Liner Hydra Gel Liner in Sapphire (full-size)

Ah, yes. I got one of these in one of my ABBW goodie bags and didn’t like it. At all. I think I remember some girls saying that they were fans though.

2x $25 vouchers for theiconic.com.au (not shown)

These didn't interest me purely because I'm not down for shopping atm.

...

All in all, it was fun and exciting to get a pretty box filled with samples sent to my door, but to be brutally honest, the contents underwhelmed me. I’m sure there were some girls who were giddy with excitement when they realised what they bagged but I sure wasn’t.

Would I sub to Glossybox? Judging by this box alone, nah. The things in this month’s box didn’t really get me going, hey.

Thoughts?

Updated skincare routine!

Here it is:

Hope you enjoyed! :)

Cool shit from 2011

Totes wasn’t gonna do a post like this but I haven’t blogged in a while and thought WHY THE HELL NOT!

Here’s a pic of the stuff I loved in 2011:

Sorry for the crooked pic. Apparently I'm not capable of using a camera.

Haus of Gloi’s Twice is Nice perfume oil

I’m not gonna rave about this again because it’s been done. Numerous times. Fave scent of 2011 and probably my entire fucking life. Love you, Twice is Nice.

Models Prefer

This brand hasn’t yet let me down. It’s cheap, Aussie and awesome. The number one stand-out is defo the Crease brush, which I use obsessively. Everything rocks, though.

Dove Original Antiperspirant Deodorant

Boring but necessary. Discovered it in 2011 and will continue to use it fo’ lyfe. Keeps me from getting sweaty and smells nice. Plus, it’s dry. No more sticky pits. Hear that, Nivea?

Premium Spa with Organics Australia Lemon Butter Salt Body Scrub for Dry Skin

Best. Scrub. Ever. It’s not only ridiculously invigorating and FRESSSH but also leaves my skin silky-smooth. Big 2011 fave.

Shadow primers

Ah, shadow primers. I heard about them many times previous to 2011 and thought they were a complete and utter joke. “People spend money on fucking eyeshadow primers?!” was a common retort to various YT tutorials featuring them. Hype got the best of me and I bought my first tube of Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance and, well, the rest, they say, is history.  

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover
I started using this stuff last year and absolutely adore it. It offers exceptional coverage (which, if you're like me, you really want) and gives a nice, matte-velvet finish. The only bad thing? The shade selection sucks (in Oz)! I have two tubes and neither matches me perfectly. Such a shame considering this is the best foundation I've ever tried.

Seche Vite/painting my nails

Bought a bottle of Seche Vite early last year and haven’t looked back since. I painted my nails faaaaaaaaar more often in 2011 because this stuff just makes the process so much easier.

Blush

For some reason, my liking for blush completely exploded into a full-blown obsession in 2011. Not sure why. I now have enough blush to fuel a blush-fuelled car. For a year. Possibly two. Yeah, they exist.

Glitter polish

I adore you. You’re a bitch to take off but I enjoy you far too much to care. Kinda. Faves include China Glaze’s Glam (pictured) and Nova and Milani One Coat Glitters in Blue Flash and Silver Dazzle. Amongst many others.

Benefit BADgal Lash

Used it for the first time last year and very much enjoyed it. Such a good mascara. For me, anyway. Gives me humongous lashes which I enjoy. Shame about the stupid pricetag.

Taft Styling Powder

Had to include this despite the fact that I haven’t been using it recently. This stuff gives me that tousled, messy and voluminous look that I like but also leaves a hardcore residue which is a bitch to get out. My scalp seems a little worse for wear atm so I’ve been giving it a miss these days.

Bloom/Boost lipbalms

Remember when I proclaimed Nivea Essential Care was my HG lip balm? Things have changed. This stuff rocks. A little more exxy than Nivea but meh.

Additional mentions…

Healthy stuff

I only recently got my shit together with regards to getting healthy but far out, am I enjoying it. Feel so much better. Both mentally and physically. Probably my main 2011 fave. ;)

Blogging community

I started blogging back in March (I think?) of 2011 and boy, has it been a fun ride. I have met some incredible people, been to some fun events and have learnt so very much. Good for the heart and soul.

Twitter

Twitter is the bomb.

Online shopping

I did more more online shopping in 2011 than my entire 26 years put together. I blame blogging. And bloggers. And stuff.

What blew you away in 2011?