I would just like to apologise to all of my readers, I am currently still without internet and I am using to much data on my phone as it is.

I hope to be up and running very soon.

xo

|Sephora Haul|

Sephora is a magical land of beauty, the only issue is that it's in America and I am in little old New Zealand.

America has all the awesome beauty stores, at awesome prices.

Sephora doesn't ship to New Zealand and they also don't ship to forwarding companies, but every once and a while you can sneak an order through.

I was lucky enough that my first order was excepted.

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I had so much fun looking around the website, so many pretty goodies!

I was spoilt for choice, I had to refrain myself, boy was it difficult.

So I just chose a few thing I have been wanting to try for awhile. 

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Benefit Gimme Brow 

This is a brush-on, fiber gel. It is designed to stick to hair and skin, so is great if you have barely any eyebrows. It is very natural looking and I grab for this more than my elf eyebrow kit.
This was $22 USD


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Benefit They're Real Pushup Liner

 

There has been a lot of excitement about this liner.

Some people hate it, some love it. I personally love it!

It is so easy to use and I am a complete eyeliner noob, so this is exactly what my heart has been desiring.

This is a free sample size that I received for Sephora.

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Benefit They're Real Remover

This is a cream cleanser designed to take of the They're Real Liner and Mascara.

 It really works, it just wipes away any stubborn makeup. I'm sure there is something cheaper that has the same effect, but this is currently the only thing I own that works so well.

I only need a tiny amount of product to remove all of my makeup, so this will last me forever.

$18 USD

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NARS Orgasm Blush

 

Every girl loves a good orgasm!

After I was too slow to confirm my place for the Beauty Review trial of the Orgasm blush I became determined to have this in my life. 

It a a peachy/pink blush with gold flecks through it.

I was really surprised when it turned up as I expected the packaging to be a lot bigger than what it is, this blush is exactly the same size as the ELF ones, stack them together with NARS on the top and you can't even tell that the other blushes are ELF. Although they are similar in packaging, the quality of the product is defiantly a lot different.

This was $30 USD

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Goodie Box | Birthday Box

I was really iffy about getting this box, I cancelled a couple a months ago because the box was awful, it consisted of tampons, a few things I had received from them before, and some cheap looking lipgloss. 

This month was their birthday box, so I gave in and resubscribed to see if they had improved.

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Goodie Box is $29 + $4.50 shipping.

I have heard a lot of negative stuff  about this box, but I'm happy with it.

There is a total of four full sized products and two samples.

The total value of this months box is $86.98, excluding the two samples because samples are usually free.

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Schwarzkopf Professional | Bonacure Repair Rescue Instant Repair Shot

"Where would we be without a birthday shot? Use this only on the bottom half of towel-dried hair, rinse out after 2 minutes. This bottle should give you two luxurious treatments. Shine away you diamond."

I am always looking for great new hair treatments, so this should be good to try.

I'm not to sure how easy this will be to apply as it is a screw top lid, and the product is very runny. I have never been coordinated enough to manage these kinds of products without spilling it all down the drain.

The RRP on this is $8.00 for 10ml, this is a full sized product.

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Linden Leaves | Eye Rescue Serum

"Get bright eyes. Super soothing, cooling, and nourishing is this serum that's packed full of antioxidants. They hydrating roller ball will instantly lift your spirits and put the sparkle back in your eyes! PRONTO. Made with love in Christchurch but sold across the globe is this award winning natural skincare range."

I have never had the opportunity to try out Linden Leaves, so I am super excited for this.

This product comes in a squeezy tube, with a roller ball.

I find the ball doesn't pick up the product to well, so I found I need to squeeze it a little bit and the roll it around my eyes.

It feels nice and refreshing and smells beautiful.

This contains organic white tea, for it's anti-oxidant properties, rose, to tone and nourish, and grapeseed oil, to balance and hydrate the delicate contour area.

This retails for $49.99 for 15ml. This is a full sized product.

We were given a discount code for $10 off your next purchase from Linden Leaves, GOODIEBOX10. Feel free to use it.

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Carmex | Moisturising Lip Balm

" This cult classic from the 1930's is here to stay. Formulated to protect and give you the yummiest soft lips. With over 130 sold every minute, it's no wonder that celebrities and makeup artists all over the world pop Carmex on before they go to bed."

 

I love lip products, and lipbalm is a must have!

I have never tried Carmex before, so it is great to have the chance to try something new.

The RRP is $6.99. This is a full sized product.

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Manhattan | Endless Stay Duo Eye Shadow

"This stylish duo from Manhattan is perfect for those who love their intense colours! Long lasting and highly pigmented, this oil based eye shadow is creamy, rich, and a must have for your makeup bag."

 

This is so beautiful and creamy!

I love the gold, I'm not to sure on the blue, it's a wonderful colour but I can't really pull off the whole "blue eyes and blue eyeshadow" I may try it as an eyeliner and see if I can make it work.

The colours are so pigmented and so easy to apply.

The RRP is $22.00, this is a full sized product.

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Benefit | They're Real Push-Up Gel Liner

"Lash-hugging? YES. Easy as ever to apply? TICK. Gives you sexier looking eyes? ABSOLUTELY. The first of its kind, matte black gel formula won't smudge or budge until you remove it with an oil-based remover."

This is the product every one was kicking a stink up about, some thought it was going to be full sized, some think the sample is too small, some were upset because the sample didn't have the twist up bottom.
I'm happy with it, it has the two most important things, the product, and the AccuFlex tip. There is enough there for you to work out if you want to purchase the full sized.
This was a sample, full sized retails for $45.00


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Dr Hauschka | Hydrating Foot Cream

"Take time to look after what carries you through the day. sooth, soften, and protect feet with the nurturing benefits of St. John's Wort. 5 minutes is all it takes."

   

I'm sure I'm not the first person to admit that my feet get barely any attention, maybe some polish on my toes for the summer.
I think I will use this as a chance to get a foot rub from my partner.
I got two, 2.5ml sample sachets.
This retails at $43.00 for 75ml


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I am impressed with this Goodie Box, I love the new packaging, it is so much classier than the original packing. I'm not sure if it is just for the Birthday box, but I would love to see them keep it.

Too Faced ♥ Chocolate Bar Pallette - Swatches.

I have heard so much about the Too Faced - Chocolate Bar Palette.

I was super excited when I heard that it smelt like chocolate, I didn't care about anything else I just wanted it because of the smell.

I ordered from BeautyBay. The palette cost me $59.60 AUD. I went with the free shipping, which I will never do again, it took 7 weeks to arrive!

It was so worth the wait though!

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It smells divine, I now understand why everyone wants to eat it!

The smell isn't all it has going for it, the colours are amazing, no photo can do this palette justice.
These eyeshadows are made with 100% natural cocoa powder!

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I was blown away when I started swatching this, each colour felt like an angel kiss on my skin. They are super creamy and soft. 

The colours you really need to see for yourself.

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I wish my photos showed how truly amazing these eyeshadows are.

I seriously think that every makeup addict should own this palette.

There are six matte shadows and ten shimmer shadows.

It works out at about $4 per eyeshadow. When you look at the price that way, it's a mega bargain!

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Have I even told you about the packaging?!

I love Too Faced packaging, and this is no exception.

You get a metal tin, that looks like a chocolate bar!

I love the fact that it is metal, I feel like my eyeshadows are safe in the event of the dreaded drop.

It has a magnetic closure and is super easy to open and close.

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If you don't already own this, buy it! I really doubt that you will regret it!

If you own this, let me know what you think of it. Do you love it as much as I do?

July Violet Box ♡

Another month, another Violet Box.

I love receiving my Violet Box every month. This month I had completely forgotten about it, so it was a nice surprise to find it in my mailbox this morning.

I apologise for the photos, I am struggling with lighting.

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I love the new packaging.
It is a white patterned slip with a black box on the inside. It's fresh and exciting.
Shall we get to the contents?


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Appelles Shampoo and Conditioner
"Blackseed Shampoo: Effective, lightweight and suitable for daily use, the rich Blackseed Shampoo cleans and nourishes."

There was also a conditioner but there is no information about this on the card.

I'm not a fan of the smell, it reminds me of a childhood medicine, I can't think of which one but clearly not one I liked.

Each bottle contains 60ml of product.
The price for the shampoo is $18.95 for 150ml or $44.95 for 500ml

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Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil
  "It's the perfect all-in-one make-up tool for highlighting, concealing, and brightening the brow and eye area. This neutral pencil will brighten and visibly lift your eyes when lightly applied on the brow bone, dark circles, blemishes, and red spots. So many uses in just one perfect pencil."

This is a creamy white pencil. It will be great for highlighting the brow bone or putting in your waterline.
I really can't see myself using it as a concealer , it goes on smoothly but when you try and blend it out, it's so thick and really hard to move. Once blended it is barely noticeable.

This is 1.4g and is $22.00

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Skin & Co Truffle Therapy Serum
  "This beauty base serum plumps the skin with hydration and fights off damaging free radicals. Apply under your moisturiser to increase skin hydration and reduce fine lines and wrinkles."

Did someone say reduces fine lines and wrinkles?! I'm giving this one a go as soon as possible!
I hope this does what it says it will. Especially with the price tag of $75.00 for 30ml. I received a 5ml sample.

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Sukin Skin Purifying Facial Mask
"Formulated with a clay base of kaolin and bentonite and infused with a blend of aloevera, rosehip, and jojoba oils it effectively draws out the dirt and grime from deep within our pores while nourishing the skin."

I love face masks, I have more than I need already, but I love getting different samples to try out.
I received two 8ml sample sachets, the perfect amount to cover my face.
This is $15.00 for a 100ml tub, this will be on my must buy list.

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LAQA&Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil
"From a day of errands to a friend of a friends house party to an impromptu selfie, this is easy-to-use lip pencil provides high gloss and sheer colour, no sharpener required" 

This is a really creamy lip pencil, it has a nice pigmented colour and isn't too glossy.
It has a very subtle stain once the gloss wears off.
I love that is is a wind up pencil, I hate needing a pencil sharpener.
This is $20.00

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So Susan Flutter Mascara
"Formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible. The bristles help to separate lashes while enabling you to achieve voluminous, multi-dimensional lashes in just one coat."

I love the gold tube it is in. I am really looking forward to trying this. I am always searching for the perfect mascara.
This is $32.00

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Here's a sneak peek into next months Violet Box.

I am so excited about this, I love nail polish!


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♥ Benefit Cosmetics Haul ♥

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I recently bought a sample size of Benefits Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow - Liquid foundation.

My first impression on it wasn't overly great, but as I wore it through the day I started loving it more and more.

I was told by one of my beautiful friends that the Benefit website had the option of creating your own "makeup kit" for $79 USD. You get to choose four products out of a preselected range. There are four categories; complexion, cheeks, eyes, and a free gift. This all turns up in a cute pink polka dot makeup bag.

I was super excited because they ship straight to New Zealand, so I didn't have to use a forwarding service.
 Benefit Cosmetics offer free international shipping on orders over $125 USD.
If you don't spend $125 USD shipping is about $18.95 USD, but I'm not sure if that is a flat rate.


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|Completion|

 Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow - Liquid Foundation

 
This is an oil free foundation, so great for us girls with oily skin!
It is a light coverage foundation but build-able to a medium finish.
This has a broad-spectrum SPF 25 sun protection in it.

|Cheeks|

Watt's Up!

This is a champagne coloured highlighter.
It is easy to apply, it is a cream stick that dries to a powder finish.
It gives a nice natural glow.

|Eyes|

Fake-up

This is a hydrating, crease-control concealer.
It has concealer in the centre with a hydrating "serum" wrapped around the outside of it.
It slides on smoothy but doesn't give a huge amount of coverage. The hydrating part is really nice though.

|Free Gift|

Ultra Shines

This is non sticky (yes, non sticky!) lipgloss.

I have this in the shade Foxy Lady.

It gives a nice shine, with a hint of pink.

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|Extras|

 

POREfessional

This is such a nice primer.

It goes on easy, and only a small amount is needed.

A must have for the perfect base before foundation.

Boi-ing

This is an "industrial strength" concealer.

I heard many mixed reviews about this, some love it, some hate it.
I love it! It covers my imperfections so well, and it doesn't crease.
I can take a little bit of working but it is worth it.


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| xoBeauty Lashes |

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xoBeauty was founded by Shannon Harris from Shaaanxo. They started off selling makeup brushes and have now ventured into the world of false lashes.

The lashes range from $5.50 to $6.99. They also have specials quite often.

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They arrived beautifully hand packaged, I love when companies give you a more personalised experience.

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I only purchased two sets of lashes because most of the ones I wanted were out of stock.

I love the polka-dot packaging, it is simple and very pretty.

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"The Romantic"

These are a natural looking lash. They will give you length and a beautiful flirty eye.

I think these are the must have lash for all lash wearing gals.

$6.99 NZD

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"The Soulmate"

These are standout lashes, they are super long, and thick.
There is a mixture of brown and black lashes which make your eye colour pop!

These make my eyes look so big, I love them so much.
$6.99 NZD


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All of the xoBeauty lashes have a clear band so you can wear these without eyeliner.

Shipping was super fast, these arrived to me the next day.


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