Kit Cosmetics x Gorman Nail Strips in Ship of Fools NOTD

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Aw, two of my favourite Australian brands – Kit Cosmetics and Gorman – have given birth to a love child. And what a beautiful love child it is. Kit Comestics and Gorman have collaborated on a set of nail polishes and nail polish strips (plus a pair of socks and a cosmetics bag) in colours and patterns from Gorman’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. I was lucky enough to get a packet of the Nail Strips in Ship of Fools ($9.95AUD) for my birthday this year from my brother’s lady love, who works at Gorman (yes, I am deeply jealous). These work in the same way as other nail strips I’ve used before – simply peel off the backing from the nail polish strip, smooth the strip onto the nail, file off the excess, and seal with a top coat. These are a little thicker (and thus a bit more temperamental) than other brands, but at least twice as gorgeous, so I’ll deal.

Image from Kit Cosmetics

Note: Kit Cosmetics do not test on animals.

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Baby It’s Cold Outside: Australis Nail Colour in ‘Sweetpea’ NOTD

March 22, 2013 by 10 Comments

0S7A0669I’m very excited about two things at the moment: one is that I now have enough time to start blogging again, and the other is that the weather is finally starting to cool down, so I can break out the jeans, jumpers, and these brill hand warmers. On my nails is a beauty-blogger favourite that I’m loving sick at the moment: Australis Nail Colour in ‘Sweatpea’ ($7.95 AUD). The pastel mint cream is a bit brighter than most pastel nail polishes, which stops it from ever looking streaky, and it’s pretty opaque, so you’ll only need two coats. Ah, the cozy life.

0S7A0673P.S. Speaking of the weather cooling down, I recently wrote a guest post for the Sukin blog, talking about why I love incorporating rosehip oil into my Autumn skincare routine. Check it out!

Note: Australis do not participate in animal testing [link].

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Vegetarian & Vegan Australia Day Barbeque Ideas

January 25, 2013 by 8 Comments

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt’s Australia Day this Saturday, one day of the year when it is literally considered unpatriotic not to grill something. Eight months into meat abstinence (LOL), it still feels a bit weird to be a vegetarian at a barbeque. It’s not that I’m ever confronted by people questioning my dietary choices (because I don’t hang out with jerks), but barbeques in Australia are meat-centric experiences and if not adequately prepared I’m struck by FOMO (that’s fear of missing out, Mum). Whether or not you celebrate Australia Day, here are some hand-picked vegetarian and vegan barbeque ideas:

Jamie Oliver Killer Mexican Barbecued Corn on the Cob
I love corn on the cob. Grill it and cover it with cheese, chilli, lime and I would marry it if I could.

101 Cookbooks Grilled Salt and Vinegar Potato Slices (vegan)
Yum! This is the souped-up version of the plain potato slices we threw on the barbie growing up.

The Pioneer Woman Grilled Zucchini with Yummy Lemon Salt (vegan)
I also love grilled zucchini. The addition of lemon salt makes it so fresh and zingy. Do want.

Post-Punk Kitchen Quarter Pounder Beet Burgers (vegan)
BAM. These are for real. I’m the type of vegetarian who perks up at the description of their ‘vaguely disturbing meat-like appearance.’ These contain heaps of plant-based protein as well.

Veggie Num Num Sundried Tomato and Pinenut Seitan Sausages (vegan)
Packet vegetarian sausages at a barbeque are a bit depressing, aren’t they? I am pining for one of these with tomato sauce wrapped in soft white bread.

Delicieux Crunchy Cucumber Salad
After I’d filled up with grilled veggies, burgers and sausages, I’d so appreciate this simple, cool, crisp salad.

Easy as Vegan Pie Lamingtons
I know, I know. I couldn’t resist.

PSA: The molten gorgeousness on my nails is Zoya Nail Lacquer in Jules, which I snaffled up for $5AUD from Jac’s blog sale this week.

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My First iHerb Haul + Discount Code

January 10, 2013 by 2 Comments

0S7A9044iHerb is a US-based online natural health superstore that stocks over 35,00 products across a range of categeories, such as beauty (yay!), food and grocery (yay!), and supplements (not really my style, but yay anyway!). The products are generally cheaper than you would find in Australia and shipping to Australia starts at $5.70AUD (for orders weighing in at less than 1.8kg).

I thought it’d be easy to keep my order under that weight, but an hour of frenzied clicking later, I had to do a soul-crushing cull. I’ll be back for you, all other 34,992 available items! I put in my order on December 30 2012 and it arrived on January 10 2013 — I think eleven days isn’t bad for standard shipping all the way from the US *IMAGINES OCEAN LINER MAJESTICALLY TRAVERSING THE OCEAN*.

My first iHerb order included vegan faux-chicken ramen and pad thai for sneaky late-afternoon work snacks; faux-chicken stock cubes for making faux-chicken noodle soup; the next step in my relentless pursuit of the perfect vegan marshmallow; sleep balm for an upcoming article on sleepy-time goodies; certified organic and sulfate-free hand wash; an experiment in water-based nail polish; and some hippy deodorant:

Dr. McDougall’s Vegan Chicken Ramen ($1.65AUD)

Dr. McDougall’s Pad Thai Noodle ($1.65AUD)

Edward & Sons Not-Chick’n Bouillon Cubes ($2.40AUD)

Dandies Air-Puffed Marshmallows in Classic Vanilla ($3.80AUD)

Badger Company Lavender and Bergamot Sleep Balm ($8.50AUD)

Organic Indulgence Foaming Hand Wash in Sweet Cherry & Almond ($5.80AUD)

Honeybee Gardens WaterColours Water-Based Nail Enamel in Hippy Chick ($7.10AUD)

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant ($11.65AUD)

First-time customers will receive $10USD off their order of $40USD or more, or $5USD off their order of less than $40USD, with the code VCR843.

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A Sparkling Ocean Nails of the Day

January 7, 2013 by 4 Comments

Face of Australia 'Ocean Villa' & Essence 'Blue Connection'

I thought I’d mark my first day back at work for 2013 with nails from somewhere I’d rather be. This is two coats of Face of Australia Colour Pro Nail Enamel in Ocean Villa* ($6.95AUD), a bright ocean blue that dries to a semi-mate finish, topped with one coat of Essence Colour and Go Nail Polish in Blue Addicted ($2.75AUD), a sheer navy with bright blue micro-glitter and light blue and sea green hexagonal glitter (also featured here).

I spent the last weekend of my holidays at a party at Johanis’ parents’ house in my hometown. I spent most of the weekend draped on this blow-up lounger, floating aimlessly in the pool, surrounded by bunting. A bunting explosion. More bunting than you could poke a stick at. Seriously, I’ve never seen so much bunting in my entire life.

Pool & bunting

bunting, design, veranda

Bunting in the forrest

Bunting and forrest

If you’re heading back to work today, what did you do with your last weekend of freedom? And how are you coping today?

* This product was provided for consideration in accordance with the Disclosure Policy. Neither Face of Australia or Essence participate in animal testing. 

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MAVALA Switzerland Mini Colour Nail Polish in 153 Lagoon NOTD

June 9, 2012 by 5 Comments

Mavala Mini Nail Polish in Lagoon

The iconic 5mL pots of colour are an affordable way to buy into key trends. All Mavala nail polish colours are free from parabens, formaldehydes, toluene, camphore, cellophane, animal ingredients and heavy metal.

Thank God Mavala replied to my enquiry tweet with a caps-locked affirmation of their cruelty-free status, because I’ve fallen in love with the Swiss brand’s baby nail polishes (thanks again to Clare’s blog). Mavala Lagoon ($8.99 AUD) is a light, not-quite-pastel aqua cream, and is apparently comparable to Chanel Le Vernis Nail Lacquer in Jade. It reminds me of a very expensive swimming pool. This is two easy-to-apply coats; three would ensure opacity. Wear time was good but not startlingly so.

Note: As mentioned, Mavala Switzerland does not conduct animal testing. You can find Mavala Switzerland nail polishes in selected chemists or by calling 02 9643 2444 to find your nearest stockist, but I bought mine from UK online retailer Beauty Bay for under $5 AUD each with free international shipping.

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Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in Rose Mat NOTD

May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in Rose Mat

Choose from amongst a multitude of shades, a nail polish that suits your outfit and mood. Apply an even coat over the Nail Hardening Base or Protecting Nail Double Base for optimal hold. Paraben free, toluen free, formol free and rosin free. 

This is Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in Rose Mat ($11.95 AUD/4mL). Yes, it is almost unbearably adorable. My face involuntarily scrunches up every time I look at it. Couleur Caramel is a certified organic French beauty brand, who aim to produce beauty products that respect animals, humans and the environment. I’ve blogged about and given away their Nail Hardening Base and Protecting Nail Double Base before. I know that their products are expensive, but I think they’re genuinely worth the cost.

Rose Mat is a semi-sheer, cool milky pink with a flash of blue shimmer:

Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in Rose Mat

I think the cool tone and the wee bit of extra coverage stop my nails from looking dirty, like they often do with sheer pink nail polishes (OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath, I’m looking at you.) Here, I’m wearing three thin coats of Rose Mat while casually clutching this prop pear in my yard:

Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in Rose Mat swatch

Rose Mat was generously provided as a gift by Echolife Australia, the natural health and beauty retailers. Unfortunately, although they have a range of Couleur Caramel products available, Rose Mat isn’t one of them. However, it seems to be available directly from the Australian Couleur Caramel website.

Note: Couleur Caramel do not conduct animal testing.

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Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Blue Addicted NOTD

April 20, 2012 by 9 Comments

Essence Color & Go Nail Polish in Blue Addicted

I didn’t buy Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Blue Addicted ($2.55 AUD) because it’s an uncannily close Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe dupe, I bought it because it reminded me of sunshine on the deep blue ocean on a perfect day… and because it cost $2.55. Blue Addicted is a semi-sheer navy jelly with large hexagonal and small flecks of green and blue glitter. It’s easy peasy to apply and build up to a surprising level of opacity, if you wanted. This is three coats. Blue Addicted‘s finish was a little flat, but ‘squishiness’ was restored with a glossy clear topcoat.

Note: Essence does not conduct animal testing.

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Birthday Wish List

April 14, 2012 by 9 Comments
Birthday Wish List

Look, I know I’m not going to wake up to a six-hundred pair of Burberry flats tomorrow morning, but a girl can (self-indulgently) dream, right? I shamelessly stole this idea from the gorgeous Michelle, whose birthday is a day after mine. Clockwise from top left:

1. Zatchels 11.5″ Chestnut Leather Satchel (Approximately $120 AUD)

This is the one item on this list I have some chance of getting for my birthday, primarily because I texted my boyfriend the link to the online store (with instructions) and gave him almost no other gift ideas.

2. Korres Lip Butters in Pomegranate and Quince ($18.95 AUD each)

You can’t buy Korres in Adelaide (except online, of course), and every time I’m near a counter interstate I just blank on them.

3. J.Crew Pearl Stud Earrings ($68.83 AUD)

I suppose that all pearl stud earrings are the same, but if someone was, hypothetically, buying me a very expensive cashmere cardigan from J.Crew, they may as well throw these in the cart. I just want to replace the ones that fell from my bag and I lost while running for a bus… That I missed.

4. Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Rose ($13.95 AUD)

I have no idea why I haven’t just bought this yet. It’s $13.95 AUD, for God’s sake. I can be so cheap.

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface (Approximately $25 AUD)

Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy, a bright coral, is one of my favourites, and I like the look of its sweet, pink sister.

6. J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan ($245 AUD)

At this point in my life (but who knows about the future), I refuse to spend two hundred and fifty dollars on a cardigan… But if someone else bought it for me, that’d be pretty neat. I love cardigans forever.

7. Zoya Nail Polishes in Jana and Megan ($19 AUD each)

Both gorgeous taupe-greys, one light and one darker.

8. Burberry Leather Moccasin Detail Flats ($625 AUD… LOL)

I know! But… I don’t know. They’re so pretty.

9. UNII Palette (Approximately $25 AUD)

I’d love to depot all my lonely, unloved eyeshadows into one of these so they could at least be unloved together.

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Couleur Caramel Nail Hardening Base & Protecting Nail Double Base Giveway Winner

February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Thank you to everyone who entered my Couleur Caramel Nail Hardening Base and Protecting Nail Double Base duo giveaway and to Sabine from Echolife for making it possible. From a total of 25 blog and Twitter entries, I used Random.org to draw a winner:

Congratulations to Jen from The Secret Life of Jen, whose favourite nail polish colour is:

Anything coral. I’m obsessed!!! Perfect summer colour, but still sexy!

I’ve emailed the winner, and if they do not respond within 48 hours, the winner will be re-drawn.

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