MARCH MONTHLY FAVOURITES

I don't talk about my favourites on a monthly basis, only because I don't really have new things to show every month. Despite this, the month of March has been a great month filled with new things that I wanted to share with you.

First things first - this month I have been getting back into blogging on a regular basis, I'm trying to stick to a schedule of posting twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday). Over the Christmas holiday I was quite unmotivated, but right now I am in a really good place with the blog and I can't wait for the opportunities to come this year. Stemming on from this is another favourite of mine, Obsession 2015, a beauty blogger event I attended in Brisbane. The event itself was great but meeting so many other beauty bloggers based in Queensland was even better (and the goodie-bags were amazing - check it out on Instagram). I also wanted to mention the fabulous Samantha from Milly + Co who designed Oniochalasia's business cards; she perfectly understood the minimalistic-chic look I was after.

On the make up menu for March, it was all about indulging in high-end make up. I purchased (and loved) my first ever Hourglass products. The Hourglass Modernist palette in infinity is a neutral palette with mauve undertone - the texture of this eyeshadow is so smooth and easy to blend. I enjoy using this palette so much that I went and purchased a second one today. Working hand-in-hand with this eyeshadow, is the Zoeva 226 Smudger brush, because it allows you to place the perfect amount of shadow on the lid. The Mecca Maxima girl I spoke to informed me that the trick to working with Hourglass products, is to take the 'less is more' approach. Hourglass products are highly pigmented so you really only need to use a tiny bit.  I've also been loving the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim light. I have been using this product as a setting powder along with the NARS Luminous Glow Foundation and it has provided such a flaweless finish.

To set all these products in place, I have been using the Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray, which I purchased off Beautybay before I realised UD was coming to Mecca Maxima. I wasn't the biggest fan at first, because it made my foundation feel 'thick', but I have noticed that it really helps my makeup last longer throughout the heat. I've recently raved about the Benefit Roller Lash so I won't say too much, you can read my full review here. In a nutshell I think this would be the perfect mascara if only it was available in a waterproof formula. 

Making an appearance in my daily skincare routine is the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm, which smells good enough to eat (like honey and citrus). It provides the perfect base for lip products as it is hydrating, with a matte finish. But more on that to come later this month! 

Easter is not even here yet, and already I have consumed far too many of these Malteaster bunnies. If you haven't tried these, stay away because they are far too addictive - your diet will thank you!

Now that you know what my favourites are, I would love to know yours! Leave me a comment below or a link to your monthly favourites.

*some products in this post was gifted as PR samples - all comments made are 100% my honest opinion and have been reviewed out of my own decision

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

I sometimes get complimented on how 'long' my lashes are, which is great, but I struggle with mascara because of this, in addition to how straight my lashes are. Straight lashes don't hold a curl very well, and any type of lengthening mascara just leaves me with mascara marks all over my eyelids. I have given up on curling wands, because I found they put a dent in my lashes rather than a nice curl, plus have you seen those horrifying images of the girls that get their lashes pulled out! 

The is where the Benefit Roller Lash mascara comes into play. I was lucky enough to be one of the first Aussies to get my hands on this, gifted at a recent blogger event. The official Australian release date is April 11. I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this mascara, as I've used Benefit mascaras before and don't get me wrong I liked them, but they weren't worth the incredible hype or price tag. I'm more of a drugstore mascara gal. However, I must say I am pleasantly surprised!

Claims:

If there is one thing Benefit likes doing, it is creating hype around new releases. Here's what they have to say about the Roller Lash mascara. This is the mascara that hooks, lifts and curls. It is targeted to girls with short lashes, straight lashes and small eyes, because the brush fits all eye shapes and sizes, catches every lash and curls the lashes. The Roller Lash mascara claims to provide lift and curl that lasts for 12 hours. The rubber wand is inspired by hair rollers, as it is meant to grab even the finest, tiniest lash and provide that curl. The mascara is not waterproof and comes in an ink black shade. 

My Verdict:

The packaging is gorgeous, as with any other Benefit product. One thing I really like is the length and the rubbery texture of the 'handle' (the pink bit), this ensures the mascara applies easily and comfortably. On first impression, the wand reminded me of both the Max Factor Masterpiece Transform mascara and the L'oreal Telescopic mascara. On closer inspection the Roller Lash is definitely much more curved than the straight wand on the Telescopic Mascara (making it much easier to apply), with smaller 'hooks' than the Masterpiece Transform wand (which means it really grabs every lash to coat it). I applied the mascara as instructed, with a 'hook and roll' motion. I got the wand close to the lash root, and rolled upwards. This method works really great, and I could see a visible difference in the lift of my lashes. Call me crazy, but this mascara real does curl your lashes. However, I cannot yet vouch for the amount of hold it gives in regards to the curl, 12 hours seems a bit of a stretch. 

So what did I dislike - I did find the mascara to clump a little bit, which is something I am not a fan of,  the mascara is also definitely not smudge-proof. Overall, this is a great mascara for girls with naturally long lashes looking for something to add a curl and lift and give that wide-eye effect. I applied one coat and it gave a really nice natural effect, Roller Lash is great for a day-to-day mascara.

Are you going to be picking up one of these to try when they are released? See you Wednesday for the next post!