Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and Modernist Eyeshadow Palette Review

Posted on Sunday, 8 March 2015

I am a total bargain hunter at heart, something I'd never admit to my 'deal-hunting' mother. More recently, however, I have been buying a few more luxury beauty items, and it feels so good! 

Luxury cosmetics brand Hourglass, is a brand I have heard many International beauty bloggers rave about, and I can see why. Firstly, the packaging is gorgeous and the products, ranging from eyeshadows, to blush and highlighters, look like works of art. Using these luxurious products really makes you feel like a million bucks. 
The first Hourglass product that made its way into my possession is the Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light. I originally wanted to purchase the palette with three powders, but after swatching the shades, and not being a lover of anything shimmery on my face, I knew I would only use Dim Light. I did not upload any swatches of the product because it is really hard to capture the light, but I love using this powder to set my foundation as it gives my face a glowing and luminous effect without looking shimmery. The colour is described on the Hourglass website as; "A neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones". This powder retails for AU$59.00, which is really pricey for a setting powder/ highlighter. In my honest opinion this product is not really worth that price tag, but if you have some extra cash and would like to treat yourself then it is something that's really nice to have. It does not make a drastic difference to a make-up look but rather subtly compliments your skin. 

The second product I picked up on a total whim when I headed to Mecca Maxima for a refund. I had 10 minutes before I started work and just grabbed the shades that appealed to me, of-course that would be neutrals. This is the newly released Hourglass Modernist Palette in Infinity, featuring five warm, neutral shadows. This is absolutely the most beautiful make up product I own, it retails at a whopping AU$76 (that's $15 an eyeshadow!!!). So is it worth it - I have read so many reviews online saying the eyeshadow doesn't blend well and has a lot of fall out, however that is not the experience I have had with this palette. I have worn this eyeshadow almost every day since making the purchase. My favourite look is to apply shadow #2 all over the lid, with shadow #4 and #5 in the crease (depending on how intense I want the look). I apply the beautiful shimmery shade #3 (which is my favourite out of them all) in the outer half/three quarters of my lid and use shadow #1 to highlight my inner corner and brow bone. I really cannot recommend this product enough!

So far I absolutely love Hourglass and their luxe products. I am very tempted to pick up a second Modernist Palette this pay day. And I'd like to eventually try their highly coveted Veil Mineral Primer. What are your thoughts on these products - worth the moola? 

Shopping No Longer Needs To Be Your Cardio

Posted on Sunday, 1 March 2015

6 Reasons Shopping Online is Awesome! 
1. CONVENIENCE - You can shop anywhere, any time, looking however you want! There are no rude/judge-y shop assistants to make you feel uncomfortable... No waiting in line or dealing with crowded stores (if you are an introvert like me, this point will really appeal to you). Finally, shopping online allows you to try on the items in the comfort of your own home. We all know how off-putting the unflattering lighting and mirrors in the change rooms can be.

2. TIME - No pushy sale assistants equal no one leading you to make rash decisions. I love shopping online because you can take your time making your purchase, sometimes I spend minutes on a site adding things to my cart and then just closing the browser. The only downside is when you return to the online store to find out the item you decided to get is sold out! 

3. RESEARCH - I don't think I've ever bought something online without doing some form of 'research'. This can be anything from searching for reviews to just looking up images, sometimes that might even be hash-tagging #riverislandboots on Instagram to see how they look on actual people.  

4. DISCOUNT - There are always discount coupons to be found somewhere on the internet.  I highly recommend any University students reading this post, to sign up to Unidays for a variety of online  discounts. 

5. SECURITY - Paypal is seriously the best thing to happen to online shopping addicts. I have had a handful of instances where something went wrong with my order and Paypal has always refunded my money, or sorted out the situation. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use Paypal for online purchases. 

6. DELIVERY - Getting mail is fun! It's always exciting could become addictive waiting for a parcel to come!

Favourite Online Shops for Fashion 
Asos Australia - Asos is a great place to shop online because they have such a big variety of options. The downfall is that the sizing on Asos is hit and miss, and you have to pay for returns. I highly recommend always sizing down in the Asos own brand of clothing. If you often shop at Asos you can become a premium member (for a small price) which allows you free express delivery and free returns. Asos also stock some great European beauty brands, such as Bourjous, at great prices (which are often included in sales!).

The Iconic - The biggest bonus to shopping at The Iconic, is the free, super-fast shipping and FREE returns! They stock a range of well-known brands, from the really affordable to the more pricey. For ridiculously  affordable clothing I definitely recommend the label, Zalora. There is often a coupon available for the website here: http://www.theiconic.com.au/coupons/ .

Urban Outfitters - This american website sells some really great clothing, home-wares and beauty products, and often at a great price as there season's discounts align with the Australian start of season. They also offer free shipping to Australia for orders over $50 and $5 returns. P.S You can use your Unidays discount!

Favourite Online Shops for Beauty 
Urban Outfitters - See above (I always get my Anastasia products here).

Beauty Bay / Feel Unique / Luxola / Make Up Geek - These stores all stock International brands, with free shipping if you spend over a certain amount. Make sure you sign up to the mailing list's to be notified of  frequent promotions and discounts.

What do you think of online shopping? Are you an addict, like me, or do you prefer, like Carrie Bradshaw, for shopping to be your cardio. If you know of any great online boutiques I'd love some recommendations!

What's On My Face ft. New Releases from Mecca Maxima

Posted on Friday, 27 February 2015

I have recently been getting into wearing more make up during the day, maybe because the really hot, humid Queensland weather is mostly over. I tried out three new products today, so I thought I'd share what I wore on my face! I went for a bronze look, with a nude lip (which I forgot to photograph). 
Primer - Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur (not pictured)
Foundation - Nars Luminous Weightless Foundation in Santa Fe (sample)*
Setting Powder - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light*
Eyeshadow - Hourglass Modernist Palette in Infinity*
Under-Eye Concealer - L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Natural
Under-Eye Setting Powder - Australis Contour&Highlight Kit in Shade 2 (yellow undertone)
Eyebrow Pencil - Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium
Eyebrow Mascara - Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown
Mascara - Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara 
Bronzer - Australis Contour&Highlight Kit in Shade 6 (bottom right pictured in palette) 
Lips - Essence lip liner in In The Nude
*New products 
To see the make up on my face head to my Instagram @oniochalasiablog

Do you have any of these products - what are you're thoughts? 

ASOS New Season Selection

Posted on Monday, 23 February 2015

ASOS New Season Selection
It is that dreaded time of year, summer holidays are officially over for University students across Australia (where did those two months go since Christmas?!). To make this week a little less painful, I wanted to share an awesome deal that ASOS and Unidays are having. Because, what better way to start a new semester than with a fresh wardrobe. Unidays are currently offering 20% discount on ALL full priced items from Asos Australia, for two days only. I have compiled some of my top picks currently featured on Asos.  Happy savvy shopping x

January Product Empties

Posted on Wednesday, 4 February 2015

I don't often post about beauty products I have used up, simply because with so many new things to try I rarely finish a product, unless I really love it and notice the difference it makes. This January I finished two such beauty products that are absolute staples!

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown
If I can only 'make-up' one part of my face for the day, it would be my eyebrows. Having tidy and prominent eyebrows really shape your face and just pulls a make up look together. I remember the days I used to struggle with a powder and angled brush, then came along the amazing brow wiz. This product is similar to a twist out crayon, just for your eyebrows. It is a great product that works due to  the super fine tip, that allows you to mimic the look of 'hair'. The brow wiz contains a spoolie on one end and the actual product on the other. I have already ordered another and will probably keep repurchasing this product as long as I love strong brows.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
I am fairly blessed in the skin department,  sensitivity is really my biggest problem.  But more recently as I get older, I have noticed more visible pigmentation and sun spots on my skin. I bought this serum on a whim when Clinique had a free gift promotion, but have seen great results. I really noticed an improvement in my skin texture while using this serum, as well as a visible reduction in the sun spots around my mouth and cheeks. I have decided not to repurchase this serum straight away, as I want to try a similar product from La Roche-Posay. 

Have you tried any of these products - I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Love From Lush

Posted on Thursday, 29 January 2015

The day this post goes up it will be my birthday (woohoo), I went out during the week with friends from work and was gifted this lovely gift pack - thanks Em! It is such a great gift idea for a friend who loves all things beauty, so I wanted to share it with you guys. I love Lush, however apart from face masks, I wouldn't usually spend money on those products for myself, so this gift is ideal. Plus it is so beautifully wrapped I put off opening it for a bit!

Honey Farm Gift Pack:
Honey I Washed The Kids Soap 100g
Honey I Washed The Kids Shower Gel 100g
Honey Bee Bath Bomb
Butterball Bath Bomb
Soft Coeur Massage Bar
Time to go make tea & run myself a bath -  I think tonight I will use the butterball bath bomb x

Priceline 40% Skincare Sale Haul

Posted on Wednesday, 28 January 2015

My motto was quantity over quality for this season's skincare sale - there was so much more I wanted but I am proud of myself for showing some restraint!
Skincare - All products & prices are available from Priceline Australia
Lipstick - L'oreal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Nude Lipsticks in Eva & J-Lo (bought from Target Australia)

PRICELINE SKINCARE SALE - PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Posted on Friday, 23 January 2015

SKINCARE PICKS

A little birdie informed me that Priceline's massive 40% off skincare sale is coming up on the 28th and 29th of January (Wednesday & Thursday). What better time for me to share my favourite 'drugstore' skincare picks, so that you can get it at 40% off!

The seven products listed in the top row are all current favourite products of mine (& products I will be stocking up on during the sale). First up are two serums; Hydraluron is amazing at hydrating dull and flaky skin and is a winter essential in my skincare routine (click here for more rambling on Hydraluron), the Joyous Protein-Rich Serum is my holy-grail skin product. I will keep repurchasing this product for years, it is a serious skin-saver and I notice a big difference in my skin when I am using this (read more about this serum). 

The Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion is no amazing product but it is a good daily moisturiser for sensitive skin, at a great price. If you are a frequent self-tanner, this Sanctuary Spa body scrub is a total life saver. It is great for a pre-tan scrub because it gets rid of all the dead skin cells without leaving a residue (which can affect the longevity of your tan). For cleansing purchases, I love both Bioderma Micellar water (to get rid of make up before a shower) and the Swisspers make-up removing wipes (for on-the-run make-up removal). Many brands have brought out their own versions of micellar water, but personally Bioderma is my the only product that really works for me (sorry to the Garnier lovers but that product just stung my eyes and did not remove any mascara!). My last personal recommendation is a bit of a random one - sunscreen. Living in Australia it is vital to take good care of your skin sun-wise and a facial sunscreen is actually needed on a daily basis. This one by La Roche-Posay is a rare facial sunscreen that does not make my face feel sticky or cause any sort of skin irritation - great for everyday wear. 

I thought I would also add two products that my mother recommends - she isn't really into beauty so when she wants to repurchase a product it says a lot. I have personally used the DR.LeWinn's peel and it is really great for when your skin is looking dull. The hand cream is a staple for my mother and she says it is the only hand cream from which she has seen visible results in creating firmer skin and the reduction of fine lines. 

The last three products are new things I am going to be picking up during this sale (along with my re-purchases). I have heard good things about both these masks, and I have always wanted to try the Nuxe lip balm - such a luxury item! 
P.S click the link next to the picture below to shop the item on Priceline*

Budget Friendly Bucket Bag - The Iconic

Posted on Wednesday, 21 January 2015

A few years back I stumbled upon my first bucket bag (shoulder bag with a round or oval base and drawstring closure) in a dfo shop for under a tenner. Since then the bag has been a staple in my life, but is sadly, literally falling apart.

I've recently been on the lookout for a replacement bag and I think I've finally found the one, or two! The bags photographed aboved are both from Zalora, which can be found at The Iconic. They come in a soft grey and black, and seem to be great quality for the price. The bags are spacious and great for everyday use.

The original retail price is $44.95, however I got both on a great sale price, plus I got an extra 20% off until Friday 23/01. If you want a great deal you better hurry!
Zalora Drawstring Shoulder Bag - Light Grey $13.50
Zalora Drawstring Shoulder Bag - Black $22.50

Collective Bargain Haul

Posted on Friday, 9 January 2015

I am currently in 'saving mode' for my birthday cruise at the end of the month, although me being me, there is often a sneaky beauty purchase being made. It was justified by everything being on sale. These products were collected throughout December and most of the sales have ended. I finally have enough collective products to show in a small haul.

Burt's Bees 'Bee Pampered' Pack
I purchased this cute tin from Target at 50% off! It contains three full sized products; Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, Beeswax Lip Balm, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I've never tried any Burt's Bees products but this set was a bargain so I wanted to give the brand a try.
RRP AU$29.95

Essence 'Soo Glow' Cream to Powder Highlighter
I have never been a big fan of highlighters but I thought it would be a good product to take on the cruise. I got the colour 10 'Look on the bright side', which is much more of a champagne than pink tone and I think will look gorgeous with a island tan! The formula of this product is a cream to powder, which means it is creamy but with a powder finish on the skin. 
RRP AU$5.75

Essence Silky Touch Blush
I mostly reach for my Stila Convertible Lip & Cheek colours as far as blush goes, but I have been wanting to branch out. What better way that with 5 buck products! I picked up this powder blush in two colours, 80 'Autumn Peach' & 60 'Life's a Cherry' - a shimmery peach and bright pink. They are nothing fancy but give decent pigmentation for the price.
RRP AU$5.10

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in 'East End Snob'
This product has been seriously raved about as a dupe for the famous Charlotte Tillbury Lipcheat in Pillowtalk. I haven't yet given it a fair try but at first impression I am not that convinced. The colour is a bit too dark for a 'natural lip' and I much prefer the texture of the Essence lip liners, which by the way are AMAZE-BALLS and only like $2.
RRP AU$12.50

Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kiss Proof Lip Colour
I am unsure of where I stand with this product. I adore the lip colour when on the lips because it DOES NOT budge. But it is such a pain to take off, and leaves my lips in a terrible state.. it also smells like paint.
RRP AU$17.95

Chi Chi Viva La Diva Cream Lipstick
These are my first Chi Chi lipsticks, which I picked up for 30% off at Target. I love how creamy and easy to wear these lipsticks are. I chose a peachy colour called 'Hollywood Housewife' & a mauvey pink called 'Bombshell'. They are really great lipsticks for the price, with gorgeous packaging. 
RRP AU$18.95

Essence 'Get Big Lashes' Waterproof Mascara
I cleared out all my mascara's after I kept getting irritated eyes, so I thought why not try something new. This mascara gives serious volume and stays on well. 
RRP AU$5.10

Loreal Brow Artist Plumper
My everyday brow routine includes a brow crayon (Anastasia Brow Wiz) and a brow gel/mascara to set it in place. I bounce between this and the Maybelline Brow Drama. I prefer this product because of the brush and coverage that it gives. 
RRP AU$18.95

Philosophy Purity Cleanser
I have a full size of this cleanser which has quickly became a holy grail in my skincare. It is great for sensitive skin but still gives a really good clean. I picked up a travel size for my holiday.
RRP 90ml AU$15.00