Tag Archives: blush

Christmas in July Beauty Swap

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Last month, the lovely Samantha Smith had a bright idea to do a Christmas in July Beauty Swap. I got paired up with Lauren from Sandcastles and Paper Crowns and we got started emailing and tweeting back and forth. I highly recommend checking out Lauren's blog, it's so much fun and she is really lovely (and a lover of pink and cake and sparkly things like me!).

Putting together a package of things that I thought Lauren would love was lots of fun! My favourite brands and products change pretty frequently but I got her some things that I'm really loving right now and Lauren sent me some of her favourite things. I wanted to share with you the amazing package that I got for Christmas in July this week.

Isn't it a great looking selection? I love the colours and products that Lauren chose to send me! Here's a little bit about them:

Bloom B Collection Nail Polish – This summery trio includes three extra bright shades called Dubai, St Tropez and Hollywood. I've mentioned my love of Bloom nail polishes before and am excited to try these out soon. I'lll report back!

Essence I <3 Extreme Volume Mascara – The brush on this looks good and thick so no doubt it will be a winner.

Ultra3 Lipstick in Harem Pink and Peaches – I haven't tried the Ultra3 lipsticks before but the matte brightness of the Harem Pink and the shimmery orange of Peaches are too much fun!

Bourjois Paris blush in Rose Frisson – I love this little blush with it's own rounded mini brush for on-the-go application. This colour goes perfectly with my complexion and although you can't really tell on my goosebumpy arm (it's exceptionally cold in my house today), it is a really pigmented blush.

NP Set Baked Powder Peach Set – This is not an item that I would ever think to purchase for myself, but upon swatching the colours, I can see it being a great use for contouring (seeing as Megan from Becca Cosmetics taught me how to do this recently). I can't wait to try it out.

Thanks, Lauren for a thoughtful and diverse package in the beauty swap! Who else got involved? If you did and you want to share what you got in your package, link up below.

 

 

 

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How to fix a broken powder compact

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This week I became a beauty handyman, and I saved myself a massive $55.  I have to say "Thank you social media, thank you Internet and thank you Katherine!!"
 
As you know from Mother/Daughter Monday last week, I have a brand new Napoleon Camera Finish. I have also just enjoyed a girl's week-end away and whilst I returned from my week-end of fun totally intact (well – except for a re-turning of an already damaged ankle) my Camera Finish didn't fare so well.
 
After a week of use, I dropped it and, although the beautiful case and mirror was undamaged, the pressed powder was instantly smashed.  When I told Katherine the story of my broken Camera Finish, she remembered seeing women sharing their tips on how to repair broken compacts, blushers, and pressed eye shadows on Pinterest with pure alcohol  (I think it was alcohol that caused the problem in the first place!!).
 
So – this is how my Camera Finish had started it's life with me.
 
And, because I'm new to blogging, I want you to use your imagination because when I emailed Katherine and told her that I had attempted to fix it, her response was – 'great, I hope you took before and after photos'.  But I hadn't taken a before photo and it was too late – I had fixed it!  And I wondered if I should drop it again, so I could show you the right effect. But I didn't and then we decided that everyone has dropped a compact on their bathroom tiles at some point and will know EXACTLY what it feels like to hold your breath as you open that lid and hope (against all better judgement) that it will magically be fine but, alas, it is always cracked and in a powdery mess – something like this:
 
 
Now, should you find yourself in this situation again, I can tell you exactly how to fit it! Read on.
I bought some Isocol Rubbing Alcohol for $9.95, and read a few different suggestions before decidingwhich approach to try (they all vary slightly).  I settled on dripping the Isocol directly onto the top of the product in its compact, rather than, as some posts described, pouring all the powder out, breaking it up, adding the alcohol, and setting it back in.  My steps were:
1.  Clear bench and place compact on tissues.
2.  Gradually drip alcohol onto product and keep smoothing in with the back of a tiny spoon.
3.  Try to smooth to the state it had originally been in.
4.  Leave to dry for about 2 hours.
5.  Pat down firmly with a tissue.
6.  Leave overnight.
 
Voila!!!  $$$ saved on having to replace it, and $$$ to spend on something else.  Here's how it looks – it's not perfect, but it's useable, and how great does a used compact look anyway?
 
 
Bet they don't do 'How to' classes on this at Bunnings on a Saturday morning!!

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