September 2013 Favourites

One of my favourite parts of ending each month is reflecting on the great products that I’ve used and loved for the past 30 days or so (or in some cases longer!). With my spending ban in place for the entirety of September, I found some old favourites to use again which I had forgotten how good they were! So here we go!

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Brite Organix Semi Fabulous Pink - RRP $14.99

I think it’s pretty obvious that the biggest change for me this month has been my hair colour. I am absolutely loving having bright pink hair! I feel like my confidence has increased and I love the concerned looks I get from older ladies. Obviously I don’t have much to compare pink hair dyes too, as this is the only one I’ve used. But it’s cheap, available in Woolworths supermarket and does a fabbity fab job of making my hair fuschia :)

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Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2IN1 Cleanser Mask -RRP $13.99 150mL

This has been in my shower for a while now and I really like using it for the mask aspect. I pop in on when I am waiting for my hair treatment to soak in and shave my legs. It’s a nice little routine and it’s been helping to zap those pesky monsters on my face.

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Origins Super Spot Remover - RRP $US15.00 10mL

I have been using the Origins Super Spot Remover for a while and it seems to really help out with my cystic acne. I make sure I don’t use too much product, or too often, otherwise it can lead to flaking skin! Not cool! However, when used properly, it reduced my cystic acne and really zapped them good.

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L’Oreal Nude Magique Smoothing Primer - RRP $29.95 15mL

I have been using this primer all month after receiving a sample in the August Bellabox. This really creates a smooth canvas for makeup and it really helps my makeup stick longer than my usual primer. Combined with my Urban Decay Deslick Makeup Setting Spray, I am finding my makeup is lasting longer despite the hot, humid weather (31 degrees in September? Really Queensland, really?!)

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Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in Shade 53 RRP $32.00 30mL

This is my most used foundation of September. I found that I wanted a lighter foundation to use while the weather warms up and Bourjois really stepped up to the plate! It gives me great coverage during the day but doesn’t feel cakey and overdone. I also think a dewier finish looks nice in the warmer months :)

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MAC Palette Total Cost $US160.00 - 15 shades and single palette

I am understandly in love with my new MAC palette. I spent a lot of time choosing shades, so a lot of effort and time went into this palette! I am really happy with every shade I chose, but the ones I have been getting the most wear out of have been (from left to right)

- Ricepaper (Inner Corner and Brow Bone)

- Goldmine (Inner Crease)

- Wood Winked (Outer Lid and Crease)

- Charcoal Brown (Brow Powder)

That is my failsafe eye look. I’ve also really been enjoying Satin Taupe, Sushi Flower and Sable.

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MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade - RRP $47.00

I’ve fallen hard for this guy! I love a good highlighter and this one adds just the right amount sheen to my face without making me look too much like a disco ball! (Granted in my video I look quite…highlighted. But that’s because my light was being a naughty child).

I feel like this is pretty overpriced for Australian Dollars, but if you shop online you can get it for a decent price!

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iOS7 on iPhone - FREE!

My iPhone 4S is not the newest phone…BUT it feels like a new phone after the latest software update from Apple! I am in love with the clean lines and general chic look of iOS7. Let me know in the comments below if you would be interested in an iPhone Tag - where I show you apps I use and love!

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BONUS FAVE! Galaxy iPhone Case (4S) - RRP $0.99!!

I also am in love with my iPhone cover. I found it on eBay for $0.99 with free postage. Can you get any more perfect? I am still loving the galaxy trend even though it is probably so passé. #sorrynotsorry.

What are your favourites for the month? I can’t believe it’s October already, crazy! I feel like I have had time to fully enjoy the first third of Spring yet D: !

Stay Minty!

Kate Xx

MAC Russian Red vs MAC Lady Danger

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When I first decided to embark on my MAC journey, I knew that I wanted to try two very special lipsticks that are talked about so often. MAC Russian Red and MAC Lady Danger. These two lipsticks are matte and red, though very different shades.

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MAC Lady Danger

This lipstick is described as “a vivid coral-red with a matte finish”. To me, it definitely has orange undertones, but I would describe it as a tomato red. It’s definitely more red than coral, and I would not compare it to many coral lipsticks!

The matte finish is not overly drying, which is great! I will say it’s not particularly hydrating either, but the lipstick applies smoothly and easily. To ensure no dryness is accentuated, I would recommend a lip scrub (like LUSH Bubblegum lip scrub) and a nourishing lip balm (like Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia) to counteract any flakiness.

It’s an amazing opaque lipstick that doesn’t require a great deal of application to get full coverage. Also, because of the smooth, creamy formula, it doesn’t tug on the lips at all. Like most MAC lipsticks that I have come across, there is no flavour, but a slight vanilla scent is present.

I’ve worn this lipstick a couple of times and only had to touch up a little after eating! I would definitely class this as a long wear lipstick.

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MAC Russian Red

This lipstick was actually gifted to me from my sister Megan (and fellow MAC advocate) after she received Russian Red in a lip palette, and I was happy to give it up.  It is described as an “intense blueish red with a matte finish”. I would have to agree, although I do think that it’s not really an INTENSE blueish red.

The matte finish is slightly more drying than Lady Danger, and feels a little dry on the lips during the day. However, it doesn’t bother me so much. As with Lady Danger, I would recommend that lips need to be in tip top shape before applying this lipstick. It does not hide any sins!

It applies fairly opaque but I think it requires more of a heavy hand than Lady Danger does. I believe this is probably due to the formula not being as creamy.

I’ve worn this lipstick quite often and it’s my go-to retro red shade. It definitely reminds me of a pin up girl red, and it is a staple in my collection.

The Winner?

Well, there is no clear winner. Both are amazing red lipsticks as stated above. For wear-ability, I would definitely choose MAC Russian Red. It doesn’t take a lot of thought to wear the colour and goes with pretty much everything. Lady Danger, however, is a little more difficult to pull off.

Have you tried either of these lipsticks? Which is your preferred?