Browsing Category

Beauty

Beauty

Honest Skincare Review and Special Offer for Readers!

September 8, 2015

 

IMG_20150908_121909 IMG_20150908_121950

Keeping your skin as cleansed and hydrated as possible…

Honest Skincare is a 100% edible, natural and mostly vegan range made right here in New Zealand! (The only product that doesn’t come under the Vegan Umbrella is the Lip Balm which contains Beeswax) A super food for your skin  with no chemicals and no added fragrances. Honest packages all their delightful products in glass to prevent any leaching of nasty BPA’s and to be quite frank, that just makes the packaging that much more adorable! I had just discovered Honest Skin Care a month or so ago, and I have been busy trialing the Serum and the Body butter (It’s a tough life but someone’s got to do it…)

SERUM ($24)

I have been using the serum just before bed on my face because I want all those essential oils to really soak up into my skin overnight. This serum makes my skin feel really refreshed in the morning, and I even thought the appearance was a lot more even and supple. For those that know me, know that I have issues with scarring so waking up and feeling good about my skin is always a really nice surprise. The fact that their are no added fragrances is even better, you know that you are using a truly natural product when the smell is non- existent. I will definitely be adding this serum to my routine.

BODY BUTTER ($28)

The body butter is very light and fluffy. I actually really like the texture and it makes my skin feel so hydrated. The perfect winter skin remedy :) It’s not overally oily like a lot of natural products either, there is definitely some coconut oil in there because you know, coconut oil  does

SPECIAL OFFER

I do have a really special offer for anyone that does want to try out Honest Skincare. If you purchase the body butter or the serum you will also be sent a free lip balm in either Vanilla Chai or Almond Espresso. To redeem, all you need to do is head over to the Honest Skincare website www.honestskincare.co.nz and put one Body Butter or one Serum in your cart along with one Lip Balm. Enter the code BONBALM at the checkout to receive the $12 lip balm value discount off the total purchase price! Easy Peasy and 2 amazing products for less than $30! Offer ends 30/09/2015

I hope you guys check this amazing product out, it’s actually such a great gift idea too, who doesn’t want a all natural skincare range topped off with the sweetest packaging out?

A x

IMG_20150908_121837IMG_20150908_121747

 

Beauty

How I achieve longer looking lashes

September 4, 2015

falsiesIn the last month or so- I have been getting quite a few comments on my lashes (with falsies on and without) My lashes aren’t very long naturally, so this has been a great little confidence booster for me. I have always loved long lashes and tried my best to achieve them. So after receiving tons of comments on them I thought I should do a quick post on my morning routine and how I try to make my lashes stand out.

I haven’t used Revitalash or anything like that yet, because my eyes can be a little sensitive and I’m a little worried they will react to the product? The results I have seen from it on other people are incredible however, so I am quite tempted.

white eyeliner

White Liner

My little life saver. I am so in love with white eyeliner! It makes your eyes appear bigger and I feel like it just wakens up your whole face. White liner is such a game changer. I use it everyday. Light, bright eyes will really highlight your thick black lashes. Apply the white eyeliner on your bottom waterline and in the inner corner to really brighten up your entire eye before applying your mascara etc.

Excuse the towel on my head, I was just having a waay better eyelash day

Excuse the towel on my head, I was just having a waay better eyelash day

Apply your mascara from multiple angles

I probably spend a little bit longer now than I ever have before just applying my mascara. I try to apply it to every eyelash. After I have done my first “basic” application, I’ll change up the angle of the brush to make sure I can apply to the smaller lashes without making a mess. I usually make a mess anyway, but it’s easy to fix up. Just wait for the mascara to dry, then grab a cotton bud and dab it off, super easy! I also apply to the top the with my eye half open so that I can apply to the back and the front (if that makes sense) It just makes your lashes look way longer, if you can apply mascara to the very root of your lash.

84a2935ab8ab5ab5df081dd09a6b1135

Wear two mascara’s

I don’t do this every morning, but if I have a mascara and it’s just not doing what I want it too, I’ll definitely apply two. Sometimes one is good for length and the other volume, so they just help each other out. You have to do this quickly. You don’t want to apply extra mascara if the mascara you have got on has already dried, just to avoid too much clumpiness. Also, I’m super fussy with my mascara’s I hate mascara that applies black and nothing else. Ugh… give me length baby. My favourite mascara at the moment is 100% the Avon super extend Infinitize Mascara. I actually ran out of it recently, so instead of throwing it out- I kept the bottle and I just dip the brush into my new mascara which I’m not that fond of and it works just as well! I can’t remember where I learnt this tip from but it’s amazing! The truth is, all mascara is the same it’s the brushes that make all the difference.

antoinette bonbon false eyelashes blonde

Falsies baby

My favourite False Lashes are by Ardell. They are made from human hair (cringe?) but they feel so light and look pretty natural too. If I’m going for a more dramatic look, I’ll actually just buy some cheap lashes from the $2 shop- They are all made from the same thing and then I’ll just use my normal glue (the cheap lash glue does not work! I have learnt this by unfortunate experiences) Invest in some Ardell Lash glue, its super affordable and lasts forever! I have had mine for a year now.

eyelash post

Add a wing

If in doubt, add a wing! I think a small wing can totally make your lashes stand out more and just add a little more drama of your lashes. Make sure you apply  your white eyeliner as well, I swear by it! Again, I don’t do a wing every day just when I feel like it. I used to do EVERY day, but I can’t really be bothered anymore so now when I do it, it’s just a nice change.

 

Hope this helps! I’m no way near a make up artist this is just some basic tips that I use every day :) If you have any tips for me, or think that Revitalash is the way to go, leave me a comment below xx

Beauty Features

Bossy Haul

August 21, 2015

IMG_0643

 

Hey guys and welcome to my very first Haul post! I feel like this is so long overdue and I’m really excited about posting it! It is long so please feel free to only read the bits your interested in :)

Today I’m talking about the amazing New Zealand made, natural and vegan products, by the name of Bossy. Everything about Bossy is insanely cute. The packaging, the idea, the website, and of course the products themselves. I also just wanted to mention that the service given by Stephanie (who owns Bossy Cosmetics) is so rare and wonderful and I wished that it was more common but unfortunately that is not the case. So please, take the time to look at her wonderful site (linked below) and hopefully you will find a thing or two to try yourself, I promise you will not regret it!

Everything that is sent out to you is hand packaged, comes with a personal note and a little bag of colourful jelly beans.

I discovered Bossy Cosmetics on Instagram not too long a go. I think it was  who posted a photo of her lip scrub and then it went from there- Alyssa also has an amazing beauty blog by the way you should definitely check it out!

Anyway, lets get on with the haul!!

IMG_0646

Bounce Deep Conditioning Hair Mask ($8.99- $16.99 on special!)

I’ve never done a mask like this one before. Usually I buy the masks where you use them like a conditioner, comb through, leave for 5mins and then rinse out. This was a slightly different process in the sense that you apply to dry hair. I quite liked that though, the fact that the water doesn’t dilute down the mask is great. I left in for an hour or so because I got distracted doing other things. I don’t think it makes a difference if you decide to leave it for longer. When you apply the mask its extremely oily and quite easy to comb through. The mask contains the much loved Argan oil, so not only is it extremely repairing it makes my hair feel really soft too (which is quite hard to achieve when your a bleached blonde) I honestly think this mask is just as good if not better than the salon quality masks that I’m used too. I have been using masks from the salon for years and I feel like Bounce makes my hair feel just as soft, shiny and healthy as the others.

Would I buy again? Yes, it’s such great value and works just as well as a Kerastase mask.

IMG_0662

Boudoir Under Eye Butter Melt ($18.99 on special now!)

I have been using this morning and night under my eyes and between my brow. I have started noticing this fine line above my brow and I’m in no way shape or form ready for that, so this was at the top of the “things I want to trial list” It works against puffy eyes, fine lines and wrinkles. The packaging is very similar to that of a lip balm. You just twist the bottom and apply directly to the area and I usually dab into my skin gently. The star ingredient of this Under Eye Melt is the Carrot seed essential oil, which contains a large amount of antioxidants. The Carrot seed oil is extremely repairing and has been proven to rejuvenate skin cells, it’s also known to help improve eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. I have only been using the treatment for jus over a week but I am absolutely sold. I love it and I have definitely noticed a difference. My fine line is a distant memory… for now…

Would I buy again? Yes!!

IMG_0617

Bubble Bath Scoops ($16.95)

Oh hell YES! Hehe I had so much fun with these babies. How cute is this? It looks good enough to eat and I have to say- these are probably some of the biggest bubbles I have ever had in a bath. My bath was literally exploding with bubbles, the lights in my bathroom are really yellow so I didn’t manage to get a pic of them in action :( Their are two scents to choose from – Tangerine or Sweet Dream Lavender. I trialled the sweet dream lavender and the pack came with 3 bubble bath scoops. I haven’t had a bubble bath in a while so  really liked getting to play with these! My skin felt really soft afterwards and it had a really light lavender scent left on it which I really liked. I was super relaxed after my bath and because the bubbles made the bath more “fun” I laid in there longer then I normally would, making me that little bit more relaxed and my skin that little bit more soft.

Would I buy again? You bet! Next time, I’ll try Tangerine just to change things up

Using both the Lip Scrub and Butter Whip

Using both the Lip Scrub and Butter Whip

Plumping Lip Scrub in Cinnamon Bun ($8.99 on special now!)

I was so excited to try this. Ever since I finished watching Orange is the New black I have been completely obsessed with Ruby Roses’ lips. I’m not game enough to get lip injections and when I have joked about it with friends, they just tell me I’m being ridiculous, so I have to find some effective natural remedies! When I opened the container I’m immediately impressed by the prettiness of the scrub, a pale pink, crystal like texture and I’m automatically obsessed. So I read the instructions and apply the scrub to my lips. Wooo… Feel the burn. Yep, this scrub is TINGLY but only for a minute or so, the peppermint and cinnamon oil cause your lips to plump up in a matter of minutes. When I rinsed the scrub off I was super impressed by the results, my lips are noticeably fuller and plump. I’m not sure what the longevity is like because I obviously don’t stare at my lips the whole day but the immediate results are amazing.

Would I buy again? Yes, this is a total game changer.

Oh la la Lip Balm Butter Whip ($6.99 on special now!)

I go through so much lip balm. Like a ridiculous amount. In fact, this tub is almost finished! Needless to say I have enjoyed using it. It’s light and creamy and lasts quite well. Like the rest of the range, it’s a very natural product, containing coconut oil, cocoa butter, manuka honey and vitamin E, which also means the texture changes up slightly, not on your lips of course- just when it’s in the container. Depending on the weather, if it’s a cold day it goes quite hard and in the warmer weather its a lot creamier, which makes it a lot easier to apply. I don’t mind this because I’m used to using coconut oils on my skin and it is the exact same thing. It makes it a little harder to apply when it hardens but it’s a small price to pay when your using a natural product.

Would I buy again? Yes I would. The pro’s outweigh the one con and the container is very easy to carry around in your bag.

IMG_0585

Sugar Scrub Scoop ($4.99)

The smell was divine and I love that it looks like a cute scoop of sorbet, but I usually prefer my scrubs to be a little more “scrubby” than this one. It was quite gentle and left my skin feeling amazingly soft but in future I’ll stick to my full on body washes or scrubs. I just prefer something that make’s you feel like you’ve had a really good scrub.

Would I buy again? Probably not. But only because I prefer a rougher textured scrub, if you prefer something a little gentler, this is a beautiful product and the caramel scent is lovely.

IMG_0653

Glowy Strobe Effect ($11.99 on special now!)

This is actually my first ever highlighter (I know, very late to jump on the bandwagon!) What can I say? I’m obsessed- this highlighter has been so much fun to play around with. I find that introducing new products into my make up bag gives me a little more inspiration to try new looks too which is always fun. I’m not sure what other highlighters are actually like, so it’s hard for me to review, but what I can say is this is a very shimmery light powder which I dust over the top of my cheek bones and lightly over the centre of my forehead. I feel like it highlights my features really well and lasts all day too. I have already made the mistake of going a little overboard with the highlighter causing me to look very cakey, so make sure you only use a little and then you can work your way up! When done right this highlighter is so amazing, and that price is ridiculous!! I look forward to many more glowy days.

Would I buy again? Abso-friggin-lutely!

PicMonkey Collagemask

 

The Ooh La La French Clay Mask ($12.50 on special now!)

Ooh La La in deed. I used the French Clay Mask for Oily, Combination and Acne Skin. I really liked that the mask itself came in the powder form which you then mixed with equal parts of water to make a paste like texture. You can make up to ten treatments from one pack which I thought was also really good value. The mask came with the cute wooden spoon to mix everything up and I also used it to help apply the mask ( I mostly just used my fingers though) The day that I used this mask, I had woken up with a slight reaction from my bleach which I had done the day prior. Small red bump around my hairline (eeep) I was a little hesitant to putting any products on my skin as I didn’t want to cause more of a reaction but decided that because Bossy is so natural and repairing, it could just be the best thing for it. My skin felt super tight while the mask was on and I left it to dry on my face for about 20minutes. After I rinsed the mask off my skin felt clean and refreshed, and yes the irritations had definitely settled down! (Life saver)

Would I buy again? Yes! This mask is the perfect little skin pick me up!

 

That’s all for today guys, I have a few more products I still need to review, so keep your eyes out for a Part two coming soon. Let me know if you enjoyed this post by leaving me a comment below, and of course if you have any questions about Bossy or any other products, let me know!

You can check out Bossy for yourself, 

Beauty How to:

How to style a grown out pixie

August 16, 2015

bonbon girls, styling, short blonde hair, bob,Finally tired of that cute pixie cut you’ve been rocking? Or maybe you finally decided to take the plunge and chop it all off only to realise your face shape does not suit your new do at all? Whatever the reason- Growing out a pixie is a long drawn out process and it tends to be a less than fun experience. Be prepared for the awkward bowlcut stage, the “too short to be a bob stage” and then the awkward flicks when you finally make it to shoulder length (by the time you make it to that stage you really won’t mind the flicks I’m sure)

This year I decided to grow out my pixie cut. I’m not even sure why- I think i just felt like a change. I actually love pixies but I have made it to far to turn back now and i’m quite enjoying the change. I thought I would show you guys some of the styles I have rocking as of late. They are all really simple and easy ways to change up your look during the awkward stages. I have just made it into the “not quite a bob stage” I’m almost there, and a bob is my end goal so I’m really not too far off my goal!

pastel pink, bob, blonde bob, bonbon girls

1. Freshly blow waved.

When your hair is freshly cut and styled you always feel better about it, so not only is a great confidence booster but it’s also going to help your hair grow out more evenly. I just had my hair shaped and thinned out so I’m feeling pretty good about the style now. When you do finally decide to cut some shape into your hair make sure you go to a hairstylist you trust or have been recommended (there are so many out there that have no idea what they are doing!) When you have a good hairdresser, tell them exactly what your end goal is. Usually they will avoid taking length off (unless it’s really needed) and make sure to give it a good thin out and style. Make sure you and your hairdresser are on the same page before you start the cut! The last thing you need, is to be upset because they took way to much off! For my style, I just asked for a good thin out and to shape the back a little more (it was getting a little mullet like!) The front pieces still have a little more growing to do, so keeping the back trimmed and styled is really important to make it feel like a proper haircut rather than just a unflattering grow out phase.

2. Braids

Braids are so cute and so feminine. Almost everyone loves a little braid, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it! I’m not very good at braiding myself but simple little French braid like this is so easy to achieve and I was really happy with the result.

 

3. Slicked back

Whether you like it slicked back in a headband or just with a little gel, this is a ultra modern look and is actually a great way to hide the shorter bits around your hairline. I find at this length- the shorter bits around my face are always getting in the way so why wouldn’t I want to pull them away from my face? I’m really into pulling it back into a cute headband it makes my hair feel more “bob” like.

 

topknot

4. Top knot

I’m obsessed with creating top knots lately, I just think they are a cute way to add some difference to my hair style. Super easy to create also. Just like a normal top knot but leaving out the bottom sections. My hair is obviously bleached so I like to straighten my hair out with my GHD’s firstly to get it ultra sleek, and then knot the top. Cute and youthful hair with a difference. Don’t worry about getting it perfect- If your hair is short it will never be a perfect topknot so embrace the messiness.

 

So now you hopefully have a few more ideas on how to style your grown out pixie, I hope you guys like the styles I have been wearing lately! Leave me a comment below if you enjoyed this post or if you have any tips for me I would love to hear about them! Also, thanks so much to the girls at Marilyn’s for looking after me with my new cut and colour, check them out if your in Auckland ladies, they will be sure to look after your do!

Beauty

A little pampering with MOR

August 5, 2015

heartmor (1 of 1)

I absolutely adore MOR products, so when I was invited to try their new range, Correspondence, I was beyond excited. I have been a long time fan of their Marshmallow Hand cream, which lead to trying out their body wash and has now turned into somewhat of an addiction.  I love the packaging and the new fragrances’ of their new range, Correspondence also. Quite different to their current range that I am used too, a little less girly in comparison and more neutral especially with the packaging. MOR does not test any of their products on animals and is made in Australia, which is also a massive bonus in my books. I know I’m not alone when I say I don’t understand why some companies feel it’s still necessary to test on animals. So after reading that MOR is locally made and animal cruelty free, I was quite happy to add to my collection.

 

heartmor5 (1 of 1)

The Correspondence Cyclamen Tuberose Body Cream

What I like about this body cream is the texture. I like that it is really creamy and moisturizing, yet not so heavy it leaves your skin feeling greasy. It soaks up into your pores perfectly leaving your skin creamy and smooth. It contains Rooiboos Extract which means it contains anti-oxidants and  anti-aging benefits. I know I’m still young but this is something that is really important to me. Ever since I turned 20, I have been after products that contain anti-oxidants and I try to give my skin the best nourishment I can. The packaging is pretty, simple and would look good in any bathroom. My only problem with the cream is the fragrance… I’m sorry I really want to like it, and don’t get me wrong it’s not a unpleasant fragrance, but I feel like it’s a little too mature for me, this is obviously just my personal preference, maybe in a couple of years time this will be the perfect fragrance for me. For now, I will definitely finish the tub, and as a whole I really like this cream.

 

heartmor2 (1 of 1)

The Triple Milled Soap Bar – Cyclamen Tuberose

The key ingredients in this soap are Shea Butter and Vitamin E meaning the soap bar is designed to keep your skin smooth and supple. I’ll be honest- I had to look up what Triple Milled meant, I found out that it means the soap is refined three or more times, making it a lot more creamier to use than your normal soap bar you find in store. The fragrance of this soap is the same as the body cream, but because I’m only using this soap bar on my hands I really don’t mind it too much. It’s not normally what I would go for in store, but it’s a refreshing change. Quite floral but not so overpowering.

 

heartmor1 (1 of 1)

The Correspondance Fragrant Candle- Cyclamen Tuberose

This candle is just so pretty! I love it… In fact I  think I’ll end up keeping the jar for something because it’s just adorable. I’m not sure what yet… but I’ll figure that out. The fragrance is Cycalmen Tuberose again, but like the soap, this candle’s scent is a lot less concentrated then the cream. I have it burning next to my bath and it’s gorgeous. Really soft floral tones and leaves a nice warm feeling. The perfect bath time essential.

 

heartmor3 (1 of 1)

The Correspondence Hand and Body Wash- Pepperberry Cardamom

This is my probably my favorite from the range so far. Enriched with Chamomile, Pomegranate and Rooiboos Extract, again with the anti-oxidants! I adore the smell. It packs a punch in comparison to the other scents from the range and that’s what I like. This body wash is really nourishing so your skin doesn’t feel dry after using and it leaves your skin delicately scented. If I had to pick one product to recommend from the range I would probably choose this body wash. I really love finding new body wash’s, it’s always such a great feeling when your hoping out of the shower smelling like your favorite fragrance, instant confidence booster and extremely motivating for the morning!

 

Let me know if you plan on trialing any of the products for yourself I would love to hear your thoughts on the new range too, I know you can find them Redcurrent stores and also online here :)

 

 

 

Beauty

Empties

July 27, 2015

skincare-empties-lush-bonbon-girls (1 of 1)

I had quite a lot of fun reviewing my last products post, so I thought I would do another one, but this time I have actually finished the whole tub/ bottle.. Now I have used each cleanser/oil for  a good few months as opposed to a week or two. This allows me to give you guys a more thorough review and gives me a better idea of how well the product lasts too. So, this is the Skincare Version of “Empties” It’s actually mainly cleansers! I haven’t done many moisturizers actually, maybe I’ll work on that one soon….? I suppose I have written quite a lot, so don’t feel like you have to read the whole lot! Just the ones you are interested in! Enjoy! P.s  I have only just realised I use a LOT  of Oils….

1. Lush Angels On Bare Skin

Last time I reviewed Angels on Bare Skin I had only been using it for a week or so. Now that I have finished the tub I thought I should do a updated review. Would I buy it again? Yes! But…. I would only use this alternating with another cleanser. A more “nourishing” cleanser that is. Angels on bare skin is great, but it’s extremely scrubby, therefore a little drying. Even though I have oily skin, it dries out quite easily, the graininess was getting a little irritating too because initially I was using it everyday. When I started alternating with another cleanser, it was so much nicer to use! After finishing a tub of this cleanser, my skin does feel a little clearer and it definitely felt super cleansed straight after using it too, but I would only use it every second or third day.

2. Lush Ultrabland

Ultrabland is my “night cleanser” because it’s great for getting off make up and leaving my skin nourished for overnight. I prefer using something a little more cleansing in the morning, so I avoided Ultrabland in the AM. I also just really love using balms and oils for taking off my make up at the end of the day. If you have oily skin like me, and you have trouble with keeping oils at bay, then oil cleansers are actually great for reducing the excess oils. I know it does sound strange, but as someone who has oily skin I can honestly vouch for this. I have been using oils as cleansers on my skin for about two years now, and I promise you it works. Ultrabland is one of my most favourite cleansers ever. Such a lovely balm to cleanse with, so so nourishing and not overally perfumed (I can’t stand cleansers that are highly perfumed) The reason I cleanse is to wash my face from all the make up and dirt that it gathers up throughout the day, so why would I want to put more perfumes and chemicals on my face? No, when it comes to cleansing, the more natural the better. That’s why I love Ultrabland. After a light rinse with warm water, I’ll saturate a face cloth with hot water and steam my face with it to get rid of any excess (I usually do this twice just to make sure it’s all off) Voila, go to sleep with creamy, nourished and cleansed skin, no need for moisturizer.

 

skincare-empties-mac-bonbon-girls (1 of 1)

3. M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil

I do like this oil but if I’m being honest I would much rather use a coconut oil for removing my make up. M.A.C cleanse off oil does what it says it will, it takes off your make up, and it takes if off well, but why would you buy this when you can buy a coconut oil for less then half the price? Also coconut oils will take your make up off just as easy, if not easier and it’s so much better for your skin too. This is just my opinion. Take it if you wish, or don’t, that’s totally cool too. P.s if you are wanting to try coconut oils for your face, let me know and I’ll link some great websites below!

 

skincare-empties-trilogy-bonbon-girls (1 of 1)

4.Trilogy Rosehip Oil

Clearly I wasn’t expecting to be taking photo’s of these bottles, but hey, at least you know I have legitimately used them! I use a rosehip oil at night time, that is if I haven’t used a oil based cleanser. It’s extremely repairing and is really high in antioxidants, as you can see from the bottle, kinda…if you look past all the scratches… As someone who has quite a few pigmented scars, I can honestly say, since using this, they are much less noticeable. The elasticity in my skin is much firmer when I use this also, so double points for rosehip oil! I recommend you all try this oil, I would say it’s pretty good on all skin types and you just put a few drops on at night time and let it do it’s thing while you sleep.

skincare-empties-skinfood-bonbon-girls (1 of 1)

5. SkinFood is so great! Why?  Well it’s made in New Zealand, it’s affordable and you can find it in your local supermarket. So if you have run out of cleanser, this baby will no doubt be really easy to find while your doing your food shopping. I like this cleanser, it’s great quality, smells good and the texture is nice too. Not overally creamy, just nice and light. My only issue with it, is  it doesn’t remove all my make up as well as I hoped it would. If you don’t wear a lot of make up I’m sure it’ll remove your make up easily. I wear quite a lot of eye make up so it can be struggle to remove. I’ll usually cleanse twice anyway at night time so if I’m using just this- without a make up remover, I’ll go for three cleanses! Not ideal, but whatever does the job hey!

So I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I thought doing empties was a great idea so you guys can see I legitimately have used all these products (and not just a couple of times) and I have given my honest feedback on all items! I’ll be doing a make up version in about a month or so if you guys did enjoy this one. So if you liked it, let me know in the comments below and I’ll get working on my make up empties post!!

Beauty

Viktor&Rolf just get me.

July 23, 2015
flowerbomb-bonbon-girls-perfume-favourites (1 of 1)

Excuse the scratches, bottle has had a hard life

When I was 19 years old, I was studying full time and I worked one day a week at the supermarket. I was earning around $100 a week (and living away from home) In other words. I was dirt broke. During my lunch breaks, I would often walk up to the top of Queen St just to walk into Smith and Caughey’s and check out their display of the Viktor & Rolf perfume I so desperately wanted. Flowerbomb, the dreamy floral scent, that I could no way near afford….and yes of course I sprayed the tester all over myself, despite the snobby sales girls rolling their eyes.

That Christmas, I was gifted the perfume by my momma. Oh she is a good woman…. Six years on and I am still wearing Flowerbomb, I guess old habits die hard.

These days she does have a little competition, the perfume that is, not my momma…… after I discovered Viktor & Rolf were bringing out a new perfume called Bonbon, I had to have it. Yes, just because of the name! When I received it as a gift last year I was way too excited to wear it! Although, I did initially think I wouldn’t like it as much as my beloved favourite… I obviously had tried it on in the store, but when your wearing a perfume daily, your opinions change of the scent. Now I think Bonbon might just be better than Flowerbomb? Loads of girls would kill me for saying that I’m sure! Bonbon is a very sweet caramel explosion delivered in a candy pink bow. I wear it almost daily until I find the next thing to come along that is.

So are you team Bonbon or Flowerbomb? Or are you not into either? They have one thing in common and that is that they are very sweet. You may have figured by now, I have a massive love for overly sweet smells.

Well, in my opinion, Viktor & Rolf can definitely do one thing right, and that’s make dreamy scents that make girls go gaga everywhere.

Follow me on

bonbon girls, flowerbomb, favourite, perfumes

Bonbon girls, pretty box, packaging, viktor and ralph

Beauty LIFE

Products I’m loving this month.

June 24, 2015

 

bonbon-girls-product-review-lush

It has been a long time since I have done a product review post, or just talked about product’s that I think are really beneficial in general. I thought I would take some time out to talk about the products I have been absolutely loving this month! Looking after our skin and hair is so important and it’s actually really fun too when you find products that work really well. Plus, I’m a sucker for pretty packaging and I love giving any product that catches my eye more attention then necessary! (I’m sure most girl’s are in the same boat, right?)

I also have a bit of a novel below on caring for your hair, so if your interested in learning a little more about looking after your hair, or if you are struggling with breakage etc, give it a read over and please feel free to ask me any questions too!

lush-vegan-organic-natural-skincare

Yummy! Lush goodness <3

I thought I would try out the Space Girl Bath Bomb this month. why? Well, look at it! It’s freakin’ gorgeous and it smell’s divine. I was instantly drawn to the pretty colour and glitter so I just had to pick one up. I don’t actually have a bath which is a bit sad, but luckily I got to use this up at my mum’s place! A bath is such a rare occurrence for me, so it’s such a treat and must be done right when it does happen.

I’m also a huge fan of the Ultrabland cleanser, but I have heard such good things about Angels on Bare Skin and I really wanted to try it out. It’s not their best seller for nothing right? In the store, I wasn’t too convinced by the smell or texture of the product. It’s not horrible, it’s just not what I thought it would be. Fortunately, this cleanser works wonders and it’s super cleansing without being too drying. I have super oily skin and I found this works really well for me. I actually grew to really like the texture of it too, the graininess gives you a really nice “cleansed” feel.

Mor-marhmellow-body-wash-cream-bonbon-girls

MOR Marshmallow Body Wash and Body Milk.  There are some products that are just done SO RIGHT and this range is totally in that category. Everything from the gorgeous packaging, the smell, the texture… just yummy yummy yummy! I have loved the Marshmallow hand cream for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise that the Body wash and Milk are just as stunning. I mean, who doesn’t want to smell like a marshmallow! I am sure this stuff will be a long term addiction! You can pick it up at . Seriously, go get it. Like now! I promise you will fall in love, and then we can talk about how amazing it is 😛

vanilla-caramel-candle-taha

I think this is possibly the best smell EVER. It’s the Vanilla Caramel candle from Glasshouse. (You know the candle that’s burning at like, every Peter Alexander?) It’s quite strong so it’s not to everyone’s taste, but I’m 100% into this candle. It’s literally burning right now. I’m blissfully taking in deep whiffs of it every 5 minutes, and getting a little bit of joy each time. I had to take a photo of it’s pretty unused state, the day of purchase because I had to use it, like asap. The candle itself is quite massive, so although they are a little pricey they last a really long time, unless your constantly burning it like I tend to do…. (If your not sure if you like the smell and just want to try it out they also sell little mini ones) I picked this one up at  , but Peter Alexander obviously stocks them as well.

organic-colour-system-haircare-favourite

I have so many Organic Colour Systems products from my win back in March! I’m still working my way through them all, but enjoying every minute of it of course. I chose to feature these three because they are good basics to work with. The Aqua Boost Leave-In Conditioner is amazing for detangling, not that I have an issue with that (short hair bonus) but it definitely gives a nice softness to the hair without feeling weighed down. Also, if your hair is quite fine this is a lot lighter then using a normal conditioner, so you could just skip that step altogether when using this.

I also have the Thermal2Twenty, which is a thermal protector (so important!!) Never use any heat on your hair without a thermal protector guys. Straighteners and hairdryers can kill your hair, they cause serious damage and breakage to your hair if your not looking after it properly (trust me! I probably still have pictures somewhere of all my breakage…) So I now know a thing or two about really caring for your hair and making sure it’s in it’s best state. Anyway, this is a awesome thermal protector, it protects your hair, the smell is really minimal so it won’t overpower any perfume etc you may be wearing and super easy to apply. Just spray and comb through evenly before drying and straightening :)

Lastly, I have the Finale which is a firm hold hairspray, its smells so lovely! Like bubblegum, or candy or something yummy like that. It’s super nourishing, it contains natural proteins and conditioners, to keep nurturing your hair throughout the day. Even though it says it’s a firm hold hairspray, it’s definitely not like concrete. It’s really flexible so hair looks naturally beautiful and keeps the shape throughout the day!

I guess one of my biggest recommendations when it comes to hair is DON’T use supermarket shampoo’s or conditioners! They strip your hair’s natural oils and are filled with fake silicones to make you feel like your looking after your hair. Sorry, I don’t want to offend anyone, just hopefully educate anyone that may want it (I didn’t study hair for five years to keep all the information to myself right!?) That “silky” feeling that your Pantene conditioner gives you, is actually just the fake silicones, they disguise how terrible your hair actually feels after using their shampoo. You’re only creating more damage in the long run, so it’s really important to use good quality hair care if you want to maintain healthy locks.

Again, any questions, just let me know in the comments below, I will be more than happy to help out!  Or if you have any products you would like me to review, or you just want to talk about them, I would love to know! I’m always up for trying out new products and giving you guys my honest thoughts on them.

xx

Beauty

Summer Hair

December 21, 2014

For all of us living in the Southern Hemisphere, the days are starting to get warmer (finally)! Summer is here and we’re all pretty excited! Days spent at the beach, finished with a BBQ and surrounded by friend’s are how days all year round should be spent, unfortunately, due to our crazy weather that’s not the case! So when we do get these warm few months we try to soak up every bit we can.

I’m the first to admit that I love salt water hair! I actually love the dry wavy texture it gives to hair. But unfortunately mixed with the harsh sun, it can be really damaging on our locks. So I decided to put together a list of my top five picks for nourishing your hair and preventing unflattering colour fading over summer.

1: MIRACLE HAIR BY ELEVEN      $32

This is my fave hair treatment all year round, eleven different benefits for your hair at an affordable price too. It smells like Malibu (yummy!) and is really lightweight, so it basically works well in all hair types. I love that it has a heat protectant and protects against UV. Super nourishing. My go-to product! Use on damp towel dried hair before drying.

2.  HEAVEN SCENT PACK BY KEVIN MURPHY $88

Okay, firstly Kevin Murphy is Animal Cruelty free, made in Australia and is Sulfate and Paraben free. I love Kevin Murphy! (also the packaging is seriously cute!) One of the good things about Christmas is that they have some pretty cute packs going around for a better price than normal. This pack is truly beautiful! It includes the Angel wash, angel rinse and a limited edition angel candle (which smells so divine!) The “Angel” range is really light. it’s designed for fine damaged hair. The perfect treatment for ladies that don’t want anything too heavy duty and want to use a range that is more natural.

3. BLONDE IDOL MASK BY REDKEN $47.50

A nourishing rinse out treatment for damaged/porous hair. This treatment isn’t too heavy and is specifically designed for blondes that require extra nourishment. It has a super light toner in it but nothing too strong (I took a photo so you can see how light the tone of it is). Leave this treatment in for 10+ minutes on clean towel dried hair. I recommend applying a treatment to your hair 1-2 times a week.

4. DUAL STYLERS SLEEK & SWING BY L’OREAL

If you have unruly hair and are worried about the frizziness over summer, this new dual styler works wonders! Made up of a elastin cream and Intra-Cylane gel to control frizz and provide smoothness and shine to the hair. It helps to tame volume and lasts for 72 hours!. Apply to damp hair and blow dry in.

5. BAIN CRISTAL BY KERASTASE  $40

Beautiful hair starts with a good cleanse. This shampoo provides nourishment and fluidity without weighing your hair down. This shampoo is actually designed for hair that is more natural and  long, so if you don’t have a lot of colour in your hair or if it’s quite long, then this is perfect for you! I still like to use it on my own hair sometimes and I find it works beautifully on short coloured hair too. Their are two versions of the shampoo, one for fine hair and one for thick. I’m addicted to the smell of this shampoo! It’s gorgeous and makes your hair feel really lightweight

I really hope this post helped and if you have any questions about the products, or want to ask me about any others, be sure to leave a comment below!

A x

Beauty LIFE

Put on some lipstick and live a little.

December 12, 2014

 

Ladies, I think we can all agree that you are instantly uplifted when wearing a hot new lipstick.

What a massive confidence boost a lipstick can have on us. We are so lucky to be able to play around with different shades and textures of lippies, gloss and lip liners. In these shots, I am wearing 6 different shades of a hot new product by Makeup me, which is a liquid lipstick.

I love the idea of these because you can easily apply them like a gloss and then they set as a lipstick. They have quite a glossy finish and are all super pigmented. I would have to say my favourite would be the nude, but the pinks and reds were so much fun to play around with also.

Do you have favourite shade?

Check out