Colour Pop Haul

I am beyond excited to even write this post! (sorry about the horrible swatches). So since hearing about the brand Colourpop Cosmetics, countless times on YouTube, I have been lusting over all the wonderful shadows and pigments, filling my cart just to gaze at, but never following through with the purchase.

That was until it was announced that Kathleen Lights was releasing a quad and I got a glimpse of her colours. My god they're beautiful! So the day her quad released I thought I better bulk up my order (logic) and get quite a few of the shadows I've been eyeing up. Most of them are neutrals. Since I'm trying out the quality I thought I'd just get colours I know I'll use most. And to be honest can you ever have enough neutrals? Maybe... I got 15 single eyeshadows, and Kathleen Lights' quad. I'm more than happy with my purchase.

Kathleen X Colourpop Collab L-R: Glow, Cornelius, Kathleenlights, Blaze

The pigmentation is crazy! Everyone says it but honestly, with a single swipe you get amazing colour pay off. I do suggest packing the shadow on with your finger will give you the best results, but for the cost of $5 USD each, that's a pretty bloody good deal!

L-R: Fringe, I ♡ This, Lovely, Cop A Feel, Bubbly

L-R: Tea Party, Cheeky, Amaze, La La, Get Lucky

L-R: Hanky Panky, Sequin, On The Rocks, Cricket, 3

They do ship to Australia and New Zealand, US and Canada, and I believe the UK soon. Shipping can be a little pricey but nothing murderous and in defence of that, I received my order in just over a week so I was more than happy to pay for shipping. May I also add that the packaging they provide is brilliant! Inside the box the product is wrapped in foam strips to ensure safe and happy travels for your make-up. I was well impressed by the quality and consideration of their packing.

Colourpop this week have just announced their Highlighters have launched. This sounds extremely dangerous for my bank account as i'm also itching to try their Lippy Sticks and Blushes.

Have you tried Colourpop before? Let me know your favourites!

I created a coral/copper look with some of these shadows over on my youtube channel if you would like to see them in action!

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane xx

Sweet Mother of Beauty - YSL

Recently Ryan and I took a decent smidgen of time off from our jobs and jetted off to Melbourne for two weeks to stay with his Dad. Melbourne. Just that word itself screams  shopping to me, much to the disapproval of both my boyfriend and my bank account. I couldn't resist though, with the gorgeous duty free counters sucking me in to their "great deals". And of course the numerous shopping malls I found myself "trapped" in.

YSL lipsticks in particular have always been high on my wishlist. How can you deny that packaging? Well hand over my heart, I can truly say that these products are beautiful, as well as the packaging. The Rouge Volupte lipsticks are creamy beyond imaginable and super opaque. I was actually pleasantly but very much surprised at the pigmentation of these colours. I bought two as a result of this. 

No. 1 - Nude Beige

Has the stupidest name. It is not a beige whatsoever. However it is a gorgeous baby pink, much like Mac Creme Cup if I do say so myself. Although I have to say that the two shades are different in acknowledgement that Creme Cup is a cream sheen formula so it is not as opaque as the YSL. 

No. 3 - Ultimate Beige 

I would say is closer to accurate with the name choice. I would describe this colour as a deep, pinky, brown nude. So yea much more in the beige category! You'll also quickly learn that I am shit at describing colours! This is a great staple though especially if you are on the deep nude lip bandwagon, this is one to  add to your collection.

YSL Baby Doll Mascara

Two words; Holy Grail. This mascara if perfection. Lengthening, separating, blackest lashes, you name it. If you are looking for fluttery, doll-like lashes I would seriously consider giving this one a whirl. I can see myself purchasing many of these in years to come. 

YSL Black Opium Parfum - 50ml

If heaven had a smell I imagine it is something like this. This scent is what I would describe as sweet but not sickly. Fresh but not citrusy. Sophisticated but not musky. The combination of notes in this perfume are on point! The key notes are black coffee, white florals and vanilla. Of course fragrance is always a little tricky since they sit different on everyone's skin, but I would say this one is definitely worth your trip to the department store to give this a sniff (not so elegant phrase). This is quite easily the nicest scent I have come across in a while. 

If you want to see more of the damage I did whilst in Australia, head over to my Youtube channel to see my High End Makeup haul. No, YSL was not the only culprit. 

I'm always intrigued to try new high end beauty products so make sure you leave your suggestions in the comments below! 

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x

More than just pretty fingers - styling Essie nail polish

It excites me to say that I was recently the winner of a gorgeous instagram giveaway with PIA Boutique and Essie NZ.

The prize included a lovely blush pink PIA dress and four Essie nail polishes. It is safe to say that each polish compliments the dress beautifully, and all the shades are right up my alley!Although majority of us won't take a lot of care and consideration in to matching our outfit and makeup choices with our current shade of  nail polish, I being one of those people, I thought it would be fun to have a play and find the perfect combos for each of these Essie colours. And who doesn't love a good flatlay? I've basically styled items I might wear and complimentary makeup products for each nail polish just to get a feel of what I think would be the perfect match. I've also paired each colour with a lipstick I feel compliments it.

I also want to point out this is in no means the MAC and Essie collab it appears to be! I just happen to own predominantly MAC lipsticks in my collection!

Essie Demure Vix & MAC Faux-Satin

The first colour initially appears as a basic pinky nude. Very sophisticated and slightly understated. That was until I caught it in a certain light and noticed the bluey, iridescent undertones to the polish. How is that even a thing? This polish is in no way what I would call duo-chrome as at first you would just take it as a basic, opaque colour, but as stated if you get your nails in a certain light the polish gives almost a mermaid-esk sheen.

In the flatlay i've paired the polish with a crisp, white shirt. I could see myself wearing a black or white skirt with it; just very clean cut and understated. Neutral eyes, with a little bit of shimmer, long fluttery lashes, and nude lips. This look would be very fresh yet chic, so to compliment the simplicity I popped Marc Jacobs Daisy into the mix. To really jazz it up I added these super cool leopard print Vans sneakers. I've done this because the rest of the outfit implies the polish is very plain jane, but it is much more special than that, and the perfect outfit would act in the same way as the polish; plain and safe, with a pop of fun.

Essie Take it Outside & MAC Captive - Satin

The next nail polish is a beautiful cool tone grey, with a slight hint of lilac undertones. The formula is super opaque and the colour itself is anything but dull. Although grey is often represented as dull and lifeless, I think this polish contradicts that as it is sweet and classy. Simple. I've decided however, to pair it with a deep, burgundy red lip to add a strong pop of colour to the very much monochrome style i've laid out below.

Monochrome is always a win in my eyes! It's the safest way to pull off a chic, on trend look, without really having to contribute much, if any, effort! I love a pop of colour on the nails paired with a monochrome outfit, but grey nails can also be a great accent to the look; not too bold but rather elegant. Paired with a beige, or bronze shimmer on the eye, some silver jewelry and textured messy hair and you have one hell of a simple look (but very effective). 

2 side notes: You can never go wrong with stripes! And I had to chuck the YSL Black Opium perfume into this! The scent is gorgeous! 

Essie Sugar Daddy & MAC Please Me - Matte

Pretty in Pink. Another look that will never truly go out of style. There is always room for pink in a girls fashion inspo.  This Essie polish is a fresh, sheer pink. Perfect to pull out when applying a french manicure. This one would be great for school as it just evens out and slightly lightens the colour of your nails, letting the natural nail peek through. 

Featured in the flatlay, is what I believe portrays the holy grail of girly-ness. The PIA Danica Dress that I was lucky enough to win is the fashion item you see above, and how gorgeous is it! The colour aside is one thing, but the fluttery frill sleeves just scream feminine. Pairing this dress and polish with some high end goodies such as the YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in 1, and Chanel blush in Jersey. And then some absolute bargains like these Colourpop shadows that are just $5 USD a pop! 

Essie Buy Me a Cameo & MAC Velvet Teddy - Matte

Last but not least, and one of the most exciting shades. I do not ever reach for metallic nail polish. Not for a very long time atleast. But this one was love at first sight. Although in the photo it looks like a cool tone bronze, and I believe that's how the website describes it also, I see this colour as a copper/rose gold metallic that is super opaque. Two coats of this and you're ready to go! 

Paired with all black and metal tones and you will be one super trendy cat. Black and Gold is my ultimate when it comes to picking fashion favourites! Much like the stripes, it's hard to go wrong. I'm obsessed with roll neck knits, nearly as much as I am with these River Island boots with the gold zip and buckle detailing (#swoon). Unfortunately I got these boots last winter so I can't leave a direct link, which is so sad because I get so many lovely compliments whenever I wear these boots! I can't get enough of the YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks, the one above is shade 3, your typical Kylie Jenner (yawn) dark nude. And how could I leave out another Colourpop shadow, this one is "Kathleenlights" from her own collab. 

I would love to know your favourite nail polish shades of the moment so make sure you leave suggestions in the comments below! 

Love and Laughs 

Charlotte Jane x

P.S. I was not asked to base a blog post around this prize and this is in no means sponsored! In fact they have no clue this is even a thing. So all the following opinions are my own :)

Weekend Getaway Wellington

So about a month ago now Ryan and I flew down to Wellington for my cousins 21st. Aside from the fact that Ryan got to meet the side of the family I am probably closest with, he had also never been to Wellington, which is the Capital City in New Zealand.

I love Wellington. When I was younger I used to fly down every September holidays for a week and stay with my cousins. I loved that because it meant a week full of mini putt, bowling, movies and staying up late. However as I have gotten older I have developed a different appreciation for the City.

The contrast of new contemparary buildings standing up against old characteristic creations is beautiful to me. When people watching you notice a lot more unique individuals, the city tends to encourage developing your own style and individuality. The city is also right on the waterfront practically as well, which in some ways I feel gives the city a relaxed and modern vibe. Needless to say I love it and I thought I would just put together a bit of a photo diary to showcase this little getaway.

My Mumma and Ryan

My Aunty Leanne

Ryan and I 

My Cousin

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x

The Disney Tag

If you only follow me on Bloglovin you may not know that I have also started a Youtube channel.
My Best Friend and I recently did the Disney Tag and I thought this would be much more fun and lively in video format than blog post.

Enjoy if you will, and don't forget to subscribe and leave video suggestions in the comments! Let me know that my blog sent you there!

Love and Laughs
Charlotte Jane x

ASOS Wardrobe Wishlist

So it's been a wee while since I've posted! Mainly due to being super busy with life and shenanigans, but also due to the lack of ideas and inspo. However I have been cleaning out my wardrobe recently and selling my clothes at the local markets (love it!), and it has become clear to me that my wardrobe is in dire need of a spruce up!

I tend to often stick to plain, comfy, monochromes, but I am urging myself to delve into prints and patterns and actually embrace the trends I admire from afar.

I have taken to ASOS for inspo! I am convinced that ASOS is my second home. I can spend hours scrolling through the categories and have an unhealthy addiction of over filling my "saved" basket with countless items.

Below is a wee taste of my current wishlist, categorised into specific trends and prints I have been obsessing over.

Floral:

I have had much love in the past for floral prints, yet recently the trend seems to be a bit on and off in my mind. However I am loving the following items.

See By Chloe, Floral Swing Vest , Asos, Dreamer Plimsolls , Motel, Nadine Pinafore in Museum Floral , Asos Reclaimed Vintage, Crop Top in Daisy Floral

Stripes & Grids:

I will forever love the simplicity yet trendiness of stripes! I love how they can turn a plain outfit into a fashion statement and so easy to wear! I'm also a wee bit obsessed with grid patterns at the moment if you couldn't tell.

Asos, Grid Print Balloon Sleeve Shirt , Vila, Grid Print Mini Skirt , Asos, Long Sleeve Off The Shoulder in Stripe , Asos, Scuba Shift Dress in Check

Boho:

Again this is a trend that I believe floats in and out of our favourite fashion magazines quite frequently, but this time round I am a wee bit obsessed! I love all the white off the shoulder or cut out shoulder, beach cover up dresses. The big sleeves, and detailed prints. Love it. Want it... All. 

Glamorous, Off the Shoulder Folk Blouse in Tile , Glamorous, Off Should Dress in Border ,

Glamorous, Cold Shoulder Tile Print Dress , Asos Reclaimed Vintage, Smock Dress in Red Tulip

Fun Lovin':

I was unsure what to call this section. I just think it's FUN! I'm loving all the Disney and childish-esk prints that are basically hidden gems within the ASOS site. A bit out there some of them but definitely brighten up your OOTD.

Wildfox, T-Shirt with Barbie and Cotton Candy Scent , Asos, Tunic with Mickey and Minnie Front and Back Print , Eleven Paris, Tinkerbell Dress , Asos, Cropped Sweatshirt with All Over Barbie Print

Animal Print:

Finally is the classic animal print. I have never been a fan of it to be honest. However I have eased into it with my love for animal print shoes as a pop of print paired with a black skirt or jeans. But am now on the look for a perfect animal print tee or jumper, braving new waters you could say! 

House of Holland, Drape Dress with Zebra Back , Asos Curve, Sweatshirt in Super Soft Animal , Asos Curve, Rib T-Shirt in Animal Print , Vila, Boat Neck Top in Abstract Print

Let me know what you've been eyeing up on Asos recently in the comments below! 

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x

Body Shop Haul & Review

So although this isn't technically a haul i've rushed home straight from the mall to my laptop to talk about all the lovely things i've bought, it is still a haul of some sorts.

I've always loved the body shop from a young age when I used to obsess over which body butter I needed in my life, for me only to use twice a week at most. However recently I have started to have a soft spot for the stores extensive makeup and skincare lines. I've always been tempted to try the skin care especially but was never in the right financial state (when am I ever) to be spending crazy dollars on products that may take a turn for the worst on my skin.

Never-the-less, the day has come, (or came), where I decided to splurge on all the goodies I had eyed up! I have had all these products for atleast a few weeks now so have given each a good trial run and will give you a brief review on what I think of each.

Aloe Eye Defence 15ml

I never thought the day would come where I would be so excited about an eye cream... yes this is happening at the age of 19. The aloe very in this cream is so cooling and soothing and is designed to hydrate and protect the delicate skin under your eye area. Go into your body shop for a tester first but this product is a real bang for your buck since you only need the tiniest little dot under each eye and the product goes so far. 

Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet 50ml

Sorry about the weird colouring in this photo, unsure how that happened. I can not express how cool this product is, and you get an indication of it immediately from the name. SORBET?! This consistency is light and refreshing just like sorbet, with the subtle smell of what I believe is vitamin E which to my senses is quite floral and in no way too potent. This moisturiser, I cannot express how hydrating this is! I am in LOVE. And like the eye cream a little product goes a long way. Obsessed with this. 

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter 90ml

I feel as though people will get sick of me saying how "cool" products are but I think it's the fact that I have never tried anything like it. And this is another one of those products. The camomile cold cleanse is essentially a makeup removing BUTTER. No water need to pre rinse, you just apply a swipe of the butter by rubbing it into your cheeks with your fingers. ON TOP OF MAKEUP. As you begin to rub in the cleanse, the butter melts to an oily consistency and starts to break down the makeup. I use cotton pads and a toner to then remove the oily layer and prepare to apply moisturiser. 

An easy and gentle way to remove a whole face of makeup that leaves your skin feeling oh so fresh! 

Coconut Beautifying Oil 100ml

I've been eyeing up this for a while as I love the body shop's coconut scent! I've used this on my skin as a dry oil like it suggests and I will say it smells absolutely beautiful but thats about it. Although I do like rubbing it and brushing it through my hair to give it a healthy shine. This use proves to be most effective for me. 

All-In-One Instablur Primer 25ml

From the wonderful world of Youtube I had heard much talk about the Insta Blur primer. I love it. It doesn't dry my skin out and does help my foundation apply in a more "flawless" manor! Although I will not go as far to say that it is any better than primer's I have already tried like the Benefit Pore-fessional. I think both are equally as brilliant as each other. Never-the-less I am impressed with this product from the stores make-up line and can see this being a holy grail product as the Body Shop is more accessible in New Zealand than Benefit. 

Honey Bronze 03 Medium Matte

And last but not least is this baby. In it's gorgeous, sleek, tortoiseshell compact, I have been waiting to try the honey bronzer for quite some time now. This is the first bronzer i've owned and I chose it purely because in all the reviews i've heard, it has been said that it is very build-able and quite natural, not too orangey! So therefore less room to make mistakes! So far so good! 

Hope you enjoyed my little collection i'm starting to gather of Body Shop goodness! Make sure you leave your product suggestions in the comments below.

I also did a video which you can watch here

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x 

For other great beauty and make-up reviews check out Makeup Obsessives

Liebster Award

So this morning I woke up and logged onto my blog to see a lovely post from Beauty With Maxine saying that she thought my blog was lovely and deserved more recognition, thus was nominating me for the Liebster Blogging Award. Until this morning I had no idea what this stood for but after a little research found out that it is basically a kind and encouraging gesture that bloggers give to smaller bloggers to help them gain recognition and convidence in the blogging society (blogging, blogging, blogging). 

So the rules are that you thank and link the person who nominated you (Thank you Maxine!) and you answer the questions they have left for you on their blog post. 

Maxine's Questions for me are:

1. Which language would you like to be able to speak?

-Fluent Italian! That's probably not original and I know that italian, french and spanish are all very similar but I would love to travel to Italy and eat pizza and gelato and speak to the locals in their language! 

2. What is one beauty product you can’t leave your house without. 

-Boring but probably lip balm? I'm shocking when it comes to touching up my makeup while i'm out but I always have a lip balm in my bag! Well a chapstick I should say because I don't like to use a finger applicating one when I don't know what germs i'm collecting while i'm out (eeew) 

3. Do you have a pet?

-At my parents house we have a cat call Chou Chou which originates from "Mon Petite Chou Chou" (???) I think! Which i'm sure translates to "My little Cabbage" 

4. What is your favourite taste of chips?

-Sour Cream and Chives potato chips but I don't like Sour Cream and Chives Grainwaves! 

5. What are the things you don’t like to eat?

-Yoghurt, Pancakes, Avocado, many more! 

6. What are the things that annoy you?

-Listening to people eat, bad breath

7. Why did you start your blog?

-Just as a creative outlet, a place for my thoughts. I live with my boyfriend so a lot of beauty related stuff I would like to talk about he won't care or understand haha. 

8. What are some dreams you have for the future?

-Travel much! And live my life inspired by experiences, let them shape my path and career

9. Do you have a big family? Are you close with them?

-I have a small family, i'm an only child and have 9 cousins across both sides of my family, although i'm only really close with one set of cousins. Ryan has a huge whanau though and is really close with all of them which is nice to be a part of

10. What are the things that make you happy?

-Reading, Youtube, Design, Ryan, my best friend, traveling, shopping 

11. What is a weird fact about you?

-I hate pancakes, and apparently that is really weird because everyone's supposed to love pancakes 

I then nominate between 5 and 11 small blogs with less than 800 followers and let them know they are nominated by commenting on one of their recent blog posts. 

I nominate:
http://www.alittlegrey.co.uk/
http://www.ellensinwonderland.com/
http://www.jessicabird.co.uk/
http://charolivia.blogspot.co.uk/
http://totebagsandribbon.blogspot.co.nz/

Then they are to answer these questions I have come up with for them: 

1. Current favourite music artist?

2. Do you have any siblings? 

3. 3rd favourite colour? 

4. Least favourite food?

5. Favourite guilty pleasure movie?

6. Place you'd most like to travel to?

7. Top 5 favourite lipsticks? 

8. Are you a M.A.C addict or not so much? 

9. Jeans or Dresses? 

10. Favourite mascara (trying to find a new one)? 


Hope you enjoy! 

Love and Laughs 
Charlotte x

Smooth Moves, (not so smooth title)

Today i'll be Nigella. Or Annabelle Langbein. Betty Crocker?

Or just another young lady, who makes the healthy eating resolution stick for 1 week, all guns blazing, and then scraps those motives for a whole block of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

What i'm trying to say is that I am definitely no fitspo blog to motivate your healthy eating 2015 intentions, but I do make a great smoothie...recently.

I hate breakfast, and unfortunately the only breakfast i'll eat is if someone offers to make me a decent eggs bene! Although, that is not always the case most mornings, so I usually go without. However, Ryan and I have recently got really into smoothie making. This is nothing new for a lot of people but I never gave it a decent shot since I don't like milk or yoghurt which is usually used to liquify the mix.

So before I babble myself off the page, here is my quick, go-to, tropical smoothie recipe!

1. Frozen berries. I prefer these over fresh as they don't go bad, and they cool the smoothie right down as they are essentially a fruity ice cube. The brand we use is 40 below I believe and it comes with grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

2. Banana. We all no the benefits of banana so I wont babble on, but I will say it adds a certain thickness to the smoothie if you freeze them first.

3. Spinach, famously known for the "Popeye Strength" it is also a great way to bulk up your smoothies. It restores energy, increases vitality and improves blood flow. It is also a good source of vitamins K, A and C. For similar purposes you can also you Kale or Silverbeet.

4. Juice. To make this more of a tropical smoothie I add a cup of Orange juice and a cup of Pineapple juice. I try to buy the ones with the least sugar content.

5. Coconut milk! Like I said early on in the piece I don't really like milk or yoghurt, so to make this a wee bit milkier? I use lite coconut milk. Its a lactose free alternative, source of protein and lower in fat. It also adds that fresh tropical taste to the smoothie and you only need about half a cup.

6. Ice. Self explanatory. Just to cool it down.

Blend. Pour. Stick in a straw. And voilà!

NOTE: I usually guess the quantities! This one made more than enough for both myself and Ryan.

Make sure to leave your smoothie combo suggestions in the comments and let me know if you recreate mine!

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x

Sweet Treats

I am definitely one for a sweet tooth. Although the cravings may prove to be a little too much sometimes. One of my favourite sweet treats definitely has to be ice-cream, and when I find a decent ice cream it becomes a wee bit of a regular occurrence (oops).

Although it is so flippin expensive (coming from the girl who will pay $12 for a tub of Ben and Jerry's Choc Chip Cookie Dough, mmm) we have recently come to love a place called Movenpick. 

Movenpick is a swiss ice cream shop however i'm unsure whether it is a franchise outside of New Zealand. The ice cream is perfectly creamy without being too soft and the flavours are quite... sophisticated? My favourite is Mint Chocolate, peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate shavings. 

We've also found a Movenpick shop set in the middle of the main street in Parnell, Auckland. A cute little suburb that demonstrates old villas remodeled into shops and cafes. 

This was just a little post about a new discovery we have come to love. A little random but who said there was anything bad about a post specifically for ice cream? 

Love and Laughs

Charlotte Jane x