PRODUCT REVIEW: BEYONCE RISE EAU DE PARFUM

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the recently launched Rise Eau de Parfum by Beyonce;

What They Say: It's opening notes include apricot, Italian bergamot and iced basil sorbet. The main note of the perfume is, of course, orchid and this time it is an orchid called "Golden Symphony", which is mixed with freesia and Sambac jasmine flowers and placed at the base of the autumn woods, cashmere, musk and vetiver.

RRP: $49 (50ml), $69 (100ml)


What I Say:

The Beyonce Rise perfume is inspired by the singers on-stage persona, as well as by “female empowerment and finding the inner strength that makes women so beautiful. 

The scent is feminine musky and warm woody scent, but it is far from overpowering, rather it is still so light that it is perfectly suited for daytime wear. And while I am not the greatest fan of musky scents, generally preferring fresh citrusy scents, I do like this scent, as the freesia and jasmine notes makes it floral at the same time, and therefore softening the woody musky notes.

The fragrance, again, I think due to the freesia and jasmine notes, is not too heavy, so it is perfect for daytime wear, especially now that that it is winter here.

The fragrance lasts quite well, though I do feel I need to reapply by the afternoon, especially if I am going out at night again.

The fragrance comes in a tall glass bottle with a gold lid, and it is supposed to symbolise the ‘Rise’ of Beyonce’s career as a singer. The bottle reminds me of the State Empire Building (which I hope to one day get to see!), and it has a god lid. Unfortunately the gold lid is made from plastic, so that does somewhat make it feel a little less luxurious to me.

Overall, it is a lovely fragrance, and I will enjoy wearing it during winter.
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of this Rise fragrance from Beyonce? Are you a Beyonce fan? Like celebrity fragrances?
 

TOY TESTER REVIEW: PLAYGRO BATHTIME SQUIRTEES

As you may have seen in my previous post, my little soon to be 1 year boy has been selected to be an official Playgro toy tester, and here’s his first review on the Playgro Bathtime Squirtees;

 

 

 

What They Say:

Playgro's soft, squeeze bath squirtees which can fill with water for fun water play. Each set contains 8 fun colourful animals for hours of bathtime fun. Packed in a handy gift bag which can be used to neatly store the squirtees. Features 8 soft, easy to hold shapes, squirts water for bathtime fun, with handy storage case.

RRP: $12.99 – Available from Toys r Us, Myer, Coles, and BigW

What Oliver Says:

I was so excited when Mum told me that I’d been selected as a toy tester, what an awesome first job! And you should have heard me squeal and seen the smile on my face when I saw all the toys arrive.

The first toys that Mum had me test out were the Bathtime Squirtees, - yay!! I love bathtime, and has since the day I was born, and since I was very little I’ve had some yellow rubber duckies that I’ve had heaps of fun with in the bath, so I was so excited to see some new and different toys.

 

I was so excited about my new toys, but just couldn't
wait playing with them until I was having a bath...

Which one to play with...they are all so cute?

 

The Playgro Bathtime Squirtees come in a little clear travel case, so they are easy to store and take with you without losing any of them. And the set contains 8 squirtees, consisting of 2 x blue crabs, 2 x light blue whales, 2 x green turtles and 2 x light green frogs.

 

The travel case with the 8 Bathtime Squirtees

 

All the animals float in water, except when they are filled with water, and they can squirt the water out of their mouth – at great joy for both me and Daddy. They BPA free, which Mum says is a good thing, and as they are so soft, they are perfect for my irritated and sore teething gums.

Of all the animals, I prefer the blue crabs, although I like playing with all of them, and I like having one in each hand, and a third one in my mouth – and the rest of them not to far away – if they are not all in the bath with me, I will try to stand up and get them myself, but Mum says I can’t do that as I might slip, so I usually have all of them with me in the water from the start.

The Bathtime Squirtees are recommended for babies from 6 months, but even though I am a big boy now and almost 1 year old, I still have heaps of fun with them, and while I have always loved bathtime, I love it even more now, and usually don’t want to get out of the water, even when Mum says its time and my feet and fingers are all wrinkled up.

 

Now I love bathtime even more thanks to my new
Playgro Bathtime Squirtees

 

Mum also likes that the Squirtees have been designed so that they can help me develop new skills. The bright colours stimulate my visual perception, while the various textures to help stimulate my tactile development, and the small animals helps me use my hands & fingers by encouraging small, precise movements by picking them up and squirting them.

I definitely recommend the Playgro Bathtime Squirtees – even if you already love bathtime, these will make it so much more fun.

Thanks again for employing me Playgro!

Oliver xx

And don't forget to also check out the other great Toy Tester's reviews, as they are reviewing other toys suitable for various ages..

• Laura from Mizz Mummy            
• Lauren from Xavier Loves  
• Jennifer from The Professional Pram Pusher  
• Nikita from NJT Reviews  
• Olivia from Budget Conscious Beauty Mumma
• Peta from Great Googamoogas 
• Toni from Finding Myself Young 
• Jeanine from Vidot Family 

And of course, for more information make sure to visit Playgro as well as like them on facebook to be kept in the loop with all things Playgro including great offers.

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Does your little one like to play in the bath? What is his or her favourite bathtime toys?

PRODUCT REVIEW: COLORESCIENCE MINERAL MAKEUP

I have no idea what has taken me so long…I have always been told that mineral makeup is the best for troubled skin prone to breakouts, yet, I have no idea why, when I have always had skin that is breaking out like temperamental teenage skin, I did not try this out earlier.. And today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *Colorescience Primer, Pressed Foundation, Setting Mist and Sunforgettable;

 

What They Say:

Colorescience Primers Skin Brightening Line Tamer – Colorescience Face Primers are the first step to improve the colour and texture of the skin. Face Primers target skin types and skin concerns to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the overall texture and tone in one simple step.

RRP: $72.60 (30ml)


Colorescience Pressed Foundation is formulated to provide customisable coverage and colour, this light-weight, highly pigmented pressed foundations disguise imperfections, enhance features and evens the appearance of overall skin tone.

RRP: $72.60 (12g)


Colorescience Hydrating Setting Mist: Keep make-up in place all day and activate the vibrancy of minerals for an ultra-natural, luminous look.

RRP: $57.20 (118ml)


Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF15: Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and ageing effects with a soft focus finish. Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep your skin protected and beautiful.

RRP: $96.80 (6g)

 

Available from Time Out Beauty or call 1800 648 851 for your nearest stockist



What I Say:

Ever heard of Colorescience before? I hadn’t either! Colorescience is not just a premium mineral makeup rage that gives you skin a flawless even skintone, it also doubles as a skincare range using powerful ingredients such as peptides, liquid crystals, pearl powder, hyaluronic and salicylic acid to help treat and manage common skin concerns such as ageing, pigmentation and problem skin – while you wear the makeup. So you don’t just get the benefit of instantly nicer looking skin, the benefits are cumulative as you wear it! It is literally skincare with built-in makeup, how cool is that. And what’s great too, is that the products are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, talc, alcohol, mineral oil and fragrance, so they are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types too!


To maximise the benefits of Colorescience and to achieve optimum results, Colorescience has devised a four step regimen called the ‘Core 4’ which features essential layers to prime, correct, set and protect, and with the ability to mix and match products specific for your skin needs and concerns, Colorescience Core 4 work together to nurture, camouflage and protect the skin. 

 

 

 

The first step is applying the Colorescience Skin Brightening Line Tamer Primer, which helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles & overall texture and tone, so perfect for my skin with beginning lines, uneven skin texture and pigmentation.

The primer has a slight beigey-yellow tint which instantly makes my skin tone look so much nicer and more even, giving it a nice glow, while giving it a dewy finish. It is easy to spread onto the skin, and it absorbs quickly so you are ready to apply your makeup, although you can also use it on its own.


The next step is to apply the foundation, in this case the Colorescience Pressed Foundation in the shade A Taste of Honey.

Having sadly suffered from acne when I was younger with the result that I am not left with some scarring and marks, and add to that increasing pigmentation, means that I generally prefer a minimum of a medium covering foundation, And this foundation ticks all boxes. It so light-weight, but as it is also so pigmented it that it is easy to build up coverage so you can hide any blemishes and pigmentation, and without it looking thick or cakey.

The included sponge makes it easy to apply, and you easily can apply just a little or add another layer or two where you need it. And my skin is left looking so nice and even, and with a natural finish too.


I then follow with a spritz of the Colorescience Hydrating Mist.

This hydrating setting mist that not only sets the makeup and activates the minerals for a more luminous look, it also keeps the makeup in place so it is less transferable – all while serum ingredients add hydration to the skin.

And this mist is also perfect to use throughout the day to revitalise the makeup look, and refreshen the skin, so perfect both during summer when your skin is exposed to air conditioners, and in winter too when you’ve got the heater going.


The final step is a sweep of the Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 15, which is a lightweight mineral powder that contains broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

This powder is so fine and light weight, and applies sheer, so it is perfect to use for touch-ups on the go, also because it comes in a self-dispensing retractable powder brush. I did have a few issues getting the powder ‘flowing’ for the first time, but with a bit of tapping if was finally coming through, and now I love it, and it is just perfect for keeping shine at bay, while not clogging up my pores or make my makeup look cakey. And love that it contains SPF15, as even in winter, it is so important to stay sun smart! 

Overall, these products from Colorescience are nothing short of amazing, and I love how they give my skin such a nice even appearance and with a natural healthy glow too, and although I have combination skin prone to the afternoon shine, they do stay put all day without fading, changing colour, or settling into fine lines. And what’s even better is that the products care and treat my skin as I wear them. What’s not to love!

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Have you ever heard of Colorescience? Do you use mineral makeup?

SALON REVIEW: HYPOXI - TARGETED WEIGHT LOSS - PART 1

I have exercised for as long as I can remember, even working at a Nike Network gym at one stage – but in my quest to get pregnant (if you’ve missed my story, you can read it here), I stopped altogether, not wanting to stress my body and risk causing another miscarriage. And since having our little boy 11 months ago, finding the time, between moving house, building a new one etc., is simply a little tricky at the best of times. That is not saying that I am a complete couch potato, I still go for walks with the pram and our two Labradors, I am simply no longer going for long runs or sessions at the gym, however much I miss it!

 

The different HYPOXI training machines..

 

And regardless, I was very lucky to be able to lose my 14 kilos of pregnancy gain and weight gained during IVF, within 8 weeks of giving birth, and without really doing anything to achieve it. And while I am quite happy with my body as it is now, and I can fit into most of my pre-pregnancy clothes, my body shape has definitely changed and I seem to be wider across the bum and thigh area, as well as the tummy too….. so when I was asked to trial out series of sessions at * HYPOXI, I happily accepted..

So what is HYPOXI - it is a method that is combining gentle exercise and compression therapy, and over 4 weeks, with three 30 minute sessions per week, HYPOXI guarantees to be able to shave off centimetres off the stomach, hips, buttocks and thighs.

And independent studies have found that the HYPOXI is 3 times more effective than conventional training for targeted fat loss with the average user losing between 20 – 30 centimetres in just 12 sessions, as well as it has the added benefits of improving tone and texture in the skin, visibly reducing cellulite and the detoxifying benefits of an activated lymphatic system.

Wow, 20-30 centimetres, that’s massive! Now, I am aware that I won’t be able to lose that amount, as I simply have not got that amount to lose, but I do hope that I will tone up my problem areas and shed at least a few centimetres in those areas.

To ensure that the treatment program is on track, the HYPOXI consultants will measure you at the 1st, 6th and 12th sessions – I’ve been going for just over one week now with four sessions down at the HYPOXI Salon in Berwick, so I will of course make sure to report back throughout the process to let you know how things are progressing..

Obviously it is recommended to eat a healthy diet as well to enhance the results, and I will do my very best to do this, but as we normally do eat a fairly healthy diet, I will not be making major changes, and hence any results should be speaking for themselves and be a direct result of the HYPOXI..

 

The L250

 

HYPOXI has several different training devices, but due to still breastfeeding, I am unfortunately unable to try out the HDC, and sadly some pain issues with my one foot, also means that I am unable to Vacunaut system or the S120 – so for now, I will just be using the L250, where I will be biking in an almost lying down position which is not putting too much pressure on my foot.

 

In the corset-style skirt..

 

You wear a special corset-style skirt that seals in the vacuum in the machine from the waist down. You wear heart-rate monitor throughout the session, and you need to ensure that your heart rate is kept within your ‘fat burning zone’ which for me, and my age is somewhere between 120-130BPM (beats per minute). And the 30 minute session is a breeze, although it is a little harder in the periods where vacuum effect in the machine is on, but as you can flick though a magazine, watch TV or catch up on emails or Facebook on your phone meanwhile – so while you do work up a bit of a sweat, it is in no way strenuous and it is all over before you know it.

In the L250 at my first session...

12 HYPOXI sessions will set you back $690, so it is not cheap, but I you can finally, once and for all tone up and lose fat on those areas even hours and hours of sweating it out in the gym won’t help budge, then isn’t it worth it? You can find out more by visiting the HYPOXI website, where you can also book in for a free trial session…

And make sure to check back in a few weeks to hear about my progress..

*These HYPOXI sessions were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever heard of HYPOXI? Do you exercise? Keen on losing weight and fat? Would you consider doing this?

PRODUCT REVIEW - LUST HAVE IT - MAY 2014

It has only been about three weeks since the April Box arrived, and yesterday, the 27th May, the May Box arrived at my door step – so here are my thoughts on the May Lust Have It Box; 

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.


RRP:

Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code. 
Available from Lust Have It 

What I Say: 
Last month’s box arrived in a clear makeup bag, and I was under the impression that would be the new style for a while, but obviously not, as this month’s box arrived in a plain black postage box! I am really not complaining or too fussed about this as I have so many of those boxes floating around now – but Lust Have It must have felt bad about it, as they had enclosed a card saying that the cosmetic bags are still on the way to them, and they didn’t want to delay the boxes so ‘in place of the new packaging , they’ve included a $20 gift voucher for you to redeem against any of their subscription boxes other than the women’s box, or on the Chloe Morello and Bridal Boxes, where you may actually use it once time on each of those products if you like….’ Big tick of approval Lust Have It, that is a lovely gesture, turning a delay into something nice!

Taking a break, off to check out the other boxes.. and you can too, right here


Back again....So this is what was in the May Lust Have It Box..

 

Mary Kay Lip Lacquer in Pink Pagoda – Full Size (RRP $22/4g)

This lip lacquer promises intense high shine lips with a smooth jelly finish and a stay-true colour. It also promises to moisture the lips, and stay put. I really like Mary Kay products (and recently went to one of their product launches which you can read all about here), so I am quite excited about this lip lacquer, and I love the little retractable lip brush that comes with it. The Pink Pagoda is a bright Fuchsia shade, and it is a little on the bright and bold side for me, but it is good to be pushed out of your comfort zone from time to time!

 

Coral Colour Eyebrow Definer Pencil in Dark Brown – Full Size (RRP: $7.95)

I know what a difference it does when I do my eye brows, but when I am in a hurry, it is the last thing on my mind – but I do like the sound of this, as it promises to blend easily and be long lasting too, so I look forward to testing it out.



Appelles Rosemary Body Bar – Full Size (RRP: $4.95/100g)

I have to be honest and admit that I am not the biggest fan of soap bars – I simply find them messy after a while and hence much prefer liquid soap. But this soap does smell quite nice, supposedly of rosemary, although I detect a bit of a citrusy scent too. And I love that it is made with certified organic ingredients that promises to cleanse the skin without drying or stripping the skin, while helping to reduce epidermal stress – so I may just have to put this one to the test.



The Cosmetic Kitchen Pure Mineral Blush in Strawberry – Full Size (RRP: $34.95/6g)

I have really taken a liking to mineral makeup lately, so I applaud the inclusion of this full sized one from the Cosmetic Kitchen. I love that it is highly pigmented, and talc and bismuth free. I got the colour strawberry which is a lovely dusty rose shade, which is really wearable, so I cannot wait to try this one out. My only criticism is that the jar is difficult to open, and as loose minerals can be rather messy, it can easily turn into a right mess trying to get the lid off!

 

Sasy n Savy Vitamin Enriched Facial Recovery Masque – Sample, 20ml (RRP: $50/100ml)

This mask is intended for normal to oily skin types and claims to deep cleanse and draw out impurities, and as I’ve had a few breakouts lately, this is perfect timing, and perfectly suited to my skin. And such a nice change to get a treatment product than a moisturiser suited for dry skin that I am unable to use, so I cannot wait to give myself a mini facial testing out this mask!


So there you have it, these are the goodies in the May Lust Have It Box, and I am quite happy with the contents, as I will actually be using every single product, although the soap bar doesn’t excite me that much, but as that is also the cheapest item, it doesn’t bother me too much! I in particularly really like the inclusion of the full sized Mary Kay Lip Lacquer and the Cosmetic Kitchen blush, as well as the Sasy n Savy mask – so all in all, I find that this is a great box, which is well worth its value.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


If you are considering subscribing, don’t forget that you can get $5 off your first box by using the unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..

BEST BUDGET BARGAIN BUYS - MAY 2014

It has been a little while since I last posted my Best Budget Bargain Buys (if you missed the last one, you can see it here), and while I had planned on making this a regular feature, life with an 11 month old baby simply means you never know how much time you’ve got to yourself, and for blogging…  So I will try again to see if I can make this at least a monthly feature! So without further ado, here are my Best Budget Bargain Buys for May..

 

 

 

Ulta3 Nail Polishes in Tangelo Twist and Corsican Rose*      

 

 

 

I doubt these nail polishes from Ulta3 need any introduction. At just $2.00, yet with a surprising quality and a huge quality, and massive colour range, the nail polishes are amazing, and make it possible to have nails to match the latest trends, even on a tight budget. These two colours have brightened up my days lately as the days are getting shorter and colder too; Tangelo Twist is a bright flouro orange, while Corsican Rose is a lovely pastel green.

RRP: $2.00 each (13ml) – Available from Select Pharmacies

 

Billie Goat Soap Body Butter*

This body butter is suitable for sensitive skin, and while I do not have sensitive skin, I love this super gentle body butter which is made from goats milk, which is high in selenium (a natural antioxidant) and pH neutral, as well as highly moisturising and all-natural butters like cocoa and shea. These ingredients create a barrier on the skin protecting it from drying out, while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It is thick and creamy, but just little is sufficient for the softest and smoothest skin, without any irritations.  

RRP: 17.95 (230g) – Available from Select Pharmacies and from Billie Goat Soap Online

 

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Milk*

I will always love Dove products, including this Essential Nourishment Body Milk, which offers 24 hours of proven nourishment for the skin as it contains Dove Deep Care Complex as well as nutrients and essential oils – and it doesn’t just moisturise the skin on the surface, this body lotion works deep down the skin layers to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it feel soft and smooth. Compared to other Dove body lotions, this one is slightly thicker, yet still absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy. It has a lovely gentle scent, which fades quickly and doesn’t clash with your perfume. And it comes in a huge bottle that will last you forever.

RRP: $8.39 (400ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Sunsilk Co-Creations Frizz & Weather Defence Shampoo and Conditioner with Teddy Charles*

 

 

This shampoo and conditioner works to works to control frizz and protects from dryness for 24 hours, it also contains weather shielding technology and a UV filter. It provides dual protection against the effects and changes in weather conditions and balances the level of moisture in the hair, helping to shield against damaging UV rays. The formula includes trehalose to reduce the effects of humidity on the hair fibre by controlling the interaction between water and proteins in the hair. Found in a variety of plants it also works to protect hair from dehydration by binding water in the hair fibres reducing damage caused by dryness, heat and cold. And as the days are sadly getting wetter – some days it is like it will never stop raining, the last few weeks have been the perfect time to put these babies to the test – an believe it or not, but they work. My hair is not only feeling soft and smooth, and looking super shiny, it is also significantly less frizzy. Even on a rainy day! And the products have the most gorgeous sweet fruity scent too, that lingers in the hair for a while.

RRP: each $4.79 (200ml), $7.79 (400ml), $11.99 (750ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle CC Daily Moisturiser with SPF15*

Even on ‘no makeup’ days I still like to wear at least a little makeup, including mascara so I don’t look washed out and sick, and a little tinted moisturiser to make my skin look a little more even. And lately I’ve been loving the new CC Cream from Nivea. Containing Q10, it has anti-ageing properties which is perfect (and sadly needed) for my skin, as I love that it not only instantly makes my skin look nicer and more even, it also helps fight wrinkles at the same time and leaves my skin thoroughly moisturised. It has a light coverage, which can be built up slightly, and stays put for a  couple of hours, but with the aid of a primer first and a setting powder afterwards, and a light dusting of powder by the afternoon, I manage to get though the days without the need for touch ups.

RRP: $19.55 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, and select pharmacies

 

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm*

 

 

With the change of the seasons and as it has suddenly gotten so cold outside, my lips are feeling a little drier than normal. But this cute little squeeze tube manages to get them back to feeling soft and healthy in no time, no matter how dry or cracked they’ve been – I simply apply it at night before bed, and wake to the softest of lips. The lip balm is enriched with menthol which makes it feel nice and cooling on the lips, while salicylic acid helps rid the skin of dry skin and cocoa butter and waxes help to condition and moisturise the lips.

RRP: $5.99 (10g) – Available from Supermarkets and selected pharmacies

 

MUD Eyeshadow Trio in cute camo*

 

 

This Eyeshadow trio in the colour Cute Camo contains as the name suggests three colours; a large pale peach/skin toned shade, and two smaller shades; a pale gold shade and a dark olive green.

 

 

In spite of the low $7.00 price tag, this Eyeshadow has quite good pigments making it easy to build up the colours, or they can be applied lightly for just a wash of colour. The colours work perfectly together, and can each be used on their own, or together for a more dramatic eye.

RRP: $7.00 – Available from Woolworths

 

Colour Theory Liquid Eyeliner in Black*

I have previously reviewed some of the Colour Theory products , and love the quality of their product and the low price points – just $6.00 for this eyeliner makes it an incredible bargain. This liquid eyeliner has a super fine felt tip that makes it easy to create a super fine, or you can retrace a few times for a bolder look. The eyeliner stays put quite well without fading or sliding.

RRP: $6.00 - Available from Amcal and Guardian Pharmacies

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara in Blackest Black*

 

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara is a gel-mousse mascara that has been formulated to volumise and lengthen lashes. It contains 40 per cent less hard waxes than traditional mascaras, which helps to prevent weak and dry lashes, and it leaves the lashes feeling soft too. Just one coat of this mascara nicely separates my lashes and gives them length and a natural look, while a few more coats gives you a more dramatic look. And I love that it doesn’t make my lashes clump or flake into my sensitive eyes.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Sparkling Black*

This kohl eyeliner is so easy to use, and because it is soft and creamy, it glides onto the skin so easily without the need to drag or pull at the sensitive eye area. And it is so pigmented so it is easy to create a solid colour, and because it is waterproof it simply stays put all day, even when my eyes are watering or when it is raining outside!

RRP: $9.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Jeanne Arthes - Love Never Dies*

 

 

Love Never Dies fragrance by Jeanne Arthes has been around for a while, but it is lovely nonetheless. It is made from star annis, lemon and black currant leaf in top notes, while the heart notes are rose, violet and lily. Finally, the base notes include vanilla, sandalwood and amber. And I really like the fresh fruity scent, with the hint of warm vanilla.

It has a gorgeous bottle and comes in a cute purple metallic box with a diamond and a heart cut out with a keyhole so you could see the pretty chain and jewel hanging on the neck of the perfume bottle through the keyhole!

RRP: $26 (60ml) – Available from Fragrance Choice

 

Boe Beauty Jumbo Wind Up Lips in Knockout Red*

 

 

I think everyone has fallen for the jumbo lipstains, now available from a lot of brands including Clinique and Revlon, - but at just a fraction of the cost, just $2, this Jumbo Wind Up from boe beauty is a good contender.

 

 

The Knockout red lovely and creamy gives a lovely red stain on the lips that last surprisingly long. And for that price, you just can’t go wrong!

RRP: $2 – Available from BigW

 

Schick Quattro Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors*

I am not normally fond of disposable razors as usually the quality match the low price, but these Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors from Schick Quattro have had me change my mind. The four blades are of high quality, and gives you a nice close shave, and without any cuts. And as it has a conditioning strip with papaya and pearl, it leaves the skin feeling soft too, and without the need for shaving cream or soap. The handle is well designed and even when you’ve got wet hands in the shower, it won’t slip out of your hands. In spite of being called a disposable razor you can easily use it for several weeks, so as the pack contains three shavers, it will last you quite a while.

RRP: $7.99 – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline, variety stores and select pharmacies

So there you go, my selection of Best Budget Beauty Buys for May.

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you tried any of these products? Any you are keen on trying? Which budget buys have you been loving lately?