Halloween nails and makeup

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I'm not super adventurous in the makeup department, but I do know what works for me and how far I'm willing to push my own personal boundaries.

But sometimes, a girl's gotta play -- with makeup, of course.  Yesterday I rounded up some oldies and a few new things in order to create a darker look for Halloween.

The end result: While not perfect, I think it'd fly as a softer version of the Wicked Witch of the West. Minus the nose, chin wart and piss poor attitude. 

Sorry about the house, lady.

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I kept my normal makeup routine and played up my eyes. Here's a list of what you'll need: 

  • a tissue or first-aid tape to help create sharp lines
  • matte black eyeshadow
  • iridescent eyeshadow - mint green, pale blue, light pink, silver, white or purple will work the best
  • black eyeliner
  • black mascara
  • a loose shimmer powder or liquid in white

First, take the tissue and place it at the outer corner of your eye and angle it up so it almost meets with end of your eyebrow. Next, apply the matte black eyeshadow from the edge of the tissue to the middle of your eye and blend so you're left with a wash of black. Then apply your iridescent eyeshadow all over your eye lid; make sure you don't carry the colour beyond the crease. Now highlight the centre of your lid with the white powder/liquid. Finish the look by lining your eyes and painting your lashes. 

You might need to go back in with a clean brush or q-tip in order to dust off any fallout. 

Wearing CND's Vinylux in Black Pool and Electric Orange

Wearing CND's Vinylux in Black Pool and Electric Orange

Don't forget about your nails. 

Happy Halloween! 

Why I love Sample Size Beauty Products

Gotta love Fresh & Caudalie

Gotta love Fresh & Caudalie

Going to places like Sephora, Ulta and Mecca is an amazing and magical experience. 

You get to try everything right then and there and if you're not brave enough to fully commit, they'll even send you home with miniature pots of the products the jury is still out on. 

Then comes the back and forth.. Can I? Should I? Do I really need another..

  • facial cleanser
  • moisturizer
  • beauty balm
  • serum
  • eye lotion

But in between the commitment stage and the full blown yes, the whole full size bottle is mine, lies the samples.

I love trying out samples, because I find it gives me a reason to get out of bed early in the morning. These samples are tucked in my overnight kit waiting with baited breath to wash, scrub and hydrate. 

As for my overnight kit, it's hanging out in my gym bag. I figure, the quicker I finish my workout, the sooner I'll get to experience that petite bottle of Fresh Soy Cleanser -- it's my carrot.

Eventually, I will commit. I just don't know when. 

Do you sneak away little treasures in order to treat/reward yourself? 

Note: I picked up the Caudalie set for free after spending $350 at Sephora.

Closing the gap... how I met Scott

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Many of my friends and some of you don't even know how we met. 

But I do. And there was a story about us posted in the Herald Sun almost three years ago. 

I love our story. I love us, him, his smile and how much he makes me happy. 

If it weren't for him, I honestly don't know if I'd be the person I am today.

He is Chair.  

I am Nook. 

Today marks our third year of living in Melbourne.

 <3

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Nicole McIntyre

A Melbourne-based beauty blogger who considers herself as a local guinea pig, litmus tester, makeup cheater and your friend who will tell you when something is stuck between your teeth. Here's a toothpick.

Beauty in a tick: Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15

My hands are always dry no matter what time of year it is and when I find a hand lotion that works I try to buy vats of it.  

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion is, how do I put this nicely, well, a dud. It's a lotion, I'll give it that, but it doesn't hydrate my hands and cuticles. 

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Just look at it. It reminds me of Elmer's glue, smells (faintly) similar to toilet cleaner and sunscreen and the effort expended on massaging this stuff onto my hands isn't even worth it. I've tried to like it, but this hand lotion has failed to deliver repeatedly.

A scathing review for a brand that has otherwise, pleasantly surprised me on other occasions. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15:

  • $38.00 AUS  

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 1 out of 10 bags — I'll be reaching for my far superior and better smelling staple hand lotion.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

  • I think I'm good for the moment. Sorry, Clarins. 

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own