Mecca Maxima haulin' and other random bits of madness

Can you say out of control?

Well, I've gone and done it again.

Ahhh, retail therapy, that inhalation of stale air, the teetering back and forth under horrible fluorescent lighting while clamouring for the newest makeup-y things to hit the shelves. That was me this past Friday.

I recently changed employers, hence the infrequency in posting since late January. Needless to say it was a stressful and emotional time for me before, during, and after saying see ya later to the the company that gave me a shot after landing in Oz. To celebrate this transition I felt the need to treat myself.

Here's the rationale behind my latest spend..

Argument: If it's good enough for Vivianna and Lily, then it's good enough for me.

Being the enablers that they are, both ladies, in their own way, convinced me (it's the accent, I swear) to purchase Bobbi Brown's Powder Brush (holy crap, it's crazy expensive), Real Technique's Setting Brush, Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo, and UD's Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm. I hope these ladies work on commission, because they're doing something right!

Argument: Needed a fill me up.

True story: This Works Perfect Eyes Recovery Cream really works! It de-puffs, hydrates, and reawakens the under eye area. Definitely using this on the regular.

Argument: It was pretty!

Nars' Eye Paint in Porto Venere had me at first swatch. That said, if you own MAC's Painterly I don't think you need Porto Venere this very second.

UD's 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Sabbath for its matte-y, navy, and equally dreamy qualities. I can tell Ro(Cocoa) will be getting a bit of a break now that I have Sabbath in my life.

My shop wouldn't be complete without grabbing a lippie, cue UD's Sheer Revolution in Sheer Shame. Slightly intimidating in the tube, yet appears as a sheer beet-y, plummy hue that only sticks around for two or so hours -- points off for longevity.

Argument: Memories / nostalgia.

Essie's Ballet Slippers will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first shade to ever be professionally polished on my nails. I was nearing the end of a winter break from school, so my Mom treated me to a last-minute manicure before driving me back to Boston. Thanks Mom!

A good hair day paired with pretty much everything I mentioned above

After this latest indulgence, let's just say I've handed my debit card over to Scott to help keep me honest.

Your turn. What did you last splash out on?

What's in my makeup bag: Hawaiian edition

Some of the items in my makeup bag

In the weeks leading up to our holiday Hawaii-vention Scott teasingly asked me to start packing; being the makeup addict that I am, I of course started with selecting my makeup first. In an attempt to spend less time in front of the mirror, I reached for things that could A.) be applied with my fingers, and would B.) enhance/fake a bronze-y glow.

Taking inspiration from the sand and the sea, here are my picks.. 

Giorgio Armani's Acqua Di Gioia, $21.00 USD for .34 oz. - Peace of mind and convenience rings true for this travel-friendly, small-ish rollerball. Aramni's 'water of joy' delivers a crisp, light scent for those moments when you need to getaway, but can't. Top notes: warmed brown sugar, lemon, and mint.

Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink, $30.00 USD (full length review here)* - Brushes not required. This multi-tasking stick gilds the lids, highlights the cheekbones, and illuminates my Cupid's bow. Wipe on, blend like a fiend, and sparkle like the sea.

NARS' Blush in Luster, $30.00 USD (full length review here)  - Skip the bronzer and gently dust Luster on your cheeks for a sun-kissed, and natural looking glow. Dani and Angie both know what's up.

NARS' Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday, $26.00 USD - Translucent, tanned pink gloss infused with golden micro glitter delicately dances across the lips. Wear it alone or layer Greek Holiday over another lippie for something a tad more dynamic.

Becca's Beach Tint in Watermelon, $25.00 USD (full length review here)* - On the days I don't want to look like a bronzed goddess (I use that term loosely), I'll reach for something a bit cherub-like. Fingers will most certainly do - simply dab, tap, and buff with the pads of your fingers.

It goes with out saying, but I'll be toting around my SPF and will certainly reapply it on the regular in an effort to stay sun safe, and sunburn-free.

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

Beauty in a tick: Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick

Have you ever built something up so much in your mind that the idea of it (whatever it is) proved to be more exciting than the item itself? I really have no words for the sort of disappointment and regret I feel at this moment, to the point where I feel so uninspired to even write about Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick. I picked this up last year during an adrenaline fuelled shopping trip through Ala Moana Mall -- I shopped 'til I dropped. The time I allowed to pass by since buying this lacklustre blush should've served as some sort of indication that A.) I really didn't need it and B.) it's a stinker, a bomb, a dud. I hate it.

While pretty in the pan, it did very little to brighten my cherub-like cheeks. IMHO there's certainly room for improvement as the texture is gritty to the touch and I found the finish to be a tad too powdery for my liking.

Individual swatches of Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick (left) and blended (right)

Wearing Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick on my cheeks

Blush? What blush?

If you're looking for better colour payoff, do me a favour by chucking this imposter in the bin and pick up something else like NARS Orgasm or one of Clinique's Cheek Pops.

Normally I don't like to be so negative, but I'd be doing everyone a major disservice by not saying anything at all.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick:

• $72.00 AUS / $44.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 1 out of 10 bags — So happy I didn't buy this in Australia.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Not at this stage.

Dreaming of summer

Beachy keen

It's cold out, but not enough to permit snow and for that I am thankful; I just wish it'd warm up already. My New England blood has thinned and I can't take this dreary Melbourne winter anymore.

Here's a round up of some of my favourite things I've been eyeing off on the Interwebs.

Ok, we get it Kate Upton, you can stop rubbing it in our faces. Bronze-y glow, check. Sun-kissed cheeks, check. Seashell pink lips, check. Totally envious and I'd switch places with her in a heartbeat. Bobbi Brown's Surf Eye Palette and Beach Rollerball fragrance might just tide me over. 

Mmm. NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow you look good enough to eat, particularly Desdemona. I'll take one in every colour. Thankyouverymuch.

For day Balenciaga's Tube Round M Bag will help me get to and from work, no problem. And for those nights when I don't want to fuss about with a large purse, Alexander Wang's Chastity Clutch ups the ante sans bulk.

Pink toes and pink lips. Easy done.

A chic one piece that keeps me both covered and comfortable. It'd look super sweet layered under jean shorts or a skirt and paired with blinding white Keds.

Capping off the life aquatic, the Gap's mix-cable sweater features a gill-like texture. While I love it in white, it manages to look a tad too schlumpy on the model for my liking.

Ok, let's get our bags packed and head to Hawaii now.

K, bye!