Monday 12 October 2015

TUTORIAL: How to Create The Half-Up Top Knot

When you can't even be bothered to put all of your hair up, the Half-Up Top Knot is the ultimate lazy-girl hairstyle. Because chore, right? 

This simple up do has been *aLl ThE rAgE* lately, and it's a great little technique to have in your repertoire when your fringe is getting all up in your face. Windy weather, you got nothing on me.

All you need is a hair-tie, so grab one and we can get started!

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Monday 5 October 2015

My MAC Lipstick Collection and Swatches

When you haven't bought a lipstick that isn't MAC for the past three months, you know you're onto a good thing.

After picking up my first MAC lippy a little under a year ago (I know, total newbie!), I've quickly become obsessed, and now own a cute little collection of five shades that are on high rotation.


Look at that lil lipstick family! Want to get to know them? Read on!
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Monday 28 September 2015

WHAT TO WEAR: 3 Office Appropriate Outfits

If you ever went to a school with a uniform, wearing whatever you wanted on casual clothes days was the highlight of the semester. But once you enter full time working life, suddenly choosing the PeRfECt OuTfIt each morning becomes a chore.

Because we all know sleep > standing in front of your wardrobe.

So I've pulled together a quick little guide that should give you a couple more minutes in the morning under the covers. Each outfit caters for a specific work related situation (but feel free to mix it up!) and are easy formulas that are tried and tested, and will work no matter what pieces you have in your closet.


Need a little fashspriration? Read on!
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Monday 21 September 2015

How to make your eyelashes look thicker and longer

And without falsies or extensions!


Sound impossible? It's not! I have naturally very short and straight Asian eyelashes, which you can barely see without mascara. But there are a few tips that I've learned over the years that really boost the look of my lashes - just check out the before and after below!

Curious about my eyelash magic? Read on!


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Monday 14 September 2015

OOTD: How to wear neutrals

I used to say to myself that when I started working full time, that I wouldn't let my wardrobe turn into 50 shades of grey toned clothing. Because boring, right?

Yet, here we are, and I've been converted! While I still love a splash of colour, when the majority of your work wardrobe automatically matches, getting dressed in the morning does become a lot easier! Read on for how I styled this outfit...

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Monday 7 September 2015

TUTORIAL: What Is Strobing?

Strobing? But I only just got the hang of contouring!

Girl, I feel you. Just when it seems like everyone's mastered the contour, this new technique just strolls on in and becomes the new 'it' thing.

Well, in all honesty, I love it! Strobing is all about giving your complexion a gorgeous glow and emphasising the areas of the face that light would naturally hit - such as your cheekbones - to give your skin a healthy radiance. So while contouring is all about creating shadows, strobing is used to add light! 

Plus (real talk), it takes waaaaay less time in the morning than contouring and I think the effect is much more wearable for everyday. So in this week's post, I'll be showing you how to get that dewy, strobed-up complexion, so you can leave your bronzers behind and get your highlighters ready!

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Monday 31 August 2015

Top 5 High End Beauty Products on my Wish List

In other words, the makeup products I would already own if I had $1,634,835,902.

One of the biggest heartbreakers for a beauty junkie is saving up for weeks for that perfect makeup product, then by the time you make it yours, the next amazingbeautifulimusthaveitoriwilldie item hits the market. And so the cycle begins all over again.

I am one of those people. And because of this, I have a makeup to-buy list to help me keep track of all of the products I wish I had in my life (and because looking at it helps me trick myself that I actually own them. I never said I was sane!).

These are my current top 5. If any of them match your wish list, let me know in the comments below!


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Monday 24 August 2015

TUTORIAL: A Polished Makeup Look You Can Do in 15 Minutes

Real talk.

As much as I love makeup, I love sleeping more. A few extra minutes under the covers will usually beat getting up to wash my hair (which is why I have quite the beanie collection!), but sometimes that second, third and fourth push of the snooze button means I end up with barely enough time to eat breakfast!

As a result, I've got a super quick, natural, yet polished and put together makeup look down pat, which I can whip out when the clock is ticking and still get to wherever I need to be looking ** SuPeR cUtE**.

Want to know my speedy makeup-ing ways? Read on!

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Monday 17 August 2015

Top 8 Office & Job Interview Appropriate Nail Polishes

If I've already spent upwards of 3.679 hours trying to pick out an outfit, the last thing I want to do is stress about whether the nail polish I'm about to paint onto my digits isn't quite 'work appropriate'.

If you've ever been caught in an endless cycle of giving yourself a DIY manicure, only to take it all off again straight after because it's just not right, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Picking the right shade for work or a job interview is hard! Which is why I've compiled this handy little guide of recommendations so you can spend more time killin' it at work, and less time worrying about your mani!

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Monday 10 August 2015

How to take and edit an Instagram flat lay photo

Hands up who's ever let a phone call ring out because you didn't want to stop scrolling and lose your place in your Instagram feed? #me

Yup, it's officially the age of the double tap. And some of the most-liked photos on Insty (and the ones that I personally love) are fashion and beauty flat lays. Carefully arranged makeup products and outfits-of-the-days are racking up the hearts and there really is an art to nailing the perfect shot.

And that's why you're here right? This week's post is all about how to set up a great flat lay photo and editing it to #perfection. So let's get into it!

Some of my favourite flat lays on my Instagram @hijessicaanne!

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Monday 3 August 2015

OOTD: How to clash prints ft. Tokito, Cotton On & Sportsgirl

I have a passion for clashin'.

Awks as puns aside, I really do love mixing and matching my prints. I tend to stick to repetitive patterns rather than eclectic ones because I find they're easier to pair. And my top print combo at the moment is my grid-graphic jacket worn with my white leopard print skirt.



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Monday 27 July 2015

TUTORIAL: Everyday Brows using Anastasia DipBrow Pomade

It feels like every time I scroll through my Instagram feed, I see photo after photo of immaculately groomed eyebrows. But while I appreciate every perfectly shaped arch, for the everyday average girl, I don't have time to use brow pencil, powder, gel, and concealer to define my brows each morning!

Cue, BROW POMADE

In particular, the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, which has finally made its way to Aussie shores! The creamy texture of the DipBrow does make it a little hard to get the hang of at first, but that's why I'm here! I'll show you how I achieve my everyday brow look in just three steps. #browgameonfleek here we come!

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Monday 20 July 2015

Why I Stopped Using Conditioner

Yup, you read that right. I don't use conditioner.

Some things go great together. Bacon and eggs. Lipstick and liner. But for me, shampoo and conditioner is a pair that's overrated. 

I have naturally straight, typically thick Asian hair. And every time I conditioned after rinsing out my shampoo, my hair became annoyingly slippery to deal with. Think ponytails slipping out of the ties and very fluffy hair that blew everywhere in the wind. Good luck ever getting my hair into a topknot that actually stayed in place for more than five minutes.

So I stopped using conditioner. Why?

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Monday 13 July 2015

REVIEW: Maybelline FITme Matte & Poreless Foundation

Searching for the perfect fit?

...Sorry. I couldn't help starting this post with that opener!

Aussie beauty lovers can finally get their swatched-up hands on Maybelline's latest foundation, the FITme Matte + Poreless. Rejoice! And if you're anything like me, this product has been on your radar for a while now (and now it can be on our faces too - score!).

But is this take on an old Maybelline classic worth picking up? Read on and find out!

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Monday 6 July 2015

REVIEW: Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

Pick your jaws up off the floor, because YES, the Maybelline New York The Nudes palette has arrived in Australia! And for the sake of beauty writer "research", I just had to pick it up so I could review it for you guys. #likeineededanexcuse #youarewelcome

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Monday 29 June 2015

OOTD: The Oversized Cardigan

If it feels like a blanket, chances are I want it on my body.

So with winter having well and truly arrived, I'm all about the oversized cardigan. They're cosy, snuggly, and it's basically like wrapping yourself in a woollen hug all day. What's not to love?



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Monday 22 June 2015

HAUL: End of Financial Year sales - Sportsgirl, Cotton On and more!

It's sale time! And there's nothing that gets my heart racing, quite like seeing the percentage off signs beckoning me in store.

After all, everybody loves a bargain (and I need no excuse to go shopping)! But in typical Jess fashion, I couldn't help but pick up a couple full price items that were just too good to leave behind at the sales. Read on to see why I'm now avoiding looking at my bank statement...


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Monday 15 June 2015

REVIEW: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer

If only I had this concealer when I was a red-cheeked teenager!

The Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer is just as its name suggests – it’s creamy, high coverage and blends seamlessly to a natural finish, so it really does look like you’re not even wearing makeup!


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Monday 8 June 2015

My Maybelline Color Tattoo Collection & Swatches (Current + Limited!)

There's just something about the Maybelline Color Tattoos that make you want to collect the whole set! 

These cream eyeshadows are gorgeously pigmented and easy to use (one shade + your finger tip = an eye makeup look that looks like it took a lot longer to do than it did!) and come in a huge range of colours.


The Australian range currently have 10 shades available, but I couldn't help myself and I've picked up a few limited edition shades from overseas collections.

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Monday 25 May 2015

TOP 10: What high end cult beauty favourites are worth the hype?

Ah, luxury beauty products.

They're usually the ones that we read review upon review about, save up for weeks to be able to justify buying and then use everyday, just because they're so beautiful to wear!

But among all of that luxurious packaging, which ones are actually worth the splurge? I looked at ten universal favourites and tried them out, to help you discover which ones are wishlist-worthy, and which ones can be left on the shelf!

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Monday 18 May 2015

TOP 10: What drugstore cult beauty favourites are worth the hype?

Everyone has their favourites.

The products that they've repurchased at least five times. The products that they always get asked about by strangers every time they use them. The products that if they were discontinued, it. Would. Go. Down.

These drugstore favourites are beauty products that are sworn by a large portion of the makeup community, but which ones are must-haves? Because we all know the feeling of buying something from someone's recommendation and being disappointed. 

So I've rounded up ten drugstore beauty products that get raved about to find out if they're really worth the hype!

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Monday 11 May 2015

REVIEW: Hourglass Ambient Powder Wardrobe Palette + Swatches

High end beauty can sometimes be a bit hit or miss.

When you're forking out $50+ for a product, you want to have the peace of mind that it's going to be INCREDIBLE. But it isn't always the case! 

So if you're planning on doing a little splurge, rest assured that purchasing the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Wardrobe will definitely keep both your wallet and your conscience happy!

Even at $76 dollars, this highlighting powder palette is worth every cent. Read on to see for yourself!


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Monday 4 May 2015

TUTORIAL: Everyday Eye Makeup ft. Urban Decay Naked2 Basics

I'm basic.

At least in my eyeshadow choices! I don't tend to wear elaborate smokey eyes on the regular, so a quick and simple look is usually my go-to. This is the look that I've been loving lately, and all of the shades are conveniently in the handy little Urban Decay Naked2 Basics palette!


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Monday 27 April 2015

REVIEW: Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette + Swatches

Confession time. 

I'm not an eyeshadow person. 

I know, I know - what kind of a beauty writer am I? But a few extra minutes in bed will always trump getting up early so I have time to add eyeshadow into my morning makeup routine. A bit of smudged pencil liner is basically the same thing, right? #lazygirlproblems

Well, that is about to change! 


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Monday 20 April 2015

HAUL: Mecca Maxima, Sportsgirl, Cotton On and more!

How has it been AUGUST since I last did a haul post?!

Well, then it's definitely about time that I did a little (or a lot of) shopping to make up for it!

These items all had me forking out the cash, and with good reason. There are some amazing pieces in this haul and I hope it helps you add a couple of things to your wishlist. And as usual, all of the items below are linked if available, just in case you want to make a sneaky little purchase yourself. Happy shopping!


Chic Cropped Shirt - $5.00 on sale, Cotton On Body


I have a thing for cropped t-shirts (but ones that cover my belly button!) because I love high-waisted bottoms, so shorter shirts and tees just tend to sit better on me than longer ones. And funny story; when I picked this up at Cotton On, I didn't even realise it's actually a pyjama top! I'll be wearing it out of the house though, don't you worry! And for five bucks, it was such a steal.


Urban Sport Cable Cardi - $49.99 on sale, Sportsgirl


On cold days, there's nothing better than rugging up in a knitted, oversized cardie. I love the varsity-style of this one and it's incredibly cosy! I can picture myself wearing this with a coloured, collared shirt, black skinny jeans and chunky boots. Just add a cup of tea!


Check Up On It Scarf - $16.96, Cotton On


There's something about the grid print that's going around lately - I just can't get enough! I originally wanted this scarf in white (with black stripes), but after going to a bunch of different stores and it being sold out in every one, I settled for the black. And I actually think I love it more! It's thick and super warm, plus it's massive so it can easily be used as a shawl or throw blanket if need be.


'M' Beanie - $2.00 on sale, Cotton On


I have a growing beanie collection - aside from flower crowns, they're the only type of headwear that suits me! This one was only two bucks and I love the wintery berry colour. I can only imagine the questions I'm going to get when I wear it; What does the M stand for? You tell me. Magnificent? Meow? Much beanie, such cosy? You. Tell. Me.


Peri Cut Out Flat - $69.95, Sportsgirl


You know when you walk into a store and fall in love with an item instantly? But you talk yourself out of buying it, and then can't stop thinking about it all night? That's what happened with these amazing lace-ups, and I went straight back into Sportsgirl the next day and bought a pair. I. CAN'T. STOP. STARING. AT. THEM. New shoes = a very happy Jess.


Urban Originals W15 Pagan Poetry Crossbody - $79.95, David Jones


I love a good bag, but I only ever buy one if I need it. I'm much more compulsive when it comes to makeup! So when my old faithful cross body bag admitted defeat after two years of use, I knew it was time to upgrade. This UO sling is the perfect size for carrying my wallet, phone, keys and a lipstick, which is all I really carry with me when I go out. And you can't see it in the photo below, but the inside is actually leopard print - I love a little design surprise!


Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - $11.95, Priceline


In the colder months, I prefer my skin to have a more matte look. Normally I'd use a mattifying primer to get that effect because my skin used to be fairly dry, but now that my skin has started to behave itself and be a lot more even, I can get away with using a powder to set my makeup. I've already started using this and it provides just a little extra coverage to even out my complexion, and the finish is so soft and natural! Love, love, love it.


Urban Decay Naked2 Basics - $42.00, Mecca Maxima


I have a confession. On UD Day, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning to line up at Mecca Maxima for the Urban Decay launch. At FOUR. THIRTY. Granted, crazy behaviour aside, my best friend and I were second and third in line and it was such a great morning meeting other beauty obsessives! I picked up a bunch of items, including the Naked2 Basics. I have a review and a tutorial for this little cutie in the works, so stay tuned over the coming weeks for more details on this beauty!


Urban Decay Naked Palette - $78.00, Mecca Maxima


FINALLY. YOU. ARE. MINE. I'm quite aware that I sound like a crazy person, but can anyone relate!? Finally us Aussie beauties are able to get our hands on the Naked Palettes without having to organise overseas shipping services! I now have a complete trio of Naked Palettes and I cannot wait to start using this one. Both 2 and 3 don't 100% suit me, so I'm keen to create some looks with the original.


Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer - $36.00, Mecca Maxima


Embarrassing story; I dropped my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer down the side of the car seat. And it's lodged in there. ARGH, right?! But I used the opportunity to pick up the new Urban Decay Naked Concealer. I've heard so many good reviews of this gorgeous product, so I'm excited to see how it wears. For almost $40, it better be good!


Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - $22.00, Mecca Maxima


I was so excited to finally get my hands on this cult product! A setting spray that keeps your makeup looking fresh for hours upon hours? YES. PLEASE. I picked up the smaller size because it's convenient for keeping in my bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day, but you can also get the full size bottle for $44.00 at Mecca.


Matte Nail It! in 'Pastel Blue' - $9.95, Sportsgirl

Kit Cosmetics Nail Polish in 'Dig Deep' - $15.95, Mecca Maxima


With a nail polish collection that's threatening to spill out of my bathroom drawer, I think it's safe to say that I really don't need any more! But alas... It is never enough! These two shades look gorgeously creamy and I love that they are both vibrant, yet soft. I've been eyeing both of them for ages, so I figured future Jess' bank account can worry about it.

 The Perfect Bun Kit - $7.99, Lovisa


I'm the kind of person that cannot perfect a topknot unless I have about half an hour. Which kind of defeats the purpose of the no-fuss bun! So I'm hoping that an actual bun maker will help make the process easier and a whole lot quicker. #Ijustwantanextradaywithoutwashingmyhair #realtalk


What are some new things you've bought lately? Let me know in the comments below!


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Monday 13 April 2015

REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation

It's been a while since I've been really impressed with a drugstore foundation. And beauties, is the Maybelline New York Dream Wonder Foundation impressive!

If you're on the hunt for a new foundation that won't cost you a bomb (Maybelline is regularly on promotion too!), then add this to your shopping list. 


The Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is a light-weight base product that gives your skin a matte finish. And for a foundation that feels only the tiniest bit thicker than water, the coverage is easily medium to full. With the exception of my under eyes, I very rarely need to use concealer when I wear this!

So, let's get to know this baby a little more, shall we?


Packaging


The glass bottle this liquid magic is housed in feels very luxurious and it really does look like a high end rather than a drugstore product. I also really love that the front and back sides are flat - I find fitting cylindrical bottles into my makeup bag really difficult, whereas this slick bottle just slots right in!

That aside, the most unique feature of the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is the tear-drop shaped applicator. It is easily the most unusual foundation applicator I've ever seen and it doesn't really do a whole lot in my opinion. But that said, because this foundation is so runny, it does come in handy to control the amount of product you want to use. 


Once your screw open the lid and pull the applicator out, it's already coated in more than a full-face's worth of foundation. From there, I usually just use my finger to swipe the product off of the 'tear drop' and the wand, then dot it onto my face before blending. It's a little unusual, but for a foundation this runny, a pump dispenser probably wouldn't work anyway!


Coverage


Even though this product is incredibly thin, the coverage is ridiculously good! Take a look at the swatches below - the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is very blendable, smooth and can easily be built up if you need a little extra coverage in places.


Let's do a little demo. In the image below I've just applied a few dots of the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation to my cheek. You can see that there is quite a big difference between my skin tone and the foundation shade (which is 70 Pure Beige if you're wondering!), but this baby blends out so well that the end effect is very natural. Scroll down and see!


Take a look at the right side of my face - dare I say it, but my skin looks flawless! The coverage of the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is almost beyond belief, but if you compare the left and right sides of my face, you can really see the difference that this foundation makes. My skin tone is more even and looks smoother, while still giving a 'my skin but better' effect.



Close up, you can really see how flawlessly it applies. In the below image I've applied it to the rest of my face and apart from the area around my nose, my skin looks very even and soft. The finish of the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is a semi-matte, which looks gorgeously natural on the skin.



Just look at this before and after - the coverage is just unbelievable!



Wear and Longevity


I first tried this foundation in November just when I was about to go overseas to Japan, and even in their blisteringly cold winter, this foundation stayed put. Then when I came home to an Aussie summer, it also managed to last really well on hotter days. 

With a primer, this foundation can easily last a whole day without budging, oxidising or looking patchy, so it's a great choice if you wear makeup for long periods of time, like at work. Only thing is that if you have any dry areas on your face, the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation does tend to emphasise those spots. 


Final Thoughts


I've heard a few stories from other beauty bloggers that this foundation can aggravate sensitive skin due to the Octoxinate ingredient (3%), but for me I've never experienced this. If you have sensitive skin, I would definitely test this product out before you buy it in case it affects you, but for me it was completely fine! 

And I'm not saying this lightly, but the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation is easily my Holy Grail Foundation. The coverage is fantastic, the price point is great, the wear is incredibly smooth and comfortable and so if you're on the hunt for a new foundation, this is the one beauties!


Have you tried the Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation? What were your thoughts?

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