Ramblings of a Girl

Priceline 40% Off Sale Haul

Neena — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:42:16 +0000

(Top to Bottom, Left to Right)

Australis 3 in 1 Makeup Remover Wipes (x2)
Savvy by DB Flawless Finish Foundation in 00 Alabaster
Essence Stay All Day Concealer in 10 Natural Beige
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in 01 Ivory
Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
L’Oreal Shine Caresse in Milady
Essence All Eyes on Me Mascara
Essence Multi Action Mascara
Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Boost Mascara
Maybelline Baby Lips ♥ Color in Pink Lolita & Berry Crush
Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Glow in Baby Pink
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
Models Prefer Ultra Lipgloss Pencil in Crowd Pleaser
Essence 2 in 1 Eyeliner Pen

(The contents of the gift bag for spending $60 in one transaction)

Savvy by DB Vitamin E Make Up Remover Wipes (x2, Monnie gave me hers)
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Midnight in NY
Natio Lip Colour in Flutter
Press & Go Press on Manicure
Kiss Everlasting French Fake Nails
Nude by Nature Undercover Airbrush Mineral Primer
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Brown Sugar
Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara in Noir Max
Rimmel London Wake me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in Shimmering Sand
Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Brightener
Models Prefer Brow Highlighter

(And then I went back when I realised these were also included in the sale…)

Face of Australia Purifying Cleansing Wipes (x3)
Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia

I’m not going to say how much I spent, because ~~my mother might read this~~ it’s not polite, but I can safely say I won’t need to buy makeup wipes or mascara for a long time!

Did anyone else go a bit mad during this sale? Let me know!

5 Minute Review + GIveaway: Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

Neena — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:57:13 +0000

This alcohol free, skin hydrating mist combines chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool tired skin.
Use after cleansing or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed.
Prefect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment.

I keep this by my bed, it’s a great wake up me up first thing in the morning and at night makes a great relaxing pillow mist.

The scent is the typical Sukin scent, a lovely light herbal that fades as soon as it hits my skin. The mist is very fine, and I can cover my face in 2 sprays.

This bottle has lasted me at least 3 months using it a few times a day, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s definitely HG status!

Available from Priceline and selected chemists; $9.99/125ml.

Thanks to the lovely people at Sukin, I have 5 (five) bottles to give away to the first 5 people who leave me a comment with their email saying “I want a Sukin Hydrating Mist!“

Terms and Conditions

Competition is open to Australian residents only (Sorry international readers, I’ll have a giveaway for you soon!)
Competition starts as soon as the post goes live and ends when 5 people have commented in accordance to the above requirement.
Winners will be notified by email and if they do not respond within 24 hours, the prize will move to the next eligible participant.
Packages will be sent by me via standard Australia Post, and I am not held responsible after the package has left my hands.

Product was provided for consideration in accordance to my Disclosure Policy,

Life Update Time

Neena — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:15:09 +0000

This is my view now, bachelorette life = wide screen high def Nathan Fillion.

2013 has been so crazy, and it’s only mid April!

At the start of February Sebastian and I came home after work to find out house had been robbed. Everything of value had been taken, and while a few people have a very good idea of who it was there’s no way we can prove anything so it’s been dropped. We reported it to the police and since then they have recovered a few things so there’s that I guess…
Being robbed really showed me how great my support network is, everyone was very kind to offer spare computers and even though it was their anniversary Monnie and Michael came over with a laptop, cookies and a DSi for us.

At the end of February, Sebastian and I came to the mutual decision that it would be best for us to live apart when the house we were living in went on the market so I moved in with Monnie. Best decision EVER.
Seriously though, I eat a lot more of the things I like now (tomatoes, eggs, vegetables in general) and also a lot more cake (mudcake offcuts are the bomb at 2am)

Last thursday I handed in my notice at The Large Insurance Company I work at (whose name I am not supposed to say on the internet), because I will be working in a friends cafe, and as a babysitter for her twins (Mr and Miss 7). I’m going to have a celebratory drink on Friday after the ABBM Benefit even on Friday if anyone wants to join me

And finally; my mum has dropped the bombshell that we’re all going overseas in mid June for a month! We’re going to France (Paris Disneyland for my youngest sister’s 12th birthday!!) then on to England for a few weeks and through Singapore on the way home. I’m also going to Wales for a couple of days by myself to see where they film Doctor Who and Torchwood, and to go to the Doctor Who Experience!!
I also want to find where they film Sherlock in London, and go to the Harry Potter exhibition! If you can think of anything else I can do, or even something my whole family can do, let me know! Lots of exclamation points to portray excitement!!
I’ll be using the hashtag #NeenaAbroad on Twitter and Instagram (both @PrincessNeena) so you can stay up to date on my preparations and travels if that’s your cup of tea…

That’s about it for now, hopefully the rest of my year is as awesome.

P.S. Felicia Day is back on Supernatural on the 24th!

Swap Mail from Copycat Mockingjay!!

Neena — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:34:51 +0000

A month or so ago, Copycat Mockingjay and I arranged a (very lazy) swap and I’m 1000% in love with what she sent me! (It arrived last week, but my computer is being the worst and wouldn’t let me upload)

How cute is this mailer? It got ripped open by customs because of the contents though

Physicians Formula Happy Booster blush in Natural, Maybelline Color Tattoos in Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe, Pixiglow Fairy Dust (It’s Tinkerbell branded!!) and ELF Liquid Eyeliner in Stardust
(I think Copycat is trying her best to persuade me to wear glitter, like her glittery fantastic self!) I’m also very appreciative she remembered I generally go for a more natural look, hence the more neutral Color Tattoos :D
The Pixiglow shimmer is amazing; I’ve been wearing it on my cheekbones to catch (what I hope is) the last of the Autumn sun and make me all nice and glowy, while the blush is a pretty natural flush; I never wear blush but I’ve had this one every day since it arrived.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!!!

I was talking to Monnie about how I wanted to try some then I got an email the next morning apologising for the delay in sending my package out but she was looking for Girl Scouts to buy from (apparently they only exist when you don’t want to buy cookies). These are Trefoils (shortbread) and the left and Tagalongs (chocolate coated peanut butter) on the left. I’ve already eaten 1/2 the Tagalongs and am waiting for a cold night so I can lounge in my Snuggie dunking the Trefoils into my tea.

The Girl Scouts were really excited to hear the cookies were being sent to Australia, they wrote their names on the Thank You card for me!

I think I’m going to have to strike up a deal with Copycat, I’ll send her Sukin moisturiser in return for Girl Scout cookies.

Music for my Mood #1

Neena — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:33:52 +0000

I tend to listen to a few songs on repeat and my most played playlist changes every few months depending on my outlook on life/the weather/new album releases.

Lately I’ve been a bit down after moving and some money trouble, I’ve been listening to ladies with beautiful voices and songs I can just play in the background while I read a book or have a nap.

Lana del Ray - Born to Die
I actually used to make fun of Sebastian for listening to her, but I listened to Summertime Sadness a few times and just fell in love with her voice. It amazes me that she’s only 26, it doesn’t fit the image I have of her in my head.
On repeat: Summertime Sadness, National Anthem, Diet Mountain Dew

The Pretty Reckless - Light me Up
Because I love anything Taylor Momsen does; she can try as hard as she wants to have a tough image but her voice is so sweet sounding.
On repeat: Just Tonight, Make Me Wanna Die, My Medicine

Uffie - Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
She’s French. She sings in English. Cue me falling in love with her French accent ♥♥♥
On repeat: Pop the Glock, Art of Uff, Hong Kong Garden

Feist - The Reminder
A pop/jazz/folk sound, this was recommended to me on Reddit as an answer to “If I like Lana del Ray, WEWIL?”. I’ve only listened through the album a few times but it’s great background noise.
On repeat: My Moon My Man, Honey Honey, 1234

What are you listening to?

Review + Giveaway: Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia [CLOSED]

Neena — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:32:26 +0000

NIVEA Lip Butters melt into the lips on application providing long-lasting nourishment and a silky, gloss finish. It is formulated with NIVEA’s Hydra IQ moisture technology to naturally hydrate skin from within as well as on the surface. The butter works to restore and maintain healthy, soft lips.

I am so glad these are being released in Australia, and not at an inflated price compared to the US! I’ve been using this for at least a month; I’ve bypassed all my other balms for this one.

The scent is amazing, even Sebastian likes it which is rare as he’s usually not a fan of anything I like the smell of; it’s mainly a vanilla scent and it lasts for ages, I’m able to smell it for a few hours after applying and when it’s faded is generally when it needs to be reapplied.

The only problem I really have with this is if you apply too much it leaves a white cast on your lips but you figure out soon enough how much you need.

Available from Priceline, chemists and selected supermarkets, $5.19/19ml from March 15th (Also available in Unscented and Caramel)

Thanks to the lovely people at Maxed Thomas PR I have 2 Vanilla and Macadamia lip butters to give away to two lucky commenters.
All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know why you need a new lip balm!

Giveaway will close on 6pm Sunday 15th of March and is only open to Australian residents. (Sorry international readers!)
Winners will be chosen by Neena, and will be contacted by email. If email is not responded to in 24 hours a new winner will be chose.

Products were supplied for consideration as per the Disclosure Policy.

5 Minute Review: Glasshouse Fragrances Kyoto Candle

Neena — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:35:37 +0000

Image acquired from Beautydirectory.com.au

Inspired by the ancient zen temple of the golden pavilion and its magnificent strolling garden, Kyoto’s sensual blend of camellia, lotus and amber combine for a truly sacred experience.

I bought this for myself as a housewarming present as I was moving into Monnie‘s place a few weeks ago from Fireflies in City Cross Adelaide, I was debating between this one and Rio di Janeiro but ultimately decided on this one as it is limited edition (there’s still plenty left at Fireflies though!)

The camellia really shines in this candle, it’s the strongest of the scents for me followed by the amber then the lotus; all the scents are beautiful and really compliment each other. I’ve had it lit for about an hour today and my room smells heavenly!

The only problem I had with mine was the rubber stopper around the lid ripped and fell off, so the lid doesn’t sit securely anymore Probably just a dud jar but I thought I’d mention it…

Available from David Jones, Peter Alexander and selected specialist stores $42.95/350gm

Review: Nivea Pure and Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes & Moisturising Day Cream

Neena — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:44:26 +0000

For those looking to cleanse on the go, Nivea Visage Pure and Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes ensure that no matter where you are, you can gently cleanse and remove impurities from your skin. These wipes are also perfect for sensitive eyes.

Nivea Visage Pure and Natural Moisturising Day Cream supplies normal and combination skin with 24 hours of intensive moisture with it’s infusion of Argan Oil and Aloe Vera.

I’m always on the hunt for great cleansing wipes, and these make the cut. They are soft, they smell nice, they are quite moist and just one gets everything (including most of my waterproof mascara) off at night.
The scent is very clean, like a soap but it’s not overpowering and fades after a few minutes.

As mentioned before, using just one wipe took of about 95% of my makeup and left my face soft to the touch.
The only thing I didn’t like was that the couple of blemishes I had were left stinging after using the wipes, it wasn’t overly painful more of a discomforting sting.

The moisturiser is thicker than what I was using before it, but it doesn’t leave a greasy film during the >35 degree days we’ve been having here which is always a plus (no one likes a shiny face!)
It has the same clean scent of the wipes (thus leading me to believe the whole range smells the same, but don’t quote me) which takes a bit longer to fade, but it’s not overpowering; I quite like it.

Like all Nivea products it left my skin amazingly soft and moisturised, it was still working it’s magic at least 8 hours after I applied it.
I’ve been using both of these for a full week and I haven’t had any new breakouts, which is rare for me when I change skin care.

The entire range is free from parabens, silicones, artificial colorants and mineral oils, all active ingredients are certified organic and at least 95% of ingredients are from natural origins.

Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and selected Pharmacies; $7.50/25 wipes, $12.99/50ml from March 2013

These products were provided for consideration as per the Disclosure Policy.

Review: Make Up Store Peeling Mask

Neena — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 07:21:49 +0000

An exclusive facial peeling with a creamy and soft texture. Peeling mask is enriched with Sunflower seed oil that soothes the skin and Vitamin E that moisturizes and restores the skins pH-balance. While exfoliating the skin you remove impurities and dead skin cells.

Don’t let the “peeling mask” part of the name confuse you, this is actually a very fine grained scrub. Yeah, I wondered why too.

When the ABBM girls went to The Make Up Store in Burnside back in October, we were offered 30% off our purchases and since I was in the market for a new scrub I picked this up (after 20 minutes looking at all the skincare bottles thinking “but none of these are scrubs…!”)

I only use a tiny amount of this scrub, about a pea size, and it leaves my skin smooth and flake free. It does leave a oily film that I’m not too fond of although it washes away after cleansing.

It has a nice scent, fresh and clean but not overpowering and it goes when rinsed off. It’s also pink! Super girly! :P

I’ve been using this at least 3 times a week since October and there’s still plenty left, at least 2 months worth.

Available from The Make Up Store locations, $35/150ml.

I received this product 30% cheaper as mentioned as a gift from The Make Up Store.

5 Minute Review: Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser

Neena — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:03:40 +0000

This light and gentle moisturiser, boasts shea butter and aloe vera to calm and soothe the complexion.
Rapidly absorbed to deliver essential hydration to delicate skin, whilst rose hip, sesame and jojoba oils help promote optimal moisture levels for radiant, balanced skin.
Suitable for sensitive skin.

Let me just start by saying this moisturiser smells like glazed donuts.

I’m not even lying.

Seriously though, this moisturiser is perfect for the heat waves we’ve been having here (40+ degrees) as it’s light enough to wear all day but still keeps my dry patches at bay. I’ve been using this as both my day and night moisturiser during the summer, as it doesn’t leave a greasy film like my thicker night cream was because of the heat.
As it’s more of a lotion consistency a little goes a long way, I’ve been using this for about 2 months and there’s at least another months worth of product in there.
The (mouth watering) scent fades as it sinks into the skin, which only takes about a minute, so that’s a big plus in my book!

The only problem I have is that the pump style bottle makes it hard to get all the product out, some is always going to be left on the sides unless you’re willing to break open the bottle to get to it.

Available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and selected pharmacies; $9.99/125ml

This product was provided for consideration as per the Disclosure Policy.