Thursday 8 December 2016

World's Greatest Shave

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As some of you might know, I'll be taking part in the World's Greatest Shave next year.
World's Greatest Shave is a charity event that raises money for The Leukaemia Foundation. Leukaemia (or blood cancer) is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia. The funds that I'm raising will provide "emotional and practical support to families facing blood cancer and fund vital research that will mean more people survive, while improving their quality of life".

Obviously, the primary goal is to raise as much money as possible to help people who have been affected by blood cancer. However, I also want to prove to myself that my hair doesn't define who I am. Throughout the years, I've invested so much time and money on my hair. I've let it define how good or bad I look and feel on a particular day. I want to prove to myself that I can look and feel beautiful without my hair AND raise very important funds to help The Leukaemia Foundation.

The shave itself will take place in March next year and I'll be working as hard as I can to raise as much money as I can between now and then.

If you would like to donate, please head to >> http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/danismith

Every little helps! I am accepting any and all donations.

Dani XO
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Thursday 17 November 2016

Harbour Skin Clinic

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I feel like a pretty terrible beauty blogger for admitting this but I've never really had a proper facial. I've had a couple of the generic spa type facials (which are lovely) but I've never ventured into the world of high teach skincare before. The team at Harbour Day Spa have just launched Harbour Skin Clinic and when they invited me down to try everything out, I jumped at the chance.
I've been to Harbour Day Spa before (check out my review here) and I love how comfortable the staff make you feel. The whole experience is really all about making you feel good. I was a little apprehensive about letting all those high tech gadgets near my face but the entire experience was amazing.

My treatment started off with a cosy robe and a cup of raspberry and lime tea. My therapist, Jordan, started by taking some pictures of my skin to take a close look at any potential issues. They looked terrifying up close and under different filters but she assured me everything looked normal. My main issues were some congestion and just generally wanting a brighter skin tone. We decided to go for the Specialty Skin Treatment for Age Defense. We also added in some LED light therapy and microdermabrasion as well as an enzyme peel and a sonophoresis cleanse to tackle my congestion.
I was worried that the treatments might be painful but it was a very relaxing experience. I really enjoyed the LED light therapy which Jordan explained as basically being like a little cellular recharge for your skin cells. The microdermabrasion definitely felt the strangest, like having your face vaccuumed, but my skin felt amazing afterwards. The sonoporesis was also a really interesting one. It uses low frequency sound waves to help treatments penetrate the skin better. 

Now here is a very flattering before and after shot of my delightful face for you. I definitely felt like my skin felt clearer and brighter afterwards as well as being very plump and glowy. These photos are unfiltered and unedited, just so you can see how nice my skin actually looks post-treatment.
I would highly recommend checking out the new Harbour Skin Clinic. They also do vouchers and with Christmas coming up, a day at Harbour Skin Clinic sounds like a pretty good gift to me.

Have you tried any high tech skin solutions?

Dani the Girl XO

This experience was provided free of charge but, as always, my opinion is my own.
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Thursday 10 November 2016

Jord Wood Watches for Him

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If you cast your mind back many moons, you might remember a post I did on my own JORD Wood Watch. Boyfriend was feeling a little bit jealous so the lovely team at JORD decided to send him out his very own watch.

I really love my JORD watch because it's a little unusual and always scores me some compliments. Boyfriend feels exactly the same way about his. While I chose to go for a light coloured, unfinsihed wood for my watch, boyfriend decided to go for a dark, polished one. I think the darker wood is definitely more masculine. The square watch face on the Delmar Dark Sandalwood and Obsidian combined with the darker wood gives the watch a very James Bond feel.
With Christmas just around the corner, JORD Wood Watches make an ideal gift, for men or ladies (hint hint). If you'd like to take a look at the collection, please use the link below. Trust me, you're going to want to look at the collection!
Is a JORD Wood Watch on your Christmas list?

Dani the Girl XO

Wooden Watches For Sale

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.  
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Sunday 6 November 2016

Top 3 Non-Foundation Bases

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I'm not sure if it's the change in weather or a change in my skin but I've been loving lighter bases lately. They're perfect for days that I don't want a full beat face but still want some coverage. Here are the three I have been reaching for the most.

I've been reaching for Dusty Girls products all the time since they were kind enough to invite me a blogger lunch a few months back. The Tinted Earth Cream is one of their most popular products. It's amazing for acne-prone skin and has lots of lovely healing ingredients. It's really buildable, you can get up to medium coverage with it. The best thing is that it doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything. It really, truly feels like its just a moisturiser but it makes skin look a million times better. 


This is a new release from Bioderma and it's been all over Instagram. It's easily the best coverage BB cream I've ever used. It also wears amazingly through the day and looks fresh all day long. The only downsides are that it currently only comes in one shade (it's a bit dark for me but I can make it work) and it requires some blending to get it to sit nicely on the skin. 


The lovely Brii was kind enough to give me a little sample of this to try out and I was immediately in love. It's perfect for my normal to slight combo skin. The coverage is matte and flawless and just sits so nicely on the skin. I ended up going out to buy the full size (of course) and I haven't looked back. It's become my summer going out base just because of how amazing it makes my skin look.

What are your favourite non-foundation bases?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinions are my own.
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Sunday 30 October 2016

Matrix Haircare - Rock It Texture

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As someone with fine, dead straight hair, I'm always on a quest for volume and texture. I want to look like I just got back from the beach, instead of looking like I just got drenched in oil. Enter Rock It Texture. This is one of very few ranges I've found that actually makes my hair look half decent, without making it dry or sticky.
Rock It Texture Range 

This range is made up of Rock It Texture Shampoo ($16.95), Rock It Texture Conditioner ($16.95) and Rock It Texture Sea Salt Spray ($25.00). Apart from looking really cool in apple green packaging, these products actually work! From the first shampoo, my hair looked amazing. After a couple of weeks, I found I could use my normal shampoo and conditioner and then throw in the Rock It Texture range once a week to once a fortnight to give a little added boost and give back some of the texture and volume I so desperately need. 

It's also safe to use on colour-treated hair and won't make your colour fade. The range smells amazing too, very fresh. It's especially good for shorter or wavy hair as it gives those styles a certain boost. A special shout out to the Sea Salt Spray (if you're a long-time reader, you know I love a good sea salt spray) as it's the BEST for texture but doesn't make your hair sticky or dry.

Dani the Girl XO gives the Rock It Texture range:
Have you tried the Rock It Texture range yet?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR sample but, as always, my opinions are my own.

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Sunday 23 October 2016

Bargain Beauty Buys

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One of my pet hates as a beauty blogger is when I see people saying things like "you have to use high end brands to have your makeup look good". I'm not saying that high end brands aren't amazing. I have and use a whole lot of them myself. I just hate people thinking that they have to spend huge amount of money to look good. I've picked out five of my favourite bargain beauty buys to prove that being on a budget doesn't mean looking bad!
1. Models Prefer Matte Nude Shadows ($10.00)

There's no denying that the Urban Decay Naked palettes had a huge influence on these Models Prefer Palettes. The style is almost identical but at only $10, the Models Prefer versions are definitely friendlier to your bank account. These usually get released around Christmas but you can usually find them all year round, especially in the quieter Pricelines. This one is full of lovely warm nudes and although the quality isn't quite on par with the Urban Decay ones, they aren't bad at all!


I probably spend as long doing my brows as I do on the whole rest of my face sometimes! I love brow products and Make Me Brow is no exception. It's a great dupe for the famous Benefit Gimme Brow (which I also love) but for a fraction of the price. It comes in two shades and the formula contains micro-fibres to give brows volume and fill in any patches. Well worth the $5!


I am a slave to winged liners and this one is my old faithful. I know that I can always pull off a sharp wing in seconds. It's easy to use, easy to clean up and stays put all day. I've heard some negative reviews of this but for me, it's always been a winner and it still comes in under $20. 


Rimmel always kill it when it comes to lipsticks. They're well-priced, come in an enormous range of colours and look amazing on. My personal favourites are the Lasting Finish ones, just because they do have slightly better staying power. The Limited Edition Rose Gold Anniversary lipsticks are out at the moment with three reds and three nudes, if you needed any more motivation to buy!


I wasn't too much of a fan of the original version of this mascara but the Reloaded one is so much better. The brush is really fat and fluffy so it gives loads of volume without looking too overdone. I really like how full it makes my lashes look and it doesn't clump up or flake off. It's one of my current favourite every day mascaras.

What are your favourite budget beauty buys?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinions are my own. 
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Sunday 4 September 2016

My Too Face Melted Lipstick Collection

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Too Faced is one of my favourite brands because of their fun packaging, quality products and slightly quirky names and ideals (chocolate scented makeup anyone?). The Melted Lipsticks are a recent addition to my collection but I really do love the look they give and range of colors they come in. 

The price above is for the full size 12ml version but the ones reviewed here are minis.

At first, I wasn't a huge fan of the funny sponge applicator or squeezy tube. After a few uses, I found that the spongy applicator helped give a really soft, slightly blurred finish to the lipstick. The squeezy tube means you can also use just the right amount, whether you want a hint of colour or a bold lip.  Pigmentation is good and they are really smooth and easy to apply. They dry to a semi-matte, suede type finish and feel really comfortable to wear.
The only downside I've found is the "long-wear" claim. I think that because these don't dry to a super matte finish, they don't last as long as some other liquid lipsticks. They will definitely stay put longer than an average lipstick but they are far from an all-day deal. Eating and drinking pretty much gets rid of them completely. I personally don't mind all that much because of how pretty they are and how comfortable and pretty they are to wear. I'll usually wear them on days that I know I'll have time to reapply. 

Dani the Girl XO gives the Too Faced Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipstick:
What do you think of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks/

Dani xo
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Thursday 1 September 2016

BECCA Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette

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Champagne Pop has long been one of my favourite highlighters so when I saw that Becca was coming out with an entire Jaclyn Hill Face Palette, I pretty much peed my pants with excitement. When the pictures started popping up all over Instagram, my heart palpitations started. Then I found out that it was being release the week before payday, I felt like crying! Thankfully, the wonderfully kind and generous Mel from Loads of Lifestyle, added an extra palette to her order for me. Here's what I think of my new baby.

One palette, two mineral blushes, one luminous blush, two highlighters and one happy beauty blogger! This palette is everything I dreamed of and more. The packaging is heavy and solid, making it look and feel very luxe. The gold detailing is super glam and makes me feel just a little bit fancy when I take it out. 
The actual shades are Amaretto and Pamplemousse (the mineral blushes), Rosé Spritz (the luminous blush) and Champagne and Prosecco Pop (the highlighters). Out of the blushes, Amaretto is my favourite but that's like saying my favourite chocolate is Kit Kat cos I love all chocolate. Pigmentation is on point and a little goes a really long way. The formula and colour of Champagne Pop is a little different to the original Champagne Pop that you can buy alone but it's equally as beautiful and wears just as well. 
The only downside for me is that the shade names aren't printed on the palette, one of my pet hates! They are on the underside on a sticker but I much prefer having them right there. It's a pretty minor thing and doesn't really affect the actual quality and use of the palette at all.  
Dani the Girl XO gives the BECCA Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette:
Did you get your hands on this divine palette?

Dani xo
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Sunday 28 August 2016

LUSH Father's Day Gifts

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This is your warning that Father's Day is exactly one week away! Before you start to freak out, read on to find out what you get for your dad from Lush this year. The range is all based on sandalwood so you don't have to worry about it being too girly. All of these products are guaranteed to beat any variety of socks and undies you can find AND everything is under $30 so you won't break the bank either. This is just a small sample of the goodies available for Father's Day from Lush, for the full range, head to their site.

Most dad's seem a little wary of face washes but their skin needs to same love and attention and everyone else's. The Smuggler's Soul Facial Scrub wil give Dad's manly mug a good scrubbing with shea butter and argan oil for hydration. This smells super manly too, that would be the sandalwood. Best of all, it's easy to use, just slap on, scrub away and rinse off. 


Dad's like things that multi-task right? This multi-purpose cream is perfect for any dad (or anyone really) who doesn't like a separate face, body and hand cream. Personally, I love the sandalwood and cucumber combo, I've found it really nice as a body moisturiser. I would recommend this one for anyone who needs a little pampering!


Men like baths too! Remember Chandler in Friends?


Treat your dad to a little luxury with the Modfather bubble bar. He can soak away all his worries in a citrus scented mountain of bubbles!

Smuggler's Soul Shampoo Bar ($14.95)

Attention Dads! It's time to throw away your 12-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash/car wash.drain unclogger and switch to the Smuggler's Soul Shampoo Bar! Packed with cocoa butter, lemongrass oil and, of course, sandalwood, this baby is guaranteed to leave the old noggin squeaky clean.

Thanks Dad Soap ($7.50)

Something as simple as soap has been given a little face lift by Lush, making it a little fanicer, perfect for Father's Day! Thanks Dad Soap is super citrusy and fresh, good for waking up sleepy dads in the morning. It evens spells out D-A-D so no one else in the family will be able to steal it!

What are you planning to get your Dad (or step-dad, mum, grandpa or other special person) this Father's Day?

Dani xo


Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinions are my own.
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Thursday 25 August 2016

Current Favourite Apps

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So given that I spend approximately 98% of my time on my phone (I think I'm addicted, help!), I thought I would share the apps that I spend the most time staring at!
Carousell

Once you download Carousell, your bank account will hate you! Carousell is kind of a cross between eBay and Gumtree. You can buy, sell or swap good, most of which are second hand. It's an excellent way to get rid of unwanted clothes or pick up high end goods at bargain prices. There's everything from clothes to shoes to furniture to makeup and everything in between! You can also leave feedback so people know which buyers are good to deal with and which to avoid.

TRIBE
If you're an Instagram influencer of any kind with a following of 3k or more, TRIBE is for you! It basically connects brands with influencers. Brands post campaigns, compelte with thought starters and guidelines and influencers can then submit posts, complete with their desired fee. Brands can then approve or decline a post and as soon as your post is published, you get paid!

Pokemon GO
Growing up with Pokemon, I was as excited as every other nerd when Pokemon GO was released. I've had so much fun hunting Pokemon and bonding with other Poke-nerds. It's also a good motivator to get walking to try and find all those rare Pokemon and hatch your precious eggs. Yes, I am a nerd and proud of it!

4 Ingredients
It's no secret that I am pretty much a disaster in the kitchen. I'm fairly awful at following recipes and I hate any recipie that requiers a massive list of ingredients. I've been using 4 Ingredients since I first moved out of home and the app is just an easy way to have all my recipes with me. You can browse recipes or search by the ingredients you have in your pantry. Even a disaster cook like me can whip up amazing meals with this!
Tell me what your favourite apps are!

Dani xo
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Sunday 21 August 2016

New From Rimmel - Shine and Glow

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I won't bore you again with how much I love Rimmel. Instead, I'm just going to launch straight into the lastest Rimmel releases and what I love about them.
These new lipsticks are a sister product to the original Moisture Renew Lipsticks. The original lippies were super bold and pigmented where the new range is sheer but they're both amazingly moisturising with a whole bunch of vitamins for hydration. I honestly didn't think I would like these at all but the colour are amazing and easy to build up. They're glossy and last surprisingly well, even leaving a little hint of colour once the gloss has gone. The only thing I don't like is the strange scent, it's quite a strong floral type scent that I'm personally not a fan of. Apart from that, these are real winners for me!

Dani the Girl XO gives the Moisture Renew Sheer & Shine Lipsticks:
I love a good multi-tasker and this new illuminator and highlighter is a new favourite for me. You can use it as a glow base, highlighter or even eyeshadow. You can even mix a little into foundation for a dewy finish. Soho Glow is a warmer, bronzy tone whereas the other shade, Notting Hill Glow, is more of a pearly pink. Both shades are gorgeous but I think Soho Glow works a little better for my skin tone. 

Dani the Girl XO gives the Good to Glow Highlighter:
Brow this Way Highlighter in Pink Matte ($9.95)

THe absolute creamiest brow pencil I have ever come across! This is meant to be a brow highlighter but I've also been using it as an eyeliner in my water line for the days I don't get enough sleep. It's so easy to blend and just brightens everything up. It does come in a Gold Shimmer shade too but I think the Pink Matte shade is a lot more versatile. 

Dani the Girl XO gives the Brow this Way Highlighter:
Have you been keeping up with the Rimmel new releases?

Dani xo
 
Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own. 
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Thursday 18 August 2016

Jeffree Star Collection

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Possibly the most controversial YouTuber and makeup creator around, Jeffree Star is outspoken, colourful, proud and crazy. Some people love him, some people hate him but there's no denying that his Jeffree Star Cosmetics range is insanely popular.  The Velour Liquid Lipsticks ($18.00 USD) are arguably the most popular items in the range. 
I own a grand total of four Velour Liquid Lipsticks (Doll Parts, Mannequin, Rose Matter and Posh Spice) but I would happily own the entire range! There are some beautiful, wearable colours as well as some crazier, colourful ones. The entire range is vegan and cruelty free as well. The lipsticks have a beautiful texture, apply smoothly and dry quickly. They have incredible staying power and are the least drying of all the liquid lipsticks I own. I like that they aren't quite as thick as a lot of other liquid lippies and they don't make my lips feel like sandpaper after a day of wear. 
Both times I've ordered from the Jeffree Star Cosmetics site, shipping has been easy to track and delivery has been amazingly quick.
 
In the cons basket, I do find they have a strange chemical smell. It isn't noticeable once applied but it is a little off-putting. Whilst they are incredibly easy to wear, they do have a super matte finish so I wouldn't recommend them for anyone who hates the matte look/feel. After a whole day of wear, I do find the inner edge can start to flake or get that weird white ring that is oh-so attractive!



Dani the Girl XO gives the Velour Liquid Lipsticks:
Do you hate or rate the Velour Liquid Lipsticks?



Dani xo
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Sunday 14 August 2016

MooGoo 28 Day Natural Deodorant Challenge

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If you follow me on Snapchat (danithegirl_xo) or on Instagram, you might have seen the lovely Blogger Lunch I attended, hosted by MooGoo. The lunch was amazing and we got the chance to play with the entire range of MooGoo and Dusty Girls products. We were also introduced to the MooGoo Fresh Cream Deodorant ($8.50) and invited to participate in the 28 Day Natural Deodorant Challenge. Here's what happened to me during the 4 week challenge.
I'd been wanting to switch to a natural deodorant for a while but being a bit of a sweaty Betty, I was a little reluctant. I've tried a few natural options in the past but always ended up going back to my regular anti-antiperspirant. Most deodorants contain aluminium as their active ingredient which effectively blocks up your sweat glands and stops you sweating. As well as not being all that great for you, sweating is a normal body process! I was keen to make the switch and find out if a natural deodorant could really work for me.

Week 1 - The first week of the challenge was...interesting! I found that I was needing to apply the Fresh Cream Deodorant two or three times a day. And I was sweating a lot! I didn't feel smelly at all but I definitely felt damp and it was a little annoying to have to apply more than once a day. I did find that the best way to apply was to fully coat the armpits then rub in a little and leave to dry.

Week 2 - The second week, I started to see some improvements. I was only having to apply the deodorant once, occasionally twice a day and I was feeling a lot less sweaty. I was finding that my armpits were a little itchy but apparently that's fairly normal when switching deodorants, especially to natural ones. It's kind of an armpit detox and was more of an annoyance than anything else. 

Week 3The third week was the real turning point for me. I was only applying the deodorant as I normally would with my old anti-antiperspirant, once a day in the morning. Smell was non-existent and I found myself sweating probably only a fraction more than I used to with my old deodorant. 

Week 4 - The final week of the challenge was a breeze. I barely noticed the difference between my new natural deodorant and my old one. I honestly never thought that a natural deodorant could work so well! I feel like I would happily continue using the Fresh Cream Deodorant for every day and perhaps using an anti-antiperspirant only when I have an event or an especially hot summer day!

Have you tried the MooGoo 28 Natural Deodorant Challenge yet?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.
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Sunday 24 July 2016

I've Lost My (Blogging) Mojo

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You might have noticed a very distinct lack of activity over here lately. Sadly, it's because I seem to have lost my blogging mojo.
I have always maintained that, for me, blogging is a hobby and it should be something I find fun. Lately, I've felt a lot of pressure to make my blog bigger and better to try and keep up with everyone else. It's hard when you see other bloggers getting to go to amazing events or receiving awesome PR packages and then find yourself thinking that you aren't good enough. Please don't think this is some sort of sob story though, I'm just trying to let you know where I've been and what's going on with me. 

I am amazingly proud of my friends and fellow bloggers when I see them acheiving their goals. I'm just the kind of person who has one of those niggly voices in their head that is sometimes hard to shut up. That one that compares you to others and and tells you that you aren't good enough.

The other part is that, although it's only a very small group of people out there, there is a lot of competition. Who got this PR package? Who wrote that post? and so on. As above, I'm usually really happy when my blogger friends do well, otherwise I'd be a pretty awful friend! But there are a bloggers who like the old humble brag and it really puts me off. I don't want to be competing with other people.

So that's pretty much where I'm at right now. I've been trying to focus on things like why I started blogging, the opportunities I've had and the amazing people I've met and worked with. Moving forward, I'm going to try and post more of the content that I want, without trying to compare myself to other people.

Thanks to all of you for sticking around, even though it's been pretty quiet! And if there's ever anything you want to hear about, any products you want reviewed or anything you want to ask, feel free to get in touch and help me get my blogging mojo back

Dani XO
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Thursday 23 June 2016

RImmel Volume Colourist Mascara

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I don't think it needs to be said that I am a big Rimmel fan. Alright, a HUGE Rimmel fan! I was really excited to hear about this new offering because it's something quite unique. I'm pretty lucky that I have nice lashes to start with but everyone can use a little help, right?


This looks pretty much like any other mascara you might come across in Priceline (or Walgreens, Boots, Superdrug etc). It has a really nice tapered brush, making it easy to get right into the corner lashes and fully coat the bottom lashes too. The formula is quite wet but applied nicely. It doesn't give a huge amount of volume but looks good for everyday makeup.
The big selling point for this mascara is that it actually tints your lashes! I thought this was a pretty unique feature as I hadn't heard of anything similar before. I was pretty skeptical, especially as my lashes are black anyway. I decided to give it a go and wear just this mascara for two weeks to see if the claims were true. By the end of the two weeks, I was blown away. The very light tips of my lashes were definitely darker and even without any mascara, my lashes looked amazing. 

The only downside I found was that this mascara is quite easy to smudge. I almost never have problems with smudging, so I was quite surprised to find how easily I moved this around. Hello, panda eyes! 

Dani the Girl XO gives the Rimmel Wonder'full Volume Colourist Mascara:
Have you tried this tinting mascara yet?

Dani XO
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Sunday 19 June 2016

Keeping Summer Alive

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Winter isn't coming, Lord Stark. Winter is well and truly here! Not that I don't love hot chocolates, snuggles and big, fluffy jumpers, but I mean...summer! Here are a few of the products I've been using to keep that summer feeling alive. 

This is a dry oil meaning that it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any oily residue. It looks great over the top of a tan but it also adds a beautiful but subtle golden shimmer on its own. Even just adding a drop to your normal moisturiser makes you look like you've been on the beach all day instead of snuggled up on the couch binge watching the new season of Orange is the New Black.   

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Rapid Spray in Natural Bronze ($13.99)

I've written about this one before and it's still a firm favourite. It's quick and easy to use and doubles as both a gradual tanner and a moisturiser. The tan it gives you is subtle and not orangey at all and it also has the classi Palmer's scent which makes everyone think of warm, tropical beaches. 

3. Biosilk Beach Texture Spray ($24.99)

It's so hard to find a texturising spray that isn't too heavy (for those of us with fine hair) and doesn't make your hair sticky. The Biosilk version is lightweight, smells amazing and gives a gorgeous, beachy bed-head look with absolutely minimal effort. 

4. Thin Lizzy 6-in-1 Professional Powder ($49.95 for kit)

Everyone automatically thinks of "those" infomercials when they think of Thin Lizzy but the 6-in-1 powder is possibly my HG bronzer. I use it for both contouring and bronzing and occasionally as an eyeshadow and it's amazing for all of them. It comes in two shades and in my opinion, it's the perfect bronzer, summer or winter!

What are your favourite summer products?

Dani XO
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Thursday 9 June 2016

Simple, Everyday Makeup

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Most ladies know the struggle of trying that is get ready in the morning with minimal time and effort. I've managed to get my morning routine down to a fine art. Even though I do occasionally switch things up and try new products, I've put together a few products that are pretty much fail-safe.

A fool-proof way to prime! Simply open, wind up, swipe over your face and use your fingers to blend.


Whether you only want a light base or whether you want something more robust under your BB cream or foundation, this tinted moisturiser covers imperfections and gives a healthy glow. Maximum results with minimum effort.


For a BB cream, this gives amazing coverage and lasts all day. It's specially designed for oily to combination skin. It's my favourite drugstore BB cream, you don't even need a brush to apply it, although I do prefer to use one. 


Not only does this keep your skin fresh and matte all day, it also adds just enough extra coverage. It's a mineral based powder that's excellent for anyone who suffers from breakouts.

Thin Lizzy 6-in-1 Powder ($49.95 for kit)

The perfect multi-tasker, this powder can be used for everything from contouring to eyeshadow to bronzing. Saves time and saves having to use different products! 


Another excellent multi-tasker, this palette contains a blush, bronzer and highlighter AND you can also use the colours for eyeshadows if you're in a rush. 


Big lashes in one swipe with the least amount of effort possible. 


Creamy pencil on one end to outline and define, powder in a foam dispensed on the other to fill in. The easiest, quickest way to get great eyebrows, fast!


This gel is tinted and contains tiny fibres to help plump out your brows. One quick swipe of this is all you need to fill in and keep your brows in place all day.

What are your everyday favourites?

Dani XO

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Sunday 5 June 2016

BioSilk - The Power of Silk

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BioSilk is a US hair care brand that has recently landed in Australia. If you couldn't guess from the name, all of the products in the BioSilk range are infused with silk which contains amino acids to keep hair soft, strong and shiny. Here are four of my favourites from the range:

I do love my Batiste but this dry shampoo is the nicest smelling one I've ever come across! It doesn't have a white colour to it either which means you don't have to work so hard at brushing it out and blending it in.


I've pretty much abandoned traditional conditioner because I can't seem to find one that doesn't make my hair immediately greasy. This is my current favourite hair product and the solution to my conditioner woes. It smells amazing and adds just enough moisture, all in a handy spray form!


Since my transition to shorter hair, texturising sprays have been a constant companion. This one is one of few I've found that give really nice texture without leaving hair feeling sticky or dry. Pretty much a must-have for anyone with short hair.


This is perfect for anyone with dry, damaged hair that's also fine or gets oily easily. Because the formula is so light weight and absorbs so easily, it won't weigh down fine hair or make hair too oily. I've also started using this as an overnight treatment and then washing it all out in the morning to leave me with amazing soft and shiny hair.

Although the BioSilk range is a little pricier than other drugstore brands, I think the products are well worth the price. 
Have you tried anything from the BioSilk range?

Dani XO 

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.
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Thursday 2 June 2016

NEW! Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

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Australian beauties were hanging out for the release of the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette, which came out on the 24th of May. I personally decided to invest long before the palette was actually released, and I'm so glad I did! Not only is the packaging unique, the palette smells delicious and the colours are simply stunning.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette ($72.00)
If you were hoping to get your hands on the palette now, you'll be disappointed! The palette sold out almost immediately BUT there have been whispers that it might come back in stock closer to Christmas. The palette contains 18 beautiful, peach-inspired shades. Unlike the previous Chocolate Bar palettes, Sweet Peach has done away with the two oversized pans and moved to 18 equal sized shades.
The palette does have a very strong peach/lolly type scent (I personally quite like it) that is strong when you open the palette but doesn't linger. Stand out shades for me would have to be Candied Peach and Bellini, both are stunners! The two most disappointing shades are the purples, Delectable and Talk Derby to Me, which have pretty poor colour payoff. Apart from those two, I think the rest of the shades are creamy and wear beautifully.
I also like that Too Faced included some nice, earthy tones in this palette too. I feel like it makes the overall palette a lot more wearable.

Dani the Girl XO gives the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette:
Did you invest in the Sweet Peach Palette?

Dani XO
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Saturday 21 May 2016

5 Favourites to Follow

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Over the last week, my work has been promoting health and happiness, with a lot of emphasis put on doing something nice for others. In that spirit, I thought I would share the love by naming some of my favourite YouTubers, Instagram accounts and beauty bloggers. 

1. The Beauty Fixation

A photo posted by Nicole MW (@beautyfixation1) on

Nicole is a straight talking, sharp shooting lady with makeup that's always gorgeous. She films the most amazing, informative videos and her Snapchats on everything from queuing for Starbucks to bad drivers to her two little doggies always make laugh.  


A photo posted by M + K (@apairofones) on

A Pair of Ones is run by twin sisters, Michelle and Katherine from Melbourne. They are absolutely gorgeous girls with a flair for cute fashion and knack for taking the best Instagram photos. Seeing their pics pop up on my feed always makes me smile. 

3. Mandine

A photo posted by Mandine (@iammandine) on


Mandine is the most gorgeous French gal with a passion for makeup and fashion. She lives in Paris, takes the most gorgeous photos and puts together amazing outfits that don't break the bank. I predict big things for this little cutie!

4. Hey There Jacquelyn



I was lucky enough to meet Jacquelyn through blogging and we're now amazing friends! She's the flaylay queen and her Instagram gives me serious envy. Jacquelyn is a whizz with a camera and her YouTube tutorials are always amazing. 

5. The Minted Blog

A photo posted by Kate Flint (@themintedblog) on


Like Jacquelyn, Kate is one of my closest friends and we never would have met if we weren't both bloggers. She loves all things pastel, gives you a straight up, honest opinion on everything, can pull off the craziest hair colours like it's nothing AND takes a mean Instagram pic.

Go and follow these gorgeous girls and leave me a comment telling me who you love right now!

Dani XO
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Thursday 19 May 2016

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

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If I could recommend one skincare product that has really changed my skin for the better, it would be the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads ($34.99).

Nip + Fab is an American brand that has recently launched in Australia. One of the brand ambassadors is Kylie Jenner so it's obviously pretty hot in the beauty world. They specialise in products that smooth, boost and firm the skin. 

The Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are favourites of mine because they're quick and easy to use AND they actually work. Personally, I like to use them at night after cleansing and before applying serum and moisturiser. 

I noticed a huge improvement in my skin in about a week. My skin was smoother and breakouts were less frequent too. Glycolic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant meaning that all of the dead skin is removed really gently and effectively. 

Dani the Girl XO gives the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads:
Have you tried anything from the Nip + Fab range yet?

Dani XO


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Sunday 15 May 2016

NEW! Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Palette

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If you haven't heard of this palette yet, they you've obviously been on an internet ban and I welcome you back to the land of the living! 

So far, this is only available as an online exclusive through Mecca Maxima for $58.00 (if you're Australian based, that it). The palette is based on the Peanut Butter shade from the Semi-Sweet Palette, which was a favourite of mine.
This palette is a little unusual in that it only has 9 shades and they are almost all very warm, orange toned and heavy on the shimmer. That being said, I definitely don't dislike the palette, I actually find it quite fun and interesting. However, if warm tones aren't for you, then PB & J might not be your cup of tea.

I also have to say how much I love the packaging! It's adorably cute and comes (as most Too Faced palettes do) with a leaflet on suggested looks. 

Shade wise, I'm in love with Spread the Love, Peanut Brittle and Jelly! With one exception (Jammin'), the pigmentation and colour payoff is pretty damn good. I like the range of colours and I think it's a really fun little palette to play around with. 
Dani the Girl XO gives the Too Faced PB&J Palette:
Does the PB&J palette appeal to you?

Dani XO
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Sunday 8 May 2016

The Green Edge - Vegan Cafe

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I've been a "vegetarian" for over a year now and I'm always on the hunt for new vegan/vegetarian cafes in Brisbane. The reason I say "vegetarian" is that I occasionally eat seafood but am currently off eggs and dairy. It all gets a bit confusing but it's much easier to just say vegetarian.

Anyway, my most recent find with Kate from The Minted Blog is The Green Edge in Windsor. The Green Edge is not only an amazing vegan cafe, but also a little vegan grocery store. I say little but it's actually Brisbane's largest. 

The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and a selection of amazing takeaway sandwiches and vegan treats, including milkshakes and raw cheesecakes. Kate and I stopped by for lunch and although the wait was a little long, the staff were amazingly friendly and the food was delicious. We both had the Jackfruit Burger which takes exactly like pulled pork, yum! Absolutely everything at The Green Edge is vegan but I would challenge even the most staunch carnivore not to enjoy themselves.
The fabled Jackfruit Burger.
Even if you aren't vegan, The Green Edge is worth a visit if you like to give your tastebuds a treat and  try new things.

Would you be interested in more posts about being a vegetarian?

Dani XO
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Thursday 5 May 2016

Winer Wonders #2

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Although it's hard to tell in Brisbane, winter is on the way! Cue a change in skincare routine to banish flakes, bring back that summer glow and generally, try and look semi-respectable. Here are six of my current favourites to keep your skin in top condition in the coming cooler months.
1. Glam Glow YouthMud Mask ($28.00 for 15g)

This is the Holy Grail of all face mask, and with good reason! You can actually SEE the mask drawing out all the gunk from your face, leaving your skin smooth and blemish free. It is a very expensive little pot of goodness but, it's well worth the price tag and a little goes a very long way. I find that you only need to use this on your problem areas, meaning that even the 15g tub lasts ages.


Coffee scrubs are all the range right now for removing tan, getting rid of cellulite and generally, giving you soft, smooth skin. Sneaky Squirrel is my favourite because it's affordable, smells like coffee cake and leave my skin amazingly smooth, soft and hydrating. All of that mean that this is the perfect shower companion for winter to quickly get rid of dry skin. 


Another winter wonder mask, this one is designed for getting moisture back into poor, dry, wind-chapped winter skin. In just ten minutes, this baby will have your skin feeling fresh and plump, it's a great morning mask.Even better, Natio is an affordable Australian brand that is perfect for sensitive skin.


Everyone has heard of the weird beauty trend of sticking your feet into little plastic bags of fruit acid then waiting 2 weeks for your feet to peel and then having amazingly soft feet, right? Well, if you haven't, Milky Foot has been the go-to brand.....until now. Softsole is just a fraction of the price and gives the same amazing (though slightly disgusting) results. Goodbye, scaly lizard feet!


I've talked about this product a LOT on the blog before, simply because it's a winner! It' packed full of hydration and absorbs in moments, without leaving skin greasy. Despite being amazingly lightweight, it's perfect for dry skin in need of hydration or combination skin that needs a helping hand.


I absolutely cannot recommend the Purasonic enough! Cleansing brushes are the perfect winter skincare companion because they're extremely gentle yet amazingly effective exfoliators. It comes with a timer so you can't over-exfoliate and three speed settings to target those problem areas. This is probably what has made the biggest difference to my skin over the years. I didn't notice how much of a difference it made until I stopped using it for a while and saw how much worse my skin was. Definitely a Holy Grail skincare product for me!

What are your favourite winter treats?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.
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