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. 

Too Faced Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipstick ($31.00)

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

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

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.

Benefit Porefessional License to Blot ($35.00)

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

Rimmel Insta Flawless ($13.95)

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.

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream ($15.95)

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. 

Rimmel Clear Complexion Powder ($12.95)

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! 

Rimmel Sculpting Palette ($16.95)

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. 

Maybelline Colossal Extreme Leather ($19.95)

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

Maybelline Brow Satin ($16.95)

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!

Essence Make Me Brow ($5.10)

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

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:

Silk Therapy Dry Clean Shampoo ($29.00)

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.

Silk Therapy 17 Leave-In Conditioner ($32.00)

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!

Silk Therapy Beach Texture Spray ($28.00)

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.

Silk Therapy Lite ($30.00)

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

2. Sneaky Squirrel Body Scrub ($17.95)

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. 

3. Natio 10 Minute Moisturising Mask ($19.99)

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.

4. Softsole Express Exfoliating Foot Peel ($8.75)

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!

5. Bioderma Hydrabio Serum ($45.99)

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.

6. Purasonic Classic Facial Cleansing Brush ($99.00)

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.

Maybelline is one of my favourite drugstore brands and they have been absolutely killing it with the new releases lately. They've been churning out everything from The Nudes eyeshadow palette to new mascaras to revamped lipstick shades. One of my favourite new releases though would have to be the Colour Blur pencils.

Maybelline Lip Studio Colour Blur ($17.95)

The product itself is a little unusual. On on end there is a creamy, matte wind up colour and on the other is a clear rubber "eraser". Colour Blur is based on the Korean trend of ombré lips so it's designed to be applied to the centre of the lips and blurred outwards to create the popular ombré effect. I love that a Western brand has come out with a product that is specifically designed to create a Korean beauty look! I personally love discovering what trends are popular in other countries and find it pretty kick ass that Maybelline have made it more mainstream.

I'm not especially good at the ombré look just yet but I'm working on it! I do find that the creamy formula isn't drying and wears really nicely. It works even better if you do blur it out a little with the eraser end. There are eight shades in the collection and all are very bright, perhaps because they are designed to be blurred out? All up, I think these are a great addition to the Maybelline line up and can't wait to get my hands on some more colours. 

What you think of the Colour Blurs?

Dani XO

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

Do you ever find yourself wondering what you did with your weekends before Netflix came along? You convince yourself that you'll just watch one episode and 8 hours later, you're covered in chocolate and chip crumbs, well into Season 2 of a show you don't even remember starting. If you're going to binge watch anything (which is totally fine with me), then here are my top shows to wile away your time with.

Jessica Jones

Ever wonder what happens to the superheros who don't quite make the cut? Jessica Jones is what happens. She's a badass bitch and a damn good private investigator who just happens to have some kickasss superpowers too. Her arch nemesis, played by the GORGEOUS David Tennant, is Kilgrave, a suave Englishman with mind control powers. Throughout the show, Jessica, who is admittedly able to hold her own against even the biggest, toughest guy, struggles to come to terms with the power Kilgrave was able to exert over her. It's thrilling, funny and Kilgrave is the most spine-chilling villian since Heath Ledger as the Joker. 

Jane the Virgin

 

Have you ever imagined your life as a TV show? Well Jane, a good Catholic girl with dreams of becoming a writer, has her world turned upside down when she's accidentally inseminated and becomes pregnant....oh, and she's also a virgin. The story is played out like a telenovela with long-lost fathers, lovers, twins, evil mothers, friends with secret plans and a whole host of other problems. The show is quite light hearted and has excellent comedic timing. It'll leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and you'll be eager for Season 2.

Making a Murderer

If you haven't heard of this series, you've clearly been living under a rock. Making a Murderer follows the story of Steve Avery and the Manitowoc police department with so many twists and turns, that you'll be left reeling. I'm not even halfway through the series and I'm already hooked. You can't help but want to find out what comes next!

Brooklyn 99

 

Back in the day, I was a huge fan of Scrubs. It was the perfect show with equal parts humour and deep thoughts. Brooklyn 99 is slightly higher in the humour stakes but it's effectively the new Scrubs. Andy Samberg plays the lead character, Detective Jake Peralta, with a cast that'll make you crack your ribs laughing. Definitely worth a watch if you're after something funny and easy to watch that goes perfectly with wine and popcorn. 

What's on your Netflix list?

Dani XO

In the last two or three years, European-branded skincare, French brands especially, have been becoming more and more popular. Brands like La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Uriage, Avene and Nuxe have been seeing more coverage and with good reason too! These brands are the perfect mix of science and nature and most are also based on thermal water. I find that this combination usually results in fresh, clean skincare that actually works. I thought I would share three of my favourite French skincare goodies of the moment.

1. Bioderma Sebium AKN Fluid ($25.99)

Everyone and their mum knows about the Bioderma micellar water range, and with good reason too, because it's amazing! The Sebium range is not quite as well known yet but is designed for oily skin. The AKN fluid is a moisturiser designed to combat mild to moderate blemish and help smooth the skin and control sebium production. This has been an absolute wonder product for me. I do suffer from occasional breakouts, like everyone, but using this at night has really helped keep my breakouts (mostly) under control. I also love the smell, it's clean, fresh and almost clinical. It smells like something you would find at a spa or skin clinic which is always a selling point for me. 

2. Nuxe Anti-Aging Skincare Nuxellence^® Jeunesse ($75.00)

What I love most about this is that you can use it in tandem with your regular skincare as a booster. It contains hyaluronic acid and passion flower to help plump out the skin and promote cell turnover. Not only does it help skin look fresh and glowy, but it also boosts the power of other anti-ageing and hydrating products. I use this as a morning serum in tandem with my Neutrogena Hydro Boost and my skin has never looked better. 

3.  Uriage Thermal Micellar Water ($24.99)

It seems like every brand has a micellar water on the market these days but they aren't all the same. Certain cheaper brands use foaming ingredients that do help remove makeup, but can leave a greasy residue on the face. The Uriage version has a thermal water base and effectively removes even the toughest waterproof makeup but leaves your skin feeling hydrated and cleansed. This micellar water also contains cranberry extract for a little bit of a moisturising boost. You can also buy the very convenient Uriage Thermal Water Wipes which are perfect for even the laziest among us. One quick wipe over is all you need to cleanse and moisturise. 

What are your French skincare favourites?

Dani XO

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

Summer is my favourite season, even though it gets absolutely stinking hot in Brisbane. I absolutely love the sun, the beach and all the amazing products that get released for summer. Here's my round up of the products you need this summer.

1. Bondi Sands Liquid Gold ($19.99)

This fabulous new tanning product took the world by storm and I am definitely a convert. Liquid Gold is a dry tanning oil meaning that it's non-greasy and also acts as a moisturiser. I would call it a half-way point between a gradual tanner and a fake tan in terms of results and application. Unlike most fake tans, you can apply and leave to develop without washing off. There is definitely still a fake tan smell, but it's not as obvious as the mousse or lotion formulas. You apply this straight to (exfoliated) skin with a tanning mitt and that's it! There's no need to wait for it to develop, you just dress and go. The only downside I've found is that because there's no colour guard, it can be a little tricky to see where you've missed spots.

2. Opalescence Tooth Whitening GO (from $150.00)

Since I finished my Invisalign treatment, I've been madly trying to get my teeth to shiny, movie star whiteness. I've been trying a tonne of different toothpastes, toothbrushes and whiteners but the thing that's helped the most has been the GO Teeth Whitening Kit. This has a set of minty flavoured tray that you insert and leave for between 60 and 90 minutes. The consistency of the whitening gel is really gross a little weird but the results are amazing! I wish I'd taken before and after shots to compare. Between Invisalign and this kit, I've never felt more confident about my smile and I'm ready to pose for all those #summerselfies.

3. Palmer's Natural Bronze Spray ($12.99)

I've been using this for the past 3 or 4 weeks and everyone keeps asking what fake tan I'm using, that's how good it is! There's no fake tan smell at all, it just smells like coconut oil and cocoa butter. The spray means it's easy to apply and hard to miss any spots. It's perfect to pack for weekends away or trips to the beach.

4. Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle ($19.99)

Bikini season means that the areas we have left to grow wild over winter need a fair bit of maintenance. I love the TrimStyle because it takes less than 5 minutes to tidy up your bikini line and be beach ready. The trimmer can be set to different lengths and the razor has a moisture bar for shaving on-the-go. This is definitely a HG product for me this summer. 

5. Mecca To Save Face SPF 30+ ($38.00)

This is the only sunscreen you will ever need. I discovered this when I was working out in the bush and needing to apply copious amounts of sunscreen but not wanting to look like a greaseball. This feels just like a moisturiser, it's not even a little bit greasy. It also works amazingly well as a primer, allowing your makeup to just glide on. It's definitely worth the $38 price tag, it's absolutely perfect for summer.

6. Sugar Baby Vita+ Skin Coconut and Sugar Body Scrub ($14.99)

Sugar Baby have been around for years but their new skin care range has just hit the shelves at Priceline. The Coconut and Sugar Scrub is my top pick from their new line. It smells like freshly baked coconut biscuits and does an amazing job at exfoliating pre-tan, getting of patchy old fake tan or just scrubbing up for glowy, fresh skin. A little goes a long way with this stuff! 

What are your summer must-haves?

Dani XO

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

If you've been with me for a while, you might remember this post on my NARS collection. Since then, I've added a few new eyeshadows to my stash so here's an updated post on my NARS eyeshadow collection.

NARS Eyeshadow Single in Strada ($35.00)

This baby is one that I included in my last post but it's too pretty to not include again. Strada is a beautiful lilac shade with an iridescent gold shimmer. It's not typically a shade that I would go for but it's just SO FLIPPING PRETTY! I couldn't leave it out of this post!

NARS Eyeshadow Single in Namibia ($25.00 USD)

This eyeshadow was an absolute bargain! As it's a discontinued shade, I scored it at a very rare Mecca sale for $15! It's a special shade for me because Namibia is one of my favourite countries, I had the most amazing holiday there when I was younger and I'm reminded of it every time I wear this eyeshadow. It's a beautiful matte grey and reminds me of the awesome Namibian elephants that live in the desert. 

NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Jardin Perdu ($35.00 USD)

It seems I have a bit of a thing for purple and grey as this duo shadow is also purple and grey but these are both metallic. Both shades are really pigmented and the metallic finish is just stunning. These shades are very space-y and remind me of David Bowie. Also, Jardin Perdu translates as Lost Garden which just speaks to my soul so long story short, I love this duo. 

Tell me what your favourite NARS shadows are in the comments.

Dani XO

Jardin Perdu was gifted to me by NARS but, as always, my opinion is my own. 

I'm back from a long and unexpected hiatus. Long story short, I thought I could manage uni, work, blogging and my occasional weekend job (and, let's face it, a pretty crippling addiction to Netflix) all at the same time. As it turns out, I couldn't. Now that I've finished with uni (THANK THE LORD!), I have a little more time, I have a little more time to devote to blogging.

I thought I'd get back into it with a bang and review the newest addition to the Urban Decay Naked family, the Naked Smoky ($81.00).

 I originally wasn't at all interested in the Smoky, I was more than happy with my collection of the Naked Original, 2 and 3....and then I started seeing swatches....Oh my glob! That basically sold me and I had to sprint to my local Mecca to pick one up. 

The packaging is a little different to the first 3 Naked palettes. It's very sharp and rectangular and I have to say, I LOVE the packaging with it's beautiful smoke spirals and silver text. The inside is very similar to the other palettes with a mirror and double ended brush included.

The actual shadows are arranged from shimmery to matte and include a much better range of colours than I originally expected. I was anticipating mostly greys, deep browns, blacks and blues and wasn't that keen. When I saw that the palette also included golds, bronzes, nudes and even a beautiful champagne shimmer shade (High) that's become a favourite of mine. The pigmentation is fabulous, fallout is minimal and I find that the shades are wearable for daytime looks as well as more smokey, nighttime looks. Compared to the first 3 palettes, Naked Smokey is cool-toned, much like the Naked 2 but with more cooler toned shades. Temptalia has much better swatches that I could manage so check them out here.

Overall, the Naked Smoky has quickly become one of my favourites and is definitely giving the Naked 2 a run for it's money in the competition for "Dani's Favourite UD Naked Palette". The only reason i'm not giving this palette 5 stars is because Smoky is spelled without the "e" which really bugs me but *shrugs* M'urica, right?

Dani the Girl XO gives the UD Naked Smoky:

Did you add the Naked Smoky to your collection?

Dani XO