Review: Sunsilk Plumped Up Volume Hairspray

I used to think that hairspray was hairspray was hairspray… and then I started using the stuff more often! I must admit that I don’t wash my hair every day… in fact I don’t even wash it every other day! I have curly hair and in order to avoid frizz whilst maintaining my curls + natural oils I will wash my air every 3^rd day (and I never blow dry – I think this is a combination of me not liking to use a hairdryer + noise and sheer laziness)! I maintain this perfect balance so stringently that I have been known to make my husband go out without me so that I can wash my hair on those 3^rd days (I wash my hair in the evening and then go about making/having dinner then watching TV and then going to sleep with it half dry/slightly damp. but the time I wake up I have curls AND volume).

Whilst my hair IS curly it is actually rather fine – the issue with this is I LOVE volume when having my hair out (what can i say - I'm ethnic and therefore have a major penchant for big hair!) – I adore that ‘just got outta bed, tousled hair’ look that clearly was not done by just jumping out of bed! So in order to aid the volume I will pop my hair up with a clip (while getting ready) and spray hairspray on the sides + back + front part of my hair = VOLUME (once I take out said clip) & it keeps the hair off my face while getting ready.

BUT doing this also creates one issue that I have recently found and I LOATHE it… hairspray buildup!

So I bought Sunsilk Plumped Up Volume Hairspray the other day at Priceline. This hairspray has (apparently) been co-created with Teddy Charles and is claimed to be Sunsilk’s most advanced plumped up volume….

I don’t like it.

I really don’t like it...

It did NOT give me the volume I usually see… AND after JUST one application I had heinous white buildup…

I don’t like it at all – I am very disappointed and will definitely not be repurchasing! I never return bad hair product(s) etc as I just cannot be bothered in most cases but I WILL be hunting for said receipt of this to exchange!

If there is something good about it i must say that i DO like the smell... but once the fragrance is gone what i have left is not worth mentioning!

Target Purchase – CHEAP New MAKE UP Products!

I went into Target on my lunch break and noticed that they had these new products in their makeup section called BA; honestly – I did not even notice the brand; I was more attracted to the fact that they were $3 each! What a STEAL! 

At first I thought I would just get some polish as they seem to have a rather small range but then noticed a few other bits and pieces like blusher and bronze tint ‘sticks’ and some eye shadows and heaps of eye pencils in what looked like 12 different colours! I was a little annoyed that they didn’t have any testers but for $3 I suppose I could more than risk the hit or miss of it all!

So here is what I bought: 

A) 2 eye colours (“smokey” – which is a black colour and “silver” which is actually more of a shimmery taupe/champagne colour)

B) 2 Tints (“bronze” which is a shimmery taupe bronze stick and “blush” a faint pink shimmer stick)

Here are the swatches:

Firstly, I have to say that the eyeshadow colours are really pigmented! I am amazed that the colour goes on quite well. The black is a matte colour and the champagne coloured one is obviously shimmery - but not powdery at all! I used the black one this morning to 'set' the colour on my waterline and I am rather happy with it and have used the champagne/taupe one for highlighting my brow bone. I am rather impressed with the $3 price – the shimmer particles are really fine and it looks lovely when I swatched it! I will say that I am not a fan of the packaging OR the brand title (I mean really, "BA" – wtf?) but I think the product itself is ok!

The tint sticks is what I was most interested in; I HOPED that it wouldn't leave my skin MORE shiny by the end of the day (as i have said before - i have very oily skin!). I have never used a cream blush before; I think its because my skin gets so oily throughout the day that I've always thought it wouldn't have much lasting power. I got the bronze one to use as a highlighter along my cheekbones – I am not too sure about the “Blush” coloured one as it is really sheer - in the pic below after I used the tint i went over it lightly with my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Tint (i have it in the red/peachy/coral one). On the swatch in the pic (right) I had the run the stick up and down in the same spot 3-4 times before I got that colour!

Overall - I like the eyeshadows; their pigment and the colour intensity and the lack of fall out. I am not a fan of the blush as it is too sheer - i do like the bronzer tint as i think it looked really nice one applied and pretty much all through the day!

PS. The brand also has a large range of eye pencils; including a white one that I was REALLY curious about! But I am wary of purchasing cheap eyeliner pencils without trying as they can be really hard and thus bad for the skin around the eye.

Stats

Brand: BA (I don’t know if it stands for anything – the bottom other product does not tell me)

Purchased from: Target Stores

Cost: AU$3

Here is a photo of the tint sticks on my cheeks:

FYI: These pics are after a WHOLE day of wear and i had blotted my makeup at lunchtime so by the time i took these pics i was beginning to look a little shiny! BUT all in all; I'd say that for colour that was applied at 7am this morning this is pretty good!

f
x 

Models Prefer Mattifying Primer - Review

I went to Priceline the other day and they are having a “3 for 2” promo with the Models Prefer (eye) range. Over the last couple months I have bought a few of their products and have been really impressed with them (I bought a few brushes that were seriously good quality and so affordable!) – They had a limited edition smokey eye set for $14.95 (which included 4 brushes and a case) and since I wanted to get a new angled eye liner brush anyway I thought I’d get more bang for my buck in paying the extra $4.95!

Anyway – when I first looked at the Models Prefer rang they didn’t have a primer; but this time around I noticed that they had 3:

1: A clear Mattifying Primer

2: An Illuminating Primer (slightly pinkish in colour)

3: A Correcting Primer (slightly greenish in colour)

Being that I have MAD oily skin I bought A: the Mattifying Primer. Its housed in a frosted glass bottle with this cute black pump; it’s a great travel size – which is the reason I bought it in the first place!

I am heading off to Bali in 2 weeks and last time I went I bought the Body Shop’s Skin Matte It Primer which I really liked and thought I would repurchase for this holiday + summer (as I wear MAC’s Prep & Prime Visage outside of summer as it does have illuminating particles) but saw this and thought I would give this a go… and at AU$13 it is a veritable STEAL! Definitely worth a shot!

I was going to wait until I went away on holiday before trying it but had visions of an oil slick on my face due to not trialling and KNEW that I would kick myself for not trying it first! So this is my first day of trying it out…

Applying was easy – I usually apply primer with my fingers and this was no different; it felt really smooth going on and like most clear primers is silicone based and so does have that ‘gel-like’ consistency to it (which I don’t mind). I would say that when applying it I used the same small amount as I did with the Body Shop’s ‘Matte It’. The consistency and thickness is also as per The Body shop’s ‘Matte It’ or the Model Co Primer ‘Face Base’.

With either the MAC Prep & Prime or the Matte It I find that I do need to blot midway through the day (I don’t when on holiday as I seriously cannot be bothered!) but that is pretty much it – which is great because my skin is SUPER Oily! I did find that I was oily first around the nose and forehead (the usual culprits) and did have to blot that area at about 2ish; which isn’t bad when you’ve had it on since 7am! Overall I think the true test will be to see how it fares in a tropical climate (hence Bali!) so I will do an updated review then! In saying that I DO think that it is AS good as The Body Shop’s Matte It Primer!

Oh and whilst this may not seem important – I read the bottom of the bottle to see where it was made; Made in Italy people!!! WOW!

Stats

Brand: Models Prefer

Product: Mattifying Primer

Cost: $12.99

Available at: Priceline (nationwide)

 PS. Sorry about my nails in the pic - i know they look terrible but i haven't had them redone (i am doing that this Thursday - YAY!)

f

x

On The Hunt....

I am presently searching for a new blazer - if truth be told i am actually on the hunt for TWO new blazers:

A bright pink or purple one
&
A light beige one...

I have seen a bright ink one in Bardot - but i think i may see if i can find a bright coloured one someplace cheaper.... i don't spending a little more on a beige on or even if i saw a gorgeous black one because those colours are more of an investment and i know that i will wear it HEAPS...

I will keep you posted!

f.
xx

The Clutch that Farah Bought... From Colette

Remember how I mentioned I bought a cute little clutch last week? Well here it is - I got it from Colette in Hay St Mall for $24.95. I didn't measure how long it is but I did make sure it would fit my iPhone + compact + (some) cash & gloss! All the important stuff clearly.

I love that even though it's silver metallic it's not crazy shiny - in fact it's a matte silver metallic!

So there are quite a few Colette stores around Western Australia; they are an accessories store that (similarly to Love Couture) have a bevvy of necklaces, earrings and bags to drool over (actually, i think Colette have more bags to chose from; but they don't stock shoes!) - the stores, whilst similar are actually quite different... but i like to mix it up!

Anyway; The bag comes in this color and in black, but as i already have a black little beaded clutch i thought this color would be well used this summer!

I must admit that when i left the store that there was a few other items that i HAD to demonstrate restraint over: I am coveting their vibrant grape clutch AND their bright (grass) green clutch... Oh so many clutches that i want... but seriously, how many can i get... in the one purchase?

Head to Colette guys - have a look: http://www.colette.com.au/


f.
xx

A Great Friday Purchase: Love Couture

A quick walk at lunch on Friday led me to feeling a little hungry - for shopping! As I had bought shoes and a gorgeously cute clutch the day before (more about that later) I could not justify buying anything too grand, I was looking for cheap and cheerful!

In the Hay St mall there is this store called Love Couture - it's amazing; I stumbled across it a few months ago and I think it's a little gem - Diva must seriously be feeling the competition with Colette and Lovisa but thus place takes an accessories store to a whole other level!

Love Couture stock the usual necklaces, earrings & bracelets combo - and like Colette they also stock handbags but this place also stocks shoes, ballet flats, scarfs, hats, a rather fine array of sunnies and hair accessories - I mean, it's any wonder how I managed to demonstrate SO much restraint and only buy said items!

I start with the boring hair elastics as they cam in a set of 3 and were reduced from $4.95 to $2! I bought them because i do like to wear them when i am holidaying in Bali as its too hot to really do much with your hair in the daytime - especially when your getting in and out of the pool!

The orange necklace is seriously adorable; I am LOVING all the bright colours that are coming in for the (coming) season - every time i see a shot of bright pink, bright orange, electric blue or teal i get just that little bit excited! This necklace is a 'fluffy' flower with the prettiest sparkly detail on the top:

 I really like that the chain is also orange - i can see myself wearing this against black or bright blue! And for only $9.95 it was a steal!

Next on the agenda is that gorgeous headband - in case you didn't know i am a little bit of a girly girl; i saw this as i was waiting to pay for my necklace and could not believe it was only $.95! The little bow under the flower is adorable and the detail on the flower had me knowing that this must be mine!

I generally like to have my hair all out (this is also the way Adam likes it; all out and curly) but sometimes there are those days when you either cannot be bothered or really just want to wear your hair up - i find a headband or flower can really add some gorgeous detail to your style and make it look a little 'dressier'.

Cute right?

Any cute accessories you've bought recently?



f.
xx

Saturday Shopping - Live Sale...

We went to Garden City today - by "we" I mean hubby & I - in search of a new hoodie jumper for himself as his current one is beginning to look like he should just be wearing it at home!

After my obligatory regular size, skim milk Voltage coffee from Gloria Jeans we went to LIVE as I knew they were having a sale (I mean, who can say no to sale shopping? It's practically free!).

I perused the ladies section and found a few gorgeous sale items that literally had me foaming at the mouth! I found these two skirts - a Lakadh skirt and this other black one at MAD prices that fit great!

This one is a silk fabric that comes with the belt. Once you pop it on the belt sort of rouches the top part and best of all it is both sorta animal print AND has pockets (great to put those swipey work passes into! I think it'll be a great summer work skirt as it's sorta corporate but nice, floaty and a lil bit feminine! Oh - it was reduced from $60 to $30! For Lakadh! the picture seriously doesn't do it justice as its really soft and flowy and whilst in the photo it may look 'wide', once i put it on it drapes and sits absolutely beautifully and with the top rouching part + belt is seriously slimming!

 I also tried on this black pencil which is seriously fitted and is satin with two rows (one on either side) of gathered chiffon panels on the front... it was a size 7 which sort of made me think twice about trying it on (i'm usually an Australian size 8/XS -S) as who needs to be depressed in the changing rooms (Live usually stocks items in small sizing) but this one fit PERFECTLY! I must say it is SERIOUSLY fitted - but so HOT! I think it is a little too dressy for work but i think with my black or berry bustier scalloped Bardot top it may look rather sexy! And at a reduced price of $20 (from $60) i would be a FOOL to not buy it!

The black skirt - cute right?

And all this shopping by me doesn't mean that Adam left empty handed - no way; he bought a scrummy pair of idigo Nobody jeans... and we even found him a hoodie at City Beach Surf store... which he is wearing as i type!



Chat to you all soon - hope your weekend is filled with smiles & shopping!

f

xx

Give it up to MizLed... AGAIN!

I tempted myself into heading to Maylands and into MizLed on Saturday afternoon… I actually hadn’t been into the store before and after chatting a few times to Melissa over the phone and over Facebook I was SO looking to putting a face to the voice!


Alas she was on 2 weeks leave (on holiday to Hawaii the lucky ducky!) but the lovely Tracey was very helpful! I must say that I will DEFINITELY being going back there! I tried on a gorgeous black Reverse strapless dress but don’t have any little 'get togethers' planned soon so decided against it!

I did however allow myself to try on the Reverse branded denim. I tried on their ripped jeans… I originally tried these (see below) ones on but they had that same faded look on the back and I was not very keen on it; I found them really stretchy so you’d probably go down a size when trying these on!

Next I tried the faded black and the really black ones – I was amazed that I really liked them on (the really black ones) – I think with my black pumps and a funky top I will totally get quite a bit of wear out of them! Plus I know they’ll look great with my ballet flats + shirt and my Bardot Biker jacket!

I found the black ones closest to a true Australian size 8 – they don’t have as much stretch as the other 2. Just so you know I am usually a XS to S (or XXS in Sportsgirl – but they’re sizing very generous I find!)

I walked away being very happy with the purchase and the experience – just what I expected from MizLed! And let’s not forget that all this cost me was $79.95!!! A STEAL when I think that my sister in law paid $140 for hers and another girl I know paid $300ish for hers… eeek!

PS: I showed the hubby as soon as I got home and he LOVED them – so much so that he wrote about it on his fb!

Here are their contact details again:

MizLed Clothing

Phone:	08 9471 8890
Address:	192 Whatley Crescent, Maylands Perth Western Australia 6051
Email:	mizled@iinet.net.au

* All reviews are my own opinion and I was not paid to give them!

Save Some money AND Make MORE Money

Husband and I had a little ‘round-a-bout’ chat the other day. I call it the “round-a-bout” chat as it’s a talk about a topic that seems for all intents quite light and unassuming but continues to go around until the true essence of subject is established. It’s not an argument or disagreement but rather really another form of chatting.

Anyway – we have recently had the land we have purchased recently settle. Whilst this is great news on one hand (that building could actually start within this decade and we may have a place of our own to live in this century) on another note it leaves something else very obviously looming:

MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS!

Not that we can’t afford the current mortgage we’ve noosed gotten ourselves into – that’s not entirely the problem – the situation is that as we are building and both Adam and I DO have somewhat expensive ‘refined’ tastes this means MORE money.

Which means Adam and I need to reassess what we deem as important in relation to spending. 

Neither one of us is game enough to discuss clothing that we both LOVE purchasing (i have further justified it by reminding Adam that when I look good, he looks good; and where we both look good we become greater!) – so instead I am looking at the glass half full: this is a FANTASTIC time for me to try out some cheaper alternatives relating to makeup. In case there was ANY doubt; I will NOT be sacrificing my MAC Studio Fix – there isn’t a mountain too high I wouldn’t attempt to climb to ensure that I have a constant supply of Studio Fix NC35. Not to mention my primer - some thing you do not sacrifice!

Thanks Heaps (again) Miz-Led!

Remember how i recently mentioned i had a fantastic phone experience with Mizled? So after "MizLed Clothing - My Experience" i thought i would get my gorgeous item on Friday - just like Melissa said....

Imagine my glorious surprise when I discover on Thursday afternoon that there is a an Express Post Package waiting for me! Woo-hoo!!!!

i opened it up and here is the photo! It is even better than i thought it would be!

This is it!

The fabric is a soft viscose and the sleeves serious look like leather! i LOVE it even more!


I wore it on Saturday for my father inlaw's birthday (it was an 'at home' thing) and I had so many people comment on it!

Thanks again Miz-Led! I can't wait to see what else you have in store! Thanks again Melissa - you were SO helpful... & fast!

Check it out guys!

f




xxx

Miz-Led Clothing - My Experience

I recently had the pleasure of purchasing something from Mizled; a fashion store located in Maylands, Perth. One of my friends put me onto their Facebook page (thanks Alana!) and I have to say that they have some AWESOME stuff! I love that they have HEAPS of fb updates and that they have all their new stock pictured on their page! They also have a website where you can buy online but you can get them to hold stuff or ask questions regarding sizing – they are really helpful and get back to you really promptly!

Last weekend I got them to pop a top on hold for me as I thought I would be able to head out, try it on and buy it on Monday (after work). Alas this had not happened – I called them up this morning and spoke to Melissa who was MORE than happy for me to pay for it over the phone, give her my details and for an extra $8 she is Express Posting it to me as we speak! I mean – how good is that??

 
I can't wait to show you all what it looks like!

Thanks (again) Melissa – I will totally be back!

f

xx

I NEED some new clothes!

Its beginning to get cold here in Aussieland what with winter fast approaching! Which means…. New wardrobe time!

A couple weeks ago I went through all my summer stuff and the bi-annual change over which involves packing all my really summery items (like shorts, bikini’s etc)  and swapping them over for my knits, thicker cardigans, boots etc. I find that this is also a fantastic time to de-clutter and get rid of the items that I know I will no longer wear in either summer next year or this winter! I also find that this change over means that I get a chance to get ‘reacquainted’ with what I own and what I need to add to my wardrobe. 

So this winter there are a few essentials that I need to replace/purchase:

The Black Blazer: the last one I purchased lasted 3 years & was fantastic! Totally cinched in at the waist (one button) & had the most amazing red lining. I think the black blazer is a total staple as it looks HOT with skinny leg jeans + super high stiletto heels/boots and just as fab when worn for the office!

A New Pair of Bardot Jeans: My GOD I heart Bardot jeans! I am a little bit on the small (read: short) size and find that the hunt for the perfect skinny leg jeans can be tragic! In most cases I find they whilst they may fit perfect at the waist the ‘behind the knee’ section is not skinny enough – this is not because I have skinnier than most knees but rather that where my knees are is where most people’s thighs are – hence its not skinny enough! But the bardot ones are perfect! In the middle of summer Myer was having a sale where I managed to pick up 2 pairs of Bardot jeans (in exactly the same style & colour unfortunately) for $70 each! This season I am keen to get their Pia Hipster Jeggings and the Tahlia denim jeans.

Flat boots (knee length): I love my leather brown pointy toe slouchy flat boots; they look great with leggings and a shirt dress or short dress. Last winter I got a pair of cheapy grey synthetic boots that were knee length (I would love to get an over the knee pair but I think with my height that they ‘cut me off’ and make me look even smaller in stature! Boots ending just before the knee is a perfect compromise!) That I adored & are still in reasonably good condition (thanks Rubi shoes) – I think this season is time to look at an investment leather pair!

Are there any basics that you’re wanting to get this season?

f

xx

Review: The Body Shop's Matte It Primer

Before I left for my holiday to Bali with hubby I got my cosmetics in order for what I would need while I was away AND dealing with the humidity and other elements there! I mean, who really wants to lug around ALL their regular makeup to and from holiday? I say either pop things in little tubes/spray bottles and either use all whilst away or be more than happy to leave it it there!

I usually use MAC’s Prep+Prime Face, but I really wanted to take something cheaper and without illuminating particles (as in someplace as hot and humid as Asia I knew I didn’t need any additional shine factor happening!). I have seriously oily skin that, by the end of the day looks like i could wring out the oil! it can become seriously oily... so as you can imagine it gets REALLY oily in a plae like Bali!

I stumbled across this primer from The Body Shop and thought that at $26.95 (Australian dollars people!!) I was more than happy to give it a go! I wore it everyday while i was away and i gotta say i am a little bit impressed with how this held up! Its called Matte It... and i gotta say it is pretty good!

For The Body Shop's details head here:

The Body Shop's Matte It Primer

I’ve been back from Bali for a couple of weeks and I am still using it! It sort of feels like MAC’s “Matte” or the ModelCo Primer. I will say that I think this may not be as superior as MAC's Matte, but it is very similar... and SO much cheaper! I would generally apply MAC Matte to my forehead, nose & chin only right after applying Prep+Prime to my face, but i am finding i really like this...

It does have a siliconey feel to it but I find that its really quickly absorbed once its on my face and I only need the smallest amount!

I like the fact that it come in a clear tube so I can see when I am running out and that once I am close to the end I know I will be able to hack into it with a pair of scissors. Whilst I LOVE MAC’s Prep+Prime the thing that annoyed me the most about it was the fact that I cannot see how much of it I have left as it runs out – its SO annoying, because it’s a case of one day I have primer and the next day I don’t! Oh and the Body Shop’s Matte It primer is perfect for tossing into your handbag for overnight stays or holidays!

I have decided that my Body Shop Matte It primer is my everyday primer – it’s perfect for work and worked a treat whilst I was holidaying in tropical climate. Don’t get me wrong – I still do a touch up at the end of my day before I leave the office when I catch up with the girls but overall I know I will be repurchasing this product!

I totally recommend trying it!

Have you tried this product? What did you think?
Or what's your primer of choice and why?

Just Like Viva Glam Gaga II Lipglass... But not!

So the other day i went to Garden City and stopped by the MAC counter... i was so excited to try Viva Gaga II. I tried both the lippy and the gloss and after stocking up my Studio Fix (i am NC 35) as i desperately needed some more i must say that i sadly walked away from Gaga II's gloss - which i actually REALLY liked!

And then i walked into Priceline pharmacy... and saw they had Rimmel Volume Booster Gloss with 15% off! oohh - i had a look at some colors

 I tried this one: 070 SEDUCE and seriously; i was SO excited i think i skipped (over) to my best friend who was buying some of her essentials - i had found a near identical match for Gaga II Lipglass!

As for being volume boosting - i am not too sure if my lips looked any plumper; if anything i would be pretty certain that my lips really don't look any 'plumper'. It does have that slight tingling feeling that you get from most plumpers but i actually really like that feeling... but seriously - you have to try this color!

So what have i got on?

MAC Prep & Prime Skin (i have really oily skin & i love this stuff!)

Studio Fix (NC35)

NP Set Baked Powder Bronze Set
NP Set Baked Powder Blusher Set

Prestige khol pencil (black)

Rimmel Volume Booster in 070 Seduce

Why SO Farah?

Well, he easy answer is why not?

But in saying that there is MORE than simply why not... i get asked all the time by work colleague's, friends and family to go shopping with them or which products i use and why the i am SO in love with a particular product... this seemed like a natural progression!

A week or so ago i mentioned to my bestie that i was thinking about doing a beauty/shopping/product review blog - i thought that i would get a sorta lukewarm response. Instead Susi wanted to know when i would be doing this and was thinking of possible blog names... all this while we were getting our nails done!

So i go home and i mention it to my husband, thinking he'd tell me that with the time would spend writing here that i could TOTALLY be doing something else preferably for him. But that's not what he said (imagine my surprise) - no, instead he thought that it would be a fantastic idea...

Hehe - which means that i now have MORE excuses to shop and buy things... because I'll have to tell you guys all about it and if is any good!

So why did i call it That's So Farah? Well, besides the obvious - that Farah is my name, 'Farah'  (also)means happiness in Arabic (is funnily enough is my ethnic background!); and lets be honest: who isn't looking for happiness?

Stay tuned...

I'm looking forward to it... i hope you are!