Natio Nail Colour Review!

Hello my loves,

Today I'm bringing you all a nail polish review... May I add a Red nail polish review.
I should also let you know that red nail polish is something I hold near and dear to my heart. It's possibly the greatest thing to happen to me since red lipstick.

Anyway, let's get to it.

I received the Natio Nail Colour in 'Valentine'.
Firstly let's discuss the packaging, just your classic nail polish bottle, but hey there's only so much you can do with packaging.
I suppose they could've come up with a line name, not just "Natio Nail Colour" bit boring.

Now let's move onto what really matters, the product inside.
When I first applied the nail polish I noticed it was very thin and runny. When I applied it to all my nails, it was barely opaque, so to fix this I added around 3 layers to get this semi opaque finish (I say semi because when I look at it I can still see the outlines on my nail beds of my natural nail). As well as the product being so runny that it was seeping off my nail and onto my skin, making application a bit messy and tedious (but that's just my honest opinion).
The product also wasn't very quick to dry, left me sitting there for quite a while avoiding checking my phone incase i smudged a nail and have to start again.

I finished off with my Revlon Colour Stay Top Coat, which gave the a glossy finish.

All in all, not the most amazing nail polish I've tried, but my goodness I'm absolutely in love with the colour. If they bring this same colour out with a new formula, maybe a bit thicker I'd be a happy, happy girl.

For now, take care my loves.

-Zoe xoxo

Coconut Oil Cleanser!

Hello my loves!

For the past month or so I've been using a lot of coconut oil, and no I don't mean just eating it... Sure coconut oil is mainly used for cooking, it's great for your body, helps control weight, assists digestion, lowers diabetes, supports your immune system, boosts your metabolism and it tastes like you're on a tropical beach holiday! ;) 

But not only is coconut oil for eating, it's perfect for skin care! 

What I like to do when removing make up instead of going for some over priced cleansers that are usually packed with ingredients that I can't even pronounce, I reach for my bottle or jar of coconut oil (Depending on the room temperature the coconut oil may solidify in the cold or liquify in the heat). 

I place some on my hand and wait a few seconds for it to turn into a liquid consistency which will happen when you place it in the palms of your hand, I then just start rubbing it onto my full face of make up... I rub it right in even applying the coconut oil on my eyelids and eyelashes to remove eye make up. I then get a little bit of water in my han
ds and start rubbing that into my face to emulsify the oil. 

When I feel like I've massaged my face enough I take a face cloth (or hand towel whatever you like to call it) and soak it in the hottest water I can bare and then wipe off the coconut oil thoroughly to get all the make up off. 

I then will add a toner to completely get the coconut residue off my face, and moisturise (You can also just use a little extra coconut oil to moisturise.)

I got my coconut oil at a local Asian supermarket, and it's so inexpensive for something that lasts so long! 

Really give it a try, coconut oil is immaculate! 

Until next time, take care my loves. 

- Zoe xoxo

Reaching Out!

Hello my loves! 

This past week I've been reminiscing about my time in Sri Lanka during December 2013.

Usually when I visit Sri Lanka I learn so much, and really take in a lot. Such as how I should appreciate every little thing I've got... How something I'm ungrateful for is something that someone actually needs, or how things I want aren't what I actually need to be happy. 

On my last trip to Sri Lanka I was walking out of a chemist where I saw a white dog laying down, he was skinny and dirty, was out all day in the blazing sun and looked malnourished. 

Being an animal lover, I couldn't bear to see this... I walked back into the shops and got some bread rolls and a bottle of water... I took it out to the dog, and the dog didn't know what to do with himself... It's like he never had seen fresh water or food for that matter.

There's been times where I've even seen small children play on unlevelled cricket pitches using a stick as a bat, but they were still smiling and laughing... All they needed was loving family and friends to be happy. Material items don't bring happiness, the people around us do. 

Sri Lanka taught me to help those who can't help themselves, regardless of their race, age, gender, religion or even species.

Everyone needs someone at some point of their life, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen to what's on their mind without being judgemental. We all need someone to lean on. 

So be good people, everyone has their own struggles... be nice, be kind, be humble. You'll live a fulfilled life if we all simply follow these steps. 

For now take care my loves. 

-Zoe xoxo

Nostalgia...

Hello my loves!

I've had some things on my mind... and I thought "I must not be the only one with this in my head"

So it's the whole idea of nostalgia throughout our lives.

Let me give you a little run down.

You know when at a certain stage of your life you think everything's terrible and you just can't wait for it to be over? Then you spend all your time focusing on letting the days pass by and getting yourself out of what you think is so bad. Standard, I suppose.
But while you're waiting for this time to pass, you completely forget all the good things that you had... like the friends and the memories you made.

A couple of years ago, I was going what at the time was one of the absolute most stressful parts of my schooling life, I was in Year 10 and was told I had to make a decision then and there about what I wanted to do with my life... I was overwhelmed, had no clue what I wanted to do and just overall so confused. During this time, I made the decision as to what I wanted to do... and in order to do this had to move to a different school which offered these courses. On this interview at my new school, I was completely thrown into the deep end, so overwhelming to the point where I sat in that chair and cried... I'll never forget that, although I wasn't alone, some of my friends moved too so it wasn't as daunting as it could've been.

Anyway, we decided this around the early half of the school year, I spent the whole year counting down the days until I could get out there... Little did I realise how many amazing friends I had, or how much I loved everyone in my life at that time.

We'd spend the days at school kidding around, making fun of each other and just making everyday something to laugh about... Summer was spent with my friends, every weekend another party, another house to visit, another trip to the shopping centre to get a new dress, another trip to the beach, buying new shades of foundation cause I was always in the sun and had no make up that matched my skin tone.... Those were the days.

One particular night we had a house party before I was going overseas for Christmas, we spent the night rolling down my friends street on skateboards, going around some park at 1am making coke & mentos rockets to soak each other, then running around with sparklers on the streets at 3am. Now that I think of it, it was some of the best days of my life.

As I moved to my new school, I kept in touch with my old friends, we caught up every week and reassured each other we'd never lose contact... little did I know that those promises never really would hold. People were growing up, and as most of my friends were boys, they all got girlfriends and forgot about their 'Little Zoe'...
Contact was lost and now we barely talk... the most I hear is a Happy Birthday once a year.

We were young and naive, we thought it'd never end, that we'd be able to just start again.

Moral of the story... keep in touch, make everyday a reason to look back and smile about, laugh, my goodness go and have fun.
Make the most of high school, make the most of the care free life you lead till it's time to grow up and be part of the big world, it's a trap!

For now, take care my loves..

-Zoe xoxo

Giving Back!

Hello my loves!

Today I have something a bit different for you all. 
I'm not usually one to read up on these celebrity articles and what not, cause it simply doesn't phase me. I feel like there are so much better things to focus on in life than other peoples personal lives. 


Anyway, to my point. Many of us are aware of Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield... stars of The Amazing Spiderman? Well these two are actually the perfect example of using their fame to give back, not in the sense where they're all "I earn so much money, someone take a photo of me giving this charity a cheque", but in fact using the attention that they attract to raise awareness for charities. 
The couple were out in New York City, so Emma Stone made a sign reading “Good morning! We were eating and saw a group of guys with cameras outside. And so we thought, let’s try this again. We don’t need the attention, but these wonderful organizations do,” with an arrow pointing at Andrew Garfield's sign reading “www.youthmentoring.org, www.autismspeaks.org (and don’t forget) www.wwo.org, www.gildasclubnyc.org. Here’s to the stuff that matters. Have a great day!” 

With these signs covering their faces, they were showing the world to use what they've got for good, use it to help others who actually need the help. 
It doesn't hurt to reach out, even if it can't be a monetary donation.... there are thousands of charities looking for clothes, shoes, or even food donations, something as simple as some bedding can help a family in need through a cold winter. A simple shoutout to a charity can make all the difference. 

I, myself donate frequently to the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul charities with clothes that I no longer wear, it can help someone who will make better use with it than I will. 

Just remember, one person may not be able to change the world, but they can spark the mind of someone who will. 

For now, take care my loves. 

-Zoe xoxo

Relieve & Cure Cold/Flu Fast!

Hello Lovlies!

These past few weeks it has been the start of cold/flu season... Odd I know, for most of you, but for my fellow Aussies & New Zealanders, you will understand that winter is upon us and this is the absolute worst part of it- So bad that in the past 3 weeks I've been sick twice. Ridiculous. 

Today I thought I'll share some tips to relieve and prevent some of your cold/flu symptoms to help you guys which definitely helped me. 

Firstly, for preventative purposes... WASH YOUR HANDS! Our parents told us this for a reason, trust me. You never know what you've touched, theres so many things we can't see with the naked eye that can really affect our bodies. 

Secondly, if you are sick please make sure you cough/sneeze with your mouth covered, a good tip is to cover with your elbow so your hands don't get any unwanted germs on it and end up spreading it to all your family and friends.

Now for those that unfortunately have caught the cold (don't worry, that's always me) there's some easy, straight forward tips for you. 

Hot showers are a dream for when you're suffering from a cold, the steam from the shower relieves the congested nose and relieves sinus pain which has to be the most annoying part of getting sick. 

Next, this may sound odd, but you should actually try and avoid blowing your nose until its absolutely necessary... will also help to prevent your nose getting irritated and more sore than it already is or should be. 

Nasal sprays also are a big help, but I tend to stick to more saline nasal sprays such as Fess, which is practically a salt water nasal spray which you can use as many times as you want throughout the day which is basically used to clear out anything in your nose that may be irritating it such as dust, etc. 

One of the best feelings has got to be using Vicks VapoRub on my chest, forehead, nose and glands when I'm sick. It not only soothes congestion, but it relieves muscle aches casued from cold and flu's. 

Another helpful trick is drinking plenty of fluids, what I like to do is cut a fresh slice of lemon and add boiling water to it, then just sip it like tea, which helps to boost your immune system to fight off the cold and get your body back to normal. Also if you have a sore throat it helps to add some honey to the lemon water to soothe the throat. 

Lastly, stay warm!

So for now, keep safe & stay healthy. 

-Zoe xoxo

The Struggle Of Self Worth

Hello my loves!

Today I was thinking of something a bit different from my usual posts. I don't want to be closed off into a box, where all I talk about is make up and beauty. I want it to be a kind of 'I'll write what I want' kinda blog. 

So here it is...

Recently the whole subject of self worth has been popping up all around my life. To some it's a touchy subject, but to others it's something they don't even notice or merely don't care (you're the lucky ones I tell you, the less you care the better you are). 

But in my life, this year particularly I reached a point where all of a sudden I was thrown into the deep end and had to make some decisions that affect my future, once my decisions were made I just got told by different people how my decisions were wrong, silly, dumb etc. From constantly hearing these things from people whom I thought had my best interests at heart made me question my own decisions. It made me think, 'hey maybe this is wrong...maybe this past year of hard work was a waste' 

After a lot of thinking, I realised that what I wanted to do was what I was going to do. However once again, I copped a lot for it. It came to a point where I'd get upset when people would even ask about it. It made me feel like all the walls were closing in (dramatic I know, but it was true). You feel like you're stuck, no where to go... feeling pretty worthless. 

The whole time there was only one person who stood by my choices, my guardian angel lets say, and really helped me realise that I don't need to get approval, all I need to do is trust in myself that I know what I'm doing even if I have no clue, but as he always said 'it's a learning curve'. 

Although for now I'm not where I planned to be, I'm still going to get there, it may take me days, weeks, months or years... But I will get there and I'll work hard for it. 

One day it'll all be worth it, until then I'm going to stick it out and enjoy the ride. Nothing else we can do. 

Hope this makes you realise that you may not be able to do everything, but you can die trying. 

For now, take care. 

-Zoe xoxo

New Obsession!

Hello Lovlies! 

So I know, I know... I've been slack on the posting recently. 

Been a bit side tracked with work and the busy months of May/June with family gatherings and birthday parties etc. 

But today I just thought I'd give you guys a quick update of a new obsession of mine, which happens to actually be a TV show. 

The show is Suits and it's not necessarily something I'd normally go for, but it's one of those shows you continue to watch... you just can't help but fall in love with the various characters with the combination of their life and work based in Manhattan, New York. 

Basically, the show is based in a law firm, and all the characters are those who work in the firm, and getting an insight of them working on their cases and how their work really is their life but as usual with those scandalous twists. 

The show has everything... those characters that you love, those you hate, and those that you just want to get together... and my goodness it has New York!

Give it a watch, in a week I've managed to get myself to the 3rd season, which happens to be the last season at the moment... till 4 comes around that is ;) 

You'll love it.. hopefully. 

For now, take care and be well. 

-Zoe xoxo

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Review!

Hello my loves! 

I know, it's been a while... and I'm so so sorry. 

There has been a lot going on, but I'm back and ready to get back to the grind. 

Today I'm sharing with you something very very dear to my heart. My ultimate favourite ever foundation... if thats even proper english?

This foundation is the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in the shade 320 Honey Beige. 

I cannot tell you one bad thing about this foundation. 

Beauty of the product is that it's one of those foundations that adapt to your skin tone, and natural highlights and contours of the face so you're not such a flat mess once your base is applied. It's oil and wax free... best of all it blends like an absolute dream. 

My skin is dry, so this foundation is perfect for it, as it's a runny consistency leaving my skin nice and hydrated throughout the day. 

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Colour: 320

To find your shade it's quite simple. 100's are for my lighter skinned girls, 200's for mediums and 300's for the deeper ladies. It has a SPF 18 and is absolutely flash photography friendly. 

The foundation lasts me all day, but works best when set with a translucent powder so you don't have the 'ultimate dewy' finish. 

To apply the product Maybelline suggest that you blend it in with your fingertips but I like to use my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. 

The coverage of the foundation is also amazing, great for both day and night, can be a light to medium coverage, but can be built to a high coverage when layered. 

Hope you give it a go and see why I love it so much.

For now, take care my loves. 

-Zoe xoxo

Meet Kitty!

The more I think of it, I'd like to let you guys into my life a bit more. Beyond the make up, the life of Zoe.

So the Christmas of 2013, which also happened to be my birthday time... I received the most amazing present, not only did this present show how much love I can feel toward something so small, fragile and fluffy, but how something so small can hold so much love for everyone.

She's my little Snow White, my cuddly kitten. 

Over the past few months of having her, she's made me smile, laugh and tell her off every single day without fail. 

World, meet my Kitty. 

-Zoe xoxo

Drug Store Rant!

So here's a bit of a rant...

For this past week I've noticed that I'm running low on my Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in the shade 320.

I thought, 'Hey, that's not a problem.. I'll just go out to Kmart and get a new one'.

Little did I know that I'd arrive at the Shopping Centre to find that there is no foundation in the shade 320...

at all, so without batting an eyelid I visited Priceline, Target, Big W and all possible chemists you could think of, and to my surprise not one single Fit Me Foundation 320 could be found... the only deep shade being 310.

I took a deep breath and carried on to look for a new foundation, ANY foundation to match my colour and skin tone.

Yet again, no shades to match, all too light, too ashy, too dark, too red, too orange.

Not only did this make me angry, but it made me realise how inconvenient it is for people in the same boat as me.

The fact that products which actually match me also happen to be the products I need to purchase from high end brands, and end up having to pay $50 for a simple bottle of foundation.

If drugstores can't supply something for all colours, then they should supply nothing at all. It's plain old unfair. The fact that I have to order my products online and wait all that time for shipping, it's unnecessary.

WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE TANNED GIRLS!

-Zoe xoxo

The Nightmare of Dry Skin!

Here in Australia the weather is cooling down, and my beloved Summer is coming to an end :(

But many of you will feel my pain when you understand how the cold weather affects your skin.. the tight, dry, scaly and cracked skin, and trust me I know the feeling. 

From a young age I've suffered from dry skin, which often would lead me to eczema, an utter nightmare. 

But I'm here to help, a product that I cannot live with out.. LITERALLY! 

For around 10 years now, I've been using QV Cream.

Basically, it's a highly concentrated moisturising cream for dry skin. It helps seal in natural moisture, has a low-irritant formulation, fragrance free and colour free so it's perfect for sensitive skin. It's so gentle it can even be used on infants and the older skin. 

For the best results I find that straight after you shower, pat dry and massage into the skin, it absorbs straight into your skin so you're ready to get changed straight away without that greasy wet feeling that some moisturisers leave. 

In a nutshell QV is my saviour, all year round. It's also available for around $15 a tub which lasts well around 2-3 months even more sometimes, and can be purchased from local chemists. 

-Zoe xoxo

My Love for MAC Cosmetics!

MAC Matchmaster Foundation
7.0

For all my tanned-deeper skin toned girls out there, you'd be pretty familiar with the struggle of finding a proper product that will actually match your skin tone... instead of those half thought through colours that brands bring out for the 'darker skin tones' which don't look anything but a hot mess.

If you're sick of dealing with ashiness, makeup that's too dark, too light or just not even the right undertone... look no more. 

MAC Cosmetics are absolutely amazing. 

MAC Studio Finish Concealer
NC35

I've purchased many of their face products and they astonish me at their quality. 

I'm a proud owner of MAC Studio Finish Concealer, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer and MAC Matchmaster Foundation... All of which I couldn't be any happier about. 

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
NC42

Let's just take a moment to appreciate MAC on the fine work they do day in and day out. 

Unfortunately living in Australia, MAC comes to me at a hefty cost compared to other locations around the world. But at this stage, no complaints with their products. 

I'm in-love. ♡

-Zoe xoxo

Nail Polish: Ulta3 Mulberry Review

Hello beauties,

I have a favourite that I must show you. 

This product has been a favourite of mine for over a year now. Not only is it a fantastic colour, but also so opaque and such a nice quality, making application a breeze and drying time feel like nothing at all... the best part is it was $2!

I know when I say that, you think "how good could a $2 nail polish possibly be?" But I promise, it's amazing. 

The brand is Ulta3 Nail Colour and my shade is in the colour 'Mulberry'.

The best way to describe the colour would be the perfect Autumn/Winter shade. 

It's a dark berry colour, more of a purple-plum. 

I purchased mine from Target here in Australia, and I've also seen it around in local pharmacies and chemists. 

 

I apply 2 coats on each finger for a long lasting opaque finish, and to finish up place a topcoat... I love the Revlon Top Coat as it assists in a glossy vibrant finish that can last me up to a week! 

Absolutely adore this, and I must go out and get some more colours to show you lovely people! 

-Zoe xoxo

Outfit of the Day!

Today in Melbourne, Australia despite it being Autumn the sun has decided to shine through and warm us up before winter soon sets in.. So today to take full advantage of my summer wardrobe, I've taken the "I'm not going to accept summer's over" approach. 

Not much going on today, so it's been kept quite casual and simple.

Top: Miss Shop (Brand: Quirky Circus)

Sunglasses: Mink Pink

Purse: Collette by Collette Hayman

Paired with Black Country Road Leggings. 

Sleek BB Cream Review!

Hello my loves,

I'd like to share with you my experience with Sleek MakeUp's BB cream, also known as Be Beautiful Blemish Balm.

I wear the colour Light 02. Firstly, a love as they cater for ALL skin tones, making it so easy for more tanned/deeper skin tones to find a proper shade and tone to match them perfectly.

The Blemish Balm combines both skin care and make up, not only does it give you adequate coverage for an everyday basis (depending what coverage you're looking for, I'd call it a medium coverage and can be built up), but it also gives you the benefits of having to wear less products, as it combines a primer, tinted moisturiser and concealer all in one tube. To conceal a blemish, all you need to do is add a bit more of the product to the area that needs more coverage and it's perfect.

I like to use my fingers to apply this product as it's both fast and blends out like a dream due to the body heat from your hands.

With the Blemish Balm I do recommend setting it with a translucent powder, (I use a loose powder) as it can get a bit shiny, and it just helps keep the product from moving around your face throughout the day... it also keeps the product on the skin throughout the whole day with minimal fading.

However, living in Australia this can be a bit difficult to get your hands on as it's not sold in stores, but can be purchased from SleekMakeup.com for a very low price.

Hope this helped in your decision to finally purchase it, or sparked an interest in the product!

Your skin will thank you for it. I promise.

Much love.

-Zoe xoxo

Hey, I'm Zoe.

Hey, I'm Zoe. 

Well known as a little girl with big thoughts. 

I have many plans and lists of what I'd like to achieve in life, and I'm starting right now with this blog... For years I've had a crazy fascination in make up and beauty products. The idea of being able to wear something and make you feel so different is amazing. 

That little bit of red lipstick or winged eyeliner can make you feel like that confident woman you always aspired to be. 

Make up is just like a form of art, and expression... it's not a way to disguise your 'flaws' and make yourself a Barbie as many people scrutinise it to be (but nothing wrong with being a Barbie once in a while, am I right?) but it's a way to reflect yourself, your personality and your skills.. it's merely to enhance yourself in the way you perceive your own identity and to make yourself more comfortable in your own skin. 

Now that you understand the way I think about make up, I hope you'd join me on this journey that I'm now starting. A way to show you my make up story. My thoughts on everything beauty, lifestyle and well... my life. 

-Zoe xoxo