Just like last year, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the year that will soon be over, and contemplate the year ahead.

REVIEWS

Organisation – I’m going to consider this resolution more like a marathon than a sprint. I’ve gradually gotten better at this during certain periods (aka when work isn’t stressing me out).

Don’t let the negativity get to me – Happy to confirm this has gotten a lot better. I’ve cut out people from my life who only gave me negative energy and became a lot more resilient when it comes to the negativity both at work and online.

Lifestyle Blogging – Errr, not quite there yet. Can I make this one of this year’s resolutions?

Photography – See above.

Write and read more – Well, I did download a couple of half read books on my Kindle, so getting there ever so slowly. I should probably set a goal of reading a set number of books before the year is out.

Go strong, or go home – Yes! But unfortunately this way of thinking did leave me with a couple of minor health issues.

RESOLUTIONS

Focus – Often I found myself lacking direction this year, not because there was none, but because my focus constantly shifted to non productive areas. I’ve actually got a blog post planned for this, I want to create a focus board and zone into the goals I’ve set myself this year.

Lifestyle Blogging – I said it last year and failed, so I’m going to try and meet it this year. My life isn’t just about beauty products, I love fashion, I love social media, gadgets, computers, video games, cosplay, food and many other topics in life. I want my blog to be a reflection of my interests and hobbies.

Be patient, Seek balance – Probably not as evident on the blog, but off line I’ve felt myself becoming a lot more frustrated with life. I’ve always been impatient with my accomplishments in life, I never feel I’ve done enough at any point in my life, and my reaction has been pretty negative. Both ranging from zoning out and wasting my time being unproductive, or becoming so intense on what I was currently working on that I ended up developing health issues for myself. My goal is to work on finding a productive medium.

Shop Your Stash / Resourceful Purchasing – Like most people, I waste far too much money and resources on unnecessary things. So with regards to makeup and general purchases, I’ve decided to only purchase if I already have plans to feature it on my YT channel or blog (with regards to gadgets, makeups etc) otherwise I’ll make sure to use what I currently have.

Exercise – Okay, so every resolution list needs a typical resolution that simply won’t be met. I’d like to start by doing something simple 3 times a week and hopefully work up to something maintainable. The only reason is to give my mind better clarify and improve my health. Back in Uni I used to do an intense fitness routine every morning and my mind was as sharp as a knife then, if I plan to meet the first resolution then I suspect I’d need to meet this one first.

I also want to thank you all for the incredible support both on the blog and on youtube. I’ve been so touched and overwhelmed and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and everyone of you

Thank you, and I’ll see you in the new year

We’ve done it! We’ve reached the final empties post for 2012 It’s been quite a year regarding empties, managed to get through quite a few products this year, mostly skincare but a number of makeup too I have several goals for next year regarding my spending habits, which I’ll address on my resolution post on the 1st of January 2013

Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur
Basically a cleansing water which I used as a toner after my cleasning oil and cleanser. Loved this, this is probably my 4th or 5th bottle now! I already have another as a back up, but I need to work through a couple other toners before I let myself use my backup.

The Body Shop Earth Lovers – Apricot & Basil
Take it or leave it, as a body wash it was great, I loved how much it foamed up which is a big plus for me, but the scent wasn’t my thing. I prefer tropical fruits alone, not a fan of adding a spice in with this. The Body Shop generally makes great body washes so I”m more likely to go back for a pure fuirt scent instead.

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy – Nourishing Shampoo & Nourishing Conditioner *
Decent shampoo and conditioner, left my hair feeling soft and healthy~ But nothing exceptional enough for me to jusitfy going out and purchasing them.

Archipelago Candle – Mango Tangerine
I purchased this quite a while back because I was looking for a highly citriusy scent to burn at home, and this is pretty much it. The name is a very accurate description of the scent, mangos and tangerines! It’s a lovely scent, but after my candle binge at Bath and Body Works, I probably won’t repurchase this. Especially since candles at BBW are many times cheapaer than this one.

Slatkin & Co Candle – Caribbean Escape
Speaking of Bath and Body Works, love this candle! In fact, loved it so much I went and purchased the large version! Yes, even with the insane shipping prices (given this has glass) the BBW candles are wonderful and still work out in total cheaper than purchasing some of the nicer candles in AU… fail right? Love fruit tropical scents, they are my favourite!

SK-II Whitening Source Dermdefinition
I’ve only recently started getting into SK-II products, still finding my way through the mass of products to see what works for me and what doesn’t. This one didn’t really do anything to my skin at all, at least I didn’t notice any change. At least it didn’t do anything bad?

Urban Decay Primer Potion – Original
Loved the formula, but hated the packaging. After a few months I had to remove the stopper to prevent it from wiping down all the product. I managed to get another 2-3 months of use after removing the stopper, so you can see how wasteful this packaging is. I’m aware people can cut open to retreive even more product, but honestly a masscared product doesn’t look as nice for an Empties post / video, and as a beauty blogger I have many more primers I need to work my way through X_x;

I know most of you are away with friends and family, celebrating the holiday season! But I wanted to jump in quickly to wish you all a very Merry Christmas / Happy Holiday! Thank you eternally for the amazing support and love you all I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and everyone of you and I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves!

<3 Celina

Happy Christmas Eve! I know this collection has nothing to do with Christmas, but I wanted to post it anyways because it is one of my favourite collections and it’s for a good cause

This collection is filled with pinks, which are all highly wearable and perfect for everyday! I hope you enjoy them and have an amazing Christmas Eve <3

All swatches are two coats with no top coat.

Check Up

A light magenta crème polish, the deepest polish from this collection. You’ll find something similar in ORLY’s Butterflies.

Good Morning Hope

A soft pink crème shade, the lightest from this collection. If you need a dupe, check out Essie’s French Affair.

I Am Strong

An almost bubblegum pink shade, probably just a touch too dark for the bubblegum title. A similar shade would be ROS’ Beauty Queen.

We’re In It Together

My favourite polish from this collection (save the best till last), you can’t see it in the first photo, so I took a second photo for you below so you can see that this is the only polish from the collection that contains micro glitters. Not easy to see even in person, only when you angle the polish, but I just love it! If I had to find a dupe, I’d recommend Essie’s Vandigo which is a bit lighter.

My New Years Eve makeup tutorial for 2012, except it’s not really a new look. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you’ll know this is actually Chapter 55 made a little while back called Diamond in the Rough. You can check out the original chapter here.

This look is all about the glitter, spilling glitter down your face. It’s the kind of look inspired by makeup ads, that seem just a bit too over the top If you’re looking for a more wearable New Years Eve makeup look, then I highly recommend you check out my no-glitter look from last year.

MAC Prep + Prime – Skin Base Visage
Shu Uemura Face Architect – 774
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Light
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer – Beige
NARS Bronzer – Laguna
NARS Powder Blush – Orgasm
Canmake Highlighter – 01
Urban Decay Primer Potion – Original
Prestige Eyeliner – White
NYX Nude on Nude Palette
Stila Smudge Pot – Black
Savvy by DB Luxury Liner – Shimmering Slate
NYX Single Eyeshadow – Black
Maybelline One by One Volum Express – Satin Black *
Milani Crystal Eyez – Lovely & Luminous
Red Earth Body Make Up Glitter – Silver
Elizabeth Arden Lip Pencil – Blush
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil – Fuschia
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil – Pink Nude

If you follow beauty blogs and channels then this foundation has likely be mentioned a few times. I really love this foundation when it comes to photography, it takes very little work and give my skin a very airbrushed appearance, not to say it’s not good for every day but it may be a bit thick if you generally have good skin. The shade I am using is 117 Marble.

The first thing you’ll notice about this product is how thick the consistency is, but it is very blendable which means a single pump is plenty for your entire face and then some. If you have any extra, which I usually do, I tend to go over the area under my eyes to conceal any dark circles.

There is almost no scent to this foundation which makes me love it all the more! And the coverage is fantastic~ A thin coat will give you medium coverage which can be built up to full.

I am currently still working through my Giorgio Armani foundation for cosplay and photo shoots (half way through) but you can be sure once that is finished, I’ll be depending on this foundation for all future shoots.

You can purchase this online for $42US.

If you’re looking for a solid all round moisturiser than this might just be the one for you! Sometimes all you need is a basic no frill moisturiser that just keeps your skin soft smooth and supple. And I would think Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream does just that. I believe I received this product from Kiehl’s via a goodie bag, but I’m hitting a brick wall as to when.

I personally use this at night, every night and with a cotton bud I scoop up enough for my entire face and neck to the back of my hand and then from that apply. I wouldn’t scoop any of the product directly with my fingers for hygiene reasons, which I understand is the downside of choosing this product. On the flipside, at least you will get every last drop of this (unlike those in tube form).

Before I go to sleep it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and protected, and in the mornings my skin is soft and smooth to the touch. I great basic moisturiser that I recommend to anyone searching for one that doesn’t have any particular “properties”.

You can purchase the 125ml version (the one I’m reviewing) online for $46.50US or from Kiehl’s Online for $64AU.

Happy Holidays! I know Christmas isn’t quite here yet, but I wanted to release a “christmas” theme videos for you all, not the most wearable look but it’s still a fun look none the less I’ve been a bit late with regard to updating videos (not meeting my Friday deadline), work has just been taking up a lot more time than I expected (not new), not to mention my daily vlogs on my second channel (new!).

If you want to see the previous version of this look, then you can check it out here.

MAC Prep + Prime – Skin Base Visage
MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation – NC20
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer – Beige
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Light Medium
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil – Pots & Pans
MAC Eyeshadow – Crystal Avalanche
MAC Eyeshadow – Idol Eyes
MAC Eyeshadow – Night Train
Lunasol Brow Styling Pencil
Prestige Eyeliner – White
NP Set Liquid Eyeliner – Silver Glitter
Red Earth Body Make Up Glitter – Silver
Smashbox Blush Rush – Chiffon
Canmake Highlighter – 01
Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz
Maybelline One by One Volum Express – Satin Black *
Savvy by DB Lipliner – Carnation
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil – Fuschia
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil – Pink Nude
Duo Lash Glue
Daiso False Lashes

A holiday collection! We are getting closer and closer to Christmas, not to mention this is my last week of work before I get time off to relax at home~ So even more excited! This collection from China Glaze is festive and jolly, lots of reds, greens, silver and golds~ All traditional Christmas colours <3

All swatches are two coats with no top coat so you can see the true finish for each polish.

Angel Wings

A gold holographic glitter, kinda hard to tell in this photo as it mostly looks gold, but in real life it is definitely very holographic. The glitters whilst very fine still leave a rather rough finish. Color Club’s Enchanted Holiday is similar but has a richer golden tone.

Cranberry Splash

A dark red shimmer shade, I love the finish for this polish. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I can see myself wearing this a lot, especially in December. Similar shares are ORLY’s Torrid and Face of Australia’s Flaming Boa.

Glistening Snow

A silver holographic glitter, pretty much the silver counterpart of Angel Wings. Even though you can’t really see it, this too is very holographic, with fine glitter and a relatively rough surface.

Pizzazz

A multi-glitter overlay, this needs to be applied over a solid shade to really stand out. I reckon with a pearl white or shimmery slate black would be gorgeous with this!

Red Satin

A red crème shade, another beautiful almost gel looking shade. I think I’d have trouble choosing between this shade and Cranberry Splash. Similar shades would be China Glaze’s Ruby Deer and ORLY’s Candy Cane Lane.

Winter Holly

A true green with gold glitter, again in texture and finish similar to both Angel Wings and Glistening Snow, just green.

So I really try my best to avoid blogging about products that are no longer available, but I couldn’t not include this particular product as I felt it was a great subtle bronzer for people with similar skin tones to me!

This is essentially a bronzer Burberry released during Summer 2012 (northern hemisphere), so at least it is completely appropriate for the southern hemisphere weather~

There are a few reasons why I really enjoying using this product. The first is because it comes in four parts, which allows me to use this as a highlighter, blush and bronzer for contouring. The neutral shades also work great as eye shadows. When combined you end up with a tanned shade, only slightly darker than my natural skin tone which helps create a very subtle shadow for light contouring.

The finish is not completely matte, but doesn’t contain enough shimmer to create any real shine to your face.

All in all, as an everyday bronzer for someone who isn’t keen to appear too tanned I’d enjoy using this! And I really love having this product thanks to how versatile it is

Unfortunately this particular product is no longer available as it was limited edition. However I think you may be able to find a similar dupe in Burberry’s Natural Bronzer range which you can purchase for $48US online.