Friday Finds.

Here are a few of my finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  I love this simple loose side braid tutorial - so pretty.  //
\\  How good does this Indian cashew butter paneer sound?! Good Lord.  //

\\  Also, pumpkin pecan cobbler. Yes  //
\\  This bottled fairy lights DIY is great for a boho-esque lighting feature.  //

\\  I don't mean to alarm you, but sticky toffee pancakes. Oh my.  //

\\  How great does this DIY beer candle look? How fun.  //

My Birthday Beauty Haul

I remember my twenty-first as if it was yesterday (and that's saying something because there was a lot of Absinthe consumed that night), so the fact that my twenty-second birthday has already come and gone has really spun me out.

Don't get me wrong, I love birthdays, and that doesn't just apply to my own (although, I am admittedly one of those narcissistic ass-hats who would rather celebrate her birthday over Christmas). I just find everything about a birthday so fun and exciting, no matter who may be celebrating it.

I mean, birthdays are a great excuse to treat yo'self, and that is something I definitely do not do enough - this was honestly the first lot of make-up I have purchased in the longest time. I was already spoilt by my loved ones as it was this year, receiving most items on my wishlist as well as some exciting surprise bits but today, I've chosen not to include any presents I was gifted, purely out of personal preference (although I've basically spammed instagram with that shit anyways). No, today I just wanted to talk you through the beauty additions I obtained myself with the gift vouchers and money I received:

Mecca

My first stop was obviously going to be Mecca. I had received a gift voucher from my mum and poor old Jesse didn't know what he was getting himself in to when he volunteered to spend up to a certain amount on whatever I wanted from the store after I'd used up the voucher as his present to me. I ended up with about $300 worth of products - Hello Beauty Loop Level 1.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Diffused Heat'
I absolutely love this blush! The quality is amazing! The powder itself is very finely milled - I love how smooth and silky it feels, while still remaining incredibly pigmented. The shade compliments my skin tone and blue eyes beautifully and is perfect for daytime wear. It's super easy to work with: easy to blend and hard to overdo, and the finish is just lovely! It's less flat and chalky than a regular blush due to the luminescent powder, giving off a beautifully soft, gentle glow without being sparkly, all the while being incredibly long-lasting.

Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray

As someone who has never bothered with a make-up setting spray, I've been meaning to try this stuff for so long now, and I already love it so much! Perfect for my drier/combination skin, leaving a somewhat dewy and fresh look to my complexion - even on the problem areas around my mouth and nose where foundation normally flakes off due to dry patches. It just makes my makeup look perfect and keeps it looking just applied all day long and it's refreshing, too without feeling sticky or tight. Plus this totally takes away that powdery/cakey look - yassss.

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

I originally set out to get Too Faced's Chocolate Bar Palette, but they were sold out (sigh), so I settled for this one instead. The shadows all have a velvety texture and rich colour - in my opinion, the grey scale is just perfect, meaning you are not limited to smoky looks, you can also achieve a natural daytime look if you so please. I like the mix of matte and shimmer and I appreciate that even of the shimmery shades, none of them are uber glittery. The staying power and bendability of the shadows in this particular palette are also fantastic, and I love the fact that the brush that comes with is a duel-ended one with a tapered brush and dome smudger, rather than ANOTHER shitty flat shadow brush.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless  Foundation

I received a sample of this a month or so back, and I absolutely knew I just had to have it. It applies well, lasts all day, and blends beautifully to a natural satin matte finish. The fact that I don't feel that I need to build on the one layer as thats quite heavy duty combined with the runny consistency and high pigmentation means a little goes a long way. It's apparently recommended for oily skin, but it works wonderfully on my combination skin, feeling weightless and soft to the touch while still providing medium to full coverage which is unusual for such a light formula. I was actually surprised by how well it covers my dark undereye circles. I honestly don't feel like I need a concealer. I also appreciate that this is the only NARS foundation that comes with a pump (to my knowledge. Correct me if I'm wrong).

Too Faced Melted Metal Lipstick in 'Metallic Peony'

I've been lusting over Melted Lipsticks for what seems like an eternity and I've finally got my hands on one. I honestly would have bought the entire shade range had it not been for the limit on my vouchers. After much swatching, I settled for Metallic Peony because the light-medium pink compliments my skin tone and blue eyes wonderfully, and the subtle mix of pink and gold micro-shimmer makes for a frosted, metallic sheen that is just perfect for Springtime wear. As any liquid lipstick, it's easy to apply once you get the hang of it. The formula glides of smoothly leaving a prefect coat of colour and the staying power is amazing for such a glossy lipstick.

LUSH

I somehow managed to contain myself at LUSH, and only picked up two items the were in no way essential, but that's what makes them such treats.

Bubblegum Lip Scrub
So, guys.. This. Tastes. Amazing, and I appreciate the fun, edible concept. It exfoliates my lips, sloughing away any dry flakes and the jojoba oil keeps them feeling soft and moisturised, making it the perfect product to prep my lips for lipstick application. Even simply following it up with a lip balm makes my lips feel incredibly soft and polished. The process of getting this out of the pot and onto my lips is quite messy, but the results are worth it in my opinion.

Lush Feeling Younger Skin Tint
Although this 20g pot costs a massive $18, it lasts a very long time as a little goes a long way. The consistency is quite thick and very creamy, but once blended out with warm fingers, it feels nice and light on the skin and not sticky at all. The colour is beautiful; a metallic white with pinky-gold shimmer. I've mixed it into my foundation for an all over glow and I've also applied after my foundation to the tops of the cheekbones and the bridge of my noseand it works wonderfully either way. Unfortunately, when used alone, it doesn't blend too well, and can really sink into your pores, but either under or over foundation looks wonderful.

MAC

My first ever trip to the MAC counter proved to be an overwhelming experience; Shopping online is all well and good, but actually stepping in to that plethora of shades and formulas.. It can weaken a girl's defences. I could have walked out with a zillion lipsticks that day. I deserve a pat on the back for limiting myself to three quality purchases.

Lipstick in 'Velvet Teddy'
My name's Christie, and I'm a sheep. I finally caved and got the cult favourite Velvet Teddy and I'm not even sorry. The dusty nude shade with rosy brown undertones is super flattering and a nice alternative to a nude. The formula is creamy, applying so smoothly and evenly, and it wears nicely (no feathering or smearing here) with great staying power. As it is a matte formula, it can make me feel a little dry but it's honestly the least drying lipstick I've worn compared to some other matte formulas.

Lip Pencil in 'Whirl'
I bought this to accompany my tube of Velvet Teddy and I must say, the gorgeous rosy-mauve of the pencil works beautifully with the browny-nude of the lipstick! It also looks wonderful paired with my other nude and pink toned lipsticks - I've even used it alone on top of chap stick. It just seems to work any way you wear it. The pencil itself is generous with pigment it glides on so easily, providing a great base and giving a nice matte touch to the lips.

Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Lightscapade'

This highlight isn't as intense as The Balm's Loumanizer and I think that's what I love it so much. A little bit goes a long way, and I feel it looks more natural than most highlighters when applied to the tops of my cheek bones and as a brow highlight. Other than being mesmerizing to look at, the powder is velvet soft with a high frost metallic finish, minus the dreaded chunky glitter and applies evenly with day-long staying power.

Priceline

My Priceline haul was somewhat boring - just a couple of skincare products I required, but I thought I may as well use that $5 Sister Club birthday voucher.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
I finally ran out of all seven sample tubes of this stuff that I'd accumulated and thought to my self "self, you love these samples so much, you go ahead and buy the full sized pot". And that I did. This clever formula continuously releases moisture throughout the day without going too far and leaving  my skin looking oily and blegh. The gel has such a light, non-sticky texture and my skin's been slurping it right up. My dry patches have been getting the nourishment they need and my skin looks nothing but supple when I wear it under my foundation. The scent, I really don't mind - it actually reminds me of jellybeans, but it's not reacted negatively with my sensitive skin at all.

QV Gentle Cleanser
As you've probably read 4,000 times on the blog, I've been tirelessly searching for a cleanser that works for me. I bought this after a recommendation from a few of my blogger pals as it's formulated for sensitive or dry skin. The texture is luxuriously milky and smooth - at first, it honestly seems like you're putting your moisturiser on. It's creamy and ever so gentle, still managing to break through makeup and grit, leaving my skin feeling fresh and more supple than any cleanser I've tired, I guess due to the vitamin E. Because it is so gentle, I can use it to remove my eye makeup, but I'm also not sure how deeply its cleansing my face so I still perform a deep cleanse once a week. Whatever the case, it seems to work wonderfully, leaving my face feeling soft and fresh, and less dry than ever.


I was more than spoilt by those around me, and am truly grateful for all the happy birthdays and well wishes from my readers. Here's to another year on.

I am not a Fashion Blogger: Photoshoot Bloopers Part 1.

As you may or may not have seen, I published a few outfit posts on the blog last month (here, here, here, and here).

Because I'm a resourceful (read: lazy) blogger, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to shoot all four looks in one day. I'm not going to lie, my favourite part of the whole process was going through all 399 photos (dead) and seeing the hilarious out takes, because home girl over here is incredibly awkward and embarrassingly unphotogenic - meaning there were some real doozies and a few shots that I simply cannot comprehend myself.

You'll notice that there are more bloopers here than there are decent photos in my original post.. That, kids, is why fashion posts are so rare on Christie's Take on Life.

Without any further babble, here are the ever so beautiful fails of my Springtime Brights post. Enjoy.

I specifically remember pulling this face when I thought we were still setting up. Tiffany & Co was RIGHT THERE, taunting me.

THAT, friends is an alley. An alley in which I was instructed to stand in front of, resulting in my almost getting run over. Twice..

..And after my near death run-in with a Mercedes, there was nothing but paranoia running through my head. I'm telling ya, fashion blogging is a dangerous profession.

Queue the awkward walking motion shots..

..Because I galumph and am in no way graceful nor elegant..

..I rest my case, and I really hope this isn't the face I unknowingly pull when I walk down the street.

I entitle this piece of art 'The Tough Girl'.

There are no words I can use to describe whatever is going on in this one.

Grab the strong hand?

Guys, there are pockets in this particular dress. I am NOT doing the chicken dance/the gorilla as my friend thought to point out.

In my defence, my face wasn't even supposed to be in this CLOSE UP OF THE DRESS shot so this technically isn't my fault..

I'm just going going to say, this was the very last outfit we shot and I was more than over the process by this point. Therefore you cannot judge me.

Watch this space for more glorious bloopers from my other three outfits.

Friday Finds

Here are a few of my finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  This kabocha and caramelized onion galette sounds too easy to be that fancy.  //

\\  This pumpkin cheesecake lip balm is so tasty! You have no idea.  //

\\  Yup, I'm making this peanut butter nutella candy bar brownie with all my leftover candy.  //

\\  This flameless rose tea light DIY is so simple, yet so adorable.  //
\\  The nails of a zombie hunter - yasss.  //
\\  These marbled candy apples are way too pretty!  //

Beauty Empties #2

'Empties' have always been the type of posts that I've been drawn to. It's a perfectly acceptable way to rifle through another's trash, without getting the police called on you. What? That's just me? I guess I'm just a creeper like that.

I mean, the practise of hoarding your various empty bottles and tubes for a few weeks (or months in my lazy-ass case) sounds strange to those outside of the blogging world, but to us nosey little things, it's like having the opportunity to trial a pile of treasure without spending any money. Or leaving the house. Or putting on pants.

I love reading up on the hits and misses of the beauty world, and having my eyes opened a plethora of products I probably never would have even considered. Anyways, without any further stalkerish blabber, here are my most recent beauty empties:

Nutrimetics Botanicals Mango & Coconut Shower Gel
This. Smells. Amazing. I honestly have no words, and the bottle is huge, meaning I enjoyed that heavenly scent for months. Aside from the aesthetics, it  contains a butt-load of natural ingredients and plant extracts so it does a wonderful job of nourishing my skin, leaving my whole body feeling clean and soft.

Repurchase? One I've used up my plethora of shower gels, yes.

AVON Pomegranate & Mango Antibacterial Hand Wash

Though keeping the formula the same, AVON have changed the packaging since I last stocked up on this stuff about a zillion years ago (a little goes a LONG way). There's nothing overly exciting about it, because, well.. it's soap, but I just can't get enough of the scent. That fresh, fruity smell keeps me coming back, and it lingers on the skin all day. I keep this baby on my office desk (yes, I bring my own soap to work - judge away) and it's a daily use product, the fact that it's also antibacterial is just the cherry on top.

Repurchase? Yasss. Fancy new packaging, here I come.

Natural Instincts Foaming Cleanser

This is so gentle, yet capable of deeply it cleansing my skin without drying my face out. It doesn't make my skin feel tight or stripped, which was the issue I'd been having with many other products beforehand, and easily washes off without leaving any residue. It is intended to be a daily-use cleanser, and really is gentle enough to be just that. I'd recommend use if you've got oily/combination or sensitive skin. The fact that it's vegan and non-animal tested is also a HUUUGGGGEEE plus in my book.

Repurchase? I'm still searching for my go-to cleanser. This has been the best so far. If nothing better arises from my trials, yes.

Natural Instinct Daily Moisturiser

Both my Natural Instincts cleanser and moisturiser ran out on the same freakin' day. Again, this product is all natural, is vegan and non-animal tested. As it does not contain SPF, it can be used both morning and night. It's non-greasy and does not feel heavy at all. It absorbs into my skin very quickly, and leaves my face feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth. Rosehip has wonderful known properties which assist in keeping the oil balance of the face in check so it's great if you've got oily skin. It really can be used on any skin type though - I'm super dry on my cheeks, and slightly oily in my T-zone. On top of all that, I'm sensitive around my eyes and this is one of the few products that doesn't react and cause any issues.

Repurchase? Probably not, it's great, I just don't feel it's moisturising enough on the drier patches of my face.

AVON Blackhead Eliminating Daily Astringent
Though I find this alcohol-based astringent pretty harsh on the skin, I've been using it for years. It does THE best job of cleaning and refreshing the skin (when your cotton ball comes away brown and grimy, even after washing, you know it's clearing deep down in the pores) without leaving any residue behind. Any morning oiliness is easily kept at bay, and my skin remains that way all throughout the day. In regards to the 'blackhead eliminating' claims: I honestly don't see a difference when it comes to clearing those fuckers up, although it does get really deep down, so I suppose it's preventing any new ones from appearing - I certainly haven't had any new patches pop up. I only use it for it's cleansing properties, so this really isn't an issue for me.

Repurchase? I have about 3 more bottles sitting in my drawer PLUS I was given so many other toners at the Bloggers United event. I may try my luck for a gentler version before I buy more.

AVON Super Shock Max Mascara in 'Black'
Before I tried L'Oreal's Butterfly Wings Mascara, this was my go-to. It's volumising, it defines, it separates, it lengthens, and it just does not clump. The formula is a little drier compared to most other mascaras but it still manages to give that "falsie" look with a second coat and never smears or smudges. Best of all? It's so freakin' cheap AND It comes in a fat tube, with a large brush - ka-ching!

Repurchase? If I fall out of love with L'Oreal again, yes.

'Heiress' Perfume by Paris Hilton
I've had this for the longest time (I got this from my Nonna for my birthday a zillion years ago) and I'm kind of glad it's finally all used up. It's a pleasant floral, fruity and sweet scent which is light and feminine, and lingers for a pretty decent amount of time. The bottle itself, I hated. The shape is okay, but the pink glittery sticker makes it look tacky and cheap but considering I buy perfumes to be smelt, and the fact that it sits on my shelf means the aesthetics really aren't a huge concern of mine.

Repurchase? No.

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Soothing Emollient Care (sample)
I've raved about this about eighty-trillion times - it's just so damn good!
On top of being sensitive, my legs have always been dry and unbearably itchy and no matter how much cream I slather on, nothing has worked long-term; I tried this last night and it instantly calmed the irritation and stopped the itch - heaven. It nourishes so very deeply, restructuring the barrier, leaving my skin soft and moisturised, and more resistant to atopic skin conditions (eczema etc.). The texture is thick, creamy and there is no scent, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The cream is instantly absorbed to where it's needed most and doesn't leave a waxy or greasy residue.

Repurchase? I've already bought the full-sized bottle, and will continue to do so for the rest of my friggin' life. This is actually a Godsend.


What products have you been using a lot of recently?
Here's to finally being able to throw out a pile of beauty trash!

Friday Finds.

Here are a few finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  I need this exact reading nook. Now.  //
\\  Upcycling wooden jewellery boxes to make hanging planters? Well, if you say so.
\\  How about these marble pumpkin brownies?  //
\\  Or this pumpkin curry? Just looking at it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  //
\\  Or even this butternut pumpkin mac and cheese? Because I'm nowhere near Autumn, and I still want all the pumpkin things.  //

\\  To finish things off, how does a doughnut milkshake tickle your fancy?  //

My Month on Instagram - September.

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life for any amount of time, you'd surely know by now that I'm a major lover of Instagram! It's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my favourite bloggers and friends are up to.

There are so many times my Instagram posts never make it to my blog, and that's a damn shame because I consider myself to be quite the photographer..

..Not really, but it's a shame nonetheless.

Instalife the past month looked something like this:

Jesse and I took a much needed holiday last month to Sunny Busselton. After a week of 25 degree days, we were greeted by miserable storms when we arrived back home.

This is the iconic Busselton Jetty, which happens to be the longest wooden jetty in the Southern hemisphere, stretching close to 2kms.

There were about seventy-billion stairs leading down to Lake Cave in Margaret River, with just as many look-out points, but this view from about a quarter of the way down was probably my favourite.

The off-road driving tracks through the Karri forest are gorgeous!

Considering I took over 200 photos throughout our trip, I'm proud of myself for posting only three.

My carnivore boyfriend took me to The Raw Kitchen (yep, vegan) in Fremantle, and absolutely hated it. I, however, was in heaven, complete with vanilla bean tea. He must love me mwahaha.

And guys. Don't even get me started on this tempeh coconut curry! Best.

My homie and I signed up for a three week kickboxing class, complete with pink boxing gloves to keep. Best workout. I died, but best workout.

I've really gotten the hang of this diet thing, and I've been making healthy meals every weekend. I also taught myself to poach an egg.. so I've had a flooptillion of those recently.

There was this one time when my outfit was on point. Naturally, I Instagrammed it.

Both my sweater and shirt are from Boohoo.

I had so much fun on my shoot for Izabel London this month that I had to share a few snaps.

The high quality photos really don't translate well to Instagram's small image size.. You can see my full post here.

My full post on this pink top can be found here.

The yellow dress here.

and this lace skirt here.

I learnt that I am far too awkward and un-photogenic to be a fashion blogger. Sigh.

I love finding new bloggers on Instagram; leave your account deets in the comments!

Summer Vibes.

Photography by Marife G

Dress: Izabel London* | Heels: Wayne Cooper similar here

Slipping in to a feminine sundress that simply screams 'Spring' made me crave an afternoon by the seaside. There really is nothing more refreshing than the first few days of Spring. The skies are clear and the birds are out. The sun feels brighter and the air feels fresher after the cold winter months. It's the perfect time of year to spend some time outdoors.


*I selected this piece from the Izabel.com website to be sent to me free of charge.
All styling, comments and opinions are 100% my own.