Empties #1

Hey there! This post is a little bit exciting for me because its my first ever 'Empties' post. I think they are a great idea, because you get to read a well informed opinion of a series of products, appose to just being presented with a haul or something where you don't actually hear about the quality of the products. If you do like this style of post, I highhhhly recommended you go check out Miss Heather Lauren, as she has done quite of few of these Empty Product posts and they are all reaally great! Anywho, let's get the ball rolling!

1. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub- I reeeeeeeeeaaaally love this daily scrub, I've gone through two bottles and my daily routine doesn't feel complete with out it. It's really refreshing and a little but tingling so you feel like it really is doing your skin some good. As well as the exfloliating beads which the skin feeling super soft! I have really oily skin with a boatload of black heads particulary on and near my nose, I wouldn't say it removed all of my blackheads, although it did dramatically reduce their prevalence and it is probably the best scrub I've found that does so. Conclusion: highly recommend!

2. Olay Enriched Night Cream- this was the first night cream I have ever tried so I can't really give well informed review as I don't have a point of reference, you get me? I will say that I did like this night cream, it was one of the cheapest ones and the morning after using it my skin always looked and felt better. I would recommend this to girls like me who are just starting out in the night cream business, I would buy it again but on the same hand I want to try something new.

3. Maybelline Makeup Remover- to be honest this make up remover wasn't the best, but it was cheap and I don't regret buying it. I would use it of a night and it would looook like all my eye make up was removed, but then when I woke up in the morning I still has black residue under my eyes. Buttt in saying that, I always wore water proof mascara, so it is never the easiest thing to remove in the first place. Overall, There is no harm in buying this product, but I personally wont be doing it again.

4. Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer- Natio is only available in Australia and New Zealand, so I apologise to all my international readers (which is most of you haha), but for the record I really like the brand and have used many of their products in the past. This primer was just a oversized sample and I think some people would really like it but because I have oily skin I don't think its the best primer for me. It assists with giving a dewy glow thus promoting a youthful look. The consistency was a little but watery for my liking, it was like you were applying a moisturiser to a degree and it didn't have that silicone-y feel which everyone seems to have a love/hate relationship with. I wont be buying the full size.

5. NP Set Pasarella Mascara- I really like Napoleon Perdis products and I really like the concept of NP Set, but to be be honest this mascara was just OK. I dont really have anything bad to say about it, but nor do I have anything good to say about it. Looook I just think you can get better quality mascaras for the same price.  (Worst product  review ever hahaha)

6. Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Liner- I reeeeally like this eye liner, I'm sorry that all the writing has rubbed off the packaging, but I guess that just goes to show how much used it. Its a great liner for those just starting out in liquid liner, or who have a little trouble, as the felt tip liner makes it a pretty smooth process. I will just say that it does tend to wear as the day goes on, but nothing too terrible and I dont think this is the best liner for those who like a good clean wing, atleast I found it a bit hard to achieve. All in all I really like this liquid and have already repurchased as new one!

7. Chanel No 5 Eau De Toilette 50mL- this empty bottle has be hanging around for a while but I really wanted to include in my Empties post. I love this perfume, its expensive as anything, but I think its worth it. I love ittttttt, i love it, i love it and have already got another 100mL bottle!

Alrighttt, I think thats all from me! I know I have a picture of a face mask but I used it so long ago I couldn't summon up a review, I'm sorryyyy. And, I'm sorry for being terrible and hardly posting last month, YEAR TWELVE... it's quite a time consuming thing. Have a great weekend! 

Ashleigh xo

Myth MAC Lipstick Swatch

Hey there! I won't do too much talking here, this is the up close and personal with the lipstick MYTH, as promised!

To describe this lipstick itself, it is simply a solid flesh toned nude (the swatches speak for themselves). It is a satin finish, so it goes on easily and doesn't overly dry out the lips but has great lasting power.  Because this lipstick is so close to my natural skin tone it will be great for causal days when I just want an easy lipstick that isn't toooo much or when I have a dramatic eye and don't want to make my lips a focal point!
This product retails for AU$36 from MAC Stores.

I think that's about all from me, I'm sorry this hasn't been an overly chatty post, yesterday I worked a fourteen hour day and I am beyond tired!

Enjoy scrolling through the pictureeees of this gorgeous lipstick and have a great Friday!

Ashleigh xo

MAC Haul!

 Hey there! Here is a quick haul of five products I purchased from MAC earlier this week! Apologies for the iPhone quality photos today, this is just a once off! 
1. MAC Lipstick in 'MYTH' (Satin Finish)- I was in dire need of a quality nude lipstick and after doing some research A LOT of people recommended this lipstick! I will probably do a full post on this including swatches when I get my camera back! I also wanted to buy Coral Bliss, but unfortunately they were all sold out :(

2. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20-  Three concealers currently own are now all on their last legs (of course knowing my luck this happens to all of them at the same time.) I've always been keen to try this particular concealer and figured well, there is no time like the present! Although their are some mixed reviews on this product -I'm sure I'll give my 2 cents down the track! (I hope that was the right saying)

3.  MAC Pro Colour x 4 Compact- I have mentioned this in passing before, but I am slowly making the transition from potted eyeshadows to pan form. This is mainly they are looking too cluttered in my drawer, I think the new palettes look super sleek and you save $10 per eyeshadow if you buy the pan form! It was a win-win situation

4. MAC Eyeshadow in CARBON (Matte Finish)- This is just a basic eye shadow that every girl needs. I'm not sure why I put off buying it for so long, but I have already used it and adore it! It a true matte black with no undertones, its perfect and so versatile!

5. MAC 217 Blending Brush- This is actually my second 217 brush, I purchased another earlier this year and fell in love! I use it so often it's crazy, hence why I needed to buy another! It is the best blending brush I've every used, hiiiiiiighly recommend!

 That's all for my short and sweet MAC Haul, I think my purse was pleased I used A LOT of self control...I swear I would buy the entire store if I could. I am quite curious though, what is your favourite product from MAC, anything you would like to recommend me? :D
Have a lovely weekend!

Ashleigh xo

Everyday School Make Up

 Hey there! Here is a quick run down of all products I slap on my face at seven in the morning before I spend seven hours tediously gaining an education, five days a week. Enjoy!

After I’ve done my morning skincare routine, I use my daily moisturiser the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser. Once that’s all soaked in the rest is history…

Garnier BB Cream- I use the combination to oily skin, I like this because it does has a great coverage for a BB cream, but doesn’t appear to be thick. Depending on the season or if I’m fake tanning etc. I mix the medium shade and light shade together accordingly, to get the perfect match. The lasting power is also quite nice, but it does fade on my cheeks which is why I also go in with my concealer…

Bobbi Brown Corrector- I use the shade ‘Light to Medium Bisque’ to conceal the dark circles under my eyes, (the ones I get from all the late night ‘studying’… ). I have plenty of good things to say about this product; great coverage, great consistency etc. But the downfall is it is quite pricey for such a small amount of product and you haaave to set this bad boy with a powder or it will crease like no tomorrow. If my dark circles aren’t too bad one day, I’ll just use my Maybelline Dream Lumitouch Highlighting Concealer, which is as cheap as chips and does a great job!

MAC Mineralize Concealer-this is the concealer I use on the tops of my checks when I need a bit more coverage or on any particularly stubborn blemishes. I do like this concealer, but I probably won’t be buying this again. It doesn’t have a greeeeeat coverage which is kind of a must for concealer… although that’s why I like it for school, because it isn’t too thick. It really just up to what you are looking for in a concealer, I know of people who love it and some who don’t but I personally didn’t think it was worth the price tag.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural- as you can see I do love this product very much and unfortunately it’s on its last legs. It sets everything perfectly and controls oil without making the face look flat. This is the second one of mine and I will have to run out and grab my third very soon!

NARS Laguna Bronzer- this is hands down the BEST bronzer I’ve ever used. Definitely a Holy Grail product and a staple in millions of other girl’s makeup bags as well! I use it to contour when I want it to look a bit more natural and then to just bronze up my whole face, usually with the typically ‘3’ brush motion. I highly highly highly recommend this bronzer to everyone, it’s worth every dime! (Side note: even my super pale friend loves this bronzer, so it’s great for girls who have struggled to wear bronzer in the past, it won’t look muddy or orange I promise)

Benefit Dandelion Brightening Face Powder- this product is basically a blush and highlighter in one, it looks absolutely radiant on the skin and very natural too. It’s very soft and flattering on the cheeks, adding a very subtle but healthy touch of colour to the skin.

 Maybelline Falsies Mascara- I must apologies, I somehow forgot to take a closer photo of it, my mistake! Anywho, this just brings everything together, makes me look more awake and I do love big eyelashes I must say. This holds a curl well and I don’t have to worry about looking like a panda halfway through the day!

And there we have it folks, that is what I wear to school on a daily basis! For some this might seem like a lot but to others it might seem like hardly anything, personally I am quite content with the finally product and I promise it doesn’t actually take too long! If you are interested in what brushes I use then I have a separate post here!

 I think I’ll stop yakking on now but if you have any questions about anything or are up for a chat, please comment or email me: ashsbeautybag@gmail.com (even if it’s just school related)! I hope you are all having a lovely day and have fun at schooool!

Benefit's Watt's Up Highlighter Review

 Hey there! On today's agenda I have a few snaps and a quick review of Benefit's renowned highlighter Watt's Up! A quick background on this product; this was a Christmas present to me from my family last year and it came in the 'Perk Up & Away' Gift Set. It comes in a very cute and quirky purple tube. You wind it up at the bottom and apply directly onto your cheek bones and then you can blend it out with the sponge applicator at the base. I personally apply it directly onto my cheekbones and blend it with my fingers, then with the excess I lightly run it down the bridge of my nose and cupids bow etc. 

Now onto the actually product, it is described as a 'soft focus highlighter for face'. I could bang on about this all day, but basically because it is that tan/golden highlight colour, it easily blends into foundation seamlessly  unlike white highlighters which can look a bit to obvious and I find it easier to apply than powder highlighters. So it is a creamy consistency which makes blending a dream, and then dries to a powder like finish. It has a great lasting powder and in my opinion just looks better as the day goes on! Unfortunately the rest of my highlighting products are now reserved in my draw, collecting dust because Watt's Up has become the number one, definitely better than any other highlighting product I've tried. 

Its not the cheapest highlighter on the block, nor is it the most expensive, coming in at AU$30 for 9.4grams. I love it and think it is worth it, because it has repressed any urges I have of buying any other highlighters and I know that it is going to last a very long time. I'm not sure if this is worth mentioning but I am a NW20 skin tone, or 'natural beige' in a lot of drug store foundations. I only say this for those who are thinking of buying this who have a pale complexion, you might need to get an opinion of someone of a similar skin tone, because like I said it is golden but blends well, so it might be a little bit too dark or it might be perfectly fine, I just can't confirm it. All in all, I highly recommend this product to everyone, but especially to those who are new to highlighting!

Ashleigh xo

Chanel Eye Shadow Quad in 18 Kaska Beige Review

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow

18 Kaska Beige

Hey there! (Scroll down to bottom for personal update) Look I'm just come out and say it, I really reeeaaaally DO NOT recommened this quad. Phew, I'm glad I got that off my chest, if youre interested to here why though, keep on reading! (EDIT: After reading what I have just written I must say it doesn't reflect my normal professionalism, but if you're reading this then I must have decided to post it anyway!)

I bought this product quite some time ago (back when I was young and foolish) and didn't do a lot of research into it prior. Infact this was my exact mentality of purchasing it:
1. OMG OMG OMG CHANEL...I must have it.
2. I'm sure it going to be great, it is chanel after all
3. Its worth the money because theyre neutral shades, so I'll get plenty of use of it
4. It will be like my naked pallette only more compact and classier
 WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

Basically this pallette costs a limb and the colour pay off in return is awful. In the swatches above^ that is me pratically scrubbing the eye shadows to get a lil somthin' to photograph. Personally, if im going to pay thaaaat much for four eyeshadows, I would like to actually be able to see the product on my lovely little lids. I admit they are pretty to look at in the pan and the packaging is oh so chic, but at the end of the day this quad is just sitting in my drawer collecting dust. I do love how Chanel are thoughtful of their customers, as they provide a little booklet on how to apply the shadows and a protective velvet bags as well. Anywho, here are some pretty pictures of it...

Sorry this is quite a negative post (and a bit crazy, I'm quite excited if you can't tell), but I thought this needed to be said, but keep in mind that this is only my opinion, I'm sure there is someone somewhere in this world that loves this quad... maybe.

It's not letting me make those images any bigger, I'm very sorry! 

Personal Update: I am so very sorry I haven't been posting much as of late, I promise I do have a reasonable(ish) excuse, although you can be the judge of that:

1. Year 12! Recently it was  the end of term rush where every subject decides to give you a SAC which of course requires a boatload of studying and took up most of my time

2. I recently turned 17 & it was Easter, so my time has been spent a) throwing a birthday part for 70+ people, b) seeing family and c) consuming far too much chocolate

3. As mentioned I turned 17, which also turned into me thinking about what I am doing in life and thinking all things about the future, I might dare call it a quarter life crisis. But regardless, I have survived and belive it or not, I think I have finally decided on what I want to do with my future (or atleast the next 7 years). So if anything, I have had quite a rewarding crisis and now that I have worked out my hopes and goals, I can properly focus on those instead of worrying about what they should be... does that make any sense? It make sense in my teenage head, but to the rest of the world... maybe not. Alas, all is well and I think (fingers crossed) I will begin blogging on a more regular basis. Thank you all for sticking by meeeee! I hope you are all well

Ashleigh xo 

Soap & Glory's Soaper Heroes Gift Set Review

 Hey there! About a month ago, I ventured to the heavenly Mecca Cosmetica and came across this godsend,  Soap & Glory's 'Soaper Heroes' gift set  (AU$34.95 OR £13.00) b. A while ago I made a wishlist post which contained a couple of the products found in this gift set, so when I found it I knew I had to buy it! It is basically just an array of Soap & Glory's best sellers in smaller travel/sample sized products. It is perfect for those who, like me, are scared of commitment, so you can just try out the products and see what you like before you commit to a huge full sized product. Genius, I know!

A quick rundown of what you get:

Top (left-right): 'Flake Away' body scrub & 'The Righteous Butter' body butter

Bottom (left-right: 'Girligo' moisturising body mist, 'Clean On Me' shower gel & 'Hair Supply' hair repair mask.

Flake Away body scrub (50mL)

This is possibly my new favourite exfoliator, I usually use it before applying fake tan or when trying to remove it and it works a treat! It is very much a basic sugar scrub that smells divine  but it may leave a slight oily residue if you don't wash it off properly.

 The Righteous Butter body butter (50mL)

This is also a gorgeous product, it does a great job of doing what it is supposed to; moisturising! It is pleasantly scented but nothing too overpowering. I can't really fault this product.

Girligo moisturising body mist (75mL)

I have never tried anything like this product before and to be honest it was probably what I was least excited about getting, but I think I was too quick to judge. It has a very fresh, clean scent and lightly moisturises the skin. I have used this a could of times in conjunction with The Righteous Butter prior to fake tanning. I spray this stuff all over my extremities and then only use The Righteous Butter on drier areas such as my knees. It has made such a difference with the longevity and seamlessness of my fake tan and my skin loves me for it, so I am one happy girl. 

Clean On Me shower gel (100mL)

This is described as a skin softening shower gel and it does just that! I really like the clean scent, so you don't have to worry about it clashing with your perfume or some other scented product and it lathers nicely.

Hair Supply hair mask (50mL)

This hair mask can be left in for 3+ minutes for a deep condition or you can use it on a more regular basis and use it as though you would conditioner. It makes my hair feel like I just left the salon, I reeeeeeeally like it, but it does tend to make my hair that little bit oilier quicker. This would be great for those with dry hair though!

Overall I am extremely happy with this purchase, I will definitely be going back a repurchasing some of the full sized products once these travel sizes run out. This was my first time purchasing Soap & Glory and I was really impressed. It was cheaper than I expected (only AU$34.95 OR £13.00) but that doesn't compromise the quality of the products. I wouldn't call them luxurious but they are better than a lot of products I have tried in the past and that are on the market! Sorry I talk so much, next time I'll try and have a shorter post hahaha.

I hope you are all doing well!

Ashleigh xo