taking a break...

Hi Beautiful Readers!

I know its been a very long time, but university has literally taken all my time!
So I'm going to be taking a little break until the end of may to finish up all my trimester exams! I'll be coming with some new exciting posts soon!

xx J

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

Summertime in MELBOURNE

Hi Beautiful Readers!

So as most of you already know, I come from the land down under, and live in one of the big cities in Australia – MELBOURNE.

But the thing to know is, I don’t live within the Melbourne CBD (city business district), I live in the ‘burbs where there are parks, houses and schools everywhere!

There are many differences between the CBD and the suburbs; from the people, fashion, the food and the atmosphere. Walking around the suburbs, its quite slow, relaxing and chill, but in the city it’s a fast pace area and “high end”. Melbourne City is like Australia’s New York City (sorry Sydney readers).

During my summertime of 2014-2015, I had about 4 months of doing nothing. I graduated high school and once I completed my VCE in November, waited for university offers in January and then actually start university in March. So that meant many days and nights of doing nothing (well watching TV shows and Tumblr). On days when the weather was nice, my friend/editor made it a venture to go to the CBD and explore, shop and soak in the goodness of what Melbourne City had to offer us!

In one day, we were able to stroll through Swanson Street and Flinders Street, looking at the new trends along the street, go through a couple of shopping centres, old Melbourne Buildings and of course take a couple pictures on the way!

Driving to and in the city is absolutely CRAZY! (Hook turns and trams.. -.- ). So the best option for travelling is by public transport. Our train system has taken a huge upgrade, so our trip wasn’t too flawed.

Upon our arrival to the city, we made sure to go get a star bucks drink. To my international readers, Starbucks is not a common chain within Australia anymore. In 2008, many of the stores shut down, so when you’re from the suburbs and don’t have a star bucks close by you have to take advantage of it.

We both ordered Green tea Frappes! I am totally obsessed with Green Tea and this was the perfect drink for summer!

Walking along Swanson Street, there are many artists and styles and this year’s new craze was yarn bombing…? I’m going to be honest here, I don’t really understand this trend, by hey… who does?

I love my days in Melbourne City! I used to spend my summers living in the city when school was out. I honestly do miss the fast paced life, food and fresh coffee in the morning! When I graduate school and start working, I’ll be sure to make it a goal to live in the city once again.

Some things I want to pass on:

If you’re from Melbourne try and check out the underground cafes that have something new to offer – these places can be found within the lanes and arcades of Melbourne! Also do show some love to our street performers and artist!

If you’re not from Melbourne, be sure to check out awesome places like Hosier lane, Lygon Street, Melbourne central and even the State Library! Melbourne has some awesome places in every nook and cranny of the city! There are always awesome things do even if you are low of money or don’t speak much English!

Also when in Melbourne, don’t forget to take loads of pictures and upload them on Instagram!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

“Liebster Award”

Hi Beautiful Readers!

So I was nominated for the “Liebster Award” by katiealice01.blogspot.co.uk/ Thank you for the privilege to answer your questions.

The Liebster Award is an award given to bloggers that have less than 200 followers. The purpose of this award to bring more recognition and much deserved appreciation for the underground bloggers of the Internet! This is such a brilliant idea to get the unknown bloggers into the bigger community!

1. How old were you when you started blogging?

2. What made you start blogging?

3. Link your most popular blog post!

4. What does your blog act as for you?

5. Do you find it hard to find the time to write blog posts if it is not a part of your professional life?

6. Who is your favourite blogger at the moment?

7. Have you tried vlogging? If not, why?

8. Go to outfit?

9. What do you like to do whilst blogging? (drink a specific drink, listen to music, etc.!)

10. How do you get inspiration on what to write a blog post about?

11. Do many friends and family know about your blog?

1. I started blogging when I was 17 years old. My blog is still quite new. I created it at the start of 2015. It was just something to do during my free time after graduating high school. 

2. I’ve always wanted to blog and write about beauty for a long while. Since I was about 15 I’ve always thought about writing a beauty blog, but never had the time to do so. I had specific plans and ideas of what I wanted to write since then, and when I finally got to graduate I took the time to finally start writing and posting!

3. Most popular blog post at the moment is 

http://beautewithj.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/summer-beach-essentials.html

4. My blog is honestly just my hobby. It’s a hobby that keeps me busy, and gives me something to look forward to [a reason to buy makeup ;)]. It is a good place where I am able to voice my true opinions of products and connect with other people that are on the same boat as me.

5. I try to force myself to find the time to write blog posts. When I get into a particular blog, sometimes they won’t blog until like 2 months later, and I’m just not down with that! So I want to get my viewers regularly coming back to read and enjoy! And I also have a “publicist/editor/friend” that bugs me to make sure I have a posts ready for Tuesdays!

6. My favourite bloggers at the moment are:

http://www.katiesbeautyblog.com/

http://matejasbeautyblog.blogspot.com.au/

7. I have thought about vlogging, but I don’t think I have thick enough skin to be able to handle the comments on YouTube. I had a YouTube channel once, it was a vlogging channel, and the amount of hate I received within about 2 weeks was absolutely dreadful. It was so bad that I had to delete my whole channel.  So never again!

8. Go to outfit will always be black leggings, loose, cool coloured singlet, a black, thin blazer and heels. My friends can vouch for me to say that this is my look for nearly every party and outing!

9. There are two parts to when I blog; 1. Writing the post and 2. Photos and editing.

When I write the actual post, I like to have music playing (any type of music, from Kanye to Rihanna to Artic Monkeys to Backstreet Boys etc.) and also have a bottle of water handy, as when I’m writing it can take up to a couple hours.

When I take photos and edit, I tend to watch TV shows. I usually just watch through my weekly shows of “How to Get Away With Murder”, “The Mindy Project”, “New Girl”, “Law and Order: SVU” and “Suits”. 

My set up usually looks like this: [insert picture]

After everything is set, I will send off my posts to my “editor” that proof reads everything, corrects and approves the post. 

10. Inspirations on my blogs generally come from what I purchase; beauty wise and opinions that I generally want to speak out about. Also many of my friends are interested in makeup, beauty and fashion, so when I do talk to them, sometimes it will strike some ideas and topics I could potentially talk about. 

11. I haven’t told many friends and family about my blog  because if my blog was passed on to others, I don’t really want them to judge and speak down on my blog that I’ve worked hard on. I guess I would let it happen naturally, if they find, it they find

Blogs i tag.

https://thelittleblueblog15.wordpress.com/

http://www.jennycupido.com/

http://erinandkatherine.blogspot.com.au/

My questions to pass on!!

1. How long has your blog been up and active?

2. What is your blog writing process?

3. Thought about YouTube?

4. If you could live anywhere, where and why?

5. If your blog were a piece of makeup, what would it be?

6. Did you plan to be writing a blog at this moment?

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

8. Biggest challenge as a blogger?

9. What is your daily routine when working for your blog?

10. Dream date?

REVIEW: Social Eyes Lashes!!

Hi Beautiful Readers!

Today I’m here with another review. On today’s agenda - Social Eyes Lashes.

I bought three sets that i thought would best suit my smaller and hooded eyes. 

- Tease

- Tease 2.0

- Wallflower 

Firstly, what I love about Social Eyes is the fact that they are Australian! Always happy to help a fellow Aussie out! Also, I absolutely adore their half lashes, since my eye shape is of a small asian type.

What I love about Tease is not only its long length, but the fact that it is a half lash. This is also the case for the Tease 2.0. The half lash makes it easier to apply so you don’t have cut them and worry about the band length being uneven.

With this set of lashes, I am able to create any simple makeup look. I mainly love to pair these lashes with a bold liner and nude lips.

Tease 2.0 are the main lashes that I have reused many times and plan to repurchase! These lashes are quite similar to tease, but are more dramatic and suitable for that glamorous night look. I have even used these lashes for my year 12 formal!

Just like Tease, it is a shorter band, hence no cutting and easier to apply smaller eyes.

Lastly, Wallflower was absolutely a beautiful set of lashes! It is very easy to blend in with your natural lashes. It basically helps enhance the lashes that you already have. What made me fall in love with Wallflower was the fact that i can wear this with any makeup look, from bold and dramatic look to a more natural look, Wallflower does not over do the eye makeup, only enhance it.

All up, I love, love, love social eyes lashes. It has been about 7 months since I have purchased new lashes, so i might give the new lash sets a go! Social Eyes are a definite recommend to the Aussie beauties out there that hate expensive international prices!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

FAVOURITES: Bronzers

Hi Beautiful Readers!

Today I wanted to introduce my FAVOURITES FOR BRONZERS. I always use bronzer when applying makeup nowadays. I feel that it makes a significant difference. I believe that it really enhances features on faces, that cannot be seen without, which is why I love contouring, highlighting and such.

I have quite tanned, oily-combination skin. So there are some bronzers that are just perfect for that. 

1. NARS Casino

2. Benefit Hoola Hoola

3. Australis Bronzing Powder

First off, I am absolutely in love with the NARS Casino bronzer. When I first went to Mecca Maxima to go and get a bronzer, I was first intrigued by the NARS Laguna. Once looking at the difference between the two, I am able to see that the Casino is more suited, mostly because I am a darker complexion. The main reason why Casino is my all time favourite, and now my holy grail, is because it is so easy to blend and still very visible. Unlike some other bronzers that are harsh on my face, that don’t blend, aren’t visible and come out patchy for some reason, Casino has never let me down. I am so close to hitting pan on this bronzer, meaning I am absolutely in love!

The benefit Hoola Hoola was so highly spoken of. When I had the chance to get my hands of one, I took it. Similarly to Casino, it was easy to blend away, not too harsh and visible. 

I didn't use the brush that came along with because it didn’t feel great, so instead I use a real techniques contour brush. 

The only reason why I steered away from Hula Hula was mainly because of the physical design of the box. Don’t get me wrong, it is quite a beautiful design, but it was a bit of an inconvenience for when I was on the go and late.

Lastly, my favourite drugstore bronzer, hands down, has to be AUSTRALIS BRONZING POWDER! Now this stuff got me into learning about contour and manipulating the shape and shadows of my face. It opened NEW doors for me! This bronzer wasn’t appealing at first because the powder looked quite shimmery and glittery. But after I learnt the technique of contouring, I was able to see that the glitter isn’t to be seen on the face after a good blend. It comes out matte and identical to NARS Casino.

This bronzer does only come in one colour, but in my opinion it suits everyone from fair to dark! I have recommended this product to 4 friends with all different skin types and tones, and they all loved it and have also hit pan! This was my holy grail until I found Casino, but occasionally I still like to use it!

To all my readers out there, learn and master how to contour for your face. You honestly wont regret it, you will enhance your beautiful features!

If you have tanned skin and an oily-combination skin, my recommendation is the NARS Casino, Benefit Hula Hula and the Australis Bronzing Powder.

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty. 

BEAUTY BLOGGER TAG

Hi Beautiful Readers!

I stumbled upon this beauty blogger tag on http://www.defineherallure.com/ and thought I should give it a try!

SKINCARE

How many times do you wash your face daily?

I wash my face twice, once in the morning when I wake up and in the evening when I shower.
What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have oily combo skin, but in the winter, I do get some patches of dryness. (But rarely)

What is your current facial wash?
I currently use the Neutrogena Deep Clean cream cleanser and Olay Fresh effect with the electric brush.

Do you exfoliate?
Yes, every second or third day.

What brand do you use?
I use the St. Ive’s apricot scrub.

What moisturiser do you use?

I use the Nivea soft moisturiser (doesn’t make my skin oily!!)

Do you have freckles?

None at all!
Do you use eye cream?

Well, sometimes when I feel like my skin is stressed.
Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
No, I don’t have acne prone skin, but I do get the occasional blemish

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Never tried Pro-activ.

MAKE-UP

What foundation do you use?

On days when I am tanner, I will use the MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 foundation in NW 35

On days when my skin is good I will use L’oreal Paris Nude Magique BB cream in medium skin tone.

And every other day, I will use either MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 in NW 35 or Revlon Colourstay for combination/oily skin in 320 true beige.

How about concealer?
On days when I have severe dark circles or a blemish, I will wear the NARS radiant creamy concealer. (Check out my review here)
What do you think of fake eyelashes?
When applied correctly, it looks absolutely beautiful. Always remember to bring your glue, because there is nothing more attractive than half an eyelash flapping around!

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, I did know this rule, but I am so bad at this! If I’m buying a $50 mascara, I will want to use it over and over until there is no more product left, and sometimes that will exceed 3 months, what can I do?

What brand of mascara do you use?
I alternate between Benefit’s They’re Real and Maybelline Great lash or Falsies.

Sephora or MAC?
Well, in Melbourne we don’t actually have a Sephora (WHYYYYY?!?!?), so MAC…?

Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
I have no idea what this is…

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Foundation: Sigma F80 flat kabuki brush

Setting powder: Real Techniques multi task brush

Contour and Highlighting: Real Techniques contour brush and Eco Tools blush brush

Eyebrows: Eco tools angled brush

Concealer: Beauty Blender

And of course my fingers at some points!

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

I generally don’t wear eye shadow, but when I do, I will just apply some of the smash box photo finish light on my eyes.

For the face?
I use two makeup primer before applying foundation. I just don’t like the feeling of putting foundation straight on my skin. I use the Benefit Porefessional and Smashbox Photo finish light.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?
I love to use MAC spoiled rich (ARCHE’SGIRLS collection), Urban Decay Naked Buck, Smog and Dark horse and Lancôme Vintage.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Liquid liner all the way!!!! How else do you make your wing on fleek?

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
I rarely do anymore when lining my waterline and tight lining because of years of practice, but to be honest I don’t line my eyes often.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
MESSY! But pretty though!!!

Do you use mineral makeup?
I have tried it before, but never rebought it. Nothing against it though.

What is your favorite lipstick?
MAC Velvet teddy, or anything mauve!!

How about lipgloss?
I’m not a gloss person, but if I want some shine of my lips, I will apply some Lucas papaw over my lipstick.

What is your favorite blush to use?
ELF blush in #40113

Do you buy your makeup on eBay?
No I haven’t, because my friends that have weren’t please with the product.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
YES OF COURSE! You don’t start with high-end makeup, you gotta start from the bottom! Some drugstore makeup is better then high-end makeup!

Do you go to CCO’s? (Cosmetic company outlets)
No I don’t. I rarely hear of these things in Melbourne.

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes I did, when I finished high school it was a backup plan if I did not get into university.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
I tend to be clumsier on my left eye and left eyebrow because I’m right handed.

Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Not blending eye shadow, wrong foundation colours or the “foundation line” and over doing mascara!

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Definitely like a more neutral shade of makeup. But if it is a special occasion, colourful ones are beautiful to use!

Which celebrity always has great make up?
I’ve been loving Khloe Kardashian’s and Blake Lively’s makeup lately! They always look flawless, beautiful and radiant! Never over done.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
To be honest, moisturiser because we all should be able to flaunt our natural face without being ashamed!

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes of course! My high school was quite strict on makeup, so I got used to not wearing it out. And also because I like that extra 30 minutes to sleep in.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Umm, I don’t know… I do feel younger without makeup on.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Drugstore: Maybelline hands down! I am never disappointed with Maybelline and their formula and colours just work so well for me!

High end: MAC for sure! I have a range of things from MAC and my makeup is always on fleek with it!

What do you think of Makeup??

Makeup is meant to be a tool used to enhance beauty. We shouldn’t abuse that!

If you feel more confident with your makeup, then flaunt! Don’t let other people tell you otherwise and judge upon your makeup! Wear makeup for yourself, and not for others!

With or without makeup, everyone is beautiful regardless.

This was so fun to answer! It was fun to appreciate makeup and all that goes with it. I tag all of you to do this! Leave a comment down below to some of your answers or link me your blog post!

So stay tuned on beautewithj.blogspot.com.au to keep up with me and read about my appreciation for beauty.