Halloween 2013 Nail Art #2 - A Spooky Graveyard Manicure.

Hi lovelies!

I wasn't very happy with my first Halloween look from this year, the Jack-O'-Lantern manicure, so I decided I HAD to create something else!

I came up with the following idea, and I'm much happier with it! Apologies again for the photo quality, it's been a terribly overcast week in Victoria and all the photos are looking terrible!

I began by painting my nails with OPI Skull and Glossbones, then sponged over it with Camouflage Colour in Grey, to create a foggy look. Unfortunately, I took the gradient a bit too low so it got covered up when I drew over my nails with the Sally Hansen nail art pen in black, but I still like the overall effect a bit more than the first look! It's meant to depict an overgrown graveyard/chapel by moonlight. A few people have actually stopped me for a closer look at my nails!

Keep reading after the jump!

October 2013 Violet Box Review!

Hi lovelies,

I got to work today to find my Violet Box waiting on my desk! What I found when I opened it completely blew me away, so I just had to share it straight away! I'm uploading from mobile and having trouble loading the photos properly, so please bear with me and I will edit it tonight when I get home.

VB have changed their boxes, so while they retain the lovely matte black and violet colours, the box itself is a little bit smaller. I know this month's box was slightly delayed while they waited for the Be A Bombshell product to arrive, but it was well worth the wait in my humble opinion!

Here's what I found in this month's box!

Bodyography Oxyplex Loose Complexion Powder in Almond (Mineral Foundation) (full sized)

APIVITA Face Masks 2 Dose Sachet Express Beauty with Orange (full sized)

Savoir Faire Lipgloss in Rapture (full sized)

John Plunkett Cosmeceuticals Super Wrinkle Cream (deluxe sample)

Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow in Money Money (full sized)

On to photos!

October 2013 Violet Box (new packaging)

Keep reading after the jump!

Halloween 2013 Nail Art #1 - A Jack-O'-Lantern Manicure.

Hi lovelies!

I think I've lost my Halloween mojo, because I managed to do several Halloween makeup looks and nail art for last year's Halloween (check them out here), but this is the first one I've found time to create this year, and seeing as it's four days away,  I'm really running out of time!

Anyhow, I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to create something Halloween themed. It was a bit of fail but I decided to share it anyway (maybe that's a lesson not to try something creative at 2 am when you can't sleep?). I was also struggling to get decent photos of it today as it was really overcast, so you will have to forgive the less-than-stellar photography.

It's just a simple look featuring several jack-o'-lanterns. I was going for more cute than scary, so I painted my nails black using Orly Liquid Vinyl, used OPI Hot & Spicy for the pumpkins and my Sally Hansen nail art pen in black for the jack-o'-lantern features. Leaves were dabbed on using NYC Color in Limelight, but I think I should've left them off as they looked better without.

\Keep reading after the jump!

October 2013 Lust Have It Review!

Hi lovelies,

It was a very happy mail day for me today with both my Lust Have It and Her Fashion Box subscriptions arriving today! I will have my HFB post up in a day or two, but in the meantime, here is my LHI box review! This month's LHI was packaged in a gorgeous floral box that matches their new logo. I received the following items in my October box:

Le Tan Wash Off Spray Tan (deluxe sample)

Inika Loose Mineral Eyeshadow in Gold Dust (full sized)

Paula's Choice Oil Blotting Papers (deluxe sample)

Evo Salvation Care Shampoo and Conditioner (deluxe sample)

Princesse Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Mask (deluxe sample)

Smitten Whipped Tinted Mousse Moisturiser in Cappuccino (deluxe sample - I think, I forgot to check so I will get back to you)

There was also a handful of discount vouchers. On to photos!

/

The new packaging - isn't it adorable?

Keep reading after the jump!

Product Review: theBalm INSTAIN Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush in Pinstripe and Swiss Dot (and Swatches).

Hi lovelies!

Happy Monday (not)! On the plus side, we survived it and it's only four short sleeps to the next weekend!

I have two pretty blushers from theBalm to show you today, in Pinstripe and Swiss Dot*. The INSTAIN blushers are innovative, long-wearing powders with staining properties. Swiss Dot* was sent to me for consideration, and I liked it so much that I went out and purchased Pinstripe!

theBalm INSTAIN blushes in Pinstripe (left) and Swiss Dot (right).

Keep reading after the jump!

Five minutes with...Raylene Barton from 1 Skin Solution and a GIVEAWAY (Open Internationally)!

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the latest post in my interview series, a little chat with the gorgeous Raylene Barton, owner of 1 Skin Solution! If you haven't heard of 1 Skin Solution before, Raylene makes the most gorgeous, natural bath and body products,including a lovely lip balm that is my current holy grail lip product (the only thing that helps my insanely dry lips, and comes in vanilla as well as a yummy mojito flavour). There are also tinted lip balms, body lotion, bath crystals and the most divine candles (a review will be forthcoming shortly)! Not only does she make the most gorgeous products, but she's also an amazing person I'm so proud to call a friend!

Raylene from 1 Skin Solution.

1) Hi Raylene, welcome to The Made Up Maiden and thank you for answering all my questions! Can you tell us a little about how you came up with the inspiration for starting your own business, and how you chose the products associated with 1Skin Solution?
Hello, and thank you so much for having me! I have actually been making my own products for years. It started when I was a Personal Trainer and one of my lovely clients gifted me a little pack from The Perfect Potion. It had a base cream and some essential oils so I could create my own scented body cream. I loved the idea and went into Perfect Potion to look around. I purchased a book called Do It Yourself Skincare and that’s how it all started. I was making skincare and soaps and selling them at markets and also giving them to friends. It was only a hobby, and I was not making any money (in fact, I was actually losing money), but that was not the point. Once I decided I wanted to make it my business, I started up the custom lip balms. It was a great way to generate income to finance my own skincare line. It is a slower process but very rewarding. That decision was made 2 years ago. 

2) Where are your products manufactured?
All of my products are made here in Australia. I personally make all the lip products, candles and the Bath & Shower Crystals. I have a contract manufacturer who makes the other body products.

Keep reading after the jump!

September 2013 Lust Have It Review!

Hi lovelies,

I'm a bit (okay, a LOT) late with this one, but a lot of the subscription boxes arrived at the same time and I didn't want to flood you all with review posts! Then I was a bit under the weather so this got a bit delayed...still, better late than never, right?

On to what I received in my September LHI box, which was chock-full of amazing goodies, including:

WOTNOT Organic Facial Wipes (deluxe sample)

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (deluxe sample)

L'Oreal Base Magique Primer (deluxe sample)

L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream (sachet)

MONTEIL Le Nouveau Parfum (deluxe sample)

GKMBJ Soothing and Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner (deluxe sample)

Lust Have It Pencil Brush (full sized)

BAJI Kakadu Plum Face Scrub (full sized)

Bonus Tom Organic tampons (deluxe sample)

There was also a Karpati Bio-Cellulose Sensitive Mask (deluxe sample)

If you're thinking that's a lot of stuff, that's exactly what I thought! There was also a sneak peek teaser of an upcoming Inika product in the next box...we all know how much I love mineral makeup, and Inika, so I'm pretty excited for that! I won't give too much away so as not to spoil it for anyone, but I will say it is a makeup product and I assure you that you'll love it!

On to photos, before I share my thoughts...

September 2013 LHI box.

Keep reading after the jump!

NOTD: Pink & Blue Nails for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - Wave of Polish.

Hello lovelies,

Did you know that October is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month? I didn't, until it was brought to my attention on a Beautyheaven forum a couple of weeks ago! While I haven't gone through this myself, I do know several wonderful ladies who have, and I can only imagine how heartbreaking the whole experience would be.

October 15th is the official Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, with people around the world asked to light a candle at 7 pm in memory of the precious lives taken too early from this world. A group of wonderful Australian ladies decided to create a Facebook page called Wave of Polish to show support to this cause by committing to paint their nails blue and pink to raise awareness for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with special emphasis placed on October 15th. In addition, an auction of one-off polishes made by Australian indie brands will be held, beginning at 9 am on the 8th of October and finishing on the 15th of October, with all proceeds raised going to Sands Australia. Click here for details on the auction.

Here's the blue and pink mani I came up with for International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I used piCture pOlish Whimsy and Essie Cascade Cool for my base colours, Maybelline New York Color Show Sequins in Rose Bling on my ring finger, and Revlon Lunar and Sally Hansen White On for the dotticures.

Read more after the jump!

Product Review and FOTD Featuring The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes Palette, All-In-One Cheek Colour & Colour Crush Lipstick.

Hi lovelies,

Apologies for the lack of posts lately, I've been a bit under the weather! I've managed to contract tendonitis, so my Achilles' tendons are not happy, and I've also got really bad aches and pains, similar to the flu but minus the cough/cold factor!

Anyhow, on to happier things, it's been a while since I shared a creative post so I wanted to create a look for you, solely using The Body Shop products! Now, gorgeous bath and body products probably come to mind when you think of The Body Shop, but did you know they also have stunning makeup products?

Keep reading after the jump!

OPI San Francisco Collection - Embarca-Dare Ya! & Muir Muir On The Wall.

Hi lovelies,

In light of yesterday's big OPI sale announcement, I have two gorgeous polishes to show you today, Embarca-Dare Ya! and Muir Muir On The Wall from the San Francisco Collection.

Embarca-Dare Ya! is a lovely magenta shimmer which occasionally takes on a rosy hue, depending on the lighting. While not terribly unique, it's a lovely shade and applies like a dream. I used two shades for these photos, topped off with my beloved Poshe topcoat.

OPI Embarca-Dare Ya!

OPI Embarca-Dare Ya!

Keep reading after the jump!

Buy One Get One Free OPI Polish This Weekend - Nationwide!

Hi lovelies!

Do you love OPI as much as I do?!

In that case, I have some excellent news for you! In celebration of the long-standing relationship OPI and David Jones have shared, they are offering a once-off exclusive offer to all those shopping over this coming long weekend; BUY ONE LACQUER, GET ONE FREE all weekend! If you're not living in Sydney, don't fret, this applies NATIONWIDE!

This is exclusive to David Jones stores (does not apply to online sales) and only applies to 15 ml bottles. Valid 05/10/13 - 07/10/13.

Why not pick up some Liquid Sands or perhaps some shades from the new OPI San Francisco collection (swatch photos/review coming soon)! Click here for more shade ideas.

OPI Liquid Sand in Honey Ryder

OPI Liquid Sand in Stay the Night

Get in quick, beauties, remember it's only valid this long weekend, so don't pass this great opportunity up!

Are you tempted by this? What shades are you eyeing?

Much love,
MM.
x

Five minutes with...Paul and Liz from Get Drenched (Official Stockists of Bomb Cosmetics) and a Discount Code!

Hi lovelies,

We all know how much I love Bomb Cosmetics (check out my last post here), so I thought we should sit down and have a quick chat with Paul and Liz, the faces (and personalities) behind Get Drenched, the official Australian stockists of Bomb Cosmetics!

Paul and Liz from Get Drenched.

1) Hi Paul and Liz, thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with us! Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Paul: Although I’m from England and Liz is from Australia, we actually met in California, at an exhibition hosted by the US Postal Service in 2000. Liz was acting as a representative of Australia Post (they were exhibiting at the show), and I was representing my company, which represented the US Post in the UK. While we enjoyed each other's company, we went our own way at the end of the exhibition, and occasionally kept in touch via email over the next four years. In 2004, Liz took some long service leave; her plan was to spend a couple of weeks in England and then a few weeks in France – I still think to this day that she was hoping to meet a Frenchman! I invited her to stay with me while she was in England; plans changed, and we ended up travelling to Paris together for her birthday, after which she returned to England with me for the remaining weeks of her visit. We then engaged in a long distance relationship for 2 years, travelling back and forth whenever we could. We agreed that we’d make our home in Australia (Liz’s daughter was 16 at the time), and after I moved Down Under, we were married in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney on a very sunny day in April 2008. We ended up moving back to the UK for 2 years, living on the south coast of England. We returned to Australia in October 2010, and we were both fortunate in finding employment relatively quickly. It was in May 2011 that the Bomb Cosmetics contract was offered to us, so I left to start the business while we still had the security of Liz’s income. Liz then joined me in the spring of 2012, and we now work full time on the business together. It’s certainly long hours, but we love what we do. The reaction to the brand has been fabulous from those in Australia who have tried it.

2) Can you tell us what led to you starting your amazing business at Get Drenched?
Paul: Liz and I had always harboured ambitions to run our own business and work together, and we’d been looking for the right opportunity for a number of years. We’d come up with all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas but never acted upon them – thankfully! I suppose it all stemmed from the desire to be masters of our own destiny, although it was still a huge decision to move away from the relevant comfort of salaried jobs to jump into the unknown. Looking back now, we never really knew what we were letting ourselves in for in terms of the sheer number of working hours needed! Having said that, we wouldn't change a thing – when you love what you do, it never really feels like work.

3) We've all fallen head over heels for Bomb Cosmetics! How did you discover/decide on carrying the Bomb Cosmetics line?
Paul: It was very late one night in February 2011 that we stumbled across the opportunity to be Distributors for the UK brand of Bomb Cosmetics on the internet – very much by accident. It only took a few minutes of research into the brand and the products and we were already in love with the bath blasters (bath bombs), bath creamers and handmade soaps. It took several months of communications with the UK before the contract was offered to us. As you can imagine, we were over the moon and that’s when the hard work really began. One of our very first challenges was to come up with a business name. After much deliberation, we opted for Get Drenched, which we felt was quite appropriate – after all a big part of our business was to encourage people to take more baths and showers! Subsequently, we found out that ‘Drenched’ also had something to do with sheep-dipping(!), but by then it was too late. Most people like the name, thankfully!

4) Can you tell us a little bit about the manufacturing process?
Paul: We haven’t yet seen the manufacturing process ourselves, but one of the key points of difference of Bomb Cosmetics is that every product is handmade. Even now, we look at some of them and think “how do they do that?!”. The Rose Creamers are almost a work of art – the mixture of real rose petals, cocoa butter, and essential oils is simply stunning….and that’s before the Creamer is used in the bath! We think it’s very important to state that not only is every single item handmade, but products are never tested on animals and recycled packaging is used whenever possible. We really like those philosophies, and it means we can speak about the products with complete confidence.

5) You have some fantastic bath and home products in the Bomb Cosmetics line. If you each absolutely had to pick three favourites from your extensive range, which would you pick?
Paul: Firstly, I can’t go past the Rose Bath Creamer, although the Flower Bazaar Bath Creamer runs it close. To see real rose petals floating on the water as you bathe in the moisturising cocoa butter? – I defy any man or woman not to enjoy such a relaxing, indulgent experience! Secondly, I’d opt for the Dead Sea Salt Handmade Soap – it’s quite a ‘manly’ fragrance compared to most of the other products! Thirdly, I’ll choose the Chocolate Orange Tin Candle as it smells good enough to eat – just like the Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
Liz: My number one product would have to be the Skin Therapy Hanging Shower Butter. To be able to come out of the shower already moisturised and smelling gorgeous is now a bit of an addiction. Secondly, I’d opt for the Cranberry and Lime Body Scrub as this is a beautifully fragrant body scrub which leaves the skin feeling so soft and smooth. Lastly, it would have to be the Vintage Rosehip Bath Blaster. I love the immediate fizz of the bath blasters, and this one smells divine. It also has a touch of cocoa butter in it to moisturise the skin.

6) Your products are free of parabens and preservatives, does that mean it's safe for children to use?
Paul - We've certainly had rave reviews from children who have used Bomb Cosmetics products, although adults tend to keep them for themselves! There are even 3 Lucky Dip Bath Blasters aimed specifically at children aged 3 and above. Each Blaster contains a little toy in the middle - very much like a Kinder Surprise. While the products are certainly as natural as possible and very gentle on the skin, and while we've never heard of any adverse reactions, every child is different. And of course, some children may be allergic to certain ‘natural’ products as well, so if a parent has any doubts they can check the ingredients list which is listed on each product.

7) Fragranced products can be tough to choose as we all have such diverse preferences...how do we find out if there's a local stockist in our area so we can go in and have a sniff for ourselves?
Paul: That’s a very good point – fragrance is certainly a personal choice. Our stockists in Australia are increasing and there’s nothing like being able to smell the products ‘live’. If any of your readers would like to find out if there’s a stockist nearby, then they can drop an email to enquiries@getdrenched.com.au and we’ll be happy to help. We always encourage consumers to support their local store whenever possible, and even encourage them to stock more of the range! Equally, our website is aimed at those consumers who don’t yet have a store nearby, or those who have a store with a limited range – after all, we do have over 500 product lines! And of course, it’s also aimed at the increasing number of people who like the convenience of shopping on line these days. Whichever avenue consumers use to locate Bomb Cosmetics products, we hope they never look back – once tried, never forgotten! We like to think of Bomb Cosmetics in Australia as a growing family, and we’re massive fans of the brand too…as you can probably tell!

Sending a great big thank you to Paul and Liz for taking the time to sit down with us here at The Made Up Maiden. They've also generously provided us with a discount code which will allow you 10% off your order at Get Drenched, simply enter code 'MAIDEN' at checkout to receive your discount! This code is exclusively for my readers, and only valid until the 8th of October, lovelies, so don't dawdle (I won't be receiving any benefit from this promotion aside from the joy of seeing my beloved readers try out a new brand that I love)!

I hope you enjoyed this interview, lovelies! What products are you lusting after from Get Drenched?

Much love,
MM.
x