August 2014 Violet Box Review!

Hi lovelies!

This month's Violet Box just snuck in before the end of the month, as I received it two days ago! I was really excited to get this month's box thanks to the sneak peek we received last month.

Here's what I received in this month's box:

Evelyn Iona Lipgloss in Susan (full sized)

Foltene Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment (full sized)

Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in New York City (full sized)

Camille Beckman Tuscan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy (deluxe sample)

Appelles Rosemary Body Bar Soap (full sized)

On to photos!

August 2014 Violet Box

Keep reading after the jump!

Five minutes with...Joanna, founder of Shanghai Suzy (and a Giveaway)!

Hi lovelies!

If you've been keeping up with the blog, you'll know I promised you an interview a few weeks ago with the gorgeous Joanna from Shanghai Suzy lipsticks (read my review of the lipsticks here)! So, without further ado, let's kick this interview off and get to know the lovely owner/manager behind the sexy lipstick brand!

A former model, Jo came from a marketing background, specialising in cosmetics marketing, brand management and new product development. Often asked why she chose to found a lipstick-only brand, she explains that she really wanted a go-to lipstick brand where customers could find all the 'in' shades each season for an affordable price, a concept she felt was absent in the market. A big fan of communicating one message and focusing on one thing at a time, she structured her company along the same premise.

Jo from Shanghai Suzy.
(image taken from Shanghai Suzy)

Keep reading after the jump!

Éllie Makeup and Makeup Look!

Hi lovelies!

Have you heard of éllie makeup before? The line was founded by a lovely Melbourne makeup artist, named, you guessed it, Ellie! I had the opportunity to meet Ellie earlier this year when one of my best friends got married, as she was the makeup artist responsible for the entire bridal party. Now, I'm no stranger to getting my makeup done, but Ellie really impressed me as she had my entire face done from scratch in twenty minutes, which included the application of false lashes! 

I did go ahead and purchase the lipstick she used on me for my friend's wedding earlier this year (it's called Luxe Lisse Creme), so when I was offered the chance to try some of the other makeup in her collection, I jumped at the opportunity! I also decided to create a makeup look using her products, which you can find below. I was sent a mineral liquid powder foundation (a liquid which dries to an almost powderlike finish) in Sandy Beige, the 5 eye palette in Smoulder and a blush/bronzer duo in Sunset. I also used the lipstick which I had purchased from her in this look; it's called Sleek, the texture is really creamy and comfortable on the lips. Unfortunately, I forgot to include it in the photos below! Epic beauty blogger fail!

Éllie makeup products:  5 eye palette in Smoulder, foundation in Sandy Beige and bronzer/blush duo in Sunset.

Éllie makeup products:  5 eye palette in Smoulder, foundation in Sandy Beige and bronzer/blush duo in Sunset.

Keep reading after the jump!

Pink and purple nail art!

Hi lovelies,

Here's a pink and purple nail art manicure I came up with. I used OPI Pink Friday for the base, and then used a fine tipped brush to draw lines using BYS polish in Ultra Violet. It was really easy and barely took any time at all!

Keep reading after the jump!

Shanghai Suzy - The Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection.

Hi lovelies!

Have you heard of Shanghai Suzy lipsticks? I love the name; it brings to mind a girl who seems fun, fearless and exotic! The memorable name isn't the only thing interesting about the brand; it specialises solely in lipsticks, and it's based here in Melbourne! Launched exactly a year ago by Melbourne model and former cosmetics marketing executive Joanna Wheaton, Joanna felt there was a need in the Australian market for affordable, high quality lipsticks. Each lipstick by the brand is limited edition, so once it's gone, it's gone for good! On occasion, however, a lipstick may be reintroduced due to high demand.

Shanghai Suzy lipsticks.

Eight of the lipsticks I'm about to show you are from the current Autumn/Winter Collection*, which was launched in March of this year, while the last lipstick is a special collaboration with Melbourne singer Gossling. I have heard that the new collection will be released next month, so if you like any of the colours I'm about to show you, hop to it quick before they're all gone!

Let's talk packaging, shall we? I think the jet-black, square tubes with embossed silver labelling are simple, stylish and sexy (if it's not odd to apply that term to a lipstick, I'm not the only one who does that, am I?). The top is stamped with the colour while the bottom has the name printed on it, so it's easy to pick out which one you're after. It also locks together very securely (more on that later), so there's no chance of it accidentally coming apart in your bag and smearing everything with your (limited edition) lipstick! Win!

Can I just say, it's such a pleasure to photograph lipstick tubes that aren't rolling off the surface in all directions! Ahh, the gorgeousness. Prepare yourselves for LOTS of photos!

Shanghai Suzy lipsticks.

 Keep reading after the jump!

Teeez Trend Cosmetics - Carmine Craze.

Hi lovelies!

Happy Friday! It's freezing, hailing and thundering here in Melbourne, so I hope you're staying warm and dry if you're based here too! And if you aren't, lucky you!

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Carmine Craze by Teeez Trend Cosmetics, which I received in my June Lust Have It Box. In case you weren't aware, Carmine is a deep red pigment which is found in a lot of food/cosmetics/paint products. In this case, it's quite an apt name as the shade is what I'd call a deep rusty red. A couple of readers asked to see it on my nails, so here it is!

The colour was really pretty, but unfortunately, this polish was a little hard to work with. The design of the bottle (while gorgeous), is quite slim, and unfortunately, the brush wand was a little too thick. This meant that quite a lot of polish built up on the neck of the bottle each time it was pulled out. The polish itself applied quite well, but I did notice early tip wear within a day or two even with the use of my regular base and topcoat (which I use for all my manicures).

Overall, it's quite a pretty choice for our current winter conditions, particularly if you don't mind only wearing it for a day or two.

What do you think of this, lovelies? Are you a fan of the shade?

Much love,
MM.
x