So as we all know, going for regular salon visits to keep your hair colour on point is really time-consuming, not to mention it'll burn a huge hole in your wallet. (& that can really hurt especially if you have a pretty wallet like I do)

Yeap, thats it! My first ever wallet from #KateSpade

 Pretty don't you think? I'm honestly the luckiest girl in the world. 

So thankful to have a boyfriend who pampers me all the time and has good taste.

Anyway back to the point of this post. 

I don't really like going to salons because I feel like they screw up the colour I want ALOT, therefore I turn to boxed hair dyes. They're not that bad actually, in fact I prefer it over salons.

Schwarzkopf Brilliance Luminance Hair Dye (Red Passion)

These ones from Schwarzkopf are actually for those with dark hair, which is perfect for my really dark asian hair.

This is actually their new formula because they've added in a capsule filled with Diamond Gloss Serum that apparently helps to provide a much more vibrant colour. 

I got this for about $12.99 I think? And my hair is at that length where it's not exactly medium but not long as well, so just to be sure, I got two boxes.

This is what you'll find when you open the box:

1. Tube of colour cream

2. Bottle of developer

3. Tube of conditioner

4. Gloves (which I've left out. I don't use them, ever cause it never fits me)

I already have a hair-dye(ing) kit with me which includes the mixing bowl and a brush. It's not necessary but I just think it's easier than using the bottle.

So first, I emptied the developer into the mixing bowl.

After:

Chapstick Hydration Lock (RRP $4.99)

This is actually a dual action hydration lock, which means it has two sides.

First, is the Hydration side which soothes the lips,

Next, the Moisture Lock which locks in moisture for up to 8 hours.

I'm already using it every day.

It's winter right now in Australia and my lips get really dry and start to crack.

This chapstick really really helps in keeping it moist and smooth all day long.

Love it!

Sadly, it doesn't really have a scent, which can be a buzz kill cause you know how I like things that smell good.

I've been really impressed with these beauty boxes lately. 

I've tried out Bellabox for 2 months, then I unsubscribed because I wanted to try other beauty boxes.

I've been pretty keen on Violet Box but it is quite pricey, so I'll hold that off for now.

Lust Have It was having a $9.95 promo, so I decided to try that out instead. When I received my package, I was pretty disappointed because it was in a plain foldable card box. But the products I received were surprisingly good.

Bloom Cosmetics Foundation Stick - base 3 ($35)

From the card, it claims to have a soft and creamy formula that is enriched by jojoba and rice bran oil to soothe the skin. Now this particular foundation stick comes in two shades:

Base 1 : for people with light/pale skin

Base 3 : for people with slightly medium/tanned skin

I'm pretty happy with this because it suits my skin tone really well. I've used it a couple of times and I absolutely love it. My face gets quite oily during the day, so this is definitely better compared to liquid foundations. Also, it evens out my skin tone, and covers up blemishes and redness.

SOAK Superfood Skincare

SOAK Skin Booster Body Lotion - 25mL (RRP 500mL - $29.95)

This body lotion is infused with chia seeds, and loaded with nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B3, and magnesium. If you're looking for something moisturising and lightweight while having no/very little scent, then this is the product for you. I, on the other hand, can't run away from lotions with lovely scents so I'll stick to my Victoria Secret body lotion and L'Occitane rose hand lotion.

SOAK Hair Shine Shampoo - 25mL (RRP 500mL - $24.95)

This shampoo is enriched with Maca Root, which provides plenty of nutrients like vitamin B6, calcium and zinc. I like the fact that its got all these natural ingredients. However, I find that this shampoo doesn't really lather that well, so I don't really like it. It has a very faint scent that's very earthy-like almost.

HOLA Seaweed Moisturising Lotion - 150mL

There's not much information on the card about this product. I've started using it every day since I got it. I find it really really moisturising and it has such a lovely light scent to it. So far, it hasn't caused any problems for my skin. I really really like this product. 

HOLA Seaweed Moisturising Eye Cream - 25g

When I opened it up, it looks like jelly that has set after hours in the fridge. However, little blobs will stick to your fingers when you poke into it and after, it'll go back to being a flat jelly. I quite like it, because those little blobs that stick to your fingers are perfect amount to apply under the eyes. It claims to reduce dark rings and eye bags so we'll see how that'll turn up in the end. I really like the light smell of it too, so that's definitely an added bonus.

I'm really excited to try HOLA products because their Australian made.

Lonvitalite 24K Active Face Mask & Eye Mask (RRP $9.95 each)

So I stumbled upon that post on Benefit Australia's Instagram. Considering that I walk past Myers every day to class, I decided to pop in to join the VIP waitlist, and grab the free samples and tutorial as well. Basically they're just promoting the They're Real! Mascaras & Push-Up Liners which come in 4 new colours; Beyond Green, Beyond Brown, Beyond Purple, and Beyond Blue.

So these are what the deluxe samples look like. They're actually pretty small but good for a few uses, I suppose.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara in Black (RRP $38 Full Size)

You can get it at Myers | Benefit Cosmetics.

So this is what Benefit claims the They're Real! Mascara can do

"They're Real! The mascara that's beyond belief. They're real! Mascara lengthens, curls, volumises, lifts & separates. 

The jet black, long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out. The exclusive brush is specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula-revealing lashes you never knew you had! 

Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length & volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define & curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result...luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump or dry out."

In my opinion, I don't think that it does exactly as it says? It definitely lengthens it but only by a little bit. When you've got to pay that amount of money for mascara, you'd expect it to be worth it. The only thing I liked about this mascara is that it's really long-lasting.

It's also very build-able. So if you're the kinda girl that likes really thick mascara then this would be perfect for you. Another thing is the brush, it's just straight and it isn't curved, which makes it hard to curl your lashes at the inner and outer corner of your eyes.

Considering all this, I'd just stick to my Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara. 

It's way cheaper, at $17 and you can get it at Chemist Warehouse.

This is not only long-lasting, but comes with a curved brush as well which makes application so much easier. Plus, it's pretty easy to wash out as well, so no lashes are lost in the name of beauty!

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner in Black (RRP $35 Full Size)

Get it at Myers | Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit Cosmetics claim for the eyeliner,

"FINALLY! the FIRST EVER lash-hugging gel liner pen! The custom AccuFlex soft, angled tip makes it BEYOND EASY to get close to your lashline for bigger, sexier eyes in seconds. It's matte black and doesn't smudge, budge or dry out. The closer the line, the bigger the eye!"

It's not that far off from doing what it says it does. The soft, angled tip really does make application extremely easy, which is perfect for a beginner like me.

Considering I got the small deluxe sample, it was a little tricky but I've held the full-sized one and the shape of it really gives a comfortable grip.

The gel that comes out is smooth and dark, so you don't have to go over it again and again.

It lasts for about 6-7 hours, but keep in mind my eyelids get pretty oily so it could last longer for you. For me, it smudges into this smoky eye effect, which is quite nice.

One thing I don't like is it's extremely hard to remove. Which is why Benefit made a make up remover specifically for this, so get that as well if you're planning to buy this. I haven't tried it, but I've read reviews on it and apparently it really works. 

Personally, I don't like wearing make up everyday, so as much as I love Benefit Cosmetics products, these two just aren't worth it enough for me to spend that amount of money. If money's not an issue for you though, try it out!

That's all I have for today. Thanks for reading and if you've tried this out or know of any other alternatives, let me know in the comments below.

Nude by Nature Pressed Mineral Cover

Thank goodness, it actually perfectly matches my skin tone. I feel that this product is really good, because I don't really like putting on heavy makeup and this gives a really good lightweight coverage.

So it's the 20th of May 2015. 

Guess what, it's mine and Lewis Yuen's anniversary!

A whole year of being together.

So this post is dedicated to the most amazing guy I've ever met. 

Someone who makes me so happy all the time. 

Come to think of it, we've only known each other for a little over than a year too.

Yet, it feels like we've known each other our entire lives.

Sometimes, we like to think of it that way.

Like when he says, if we had met when I was 1 and he was 4, it would've been perfect.

We would've been together for forever and never make the mistakes we've made.

We would've lived a past, present, and future with each other, and that would've been perfect.

But I guess, god made us go through all those mistakes so we could appreciate each other more, right?

And when I opened it, a ring fell out!

My heart dropped.

It was so shiny and beautiful.

"This ring represents our infinite love for each other. Happy Anniversary Baby. 365 days of happiness and more to come"

He's always telling me, it's not the money or spending that counts, but the thought. 

For a person who has got to look at the price of everything, I honestly couldn't agree more.

It's so amazing that I managed to find a guy like him. That after everything we've been through, he still wants me to be in his life and in his future. Or.. Our future, i guess.

That's a lovely thought. 

Just like how it's lovely whenever he says "our" kids instead of "my".

I feel so blessed, I couldn't ask for any more.

Except whenever I ask about when he's gonna "bend the knee", he always says "soon" but soon could be 5 years from now.

He says he's only ever wanted to really marry a girl, and that's me.

We went there for our 6th month celebration too. As usual, service was great and they even offered complimentary drinks for our special occasion.

Seafood Platter for two: Grilled NT Barramundi, Aust. Gulf Prawns, Aust. Calamari, Garlic Cream Rock Lobster Tail, Salt&Pepper Soft Shell Crab

The best was the Garlic Cream Rock Lobster Tail. Never in my life have I ever tasted something so delicious, and that's not accounting for our hunger.

The Soft Shell Crab was really good too. Second best, in my opinion.

Oysters with Bacon, Tomato & Worcestershire

This was the entree, and since we were starving, it tasted like heaven. 

Also, it had bacon. I mean, everything with bacon tastes good.

I cannot describe how amazing the food tastes. 

Honestly, he spoils me with such delicious food. I swear, I'm gonna get fat soon. 

That's us, starving.. 

He knew we'd get hungry close to dinner time, so we decided to take a nap.

We wanted to save all the space for our seafood platter.

And it was worth the starvation, let me tell you.

Anyway, not to worry. I gave him gifts as well! Just, not as fancy.. 

I know this is bad, but whenever I give him handmade cards or notes, I want him to cry.

And he does, without fail.. so far.

Every note I've ever written, has managed to make him tear up.

Guess it really is the thought that counts huh?

Well that's a good thing cause I'm not really a creative person so all my cards & notes are pretty messed up.

Nevertheless, it's for him. So as long as he loves it, I'm good.

That's all for now. I shall end this post with a little something from the card I made for him.

"I will love you until the stars go out and the tides no longer turn"

To forever, with my beloved.