March Favourites 2015 Including Too Faced & Marc Jacobs

1. Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate bar Eyeshadow Palette $65

Omg I am so in love with the second edition of The Chocolate Bar palette. Not only does it have a nice pigment but it applies seamlessly and smells so delicious. The colour combination is sensational. It's also versatile because I can easily create a look for day or take it up a notch for a night time look. I bought this at Mecca Maxima.

2. Maybelline Brow Drama Scultping Mascara RRP A$12.95

This stuff is amazing.  It comes in two shades which are medium brown and dark brown. I use it in
combination with an eyebrow pencil as my eyebrows are quiet thin and the mascara really helps to give them more body.

3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet 50ml RRP A$79

This perfume is just divine! I first smelt it the other week when I called into Mecca Maxima and I just had to go back and grab it! When I wear it I feel empowered! It's so fresh, fruity and delicious! It features notes of pink grapefruit, pear, passion fruit, wisteria, jasmine, muguet, violet wood, cedar wood, and musk. This scent does not disappoint!!!

4. Thisworks Perfect Legs Skin Miracle A$74

If you already read my Thisworks review you will already know I am a massive fan of this product. For anyone who's got dry, dull looking legs this stuff will transform them. It really is a miracle because I have major problems with dermatitis and this product still manages to make my legs look half decent if I apply it for a night out. It also has a slight tint to it which is perfect because it's subtle. Great if your going to a special event or if your skin just needs a little pick me up!

5. Thisworks In Transit Camera Close-up A$59

Once again I have already reviewed this product and I love it because it doesn't make me break out! I was previously having problems with pimples appearing across my forehead which turns out was from my Napoleon set primer which was making my skin too oily. This stuff makes my makeup feel light and airy. This product is also great for making your pores look more refined!

6. The Happy Cookbook by Lola Berry

I think nutritionist Lola Berry's new book is truly fantastic. Her aim in life is to be the Steve Irwin of Fruit and Veggies and I think she has achieved it! For anyone who is keen to start a healthier lifestyle you should check out her book. It is loaded with plenty of nutritious recipes including Smoothies, loaves and spreads, salads and veggies, patties, fritters and burgers, surf and turf, divine desserts, sweet treats and a festive menu. She also teaches you about leading a healthier lifestyle and touches on subjects such as emotional eating and cravings.
I am looking forward to making Macadamia-crusted chicken with greens, Choc mousse with berry sauce, Pineapple crumble with vegan mint and lime ice cream and Cookie dough cake batter smoothie.

Love Prue xoxo

Thisworks - Does it Actually Work?

Recently I had been reading a lot of smashing reviews on beauty websites about the "Thisworks" range so I finally decided to splash out and see if these products live up to their name!!! Thisworks was created by the former Health and Beauty Director of Vogue, Kathy Phillips and is 100% natural and formulated with aromatherapy blends.

L- R Perfect Legs Skin Miracle 120ml RRP A$74

Deep Sleep Body Therapy Spray 100ml RRP A$39

In Transit Camera Close-Up 40ml RRP A$59

Deep Sleep Stress Less 10ml RRP A$24

I bought these products on the Mecca Website www.mecca.com.au as my local store is a Mecca Maxima which doesn't stock the range however it's available at selected Mecca Cosmetica stores. The delivery was incredibly fast. In fact I think I received the parcel in just two days of ordering!

PERFECT LEGS SKIN MIRACLE

Out of all products I tried in this range this one is by far my favourite. I have extremely dry skin and on occasion have problems with dermatitis. Despite my problem skin this product still performed. It transformed my dry crusty legs to looking smooth and soft. I also like how this product has a slight tint which is nice and subtle so it looks natural. It also smells really lovely which is an added bonus. It was certainly well worth the splurge and I will be repurchasing in the near future!

DEEP SLEEP BODY THERAPY SPRAY

Well I am not actually sure this product actually works or if it just has a placebo effect. I have sprayed it on my body before bed and I "think' it has a calming effect. Regardless it smells nice anyway. I was actually meant to order the pillow spray and bought this by accident.

IN TRANSIT CAMERA CLOSE-UP

So far I have been using this primer over the last three weeks and I am very impressed . My skin looks so much more healthier and at the end of the day my forehead is not slicked in oil. I was using Napoleon Set primer previously which I will now give a miss as it's clear it was causing breakouts all across my forehead. I changed no other aspects of my regular skin routine except introducing this primer to my makeup application and my skin has improved out of sight! Only flaw I can find is the product smells a bit icky but I can live with that since it's 100% natural. Big thumbs up from me!

DEEP SLEEP STRESS LESS

Meh. I don't know if this product actually does anything. Maybe it's just me. It has a little roller ball so you can apply it to your wrists or to a tissue to inhale. I actually applied it under my nostrils one night but your probably not meant to do that. It contains frankincense and lavender which are meant to have a calming effect. To me it smells more like antiseptic mixed with lavender. What do you think? Am I being a bit harsh?

Love Prue xoxo

Dick Pics - Why Do Men Feel a Need to Send them? (Sharing is not caring)

So since I have become single this year I know there is one thing I can really look forward to on the dating scene.....the visual assault of male genitalia which I may add is sarcasm.  I can definitely say I certainly haven't missed it. I didn't think after getting back onto the saddle it would happen so soon especially on my first date.

Recently I went on a date with a guy who seemed like a really genuine person. We had a lovely dinner together and a couple of drinks. Throughout the night he was a real gentleman and he got bonus points for not groping me at the end of the date. Once I got home he text me letting me know how much he enjoyed the date and I felt over the moon. I was so excited he had enjoyed my company...... Then he had to ruin everything by sending me a Dick pic and he was hoping I could return the favour with some saucy shots of my own.

I know I am not alone when I say that most women have received one from a guy from time to time and I am not talking about pictures from your husbands or long term boyfriends. There is an epidemic of guys who are doing this when they first meet women or even prior. When I saw the pic I felt like I had been flashed by someone on the subway. I was really grossed out by the picture and I am by no means a prude. What ever happened to being a gentleman? It almost seems like these men are getting off on the shock value, good or bad.

This isn't the first time this has happened to me may I also point out. The first time a guy cooked me a lovely dinner and then proceeded to the kitchen where he photographed his penis and sent me the photo. I  heard the message tone on my phone and he panicked and said, "No don't check that until you get home". Of course I checked it and I thought I was seeing things. He hadn't even mentioned anything of a sexual nature and then wham. I am not sure if he was trying to be spontaneous but I found the whole experience extremely strange and it made the rest of the night rather awkward and also put a dampner on what would have otherwise been a perfect evening.

Even my guy friends think sending dick pics is of poor taste and they must have nothing else better to show for themselves. So I wonder why some men think that a woman would be impressed by this behaviour? I have a message for all you "cocky" guys out there! Keep it in your pants! There actually aren't many women out there who like to look at guys dicks. The reality is we actually think they aren't that appealing and we show our girlfriends your pictures and laugh at you. What ever happened to a little bit of mystery? So why you may be rather proud of your appendage, be a gentleman and keep it under wraps until the timing is right? Ok?

Love Prue xoxo

Marie Claire The Parcel: The Autumn Edition 2015

For those of you who don't know, The Parcel is Marie Claire's deluxe beauty sample box which comes seasonally. You can order it as a one off or you can sign up to a seasonal or yearly subscription. I signed up for the year and so far I am not disappointed. Here are their prices:

Just the One = $29.95

Seasonal = $25.00

Annual = $90.00

Annual with 1 year subscription to Marie Claire Magazine = $149.00

THIS SEASON'S BOX CONTAINED:

Schick Hydro Silk Razor RRP $14.25

Garnier Mircale Skin Cream 50ml RRP $19.95

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml  RRP $20

Mor Modern Apothecary Soap 180g RRP $19.95

Loccitane Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream 30ml RRP $12

Rimmel BB Cream 30ml RRP $12.99

Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara 12ml RRP $23.95

Well I have to say I was really impressed with this season's beauty box. I am already a big fan of Lancome Genifique and every girl can always do with an extra mascara or razor!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF PRODUCTS

Schick Hydro Silk Razor:

 I love these Razors already. They always make your skin feel nice and silky because of the moisterising strip. This product was a winner for me!

Garnier Miracle Skin Cream:

This was my first time trying this product and I like it since it's quiet light on application and has a nice scent. Although towards the end of the day my skin was slightly oily.

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate:

Love it! If your skin is a bit dull and needs a boost I recommend this. In fact I think I might start buying this again.

Mor Modern Apothecary Soap:

I haven't tried this yet since I don't really use soap but I can tell you it smells amazing!

Loccitane Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream

This has a nice consistency and isn't too greasy. It smells alright too but I don't know if it's my imagination but it slightly reminds me of sunscreen! Let me know what you think too?

Rimmel BB Cream:

I tested this on my hand and it blends really nicely and smoothly. I won't use this on my face as the shade is medium and I am fair. However when I fake tan I like to use BB cream's to mask my fake tan mishaps especially on my legs. lol.

Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes:

Always a fan of these. Very cleansing without drying the skin out.

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara:

I loved this mascara. It has a neat little wand which is perfect for getting into the corners of your eyes and the lower lash line. It also made my eyelashes look nice and plump!

So far The Parcel is the best beauty subscription I have tried. It is definitely great value for money and you receive a good variety of products. This edition even contained 6 full sized beauty products which is a bonus in my eyes. If you would like to get your hands on one of these check out their website here: http://www.theparcel.com.au/pages/sign-up-marie-claire

Love Prue xoxo

Break Up Guide - 13 Ways to Make Yourself Feel Better xoxo

Recently I have been through a breakup which has made me feel very low and unmotivated. I spent almost 24 hours crying on and off afterwards but I knew it was something that had to be addressed because I was so unhappy with the way I was being treated. It was pretty clear he had given up on trying and that made me question my self worth as a human being which isn't how you should be feeling in a happy and healthy relationship. During the relationship I found myself withdrawn from social situations and as much as I tried not to fall into a black hole I knew I was slowly becoming submerged. Sometimes we avoid ending an unhappy relationship because the process can be quiet distressing and heartbreaking but it can also be life changing.....for the better. Sometimes there is nothing anyone can say or do that will you make you feel better. We sit there blaming ourselves and go over and over each situation and critique what we could have said or done differently. It really is exhausting! At the end of the day don't beat yourself up for feeling this way. Breaking up is a very similar to the process of loosing a loved one so it's normal to be exhibiting all sorts of emotions. In every bad situation there is a hidden message or an important life lesson So it's time we started talking about ways to make you feel fabulous as you once were. Here are some ideas to help you move forward and help keep your mind occupied!!

1. This first step is very important to you psychologically. Remove all reminders of him or her and put them out of sight.

2. Arrange a lunch or dinner with a friend or call a family member and vent your frustrations. It's all about moving on.

3. Don't call him or her unless it's absolutely necessary especially if your feeling vulnerable. Chances are it's only going to make you feel worse anyway and sometimes it's a step backwards in your recovery.

4. Play some power ballads that will uplift you like, "Ugly Heart" by G.R.L, "No More Drama" by Mary J Blige, "One Minute Man by Missy Elliot, "He Wasn't Man Enough" by Toni Braxton, "The Kill (Bury Me)" by Thirty Seconds To Mars, "So What" by Pink or "F*ck You" by Lily Allen or Cee-Lo Green. Nothing cleanses the soul more than music!!!

5. Dress to the nines. You may not feel like it but I call it power dressing. It sends a message to everyone out there that you are okay and what's better is if you look fabulous chances are you will feel fabulous.

6. Think about something you have always wanted to do. For example book that holiday with your girlfriend, bungee jump, get that piercing or maybe you can confront one of your fears. Just don't go too overboard with something which could be harmful to you or your body. Wait until you're in a better frame of mind and if your not happy then make that choice for yourself and not for a woman/man.

7. Get a new perfume. Scents can trigger a lot of painful memories so find a new signature scent which will make you feel unstoppable.

8. Remember you shouldn't have to change who you are after a breakup just because one person didn't like the package but if you have been thinking about a new hairdo maybe it's time to take the leap. Chances are it will boost your confidence and a change is as good as a holiday.

9. Have a beauty night! Go for a relaxing massage after work, visit a nail salon, take a bath, use an invigorating body scrub or put on some fake tan. Maybe you could even visit a day spa!

10. Become more active. Go for walk along the beach or head out for a jog. Recently I started going to social tennis once a week and I am also thinking about joining dance and yoga class.

11. When I was feeling at my lowest point I actually watched videos on Youtube about coping with breakups. I found them to be extremely helpful and uplifting.

12. Be a lady or a gentleman and always be the bigger person. Rise above the immaturity and don't respond if your ex is trying to manipulate you into feeling sorry for them. Don't enter into arguments and keep things civil (even if you're feeling hurt and angry). You don't want to make the separation process any more hurtful then it already is.  Importantly you need to cut all ties as soon as possible. The longer your ex is on the scene pulling your heart strings the longer they prevent you from meeting your Prince or Princess.

13. Lastly the most important step is to fill your body with lot's of nutrients. This does not mean putting yourself on a diet. Just try and introduce more fruit, veggies, nuts, vitamins etc to your body. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and try and avoid too much sugar. Go easy on the alcohol because as we all know it's a depressant. Junk Food=Junk Thoughts. Healthy food = healthy thoughts.

At the end of the day please remember words are cheap and just because someone says something hurtful to you doesn't mean it's true. Words do cut deep but at the end of the day it's just someones opinion of you and that should have no bearing on how you feel about yourself. If someone can't value you for how unique and amazing you are then they're not worth your time and energy anyway. If you are feeling like you can't climb out of that black hole then please speak to your doctor and get some help. I know it can be an extremely hard step in your recovery process but it's ok to ask for help. This doesn't mean that your a failure or a loser. Your amazing and brave for wanting to make your life better. One day your going to look back and reflect on your situation and laugh at how wrong this person was for you. Work on making yourself happy and everything else will fall into place for you.

Love Prue xoxo

The Balm Product Review

Well I am a bit behind the times when it comes to discovering this brand. I must say I was initially attracted to The Balm because of the cute packaging. It reminds me a lot of the Benefit range. The Balm has actually been on the scene for over ten years but I don't think it has been available too much in Australia. You can currently buy The Balm in-store at David Jones but that's about it. Online retailers such as Adore Beauty, RY (Recreate Yourself), Strawberrynet, Luxola, Asos and Feel Unique are also stockists besides The Balm Cosmetics official website. I purchased 3 products from their line which were the Nude Tude palette, Anita toyboy Lipstick and Mary Lou Manzier luminzor which I hear is one of their best selling products. To see what I thought of the range keep on reading!

The Balm - Nude Tude palette RRP A$49.95

Purchased From:

http://www.ry.com.au/the-balm-nude-tude-eyeshadow-palette.html

Features 12 Fab colours and a shadow/liner brush

Ok, I am now officially in love with this eyeshadow palette. The shadows glide on beautifully onto the eyelids and are super pigmented. I loved the way they blended together and the little brush that comes in the set is fantastic for blending and applying eyeshadow underneath the eyes! Sassy is the perfect colour to highlight the brow bone and the inner corner of the eyes. There was minimal fallout and creasing at the end of the day. If your after a palette for a nice smokey or neutral eye then this is perfect! So far I am really loving the balm products! 

 The Balm Girls Lipstick in shade Anita Toyboy RRP A$19.95

Purchased From:

http://www.ry.com.au/the-balm-balm-girls-lipstick-anita-boytoy.html

I am loving this lipstick at the moment. The colour is really lovely and glossy. It has a really nice tingle on application and a slightly minty smell. Staying power isn't too bad either. I am going to be wearing this out to Ladies Night during the week!

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Luminizer RRP A$33.75

Purchased From:

 http://www.feelunique.com/p/theBalm-Mary-Lou-Manizer-Luminizer-8.5g

Wow this product is very pigmented so you have to make sure you don't go too overboard. It has a really lovely shimmer and gives your skin a really lovely glow. Great for a real dewy and healthy glow. I went to the beach over the weekend and applied some of this above my cheekbones. I can see why this product is TheBalm's Number 1 seller! 

Overall I am very happy with the range so far and I am looking forward to purchasing more products. Next on my wishlist is the TimeBalm foundation and Balmsai Palette which is an eyeshadow and Brow Palette with 4 stencils to create on point cat eye looks.

I hope you have found this review helpful and if you have any questions be sure to leave me a message in the comments section.

Love Prue xoxo

White Choc Chai (Just like Max Brenners)

Max Brenner White Choc Chai RRP A$6.30

One night I was sitting at home craving something sweet like a Max Brenner White Choc Chai. This is when I was inspired by my Chai Vanilla loose tea leaves which I had sitting in the cupboard. If you haven't experienced Chai before it's a blend of yummy ingredients such as cinnamon, liquorice, orange peel, fennel and cardamon. I picked up mine from The Tea Centre at Robina Town Centre. Alternatively if your feeling really keen you could always make your own blend but I am too lazy. So here's how I make my own version of the White Choc Chai!

INGREDIENTS

Chai Vanilla Loose Tea Leaves

2 cups milk

Hot water

A large handful of White chocolate chips

1 Tsp Vanilla essence

Chai Vanilla Loose Tea Leaves $7.25 Per 50g
https://www.theteacentre.com.au/Script/MCH/Products/553274-Tea-Centre-111-Chai-Vanilla 

METHOD:

Pour the vanilla chai leaves into an infuser to make a pot of tea. Infuse with hot water for at least five minutes. In a saucepan combine the milk with the white chocolate chips on a medium heat. Stir vigorously with a whisk as the chocolate melts. Next add the vanilla essence and stir. Once the tea is ready pour into the saucepan and combine all ingredients together. Heat for a further minute and enjoy!!! Makes approx 3.

Love Prue xoxo