Hey beautyista's! :yelling:

I have complied a "to do" list for what I need...(ok WANT - and need) to go back to work next week. I have been off work for 2 1/2 months and been off at my parent's house interstate but as of Saturday am back in Melbourne (where I live) and back to work next Wednesday - and feeling a lil nervous about it! :redcheeks:

I am booked in Thursday for a cut and colour and am getting all waxed *schoolgirl giggle* Friday. For the first time since I was about 11 I have gone days without wearing any makeup at all :makeup: mainly when I've been in bed all day and I have been sleeping A LOT.

So this is my list of what I need to get to get me all ready to return to the big bad world - suggestions and thoughts are WELCOME AND NEEDED!!! I need to be all beautified and hott like for me debut :sunnies:

"To Do" list:

- Bronzer - I use MAC and it's about gone, I am going to give it to my mum who actually uses it like a mineral makeup hehe (she's that dark) and want to try something new.

- Good body Exfoliator

- Concealer - both for under the eyes and also the face, I'm considering YSL Touche Eclat (never used it), the Benefit range...I also need a new foundation stick but will be sticking with Becca for my foundation needs.

- Eye Brushes - My mum has hijacked mine since being here, and I'm pretty sure they won't return (they were body shop ones)

- Shampoo and Conditioner - I have been using Neutrogena T-Gel as for the first time in my life i got dandruff since being ill and was horrified - I am thinking Alchemy from all the reviews is the way to go.

- Conditioning Treatment - I think Terax might be a goer to try??

- Primer - Benefit "that gal", MAC Strobe Cream, Clarins Beauty Flash - And what the hell does Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream do???????????

- Pink, sexy lips - I am a true MAC ***** so am pretty sure I will end up with about 10 of their lip products to get a nice flushed, natural pink gloss look with some oomph a la sex :chuckle:

- Nail Polish - Seems a nobrainer and I'm thinking OPI? I've hactually never tried them :redcheeks: I'm a bit of a nail neglector and want to start taking care of them again, popped into the Body Shop today and grabbed a new nail file/buffer/shiner to get started.

- Body Bronzer - I think I will finally cave into temptation and get Nars Body Glow - any tried this, or any other ideas??

- Eyeshadows - Again, a MAC *****, and 27 isn't enough, but anyone recommend any other brands?? I did have 3 stila ones ages ago which I "lost" ( "lost" = Mum puts them into her makeup collection - I think she loves I grew out of my tom boy phase!)

- Mascara - I love some good "Come **** me lashes" :chuckle: I use DiorShow and LOVE - think will try their new BlackOut thingy one.

- Skin Care - I'm going to Adore when I get back to get some Ultraceuticals stuff for the first time EEP! :clapping: Seems to be poular and work? My skin looks homeless and needs some love.

- Eyebrows - I don't do anything to them, and am blessed with a pretty good decent shape, but wondering if there is something i could do for that extra OOMPH???

Ok - so I think thats all I need for now - I haven't even started on the clothes, accesories and miscellaneous stuff I need as well, including new jeans (:explode:) and a "back to work" outfit. Oh and new bra's that fit! ARGH!

So you know, just a small list of essentials hehehe. :chuckle:

Can't wait to hear all your thoughts!!! Thanks girls!!!!

xo

Oh - and I'm SO getting that cute blue and white spotted rubber duck when I pop into Adore!

I will call him .... Ok will think about that...

How nice to get to buy lots of nice things!! Can't think of anthing else though

Sounds like you have it pretty much sorted.

RB is a fan of the Nars Body Glow.

Forget the 8hr cream, its just glorified lanolin.

Eyeshadows - you could also check out Napoleon or Pop @ Kit for something fun.

You should see the Eyebrow Mistress herself, Allison at Adore for advice on your brows.

Sounds like you have it pretty much sorted.

RB is a fan of the Nars Body Glow.

Forget the 8hr cream, its just glorified lanolin.

Eyeshadows - you could also check out Napoleon or Pop @ Kit for something fun.

You should see the Eyebrow Mistress herself, Allison at Adore for advice on your brows.


Yeah, there are just a few things I am really not sure about. LOL @ the glorified lanolin heheh. Good idea about seeing Allison, considering I will be going in there anyway!

Ok seems that you have all that down, I would recommend when you go to work, make sure you have clothes on! It's hard to forget clothes after that list :chuckle:

I love 8 hour cream! Why glorified lanolin??! It's great for lips and on zits too

Try the MAC concealer... it;s great! Def get yourself some OPI nail polish

Face bronzer: Benefit Hoola is great but if you prefer something matte, NARS has a lovely bronzer
Under-eye concealer: I have bluddy great big suitcases under my eyes, and I swear by Laura Mercier Secret Concealer. It is so, so good. Very emollient, reflects light and a little bit goes a long way. All her base stuff is gorgeous.
Eyeshadow brushes: for the cream of the crop, I reckon go for M.A.C. But if Body Shop worked, maybe a re-purchase is in order?
Shampoo + conditioner: Alchemy is lovely, for regular conditioner the Jojoba Light is great or for deep-conditioning a number of Adoreables are fans of the Macadamia & Wheat. I also like Kerastase (pricey but noice, very noice) and KMS.
Primer: Pinkcupcake likes the Strobe Cream, from reviews I've seen the Laura Mercier one is good and I like Napoleon Auto-Pilot. But have seen a cool new one from Benefit called 'That Gal', a pink powdery finish that's also said to brighten the skin a bit. I'd buy Benefit anything though!
Lips: M.A.C all the way baby. Their lipglass choice is fabulous. Lipsticks also gorgeous, I'm using one called Pliiiiink - a beautiful ballerina pink, great to pair with smokey eyes.
Eyes: I'm a total M.A.C junkie like you. Stila shadows are my second love - they blend beautifully.
Body bronzer: NARS Body Glow is beautiful, but it's like $180 here!!! I got it for a third of that price when I was in the US. Kit stocks a gorgeous line of tropical body oils/body care products called Hei Poa, and one of their body oils has a subtle golden bronze shimmer to it. Smells like a summer holiday and is also very well-priced. It's called Nacres Or. Or you could try Napoleon Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer, think I saw a review of this on Adore recently (might have been from The Beauty Addict?).
Mascara: Diorshow Blackout, where have you been all my life? So good. Benefit Bad Gal also really nice for big, fat lashes.
Skincare: definitely check out Ultraceuticals and Alpha-h gets rave reviews too. Their Microcleanse scrub is fantastic, I don't use anything else now.
Nail polish: I've turned into a total O.P.I snob and rarely use anything else. They just last so well! Still chip-free after many days. For a gorgeous deep red try I'm Not Really A Waitress (one of their best-sellers) and they have lots of nude pinks & beiges to choose from. I like Bubble Bath.

Sorry about lengthy reply! Feel like I'm imaginarily shopping on your behalf, how fun! :clapping:

Wooo great thoughts and that's helped alot!!

RB and PCC - please don't have a heart attack but I've NEVER used anything Benefit hehe. I have added "hoola" to the list to check out. Someone said to me the other day Estee Lauder have great bronzers too??

I used Laura Mercier a while ago and the foundations i found so awful I stopped using everything of theirs, but will check that out again I think, and also the MAC one Sarah suggest - I'll be at MAC anyway hehe.(my name is loolabelle and I'm a MACaholic)

RB Plink! sounds lovely!!! Have added that to the lipstick colours to check out, sounds divine!

I'm sold on Blackout and am loving the sound of "I'm not really a waitress" I love reds and pinks only for mail polish and they sound divine, so I will pop my OPI cherry hehe.

Alchemy, U/C and the spotted duck are on the list ready! Still not sure what primer to try - maybe I will do eeny meeny miny mo - I have used Strobe Cream and LM before. Maybe I will try Benefit.

AND LOOLA REMEMBER TO BUY CLOTHES *mental note to myself* hehehe. I have to find a great back to work outfit.

Oh and I also am thinking the Benefit "concealness realness" kit - hehehe.

Now going to get some Kiehl's blue stop treatment too since reading on here about it!

I want to get that Kiehl's stuff too!

That is the problem with this forum. there are so many great reviews for products your wishlist never stops growing.

Celeste - Thats fine if you like the 8hr but you could get an equivilant in the chemist for about $8. Check the ingrediants list. I also don't like that half of it is made up of petroleum. So to DIY just get some vaseline & some lanolin & mix it together, Whala! That's be $36 thanks.
http://securecart.skincare-news.com/pm-3101-56-elizabeth-arden-8-hour-cream-skin-protectant.aspx
I reccomend Shizen as a replacement - will do the same thing for less $ & no nasty chemicals.
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewItem.asp?idproduct=9964

Oh thanks, yes I checked out the ingredients list and am not too impressed! (Haven't used the 8 Hour Cream in a while). I do have the Shizen salve and I like it but it doesn't feel like an equivalent really.

And yes my wishlist is never ending, it is getting depressing. As soon as I buy something I have been lusting over, I immediately want to get the other items I have been dreaming of, and the new product doesn't satisfy for long. It's pathetic - my family hate how much I spend on 'frivolous' items

For a tan I use Scott Barnes Body Bling! Sure it comes off in the shower but I just love this super easy to use product. It costs around $80 and is fool proof!

As soon as I buy something I have been lusting over, I immediately want to get the other items I have been dreaming of, and the new product doesn't satisfy for long. It's pathetic
I understand Celeste, I understand.

I understand Celeste, I understand.

Ha ha, thanks Trash. After reading this not only do I want new products - but I want a wax, mani, pedi, fake tan, facial, and so the list goes on. I'm as time poor as I am cash poor at the moment! When can I possibly fit all these treatments in?!

Oh thanks, yes I checked out the ingredients list and am not too impressed! (Haven't used the 8 Hour Cream in a while). I do have the Shizen salve and I like it but it doesn't feel like an equivalent really.

And yes my wishlist is never ending, it is getting depressing. As soon as I buy something I have been lusting over, I immediately want to get the other items I have been dreaming of, and the new product doesn't satisfy for long. It's pathetic - my family hate how much I spend on 'frivolous' items

Celeste, this is the story of my life. I think it means we are severely addicted! I have exactly the same issue. Once I have got the product I have been lusting after I am still not satisfied and immediately find something else that I just have to buy!! I am so glad that I am not the only one who feels this way!

Woooo well got my hair done today - all cut and coloured!! ANd for the first time ever I bought the product she used on my hair - and the first stylist who actually showed me how I can style my hair (she is a curly haired girl so I trust them!)

Ha ha, thanks Trash. After reading this not only do I want new products - but I want a wax, mani, pedi, fake tan, facial, and so the list goes on. I'm as time poor as I am cash poor at the moment! When can I possibly fit all these treatments in?!

Hmmm that's the hard part. More importantly the cash bit!

- Bronzer - n/a someone else will suggest I'm sure.

- Good body Exfoliator: exfoliating gloves!

- Concealer - I've heard that Clinique All About Eyes Concealor is good, I have never used concealors before.

- Eye Brushes - The Body Shop...

- Shampoo and Conditioner - Salon brands are great my fave's are either KMS or De Lorenzo; if you have problem sclap remember TBS Ginger shampoo the best. I'm currently using Lush Shampoo and Conditioner if you want something fresh and lively to make your hair look and feel amazing try these... I was pleasantly suprized!

- Conditioning Treatment - A'kin/Alchemy conditioning treatment is meant to be very good, a good friend of mine loves it and she has very dry curly hair!

- Primer - ?, I'll leave that to the experts...

- Pink, sexy lips - The Body Shop has gorgeous lippys that have a subtle smell of passionfruit, divine! or Origins have cute little lip colors and they smell minty great colours available!

- Nail Polish - OPI is great!

- Body Bronzer - don't use, I'm sure another adore member will suggest one...

- Eyeshadows - can't comment other than don't dismiss clinique eye colours - I only have a couple of eyeshadows and both are from clinique, great texture and staying power.

- Mascara - I bought a new mascara today but I'm not fussed about volume etc as I get my lashes tinted every month but the others will help...

- Skin Care - go for the essentials - keep it simple, consider what ingredients is in the skincare too - no use layering on chemicals if you can help it! go for something natural based. cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliator and spf. anythng else is an extra such as an eye cream...

- Eyebrows - go treat yourself to a eyebrow shape/wax and lash tint (my fave thing to do at the beauty therapist!)

Thanks Alice - great idea about the exfoliator glove, I've never used one, any you'd recommend? Do you still use a scrub with this??

I am a bit scared to get my eyebrows done, I'm terrifed of getting thin ones as I've seen my friends end up with (and :shockedhair: was my reaction). I have pretty decent brows, but you can always improve!

I can't wait to try this OPI people rave about!!! :glee::glee::glee:

Today I got bronzer, (Benefit "Hoola"), primer (Benefit, "That Gal"), lipstick (MAC "Plink!) and lipgloss (MAC Plushglass in "Fulfilled) and I'm loving my lips!

I think I will swing by TBS tomorrow at the airport and stock up on some goodies!!

That is some great work loolabelle! Hope you love them all! I'm wearing Pliiink today:makeup:

Would love a review on That Gal when you've had a chance to give it a whirl.

Thanks Alice - great idea about the exfoliator glove, I've never used one, any you'd recommend? Do you still use a scrub with this??

I am a bit scared to get my eyebrows done, I'm terrifed of getting thin ones as I've seen my friends end up with (and :shockedhair: was my reaction). I have pretty decent brows, but you can always improve!

I can't wait to try this OPI people rave about!!! :glee::glee::glee:

Today I got bronzer, (Benefit "Hoola"), primer (Benefit, "That Gal"), lipstick (MAC "Plink!) and lipgloss (MAC Plushglass in "Fulfilled) and I'm loving my lips!

I think I will swing by TBS tomorrow at the airport and stock up on some goodies!!

No prob's... ask around to find out who does great eyebrows... you'll love looking at your toes once you have a cute colour from OPI on and I use the body shop exfoliating gloves or manicare from priceline/pharmacies... :waving:

L-Belle!! Get thee along to see Lady Allison at Adore!!! :whipcrack: She is a brown QUEEN!! :makeup: She is simply awesome :worship::worship: and sooo reasonably priced too!! It is high on my own list of Melbourne must do's when I am next down :penguin:

Haha - when I read this thread title I was thinking along the lines of muesli bars. :chuckle:

Alchemy shampoos are great. Bloom large eyeshadow brushes are fantastic. :typing:

That is some great work loolabelle! Hope you love them all! I'm wearing Pliiink today:makeup:

Would love a review on That Gal when you've had a chance to give it a whirl.

RB - I am LOVING Plink! I wish it was a touch thicker to put on, I find it pretty sheer, but I am totally in love with it and am vegging around the house and putting it on still just cos I love it so much :hugs:

The Hoola is great! It smells a bit funny, but so far am loving the finish!!

"That Gal" so far I think seems to be a winner - the true test will be Wedneday after a full day at work. But I did strike up lovely conversation on the plane on Saturday with Mark Williams and Warren Tredea (Port Adelaide Coach and Player) and felt all glowly and luminised from it (I am a Crows girl after all)

EYECON I *THINK* IS GOING TO BE A MIRACLE IN A TUB!! But will report back.

I have placed an order for Alchemy and will be popping past Adore to pick it up - I'm so excited!! :clapping:

Ewww Warren Tredea. Is he really wrinkly and old close up? He looks that way just on tv!

Ewww Warren Tredea. Is he really wrinkly and old close up? He looks that way just on tv!

Yeah he looked a bit leathery!!! I spoke mainly to Mark WIlliams, though Wazza said I was spunky and liked my 'tude' :chuckle: He played computer games on his laptop hehe.

Man I love the exit aisle - so roomy, sitting with sports stars hehee...

What's a tude? :redcheeks:

What's a tude? :redcheeks:

Attitude. Hehehe

oh he he he.
So not down with the cool kids.

Hahaha. I don't think it is to do with cool - it's to do with the age I think? It's all about the 'tude!

Umm I'm only 20. HA HA HAHA

haha it wasn't that cool! I think the expression on my face said it all when he said it and Mark Williams ****** himself laughing. I was like "uhh thanks, cool cat"

Umm I'm only 20. HA HA HAHA

I thought you were really young. Maybe it was an area thing? Or from a tv show? Not sure

No I definitely think it was a cool thing. My crowd would have said "That girl has balls" or something like that if a girl had "tude". Definitely a scene thing :chuckle::chuckle:

Yeah, I was like "How Vanilla Ice of you" I think it's a 90's thing. No one I know says it, well, in jest maybe but not thinking they're cool!

Bloom large eyeshadow brushes are fantastic. :typing:

Sooo sad... Bloom large eyeshadow brush has been discontinued. :tears:

:shockedhair: :shakehead: Why oh why... Thanks for the heads up. If I see any around I'll have to buy.