Monthly Favourites | September 2014

Hello beauties!

Another month down, another monthly favourites and I have some absolute winners this time round! I know we say this each month, but boy has these last 30 days just flown by!

Malin + Goetz Lip Moistursier
This is, hands down, the best lip balm treatment I have ever tried! Super creamy and smooth, not at all sticky and leaves a beautiful shine to the lips! I highly recommend it to anyone with super chapped lips and can be bought at MECCA Cosmetica for $16.

MAC Eyeshadow Palette
When I travelled to Hong Kong, I had to go and create my own 15 pan eyeshadow palette because of the incredible prices of MAC products there. I am so in love with all the colours that I have where my palette contains a mixture of neutrals, oranges and plum tones. Super creamy and pigmented, if you don't own any MAC shadows, what are you doing with your life?! 

Maybelline Hypersharp Liquid Liner

Another item that I bought whilst in HK, which I couldn't be more over the moon with! I think I can safely say that I love this more than our Master Precise! Boasts a super thin making winged liner an absolute breeze and doesn't dry out as quickly as the Master Precise! 

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
This has been my go-to mascara of the moment after I recently rediscovered it in my collection! This beauty separates the lashes like no other and can be built up with 2-3 coats for volume. Stays on all day, no flakes but comes off easily at night time when removing make up.

Real Techniques Make Up Sponge
My Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush has moved aside for this miracle sponge! I absolutely love to use it to apply my foundation and concealer for a flawless finish. You can get it super cheap from iHerb and is definitely a great dupe for the Beauty Blender which is over $20.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque 
Ever since I dyed my hair and got ombre, my ends have been super damaged, so I purchased this hair mask to add to my routine to give my ends a little helping hand! It smells great, leaves hair silky smooth and I use it twice a week when I wash hair after conditioning.

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light
This was my first ever bronzer/highlight duo and after a few uses, I hid it away because I thought it was much too orange for my pale complexion. I think though this was because I was applying it WAY too heavily and not blending. But a few months ago, I pulled it out again and used it underneath my NYX Blush in Taupe for a more contoured look and I loved it! I've been using it ever since, especially for nights out when there is flash photography to warm up my ghost like face!

Chobani Yoghurt in Coconut
I have been a huge fan of Chobani yoghurts ever since they hit stores in Australia and I love trying out all their flavours! Now you guys know how much I love coconut, so I simply couldn't resist and OH MY GOD this is quite possibly the most incredible thing in life! If you've never tried greek yoghurt, or you have and didn't like the taste, give Chobani a go, especially the ones with fruit in them. They are delicious!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and give the video a THUMBS UP! Why not SUBSCRIBE too while you're there!

Much love,

xx Elle

Hauling It | IMATS Sydney 2014!!

Hello my lovelies!

WOW! What an incredible experience IMATS Sydney was last weekend! I had such a lovely time with Ash from Ashleigh Green Style and got to meet the beautiful Katie from Steal The Spotlight!!

I spent a little bit too much money but to hell with it! It was a once in a lifetime (except that it happens every year haha) opportunity so I thought I would splurge on a couple of items!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and click the SUBSCRIBE button if you liked what you saw!

Much love and sunshine,

xx Elle

September Empties | Product's I've Used Up #2

Hello my lovelies!

Boy have I got a lot of empty products for you today! Who knew that a girl could go through so many things in such a short amount of time!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and if you like what you saw, hit that SUBSCRIBE button!

Much love,

xx Elle

GRWM | Friday Night Make Up Look ft. MNY

Hello my lovelies!

Today's video is a one branded tutorial featuring all Maybelline products, my favourite drugstore brand! A simple bright pink lips with a nice big wing for a classic Friday Night Make Up look!

Be sure to check out the video HERE and hit the SUBSCRIBE button if you liked what you saw!


Much love and hugs,
xx Elle

Hauling It | Hong Kong Beauty Haul

Hello my lovelies!

Today I come at you with a HUGE Hong Kong Beauty Haul! I had an absolutely incredible time in Hong Kong (some photos can be seen on my photography website) and man did I buy a heck of a lot of stuff! And this isn't even half of it!

To find out about my experience and all the goodies that I purchased, watch the video HERE and be sure to SUBSCRIBE if you aren't already!


Hope you are all well and smiley!

xx Elle

New Video | What's In My Bag? + GIVEAWAY

Hey lovelies!

Why not check out my latest video to take a snoop into my bag and find out what my essentials are! PLUS there is a sneaky giveaway as promised!

I've got 3 x awesome U by Kotex Cosmetic Goodie Bags ready to send out to you as a part of their new, Missile Moments Campaign! Trust me you have to watch the ad HERE, it's hilarious!

But you gotta be in it to win it, so get entering! All you have to do is...

1. Head over to my YouTube channel by clicking HERE and SUBSCRIBE 

2. Watch the video and give it a super dooper THUMBS UP

3. Comment on the video telling me what's an essential in your bag! 

And that's it! Winners will be drawn and announced on Wednesday 13th August!


 Good luck!

Hope you enjoyed this weeks video!

Much love and sunshine,

xx Elle

Hauling It | Priceline 40% Off Skincare Haul!

As most of you would know, Priceline rather regularly holds 40% off a particular area of products (ie. cosmetics, skincare or haircare), leading beauty lovers across Australia to stop everything and start making their wish lists!

Today and tomorrow, Priceline is holding 40% off all Skincare, and I just simply couldn't resist picking up some new goodies to try out! After my recent trip to Hong Kong where I spent quite a large sum of money on make up, I kept my basket on the light side (definitely a rare occurrence for me).



Garnier Perfect Blur 5 Sec Smoothing Base Perfector

I've had my eye on this product for quite a while now, and after hearing so many mixed reviews, I was really keen to get my hands on it to give it a burl! Hopefully good things come of it and it reduces fine lines, pores and shine like it claims!

RRP $16.99 - Sale Price $10.19

Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil

It's been no secret the wonders that Rose Hip oil can do for your skin and I definitely want to jump on that bandwagon! Having combination skin, I've always thought it scary to put more oil on my face, but I can confirm that even after 1 use last night, my skin was brighter and softer!

RRP $19.99 - Sale Price $11.99

Olay Complete UV Max Defence Lotion (Sensitive) with SPF 30+

I am always an advocate for using a daily moisturiser that contains an SPF to ensure that my pale complexion doesn't get burnt while I'm out and about. Lately, I have been disappointed with my usual Neutrogena Oil Free Combination Skin Moisturiser, so I picked this up in replacement!

RRP $14.99 - Sale Price $8.99

Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes for Normal/Combo Skin

I am almost coming to the end of my other Nivea face wipes (the Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes for All Skin Types) and I really enjoyed them! So I thought I would try a different product from the range and fingers crossed I'll be just as impressed!

RRP $7.49 - Sale Price $4.49

Sanctuary Spa Youth Boosting Ultimate Facial Cleansing Oil

After finishing my sample of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil a few months ago, I have been hooked and completely in LOVE with the whole concept of using an oil to remove make up and impurities on the skin. However I couldn't justify spending the $40 on the higher end product. I saw this beauty on the shelves and remembered all the rave reviews I had heard about it, so natural I whipped it up!

RRP $19.99 - Sale Price $11.99

So that is everything that I picked up in the 40% Skincare Sale at Priceline! Hope you enjoyed! Did you buy anything in the sale? 

Much love and sunshine,

xx Elle

Hauling It | iHerb Goodies ft. Real Techniques, ELF & Hurraw!

Words cannot begin to explain how much I LOVE iHerb! It is a fantastic site that sells a lot of health food, supplements and organic products but also, and the most exciting part, iHerb sells a whole bunch of make up and cosmetics from brands such as Real Techniques, Physicians Formula, ELF, Bdellium Tools, EcoTools and Everyday Minerals!

I have an incredible coupon code that gives your $10 off your order (when you spend over $40, and trust me, it's not hard to do so) PLUS $4 shipping to Australia!

--> GBQ111 <--  (or click HERE)

So click on over to my YouTube channel to see all the goodies that I bought! *Warning* It's a big one so have a cuppa at the ready! Give the video a LIKE if it tickled your fancy and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to see more videos from me!




Much love and sunshine,
Elle xx

Tutorial | Brown Smokey Eye | Everyday Make Up Routine!

Today on Once Upon A Beauty Time I have for you my Everyday Make Up Tutorial which is a soft brown smokey eye featuring winged liner and a nice pink lip!

This look was very requested and I am so happy to share the products that I love for my face on a daily basis with you!


Products Used:
- Models Prefer Perfect Canvas Mattifying Primer
- Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Brightening
- Maybelline Super Stay 24H Concealer in Light
- Face of Australia Loose Translucent Powder
- NYX Blush in Taupe
- Essence Silky Touch Blush in 10 Adorable
- Models Prefer Brown Kit in Light
- Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded
- Maybelline Big Eyes Quad in Luminous Brown
- Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
- L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara
- Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
- Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 103

Be sure to check out the video below or HERE, give it a LIKE if you enjoyed it and why not click that SUBSCRIBE button if you thought it was super whiz bang and want to see more videos!





Much love and sunshine,
Elle xx

Monthly Favourites | February '14

Hello my lovelies!

Make sure you SUBSCRIBE and click HERE to find out what my favourite beauty, fashion and lifestyle things were for February!


LUSH /// Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser
A new staple to my morning skincare routine! It is unlike anything I have ever used before in terms of how you apply it to the face, but nonetheless I absolutely love using this cleanser when I wake up in the morning. It is so refreshing and calming to the skin!


MAC /// Pro Longwear Concealer in NW15
Another new product to fall in my hands in the month of February and it has quickly become a holy grail item in my make up routine. An amazing concealer that is hydrating under the eyes and gives incredible coverage on both blemishes and hiding those peaking dark circles!


MAYBELLINE /// Fit Me Pressed Powder in 115 Ivory
I've been loving this powder on days where I have been wearing only a BB cream or merely concealer to provide me with a little extra coverage all over. It is the lightest pressed powder that I have ever come across and it's perfect for my pale skin!


CHI CHI /// Blush (from Glamorous Make Up Collection Set)
A gorgeous every day shade that is such a natural pink colour with a slight shimmer that leaves my cheeks flushes and glowy all in one! Multi-purpose products are always a winner in my books!


MAYBELLINE /// Mega Plush Mascara in Black
This is a great mascara that leaves lashes fluttery and natural looking, perfect for going back to uni where I still want a little bit of definition but nothing too overwhelming, spidery or clumpy.


REVLON /// Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
I am a lover of these lip stains and I find that Honey is a perfect, 'my lips but better' shade. It lasts and wears really well on the lips, leaving a slight minty feeling. I love that it's retractable and has sturdy packaging.


KIKKI-K /// Mint 2014 Diary 
I fell in love with this planner the day it came out on the kikki-k website and knew that I had to have my hot little hands on it ready for university this year. It feels lovely in the hands, has a handy elastic bit to keep the diary from opening and the space for each day to write things in is wonderful!


LORDE /// Pure Heroine Album
I have to be honest, I didn't actually warm to miss Lorde when she hit big time with her single 'Royals' but with an open mind one day, I downloaded the album and since then, it has been on repeat! My favourite songs would have to be 'Glory And Gore' and 'Tennis Court'.


GLASSHOUSE /// Tahaa Vanilla Caramel Hand Creme
If you know me in person, then you will most probably know that along with coconut, vanilla and caramel are my favourites scents and flavours of things. My amazing best friend bought this beauty for me for Valentine's Day and I have been using it every day since then! Leaves my hands so soft and moisturised and of course, smelling divine!


SPORTSGIRL /// Black 'Texas Bucket Bag' 
This has been my go-to bag this month! This little gem somehow manages to fit the hole kitchen sink in there and is a great compact size for days when I'm not lugging around my big heavy bag for uni. I love the gold detailing and hardware and the iconic drawstring feature is great!



Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Lots of love,
Elle xo

What's In My Travel Make Up Bag?

Hello my lovelies! 


Today is all about the products that I like to take in my make up bag when travelling! I like to keep things to a minimum but adding a few things to spice up my looks and give myself a little variety when I'm out and about! 

These are the things I took on my recent Melbourne trip, where I also did a LOT of damage to my wallet and bank account, so be sure to check out my haul on my YouTube channel too!


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and watch the video HERE! Hope you enjoy and give it a thumbs up if you did!


Much love and wishes,
Elle xo

Tutorial | Purple Smokey Eye | Valentines Day Look

Hello my lovelies!

Hope you are all well and planning your outfits for Valentine's Day next week! Love is in the air, I can just feel it! If you need a little inspiration for make up for the big, special day then look no further, Elle is here to save the day!

I have a new video today, a purple smokey eye that is just perfect for Valentine's Day whether you are going on a lovely date with a special someone or spending it with your gal pals!

Make sure you click HERE to watch my video on my YouTube channel, onceuponabeautytime and hit the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button if you aren't already!


Lots of love and hugs,
Elle xo

Rave Review | Chi Chi Glamorous Rich Gems Collection Set

Hello my lovelies!

Last week before work, I went into Target and found amongst the sale bins this gem (excuse the pun).

The Chi Chi Glamorous Rich Gems Make Up Collection is a gift set that was introduced during the Christmas period that contains 4 mini sized lip glosses, a blush and the Chi Chi Rich Gems Eyeshadow Palette.

This set is absolutely amazing value for money, retailing from $24.95 down to $12.00 with over $50 worth of products inside! The Chi Chi Rich Gems Eyeshadow Palette alone costs $22.95 in Target/Myer stores, so an absolute beauty bargain!

The four mini Chi Chi Viva La Diva Lip Glosses that come in the collection all have shimmery particles in them, making them a perfect gloss to throw in the handbag and swipe over the lips! They apply easily with a doe-foot applicator and are very travel friendly.


The four shades include a light baby pink, a warmer toned peach, a bright papaya-like pink and finally, a brown toned nude. They are very glossy and although slightly sticky, nothing that is uncomfortable or off putting. Not to mention, they all smell absolutely incredible! Like vanilla cake batter that every time applied on the lips, will make you want to lick it all off! Love these!

The Chi Chi Mosaic Blush is an absolutely gorgeous shade with a mix of shimmery bronzes and pinks to create a lovely highlighting peachy toned blush that is rather reminiscent of Nars Orgasm Blush. I would even go as far to say that this Chi Chi Mosaic Blush is a dupe for the infamous Nars Orgasm!

As you can see swatched on the arm here, the Chi Chi Mosaic Blush has a wonderful glow and shimmer through it that is smooth and not at all chalky. I can say with confidence that this is my new favourite and go-to blush of the moment!


Now onto my favourite part of the Chi Chi Glamorous Rich Gems Make Up Collection...

... the Chi Chi Rich Gems Eyeshadow Palette!

This is an incredible eyeshadow palette that comes with 12 brilliantly vibrant and pigmented shadows that are perfect for a variety of bright eye looks! Never having tried any Chi Chi Eyeshadow Palettes before, I was a little sceptical and intrigued to see what the colour pay off would be like.

 

I was beyond pleasantly surprised when I swatched each of the shadows, and am beyond excited to experiment and create interesting and bold eyeshadow looks on my YouTube channel onceuponabeautytime! So be sure to SUBSCRIBE and keep your eyes peepered for Tutorials and Get Ready With Me's coming up that feature the Chi Chi Rich Gems Eyeshadow Palette!



There are 12 lovely shadow colours in 3 sort of colour "groups". From left to right, we have cool toned blues and greens, then warmer oranges and rusts, and then finally some purple-y shades.

I found these shadows to be very long lasting and their pigmentation was very true to colour to what it was shown in the pan. Although the packaging can be seen as somewhat flimsy due to it's plastic-y build, I think that it would hold up just fine during travel. I also love that the lid is clear, so that way I can see the colours when the Chi Chi Rich Gems Eyeshadow Palette is in my make up collection drawers clearly and precisely.


Overall, I really love the Chi Chi Glamorous Rich Gems Collection Set and would highly recommend that you pick it up while you can in this fantastic set for only $12.00 at Target! Having never tried anything from Chi Chi before, I was very pleased and happy for this first experience.



Thank you for reading and be sure to leave a comment telling me what YOUR favourite Chi Chi products are!

Keep smiling,
Elle xo

New Video | Back To School | Essentials for 2014!

Hello my lovelies!

As a part of my mini "Back To School" series, I made a "Back To School - Essentials" video showcasing what I feel are essential items to help you get through the school year for 2014!

Be sure to click HERE to watch the video, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you want to see more videos from me in the future!


Keep smiling,
Elle xo