Random tip

Spot clean your make up brushes by wiping with a cheap make up remover cloth daily to prolong the life of your brushes and extend the time between deep cleaning!

NOTD - OPI, Sally Hanson

Today's nail is Opi Lourve Me Lourve Me Not with a feature of Sally Hanson's Salon Effects in 360 Laced Up

I got the OPI from My Beauty Spot and was curious as to whether it was genuine as it was only $10, but it seems up to scratch and if it is a fake, it's a pretty good one! It's a lovely deep purple with what seems like red and hot pink shimmers through out.

Priceline are having a 2 for $25 on the Sally Hanson Salon Effects so I picked up a couple to give them a try as I have not done so as yet.

They seem to be pretty good, although I like them more of a feature than a full set I think. I'm a little messy at applying just yet but I think that will improve with practice!

What are your thoughts on Sally Hanson's Salon Effects?

Random tip

Old mascara wands are great for grooming eyebrows.  Just be sure to clean throughly first!

Benefit US order

I was very excited to hear today that Benefit.com have a special on a two pack of blush/bronzer for only $34 USD! Of course I immediately ordered and even with the $20 postage I got the two for less than I would pay for one here in Australia.

The pack contains the bronzer Hoola in an 11g box (standard box size is 8g) and the face powder Thrrrob in the 12g box. Seperately to buy these are $28 USD on the Benefit.com website.


Hoola is a lovely matte bronzing powder and Thrrrob is described as a cool pink powder that recreates the flirty flush you get when your heart races. I absolutely love the boxes these come in and I can't wait to recieve these. Posting should be 7-21 days.....

Stay tuned for a review!

Random tip

After washing you hair, blast it with cold water. This will help to close the cuticle and reduce flyaways.

Essie Fall Collection Cube

I finally received from OzSale this week my long awaited Essie Fall Collection Cube. Oh how I wish this was branded autumn! This adorable little pack contains four mini nail polishes that are 5ml each in this seasons colours. This pack was on sale for $10 with free postage and I have since seen in David Jones on sale for $20. I think I scored a bargain. Without Flash

With Flash

The pack came in a little box (which I unfortunately have already thrown away) with the colours (L to R) Lady Like, Power Clutch, Very Structured and Carry On.

Lady Like - A pinky/ purply colour which has a nice natural look to it.

Power Clutch - A metallic olive green.

Very Structured - A metallic bronzy/ brown.

Carry On - A deep purple burgendy

All the colours in the pack are spot on for this autumn and no doubt they will get a work out!

TIP: Use a top coat and a base coat to extend the life of your nail polish.

NOTD: Purple Ombre Nails

Ombre nails are very hot at the moment and purples are a great autumn colour. Why not combine the two?

Starting with a base coat, work from your thumbs with the darkest colour and finishing up your little fingers with the lightest! I've used Cutex Diamond Extra Hard, Revlon 790 No Shriking Violet, Australis Peek-a-Boo, Rimmel 170 Lovely Lilac and finished with Ulta3 Speed Dry Top and Base Coat.

What are your current nail trends?

Top 5 tips for healthy hair during the cooler months

Follow these simple tips to keep your locks in top shape during the cooler months!

Minimise heat styling: Pack up those curlers and straighteners for the cooler months and embrace your natural texture! With the help of an anti-frizz product of course. If you MUST heat style your hair, try to keep it to once or twice a week and always use heat protectant.

Wear protecting updos (even while sleeping): There are so many updos still hot on trend for autumn and winter. Embrace the sock bun, cute braids and sleek ponytails this autumn. If you tend to move around a lot in your sleep, consider investing in a silk pillow case and braiding your hair before bed. Braid waves also create a great texture to work with in the morning!

Use a hair mask: Cool winds can be drying on your hair so be sure to use a hair mask at least once a week. Do a strand test to see if your hair lacks protein or moisture. If your strand breaks easily without stretching, your hair requires moisture; but if your hair stretches before breaking, your require protein. Be aware your hair requires a lot more moisture than protein.

Do not shampoo everyday: Washing your hair every day strips away the natural oils that your locks thrive on. If you wash your hair everyday, your scalp will then in turn produce more oils to compensate. Try an updo for second day hair, and invest in a dry shampoo.

Be gentle: Treating your hair gently can have a huge effect on the health of your hair and increase the time between trims. Never brush your hair when wet. Instead use a wide tooth comb to detangle, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. Use a detangling spray if your hair is particularly prone to tangles.

TIP: Use your blowdryer on the cool/ slow setting to avoid unnecessary damage when drying.

TIP: Use your conditioner on dry hair for a deep treatment.

COMING SOON: Easy braided hairstyle for layered hair....

DIY lip scrub

Lips feeling a little dry and flaky? Make your own lip scrub!

All you need is some oil of your choice (I love coconut oil as it smells delicious) and some caster sugar.

Mix equal parts in a cute little jar and you have your very own yummy lip scrub handy at all times.

Spoon out a small amount and gently rub over your lips with your finger for 30 seconds to exfoliate. Follow with your favourite lip balm and voila; smooth, luscious lips.


TIP: If you don't have any tasty oils handy you can use honey. Be aware that honey will not store as well in a jar though.

TIP: Scrub too runny? Add some more sugar.

Welcome note

Welcome to xoxo lusted. Soon to be a blog on all things beauty including reviews, hauls, road tests, tips and DIY. Stay tuned for exciting things to come!