Haul | Forever 21 & Books.

I've been spending a lot recently. I think a lot of it's got to do with stress, but yes. I've been spending a lot. Too much. Anyway, I thought I'd do a brief blog post on some on my more recent purchases. It isn't going to be huge, but who cares?

Onwards!

Forever 21 has recently started opening stores in Australia. I know, we're finally getting with the times. Of course, I was intensely curious because all the YouTube beauty guru's buy everything from there. So, I went in.

These wedges were the first thing that caught my eye. As you very well know from my October Favourites post, I adore these shoes. They're just gorgeous. They are here on the Forever 21 website, if you'd like to take a peek. 

 I also bought this top. It's that funny material that isn't great to wear when it's hot. So I regret that? A little bit. But I mean, it'll be still be great to wear in the colder months. It's got the collar, and it's easy enough to dress up or down. It's here on the website if you'd like to take a look.

And then there was the books. I actually mentally allowed myself to go crazy in the book department. That says something about my development as a person that I only came away with three books. The first thing I got was Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon. Yep, I caved. I need more Jamie in my life, ok?

Then I decided to go on a sequels binge and bought Farseekers by Isobelle Carmody. It's the second in the Obernewtyn Chronicles. I first read Obernewtyn two years ago now, when I was in Paris. And I thought now was as a good a time as ever. She kind of takes forever to write these books, so my thinking is that if I read this series slowly I won't have the agonising wait for the last books. Seriously. She's like the female version of George RR Martin.

The last book I got was Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken. I'd really enjoyed The Darkest Minds when I'd first read it (again, nearly two years ago). Now, what with In the Afterlight (the final book) out, I thought this would be the perfect time to finish the trilogy. Also, I recently followed her on Twitter, so that might've influenced me a little bit.

&&&

And with that, we reach the end of the haul. Unless you want to count what I bought with an iTunes card I recently got. But let's not go there.

Have you guys bought anything interesting recently? Let me know, down in the comments.

Haul | I'm Having a Guilt Moment.

I went on a tiny bit of a spending spree. I know, ridiculous right? What girl in her right mind would spend money after getting her hair done? But I had a gift voucher from Priceline and it all went down hill from there. Here is a summary of things bought:

So, really, not a lot. It's enough though.

So, first things: Shoes from Rubi. If you've ever been into Rubi, you know that there are the standard 2 for $10, 2 for $20 deals. These came in under the 2 for $30 deals.

 The first ones are gorgeous and way comfortable. I feel like they'll go with a lot of things, despite being white (which is something I generally avoid. I'm clumsy, and clumsy = stains and spills). You can find them here on Rubi's website.

This was the second pair I bought. Look, I know it's not summer yet. I'm not completely nonsensical. I won't wear these in winter. It's only a matter of time before things start getting warm. I feel like I'll be wearing these a lot in the coming months. They're gorgeous, and again, really comfortable. If you wanna look at them, they're here.

So, that's about all I got in the fashion department. Onto beauty!

As I'm sure surprises nobody, I'm apart of the Priceline Sister Club (or whatever it's called). Anyway, I came home one day to find a letter from them. For all my spending, I got a gift voucher. So, off I popped to my local Priceline. These were the end results.

There was/is a 50% all Rimmel products sale going on at the moment - fellow Australians, throw caution to the wind.

 It's a new nail polish. I know I don't need one, and in hindsight this might be a little similar to another one I have but it's lush. It's Rimmel's I Love Lasting Finish Nail Polish in the colour 503 No Tan Lines Here. As I'm sure you can imagine, that hit close to home and I snatched it up. Please note that in the picture, I'm wearing a different nail polish. I feel like you guys would know that but just in case.

 This is Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in 005 Nude. I might be marathoning DerpinaMode videos at the moment, and I might've gotten this just because Marion said it was great. Ok? Ok.

This was both my last Rimmel purchase and my last Priceline purchase. It's a red lipstick (no surprises there). It is Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 10 Rossetto. I could've sworn that when I swatched it in the store, it was darker, but omg it's still an amazing red. Very excited.

There was one other makeup item I procured. Recently, it came to my attention that Target was now selling NYX products. Because I've spent literally years hearing about NYX and how great it is and not actually being able to get anything because *Australia,* I thought it was about time I gave it a go.

So I got the NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in EP01 Light Brown. They're surprisingly good prices. Like, I won't lie, I expected it to undergo the Australia treatment and become a little exxy. But it hasn't. And, it looks pretty good on my watch (I mean, I'm not good with eyebrows, so that's not saying much but eh).

Below, I've swatched all the things that can be swatched.

From top to bottom is: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner (005 Nude), NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil (EP01 Light Brown) and Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick (10 Rossetto).

Lol, remember that time I said I was done with the fashion side of things? That was a lie. I went to The Silver Shop. Yep, trouble ahead.

So, I'd kind of been lusting after the elephant ring for a while and decided to go in and see if they had my size in stock. While I was waiting to get served, I spotted the flower ring. Lord help me, this shop.

Basically: The Silver Shop so rarely has my size in when I try more than one ring on, that I took it as a sign. I gobbled up both. I don't even regret it. They are the Keeper to my heart.

So, that's my haul. I won't be spending any money for at least the next two weeks unless utterly necessary. Oh my god, I'm so poor. No. No regrets. Ugh.

Have you guys purchased anything cool recently? Let me know in the comments. We can chat!

Haul | Books & Dotti, 5Ever.

As the year has progressed, my mail has trickled down into a bigger and more steadier progression. I still get excited at it, because I'm a child who refuses to believe that I will be graduating in a year and a half and will have to become a real life, proper, grown up. However, some exciting treats have been popping up in my mail box recently and I thought I'd share.

It all started last week. I was minding my own business, coming down for the weekly home visit, when I notice on my desk, a surprise package from Allen & Unwin. 'What is this?' I asked myself. So, of course, I tear it open. And what befalls my eyes? An ARC of We Were Liars.

I squealed. I legitimately squealed. You'll be getting a review on this in the next month or so, so don't get your panties in a twist or anything. If I have to suggest something though, it's this: do not go into the book with expectations, and do not go into the book knowing what it's about.

Moving on. This week, I came home a day early and more packages are there. More. One from Dotti (my one and only true clothing store love) and Random House.

I'll start with Dotti. They had an online sale. Everything was $45 or under. I nearly got carried away. I didn't though. Marks for will-power?

These are the two gorgeous pieces I bought. This playsuit is so nice. It's good for any occasion (and any weather). So well-made. I'm just very happy, ok?

The blazer I'm pretty in love with too, though. I've been after one for a while and this one checks all the marks. So well-fitted. The pockets kind of aren't real (which makes me hella sad) but I just am in love. It's gr8. Very happy.

This is the ridiculously large thing I got from Random House. In case you aren't clued in (or just don't follow Random House/Penguin on Twitter), recently Random House and Penguin recently hosted their #NBBF14 (or, the National Book Blogger's Forum 2014). I didn't go, but Random House graciously hosted a giveaway. And somehow I won. I know. Colour me surprised too. What was inside the bag, you ask? Well, here, let me show you.

Taa-Daaaaaa.

 I love me some stationary, so this made me very happy. Don't question me on this, just go with it.

 Some books I'm pretty keen on reading.

Look at how gorgeous that edition of Looking For Alibrandi is! I'd been eyeing it at work for the longest time, now I have it in my hot little hands.

Thank you so much Random House for hosting (what seemed like) a great day and hosting the giveaway on Twitter. Much appreciated.

Now, finally. The last book. So, I had this lecture. And in the lecture, my lecturer was like 'If you find the content of this presentation fascinating, here is book you should read.' I just so happened to find the lecture fascinating, and automatically put the book on hold at the library. Behold

The Secret Life of Pronouns. I know, it probably wasn't what you were expecting. But guys, it just sounds so fascinating. It's a blend of psychology and linguistics and it's all about how words we never thought of as important, are actually key in learning about a person. I'm just crazy excited to read this.

So, that's it. What about you guys? Have you picked up any crazy bargains recently? It is the EOFYS so I'm pretty sure there's a lot of bargains going round (clicks for you if you get that reference)

Haul | PriceLine Make-Up Sale

There was a sale at Priceline. I got a little over-zealous and sale-happy. I'm actually really embarrassed by how much I spent. It's kind of appalling. I didn't need a bit of this, and yet, here we are. That's a lie actually, I did need a few of these, but that is not the point. Also, sorry about the quality of the pictures. Surprise, surprise, I still haven't gotten around to bringing my camera back to college.

First things first. I bought some beauty tools. The first thing I got was the purple Beauty Blender Sponge Thing. It was kinda like a tsunami in the way it sprung up around the beauty community. I thought that I might give it a go, see if it's worth it.

The second thing I got was a Revlon Eyelash Curler. Everybody (and I mean everybody) keeps raving about how great eyelash curlers are. I won't lie though, I'm a little terrified of them. They're a sort of contraption that traps your eyelashes. It certainly didn't help when last year, a girl on my floor, accidentally ripped her eyelashes out using one of these babies. I thought it was about time I got over this fear, and took the plunge. Thus, we are here. UPDATE: I tried using it. Not nearly as bad as I thought. Still a bit daunting. But it's ok.

The final beauty tool I bought was the Real Techniques Stippling Brush. Won't even lie, it's largely because it's so pretty and soft-looking. But I thought it might be a better way to apply foundation/bb cream/etc etc. Of course, right after I left the shop I realised that the whole point of the beauty blender sponge was to do what the stippling brush does, so. Annoyance. At myself. For my mild moment of stupidity.

So, I bought some face things. I've only got one brand of blush in my make-up box, and it's so old it's difficult to get any colour out of it. So I decided to try out Max Factor's Flawless Perfection Blush (220 Classic Rose). When I first got it, I wasn't 100% sold, but every time I look at it, I love it more and more. Really nicely pigmented, and just a really nice colour generally.

The next thing? A concealer. The trusty concealer I own now (Avon's Everlasting Concealer) is about to run out, so forethought was in order. I ended up getting Max Factor's Mastertouch Under-Eye Concealer (306 Fair). I haven't used it yet, so I can't tell how good it's going to be. Hopefully it'll be pretty neat though. (It better. It was one of the more expensive sale items)

Then I got two BB Creams. I know I know I know. It seems extreme. But the thing is, is that I'm terrible with figuring out what shades to choose. So I thought, just get both. If one's right, I'll be happy because I actually got my shading right for once. If both's right, then I'll be doubly happy and I won't need to touch face makeup for an age. Both are pretty much perfect for me. A+ (accidental) shopping on my part. The shade that is the best out of the two is Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB (Light). I haven't tried my full face yet, but I'm pretty keen for this. The other one, Rimmel London BB Cream (Light), is a smidgen darker but I'm hoping it'll still work.

I've never been a huge user of foundation (I've just never felt I really needed it) so I'm hoping the BB Cream's will be a good medium. I dunno, what are your guys opinions on them?

Then I got to eyes. Admittedly, I needed both of these as replacements. First up? The eyeliner. I ended up getting L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim (Intense Black). It was the only thing I bought for full price. I tried other liquid eyeliners, but I just kept coming back to this one. Everytime I rubbed off my hand full of makeup (and trust me, that happened a few times), it faithfully remained glued to my skin. So, I thought, if that was any indication of its durability, then I am in.

The other was a replacement for my mascara. I decided to go for the Maybelline New York Colossal Volume Express (230 Glam Black). I'd heard a lot of beauty bloggers/vloggers rave about it. So, I thought I might give it a go. I tried it on really quickly before writing this, and it seems to like to give off the whole spidery-lashes vibe? I've never been a huge fan of that, but we'll give this one a go.

And finally! A make-up haul for me would not be complete without some lipsticks. Lipstick is easily my favourite make-up piece of the lot. So what if I raided the Rimmel lipstick aisle? Totally worth it. The first one I got? Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick (210 Coral in Gold). This is probably my favourite out of the bunch. I can't help myself. I just really love coral as a colour. It's so lovely. The formula seems quite nice, and it looks like it's a really buildable lipstick. Very excite.

The next one I bought was Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (150 Piccadilly Pink). I'm not a pink-lipstick kinda person, so I sort of question how much I bought this because of the deal vs how much I actually like it. It seems nice enough though. Very, very moisturising. Had a bit of a problem first applying it though - hopefully that'll change.

The final lipstick I bought is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick (012 Guest List). This one seems very sweet as well. It's a bit more pink-y in tone again, but a lot more wearable. Again, like with the Coral in Gold colour, it seems like a lipstick that you can really build on.

And that's it! Below is a picture of some swatches with all the colours that could be swatched. I've also listed what they are from left to right, so there isn't any confusion.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick | Guest List (012)

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick | Piccadilly Pink (150)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick | Coral in Gold (210)

Max Factor Flawless Perfection Blush | Classic Rose (220)

Loreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim | Intense Black

Max Factor Mastertouch Under-Eye Concealer | Fair (306)

Rimmel London BB Cream | Light

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB | Light

(The concealer and BB cream's look like the wrong shade on my wrist, but I promise you they're the right shade for my face. My wrist's are just very pale)

So that is my (slightly shameful) haul. I like most of the things I got, I just can't believe I spent so much money. Eh. Still not going to say how much because omg. Here's to hoping you've never spent that much!

Here's to also hoping you liked the blog post! If you have anything you'd like me to cover in a blog post (like a question or a certain topic or something like that) lemme know either in the comments or you can email me (which you can find in the 'about me' page).

Hope you're all having lovely days, and I hope you've never spent as much as me. Omg. Ugh.

Video | Things that were bought Overseas.

BOOOOOOOK HAULLLLLL

Zee books mentioned:

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Spark

Dracula - Bram Stoker

War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy

Dark Desires Box Set (Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Tithe by Holly Black, Dark Secrets by Elizabeth Chandler, Generation Dead by Daniel Waters, and The Poison Garden by Sarah Singleton)

Heroes of Olympus: Son of Neptune - Rick Riordan

Ultraviolet - R.J. Anderson

Soulless - Gail Carriger

Devil's Kiss - Sarwat Chadda

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime - Mark Haddon

Angel Arias - Marianne de Pierres

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson

Unearthly - Cynthia Hand

0.4 - Mike Lancaster

Atonement - Ian McEwan

Finnikan of the Rock - Melina Marchetta

The Cardturner - Louis Sachar

Alaska - Sue Saliba

Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Laini Taylor

Glow - Amy Kathleen Ryan

Supernaturally - Kierstin White

Imaginary Girls - Nova Ren Suma

Burn Bright Petition - http://www.strangemore.com/2011/07/interview-and-campaign-for-burn-bright.html?m=0

Also, by 'last year' I really meant 'earlier this year'