I am SO excited because it is Spring again here in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring is my favourite season because my birthday is in October and the weather is beginning to become so beautiful.

When it comes to lipsticks, I'm usually very boring. We all know that my everyday lip colour is typically a brown, mauvey, rose type of colour but as soon as a new season pops up, I become determined.

This post is for you mainly so you have some lip inspo but it's also a reminder and 'note to self' to actually be a little bit different with my colour choices. I know I still included one nude shade but I honestly can't help it.

NYX Lip Lingerie in Ruffle Trim is such a great matte liquid lipstick. It's the first one that I've ever tried and I think that it's my favourite formula too. It isn't the type of liquid lipstick that will stay on after eating so it does need a touch up. But, the longevity is pretty damn good if you're out and about. The formula is mighty comfortable on the lips and I think this is perfect for spring because if you leave the house for a few hours you won't have to touch up all of the time.

A super easy lip crayon with a great formula and lovely shade is the Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 290 Berries N' Cream. This is definitely the easiest to touch up on the go. The colour is a light, pink berry mauve shade with a nice glossy apperance. It makes lips look juicy and spring time fresh.

It's been a while since I've worn the Arbonne Creamy Lipstick in Rose*. It's a little like a neutral, rosey, purple type shade and I love it during spring and summer. It's still close to my comfort zone but slightly different. I think trying something super similar to a shade you love with a twist is a great way to begin experimenting with new colours for seasons.

Becoming a bit more bold now with choices, I've picked two Maybelline Color Blur* shades. The formula of these products is very, very, very, very smooth. I absolutely love this range and if you'd like to see all Maybelline Color Blur Matte Pencils swatched and reviewed click here. I ofcourse usually use the more subtle colours, but I picked out #15 Berry Misbehaved and #20 Orange Ya Glad. Both shades are stunning and bold but if you're scared like me, you can dull them down by blotting your lips with a tissue.

Last up, I had to include an Urban Decay Vice Lipstick. If you saw my review and swatches on 19 of the shades here, you'd know that I can't get enough of the Creamy formula. I decided on Wired*. It's a bright, coral, almost flurescent pink / orange colour and I think it will be stunning in spring.

Oh and to all of my Northern Hemisphere readers, if you'd like me to create a post of my 6 favourite lip colours for fall / autumn, let me know!

What are some of your favourite colours to wear during spring?


*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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I'm not going to lie and tell you that I carry a makeup bag around with me, because I don't. I am the type of girl that prefers to carry either only my wallet, the tiniest bag or pouch with me because I hate carrying too many things! However, when I do feel like being a little bit fancy, I will opt for my Michael Kors Sutton. But, even then, I probably won't carry a makeup bag, because that means more to carry!! Ah the struggles.
Well anyway, I thought I would create a post about what I would carry with in me in my make up bag if I chose to use one. Hopefully if you don't mind carrying a make up bag around with you, you'll like some of my I-don't-want-to-carry-too-much tips. 


First off I guess we need a makeup bag right!? The one I would reach for is my Zoeva Pouch that came with my Rose Golden Luxury Set V2*. If you'd like to go and stare at how gorgeous the brushes are in that collection, I have a full post about them here. Not only is this pouch stunning, but I feel like it's light and is also quite cushioning so it would protect the goodies that I place inside.
Most likely I would already have my foundation on my face, but as a back up or for touch ups I would probably pack my Lancome Miracle Cushion in #4*. This is a pretty light coverage foundation but can be built up. It can also work as a primer or for touch ups. Again, for more juicy deets, you can read the full post here.
When it comes to powder, my usual preference is loose powder. However, we're talking about a makeup bag here! Firstly, I don't want powder flying all over the place. Secondly, I don't want to have to carry around a brush. The product I actually used to carry with me in my bag when I worked (so horrah actually a product that's been in my makeup bag at one stage), is the Mac Cosmetics Blot Powder Pressed in Medium Dark. This is a blotting powder, but that's probably all me and my oily face would need throughout the day. It's also got one of those little sponges inside so the brush problem is solved.
Sometimes during the day I can find my blush fading, so I guess it would make sense to carry around a blush. I would choose one of the Benefit boxed blushes. The one I've started using in the last couple of weeks again is the Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Blush in Sugarbomb which is super pretty! It isn't the most pigmented blush, but I think that's good. If I'm out of the house and I have a couple spare minutes, if I accidentally pack my blush on too much... well, that isn't so good. This one is definitely forgiving and it also has a teeny brush inside - so again, brush problem solved.
Lip wise, honestly I just go for browny-pink shades 99.99% of the time I apply makeup. It would therefore mean that packing a bold red or berry would not make sense at all! The colour I love reaching for in a rush is Laura Mercier's Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Rose*. This product actually does get chucked in my bag for touch ups already and I love it. I don't need a mirror or anything, so it is super handy.
Now the last two are probably a bit of a stretch, but I guess I would use them if I was going to an event or somewhere special and I wanted my eyes to stay on point. 
Covergirl's Bombshell Liner* is so teeny and cute. It's felt tip and gets the job done! 
Last up is Eye of Horus' Temptress Eyeshadow Palette*. I would mostly be reaching for the lighter colour to pop all over my lid to add back that pop just with my finger. At the same time, I feel like this palette is really blendable so even if I wanted to use my finger to add a tiny bit of definition, all would be sweet. 
What do you carry in your makeup bag? Or, what would you carry in your makeup bag if you chose to use one? 
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Another post today that goes out to all of my fellow oily eyelid readers! Most makeup is a struggle for us, but I find that in particular, eyeshadow bases are one of the largest. They crease, slide off or just look down right awful. Over the years I've found a few eyeshadow bases that work wonders on me, so of course I thought I would share them with you all!
Left to right: Covergirl Bombshell Shineshadow's in 315 Gold Goddess & 325 Copper Fling |
Maybelline Colour Tattoo's in 05 Too Cool & 25 Bad to the Bronze |
Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeshadow Sticks in Copper, Amethyst & Moonlight
First up are the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks*. Out of today's bunch, these are probably my favourite. I won a collection of the small size caviar eye sticks and I think since I received these, I've barely used anything else. These glide onto the lids so effortlessly, are so pigmented, make my eyeshadows pop AND they don't crease. So many positives all in the one product. If you'd like to see my initial review post, you can read that here.
Next up are my previous holy grails, Maybelline Colour Tattoos. These are affordable, accessible, come in a range of colours and they are mighty fine for 'drugstore'. The longevity is pretty decent and I only notice slight creasing probably a 4-5 hours later. My ultimate favourite is Bad to The Bronze. It's a gorgeous shade that I sometimes use on its own all over the lid, with just a teeny bit of bronzer in my crease.
Lastly are the Covergirl Bombshell Shine Shadows*. These are probably the most pigmented of the bunch. They are a liquid consistency and a little goes a very, very long way. I've got these shine shadows in three colours and they're all gorgeous. Little creasing and also very affordable.    What are your favourite eyeshadow bases?  *Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Welcome back to another installment of Time To Throw Dem Beauty Products Out aka beauty products empty in the language of Katina. Boy oh boy am I excited to be emptying my empties drawer (ha).

Makeup  This little collection looks so boring, sorry guys and girls. But these are true holy grails of mine and I go through them like crazy. 
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer is a product that I'm sure you're sick of me hearing blab on about, but it's honestly just so great! My friend Rosa from Lipstick'N'Linguine actually said that she loves this one more than her Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer which you can read about here. I personally haven't tried that primer, but compared to all other primers that I've ever used, this one just wins hands down. I have a more complete post and break down of why I love this product here. 
Covergirl Tru Blend Foundation in M6 is another thing that I am truly obsessed with. I'm oily, I have an uncommon skintone and this stuff just works. It stays on, covers what it needs to, doesn't feel sticky and I love it. 
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara till this day is one of the only mascaras that lasts on my stubborn, oily eyelashes. I cannot recommend it enough if you're also oily or stuck with stubborn eyelashes like me! It will change up your lash game forever. 

Skincare and Haircare
Wella Professionals Brilliance Conditioner For Coloured Hair SMELLS SO DELICIOUS. It's probably one of the best smelling and most moisturising conditioners I've ever used. I currently have way way too many hair shower products so I won't be repurchasing it yet, but it'll definitely be back in my shower in the future.

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair With Liquid Keratin was okay. Nothing too special. Made my hair clean and smooth, but nothing about this product really jumped out at me.

This product was definitely a hair game changer for me. I've never used anything as soft and lathering as the Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shampoo. This entire product range is soooo incredible. I've loved all of the products in this range and if you have sensitive skin I think goatsmilk is definitely for you!


Other This is just something I always find funny when looking at my empties. How do I go through so much deodorant!? Well anyway, Nivea's Invisble Antiperspirant Spray is my fave. I do sweat quite a lot (tmi so sorry), but this keeps me feeling nice and fresh all day.
What are some products you've recently finished and are going to repurchase?  *Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Hello friends! Another month has passed and I only just realised that I have never done a favourites post here before. So welcome to my monthly favourites, edition number one.   Recently I attended a Real Techniques event and was (so luckily) gifted the Bold Metals Set. I love all of the brushes and if you want to see the brushes that first tickled my fancy as well as close ups, you can read that post here. The particular brush that I have really been in love with the month of August is the Bold Metals Brush #300 Tapered Blush*. The thing is though that I haven't been using this brush for blush, but actually highlighter! I have never really had a good brush that gets the right amount of highlight on and just wisps it across the top of my cheeks - until now. It's amazing how much of a difference a good brush makes because I have tried some of my highlighters before and they barely showed up. Now, completely different story. 
Next up is the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer In Medium*. I particularly love this concealer on the days when I go to university because instead of opting for a liquid foundation, I use powder. I feel like this concealer is amazing at brightening my under eye area and isn't too dramatic for everyday use. It does not cling to my powder foundation and my under eye area is left feeling beautiful and smooth. What else can I ask for!?
When it comes to nail polishes, I find that I am definitely a creature of habit. One of my all time favourites that hasn't made a bit of an appearance in a while is Essie's Chinchilly. This month I was feeling inclined more towards neutrals, therefore this baby made quite a few appearances in August . Winter is the time my hair screams out for help and conditioner isn't sufficient enough to resuscitate my ends. Instead, I love opting for a hair mask or treatment. In August, the Goldwell Dualsenses Colour Extra Rich 60Sec Treatment* did not leave my shower, or my every washing-my-hair-day-routine. This stuff is now definitely a MUST for me. Aside from smelling so incredibly delicious, this treatment works so so so quickly and I feel like even 60 seconds is generous. If you have oily hair and you're scared of your head turning into an oily heap, please my friend do not be worried. Aside from also having oily skin, ya gurl Katina has oily hair too and this product does not add additional oil, just incredible moisture and life.
What were your favourites for the month of August? Have you tried any of these products before? 
*Products marked with an asterisk have been provided for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.



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Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation* and Concealer* have very big shoes to fill. We all know that I'm obsessed with TruBlend, so you could say that my expectations are fairly high. Today I'll be letting you in on my first impression of these two products and whether Ill keep using them or not.

The first time I tried to squeeze some of the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation I noticed that it was slightly separated, so on second attempt I decided to give it a shake. This formula is of quite a runny consistency but when you apply it to the skin it takes a little more work to buff it into the skin flawlessly. I opted for my Beautyblender - of course.

After applying it, the coverage was fairly matte and I noticed that the colour wasn't quite right for me. Perhaps in the winter when my skin goes a little lighter! The formula does not cling to any of my dry patches and feels very, very soft to touch. In other words, it's a very nice lightweight formula and you can't feel it on your face. The coverage is I think maybe slightly more pigmented than TruBlend so maybe closer to the full coverage end of medium to full coverage (if that makes any sense at all).. The longevity of this foundation was great too. I wore it for a few hours, no sweaty oily patches or fading to report on here! If only this was my colour, then I would probably wear it one day and TruBlend the next to just add some variety into my life, ya feel?

The Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer is quite a nice change up from my usual Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. This is definitely a better under eye concealer when it comes to looking more natural, especially during the day time. It doesn't crease under my eyes and one thing I love is the applicator. It's as if it's an applicator for lip gloss so you're able to place it exactly where you want and buff it in again with a beauty blender (or a brush if that's how you roll). I'm going to keep using this concealer during the day time because it feels incredibly light under my eyes and looks fab! It also makes my under eye area feel really smooth which is very naice.

Have you tried Covergirl's Ready Set Gorgeous Range?

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Revlon Nearly Naked was the first affordable foundation I found to work with my skin. Up until this product, every single foundation I tried felt like wet paint on my skin. Whenever I would hug someone, I would be worried that my foundation would transfer onto them, or that my foundation would simply slip off my skin during the day because of so much oil. This foundation, changed all of that. It is so so so light weight, to the point where you forget that you are actually wearing foundation. There are a lot of different shades and although I have oily skin, my friend has dry skin and she also loves this foundation. It provides medium coverage and is definitely buildable.
Sometime late last year I was sent the Covergirl Tru Blend foundation. Usually when I'm sent foundations I feel really skeptical and kind of like 'that won't be for me'. The first time I used this product I really wanted to put it to the test. My family and I were going out to dinner and we were walking to the restaurant which was about 30 minutes away. We also walked home and when we were there, the restaurant was hot so I was sweating a little bit inside too. When I came home I looked in the mirror and holy $#!* this foundation still looked perfect on my skin. I wasn't sure if it was a fluke so I tried it against the next day and oh my gosh was it not a fluke OR WHAT! From that moment forward I put Revlon Nearly Naked on the back burner. One thing that I love more about this foundation is that it has a pump and I find that to be very rare for a good drugstore foundation. I've tested this foundation as well when I go out clubbing and have had photos taken and there isn't any white cast either. This foundation is probably somewhere between medium to full coverage and is also buildable. 
If I were to recommend one or the other, I would definitely recommend Covergirl Tru Blend. But if you've tried it before and didn't like it, try Nearly Naked because that is incredible too.
What is your favourite oily skin foundation?

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