Is there such a thing as being too busy?

I am the type of person who can't say no. You want me to work extra shifts? Done. You want me to catch up for tea and a movie? Sure thing. You want me to do extra work for uni? Love to.

It gets overwhelming at times. I get stressed. I cry. I swear I'll try an cull back the things that I do, but it never happens. Why? Because I can't not be busy, and I like to prove people wrong.

Currently I work three jobs, as well as attending uni full time (which also requires an hour and a half commute), as well as trying to maintain a relationship, catch up with friends, keep my family happy, get some exercise, and study enough so I can pass the medical entrance exam so I can get into medical school. This seems like a lot, and it is, but if I only had half of these things to do, I would most likely be twiddling my thumbs at home... That, or finding another big commitment to take on.

Business helps me keep productive in life, because when you're on short deadlines you don't have time to slack off! It also helps me appreciate the downtime I get so much more. When I have a day off work/uni, I celebrate, sleep in until lunchtime, and wear my pyjamas all day. It's small things like this, that make the work all the more worthwhile.  The results of the work are also rewards in themselves. That HD I got? I'm over the moon. The extra $50 in my bank account? Means I can have a treat. 

And even though the process of gaining these rewards is stressful, and there are a lot of blood sweat and tears shed (lots of tears... Ask my family!), I wouldn't have it any other way, because these hurdles that I'm overcoming now, will help me down the track.

As with everyone, it's not just getting to your goal that matters, it's the way there that counts. We can't all earn millions, have our dream jobs, and know everything right at the start... (Even though at times I wish it was that simple!)

Are you the type of person who likes to keep busy? Or tends to take too many things on?

Beth. x 

You don't know what you have until it's gone. #Beautyproblems

So, I ran out of my favourite moisturiser the other day. My holy grail, 'save my skin' product, the La Clinica Clear Skin Oil Control Day Cream.

This may not sound like a big deal, but when you have to get your skincare products sent to you from stores on the other side of the country, because your skin reacts to most products... It's a big deal.

In between the disaster that was running out of moisturiser (who thought opaque packaging with an airless pump was a good idea?!), and the arrival of the package that contained my new one, the moisturiser I used caused my skin to break out and look incredibly greasy.

It was then I realised how much I love my La Clinica moisturiser, and how much I need it in my life, with it's lovely lemon scent, and it's skin clearing abilities. You really don't realise what you have until it's gone.

What product could you not live without? Do you have any other #Beautyproblems ?

Beth. x

My nude = J.Lo's nude.

I don't normally wear nude lipstick. If I'm wearing lipstick, I go by the mantra: go bold or go home. However, L'Oreal have recently released the Collection Privee 'The Perfect Nudes,' with a nude coloured lipstick that corresponds to a particular celebrity. And while this whole idea seems quite gimmicky, I was intrigued to see which celebrity's nude I would match up to.

When these finally arrived on the Priceline shelves, I spent ages swatching them and comparing them to my skin tone in the mirror. I eventually decided on J.Lo's nude. This shade is the exact shade of my lips, so it's perfect to even out the colour on my lips, and add a bit of shine and sheen to the lips.

In the bullet this shade looks quite brown, but on the lips it is the perfect 'your lips but better' pink. It helps even out the colour, and give a bit of glow.

The packaging of these is quite luxurious, with matte black outer packaging and gold detailing.

The only problem I have is with the smell. These lipsticks are quite heavily fragranced, so if you don't like that, these might not be up your street.

And the more exciting news, is that there is a collection of reds coming out in the same line! I will definitely be picking up some of those!

Who is your nude?

Beth. x

Maybelline vs Nars: The matte lip pencil battle.

My name is Beth, and I have a strong love and addiction to the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. They last and last, they're easy to apply, and the shade range is amazing (Cruella and Damned, anyone?). However, at $44 a pop, on a student budget... It's not the most budget friendly purchase. (NB: Mecca Cosmetica haas recently lowered the price of the Nars pencils to $34... Still not that student friendly in the scheme of things!)

(Bottom to top: 510, 140, 310)

Enter the Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Pencils. They've finally hit the shelves (of Priceline) in Australia, after months and months of European bloggers and vloggers raving about them! With a colour range that includes many shades that are exact dupes of the Nars ones I was already impressed. Formula wise, these ones go on slightly easier, because they are slightly (only slightly) more glossy. They also feel a bit more hydrating as well. They last really well, lasting through eating and drinking. The only problem with the slightly glossier formula, is that it is a tiny bit more prone to smudging. But for the bargain price of $9.95, the Nars pencils are already a distant memory for me!

I picked up the shades:  510 - Red Essential, 310 - Berry Much and 140 - Minimalist, with 510 and 310 being dupes for Nars Cruella and Nars Damned respectively. 140 on the other hand is more of a pink/peach nude colour.

The packaging of the Maybelline pencils is glossy, compared to the matte black of the Nars, which means the lids aren't quite as secure... But they're less than $10, so I'm not going to dwell on that!

Are you glad these have finally hit the shelves in Australia? Which shades do you like?

Beth. x