Christmas gifts for teenage boys!!

Christmas series #2

First of all, HAPPY DECEMBER!! It's officially summer here in Australia and Christmas is only 24 days away! Who else is as excited as I am???

Next in my christmas series is what to buy for teenage boys. I turned 20 this year and have an 18 year old brother so I am quite experienced in buying gifts for teenage boys.

I really think they are the hardest to buy for but here are some tips to get you started!

1. Pop culture memorabilia
This year my brother has been absolutely obsessed with Dr Who so I went on E-bay and searched for Dr Who memorabilia. I ended up finding a collectors set of figurines for about half the price you would pay in Australia. I also got him an official Dr Who T-shirt.

For the teenage boy in your life, start by thinking about what they talk about alllllll the time. Is their a particular TV show they watch a lot? A movie they love? A particular video game they play all the time? Do they enjoy a particular sport or love a particular team?

Then start doing your research. Make sure you check with the licensed company as to how to be sure that the products your buying are genuine. They is usually a holographic sticker or something on the packaging to determine authenticity. Once you know what you're looking for you can begin your online search. I usually start with E-bay and Amazon, or you can google collectable retailers in your area.

These gifts are great because they show some real thought and insight into what the teenage boy enjoys. They also gain value over time and will become prized possessions.

2. Clothing
What is the one thing most teenage boys despise more than anything?? Shopping for clothes! Christmas can be an excellent time to go shopping and buy them some new clothes. Be sure to check their size before buying!

Not only is this a great way to stop them wearing all those tatty old clothes they've had for years, but you also get to exert a little creative control over the look they'll be sporting for the next zillion months! This is particularly helpful for boyfriends to avoid embarrassment!

Stores like Jay Jays often have really cool licensed clothing too, which can tie in with the above idea.

3. Jewellery 
If your man is a little more sophisticated you could consider buying him some jewellery. They is some really fashionable masculine stuff available at the moment. My favourites include watches, rings, bracelets and cufflinks. (you can also get themed and licensed cufflinks is you are that way inclined!)
Of course jewellery isn't for every man but many modern day men like to accessorise. Particularly if they wear suits a lot or attend a lot of formal functions.

4. DVD's, Video Games etc. 
If all else fails, you can never disappoint with good old fashioned DVD's and video games.
There are always plenty of deals available around Christmas time for these sorts of things and if you keep your eyes and ears open, you can usually suss out what sort of things they're into fairly easily.

5. Vouchers
I tunes vouchers and gift cards are great if you don't know the person very well. That way they can choose whatever they want and you don't risk giving them something they'll hate!




So that is my gift giving guide for teenage boys.

What are you getting the teenage boy in your life this Christmas?

Until next time :) xx

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger TAG.

I saw this tag on 'Beauty Down Under' and thought I would give it a go, maybe you will learn something new about me. :) I know I'm not an established beauty blog yet, but I hope to be one day, so it could be interesting for me to do this tag again when I've been blogging for longer and see if anything has changed!!

So here goes: 


How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts? 

I don't really keep track of it, I really just blog when I feel like it or when I have a new idea. I suppose each post takes around an hour taking/finding photos, editing them, writing and then working on the layout for a bit.

Are you a spender or a saver
Definitely a spender!!! It's really, really, really bad!!! I always tell myself I'm going to save more and stop shopping so much but it never lasts long. Online shopping has definitely become my biggest frenemy!! 

When is it easiest for you to write your posts?
I really just do it when ever I feel like it. It's usually better if I write it ASAP after I get an idea, otherwise I tend to either forget or over-think it and convince myself i's a terrible idea. Blogging is really a spontaneous thing for me at the moment. 

What makes writing posts comfortable for you?

I just really love writing and web design etc. I'm studying journalism at University, so it really just comes naturally. It's what I love to do! 

What's your worst make up/hair habit?
Not getting my hair trimmed enough. I can just never be bothered and I always seem to find something more fun to spend my money on. I am very good at convincing myself that it doesn't really need to be trimmed, when it really, really, really does need it. (Like now!! haha it's been a while!)

What's one quote you wish the world would live by?"The probability that we may fail in the struggle need not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just"
- Abraham Lincoln

How long do you spend getting ready everyday?

At least an hour and a half. It's terrible, I know, but I'm just so indecisive. 

What's your favourite post on your blog?

Hmmm.... that's a good question. I think probably my October Favourites. It was my first time writing a post like that and it made me feel like I was a real blogger. Haha I don't know it just made me really excited to get this blog up and running!

Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers than they have?
http://animatedconfessions.blogspot.com  
I like her. But like I say, I am new to this world so I don't follow all that many blogs. 

What's one thing you're excited about in the coming year?

I am going to Europe in 6 weeks!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!! Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, London, Amsterdam, Heidelberg.... I CAN"T WAIT!!! Also, graduating University this time next year! :)

What's been your favourite blogging moment?

Getting my first follower. I only have two, but I'm just glad those two people actually want to read my blog!! I can only hope there are more to come! 

How long does it take to prep for a post?

I don't really prep, like I said it's fairly spontaneous! I just get an idea and off I go!! 

Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or are you wearing pajama bottoms?
Pyjamas!!! hahaha!!! 

What are you most proud of in your life?
Finishing high school and going to University. I was the first person in my family to do that so that feels pretty awesome! 

I TAG EVERYONE!!!! :)
If you do the tag, leave a link to it in the comments, I'd love to read yours!! :)

Until next time :) xx

Maybelline Makeup Haul!!

Online Shopping Series, #1

I have been going makeup crazy online lately and I thought I would do a series of 'haul' posts to let you guys see some of the products I've been getting, my first impressions and also a review of the websites I buy from.
So here is the first post.

Makeup Brand(s):

Maybelline

Website:

www.brandsexclusive.com.au 

Shipping cost:

$9.90

Shipping time:

2 weeks, 6 days

Total spend (less shipping):

$39.93

Number of products purchased:

7

The products!

1. Colour Sensational lip colour #025 Pink Please

Swatches: Pink freeze, Plink Please, Fluffy Cloud, Twilight Pink

I absolutely adore these lipsticks! This one is lovely and creamy and a very natural, not quite nude subtle pink colour. The shade is perfect with a bright eye or stand-out blush.

2. Colour Sensational high shine lip colour #805 Pink Freeze

This is actually I re-purchase I first bought this shade from a similar sale a few months ago and have worn it almost everyday. It is a super bright pink that really stands out. I don't understand why they say it's 'high shine' because it's actually quite matte, but I like to put a pale pink or clear lip gloss over it and that looks really nice. It's the perfect shade for spring/summer to really make your lips POP!

Silver Stunner and Purple Pearl

3. Eye Studio Cream Duo #107 Silver stunner

I had never tried these eyeshadow duos before but the colours looked real pretty, so I thought I would give them a try. I used this shade today and it wasn't quite what I was expecting. In the pan it looks quite pink, but on the lids it comes out more of a grey-ish purple. It is very long lasting though and easy to apply.

4. Eye Studio Cream Duo #109 Purple pearl

I haven't used this one yet, but from swatching it, I don't know that the colour is going to be all that different from the shade above. Although it looks purple in the pan.

5. Unstoppable eyeliner in Fluffy Cloud

This is a lovely white eye liner. I have loves the unstoppable eyeliners for a couple of years now and this is no exception. It glides on easy and stays on all day. What I love about it is that unlike many white eyeliners, you actually get a really good colour pay off. Great to brighten up your eyes.

6. Unstoppable eyeliner in Twilight Pink

This is a gorgeous baby pink colour and is great just like above!

7. Xxl Curl mascara #532 Very Black, waterproof

Another re-purchase. My mum got me the non-waterproof version of this for Christmas and I am almost all out. I have been loving the way it lengthens, thickens and curls my lashes and lasts all day. I am very keen to try the waterproof version, especially considering how long the non waterproof version lasts!

The Website:

Brands Exclusive has long been a favourite of mine. It is a sale website which releases new products/brands a couple of times every day. Sales usually last about a week or until stocks run out. They have a great range of products; men's, women's and children's clothing, home wares, electronics, makeup, pyjamas, underwear, toys, books and pretty much everything under the sun. They have also recently started up another branch, Living Exclusive, which is all stuff for the home, including appliances etc.

Shipping is flat rate at $9.90 but extra charges apply for bulky items. You can't combine shipping of products bought in different sales, but you only pay the flat rate once per order, regardless of the number of items purchased (unless otherwise stated).

It is a membership based service but membership is free and there are no obligations to purchase.

They always pack the items very well with bubble wrap and pink tissue paper, in a specially marked postage box. Packages require signature on delivery.

I have never had any problems with this website, and the discounts can be huge, sometimes as much as 80% off!!! I would recommend this service to everyone.

*They only ship within Australia.

**I am in no way affiliated with any of the brands/services mentioned. All products were purchased with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own.