Friday, October 31st 2014 Makeup
One of my best friends, Caitlin, is going overseas for a while so she downsized some of her lipstick collection, and I was the one who benefited! Of course, I fully sanitised them before use so please don’t think I’m gross. Some of them are ones I had seen her wear and loved, and others I wasn’t quite sure about, but I was excited nonetheless. I spent a pretty fun afternoon swatching and trying most of them on, all for you, dear readers.
From left to right –
- Maybelline New York Colorsensational – 310 Mochachino
- L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Intense – 290 Plum Passion
- MAC Amplified Creme – Chatter Box
- MAC Amplified – Show Orchid
- MAC Matte – Russian Red
- Maybelline New York Colorsensational – 906 Hot Plum
- Ka’oir – Gorgeous
Wednesday, October 29th 2014 Body
Is Frank Body Scrub worth the hype? If you have been on any sort of beauty-related social media or blog in the last year, you’ve probably heard about Frank Body Scrub. This coffee-based scrub is said to work wonders on cellulite, stretchmarks, and leave your skin perfectly smooth. I finally succumbed to the hype, and bought a packet of this myself. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and I’m going to be sharing what I think of my new pal Frank and whether it’s worth the hype.
Monday, October 27th 2014 Nails
This month’s (well, last month’s by the time I got it) Lust Have It box was seriously delayed, it wasn’t shipped until October. They said it was due to delays with products arriving, and communicated this on Facebook, so I was aware of it. Anyway, it’s here now! This month we received three full size products, two decent sized samples and 4 sample sachets. These products include skincare, makeup and nail products, which is a nice variety.
In response to my reader survey some of you said that you’d like to get to know the person behind the blog. I’ve been writing on here for six months, but most of you probably don’t know a huge amount about me.
My boyfriend and I at my dad’s wedding
I live in Auckland, New Zealand and have done for all of my 23 years. I live with my boyfriend of 6 years, Sam, and my 22 year old brother I work in an office, doing customer service and administration work. It’s not exactly my dream job but it’s okay for now. I studied Geography and then Environmental Management at university, so that’s my background of environmentalism and science that comes on on some posts, like when I wrote about microbeads, or petroleum.
In my teenage years I wasn’t into a lot of makeup, just some sparkly eye makeup and lip gloss mostly. I was always more interested in doing my nails. That didn’t really change much until I went on a trip to the US with my stepsister when I was 21, and she introduced me to the wonderful world of Sephora and MAC and it was glorious. From there the obsession began! I joined the MakeupAddiction subreddit and started watching youtubers doing makeup.
My friend Rebecca and I, at a meet up
I found myself having more to say about makeup than posting in groups and forums really allowed, and then I guest posted on my friends’ blog, and was like wow, I really like doing that. So, that’s how Lena Talks Beauty was born! I’m so glad I decided to do it, it has been such a fun experience. I’ve developed new skills, made new friends with other bloggers, through #BrunchClub and online.
Making time to blog can be a challenge, but I try and tear myself from the laptop as well. I do a jazz dance class, spend time with friends and family and also read voraciously. It’s coming into summer here, so I’m looking forward to spending time at the beach, or sitting outside cafes in the sun. Or alternatively, sitting inside grumbling about how humid it is haha.
I hope this has helped you get to know the girl behind the blog a bit better, and that you found it at least mildly interesting!
Wednesday, October 22nd 2014 Nails
After being inspired by my good friend and fellow blogger Caitlin, recently I have been making good use of striping tape in my manicures. I love the way it makes your nails look more interesting, and you can use it in really creative ways. Using it is something I initially struggled with, but now with practice and some research I have some advice that I can give to you!
This is Revlon Limited Edition Sequin underneath OPI Yoga-Ta Get This Blue. Unintentionally looks like the Scottish flag.
Monday, October 20th 2014 Makeup
Maybelline New York is excited to present the latest look created by our make-up artists straight from the runway of J. Mendel at New York Fashion Week spring / summer 15. A collaboration with artist Enoc Perez, the collection features luxurious, highly textural fabrics and makeup inspired by the glamourous girl who is super-cool and no fuss.
Image supplied by Maybelline New York NZ
Saturday, October 18th 2014 Makeup
iHerb.com is one of my favourite sites to buy beauty products, and today I’m going to share what I think is the best of iherb, and also some things that are on my wishlist. 
Friday, October 17th 2014 Makeup
ZA have released a new range of Gel Eyeliners in a pencil form, and sent them to me to review along with their Liquid Eyeliner and Eyebrow Liner which have newly improved packaging. I have swatches of them, as well as pictures of them on my face for you to check out these fab new products, so let’s get started!
Wednesday, October 15th 2014 Uncategorised
Today is 6 months since my first blog post, and I feel like I’ve come SUCH a long way since then. I’ve learned so much about running a blog, taking photos – going from using my phone to using a DSLR, editing photos, and working with some great brands. Without all my amazing readers, this would all be nothing. I love reading comments, and seeing likes and favourites, and hearing from all of you about what you think of my posts. I’ve also made some awesome friends through blogging which I have been so thrilled about.
To thank you all for your support, I have a giveaway for you – open internationally. Some of the products have been kindly provided to me by PR companies, others I’ve purchased myself.
Monday, October 13th 2014 Hair care
Ribbon elastic hairties are very ‘on trend’ at the moment, but they can be pretty expensive. Some stores are charging $2 each which is more than I’m willing to pay. Today, I’ll be showing you how to make your own ribbon elastic hairties, for around 50c each. 
