Insta-X-Mas and Boxing Day Haul 2012

How weird does it feel now that Christmas is over? After months of planning, decorating and shopping, I feel kinda sad that it's all done for 2012. But it wasn't without some great memories, and you can see my Instagram-ed Christmas, which I was lucky enough to spend with my family. 

From Left - Right

1. My golden snowflake glitter nails 2. The Christmas tree at my uncle and aunt's house - I have NEVER seen so many presents in one place!! 3. The amazing chocolate-covered coconut ball tree 4. With my gorgeous cousins - we find it hilarious that we look nothing alike even though we're all blood-related! 5. The pink glitter ombre mani I did on my cousin 6. On Boxing Day with my girls.

Now a food baby and a whole lot of leftover wrapping paper later, I'm back at home and ready for 2013! And what better way to bring in the new year with shopping at the Boxing Day sales?! As per usual, guess who bought way more than intended...

The "Jessica" Dress - Parliament Clothing ($134.95 on sale)

I have a bit of a thing for peplums and graphic prints at the moment, so when I saw this dress, I pretty much fell for it right then and there! I love the white diamond print against the jewel-toned galaxy-esque background, and it's a really flattering fit. And it was called the "Jessica" dress, how more ME could it be! Should I wear this dress for NYE or my birthday? Let me know in the comments below!

C&S Dress - Valleygirl ($34.95)

I love the colourful print on this dress, and how the front (and back) have see-through black mesh. It's a really flowy dress, with a skater skirt, so I could definitely wear it at night or during the day. I was really impressed getting this for only $34.95 too, I would've thought a dress like this would have been at least $50! Should I wear this for NYE or on my birthday? Let me know in the comments below!

Skirt - Valleygirl ($24.95)

With the shiny material and leather waist, this actually looks much more expensive than it really was! This is such a versatile piece too, it could work for day, night, and in an office! My staple blue skirt has pretty much had it, so I thought this would make a gorgeous upgrade.

Mink Pink Scarf Print High-Waisted Shorts - David Jones ($44.95 on sale)

I have had my eye on these for a LONG TIME. Being a lover of high-waisted shorts and Mink Pink, I was super excited to see these on sale! I can see myself wearing these with a loosely tucked in tank top during summer, and with a chunky knit, tights and booties in winter!

Benefit "Finding Mr. Bright" Set - Myer ($45)

I have heard great things about Benefit's lip and cheek tints, and their highlighters, so I was so pleased to see a set that had all of them together! I tried on the Posie Tint at the Benefit counter, and it's a really pretty natural blush pink - really romantic and sweet. Plus how adorable is the packaging! While it wasn't on sale, the lady at the counter gave me a sample of the "Porefessional" primer, so I thought it was a pretty good deal.

Give Some Lip Liquid Lip Colour in "Cherry Pie" and Pout About It! in "Dark Angel" - Sportsgirl ($8.95 and $9.95 respectively)

What is it with me and dark lip colours?? It is summer here, so I should be rocking the corals and bright pinks and reds, but here I am buying more purple and plum shade reds. Oh well. I LOVE the way they look on me, kind of vampy and mysterious. And these two look great layered together!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Mascara - Priceline ($11.36 on sale)

I'm already a huge fan of the Scandaleyes mascaras, but I only just found the waterproof version! I saw the flash of blue at the Rimmel London counter, and couldn't believe I hadn't seen it before! It's about time I got myself a waterproof mascara too, what with it being the middle of beach season here!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in "Bright Blue" - Priceline ($6.96 on sale)

I don't normally wear pencil liner (definitely a liquid liner lady at heart), but when I choose to use a pencil, I almost always use blue! And this is a gorgeous bright cobalt blue, which I bet would look stunning under the lights at New Years or any party! 

Rimmel London Glam Eyes HD Eyeshadow Quad in "True Union Jack" - Priceline ($11.16 on sale)

I've had my eye on this quad for a while, and finally bought it! I love blue shadows and the pop of red would look gorgeous in a smokey eye. I already have the neutal "English Oak" palette and the "Black Cab" palette, but who could resist a colour combo as pretty as this??

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in "Too Cool" - Priceline ($8.36 on sale)

I've needed a white creme shadow in a while, and I'm already a fan of the Colour Tattoos. I find that using a white creme base with bright eyeshadows really help the colour pop, so I will definitely be using this with the more intense eye looks I do!

Mint Julips Lip Scrub - LUSH ($9.95)

Dry lips aren't pretty on anybody, so after a few glowing recommendations, I decided to pick up this lip scrub form LUSH. Mine tastes like mint chocolate (um, yum!) and it really does do a good job of buffing away at my lips for a smooth, lippy-ready pout.

Box Necklace - Colette Accessories ($3.95 on sale)

I love quirky jewellery like this, and I was stoked to see it wasn't even $4! I'd probably wear this with a plain top so it stands out.

And finally here is something really cool! My very first column in Girlfriend Magazine as the Rimmel Beauty Insider came out! Now to resist the urge to buy more than one copy...

What was the best memory from your Christmas celebrations this year? Did you find any good bargains from the Boxing Day sales? Let me know in the comments below!