Australian Drugstore Makeup Swap!

Hi, everyone! A few weeks ago, Leah from Temporary Princess got in touch and proposed a totally fun idea- a drugstore makeup swap! She's located down under in Australia, and I in Canada, which means that we both have access to unique brands that we both can't get in our respective countries. I was very quick to agree! We decided on a $40 budget and figured out lists of brands that we'd both love to try. We next went on our respective shopping sprees and then began the suspense of waiting for our packages!

I was so excited to find Leah's package on my doorstep earlier this week. I couldn't wait to discover what was inside!

Here's a peek at all of the makeup goodies that were included. Such an amazing variety! But let's start at the beginning... 

Upon opening the box, I discovered a lovely handwritten note from Leah and a hydrating sheet mask (LonVitalite CW Collagen Firming and Moisturizing Facial Mask). The note suggested I pop on the mask while I opened everything in the package, so I went for it! Such a nice idea :)

Upon removing the tissue paper, I was instantly drawn to the sweet treats in the package! If there's anything I love more than makeup, it's chocolate, so I was excited to spot these delicious delights, none of which are available in Canada. Yum! 

After moving the candy aside, I saw an amazing variety of individually-wrapped packages. The first one I noticed was labelled "for Sadie". My cat! Leah so thoughtfully included some toys for my kitty. I was so touched! Sadie was eager to check them out:

The rest of the packages were numbered, with the instructions to open them in order. Each of them had a cute little tag with a message describing the goodies inside. Such a lovely, personalized touch! Here's what was inside each of the little bundles:

#1: Sportsgirl Hip to Be Square Winter Collection for Eyes, Face, and Lips
I'd heard of Sportsgirl from other Australian beauty bloggers, but had never seen any of their product in the flesh (in the plastic? hmmm). This Hip to be Square palette is a stunning collection, featuring 9 lip colours, 9 eye shadows, and 3 blushes all arranged in a lovely design. Plus, the pattern on the box is stunning! 

#2: Sportsgirl The Polish Pen Nail Art Pen, Face of Australia Carnivale Nail Enamel in Masquerade, Essence 50's Girls Reloaded Nail Polish in Back to the 50s
The next bundle was all about nails! It included a stunning shimmery number from Face of Australia, a classic red from Essence (such cute, retro packaging!), a nail art pen from Sportsgirl, and an adorable little nail set!

#3: Model's Prefer Moisture Lust Glossy Lip Tint in Candy Licious, Ulta3 Lipstick in Cherry Wine, Colour by TBN Kiss & Make Up #881, Mini Chi Chi lip glosses
Number 3 was all about lips in a variety of fun colours! It included a cheery pink chubby lip pencil from Model's Prefer, a bold, classic red lipstick from Ulta3 (have heard great things about these lipsticks), a perky coral tinted lip balm from TBN, and two mini Chi Chi glosses!

#4: Australis Blush in Sand Dune, Chi Chi Mosaic Medium Bronzer
The fourth package was all about glowy touches for the complexion. It included a shimmery peachy-nude blush from Australis and a jumbo-sized multi-coloured bronzer from Chi Chi. Both so perfect for summertime! 

#5: Designer Brands Australia Kohl in Black, Designer Brands Savvy Liquid Eyeliner in Black
This sleek package was all about keeping the eyes looking sleek at well. She noted that she couldn't decide between choosing a pencil vs. liquid liner, so she included both! Can never own too many black eyeliners!  

#6: Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eye Shadow Palette 
Leah included this as the piece de resistance, just in case I wasn't happy with the rest of the goodies in the swap (as if!). It was a stunning eye shadow palette, nearly a perfect dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette. The Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes palette includes 12 neutral shadows in a variety of shimmers and mattes, nudes and smokey tones. How lovely!

Here's a shot of all the spoils, piled in the box:

Sadie was quite curious indeed!

I also had to mention that the customs declaration Leah wrote was kind of adorable, particularly as we don't use the word "lollies" to describe sweets here in Canada. The idea of a box filled with cosmetics and lollies really made me smile :)

Overall, I am so thrilled with this swapping experience. Not only am I super pleased with all of the makeup goodies I received, I was so very impressed and touched by all of the care and personal touches that Leah put into the package. She made it such a fun, lovely experience! Thanks again to Leah for suggesting this idea and for making the process so wonderful! xo

Have you ever done an overseas makeup swap? Do you have any favourite brands of Australian cosmetics?

Thanks for stopping by! :)