summer makeovers under $20 + giveaway

I'm MAKING the time to say ALOHA to the glorious summer sun + sharing some budget {under $20} makeover ideas to freshen us up for the new season. I know I needed a boost + it's amazing what you can do for your mood/look for under twenty bucks. I feel like I've shed my winter skin, so in case anyone else was feeling the same as this previously-hibernating black duck ~ here's my tips to share!



I was literally hiding under a doona of hair. That needed to GO! I like my long hair & all, but it is ridiculous to rock it in a hot, humid North QLD summer. C'mon ~ thanks to the magic of Photobooth I can show you the ridiculous thick mane I was ignoring & wearing in a top knot for months. Seriously?!



OK ~ so a chop for $20 from a local lovely home hairdresser. I got it thinned/razored out as much as possible & a good 20 odd centimetres off the length. Loving it sick. But the fading & growing out red colour {that to be honest, is way too much maintenance for me} had to go next.



I chose Nice & Easy 'Natural Medium Golden Brown' to give my hair an even all over colour. I knew my hair wouldn't go the intended colour due to the red pigment already in it ~ but I'll get there eventually. Cost me approx $14. Bargain for fresh, shiny, even coloured locks.




After bub goes to bed at night time ~ I get a chance to freshen up the ol' manicure without chance of it getting smudgy. My favourites this summer are Revlon 'Tropicana' {although I have a feeling this is out of stock, but it's a gorgeous orange/red shade that my sister got me on to last year} & Australis 'Sweet Pea' ~ loving alternating between these two bright shades!



BEST new make up find is Maybelline's 'Lasting Drama' gel eyeliner. I've been using Stila previously {needing to order from OS for a bargain price} but THIS is only $16.95 at Priceline. It's doesn't smudge after it's set + is perfect for the winged cat-eye look. I'd recommend using a good angled eyeliner brush as I think it gives a better effect than the one included. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!



And for one of the best pieces of beauty news I've heard in awhile ~ Monne is back in business!! I've previously raved about Monne express self tan HERE in 2008; but not long after it disappeared off our shelves to my dismay + caused me to try a gazillion other budget priced self tanners in hopes of coming across something similar. But to no avail. But now I don't need to worry as this gorgeous green-based natural looking self tanner is BACK! And to celebrate I've got 2 bottles to give away to 2 lovely ladies!



To score a bottle; just leave a comment on this post! EASY! If you'd like to leave your budget tip for a summer makeover ~ I'll love you just that little bit more. I'll take all the summer-fying I can get!

{Entries open until 9am Friday 16th December ~ winners announced same day.}

PS: if you're keen to purchase a bottle direct from Monne ~ I've got a 15% discount code for you that's valid until 31st December. Just enter the code 'summer' at the check out. Score!