I don’t have a whole lot to say here, but I really want to document this.

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A few birthday bits 🥳 Lippies in the shades #laissezfaire and #modesty 💋 #makeupcollection #makeupmess #instabeautyau #beautycommunity #ausbeautybabes #slaytheflatlay #bbloggersau #makeuptime #beautyaddict #makeuplovers #beautyjunkie #beautyaddiction #beautyroutine #beautyobsessed #flatlayforever #flatlaystyle #skincareaddict #discoverunder5k #carolinehirons #maccosmetics #skincarecarolinehirons

A post shared by Laura @ ROLLY Mag 💫 (@rolly.mag) on Aug 22, 2020 at 1:37am PDT

I turned 20, on the 20 th of August 2020. Pretty cool in my eyes haha.
Writing this is actually the first time I’ve thought ‘wow, I’m 20!!!’ and I’ve been twenty for a few days at this point.

I had a major uni presentation at 8am on the day of my birthday, so the morning was a bit of a blur.
But throughout the day, I ordered some presents for myself including the Nudestix Estee La Londe set from Beauty Bay and few clothes from The Iconic and Cotton On.
The 20th and 21st of August were Afterpay sales online so there was a lot of temptation paired with a ‘eff it, it’s my bday mindset’ lol.
I had four of my friends drop around at different times throughout the day to give me their gifts.

I was so grateful for that, but it was so odd to have to talk to them from a distance on my driveway wearing masks.
It was just really unbelievable.
My mum was cute though and drew ‘Happy Birthday’ on our driveway with chalk, and had balloons on the letter box.
I was gearing myself up for a mentally challenging day, to be honest. Being in lockdown, I knew my birthday would be hard. Mostly because I had never imagined I would be in this situation. So accepting this new reality was difficult.
But honestly, I surprised myself with how okay I felt all day. In fact, I felt really spoilt and loved and grateful. It was a really good day.
My IG friends also made me feel their love and I’m beyond grateful for that.
Of course, I can’t wait to be able to see my friends and give them a big hug… but I know that even despite the lockdown and such, I’m still in a very fortunate position.

I had a realisation a while ago that aging is such a privilege… so I’m just happy to be here.
Read my birthday post from last year 19 Things in 19 Years.

I wrote: This time last year, life was so different. Imagine what life will look like this time next year.

Boy oh boy, ain’t that the truth!

A few notable gifts:

This was the ultimate gift to myself this year. Even though I had to begrudgingly buy a new car because of my accident in July, I kept aside some money so I could buy the brand new release Bon Maxie Sidekick bag. I said to Clare, I would rather have this bag than a car hahah. It was a non- negotiable.
I got the colour Milk Tea with antique gold and am in absolute heaven. It is perfect in every way. The colour, the size, the design –it’s so smart and practical. Like the side pocket as a magnetic close…. Genius! I can tell this won’t be my last Sidekick. Think I need every colour now!

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Okay, Bon Babes, the official Sidekick release is coming up SO soon. If you want to be the first to shop these newbies in our VIP presale, you’d better sign on up to our mailing list via the #linkinbio 😉😉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you made your choice yet? Which of our new colours is at the top of your wishlist? 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Milk Tea Pebble Blue Pebble Black Pebble ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Swipe to view the new Sidekick colour lineup and cast your vote below 😍 . @katelukephotography 📸

A post shared by EARRING HOLDERS + LIFE STORAGE (@bonmaxie) on Jul 18, 2020 at 3:12pm PDT

Finally got my hands on the bible, aka Skin Care by Caroline Hirons! I sent the link to this book to my bestie as soon as it was released, and her being a legend got it for me!

She also got me the Feather and Noise lilac crewneck. It is like wearing a cloud. It’s so lovely! I really hope they restock these next year so I can buy the other colour ways.
I haven’t got these yet but my bestie that lives quite far away from me got me the Kathryn Loche croissant earrings. I have been looking for Mejuri dupes everywhere and these were the best priced ones I found. They are so sweet, and I’m so excited to wear Kathryn’s beautiful pieces.

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

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Did I nearly forget I had this series? Yes… but posting it two days into the next month ain’t that bad- right!?

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Just like that, my birthday month is over… but because of everything going on I will continue to use ‘it is/was my birthday’ as a way to justify all of my purchase. Oops. Faves of this month include the Cerave cream that has been saving my sore, dry skin. This Loreal clear brow gel, in combination with a brow pencil is the only makeup I’m wearing to work. This is such a good product, I particularly like the small spoolie and that there always seems to be just the right amount of product, you don’t have to scrape off the excess- win! I’m also loving the ESK overnight mask as a spot treatment for my maskne! And the hyaluronic acid serum from Sand and Sky is a very necessary, hydrating addition to my AM and PM routines. What products have you been loving this month? (ESK PR Sample via @blacksixteenagency, Sand & Sky PR Samples, Loreal – PR Sample via @bellaboxaunz ) #makeupcollection #makeupmess #instabeautyau #beautycommunity #ausbeautybabes #slaytheflatlay #bbloggersau #makeuptime #beautyaddict #makeuplovers #beautyjunkie #beautyaddiction #beautyroutine #beautyobsessed #flatlayforever #flatlaystyle #skincareaddict #discoverunder5k #augustfaves #monthlyfavorites

A post shared by Laura @ ROLLY Mag 💫 (@rolly.mag) on Aug 31, 2020 at 2:27am PDT

Wore

My Lilac Feather and Noise sweater that I got form my bestie for my bday! Obsessed.

Did

I celebrated my birthday this month! It was obviously very chill because of restrictions here in Victoria but I felt very loved and spoiled by my friends and family (IRL and on IG)!

Read

The last week of August, I challenged myself to read everyday. It didn’t have to be many pages, or for a long time, it just had to be something! I started and finished ‘My Dark Vanessa’ and WOW! It is such an interesting and powerful read… I had to put it down sometimes and take a breather. However, I ultimately wanted to just devour it at once to know what happened. Read with caution, but definitely recommend.

Watch

Ummm… honestly can’t think of anything that I watched apart from Youtube and Tik Tok? Boring. But, in case you were wondering, my fave Youtubers are:

Rachel Catherine, Georgia Richards, Conagh Kathleen and Jessica Braun.

Ate

@allbasescovered.pod made me do it! Twirl bites… so good. Don’t really see the fuss about the caramilk ones tbh.

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

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On Sunday 23 rd August, I attended the 8pm Homebody Club Women’s Circle.
My beautiful friend @daisy_chain_daydreams had attended in the past, and so I was keen to go and
see what it was all about.

The circles are hosted by HC’s founder, Lucy Green.

It is ran over Zoom, but Lucy is the only one with her microphone and camera on- us participants
communicate through the chat. (Luckily because I was in my pjs!)

We began with Lucy guiding us through a grounding meditation. I enjoy meditating but I find it hard
to bring my mind back as it so often wanders.
We then talked about Leo and Virgo seasons, their energies and what that means for us.
I was really excited to attend this particular circle, as it was just my birthday and I am a Leo through
and through.
Leos are typically warm, creative, enthusiastic, confident.
And Virgos are typically organised, planners.
So the merging of Leo’s ambitions with Virgo’s go-getter attitude is a really great combo. And they
can be powerful to harness both energies and use them together to make you dreams (or even just
your to-do list) come true.
Lucy also pulled two oracle cards for us during the session. One was ‘Protection’, about pulling back our energy
and reserving it, and the other was ‘Priestess’, and my main takeaway from this was not to underestimate the power of sharing your story.

We were also given a few question prompts, to write down and share our answers to in the chat.

What is your intention for the month?
‘Reading more’ was one of my 2020 goals that I haven’t achieved… yet. Many fo the women in the
circle also shared that they loved reading but didn’t often pick up a book.
So I want to challenge myself to dedicate time to reading every day this month. Someone in the chat
had a good suggestion (not just for reading) but for getting started with anything. Just start with 5
pages or 5 minutes. Don’t have high expectations of yourself… little is better than nothing.

We also had to set a word for the month ahead.
I choose ‘easy’.
Before the circle, I was watching this vlog from Amelia Liana. I haven’t watched her in ages… but for
some reason was drawn to this video. I got to a bit where she was sharing some advice she had got
from a reader. Anytime you think something is hard, or challenging, ask yourself ‘what if it were
easy.’ This really struck me,
So my word for the month is ‘easy.’
‘Easy’, not in the sense that my challenges aren’t hard, but that they are achievable.
The circle then ended with another mediation about courage, and I found this one hard to relax into
because Lucy was saying some amazing things and I wanted to scribble down notes.

I felt like both Amelia’s vlog and the Circle came at such a good time for me.
The Universe really does have her ways.

The week of the circle, I was entering into a new unit at uni; Anatomy and physiology 2.
Last semester, I did A&P 1. I was warned it would be hard. But even with that knowledge, it was
harder than I ever could have imagined.
I hated it.

And so going into this second unit, makes me doubly nervous because I know what to expect. I fear
it will bring back all those negative and unproductive emotions I felt during that last unit.
I really needed to feel empowered to face this unit again, and that’s exactly what the Circle did for
me. I feel confident in my ability to face this unit. Not the coursework per se, but just in remaining
productive and moving forward with it.

I am less fearful and more courageous.

Now, let me say that I am writing this on the Monday after the Circle, and I start the classes
tomorrow (Tuesday.) Who knows how I’ll feel after that, but right now I am doing okay.
I’ve planned my week, and just asked myself to do my best and try to live my dream life for at least
the next five days, Monday through Friday. Come the weekend, I can collapse into a heap if I need to
(after work lol). But foe these next five days, I want to be doing my daily reading, I want to be
exercising and being productive at uni.

I paid a one-off fee to attend this Circle, but I believe going forward only members can attend. I am
definitely doing to investigate the membership, as I found this really beneficial. I wish this sort of self
and spiritual development is something I could do myself, but I’m much better at being guided
through it.

Find out more about Homebody Club here.

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

hellorollymag@gmail.com

I wrote this post in Lockdown 1.0, and now we are in lockdown 2.0 in Melbourne. Ah good times, so organised 😂

Anyways, I have heaps of mascaras so I’m going to test them out, 5 at a time!

BYS Lash Boost: I was able to get quite a natural looking effect with this mascara on the ends of my lashes, but wanted a bit more ‘boost’. I really focused on shimmy-ing the brush right at the base of my lashes which thickened the appearance and made them a bit more fluttery yet daytime appropriate. I was impressed that I could achieve two different looks with it. However, after a day of sitting at my desk and touching my face too much, I did have a tiny bit of flaking. Nothing too bad, I’ll just use this for short term wear. (Gifted)

Makeup Revolution The Waterproof Mascara: I’ve heard so many great things about the non-waterproof version of this so I was excited to try. Without too much effort, I was able to create quite bold, voluminous lashes. Very happy! It held up extrememly well too. I never wear waterproof mascara ans so kinda had a bit of toruble removing it. My Press Beauty swipie did a pretty good job by itself but I had to use some micellar water to get off the final bits. I would use this for when I need a super long last lash, but because of the removal hassel I won’t reach for it everyday. However, the non waterproof version i am super keen to try!! (Gifted)

Ulta3 Great Lengths: Ok, guys! This mascara does exactly what it promises! The most lengthening mascara I have potentially ever tried! It has a thin, plastic wand which normally isn’t my fave, but it works super duper well with this formula. Seriously, wow!! I feel like despite the fact that there isn’t a crazy about of volume to your lashes, the length makes up for it and creates pretty pow-wow lashes. LOVE!! (Gifted)

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift: I bought this in the Priceline half price sale a little while back. I was totally influenced by beauty babes on Instagram to buy this. People sung its praises from the rooftops, so I thought, ‘yep let’s add another mascara to my already embarrassing large collection.’ Because of this, I had V V V V HIGH expectations. I was expecting to look like i had false lashes on. Lemme say, this was not the case. One coat of mascara gave me longer, fuller looking lashes and yeah it was nice. But it wasn’t WOW, like I was expecting. I could build up the layers to get a more dramatic result, but it still didn’t blow me away. It lasts all day very well, and I do like the hourglass-shaped brush. Ultimately, it’s nice, but I think the Lash Sensational can achieve this and more…

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Volume On Demand: I’ve tried the OG Scandal Eyes in the past and was not a fan- it was soooo clumpy… however this new one was a vast improvement in my opinion. I could achieve thicker-looking, longer lashes quite easily, and I could then build it up a bit. It lasted well and I was happy overall. I would actually rate this over the Maybelline Lash Lift in terms of ‘drama’. In saying that though, I wouldn’t repurchase because I think others can achieve this and more. (Like I’ve said, I have high standards when it comes to mascara!!)

I was most shocked by….The Rimmel Scandal Eyes! Just because I had a bad experience with the original in the past, so I had high expectations for this one and I believe it lived up to them)

If I could only pick one…. Agh, so hard! I certainly want to buy the non-waterproof version of the Makeup Revolution, because then I would certainly pick that one. But because I did try the waterproof one, from this selection I would choose the Ulta3! I wonder if I could get more volume- in addition to the great length- if I used an eyelash curler before hand?

Have you tried any of these mascaras? What’s your favourite?

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

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Today I want to invite you to my at-home spa! You know when you walk into a day spa, and it smells like heavenly essential oils, the lights are low and there is gentle music playing? I tried to emulate this at home, with the help of my Buckley and Phillips Diffuser and Gumleaf Essentials essential oils.

I chose to use Gumleaf Essentials Easy Breathe in my diffuser, a delightful combination of eucalyptus and lavender. It was the perfect for transforming me from my bathroom, to a day-spa. The coloured LED light also added to the spa experience!

I’ll tell you more about B&P a little later on in the post, but first let me talk you through my day-spa treatment of choice… a facial!

I was inspired by @madeleineedwards At Home Facial!

This facial was designed to give my skin a deep clean, whilst hydrating and nourishing it for the day ahead.

1. Skinstitut L-Lactic cleanser

2. Sand & Sky Enzyme Polish

3. Andalou 1000 Roses Hydrating Mask

4. Removed with Press Beauty Swipies

5. Spray with Avene Thermal Water

6. Nourishing Moisturiser with Beach Way Aromatics

7. Day oil, Get Up and Glow by Bettyquette

8. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF

Some of the reasons I love this diffuser (apart from it’s magical powers to transport me to a day-spa at home!)

• Disperses a cool mist vapour
• Coloured LED lighting
• Immediate aroma, no need to warm up
• Continuous for 10hrs or 1, 2 or 3hr timer
• Automatic shutoff at low water level
• BPA-Free
• One year guarantee on all electrical components

Enjoy reading my interview with Ben Phillips, Brand Manager, Buckley and Phillips Aromatics via @beautyprsydney !

I’ve been enjoying using my diffuser for an ‘at home day spa’ experience… what are some other ways to make the most out of your diffuser at home?

Diffusers can be an ideal “mood enhancer”. For example, before a session of yoga or meditation, try diffusing these blends:

#1.) 4 drops sandalwood Australian / 3 drops bergamot / 2 drops patchouli

#2.) 4 drops frankincense / 4 drops helichrysum / 2 drops sweet orangeNeed to focus while working from home? Try diffusing these:2 drops lime / 2 drops lemongrass / 1 drop peppermint / 1 drop rosemary

B&P are passionate about ‘Sharing moments through scent’ – can you tell us more about how humans connect scents and experiences?

“Sharing moments through scent” really encompasses the simplicity of what we are about. Using aromas for a shared experience, memory creation and recollection, and being present in the moment.On a physiological level, when an aroma is inhaled the molecules enter the nose and are registered by olfactory nerve cells. These pass the information to the limbic brain. And it is the limbic system deals with emotions, memories and stimulation. This explains why certain scents have the ability to trigger memories and influence our moods.

Why does B&P place such importance on ethically sourced essential oils?

At Buckley and Phillips we have always been conscious of our environmental impact. We avoid using unnecessary packaging and use recyclable glass and PET containers. We keep our carbon footprint lower by sourcing labels and boxes locally. This has the added benefit of supporting other Australian businesses. 15 of our essential oils are grown and sourced right here in Australia including a native species of Sandalwood grown in plantations which are co-managed by the indigenous custodians of the region.

Ethical sourcing has guided our choices of oils and growers but it has also influenced our decision not to stock certain oils. These include Brazilian rosewood, Indian sandalwood, spikenard, agarwood. We continually review our range and suppliers as global impacts to farming practices and sustainability change.

For people who may be new, or hesitant, to try essential oils, where do you suggest they start?

For those who have never tried aromatherapy before and a are bit daunted by the choice, I recommend started with a ready-made blend. Our pulse point roll-ons are a great way to incorporate essential oils into your sleep routine, reduce the impact of stress and headaches or balance your mood. 

Find out more about Buckley and Phillips here, and shop their range here.

If you have any questions for me or the Buckley and Phillips team, please do leave them in the comments below!

Who else is going to have an at-home spa pamper?

*** Diffuser and essentials oils are PR Samples via Beauty PR Sydney, all opinions are my own.

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

hellorollymag@gmail.com

@figur_co / @emeldodesign / @rust_creative / @australiscosmetics

So I didn’t want to say it (write it?) because then it would be official… but now I am because it is official. But the Week Latte will now be a monthly occurrence! Maybe more than once a month, just not once a week. Sorry and thank you xx

After seeing this beautiful at-home facial by @madeleineedwards, I’ve been searching for DIY inspo like this!

I liked this mostly for the self care for the soul!

Dealing with disappointed expectations in a pandemic.

@makeupwithcortney shared this post by @vixmeldrew and SO MUCH YES! I never knew how much behind the scenes work went into blogging before I started my own blog. This is the exact reason why likes, comments and -let’s be honest- follows mean so much to creators because that is the only way we get recognition for our work.

@leighacampbell shared this post by @collabchat that talks all about NZ’s new LAWS about influencer’s disclosing commercial relationships. Lots of good tips for bloggers included in this post and this page too!

@calltimeonmelanoma have created this incredible resource that combines two of my favourite things- sun safety and discount codes! So many bargains, including 20% off Australia’s fave spf, Ultra Violette!

Last month, my first favourite blogger, Hannah Gale, quit the internet. It was her full time job, and had been for a few years. But she had been trolled relentlessly and expecting her second child she decided that the best move was to remove herself from the internet. She literally had to quit her job because of bullying. Imagine that happening in an office setting??? It wouldn’t stand. Yet people get away with this bullying on the internet. It infuriates me. I miss Hannah so much, and I honestly went thorough a bit of grief. Now, a YouTube OG, Ingrid Nilsen has posted her final video. This had a very different tone to Hannah’s announcement. Ingrid is leaving on her own terms. After a decade, she is ready to close her Youtube chapter. It is still really sad and there is an element of grief, but more than anything I just feel so proud of her and honoured to have been on her journey.

Further adding on to this, it was announced that Aussie print publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and InStyle will be folding. It truly breaks my heart. I remember the day DOLLY announced it’s closure- I cried. This is why I do ROLLY Mag, I wanted to be a magazine editor growing up. I’m so grateful for the online space to enable me to fulfil this dream in some sense but it’s certainly come at the cost of the print industry.

Loved this post by @theinsecuregirlsclub, ‘Why can’t I stop worrying about weight gain during lockdown.’

I’ve started reading the blog Lolita Says So and am obsessed! So much beauty and fashion inspo and knowledge.

So, dolphin skin is a thing? Didn’t know that.

@littlelistofmine shared the beauty products she will buy again (and again!)

@felixandscott has started an IG account that functions as a free resource for Aussie bloggers. So much to learn!

Team Mamamia share their beauty faves – on my wish list:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Cleanser
• Napolean Perdis Light Switch Luminizer Palette
• Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
• Trinny London Eye2Eye in Courage
• RAWKANVAS Remedy Calming Hemp Body Oil
• Emma Lewisham Skin Shield Daily Face Antioxidant Protect + Repair SPF30

Speaking of Mamamia, you can have a sneaky peek inside Queen @leighacampbell’s bathroom (read: beauty cabinets!!) here and her bag here.

Our other Queen, @theamyclark, is *sob* leaving Mamamia for new adventures at Adore Beauty, read about that here. So proud and excited about what’s ahead.

I could go ON but I might leave it there for today… who knows – maybe occasionally there will be more than one Week Latte a month to make room for all the amazing things I want to share 😉

Tell me more about your month in the comments xx

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag>>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

Love a bargain? Me too! Find a bargain in my Discount Directory >>> https://rollymag.home.blog/rolly-mags-discount-directory/

And say hello via email >>>

hellorollymag@gmail.com