The breakdown: NZ discount beauty sites

So... I'm back! After that rubbish attempt at blogging (otherwise known as starting a blog and doing a measly ONE POST!) I am ready to dive in for good!! And what better way to restart the blog than with a foray into the world of the New Zealand discount beauty sites.

Over the last year and a half many a site has been popping up on the New Zealand (and international) web that offer prestigious beauty brands for a fraction of the price we pay in the shops (especially here in NZ!). There has been so much hype surrounding these sites (e.g. Strawberry.net and more recently ilovebeauty (a warehouse owned site)) that it is very easy to get caught up in them. However, I do wish to provide a word of caution: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! 

The products that they sell are sold for a fraction of the recommended retail price (RRP) that the origins of the products definitely become some what questionable. Firstly, the chances of the product even being real is at the buyers risk. And secondly, these websites are NOT considered to be authorised resellers of the products they are selling. This leaves only one explanation: the source from which they are getting their product is far from legitimate not to mention illegal. The product on these sites essentially comes from something of a black market in the beauty world. 

Now, regardless of where it does come from, its important to understand the risks. If the product is fake then you have no idea of what the ingredients are. Unlike legitimate product, fake product does not go through vigorous testing to ensure that all ingredients are safe for their intended use. Instead, the main purpose is to simply imitate the appearance of a real product. You wouldn't go into a science lab and put a whole lot of random chemicals on your face would you? no? Then don't risk putting fake product on it!

Now, my final caution will be that even in the rare case the product is real, as it is being sold through an unauthorised reseller they have no obligation to ensure that it is in date or even still safe for use. So once again, its at buyers risk.

I know the prices we pay for makeup and skincare are absolutely ridiculous over in this area of the world, but there are so many other options now to get that price down! Its also easy to find almost anything you want online, on authorised overseas sellers, and you still only have to pay a fraction of the price, even including shipping.

So, stick to safe methods for purchasing product and remember its only a good deal if it doesn't burn your face off!

Until next time,

Kirsty xx

Introduction and welcome.

Welcome to my brand new blog Colour it Beauty! 

This is my very first foray into the blogging world so I thought the best way to start would be to tell you a little about me!

I'm 22 and I live in New Zealand. I've lived here my whole life and as much as I do love it, I'm dying to move overseas and travel around! Meanwhile however, until those dreams come true, I am working and studying full time. I have an absolute love for makeup and skincare and I currently work in the beauty industry. 

When I was younger I never really enjoyed makeup and barely ever wore it, I was always the girl in school with nothing on but lip balm! Skincare was pretty much a foreign idea to me as well. I used to scrub (yes! Scrub!) my face every few days with St Ives apricot face scrub (just thinking about the damage I could have done makes me want to go back and slap my younger self) and never moisturised because I never thought I needed to.

When I grew up, moved outta home and started working I pretty much fell into makeup by coming across 'how to' videos online and now it's a full blown obsession. I just love everything about it, how it can completely change both how someone looks and how someone feels. I believe the power makeup can have on a woman is unmeasurable and incredible! So I love it!

About a year ago I discovered skincare and again, I fell in love. I love both the science behind it and the experience of using it. In my mind it's the perfect way to end a hectic day and it's the best way to start a new one (unfortunately that's not to say that I can never be caught lazily leaving my makeup on overnight every now and again).

I'm very excited about starting this blog- even though it has taken me a very long time to work up the courage to! I think it will be a fun way to express my makeup and skincare obession (and it might mean I won't bore my boyfriend any longer with endless beauty chat).

So here's to many more posts and exciting products ahead!

xx