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Wednesday, 10 February 2016

♡ January Favourites 2016 ♡


 Hello my old friends,

It is time for another month favourites post - fashionably late as always!




Now we could sit and listen to my sob story about how I have been struggling with pneumonia for the past couple of months, but discussing cool things I found last month would be much more interesting, amirite?

Let’s get into it!


First, the skincare…


Introducing, Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Oil [x] !







Palmer’s describes this as a “deeply hydrating, fast absorbing body oil that rejuvenates and replenishes skin’s moisture and radiance”, and I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with those claims.


This is a huge step up from the body oil featured in one of my previous monthly favourites. It has a much lighter consistency, yet doesn’t skimp out on hydration as a consequence. Since this is so light and easy to apply, I find myself using it everyday rather than as a biweekly treatment, which means I can preserve my youth in oily goodness (…right?).
Most importantly it makes you smell like a human macaroon, which is simply divine!

This product retails for $9.99 RRP, which is an absolute steal for a body oil! 


Next up, Skin Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum [x] !




Skin describes his as “a daily facial serum with natural actives of kale, spirulina, parsley, and acai fruit extract to restore a healthy glow”. 

Now I didn’t head into Priceline thinking I was going to buy this hidden gem, but they were all out of my Nude by Nature serum so I figured hey, why not?

This serum makes my skin feel hydrated from within in seconds! Although the scent isn't exactly delightful, the product delivers with its hydration capabilities. If I put moisturiser or sunscreen on top of this my skin feels ever so plump and baby-bum soft, completely blurring over any dry patches on my skin! I would highly recommend this for those with combination skin who want to experience hydration without a gross, greasy residue.

This product retails for $17.99 RRP, but is regularly on sale at such stores as Priceline and Chemist Warehouse.


Onward to haircare!

First up, Roots Hair Treatment by Lush [x] !





Lush provides a lengthy description of the product as follows:
“A treatment for thin and fine hair. The route to mighty fine hair! Fine hair needs careful looking after, this treatment is packed full of ingredients to revitalise it from root to tip. There’s honey to soften along with some extra virgin olive oil to strengthen and condition the hair. It’s one of Mark Constantine’s trichology creams from the early days when he worked at a well-known West End hair salon and really needed to sort people’s hair out. Roots works on the scalp to make it beautifully healthy, which in turn makes your hair healthy, strong, shiny and voluminous. He added lots of menthol to the recipe, which stimulates the scalp and encourages hair to grow to its full length, giving the appearance of thicker hair.”

I bought this with the purpose of growing my hair to bob length, as I have heard it works brilliantly for that. Those word-of-mouth recommendations did not fail! My hair grew half an inch in just two weeks, which is half the expected monthly hair growth on average. This stuff makes hair sprout out of your head like no tomorrow, and you can feel the menthol ingredients working as you massage it into your scalp. I like to only apply this to the scalp and roots of my hair where it is going to be the most effective, yet others like to apply it all over their hair (you do you). If you have fine hair and want to see it grow into a luxurious mane, this is the product for you.

Roots retails for $20.95 RRP, but I think it is worth every penny!

Keeping the minty theme going, let’s talk about Hask’s Mint Almond Oil Root Thickening Spray [x] !




Here is the description available off of their website:
“Boost and restore lifeless locks with HASK Mint Almond Oil Root Thickening Spray. Known for its high content of omega fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium, almond oil helps increase body and volume while adding nourishing shine to hair. With Bio3 Thickening Complex and peppermint oil to invigorate hair and scalp, this lightweight mist restores and strengthens, leaving flat, lifeless locks instantly looking thicker and fuller.” 

There I was, aimlessly browsing the beautiful store that is Kmart, when I saw this beauty stand out at me (amongst the other Hask goodies!). Because of Roots, I’m all about these root stimulating products, and it had to be mine. Thankfully, this did not disappoint whatsoever! I love how this makes my scalp tingle after washing my hair, as well as provides nourishment while it is still wet. It also has made my mane extremely thick and glorious, and I could not recommend it enough!

This treatment retails for $12.00 RRP at Kmart, making it extremely affordable for its high quality!

Lastly, we have a hair styling product.

Say hello to Creightons' Argan Smooth Heat Defence Spray [x] !




Creightons describes this product as “professionally formulated to deliver nourished, healthy hair every day. Naturally enriched with Moroccan Argan Oil, hair is deeply moisturised and nourished from root to tip delivering salon quality results.”

I will say that it has been a struggle and a half to find an affordable, yet effective, cruelty free heat protectant. However, that search is over! This product not only protects my hair from my mangy old GHD, but also makes it feel very soft and shiny to boot! I can finally chuck out my Tresemme Heat Protectant and use this beauty guilt free!

This product retails for $9.99 RRP, which honestly is a bargain considering the quality.

It is finally makeup time.

(First off, do excuse the reappearance of my Mattes 2 Palette by Chi Chi. It really likes to show off how fantastic it is, but I have bragged about it enough!)

Let us begin with the ultimate babe to end all babes, the Model’s Prefer Contour Collection Ultimate Contouring and Highlighting Palette!




This palette is a pale girl’s best friend. Forget the bottom left and right shades, the middle shade puts all other contour colours to shame! You can create a perfect shadow effect that never looks chalky or streaky, and blends out like an absolute dream. I will also use the highlighter in the top right corner for a very subtle highlight on days where I don’t want to look overly celestial, as it blends perfectly into my blush. I could not possibly recommend this palette enough!

I cannot seem to find this for sale anywhere online at the moment, and I will be emailing Priceline shortly to confirm whether it has been discontinued or not (but to do so would be a beauty crime…).

Next up, Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit in ‘Dark’ [x] !




Elf describes the following description on their website:
“Create brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined! The pigmented wax defines and shapes brows and the color complementing setting powder keeps them looking arched and perfected. The doubled sided taklon brush has one side to help arch your brows while the other side aids in filling them in. This duo provides lasting color definition for a naturally beautiful look.”

This kit is the closest I have got to achieving the perfect brows! The wax is deep enough in colour, but not so dark as to create a stark effect on my face. I also find that this wax provides a beautiful, full look to the brows without being too overbearing. It does have a reddish undertone to it, but that works well in my favour given my signature hair colour! The setting powder also doesn’t add a whole lot of colour to the finished look, which makes this a very forgiving kit for beginners. 

This kit retails for $8.00 RRP at Kmart, which is a total steal.

Speaking of Elf, let’s swoon a little over the Elf Studio Matte Lip Colours [x] !


Elf provides the following description:
“This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact color application with twist up ease so you never have to sharpen. The pigment rich color glides on effortlessly and easily to provide long lasting matte color. The enriched Vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips.”

I own the shades “Praline” and “Tea Rose” out of this collection, and I am in looove. Praline is such a beautiful browny-pink colour that gives enough drama to stand out, but is chill enough to be an everyday lip. Tea Rose, on the other hand, is a lovely muted purple that will add a unique flare to any look you’re sporting, dramatic or otherwise.

Elf Studio Matte Lip Colour in 'Praline'

Elf Studio Matte Lip Colour in 'Tea Rose'

These lip colours are extremely easy to apply, and last for an extremely long time considering the price tag! I have snacked and sipped on drinkies in these and the lip colour is still there, completely unaffected. I don't think they would last through a smoochin’, but most lipsticks that do are more on the uncomfortable side compared to these.

As for formulation, I cannot say I agree with the hydration claims of the product if you’re blessed with chronically dry lips like mine. However this is fixed very easily by applying a small layer of lip balm on top of the lip colour, which also adds a glossiness that looks gooorgeous, darling. 

I have read on some blogs that these are supposed to be gluten free, but I would double check with Elf before purchasing. I have a gluten intolerance and have experienced no issues using these, but someone with coeliac disease may like to take precautions just in case (be safe, kids!)

These retail for $8.00 RRP at Kmart, so I would definitely recommend giving them a go!
Moving on to some Makeup Revolution products!

I did go a little makeup mad when I travelled overseas, but I’m saving all the foundations and concealers for another post. For now, let’s take a look at the Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in ‘Golden Lights’ [x] !




When you are pale with extremely yellow undertones, it can be very difficult to find a highlighter that compliments your skintone. Because of this, I was extremely surprised to find a highlighter this pale in the UK on my travels, and had to get one for myself!

This highlighter has a very dramatic, golden undertone, which isn’t for those who prefer a more natural glow. This is essentially celestial goddess in powder form, and will give your skin a gorgeous glow that shimmers as everyone turns to look at how gorgeous your sparkly cheekbones are. This also lasts me the entire day if I don’t take any naps, so that’s always a plus! 

I bought this for 4 pounds at Boots, but  it is available for purchase from the Makeup Revolution website and potentially sold on eBay (have a browse around!).

And FINALLY, let’s finish up with Makeup Revolution Pro Base Fixing Mist!





I’m a sucker for setting sprays, so I couldn’t walk past this one. For a drugstore product it has wonderfully functioning packaging, with a spray nozzle that delivers a light, evenly dispersed amount of product to the face. I find that this does a great job at dialling down the powdery look on my face, and helps my makeup to stay those extra few hours when needed. I’ll definitely be heading to the Makeup Revolution website to stock up on more of these!



Aaaaaaaand, that’s all folks! If you would like to see more in-depth reviews of any of these products, or have a product you’d like me to review, please let me know below. 



♡ Until next time ♡




Saturday, 7 November 2015

♡ October Favourites 2015 ♡

Hello my friends,


It is time for ANOTHER extremely late monthly favourites post!
(Do forgive me, exams are ruining my life right now…)
 
Ignore Mr. Catrice Concealer, he will make an appearance in a later post!


Let’s start with the skin care products, because they have been my life source this month…


Now if you’re not aware, my skin is a spotty, oily catastrophe. I have used so many different treatments, including prescribed ones, to try to get my skin to just chill out, and I think I have finally found something mild yet effective to maintain semi-clear skin:

Come forth, Benzac AC Wash!





This stuff is perfect for my fussy skin, as the dryness eases back the more you use  it. I will say that, at first, I morphed into a reptilian beast from how parched my skin became (this was fixed with some of the lovely items yet to be discussed!). HOWEVER, over time my skin stopped producing a ridiculous amount of acne, and that’s good enough for me. This is a relatively fool-proof product, as it combines cleansing and acne-care into one. If you’re a lazy shit like me, give this fella a go!

This product retails for $19.99, but is regularly on sale at Chemist Warehouse.


Next, we have my lord and savior, Sunsense Moisturising Face SPF 50+!






If you are currently using topical creams for acne, you NEED this. Go right now and treat yourself, my friend! This stuff sinks into the skin SO well, and completely healed my dry patches in a matter of days. Forget expensive creams and serums, your hero was hiding in the sunscreen aisle! My only qualm with the product is it can make my chin look overly shiny, but eh, my skin has reached celestial goddess status. I 200% recommend you give this a try if your skin is crying out for moisture, you can’t go wrong with revived skin and SPF 50 to boot!

This product retails for $14.49, but is regularly on sale at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse.

Now that we have talked about sunscreen, let us again talk about sunscreen!

Reef Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion is hands down the best sunscreen for your hot bod. I used to skimp out on sunscreen throughout summer (I can hear the beauty gurus cringing from here) because I just could not stand feeling greasy and smelling, well, sunscreen-y. This stuff smells of coconuts, and if that’s not your thing you needn’t worry; the smell will disappear after a few minutes. After using this my skin feels like velvet, no joke. You can say goodbye to being a sweaty, greasy mess in the summer time with this bad boy! It’s amazing, what more can I say?

This product is $12.99 RRP, baaargain!

Lastly, I have quite an odd skincare product I’ve been loving.

Bring in the Blistop!



This stuff is the bomb diggity for blister-prone feet. I have used it to wear in new shoes and didn’t feel the slightest bit of pain. I’m definitely taking this with me to Europe next month so my feet don’t die during my adventuring!

This product is currently $4.99 at Chemist Warehouse, which is an absolute steal!

Moving on to makeup!

Let’s talk about HGs, ba-by.





My pride and joy, NYX BB Cream in ‘Nude’.

I’ll admit that I never used to wear foundation until I was 19, and that BB cream used to rock my world in the year leading up to that. Being myself I wanted to try EVERYTHING, and I can say that years and years of cakey, drying foundations lead me back to good old beauty balms.
This product has a “your skin but better” effect. My general redness gets masked in one light application, which is totally bananas if you ask me. I do still need to spot conceal some areas, but that’s okay with me if it means my entire face isn’t covered in thick goop.
NYX BB Cream will give you a natural, glowy finish, which might not be an oily-skinned person’s cup of tea. However, my skin is now a mixture of oiliness and dryness, and stayed on my fussy face for 15 hours. I swear I am not bullshitting you. I had this product on from 9am to midnight and I still looked good enough to go outside. Craaaaaazy!
My only con is that this product is not boyfriend proof, but what is?
It also has a true yellow undertone, praise to the makeup gods!
(no really, tell me in the comments!)
This product retails for $18.95, but Target has 30% off sales on NYX from time to time throughout the year.

As I have a glorious moon tan, I mix my BB cream with this lovely concoction:





There’s not really much to say about this product. It is literally pure white goop to make foundations match your skin tone. It has a whipped cream texture, but I haven’t found that it reduces the longevity of my base. If anything, I think it may be increasing it! If you have as much trouble as I do finding a foundation that matches your ghostly complexion, I really recommend investing in this!


It’s lippy time!



LA Splash Lip Contour Liquid Lipsticks are absolutely amazing. They’re cruelty free, gluten free, AND longwearing! I am still getting the hang of creating sharp lines with the applicator, but practice makes perfect, right?

Latte Confession is a beautiful browny pink that suits my skin tone really well, while Venom instantly transforms me into a badass. If you make a mistake during application it will be quite difficult to fix, but I’m sure that is the issue with all liquid lipsticks.
These are quite pricey, as they are not available in store in Australia. However, BeautyJoint sells them for a reasonable price if you’re willing to wait 3 weeks for them to arrive!

Speaking of products I’m quite new to using, the Chi Chi Mattes 2 Palette has made its way into my collection!




I absolutely ADORE the colours in this palette, as I can easily create autumnal smokey looks that compliment my skin tone. These eyeshadows are highly pigmented and very easy to blend, making them perfect for beginners like me! I do wish they had a paler colour for highlighting the inner corner, but I can live without it.

This product retails for $22.95, but I got mine for 50% off at Myer. Look out for sales!

Let’s finish off this favourites post with a bit of hair-care love.





Now, I will admit that I used to use this product back when I had long hair. When I cut all of my hair off I didn’t think I would really find a use for this product, but I diiid (I’m so frugal…).
Instead of using this coconutty goodness as a defrizzer, I use it as a heat protectant before straightening my hair. Conventional heat protectants were  weighing my hair down, and because I wear my hair like a cockatoo that just would not do. This product simply prevents my hair getting too damaged between haircuts, keeps it silky soft, and smells really good. In conclusion, it’s the shit.

This product retails for $17.99, and is currently half price at Priceline!


We’ve finally reached the final product!




This stuff does what you’d expect: fluff your hair up like nobody’s business. This is a cruelty free duperoo for the Schwarzkopf powder I used in my first hair tutorial, and I don’t really have any complaints about it. I don’t think it really provides the extreme hold that it claims, as I still tease, wax, and hairspray my hair afterwards for intensive hold. Overall, it’s a decent product that will give a little bit of grit and oomph to start off the styling process.

This product retails for $8.50 if you’re looking for a cruelty free alternative!


Aaaaaand that’s all folks! I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comments what your favourite lover-proof products are, and if you’d like to see a tutorial on my cockatoo pixie hair!

♡ Until next time ♡