Antipodes Mini's

I love anything mini-sized, and it is no secret that I love skincare. 

Recently in Priceline, I was drawn to the Antipodes Mini duos. I previously purchased the day-time duo (Moisture Boost), and after another trip picked up the night-time set (Anti-Ageing) as well.

I've never previously tried Antipodes as it is a bit over my usual price range, however at around $20 these Mini's a good way to try a new product. Antipodes is an organic beauty brand, which appeals to my sensitive skin type. I've heard many well known beauty vloggers mention the brand previously, and the packaging is very luxurious so I was excited to try the products. The duo's come in two ranges; moisture boost & anti-ageing. I use them as night- and day-time products.

Moisture Boost Mini's (Day-time):

This mini duo helps improve moisture in dehydrated skin, it includes a serum and cream.

1. Divine Face Oil

The avocado and rosehip face oil can be applied morning or night as a serum before applying the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream. The oil is meant to help relieve tired, stressed and sun damaged skin. Overall the oil is good but basically this does the same as any rosehip oil I've tried.

2. Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream 

This light, yet hydrating day cream keeps skin healthy and energised. According to Antipodes this cream is suitable for most skin conditions, so it is perfect for an everyday moisturiser.

Anti-Ageing Mini's (Night-time):

This duo contains an anti-ageing protein-rich serum and night cream suited to dry skin.

1. Joyous Protein-Rich Night Serum

This night serum targets dry and damaged skin by boosting the skin overall with elements of goji berry, wild blackcurrant and hibiscus flower. The morning after using this serum, I definitely noticed a difference in my skin texture and plumpness of my skin. Antipodes is out of my Uni-budget price range but I am hoping to get this full size when Priceline has their next 40% off skincare sale.

2. Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

This nourishing night cream is applied after the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Serum. Containing elements of avocado oil, manuka honey and vinanza Grape. The cream is most suitable for very dry skin, however it is not too thick neither does it leave an oily residue. The only downside for me is the heavy fragrance, which I am weary of with my sensitive skin.

Overall I am impressed with the products, I like the idea of these mini duo's as it gives you a chance to properly try out a usually pricey product. I have noticed most Antipodes products, although natural, are very heavily scented, which is a downfall for me. However I haven't yet had any reactions since testing these products. Let me know if you've tried these duo's or have any other Antipodes product recommendations.

Pop Basic Paloma Collection Box

Look-ie look-ie what has arrived - the Pop Basic box I was telling you about! I was very surprised when the postman knocked on my door with this parcel, which arrived within a little over a week all the way from the USA.

The Pop Basic box is similar to monthly fashion subscription boxes, without the commitment. You get to view the items featured in each box prior to purchase and choose whether you would like to commit to the box. The price of the box varies with each collection, which includes FREE shipping to Australia.

This month I purchased my first Pop Basic box after seeing the items of the collection on Essie Button's Twitter feed, called the Paloma box. The items came in a beautiful BIG box which featured three fashion items plus a little beauty freebie.

Paloma Leather Clutch

My favourite item in the box is this leather clutch. The size, colour and rose gold detail is spot on! I like to style the clutch by folding it over length ways with a tee and boyfriend jeans. The light grey clutch is made from 100% real leather, features a rose gold zip and is roughly to 20x30 cm (which can fit an iPad and notebook). To top it all off the clutch has striped lining!

Grey Striped Infinity Scarf

If it is striped I'll usually love it no matter what, so of course I was impressed with the infinity scarf in the box. The scarf is lightweight and easy to style - a good basic.

Basic White Tee

This is probably the item which I am least impressed with to be honest. The tee fits fine but just doesn't sit very nicely on the body; the sleeves are a little too short and the material too thin.

The verdict

Overall I did love the Paloma collection box! I won't be able to afford this box each month so the no commitment part is really great, I'll keep an eye on the website and purchase the collections that appeal to my style. Hurry, there are still some of the Paloma collection boxes available, and you can get $15 off by clicking HERE.

Buy the Paloma collection box here and get $15 off

Brisbane Eat Street Markets

Brisbane is often know as one of the lesser trendy cities, well compared to Sydney and Melbourne. As a Brisbaner I must disagree. Brisbane is becoming quick to adapt to change and accept new trends, one such trend is Eat Street Market. 

Eat Street offers a wide variety of International cuisine, an enchanting mood with fairy lights and quirky decorations and live performances. The whole atmosphere is really fun, lets be honest though - I go for the food. I've been twice to the market with my boyfriend, also a food lover, it's an ideal date night. What makes Eat Street so appealing, is that it is suitable for anyone, I've noticed families with young children, loved-up couples, groups of friends, hipsters and even older people enjoying the market. The market runs on Friday nights, Saturday evenings and Sundays.

Food wise - I'd say there is something for everyone, from basic italian food to exotic asian dishes. And don't get me started on the desserts… If there's one thing you must try it's a cronut! This heavenly dessert is a doughnut made with croissant dough, filled with cream and topped with heavenly ingredients (drool). My boyfriend and I usually share whatever we buy, that way we can try more things, and stuff our faces until we cannot fit anything more. So far we've tried Bahn Mi, Langos as main food, both were delicious, along with starters and desserts of course.

Brisbaners make sure you try out Eat Street Markets at Hamilton. I'll be back there soon. Some of my most recent trips Instagram's:

Styling Pop Basic Paloma Collection

I saw a picture on Essie Button's Twitter feed of a box of goodies, it was basically me in a box. After stalking the website I found that not only is the company who makes this box amazing and super innovative, they ship to Australia for FREE! A rare occurrence. I decided to take advantage of this and ordered Pop Basic's Paloma box. I am so excited about receiving my box, I decided to style a look with the items and some goodies I have in my wardrobe (minus the amazing Senso boots, just lusting after them!). Hope you guys like it! Look out for an unboxing post and more on this exciting company soon x

Pop Basic Paloma Collection by francesve featuring a flower arrangement