My current beauty and lifestyle favourites

What better way to get back into the beauty reviews than with a 'favourites' post! Here is a collection of products that I have been absolutely loving over the past few months.

Previously I've always gravitated towards foundations that are dewy, light and natural looking. I shied away from anything claiming to be full coverage, that was until I came across the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. I love how natural (non-cakey) the finish of this foundation looks whilst still providing great coverage. Too Faced have a wide range of shades so there is a colour to suit regardless of whether you need cool or warm toned foundation. I often struggle to find a foundation that is yellow based, so this is a winner for me.

When it comes to adorning my fingertips, I go through phases of either loving colour or sticking to neutrals. As you can see from my next favourite, the latter is currently winning. The Sally Hansen nail polish in Brown Rose has been my go to recently as it suits any outfit or occasion.

I have one new addition to my skincare regime; the Waterlily Marine Collagen Eye Infusion. I love so many of Waterlily's products but this eye gel stands out because it is amazing at depuffing. I love that the texture is a gel rather than cream as it creates a really soothing effect.

Makeup wise I recently changed up my eyebrow routine and put my beloved Brow Wiz aside to try out some brow products from Poni Cosmetics. I've found their brow powder in shade No. 2 Palomino to be a perfect colour match and sometimes it's nice to have a powder on hand for a more precise finish. The Too Faced Perfect Lips liner is your answer to a Kylie Jenner pout in one product. This liner makes it so easy to create a fuller look without that obviously overdrawn lip.

Finally, not beauty related but worth a mention none the less is Melissa Ambrosini's book Mastering Your Mean Girl. I might do a full book review soon but for now, all I will say is that it is a non-bullshit guide to getting your life back in order and a must-read!

Let me know what are some of your current favourite things in the comments.

MARCH MONTHLY FAVOURITES

I don't talk about my favourites on a monthly basis, only because I don't really have new things to show every month. Despite this, the month of March has been a great month filled with new things that I wanted to share with you.

First things first - this month I have been getting back into blogging on a regular basis, I'm trying to stick to a schedule of posting twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday). Over the Christmas holiday I was quite unmotivated, but right now I am in a really good place with the blog and I can't wait for the opportunities to come this year. Stemming on from this is another favourite of mine, Obsession 2015, a beauty blogger event I attended in Brisbane. The event itself was great but meeting so many other beauty bloggers based in Queensland was even better (and the goodie-bags were amazing - check it out on Instagram). I also wanted to mention the fabulous Samantha from Milly + Co who designed Oniochalasia's business cards; she perfectly understood the minimalistic-chic look I was after.

On the make up menu for March, it was all about indulging in high-end make up. I purchased (and loved) my first ever Hourglass products. The Hourglass Modernist palette in infinity is a neutral palette with mauve undertone - the texture of this eyeshadow is so smooth and easy to blend. I enjoy using this palette so much that I went and purchased a second one today. Working hand-in-hand with this eyeshadow, is the Zoeva 226 Smudger brush, because it allows you to place the perfect amount of shadow on the lid. The Mecca Maxima girl I spoke to informed me that the trick to working with Hourglass products, is to take the 'less is more' approach. Hourglass products are highly pigmented so you really only need to use a tiny bit.  I've also been loving the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim light. I have been using this product as a setting powder along with the NARS Luminous Glow Foundation and it has provided such a flaweless finish.

To set all these products in place, I have been using the Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray, which I purchased off Beautybay before I realised UD was coming to Mecca Maxima. I wasn't the biggest fan at first, because it made my foundation feel 'thick', but I have noticed that it really helps my makeup last longer throughout the heat. I've recently raved about the Benefit Roller Lash so I won't say too much, you can read my full review here. In a nutshell I think this would be the perfect mascara if only it was available in a waterproof formula. 

Making an appearance in my daily skincare routine is the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm, which smells good enough to eat (like honey and citrus). It provides the perfect base for lip products as it is hydrating, with a matte finish. But more on that to come later this month! 

Easter is not even here yet, and already I have consumed far too many of these Malteaster bunnies. If you haven't tried these, stay away because they are far too addictive - your diet will thank you!

Now that you know what my favourites are, I would love to know yours! Leave me a comment below or a link to your monthly favourites.

*some products in this post was gifted as PR samples - all comments made are 100% my honest opinion and have been reviewed out of my own decision

Daily Skincare Essentials

 An absolute pet peeve of mine is seeing beautiful girls not taking care of their skin. I have a friend who never takes her make up off before bed (she even wears the same make up the whole next day after a night out), she also (wait for it) .. washes her face with a bar of soap!! GASSSP

Taking good care of your skin is vital. Many girls think they can cover bad skin with make up, but your skin is like your canvas, and whether you have healthy glowing skin or dry blotchy skin, it will show through your make up.

In the evening I like to start by removing the excess of my make up with Bioderma (a French skincare brand make up remover that is very gentle on the skin), if I am feeling lazy or in a rush I'll use make up removing wipes. In the shower I wash my face with Cetaphil, a very gentle, soapless cleanser ideal for people with sensitive or allergy prone skin. Twice a week, or when my skin feels like it needs a good cleanse, I like to exfoliate with a face scrub. I am currently using the green tea scrub by St Ives which is a good consistency and smells amazing.

Once out of the shower I like to apply a serum. I sometimes tone my skin with Witch Hazel, but to be honest, it is a step I often skip, as I haven't notice a difference in my skin when using it. On a day to day basis Hydraluron is my pick of serums, however some nights I like to apply Argan Oil to my face. As an oil, it does leave some oily residue on the skin, however the next day you are left with radiant, glowing and soft skin. Serum is a vital step to skincare, one I did not use for a long time. I definitely notice changes in my skin since using a serum as it really absorbs into the skin and hydrates beneath the skin. Once my serum has been absorbed, I apply a face moisturiser. In summer I like to use a light moisturiser as it gets so hot and humid where I live, so for now the Palmers Daily Facial Lotion for sensitive skin does the job.

We can't all be skincare freaks (anyone else get as excited as I do simply being in the supermarket toiletries isle), but it is really important to look after our skin, it is in fact the body's largest organ!

From top left: Swisspers Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes / Bioderma Crealine H2O / Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser /  Hydraluron Serum / Palmers Daily Calming Facial Lotion / Swisse Argan Face Oil / St Ives Green Tea Facial Scrub

June Beauty Favourites

As I am writing this post, I am staring out at the overcast sky and the wet roads, Queensland has seen a rather wet winter and I am very much looking forward to spring. But for now I will share with you all my handful of favourites from the past winter month. 

My skin is always very dehydrated in winter so it is important to take drastic measures. Which is why I purchased some pricey Dermalogica skincare products at the start of winter. Included with my purchase was this sample size 'Multi Active Toner'. Before this product I never used a toner in my daily skincare routine, I have noticed a difference in my skin this month. I spray it on my face after a shower, before moisturiser. It helps to clear your skin and really leaves it feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil is a 100% natural skincare product, which contains essential oils that are vital for regeneration of skin cells and repairing skin tissue. On nights when my face is feeling very dehydrated, I like to add a few drops of this oil to my nightly moisturiser. 

Cold outside air, mixed with dehydrating inside air from heaters, mixed with 5:30 am workouts in the wind has caused my lips to become extremely chapped and dry. For this there is only one cure, Carmex. I don't like Pawpaw ointment and Carmex is truly the only thing that really moisturises my lips.

I have rediscovered my Revlon Balm Stain in Honey. It really is the perfect your-lips-but-better colour. The creamy consistency of these stains balm stains also make them perfect for winter as they are not dehydrating or harsh on the lips. Swatches can be seen on this previous post.

While cleaning out my beauty cupboard I found this little pot of moisturiser. It came in a beauty box and was unopened. As soon as I opened the pot, I was in love! It has the most fragrant smell of ginger and lime. I keep this Lomasi ginger/lime body creme on my bedside table now.

A lifestlye favourite this month has been Green Tea. Mine is from T2 and is flavoured with cornflower petals. Lastly, my music favourite, Oh Sailor from Mr. Little Jeans. Her voice is so Lana Del Rey.

May Beauty Favourites

HOLY BEJIEBIES! We are half-way through 2013. Felt like it was just Christmas time.

I have been staring at my computer all day doing my design assignment and I am ready to go to bed. But first, my May favourites.

 1. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

I recently purchased this moisturiser after using a sample, and it has become my holy grail moisturiser. I have been meaning to do an in-depth review of this moisturiser. Please comment if you would like a review or have any specific questions.















2. Original Carmex lip balm

This is my life-saver during the winter (aka dry and flaky lips) months. I love the medical, VICKS-like smell. And I prefer this applicator to tubs where you have to use your fingers.






3. Real Techniques Contour brush

My favourite brush to use this month has been the Real Techniques contour brush. I haven't been using it for contour though - because of the tapered end, this brush works great to blend concealer under the eyes. It also works well in the creases around the nose.















4. Rimmel Lipstick 16
This has been my current go to lipstick. The colour is easy to wear and I think the pink compliments green eyes really well. It is not the longest lasting lipstick, but it is easy to apply on the go.

5. Mimco pouch with rose gold detail

Random favourite of the month is this Mimco purse. It was a gift from my boyfriend last Christmas and I have been using everyday this month. It holds my my necessary cards, carmex and car keys.Plus it compliments my rose gold Micheal Kors.











6. Random rings

Everything has been so hectic during May, therefore I loved these simple rings. They just add a little something. I think they were from Lovisa a few months back.












7. Kerastase Nectar Thermique

Love love love this stuff. This sample has lasted me all through May and there is still some left! Its a hair serum/heat protector that smells amazing and leaves hair feeling super soft. Does anyone know where I can purchase this in Australia?