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.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturiser Review

I am constantly on the look-out for facial moisturisers to keep my easily-irritated skin under control. I have been using the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturiser for nearly two months now and I am finally ready to share my thoughts with you.

Being on a student budget, I wouldn't easily drop $70 on a product without doing my research. Kate Somerville skincare products have a good reputation with some of the beauty YouTubers whose opinion I trust. So I reluctantly handed my credit card over at Mecca, in the hopes that this will be an amazing product.

Firstly, let's talk about the packaging. I love the semi-transparent purple colour and the sturdy plastic. The 50ml product takes up a lot of space on my dresser but I don't mind too much about it. To dispense the product, you press down on the surface and the liquid pumps out of an opening in the centre (better explained by the second image). 

The moisturiser itself is suitable for sensitive or intolerant skin types for both AM and PM use. The goat milk cream is meant to moisturise deeply without clogging pores, while soothing the skin. The formula is more liquid and runny than I expected, it works best when applied in thin layers (half a pump at a time is best). The moisturiser does leave a residue and can look 'oily' for a while. However I use this under foundation daily and it works fine. Recently I have had severe dry patches and irritations on my face, and this moisturiser has been the best product I have found to help soothe my skin. 

For anyone sensitive to  smell, this moisturiser is not for you. It does have a very strong scent, which according to my boyfriend 'stinks', but I have grown used to the smell and it doesn't bother me. 

I use this moisturiser both in the morning and evening, I would highly recommend trying a sample from Mecca Maxima. Even at $70, this is a product I will repurchase. What other Kate Somerville products have you tried that is worth the $$$?

Soft Skin Beauty Hack

To keep my skin soft and moisturised, I have recently been loving body oils. The Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil is a favourite when I want something a little more luxurious. But for everyday, I use regular Johnson's Baby Oil. The trick to avoiding a sticky residue is to apply a generous amount of oil to your body on wet skin, as soon as you get out of the shower. Use your towel to dry your body as normal and voila, baby soft skin and no sticky residue.

How to Survive Winter Weather

The cold weather has well and truly arrived, and it has been quite a hit to the system! When you are used to high-30 degree weather on a daily basis, anything under 20 degrees feels like the Antarctic! Insert the 'Winter Saviour' post!

Winter for me means everything is dehydrated, so moisturising products are my go-to. Hand creams and lip balms are products most beauty-lovers own in abundance, but not all products work to really rehydrate the skin from its bottom layers. The Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm* is a product I have been raving about non-stop. Unlike petroleum-jelly based lip balms that only coat the lips and require regular application, this balm really nourishes, repairs and soothes your lips. Its consistency is very unique; like a whipped, buttery pot of honey-smelling goodness. I lather it on every night before bed. On first try I knew I loved using the Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream*. With ingredients like wild blackcurrant berries and hibiscus flowers it certainly smells lovely, pure avocado oil ensures it really hydrates dry hands and the quick absorbing formula makes it pleasant to use. Plus what gorgeous packaging! Antipodes is a brand that really does not disappoint, a second product that I use and love is the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenishing Serum. It is my go-to when my skin is giving me any sort of issues. This oil can transform the dullest of skin overnight and ensure you wake up with plump skin, boasting a healthy glow. This serum is an oil formula therefore I recommend using it at night. It has a strong smell that I cannot pinpoint but have grown to like. 

Sticking to the oil products, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil* is a great body conditioner if you do not like thick creams. It has a spray applicator and hydrates really well without feeling overly sticky. I was pleasantly surprised by this multi-purpose oil which can be used on the face, body or hair. If my skin is really dry I like to spritz some oil into my bath while the water is running.

This past two weeks my skin has been in a terrible state; small bumps appeared all over my face from a combination of a product-intolerance and dehydrated skin. I decided to pick up the Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream. This super thick cream is meant to help restore the skin's cutaneous barrier. It is a hypoallergenic product formulated for sensitive and fragile skin. At first use this cream reminded me of that thick white paste that mothers put on babies' bottoms to prevent rashes, which I suppose is a barrier cream as well. I will have to keep you updated on this product but so far I have found using this at night helps protect my skin from reacting to dry conditions. 

As I mentioned in my hydrating skincare products post, serums have various purposes. The Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron serum is an essential during winter as it is the most hydrating serum I have found. The hyaluronic acid works to hydrate your skin from below the surface. It is a clear liquid that can leave your skin feeling tacky, but it goes away once you apply a moisturiser. 

A tinted moisturiser is the best base-product for dry skin during winter. There are options ranging from really affordable to the more pricey, trust me to fall in love with the latter. I tried a sample of the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser purely for the sake of trying it - no way was I paying $74 for a tinted moisturiser. Famous last words huh? Even before my sample ran out I had purchased the full size. I love the dewy-finish, I love the luminous effect it has on my complexion and I love that it feels and looks natural! 

Lifestyle-wise a cuddly blanket, delicious-smelling candle and a good book is a must for cold nights in! This fluffy blanket is from Kmart and a total bargain as $20 (although it does leave fluff on everything it touches). I recently picked up The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins which is a thriller, a genre I haven't read since Gone Girl but I am excited to see how it is. On a side note, who else has been watching the TV show Stalker?! It is addictive. What are your Winter saviours? Now I think I need a cup of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows!

*Products that I have received as a PR sample. All opinions remain unaltered and I am not obliged to review these products.

Moisturisers, Serums & Hydrating Masks For Sensitive/Intolerant Skin

Today's post, part two in this skincare series, will focus on all products moisturising. If you are new to the blog, this series discusses all things skincare for sensitive and intolerant skin. Last week I reviewed my favourite cleansing products and talked a bit more about my skin type, which you can read more about here. 

The first thing I do after I have cleansed my skin is apply a serum. Serum is a product you apply on your skin that packs more punch than a moisturiser. Some people may see no point in it but I cannot go without a serum. I have a range of serums that works to suit varying skins needs. 

The Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenishing Serum is a staple in my routine; a product I will keep repurchasing for years. It is an oil suited to dry and 'damaged' skin, which helps promote stimulation of collagen and elastin. I reach for this serum most often as it really helps revive dull skin and ensures I wake up with 'plump' looking skin. This serum will suit a 20 year old, the same as it would 40 year old skin. The glass packaging contains a dropper, which allows the perfect amount of product to be dispensed. It is on the pricey side but 100% worth the money. Another serum that I have repurchased many times is the Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron. This is an unimpressive looking product (comes out a clear gel) that has a mighty effect. The serum contains the highest pure amount of hydraluronic acid that can be found in a skincare product. This ingredient allows the serum to hydrate from below the skin surface, rather than just moisturising from the top layers of the skin. It has saved my skin from the most horrendous conditions (yes this sounds dramatic, but you'd be surprised what the dry conditions in an aircraft combined with cold weather and hotel room heating can do to your skin). The third serum is a newer addition to my routine and a product I bought to replace my Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector. The La Roche-Posay Intensive Dark Spot Correcting Serum is meant to help reduce pigmentation and dark spots on the skin. While I have noticed positive results in my skin texture and the pigmentation of my sun spots, I admit that I prefer the texture of the Clinique Corrector and will be switching back to that once this product is finished.  All three of these serums can be found at Priceline and I'd recommend stocking up during the 40% sale. 

I've found French-skincare to work really well with my skin as it is often targeted towards sensitive skin. Further it usually does not contain any unnecessary ingredients or fragrance. The Bioderma Sensibio range is formulated for sensitive and intolerant skin, as it is fragrance free and hypoallergenic. I've used the Bioderma Sensibio Light Soothing Cream as my daily moisturiser for a few months now and I highly recommend it as a morning moisturiser. It hydrates well but is a light texture which sinks into your skin quickly. It leaves your skin really smooth and prepped for makeup. The only downside to this product is that I can only find it in a small 40ml tub, and need to repurchase a new one monthly. I am onto my third tube already! Also from the Sensibio range is the Bioderma Soothing Mask*. This mask has a similar consistency to a moisturiser but a little thicker. This is the perfect product if my skin is red and inflamed, I lather my skin with a thick layer of this mask and leave it overnight (although the instructions say to leave it on for 10 minutes). I highly recommend this range for any readers with sensitive and reactive skin. Sticking to the French-skincare, Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm* is a beauty blogger cult product. It smells amazing with notes of orange and honey, hydrates really well and leaves a matte finish on the lip. Yes it is pricey for a lip balm, but the pot contains so much product it will last you for ages and the matte finish that it gives is really unique. 

A second hydrating mask that I love is the Origins GinZing Drink Up Intensive Mask. This is an overnight, replenishing mask which provides serious hydration. This is THE nicest smelling skincare product I own, I think it might be the Apricot Kernel Oil & Mango butters that scent it. Just head into Mecca to smell it and you will be hooked! This product works really well to rehydrate 'rough' feeling skin due to dehydration. It ensures you wake up with a glow. 

There is a misconception that eye cream is only needed for older skin. Eye creams, however, are not only formulated for anti-ageing. In my twenties, I use the Origins GinZing Eye Cream everyday! It is a brightening and de-puffing eye cream that feels really cool on the eyes and actually helps to make your eyes feel less tired. It is a pink tone and has a sheen to brighten the under eye area. Origins is a brand I am really wanting to try more products from, as I've absolutely loved the effect of all the products I have tried. Please leave me any recommendations in the comments! 

The final two products are both facial mists, which are a great way to refresh and hydrate your skin during the day. The Uriage Thermal Water* is a great product to soothe and refresh skin as it has no fragrance. It works great on inflamed or red skin; a staple for me after/during a workout. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist is also a great product as the rosy scent leaves you feeling refreshed (I use this face mist on non-makeup days).

Swatches; Left - Origins GinZing Eye Cream (luminescent) / Right - Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm (matte finish)

For convenience I have provided direct links to where the products can be purchased, which you can access by clicking the underlined product names above. Make sure to check back next Sunday for the final part of this skincare series!

*Products that I have received as a PR sample. All opinions remain unaltered and I am not obliged to review these products.

Massive Collective Beauty Haul

I have been doing a lot of shopping.. more than I should be, as I will be earning less now that University is back in full swing. Sharing my purchases on the blog always makes me feel a little less guilty, so here are my recent beauty and make up purchases. Brought to you from my South African trip and also Priceline's recent 40% off skincare sale.

Above are three cleansing products I have recently purchased. Both the Bioderma and St.Ives scrub are repurchases, and products that I would not be able to get by without. I use Bioderma daily to remove my make up (which I follow with Cetaphil cleanser).  I also picked up The Body Shop Camomile cleansing butter after I received a sample. I don't use this on an everyday basis, but it is a great product for when you need to remove a full face of make up.

Serums are my favourite, and most expensive, part of my skincare regime. This is my third tube of Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron serum, it is all kinds of amazing for dry skin like mine. I use it every morning under my moisturiser and I can honestly say it makes a huge difference in my skins' all over appearance. Also from Indeed Laboratories is the Fade To Bright brightening treatment. I have been using this product for about a week but I can't say I have seen any amazing changes to my skin (I will report back after more use).

I recently wrote a post about the Antipodes Mini's (view it here) in which I mentioned I was looking to purchase a full size Joyous serum, and I finally did after much hesitation. The serum retails for AU$85.99, which for me is A LOT of money, however I did pick this up when Priceline had their 40% off skincare sale. The serum does come in a 30ml size, which is a lot of product considering you only need to use a few drops. I use the Antipodes Joyous Protein Rich Serum as a night oil under my moisturiser, which leaves me with plump, fresh, glowing skin in the AM.

I have very dry skin, however I do sometimes get oily on my forehead, which causes blackheads along my hairline and T-zone. I decided to try out the Biore Self-Heating Charcoal Mask next time I get these bad breakouts. From Asian beauty company Luxola, I got the Vita Bight Skin Renewal Mask. There are a variety of these masks available but I thought it is best to try one before I buy from the rest of the range and this one seemed least likely to cause skin irritation. I am thinking of doing a post all about facial masks soon.

On to the other random skincare bits: sunscreen, moisturiser and a body scrub. I'm hoping because of the lightweight texture of the La Roche-Posay sunscreen I will be more motivated to wear sunscreen on my face on an everyday basis. Being in my twenties I am becoming more active in preventing ageing, and I think protection from the sun is the most important factor. The second sunscreen is a face spray that I got as a sample from my Luxola order. It contains SPF45 and would be perfect as a beach touch up sunscreen when you can't use your hands to rub sunscreen in.

Since I am so big on serums, I have found that a simple facial moisturiser works best and I love this one from Palmer's. It works well with my dry, sensitive skin but is still lightweight. The last two products here speak for themselves, Vaseline spray body moisturiser (which I love for hot, sticky summer days) and the Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub (perfect for pre- fake tan).

104 Buffer Brush $20.59 / 106 Powder Brush $18.00 / 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush $18.87 / 232 Classic Shader $12.00 / Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer $18.87

 I haven't bought make up brushes in a long time! I made a Sigma order about three years ago and still use most of those brushes. So when I heard beauty guru's rave about these Zoeva brushes, and saw their crazy affordable prices, I had to get some. I only got these four brushes to start with, but I think I will be buying more.

The only two make up purchases, how surprising! I got the MAC lippie in South Africa, and I really wish I got more because it worked out at less than AU$20! The lipstick is called Crosswires, it is a Cremesheen, muted red (less bright than it is showing up in the photo). I love it because it is low-maintanace and easy to wear. I also caved and bought the Chi Chi Bases palette that I have been wanting for a long time now. The colours are very pink-based and reminds me of the Naked3 palette.

I have also been doing way too much clothes shopping, so there will hopefully be a follow up post soon!

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.

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

Three Must Have Skincare Savers

Sometimes your skin really just needs a little extra TLC, be it dehydrated skin or chapped lips. I have three quick skin saver products at the moment, all which are readily available and very affordable.

First product I want to mention is something I accidentally stumbled across. I was picking up some (often repurchased) rose-hip oil, and obliviously picked up the Swisse Argan Oil instead. Once I got home and realised, I was too lazy to exchange it for a rose-hip oil, so I decided to try the argan oil.. AND WOW I WAS IMPRESSED. I love that it doesn't smell as bad as rose-hip oil and have seen some improvements in my skin since using.

Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3, 6 & 9; which helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, ageing and blemished skin. I most often use argan oil as a night time serum applied before my moisturiser. Since using this oil I have noticed healthier, hydrated and clearer skin. Argan oil has been said to also help rehydrate dry and damaged hair through application to the ends of the hair, and can also be used on cuticles.

Nothing annoys me more than having dry and chafed hands, this is where Swisse Hand Cream comes in (P.S I just realised two out of the three products are Swisse, but this is in no way sponsored I just love their skincare range!). There is a massive list of 'good' ingredients in this hand cream, and as with the argan oil, a number of 'bad' ingredients (such as parabens, silicones, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances and colours) are not used in these products. The hand cream smells beautifully citrus'y, is non greasy, absorbs super fast and of course - is very hydrating. 10/10 for Swisse on these beautiful products.

Last, but not least, I would like to talk about the new Nivea Lip Butters. I was hesitant to try these as I am a sceptical on lip balms and butters. I find they never really hydrate my lips, just leave my lips needing more moisture. It has been a long time since I have liked using any lip balm other than my trusty Carmex, but can I just say - I love the Nivea Lip Butters! I picked up the vanilla & macadamia one when they were on sale at Coles and I am most definitely going back for more scents. The one that I have smells beautiful and it is a lovely creamy texture that is super hydrating on the lips.

I am heading to Melbourne for a shopping spree next week and would love to hear what your favourite skincare savers are, please leave a comment below for any recommendations! 

Priceline Gift With Purchase Skincare Bag

There's something about a sale promotion or bargain that I just cannot resist. So naturally, I caved and went to Priceline today. I needed some products from the Yes To range, and my mother wanted an eye cream, so I knew what I wanted to buy. I decided to do a quick post for anyone who is thinking of getting the gift bag (hurry!). I will not be discussing the items in detail in this post.

Her eye cream made up $40 of the purchase so I only had to spend another $20 to receive the gift pack. I purchased the Yes To Carrots Exfoliating Cleanser, which is my holy grail cleanser, as well as the Yes To Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask. 

 First off are the items from the gift bag which I gave to my mum. Just because I didn't need it or didn't want to use if with my sensitive skin. 

Nude by Nature Facial Cleanser, Dove Body Lotion, Dr Lewinns Bio Oil, Biore Facial Cleanser, Nivea Lip Balm, Puretopia Facial Cleanser, Sorbolene Cream and a face mask.

Onto the items which I did keep. 

Yes To Blueberries Facial Towelettes (travel size) ; Swisspers Cucumber Cleansing Wipes

Avene Thermal Spring Water ; Aveeno Eye Illuminator (eye cream) ; Palmer's Cocoa Butter Facial Lotion (Sensitive skin)

Formula 10.0.6 Pore Strips ; Palmer's Cocoa Butter BB Cream (sample)

Chapstick SPF 30 ; Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub ; Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion ; Dermalex Eczema Cream

The gift bag is available if you spend $60 or more on the brands included, but available only while stocks last. I would definitely say it is worth the purchase if there are things you need to get. I was really happy to see the facial wipes and the Avene spray, as well as other essentials.

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?

Sunday Night 5-Step Skincare Routine

On Sunday evenings post bath, I enjoy a little pampering in the skincare department. My Sunday Night Skincare routine in 5 easy steps.

1. Remove all make up
Each night before a bath or shower I remove my eye make-up. I am currently using Neutrogena Oil-Free Make Up Remover. You have to ensure you shake the product before use, however my skin does feel really oily after using this so I don't know where the 'oil free' comes in. I probably wouldn't repurchase this one. At times I also like using make up removing wipes to take off my make up, especially if I'm removing foundation as well (for day-to-day I only wear mineral powder).

2. Exfoliate

I like to exfoliate my skin prior to applying my face mask. My all time favourite scrub is the Yes to Carrots scrub. I ran out of that a few weeks ago and haven't gotten around to repurchasing. Currently I am using Pelactive Facial Refiner Deep Cleansing Scrub - which I received in a beauty box once upon a time. I would describe this scrub as very chemically. However, it does make my skin very smooth and works well in my routine. A plus because this brand is an Australian skincare company.

3. Face Mask Time

I usually put my face mask on and leave it while I'm in the bath. I absolutely LOVE the Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Facial Mask. It doesn't make my skin burn or itch at all. Neither does it leave your face feeling tight. The texture is different to other masks I've tried. As you can see below, it almost looks like clay or cement. It contains 98% natural products, lycopene (found in tomatoes, 'to balance blotchiness') and dead sea mud to 'draw out impurities'. This skin mask is also paraben-free.

4. Cleanse

After rinsing off my mask, I sometimes feel that it has left an oily residue on my skin. I like to just give my face a quick cleanse with my everyday cleanser - Cetaphil. I have had bad skin reactions from cosmetic products, after which I converted to Cetaphil. It contains no soap and is very calming on the skin while still thoroughly cleansing. A staple in my skincare routine everyday. 

5. Moisturise!! 

Finally, we get to what I would say is the most important part - moisturise. It doesn't matter whether you have dry,  oily or combination skin, moisturising is essential. If your skin lacks moisture, it will produce more oil to compensate for that. During summer I was using Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturise SPF 15, which provides enough moisture during the humid Summer months. However, now that winter is fast approaching I have made a switch. For about a week now I have been using Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream. I am really happy with the moisturiser so far. 

And that's my Sunday night skin-care routine. Feel free to share your suggestions or opinions on any of the products mentioned, would love to hear what you guys think!