Collective Haul & First Impressions

Despite my best efforts to save money, I purchased some beauty products last month of which I will be sharing my first impressions with you today. I also bought a few Hourglass products, but I want to save those for another post.

I made my first iHerb order and although I have been wary about ordering from them, everything went fine and I received my package within a week. The first beauty items which were included in my order are two Real Techniques brushes. I really wanted a makeup brush that I can keep in my handbag to touch up my base throughout the day and the Retractable Kabuki Brush is perfect for that. It is a super compact, angled kabuki brush that comes with a lid to keep the brush shape. I think this brush is a definite essential for makeup touch up's on the go and could be really handy for frequent travellers. I also purchased the Real Techniques Blush Brush as I wanted to try a different shape for applying blush. I do like this brush but it is nothing special. Randomly I also picked up an ELF Eye Shadow because it was too cheap to resist. I initially thought the shade Saddle would be a good crease colour, but I actually prefer the 'brown with a golden sheen' shade on my lid.

I was browsing Feelunique when they had a discount code and decided to finally try the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush. I then impulsively bought the Watercolour Creme Bronzer too. The fluid blusher is in the shade Cherub; a peony-pink shade that I think would suit most people. This blusher is unlike any other due to its super watery formula. You have to shake it vigorously before squeezing a drop or two onto the back of your hand, which you can then apply with your fingers or a brush. Personally I prefer using a stippling blush as I found using my hand makes me apply the blush way too sheer. Once it has set it gives your cheeks a beautiful sheen of colour. For $28 you get 15ml of product that will no doubt last a very long time. The second product is a cream bronzer that comes in two colours, I got the lighest, Riviera. I am slightly disappointed with the packaging of the product. This bronzer is SUPER tiny (the same size as my ELF eyeshadow), $30 for 3.5g of product is not good value. Further the bronzer did not come in a box and neither was it sealed at all. The product itself is beautiful though, it is super creamy and applies really well (I use my fingers). It is a warm bronze (but not too orange) that works well as a bronzer or contour. The website also suggests you can mix it with your base product to add a tan-look to your face, but I am yet to try that.

I have clearly been loving blush & bronzer this month! The Balm recently had 30% off at David Jones and as a staff member I get an extra discount. Naturally, I could not resist that deal. I have a confession, I've never been much of a highlight fan. I feel like my face always ends up looking like a disco ball. With the discount I decided I had to try the very much raved about, The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer. This is a shimmery (but not glittery), champagne highlighter. Combined with the ELF fan brush (that I also got from iHerb) it applies really well and provides a beautiful glow. I have been searching for an 'Autumn' blush and though The Balm Instain Powder Blush in Pinstripe would be perfect. I adore the colour, a plum with (once again) a gold undertone. The problem I have had is that this product does not seem to last on my skin at all. I don't know whether maybe it doesn't work well with my base (a tinted moisturiser) because it is meant to be a long wearing, staining powder.

On first impression I was pleased with all these new purchases. They were products I wouldn't usually buy. For now, other than the Hourglass products I have purchased, I am trying not to buy any makeup until my Melbourne trip late-June… let's see if I can stick to that resolution.

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.

Cleansing & Clarifying for Sensitive/Intolerant Skin

To achieve a flawless makeup look, you need to ensure you are working with a smooth base. I have noticed that no matter how much makeup I pack on, it never looks good when I am dealing with 'bad' skin texture. I am a huge advocate for investing in skincare; having a routine suitable to your skin type is imperative. And so, I welcome you to the first post in a three-part series covering everything skincare for sensitive or intolerant skin. First in the series we will discuss cleansers, exfoliants and clarifying masks.

As a teenager my skin did not cause too much trouble; I never struggled bad acne-prone skin. I have however, always had sensitive skin. I remember my mother saying she could never use just any detergent when washing my clothes, and how often I had itchy rashes on my skin simply from sitting on the grass. A few weeks into using my first ever MAC products, which I got for my 16th birthday, my face started breaking out in these tiny blister-like bumps. I stopped using MAC, but still struggled for almost a year with this reaction that kept coming back as soon as I used any product on my face. I could not use any sort of make up or skincare product, other than Cetaphil. Eventually I found an ointment that seemed to get rid of this reaction and slowly I could work more products back into my routine. To this day I occasionally get reactions from new products, so I have to be careful about what I put on my face (not that this stops me from testing beauty products). Over time I have accumulated products that have become staples in my skincare routine, and so I wanted to share these with any readers that also have sensitive, reactive or intolerant skin.

A product that regular readers have heard me go on and on about is the Bioderma Sensibio Micelle Solution. This is a magic cleansing product that gets rid of the toughest makeup, yet does not sting my eyes or irritate my skin. It is a clear liquid that I squeeze onto a cotton pad and wipe over my face to remove makeup. I use this product both in the morning - to get rid of any dirt that accumulated overnight - and in the evening - to remove my makeup before cleansing. In the evening, I follow the micelle solution with the Philosophy Purity Cleanser. I am quickly becoming obsessed with this brand and if it wasn't for the price I would own a lot more of the products. Purity is a cream cleanser, marketed as a 3-in-1 product as it is meant to replace your makeup remover, facial cleanser and toner. This is the first cleanser that I have used since Cetaphil, and I love that provides a REALLY good clean. Yet my skin does not react badly to.

Moving on to exfoliation; the removal of dead skin cells to help rejuvenate skin. There are many processes for exfoliating, which include scrubs, chemical exfoliants, brush cleansers (i.e. clarisonic) and microdermabrasion. I am yet to try the latter but I regularly scrub my face. The only abrasive scrub that I reach for is the St.Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. It is rather gentle for an abrasive scrub and contains salicylic acid, which works wonders to prevent, reduce and help clear blemishes. The green tea extract adds to its the blemish fighting properties and also smells really good; this is one that I reach for when I have breakouts caused by hormones or a bad diet.

A second way to exfoliate which is not abrasive, is using chemical exfoliators (it's not as scary as it sounds). Witch Hazel is a toner rather than an exfoliant but has the same purpose. It does contain alcohol and can be a little drying on the skin, but helps to dry out blemishes and tighten pores. I must admit I sometimes skip this step, but when I do use a toner I apply it on a cotton pad and swipe it over my skin after a shower. Previously I have been quite hesitant about facial peels, however I have been testing an at-home peel and have only noticed good results. John Plunkett Glyco Peel* contains 25% glycolic acid which is meant to refine pores & fine lines and also reduce surface discolouration. It is meant to be used as an overnight treatment but because of my sensitive skin I do remove it after a few minutes. I do find my skin to look a little red and sensitive after using the peel, but in no way aggravated. Although I have not seen a miraculous change in my skin after using these peels, my skin does look more radiant, refreshed and smoother.

Facial masks have many different purposes to suit your skins need. Next week I will share a few of my favourite calming and hydrating masks, but for now lets focus on the cleansing masks. My favourite is  with no doubt, the Lush Mask of Magnaminty. I was actually advised against buying this product by the Lush team member, as it is meant for blemish-prone skin. I bought it anyway as I had read reviews and was curious about the product, turns out I love it. This peppermint mask works wonders on troubled skin and smells delicious too! It can also be used on the body for anyone that suffers with blemishes on their back. The Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Facial Cleansing Mask was one of the first masks I owned (not this particular tub though). It is a smooth consistency and contains lycopene (from tomatoes) and dead sea mud which helps to draw out impurities. This is a thick white paste that I'd usually apply before a bath so it has time to dry on the face. I find it helps to reduce blemishes and smooths out my skin when I'm having issues with my skin texture. A mask very similar in consistency is the Palmer's Purifying Enzyme Mask. This contains natural kaolin clay and papaya which is also used to draw out impurities. I might do an in-depth comparison of these products in a separate post because right now they seem pretty much the same to me. Both work well deeply purify and cleanse the skin.

Lastly I wanted to mention the Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub. This sugar scrub exfoliates the lips & removes all the dead skin cells and is a staple product in winter as my lips get very dry and chapped. P.S it tastes/smells delicious and because Lush is all natural it's ok to get it in your mouth!

Let me know if you have any skincare suggestions for sensitive/intolerant skin or if you have any questions. Make sure to check back next Sunday for products that help to calm, moisturise and rehydrate the skin!

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

Autumn Appropriate Red Nail Colours

Nail polish in a dark oxblood-red is a favourite I reach for all year round, but it's most suitable for the Autumn season. I think coloured nails are a great way to test beauty trends, without going all out. I wanted to share my favourite red nail polishes that are on the darker side, which you might want to try out this season.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in 480 Wine Stock - My favourite formula and colour! It's a dark oxblood with just the right amount of red. The Miracle Gel formula's are the best quality nail polishes I have tried and last without chipping for at least five days.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine - I reach for this shade when I want something with more of a red tone to Wine Stock.

Revlon Brilliant Strength in 210 Persuade - My least favourite formula out of the bunch. It is a nice colour, berry-toned and not too dark, but streaks a lot and requires at least three coats. 

Essie Nail Color in 665 Rock Star Skinny - Although the tone is similar to Wine Stock & Hypnotic Red, it is unique as the only colour that has a 'shimmery' finish. This ensures the colour doesn't look 'flat'.

Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Color with LYCRA in Kate 706 Classic Red - As the name suggests, this shade is the closest to a true red but I still feel it has a berry undertone. 

L'oreal Color Riche in 409 Hypnotic Red - This shade is almost identical to Wine Stock  Although at a fraction of the cost, this is a good one if you're new to dark reds. I'm a big fan of the Color Riche polishes and use this formula when my nails need a break from gel polish.

L'oreal Color Riche Eva's Nude - Clearly not a nude. I'm not sure why this colour was included in the 'nude' range, but it is beautiful none the less. It definitely has the least red and has almost a brown undertone.

Unfortunately the weather decided to turn gloomy as I was taking these photos so please excuse the quality. Also, shout-out to The Collective for having the perfect cover colour combo to suit this post! Look out for an Autumn Appropriate Make Up post coming soon!

LUSH Big Sea Salt Shampoo

Welcome to the Sunday-post! Yes, I know it is Monday and this post is a day late but University- and retail work had gotten the better of me last week.

On a daily-basis whenever I'm fussed to wash my hair requires a nourishing shampoo. Although now and then, because of all the products (i.e. dry shampoo) I use, my hair requires a really good clean. Insert the Lush BIG Shampoo; a super clarifying shampoo that gets all the gunk out of your hair. I'm onto my second pot of this shampoo, which says a lot considering it retails at AU$26.95 a pot. 

According to Lush, the BIG Liquid Shampoo provides volume, shine & softness that puts 'bounce' back into your hair. I use it fortnightly as a clarifying shampoo, or whenever I feel my hair needs it. The shampoo contains 50% sea salt, which leaves your hair super clean but can be dehydrating if it is used too often. The consistency is liquid with chunky bits of sea salt, which is messy to work with. I find this works best if I tip my head over and wash my hair over the bath, rather than in the shower. I'll usually follow this product with a hydrating mask on the ends of my hair. It works really well as a clarifying shampoo and I love how squeaky clean it leaves my hair.

Have you ever used a clarifying shampoo, I'd love some recommendations on other products?

Shop My Stash #1

Not labelling it an official spending ban - because calling it that would just make the rebel inside of me want to shop even more - but I am trying to cut back on my spending. I have a large amount of beauty products stashed away, which I don't often reach for. In an effort to save some moola and use more  of the products that I own, I am going to be doing regular 'shop my stash' updates. For the next few weeks, I will be displaying a few products that I am making a conscious effort to rediscover. Welcome to the first 'Shop My Stash'. 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer - I cannot believe I ever stopped using this product, it smells of divine chocolate goodness and applies smoothly. I've been using this both for bronzing and contouring. I must say it is probably the best bronzing product I own as it doesn't look 'splotchy'. 

Revlon Colorstay Shadow Links in Copper - this colour looks beautiful on its own swiped over the lid. It lasts well and is decently pigmented.

Issada Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation in Cream Beige - I'm a fussy one when it comes to base products. I purchased this foundation along with a few other Issada products a year or so ago. The mineral powder foundation quickly became a staple in my beauty routine, however I did not very often use reach for this liquid foundation. It does provide good coverage without being too thick on the skin,  which results in a really natural finish. I do like this product but I still prefer the finish of the powder foundation. 

Chi Chi Viva La Diva Lipstick in Bombshell - I have so many lipsticks I could probably go half a year using a different one each day. I've really enjoyed reaching for this shade as we're heading into the cooler months. The formula is creamy, which is also a bonus for the dryer weather. I love the look of this lipstick paired with the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough As Taupe. 

I will continue raiding my stash to find some once-much-loved products that I can share with you guys. For now I am off to work on my University assessment!

NYX Cream Eye Liner Review

I am a basic-bish, a neutral lover; when I do embrace colour it is usually in the form of nails, lips or eyeliner. I have a rather large range of crayon eyeliners and these NYX Retractable Eye Liners are my pick of the bunch. They are twist-up, with a cream formula and super pigmented. Comparable to the, much pricier, Clinique and Urban Decay eyeliners. 

The formula is waterproof and really does last all day on the eyes. I have the colours Golden Olives, Gold and Silky Cashmere. These three colours are the perfect trio for me and suit most of my eye-looks. The twist-up function is a total plus because you don't have to struggle with sharpening these and it allows a really silky formula that glides on smoothly. For a minimal make up look, I swipe these on close to my lash line and smudge them out a bit, then apply mascara & DONE! I also use these liners along with eyeshadow and find they make my eyes pop. The NYX Retractable Eye Liners are available in Australia from Target and retail for AU$9.95 (but you can often find them on sale!). 

Considering that you can pick up three of these NYX liners for the price of one Urban Decay eyeliner, they are a staple in any beauty-drobe. Let me know if you've tried these eyeliners, or what your favourite eyeliner is?

Tips For Living A Happier Life

Most of us go through phases in life of being in a slump; it could be something big (like a job loss or break-up) causing you to feel like this, or it could be something small you cannot pin-point. I wanted to share a few things which have helped me when I have felt a bit… meh.

1. GO TECH FREE

Time is whizzing by! Lately I've felt like there just is not enough hours in a day and days in a week to get everything done. I have so many books and magazines I want to read, new places I want to visit and things I want to get done. A large factor in this lack of time, comes from my addiction to social media. I admit, I am a total #instaaddict. I easily spend waste hours on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter a day. Not to mention the time I spend on emails and online shopping. One thing I am trying to work on is to switch off all technology an hour before I go to sleep (haven't yet achieved this), and spend this time doing something I don't otherwise have time for, like finally reading that GIRLBOSS book.

2. GET MORE SLEEP

Leading on from #1, is getting enough sleep. I often go to bed after midnight because I spend so much time on my computer. I am one of those people, however, that cannot function on less than eight hours sleep, so I end up wanting to sleep in or sleep through my alarm. Something that always makes me sleep better is exercise...

3. GET YOUR ENDORPHINS FLOWING

I have a serious love/hate relationship with exercise... I'm either really into it and go to the gym nearly every day, or I'll go weeks without wanting going to the gym (currently I'm stuck in the latter). One thing I can say for sure is that I feel SO MUCH BETTER (physically and mentally) when I exercise on a regular basis. I'm no professional but I do know that exercise (or getting your heart rate up) releases endorphins, which in turn makes you feel happier. I suffer from irritable bowl syndrome (TMI?), and I can also feel the positive effect that regular exercise has on my metabolism. I hate to say it, because I love nothing more than a sleep in and I am no morning person, but an early workout is really the best way to start your day!

4. BREAK TIES WITH NEGATIVITY

You know that friend, the one that constantly puts you and your accomplishments down, I'm 99% sure you thought of a specific person. If you did, then you really need to end that friendship right now. Getting older, I have learnt that you really do not owe anyone, except yourself, anything. If someone is having a negative effect on your life, then no matter how hard it can be to 'break ties', you will be better off without them. 

5. TAKE A MOMENT FOR YOURSELF

When was the last time you did something completely 'selfish', without feeling guilty. We all need have some sort of hobby (even if it is shopping), during which we can enjoy some down time. You could do something creative like an art class, or indulge yourself with a spa treatment. 

If you cannot afford to do anything that indulgent, even just taking time to make yourself a cup of tea and having a LUSH bath with a magazine can help.

I hope there was something here you could take away from this post. Please share your own tips for leading a more positive life below!

The Affordable Concealer Round-Up

1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Sand / 2. Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser / 3. L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Natural / 4. NYX Concealer in Porcelain

Happy Easter every-bunny, I hope you have all enjoyed some relaxation time this long-weekend. The internet, however, does not sleep - so the blog posts have to keep coming. I have a confession, I have NEVER purchased a high end concealer. I've been tempted by many - Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and NARS are some I really want to try - but I can never justify the price when there are many 'drugstore' concealers that work well. 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is the only concealer I have used for spot concealing; it is a really great match for my skintone, which means it doesn't make my spots any more noticeable. It comes with a doe-foot applicator which easily applies the creamy concealer to either a brush or straight to the skin. It provides good coverage but can become 'cakey' if it is built up too much. 

The first ever concealer that I used and still use to this day, is the Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser. A concealer popular among beauty lovers for it's build-able, yet natural coverage. The concealer comes in twist-up tube packaging, with a dome-shaped sponge (on the top) for easy application. There have been comments that the packaging is unhygienic, because bacteria from your skin can grow on the sponge. However, I've used this concealer for years and I've never had a problem with any of the tubes that I've had. I apply it straight from the sponge to my under-eye area (in a triangle shape) and buff it in with a brush. It comes in both brightening (with pink undertones) and concealing colours. I've used both and while I disliked the brightening shade, the concealing shade (in Light) is a staple of mine. A product that is too illuminating under the eyes often accentuate my dark circles. 

During the last few months I have been reaching more often for the L.A Girl Pro Concealer in Natural. This product is not available in Australian stores but you can usually find it on the internet for under $5.00. It comes in a squeeze tube packaging with a brush applicator, which you can use to apply the concealer straight to your under-eyes. The texture is a bit thicker than the Maybelline concealer and sets fast. This means that once it is buffed in it lasts longer on the skin. The reason I most often reach for this foundation is because of its orange undertone. This sounds like an odd concept but the orange really helps to cancel out any blue in your under-eye 'bags'. The final concealer is a more recent purchase but I wanted to mention it because it is easy accessible to most Aussies (at Target) and at a great price (under $10). The NYX Full Coverage Concealer is packaged in a tub, it is a super creamy concealer that provides a powder finish. Because it is so creamy it hasn't proved to last as long as the L.A Girl Pro Concealer, but still provides build-able coverage.

Although I am fond of all these concealers, I still have one common problem - throughout the day it settles into my fine lines under my eye. If you have had a similar issue with concealers and have found something that doesn't settle, please link me or let me know!

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