My Top 7 Makeup Brushes

Hello beauties, happy Sunday! Being a beauty junkie, I have too many makeup brushes in my collection. But I know, because we aren't all shopaholics, that is not the case for everyone. Today I thought I would share my most essential makeup brushes.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

This is my favourite brush that I own! I often wear a mineral powder as my base and this big fluffy brush allows super easy and quick application. What I like most is the large surface that this brush covers and the density that allows good coverage. Anyone with small facial features might not like this brush due to its large surface. It retails for AU$27.99 at Priceline but you can find Real Techniques brushes cheaper at iHerb.com.

Zoeva 104 Buffer

A dense buffing brush is ideal for blending in liquid foundation. It ensures even application and no harsh lines. I have bought all my Zoeva brush from Luxola.com (direct link here).

Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek

This curved brush works great to apply blush onto the apples of your cheeks but the shape fits perfectly into the hollows of your cheeks, making it ideal for applying bronzer too (direct link here).

Real Techniques Contour Brush (bought as part of the Core Collection Set)

This brush is sold in the 'Your Base Flawless Core Collection' containing four brushes and retailing for $AU47.50 at Priceline (once again, can be found cheaper at iHerb). I do not use this brush for contouring, but rather to apply concealer under my eyes. The domed shape fits perfectly in the inner corner between my eye and nose and works well to blend the concealer.

Zoeva 226 Smudger & Zoeva 227 Soft Definer

These two eyeshadow brushes can get you through various makeup looks. The Zoeva 226 Smudger (direct link here) has very short, stiff bristles and works best for packing eyeshadow onto the lid, it works especially well with pigments or shadows containing glitter. The Zoeva 227 Soft Definer (direct link here) is the brush I use for blending shadow through the crease. It has just the right consistency to evenly apply the eyeshadow but still blend well.

There are many more great brushes and tools for applying makeup but these are just a few of my essentials. Let me know if you own any of these brushes and what your most-used makeup brush is?

Mecca Cosmetica Jet Set Travel Bag

I first discovered the great invention that is a 'double-sided makeup bag' in a Lily Pebbles' video. After an online-hunt, I found the exact Omorovicza bag on Feel Unique. Unfortunately $150 is not in my budget, so imagine my excitement when I discovered the Mecca Cosmetica Jet Set Travel Bag.

The idea behind these 'double-sided makeup bags' (as I have dubbed it) is a clear panelled cosmetic bag with two compartments on opposite sides and a divider in between. It is transparent to meet regulations for taking liquids on a flight. From my measurements, the bag is about 22cm x 12cm with an overall depth of 9cm. The first compartment allows for larger products with a depth of 5cm, while the second compartment is for less bulky products at about a 3cm depth.

The Mecca Cosmetica Jet Set Travel Bag features black patent material with beautiful rose gold zips and detailing. The bag itself retails for AU$50, which is pricey for a beauty bag but is a great addition for beauty lovers who travel often. It would also make a beautiful gift.

I am looking forward to using this bag for my Melbourne trip next week. It is available for AU$50 online at Mecca Cosmetica (here) or you can ask at your local Mecca Maxima or Cosmetica (make sure to ask as it might be kept off the sale floor). Alternatively his bag also comes in a collection with a few Mecca Cosmetica travel skincare products for AU$110 which you can buy here.

Do you have any beauty or storage travel tips to share? To any Melbourne readers, I'd love some recommendations of places to see or where to eat in the CBD. Don't forget to follow @oniochalasiablog on Instagram to keep up with all things happening at https://instagram.com/oniochalasiablog/.

New Release L'Oreal Colour Riche Exclusive Reds

Welcome back beauties! Any regular readers here would have noticed that My Oniochalasia has been seriously lacking content the past month. A busy University and work schedule has caused a lack in both time and motivation for writing. Luckily a friend has recently reassured me that there is in fact someone out there who cares about these beauty ramblings. So here I am, back in action and ready to share so many new finds and loves with you all.

Today I have a really exciting review of the new L'Oreal limited edition collection. This collection of sophisticated matte red lipsticks has a shade to suit every women. As with the exclusive nudes collection, each shade is created to specifically complement the diverse skin tones of six L'Oreal ambassadors; Eva Longoria, Freida Pinto, Jennifer Lopez, Doutzen Kroes, Blake Lively and Laetitia Casta. Each lip colour is also released with a complimentary-colour nail lacquer. 

The packaging is gorgeous! The combination of a slightly textured leopard-print (on the black area) and gold detailing creates a luxurious feel. Despite being a matte texture, the lipsticks apply smoothly. I would recommend using a lip liner and lip brush for the application, as the shape of the lipstick's tip does not allow for perfect application. 

As with the previously released Nude collection, Eva's red is my favourite colour. L'Oreal describes this one as an 'urban chic brick-red'.  To me, it is a 'sexy' red which compliments well with an olive-skin undertone and green eyes. Paired with a leather jacket and jeans for a date night.

Freida's red is the most pink-toned in the collection, with a fuchsia undertone. The texture of this shade is more matte and not as creamy to apply, but very opaque. I am pleasantly surprised with how this shade translates the my lips.

JLo's shade is a dark ruby red. The very creamy texture makes this shade hard to apply out of the tube. This glam red will instantly transform your look from day to night. 

The poppiest of reds, Doutzen's shade is a blazing tangerine. This is a great lip colour for a pop of colour, but the formula is not as opaque as the other reds and requires a few coats reapplied. This shade is my least favourite as it does not compliment my skin tone.

L'Oreal describes this shade as a classic pure red, which Blake Lively is known for rocking on the red carpet. This shade is almost a mix between Eva's 'brick-red' and JLo's ruby tone. Although more matte and harder to apply than both those colours, Blake's red is very opaque. Despite how the swatches look, the nail lacquer compliments the lip colour very well!

Finally, Laetitia's red is the most 'vampy' out of the bunch. A beautiful garnet red, perfect for winter. This shade is definitely the hardest to pull off and apply, as it can apply patchy. Applied with a lip brush and a matching lip liner, this shade can look seriously seductive.

There are some great shades in this collection and I think everyone will be able to find a match. If you are unsure which shade would best suit you head in-store and swatch the colours or leave me a comment with your features and I'll try to recommend a shade.

This collection is set to be released in Australia in July this year, but has been spotted in stores now. The lipstick will retail for AU$21.95, with the nail lacquers retailing at AU$7.95. The collection will be available at selected pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores. Let me know which shade is your favourite!

I was sent these lipsticks by L'Oreal Paris but all opinions remain my own. This is not a paid advertorial.

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.

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!