CANDLE CURATING, TEA TASTING, FRESH BLOOMS & GOOD READS //

Welcome to the nicest smelling corner of my room...

Sometimes it's easy to overlook the joys of a fragrant room, a comfy armchair, a cup of tea, a good book, and flowers fresh from the garden - especially when other shiny objects seem to call my name. I've been reminded not to dismiss these little luxuries in favour of buying another lipstick or pair of shoes. They are - for the most part - far more affordable to begin with, and the perfect way to relax after a long, stressful day. Strapping on a pair of heels or swiping on a bright lippie just doesn't compare (not in this instance, anyway)!

Candles

I like leaving the lids off my candles (see first pic) to create a subtly-fragrant atmosphere that requires no supervision - and I often find that the candles smell better when not burning. For me, being greeted with sweet scents when I walk through the door is an instant mood-lifter.

L-R:
Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Maddison Jar Candle
Glasshouse Cuba Candle
Mango and White Tea Soy Candle
Ecoya Sweet Pea and Jasmine Mini Metro Jar Candle
Marseille Soy Candle in vintage teacup

Tea + Teacups

There's nothing better than a cup of tea on a cold day. Especially when it's presented in a pretty little tea cup. Sometimes they're a great incentive for me to wake up early, a lovely post-dinner treat, or something to unwind with before bed.

T2 Choc Chip Chai, Creme Brûlée and Strawberries and Cream (glass jar) Teas
Floral Tea Cup and Saucer
Milk + Sugar Expresso Tea Cup and Saucer (from Sussans)

Books, blooms + pretty things

Revlon nail polish in 270 Cherries in the Snow
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine 
Ralph Lauren RALPH Mini EDT
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Mini EDT
Amazing Face by Zoë Foster
Love Your Hair by Richard Kavanagh
Style by Lauren Conrad
Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown


Have I inspired you to sit in front of the fireplace with a good book and cup of tea?
What are your little luxuries? (:

WEEK IN REVIEW // 8 (AKA 'SICKY-SICK')

A week of sickness (not again!) and blocked nasal passages...yay.
Firstly, I ought to apologise that it's been a bit quiet on ze blog this week. I worked twice as much as usual, and got sick half way through the week. Thankfully there was only one day of overlap - where I both was sick and had to work.

The breakdown (clockwise from top left):
Wuthering Heights and Textbook Romance Pink Penguin Classics - I spotted these at my local Dymocks while browsing aimlessly - what can I say, I am instantly drawn to anything pink! Seeing Textbook Romance made me take a closer look, as it was published 'too recently' - I thought - to be considered a 'classic'. I'll be perfectly honest, my decision to purchase it was partially influenced by the fact that it's written by Zoë Foster. I haven't read it yet, but if it's as good as her beauty articles, then I expect I'll be in for a treat...

Britney Spears Fantasy Perfume - I've had this perfume for ages, and only just started using it again. It was my favourite eons ago, and I don't know why, but I've been using it nonstop lately. #oldfave.

Butter-Menthols - You know how I feel about these. Placebo effect potentially, but whatevs. If they're able to stop me from having a huge coughing fit in the middle of work, then so be it.

Vicks VapoNaturals - Ditto.

Kleenex Aloe Vera tissues - My nose was in a disgustingly raw state previously, but is now feeling better thanks to these! Some much-needed TLC for my poor shnoz.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - If you haven't guessed by now, this has been my go-to lip balm (unfortunately not the Zoë Foster variety) of late. It has been failing me this week, however, as my sore, chapped lips are in dire need of something more nourishing. I toyed with the idea of pulling out the much-hyped-about Nuxe Rêve de Miel from my drawer, but decided it against it, as my lips were hanging in there okay before. We'll see how this goes...

Elms + King Lexington bag - After realising that I had so much crap in my handbag that I couldn't find the exact item I was looking for - and after coming across a seriously random article - I decided to do a handbag clean-out. Thankfully things are looking a little tidier now, though I'm willing to bet that it's not going to stay that way!


Yup, I had a 'sick' week, alright!

What was the highlight of your week? Hope you're in better health than me!

FACE FAVES // CULT PRODUCT - MAC FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION

MAC Face and Body Foundation 120ml

Feels like water, looks like skin.

I've been meaning to write a proper review on MAC's Face and Body Foundation for a while now, though it's taken some time to give it the attention it deserves. It's one of those products that I wasn't to sure how to approach at first. I'd read that it was a very watery formula, was waterproof when 'set', gave a skin-like finish, and was a favourite amongst makeup artists, especially for studio shoots, as coverage could be built up in layers without feeling heavy or cakey. You could say I was intrigued. When I headed to my local MAC counter to test it out, the MUA squirted some onto a metal dish before applying it on to my face with a stippling brush. Now that I've used for a few months (I first mentioned it here), I think I'm well positioned to deliver my comprehensive two-cents.

Ingredients listing

Nozzle dispenser

Scent and application:
It has a slight, barely-detectable scent that I don't find unpleasant, and takes a while to actually set. It comes out watery and immediately starts to thicken as it comes into contact with the air. My usual practice is to squirt some on the back of my hand (about the size of my pinkie nail - see below), give it a moment to thicken and then transfer to my face, working in sections - beginning with my cheeks, then nose and chin, and then forehead. The more you rub/massage/work it into skin, the faster it sets. I find it safer to squeeze out less than I think I'll need, because it is far easier to get more out than it is to try and push excess back through the tiny nozzle... I've found that fingers work best for application - if I have time then I'll use fingers to massage it into my skin, before going back in with a brush (either the Real Techniques Buffing Brush or Expert Face Brush) and blending, to ensure that there are no harsh lines or edges. If I'm in a rush I prefer to slap it on and then buff it in, rather than take the time to work it into my skin with fingers, though the warmth from my hands helps the foundation to melt in and set quicker. One of my pet peeves with foundations is when the base sits on top of the skin rather than melting in, making it easy to transfer on to other things (such as my phone...gross). Thankfully the F&B isn't too bad a culprit, though sometimes I forget that it does take a bit of time to set, and end up getting it on the collar of my white work shirt - real classy...

A little goes a long way...

L-R: Before application / After application (cool lighting) / After application (warm lighting)

Coverage and lasting power:
It provides light to medium coverage. I find that one layer offers a fairly light coverage - sufficient to tone down redness (see photo above), but not mask it completely. It can be built up for a fuller coverage, and the best part is that it does so without feeling heavy or cakey - and doesn't crease, either. It has a luminous, dewy finish - not sparkly or glittery in the slightest - that is probably better suited to those with normal to dry skin. I find that it doesn't cling to dry patches, but they do become more pronounced as the day wears on (probably exacerbated by my air-conditioned work environment). Personally, I get the best finish if I apply it shortly after applying moisturiser or day cream, when it has just absorbed and my face is still a little moist. In warmer weather I'll also powder my T-zone, which tends to become oilier as the day transpires. Generally, lasting power is excellent once set - for me, it lasts well throughout a work day (9+ hours), without flaking or budging.

Size and shade-range:
It comes in two sizes: 50ml (mainly for regular usage), and 120ml professional size. Here, the 50ml retails for $49, while the 120ml retails for $60. I read that it has a tendency to separate over time, but I thought I'd take a chance on the larger size anyway, as it was better value for money.  Call me a typical Asian, but it was a a real no-brainer! (Mine was actually $35USD, brought back from the US for me by a dear friend).
In terms of colour range, I love that MAC has such a large range to choose from. I wear the shade C3 (roughly equivalent to NC30), which has strong yellow undertones and is perfect for me in Summer, though a tad dark for me now that we're heading in to Winter. Thankfully it's sheer enough that it's not too obvious. For all you alabaster beauties, they also have the shade White (available only in the professional 120ml size), which is meant for mixing with the other shades, but perfect for those who find C1 or N1 too dark.

Face and Body buddies:
For everyday wear, I like layering it over Nivea's Daily Face Veil, and powdering with Rimmel's Stay Matte Translucent Pressed Powder (not pictured).

L-R: Nivea sunscreen, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Buffing Brush

You can see it in action here, and here.

Overall, I find the F&B a great everyday foundation, as it provides a nice finish and sufficient coverage for me; it's housed in sturdy no-nonsense packaging, is buildable, and photographs really well due to no SPF. No doubt a top pick for brides!


Have you tried MAC's Face and Body Foundation?
If so, did you find it difficult to work with?

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG? //

For all you nosy rascals, I'm happy to oblige.

It's a well known fact that women carry the contents of their entire lives in their handbags. Stumbling across this interesting article, I thought I'd clear out my own handbag and take a look. I'd say that the contents of my handbag are pretty standard, though!

The handbag in question: Elms + King Lexington bag, which is roomier than I'm used to, and allows me to carry more junk than I need. On the plus side, it fits a one litre drink bottle upright rather comfortably, which constantly amazes me.

The contents of my handbag...revealed!

The goods (clockwise-ish from top left):
Fossil Tate Clutch Wallet
Ray-Ban Catty Clubmaster Sunglasses - for the last vestiges of sun on those rare 24 degree days that we've been experiencing lately.
GAP leather pouch - for random bits and pieces, such as a mirror and pocket tissues.
Muesli bar - a snack for when I'm on-the-go.
Black pens - always black for me.
iPhone - yup, a 3GS and still going strong. Impressive, right? Well done, Apple, well done.
Spotty pouch - girly stuff. We'll leave it at that.
Natio hand cream
Planner - such a good size, making it practical and portable.
Dettol hand sanitiser
Keys
Lip prodz: Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose, Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm with sunscreen - one balm, one tinted, one lipgloss...and another balm. (Um, backup?)
Handbag hook - which I've carried around for ages, but have yet put into use (largely due to the fact that I forget I've got it with me...)

I hope you've enjoyed having a snoop. I suppose the four lip products may be viewed as excessive, but for me it's considered 'not-too-outrageous' and completely justified. A girl needs options, right? (Sneaky confession: usually I'd have a bright lippie or two thrown in there as well.)

What strange things do you carry around in your handbag? Hopefully nothing so odd as the ones mentioned in the article above...

WEEK IN REVIEW // 7

A hectic week of catch-ups with friends, and several attempts at eyeshadow...

Nike Free Run 5.0+ Shield running shoes - I've been enjoying wearing these lately, as they're ridiculously comfy, and waterproof too - and they're neutral enough to go with most of my wardrobe.

Divergent series by Veronica Roth - I've heard many rave reviews about this series, so I thought I'd add it to my collection when I spotted them on sale at Dymocks. I'm still not sure if I'm emotionally ready to become attached to another series, though!

Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom and Sweet Pea and Jasmine candles - So I caved. Hooray for payday. I wasn't going to, I promise! But it just so happens that when I went for a second sticky beak, I noticed that they were offering a free Sweet Pea and Jasmine Mini Metro Jar with the purchase of a Madison Jar. So in my mind it was justified. And they both smell delightful!

With my recent eyeshadow attempts: one, two, and three, I've been digging out previous purchases and old favourites - L'oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel, Avon Ultra Luxury Eyeliner in 100 Eggplant, and Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in 03 Bad Girl Bronze. I'm looking forward to getting more use out of these!

And still going strong from last week: Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner Palette in 20 Naturally Glamorous and Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream. I'd also like to revise what I said last week regarding Nivea's lip butter (see link above) - it's not only the amount used, but also method of application: I find that I get the best results (i.e. no white cast, no weird layer sitting on top of the lips) when I use a small amount and keep smoothing it over the lips until it has melted in. I've also found that it makes a great 'treatment' before applying lip colour.

What were your weekly loves?

#FOTD 3 // OFF DUTY

Taking a break from attempting a smokey eye today... And instead going for something lighter and fresher, inspired by the gorgeous weather outside, and the equally wonderful fact that I don't have to work today.

FACE:
Mecca Cosmetic In a Good Light Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30
The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip and Cheek Dome in 20 Pinch Me Pink

EYES:
L'oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel - A cool iridescent taupe-y mauve-y brown that is rather difficult to describe, spread over the lid as a base (patted on with fingers).
Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner Palette in 20 Naturally Glamorous - Warm chocolate-laced-with-burgundy shade (second from right) blended into the outer 'V' using Ecotools Petite Shader Brush.
Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in 03 Bad Girl Bronze - Used as eyeliner and smudged along the upper lash line and outer 1/3 of lower lash line using Ecotools Smudger Brush.
Ecotools Angled Crease Brush used to blend.
Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner pencil in 100 Eggplant - An oldie but a goodie. The perfect purple eyeliner.
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
Maybelline The Colossal Volum'Express Mascara in Black - Finishing touch to the eyes.

LIPS:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - To prep the lips (you know the drill!)
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry

Have a great rest of the weekend! (:

CURIOSITY PIQUED //

I'm usually pretty good as resisting hype about products, but lately I feel my resolve weakening. I once heard a lady tell her son that he shouldn't look at things while out shopping, because once you see you start to want. She was right. (Why are mothers always right?)

Here are a few products that have sparked my interest:

Go-To Skincare Lips! - Firstly, I am a huge lip balm fanatic, so when beauty guru Zoë Foster-Blake released her own range of skincare, I was instantly intrigued. It must be good. I've toyed with purchasing Lips! on a few occasions now, despite my determination to not buy any more until I've finished 5+ that I'm currently using. I have to admit that, while it was Lips! that originally drew me, the Properly Clean cleanser and Very Useful Face Cream also look interesting. Uh-oh, this isn't going to end well (for my debit card)...

Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Candle - This one snuck up on me while I was very innocently shopping for curtains in a homewares store. I came across a stand of Ecoya candles and found that they had just released two limited edition candles in the Madison Jar - Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom, and Violet, Fig and Cassis. After taking a whiff of each, I decided that Violet, Fig and Cassis was a little too heady for me, but the Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom was lovely and fresh. I didn't buy it, but I think a seed has unfortunately been planted!

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant in Ylang Ylang and Calendula - I've been interested in natural deodorant for a while now, due to my easily-irritated and eczema-prone skin, which seems to worsen with the colder weather. Schmidt's offering seems like a good one, along with this one by Black Chicken and this one by Soapwalla, though I'm not thrilled that shipping to Australia costs more than the product itself.

Tender Love + Carry - These New Zealander toiletries bags have just landed in David Jones, and the prints are adorable! I'm particularly smitten with this pouch from the Patchwork line. They are surprisingly affordable, too, compared to brands such as Uchi and Cath Kidston. I can't really justify buying one at the moment, but they're just so damn cute.

Tangle Teezer - Hold up. If Emma Watson raved about it, it must be somethin'. I haven't used a hairbrush for the last few years, simply because my hair often looks worse afterwards. I previously brushed this one off (see what I did there?) as another fad, but lately I've been reconsidering it. I particularly like the idea of this compact styler - a portable version that comes with a cover, so it doesn't get stuck on bits and pieces in your handbag.

Clarisonic Mia - I previously thought I didn't need to wash my face with a fancy contraption that had a spinning head to ensure a proper clean - especially not one as expensive as the Clarisonic. Lately I've been rethinking this, and doubting the humble washcloth's ability to remove the sunscreen/makeup/sweat/grime/whatever else that accumulates on my face as the day transpires. Plus, I've been told that it's like having a face massage - actually, that's kind of what sucked me in in the first place...

Are you hype-resistant?
Have you tried any of these? Do they live up to the hype?

*Images from Google

#FOTD 2

I think I'm having an 'eyeshadow moment' - or at least, I'm willing to keep trying until I get it right (bear with me, please...) Today's look - Le Subtle Daytime Smokey Eye Take Two, courtesy of a private lesson from industry heavyweight, Ms Zoë Foster-Blake herself (and an excuse to test out the eyeshadow palette!)

Clockwise-ish from top left:
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3 - My fave and only foundation at the moment.
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30 - My only concealer at the moment.
Ecotools Deluxe Concealer Brush - Does a pretty good job of applying liquid concealer.
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Black - An old fave that I recently dug out; very soft and perfect for 'smudgy' looks.
Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner Palette in Naturally Glamorous - The warm shades were what attracted me in this first place, and so far I'm not disappointed.
Nivea Daily Face Veil Sunscreen SPF 30 - Sits nicely under makeup. SPF is a must!
Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in 239 Spring Splendor - A lip gloss that contains no nasties. However, it's disappointing that the writing on the packaging has rubbed off, as I've only had it since Christmas. It's a natural pinky-mauve colour and has slight scent reminiscent of Lip Smackers...
Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach - I'll refrain from gushing on about this one today. You're welcome.
Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush - I was about iffy-diffy about this one at first, but it's growing on me.
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler - Pretty standard stuff. It's not 'life-changing', but does the job.
Ecotools Eye Brushes (from 6-piece set): all over lid, blender, petite shading brush, smudger - these are a great little set; portable, versatile and soft. The smudger is my favourite.
Maybelline The Colossal Volum'Express Mascara - I avoid wearing mascara where possible because it irritates my eyes. I didn't love this one - I'd say it's average. It doesn't make a huge difference for me, though on the plus side, it doesn't clump too often.
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - I've been enjoying using this as a treatment or base before applying lip colour, as it helps the product glide on smoothly over dry patches, and keeps lips hydrated for longer.

Which is your go-to palette for a daytime smokey eye?

MONOCHROMATIC INSPIRATION //

Berry and wine hues are huge favourites of mine for Autumn/Winter, though lately I find myself equally inspired by good ol' monochrome. As they say, you can't go wrong with black, white and grey (check out Harper and Harley if you're feeling uninspired). Here are my picks:

Clockwise from top left:
Country Road Herringbone Crew Socks
Diptyque Baies Candle
Tory Burch Robinson Chain Wallet
Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne
Country Road Pom Pom Stripe Beanie
Mecca Cosmetic Lip De-Luscious Night Lip Treatment
CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundation
Wittner Harpie loafer
Larsson and Jennings LÄDER watch
ZARA TRF Leather Biker Jacket

Do any of these take your eye?
What do you think of the switch 'back to black'?


*Images from Google

WEEK IN REVIEW // 6

A week of illness and painful return to reality. And a bit of beauty loot to make it all better.

You'll notice that there are more beauty products thrown in there than usual - but when you're sick more is required to make you look socially acceptable, right? That's how I'm justifying it, anyway...

Clockwise from top left:
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop - Aside from it being a totally adorable little product, I find it quite versatile as well. Applied with a light hand it gives a sheer wash of colour, but can also be built up for a real 'pop'. In this photo it looks more peachy, but it's actually more of an earthy rosy russet. I love that it gives a natural, healthy flush - like I've just been for a brisk walk. You can see it in action (applied very sparingly) here.

Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach - I've just raved about this, so I will refrain from repeating myself in such a short time frame, though I'll do a proper post on this soon!

Butter-Menthol - I've gone through two sticks of these and a pack of Strepsils. They seem to make things better, though it could just be a placebo effect... Having said that, I'd rather not be without them!

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous - Perhaps I could blame sleepandwater's featuring of this in her Top 5 Low End Eyeshadow Palettes post as the final push for my purchasing. I've eyed it for a long time, though could never justify spending nearly $30 on a teeny-weeny eyeshadow palette. I figured it was meant to be when I spotted it on sale at Priceline (and was able to claim a bit more off with my Priceline Sisterhood card points. Win!)

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine - I first mentioned this newbie not long ago and have been relying heavily on it for work days, as I figure a bright lip will hopefully detract attention from my panda eyes. It's a lovely creamy formula that's glossy and moisturising, fades evenly and leaves a pretty stain. It lasted a good five or six hours on me, with drinking and a bit of eating (snacking?).

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - I've gone back to using this as a lip treatment before bed, and I find that it doesn't leave a nasty white cast as often, which used to frustrate me. I think the trick is in the amount used: I find that spreading a thin layer on is best - too much and it just sits on top of the lips. I know I've already mentioned this, but it smells absolutely heavenly!

Chi Chi Baked Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You - Described quite accurately as a 'burgundy plum', I pounced on this when I saw it on sale at Target. It's a gorgeous colour, shimmery but not glittery, and can be used wet or dry. The photo really doesn't do it justice. I'm looking forward to testing it out; stay tuned.

GAP Cashmere Waffle Scarf - I've barely taken it off since I bought it! It's wonderfully soft and warm - perfect for days when I'm feeling under the weather.

What were your favourites this week?

I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA //

...Literally. Like, I just pinched them off her dresser. No, I'm not talking about my body (sly nod to B.E.P), but the beauty booty (ha, see what I did there?) my mother introduced me to. Though it seems that I'm the one bombarding her with makeup recommendations these days, as a belated Mother's Day post, I thought I'd take a quick look at three products that I wouldn't know and love if it weren't for Mother Dearest.

L-R: La Roche-Posay BB Cream, La Roche-Posay Sunscreen, Chi Chi Mosaic Blush

  
The 'love at first sight': La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Melt-In BB Cream SPF 50
I did mention this a while back, in a first impressions post based on a sample of this BB Cream. Turns out Mother loved it too, and consequently purchased a full-sized one for herself. I ended up pinching this rather frequently while overseas - it was perfect for the sunny and humid weather. I suppose this prod ought to be revisited (watch this space).

The 'it's-complicated-turned-in-a-relationship': La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Sunscreen
I also mentioned this one - like, a fleeting two-liner - in the same post. And at first, I didn't love it. The sample I tested was thick, difficult to spread, and overall not so appealing to me. Thanks to Mother, though, that changed. She went and bought a full-sized one shortly after purchasing the BB Cream, and I decided to give it another go. To my amazement it was nothing like the sample: thin in texture, easy to blend and left a nice sheen - think more along the lines of 'glowy' than 'greasy' - though it did also give me a bit of a white cast. It was love. I think this one also deserves a revisit and proper conclusion...

The whirlwind romance: Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach.
This is a newbie (as in, two day old newbie) and Mother's purchase yet again (there seems to be a trend here...). I spotted her wearing it and was instantly intrigued. It was the most perfect blend of peach, rose and russet - and rather flattering on olive skin tones/skin with yellow undertones. It has shimmer throughout, which is quite subtle when applied, yet catches the light for a lovely brightening effect. It also features five shades that can be swirled together or applied separately. I like swiping a bit of the pale peachy shade along the tops of my cheekbones as a highlighter, and I'm thinking the bronzy chocolatey shade might make a pretty eyeshadow. You could say that I've fallen head over heels for this one!

What are your fave products that you can thank your Mama for?

#FOTD 1 //

Please excuse the 'sick' face...

While my FOTD's are generally very simple and natural-looking (partly due to lack of time and partly due to laziness), today I had extra time on my hands to play around and experiment. As a self-confessed eyeshadow noob, I usually avoid using eyeshadow and 'smoky eyes' - especially as it often seems to attract comments from my mother about how much I resemble a drug addict or a panda (read: smoky eye gone terribly wrong). I focused on eyes today and kept the rest of the face quite neutral (and realised how out of practise I was, while attempting winged eyeliner).

The breakdown:
FACE:
- MAC Face and Body Foundation (Shade C3) applied with fingers
- MAC Select Cover Up Concealer applied under eyes and over blemishes with Ecotools Deluxe Concealer Brush

CHEEKS:
- Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop applied on apples of cheeks with Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
- Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel used to contour; applied with RealTechniques Expert Face Brush

EYES:
- Wet'N'Wild Comfort Zone Palette (left side) following the 'instructions'; applied with Ecotools eye brushes and the random Manicare brush...
- Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner to draw the wing

LIPS:
- Just a slick of Nivea Lip Butter (Caramel Cream)

What do your 'experimental' FOTD's consist of?
Do you have any eyeshadow tips for me?

THE STANDOUT // ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM INTENSIVE DAILY MOISTURIZER

As mentioned in my previous post, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face SPF 15 PA++ (phew, what a name!) was the major standout for me, and a wonderful in-flight companion. It was included in a pack I'd bought from Priceline, along with the cult-favourite Eight Hour Cream and a lip balm, but I was less than keen to try it after excitedly testing out the Eight Hour Cream and being put off entirely by its strong scent and sticky texture. I figured that the Intensive Daily Moisturizer would be equally thick and difficult to spread, but with the added bonus of SPF. On a whim I thought I'd bring it with me overseas, as it was a travel-friendly size - just in case I needed an SPF during the flight. I put it to the test mid-flight when I noticed my skin becoming drier, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that despite having the same off-putting medicinal scent as the Eight Hour Cream, it was light - of an almost whipped consistency - quickly absorbed, and resulted in instantly smooth and hydrated skin. Plus, a little goes a long way - the blob shown below is enough to cover half my face (though I suppose my face is on the small side...) Indeed, it was love at first swipe. I'm still not sure if my adulation for it is simply due to my previous extraordinarily low expectations, but at any rate, this little prod has certainly earned its keep.

What are your can't-live-without products that you were previously wrong about?

DEPARTURE // THE RECAP

As I'm in the process of unpacking and tidying the mess I call my room, I thought it'd be interesting to review the numerous products I brought with me overseas (the majority of which I didn't really use enough to justify bringing). And I ought to apologise right about now, because the stuff pictured in my previous 'Departure' post isn't even half of what I actually brought... I know, I know. Um. A hoarder in every sense! In my defence, my frantic tossing of other bits and pieces into my suitcase was mainly induced by my mindset of 'just in case', rather than 'practical and necessary'... I'll be wiser for next time. Hopefully.

What I packed in carry-on luggage:

- Natio Spa with Organics Heavenly Hand Cream
- Neways Barrier Cream
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm with Sunscreen
- Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose
- B Collection by Bloom Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks in Barossa Valley
- Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry
- MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30

What I actually used on the plane:

- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm with Sunscreen
- Natio Spa with Organics Heavenly Hand Cream
- Neways Barrier Cream
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++
- Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry

Admittedly I was too distracted by the movies on the plane to be bothered about being meticulous with skincare during the nine-hour flight. My skin prep beforehand seemed sufficiently hydrating, though I did apply a layer of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++ about half way, and hand cream and lip balm frequently throughout. The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++ absolutely exceeded my expectations and I credit it to my happy complexion upon landing. Full review coming soon.

What I used the most while overseas:

- Neways Barrier Cream
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Sunscreen
- La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Melt-In BB Cream
- Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30
- Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry

What I didn't really use:

- Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry
- Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple
- Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel
- Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Stippling Brush
- ModelsPrefer Airbrush
- EcoTools Deluxe Concealer Brush
- Natio Spa with Organics Heavenly Hand Cream
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm with Sunscreen
- Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose
- B Collection by Bloom Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks in Barossa Valley
- MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30
- Garnier Clean Detox Makeup Wipes

I know. Yikes.
Granted, while overseas, I couldn't care in the slightest how I looked. SPF was my priority, along with lip balm, and I didn't bother too much with eye makeup as I was wearing sunglasses most of the time. However, I did use these products less than a handful of times, when we went out for lunch or dinner at places that required patrons to look at least socially acceptable.

What I wish I'd brought:

- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+
- Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

Thankfully there aren't too many products in this category! I found myself wishing for Clinique's DDML+ when my face was randomly dry and irritated, and there seemed to be no cure (which is largely the reason why I ended up bringing the Clinique Moisture Surge home...), and lip butter when my lips wanted something richer after spending a little too long in the sun and wind.

What I learnt:
Pantene conditioner makes an excellent shaving cream in a pinch.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face SPF 15 PA++ is fabulous and I should feel ashamed for overlooking it previously.
Make do with fingers instead of brushes where possible.

What I know for next time:
Bringing excessive amounts of stuff that won't be used makes for a painful trip and limits the haulage that can be brought back (lose-lose situation).
Generally speaking, there's no need to bring so much carry-on as I'm more likely to be watching movies or sleeping on the plane than making use of the liquids/gels/aerosols that I brought with me.


What are your travel essentials?
Are you a hoarder like me?

ARRIVAL // THE MINI HAUL

Hello! Yes, I am back after a painful twenty-four hour flight delay. With several pieces of luggage in tow - and a mini* beauty haul. And along with twenty-one pairs of socks (don't ask), and an embarrassingly large stack of GAP clothes, but more on that later...

As I am also sick (thanks, kid who was coughing his lungs out in the seat behind me the entire trip!), I will leave you with a little snapshot, instead of rambling endlessly - but expect to see them in more detail soon!

The 'mini haul'

The breakdown (clockwise from top left):
- Innisfree cloth masks
- EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Summer Fruit
- Ralph Lauren RALPH EDT miniature
- Burberry Body EDP miniature
- Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina EDT miniature
- Clinique Cheek Pop blushes in 01 Ginger Pop and 03 Berry Pop
- Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (15ml)
- Revlon nail polish in 270 Cherries In The Snow and 480 Chic
- Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rosé (bought here just before I left)
- Bourjois Shine Edition lipstick in 23 Grenade in (aka Grenadine) (bought from ASOS while overseas...)


...And I also brought this baby back with me, so better quality photos are headed your way.

The newbie

That is all for now, I'm off to blow my nose and open another pack of Strepsils...

Talk soon x

*Given the amount I brought with me, and the ridiculous stash I've been accumulating as of late, a larger beauty haul was really out of the question!