40% OFF SKINCARE AT PRICELINE (TODAY AND TOMORROW) //

That's right, Aussie beauties! For today and tomorrow only, it's 40% off Skincare at Priceline, which doesn't include suncare*, tanning or Ego brands.

If you've got your eye on something, run - don't walk!

(Or shop online here - https://www.priceline.com.au/skincare)

Happy shopping x



*Edit: I thought that suncare would have included sunscreens as well, but some sunscreens by certain 'Skincare brands', e.g. La Roche-Posay, are on sale as well. Win!

THE DREAM TEAM // FEAT. CLINIQUE

I don't know what it is exactly, so maybe I'll just blame the cold weather change for the havoc that's been wrought on my skin as of late. Naturally that has seen me rummaging through my drawers for some kind of solution to combat dryness and flakiness, as Neways Barrier Cream, by itself, is no longer intensive enough for the day as it is very light. Enter the Clinique 'Dream Team' - Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + and Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.

The DDML+ is quite moisturising on its own, and I found it almost too emollient in warmer weather, though right now it's perfect. It's very lightweight but hydrating, and easily absorbed. A little goes a long way - a five-cent-sized blob was enough to cover my face and neck! I wouldn't describe it as having a gel texture, but it's a rather light sort of lotion.  It's gentle on my sensitive skin and quite refreshing. I actually received mine as a sample through their Facebook giveaway last July. I like layering Moisture Surge on top as it locks the moisture in and acts almost as a barrier (more on that below).

The Moisture Surge is a light gel that I liken to a hydrating mask, in that it sets into almost a film once dried. When applied together, the duo work to provide hydration (DDML+) and keep that moisture in (MS). I generally don't use the Moisture Surge it on its own, because I found that the pair are better together (ngaww). But in all seriousness, I used Moisture Surge on its own while overseas and I found that it was fine for the humid weather as it absorbed quickly, but now that the weather's cooled down so significantly, I find myself reaching for the DDML+ by default, and sometimes layering Moisture Surge over it for extra hydration.

I tested them as both my night routine, and daycare. When applied overnight, I woke to find that my skin was comfortable, and the dry patches were smoother. I could still see and feel that they were there, but it was almost as if they had been covered by a film, so my face wasn't flaky. When applied in the morning, I discovered that the DDML+ became something like a primer, so that my base (Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light) applied easily and smoothly over it without clinging to dry patches. It should be noted that In a Good Light is quite hydrating in itself (to the point of being somewhat greasy in humid weather), but can make dry areas more noticeable if applied over dry skin (rather than 'freshly moisturised' skin). 5+ hours later my base was still looking fresh and feeling comfortable, which I was quite impressed with - the drier weather seems to cause my skin to drink up moisturiser like crazy!

All in all, I was suitably impressed with this dynamic duo - I think they're fast becoming my Winter skincare essentials!

Have you tried this Clinique 'dream team' (or either of them on their own)?
Do you love 'em like I do? x

SMART(ER) PACKING // REVISITED

Errythang I used

So I'm back - and I apologise that it's taken me so long to recover. Those sleepless nights really take their toll!

But back to the task at hand. I think I did okay, given that I was only away for 42 hours! Not even two days.

I was a more efficient packer this time around, as I used most of what I took (clothes-wise, anyway), which is pretty good for me, as I'm usually that person who wears the same outfit three days in a row on camps... Though I didn't use much of the other 'just in case' stuff that I packed (like last time) - it's always difficult to know what will be necessary, especially when you don't know what to expect (e.g. what the facilities are like, etc.) That's how I'm justifying it, anyway!

Without further ado, here's the recap...

What I used (skincare-wise):

What I used (makeup-wise):

What I didn't use at all:

The verdict:

I actually surprised myself that I didn't use hand cream at all, despite the crazily-cold and whiplash-windy weather (I guess the gloves helped in that respect). I didn't wash my hair at all, but stretched an extra day out of my freshly-washed hair with the aid of Batiste dry shampoo. (I did wash it as soon as I got home!) I'll admit I was a bit naughty and used the Garnier makeup wipes instead of cleansing properly (but in the wee hours of the morning, no one's really bothered, right?) My skin was okay - well, happy enough with Cetaphil lotion that I didn't need to bring in reinforcements by the way of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. My face was well-hydrated with Clinique DDML+/Neways Barrier Cream, so I didn't end up using Clinique Moisture Surge, nor Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturiser. I used nearly everything that I brought makeup-wise, though I found I looked mostly alive (thanks, NARS concealer and Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light!), so didn't need the help of Bloom cream blush - and I didn't end up using the eyeliner pencil (which was really just to give myself another option, in case I wasn't bothered with gel eyeliner). Yes, I'll admit that I'm a chronic overpack-er! And when you're that tired, I figured I could be excused for not taming my facial hedges (though I tidied my brows when I got back). Who's looking, anyway?

Hmm... Perhaps I'll be a proficient packer one day (here's hoping!) We all need something to aspire to, right? ;) 

Are you a proficient packer, or a 'just-in-case' excessive packer like myself?

Any tips? (Teach me your ways!) x

A WEEKEND AWAY // SMART(ER) PACKING

Okay, so we've established that I'm a bit of a 'YOLO' packer... In the past I was the most meticulous packer (and perhaps a little overboard), planning months in ahead and packing with precision. (In fact, my mother used to say that I enjoyed packing more than the trip itself!)
But lately that hasn't been the case. On my most recent trip overseas I ended up taking a whole heap of stuff that I'd hoped would come in handy...and didn't end up using a lot of it. I'll be going away this weekend for a camp, so this may just be my chance to redeem myself! This time I've stripped it down to the bare essentials - my reliable favourites that will do the job; no bells and whistles (though that's not to say that they aren't fab!).

Toiletries (plus face towel, toothbrush and toothpaste which aren't pictured):

Clockwise from top left:
- Neways Subdue deodorant
- Garnier makeup wipes
- Cetaphil cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- Neways Barrier Cream
- Clinique Moisture Surge (15ml)
- Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
- Avène Cold Cream Hand Cream
- Pantene shampoo and conditioner minis
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion +

Makeup:

Clockwise-ish from top left:
- Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
- MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
- Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
- E.l.f Cosmetics Angled Eyeliner Brush
- Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm
- Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose
- Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Anti-Oxidant Berry
- b Collection by Bloom Cream Blush in Barossa Valley
- Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina EDT mini

Other bits and pieces:

Clockwise from top left:
- Agnès B. makeup pouch
- Batiste Cherry dry shampoo mini
- Hairties and bobby pins
- Tweezerman tweezers


...So that's it - the 'bare essentials'. We'll see how I go! :)

WEEK IN REVIEW // 14

A week of 'back to basics', shall we say? I'll make this short and sweet, because it hasn't been an eventful week...not really. It's been so busy that I haven't made too much of an effort - if I'm completely honest, most of the week (bar one or two days) was spent in pyjamas, chained to my desk, attempting to meet deadlines for my diploma work and camp-planning! (Sidenote: I have newfound respect for camp-planners - I had no idea just how much work and dedication actually goes into it!) I've also been doing a bit of retail therapy... I try not to spend too much, but I'd rather purchase items during the sales than regretting it later when the sale is over! Here is a little snapshot of what I got up to:
Just Jeans Portland Pea Coat - I'd been eyeing this coat since I first saw it, and finally succumbed when I saw there was a further 25% off the already discounted price. I love the cherry red colour - especially since all three of my coats are either black or navy. It's quite similar to another coat I own, but different enough to justify purchasing.

Wittner 'Ignite' loafers in White - I snapped these up when I saw they'd been further discounted - white is such a nice alternative to black, especially when so much of my wardrobe is comprised of dark hues, such as navy (no kidding, my whole wardrobe is practically navy!). Admittedly, I've always been a bit scared of white shoes - or rather, getting them dirty (being rather perfectionistic, as well), but I figure I'd take the chance (I'm a big girl now, after all!). I really like Wittner, as they carry shoes small enough for my tiny feet - size 35 and 36 are dang near impossible to find elsewhere! I've don't need anymore heels, so I figure I'd add another pair of flats into my rotation.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard - This baby is finally mine! I'd toyed with purchasing it for a loooong time (almost doing so on several occasions), and when I finally went to do so, my local Mecca Cosmetica was out of stock! They told me it would most likely be a fortnight until they received more stock, so I was surprised to receive a call saying they'd gotten more stock in, just four days later. So far it lives up to the hype and I'm quite pleased with it - it's opaque, a great colour match, long-lasting, easy to blend, doesn't crease, applies like a dream, and a little goes a long way. Pretty much ticks all the boxes! Part of its appeal is its relatively affordable price - a mere $35 compared to the US RRP of $29USD, which is surprising, given that most of their products are outrageously more expensive here.

Teacup + Choc Chip Chai T2 Tea - This has been such a lovely comfort as the weather cools down. I enjoy it as a mid-morning or late afternoon pick-me-up, mixed together with Creme Brûlée, with a dash of carnation milk and a sprinkling of sugar. Mmmmmm.

...And last but not least, my perennial favourites that you're probably quite familiar with by now:

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light tinted sunscreen / Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm

What did you get up to this week?
Have you been taking advantage of the EOFY sales too? x

#FOTD 7 // FEAT. FAVES

I realised it's been a little while since I did one of these.

I was catching up with a friend over lunch, so I felt obligated to make an effort! I decided to go back to my 'tried and true' beauty faves, after doing a bit of tinkering lately. Much like the humble sloppy joe that you reach for automatically when you want something comfy to lounge about in, or the killer pair of heels that you feel great in for a night out, I think each chicka has a stash of beauty products that they know are reliable for no-fuss days. I'm a bit hesitant to use the label 'holy grail', because to me that product has got to be the most incredible thing ever to deserve such a title, but along the lines of an HG. So most of my picks will come as no surprise as you've probably seen them before (or even numerous times!):

The faves*

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light tinted facial sunscreen - You may be sick of seeing this one by now, and I hear ya. But it's just such a winner! How could I say no to a moisturiser, sunscreen, illuminator and face perfector all in one?! It really is a winter essential for me.

b Collection by Bloom cream blush in Barossa Valley - I wore this one to death in the summer months, though I've found that it gives a pretty pop of colour to brighten up my pastier winter face, too. It's especially kind to the dry patches on my cheeks, which I appreciate - and which is what influenced me to pick this over a powder blush, which often highlights dry areas and can sometimes looks patchy.

MAC Select Cover-Up concealer in NC30 - I do prefer this one in the summer months as it adheres well (i.e. won't sweat off) and has a powdery finish. For winter I find it a little dry, unless applied over quite an emollient base (like In a Good Light). It's not a bad pick for redness and spots, and the shade thankfully still suits my complexion.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal eyeliner pencil in Black - I like using this eyeliner pencil for subtle definition - it can be smoked/smudged in for barely-detectable eyelash beefing up. While it's not the most long lasting, it does a decent job if I remember not to touch my eyes!

Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry - One of my first 'proper lippies'; I love this for its moisturising properties, and the pretty MLBB tint it imparts. It's quick and easy to touch up - no mirror required. What's not to love?

*Apologies that the pink tones in the photo above aren't very accurate! (Cream blush is more of a coral pink IRL, and the Chubby Stick packaging is a muted raspberry colour).

If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope that you're enjoying the last vestiges of sun!
Which prods have made it into your collection of beauty faves? x

TREADING A FINE LINE //

I'm sure it's no secret by now that I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to makeup. I prefer multitasking products that aren't fussy or fiddly, and would rather go barefaced if it's not some kind of special occasion. I've had this duo for about five months now, and have only used it a handful of times - after all, gel eyeliner doesn't exactly fit into that (lazy girl) category! However, it is my only option that will go the distance. I'm not a huge fan of Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner because it just doesn't stay, nor Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, unless I want something soft and smudgy.

MAC Fluidline stays put better than the other two mentioned above, though it's not infallible. It goes on well with the Ecotools Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush, though if I've applied foundation or moisturiser to my eyelids, I can be sure that it will take longer to dry. And chances of smudging it before it does so also increases! I like that they're a versatile pair - from a simple slick along the lash line to something trickier, such as a kitten flick, this duo can do it all (it's just me that's less skilled). Once dried MAC Fluidline does last several hours (9+), though I'd prefer it if it were totally budge-proof. Granted, I ought to take into account my frequent eye rubbing/touching, which does play a huge part! And it should also be noted that my eyes lend to the smudging, as they're kind of double eyelid-ed, but they fold over like hooded eyes. That probably didn't make a lot of sense, but basically, it leads to a tendency for eyeliner to transfer to my upper eyelid, or smudge to underneath my eye (resulting in that 'panda' look. Cute.)

It's housed in a weighty glass jar that fits nicely in my hand. It's also durable, I found, as I dropped it on bathroom tiles from a significant height and it survived without a scratch (klutz!). Given that you only need a teeny-weeny bit of product each time, the 3g is sure to last a while. While 3g doesn't seem like much, it's actually quite generous given that you only use a smidgen at a time. For $32, I don't think it's unreasonable. And so far I've had no issues with it drying out. My only gripe is that it's not the most portable due it's weight, but that's a minor issue, given that I wouldn't necessarily take it out with me for touch ups (though more relevant if I were going on a trip).

The Ecotools Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush is my 'weapon of choice' - it's firm enough to draw a line; tapered enough to allow control to do a fine flick - and cheap as chips, to top it off. For me, getting a defined edge during the 'flicking' can be a challenge, because sometimes I'll use too much product and other times not enough, so it doesn't end up looking sharp and tapered - but only a bad craftsman blames his tools, right? I'll get the hang of it eventually! Below I've done a sample of the various lines that can be achieved with the pair - from very fine to very thick. Apologies that the line isn't as smooth as I'd intended - the brush is due for cleaning.

Which reminds me that I should mention the downside to using a brush (which is practically unavoidable) - be prepared to clean the brush frequently, as the gel eyeliner cakes around the bristles as it dries, causing the brush to become stiff, and making it a challenge to get a clean line. Plus, the dried eyeliner could also flake into tiny little flecks and fall under your eye if you persist in using a dirty brush, leading to the dreaded 'flaky panda look' (something I learned the hard way!). Moral of the story: wash the brush often! I also alternate the Ecotools Eyeliner Brush with an Elf Cosmetics Angled Eyeliner Brush, which creates a very thin line (I purchased mine from iherb).

Overall I find the Fluidline a great eyeliner option that is affordable and lasts the distance, though it may be somewhat tricky to get the hang of at first (though again, maybe it's just me!).

Do you use gel eyeliner?
What's your pick? x