SHINY NEW ADDITIONS (PART II) //

I've been working a lot more lately (hence the blog neglect...), as retail is insane around Christmas, and as such, I've been spending a lot more time "window shopping" in my local shopping centre...to detrimental consequences. (To be fair, it's not like I'm going to go home whilst on my break, right? Right?) Admittedly it seems to happen to the best of us - or so my customers have told me - in regards to Christmas shopping: we feel the need to reward ourselves after ticking off another person on our list!

Here are some more new additions (one 'need', one 'splurge', one 'considered purchase', and two 'impulsive purchases'...):

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + ($49AUD for 125ml) - This is my first proper purchase of the DDML+, as I had first received a sample of it during their Facebook promotion some time ago. Since finishing the sample, I decided that it was a product that had become integral to my skincare routine, and a year-round staple. (Read an overview of it here.)

Lancôme Lip Lover Gift Set ($45AUD) - I'll concede that a part of me unashamedly relishes the holiday season purely for the numerous gift sets and limited editions that are released by various makeup brands around this time! This one is a little treat to myself, being the lip product junkie that I am, and I rationalised that I could do with a few more lip glosses. I'm mostly intrigued with the formula, which is supposedly a long wearing, pigmented lip gloss. I'll share my thoughts once I put it to the test!

bareMinerals Original Foundation SPF15 in Golden Tan ($35AUD) - You may recall that I've been considering purchasing this foundation for a couple of months now. I finally took the plunge, drawn by the promise of no nasties, and oil-control for sensitive skin. It was trickier than anticipated to find my exact match - Golden Medium was too light and Medium Beige too pink, so I ended up with Golden Tan, the darkest warm-toned offering, which is currently just a smidgen too warm for my NC30 complexion, though it should be near-perfect come January.

Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant ($24AUD for 73g) - I came across this quite by chance while browsing the Mecca Cosmetica, and prompted by the many positive reviews, ducked in to check it out for myself. Further online 'research' showed mixed reviews, but I decided to take a chance on it anyway, taken in by it's supposed-suitability for sensitive skin.

Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil in 02 Hot Chocolate ($3.05AUD for 0.34g) - At that price, you really can't go wrong, I rationed. After seeing how awesome it looked on my mum, I went and got one for myself, and I have to say that it's pretty good, considering that it's cheap as chips! It mostly lives up to its claims of being long-wearing, though I find that it can transfer to under my eye and become a bit smudgy if I apply too much. I prefer to blend it into the lash line for a more natural effect for everyday. It's creamy, pigmented, doesn't irritate my eyes, glides on easily and doesn't require sharpening - the only con is that I can't get a fine, precise line. All things considered, this one's a winner in my eyes! (*Pun not intended).


How many new additions have you added to your stash during Christmas shopping? ;)
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all! xx

SHINY NEW ADDITIONS //

What's new 'round 'ere?

Newbies

Those of you who have been following along may recall that I've been on a self-imposed makeup ban, in a bid to force myself to use what I have, rather than pointlessly hoarding a monstrous collection (something that I'm rather talented at doing...) On my birthday I made the first makeup purchase in a few months, Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen, and since then I've added a few other bits and pieces to my stash.

A big, hearty welcome to...
Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen in Medium - I first mentioned this early last month, and yes, ended up caving when I saw it discounted on Adore Beauty. My only concern was the shade match - I ended up purchasing 'Medium', which ended up being a good fit for my NC30-ish skin-tone. I've tested it out on a few occasions and I'm quite pleased with it - it's matte, but not too matte, which is ideal for my normal-to-dry skin, which tends to be on the slightly greasier side in warmer weather. At first I was disappointed with its lack of coverage, but then reminded myself that it's primarily a sunscreen with a hint of colour. It does what it claims - provides a bronzy tint, with no ghostly white cast. Plus it smells delicious, like caramel fudge!

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki - This brush was recommended to me by a friend, who said she found it handy for bringing with her to uni for touchups. I've been using it to apply translucent pressed powder, and I have no qualms about it. It's quite soft and perhaps on the denser side for a powder brush, but it works well for translucent powder, and is of a portable size, which I'm sure will come in useful for travel.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in 03 Roly Poly Rosy - This was a gift from my lovely Godmother who spoils me excessively! I was after a cream (or non-powder) cheek product for warmer months and this sparked my interest. It has a most intriguing texture that seems almost...spongy. It's difficult to describe... But it looks beautiful on, and blends well to provide a natural-looking flush (I prefer to use my Real Techniques Stippling Brush for this purpose, rather than fingers). I also enjoy the stick packaging, which is more compact and hygienic, and means I don't have to keep dipping my fingers in.

Chi Chi Glamorous Sultry Eyeshadow Palette - Something my mother purchased on a whim... Though it wasn't my purchase, I've been getting a lot of use out of it (I'm grateful my mum doesn't mind sharing!). Admittedly, these shades aren't really what I naturally gravitate towards - I'd actually been eyeing the Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eyeshadow Palette for ages, which is supposedly a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked Palette, but for a fraction of the price. I was impressed that all of the shades are smooth and buttery, and most are also heavy pigmented (bar one or two matte shades), and they're generally all quite wearable colours, too. I've been using the matte indigo shade as eyeliner, and it works a treat.

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - So my willpower has finally crumbled, it seems! I'd been eyeing these lip butters for literarily yonks, ever since I first spotted them sleepandwater, and decided I had to make them mine. When I found myself at a Mecca Maxima recently, I resolved to bite the bullet, and ended up taking home Wild Rose, though I was tossing up between that and Pomegranate for a little while. Had I not so many lip products in my stash already (as my Liptember series reminded me) I could easily have bought both, methinks. Overall, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase - it's a lovely, pigmented lip butter, and the berry-red shade is stunning. It could be applied lightly for a sheerer effect, or worked up to a bolder colour. I definitely prefer tinted lip balms or lip butters for everyday, and I can see this one fast becoming an integral member of the rotation.


What new beauty bits have you added (or are planning to add) to your collection this month? x

AUGUST // MONTH IN REVIEW

Noteworthy August goodies

Hi friends!
You may have noticed that I have stopped doing those 'Week In Review's, simply because my week is usually pretty standard and not-overly-fascinating - thus leading to a monotonous repetition of the same products* that you've seen countless times before... But what can I say? I am a creature of habit, after all!

This month was characterised by mad exam-prepping, procrastination at its finest, and a few other unexpected bits and pieces - such as a lovely bit of light reading.

In a Good Light / Rêve de Miel / DDML+

The usual suspects:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light - So, so perfect for the crazy weather we've been experiencing lately. Wonderfully hydrating, quickly absorbed, SPF, and a good dose of illumination to combat dullness and dryness. Totally worthy of HG status for Winter!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - I know I've already mentioned this nifty jar of goodness nonstop, but it's been getting me through Winter quite nicely - these smooth, non-chapped lips speak for themselves (heh. see what I did there? :P) I've made a significant dent in it now, but it's still nowhere near depleted!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ - I've been reaching for this moisturiser post-shower, as it is soothing and gentle on my dry and sensitive skin. Plus, it's easily absorbed and delightfully hydrating for Winter (though in Summer I do find it a tad emollient).

Color Balm / Cool Water Sea Rose / Radiant Creamy Concealer

The new kids on the block:
Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum - My spoils (spoil?) from the Priceline 40% off Skincare Sale last month. Given that I'm technically still on makeup ban, I figured I'd sneak in a little something - I could hardly let the opportunity pass me by! It's a lovely shade of burgundy - 'soft plum' is quite an accurate description. I was tossing up between getting this one, or the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in another colour. At a fraction of the cost of Burt's Bees' offering (which I adore), I had my fingers crossed that this would be almost as good, or just as good. It's not bad, but unfortunately it's not as moisturising or long lasting - you get what you pay for, I guess! Though I must say that at $6, Yes To Carrots is far more enticing than $15 for Burt's, plus I got mine for 40% off.

Davidoff Cool Water Sea Rose EDT - I've been wearing this all month and I really love it - I kid you not, I'm not even sick of it yet! I'll admit that this was another winner that I pinched off Mother's dresser... It's a lovely fresh fruity-ish rose scent that reminds me of Marc Jacobs' Daisy mixed with Dot? Something like that. Plus it's only $29 for 100mls from Priceline! Win.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard - I mentioned this one a little while back and it's about time I did a proper review of it (coming soon). I've been using it nonstop since I bought it, and have absolutely no complaints - I'm glad to report that it does live up to the hype! It's been my go-to remedy for dark circles, and it lasts all day.

Tangle Teezer / Blow Dry Faster

The, erm, old kids on the block that I've been loving:
Tangle Teezer Compact Styler in Feline Groovy - I bought this a while back and stopped using it after a little bit - I was reminded of why I don't normally use a hairbrush in the first place. What really grosses me out is when lint and hair and other gross stuff collect in the bristles - I can't stand the thought of brushing it back into my hair! But I've taken to brushing my hair before showering to detangle it beforehand, and I've also been making exceptions when my hair is so disgustingly greasy that it doesn't make a difference anyway. I've been amazed at the ease with which it detangles and brushes out knots painlessly.

Cedel Blow Dry Faster - This has been an absolute godsend this Winter, as it usually takes ages for my hair to dry - plus, I've been washing my hair later in the evening, or even late at night, because I can't stand how yucky it feels (ah, the joys of being caught in the rain!). With this hardworking spray I can blow-dry my hair straight without brushes or combs in a few short minutes - #totesamaze is an understatement.

The none-of-the-aboves:
'The Minimal Wardrobe' - Lately I've been intrigued with the idea of creating a harmonious streamlined 'capsule' wardrobe, where each piece perfectly complements the others. After a brief appraisal of my wardrobe, I was less than thrilled with the amount of clothes I have that I don't wear (and probably won't ever wear). I have a right mind to just start again from scratch (Jokes. Too expensive!) But more to come on that topic, so stay tuned.

The Messenger by Markus Zusak - (I borrowed the book and have since returned it, so apologies for the lack of visuals.) I'd been intending to read this since it was recommended to me by a lady I met camping way back in January (Camping. Yeah - who'd have thought?) I thoroughly enjoyed it - it's beautifully written and tugs on the heartstrings so delicately, in a most unassuming manner. It's also very typically-Australian, and a great Young Adults' pick. I found it difficult to extract myself from the world within the pages of the novel once I had finished reading it!


What was your August like? I hope it was a good 'un! :) x


*Sorry if you actually enjoyed those posts!

BEAUTY BY THE BOOK //

Beauty books!

It's kind of embarrassing to consider how long I've been meaning to publish this post! Firstly, I apologise that I've been M.I.A. for a little bit (/a long while), due to exam preparation :( It's been pretty tough trying to balance study and 'things I love doing' as of late. It got to the point that I couldn't even enjoy writing up posts, because I felt so guilty! But after a little hiatus, I'm back (mostly, anyway - I'm not completely off the hook until late-November! :/) :D

So I'd been trying to get back into the habit of reading (I was previously turned off by all of those prescribed texts for English!) and thought 'what better way to get back into it than reading books on subjects that interest me?' Now, I love me a good beauty book - mainly to see how the pros get that flawless finish or apply that product - and to get edu-ma-cated, of course! It's been a while since I've read these (with the exception of Pretty Powerful), so I thought I'd give them a revisit.

When I read a book - well, a beauty book in particular - I look for certain things: clear directions or explanations, plenty of photographs, clean layout, easy to read and understand (not too wordy or repetitive). While this isn't strictly a review on the following books, I thought I'd give my thoughts on them based on those criteria/pointers.

First up... Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules (2010):

Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown

This one is probably my favourite of the lot (sorry, spoiler alert!), and I think it was also one of my first forays into beauty books. I liked that it had a clean layout, was easy to read, and featured 'ordinary' everyday individuals, such as mums and their daughters, or sisters. I especially appreciated that it had ample photographs and loved that it covered many topics, for example, everyday makeup looks, experimental makeup, etc. I particularly enjoyed the lists of essentials, and the easily-digestable information, for example, an introduction to different types of brushes and their uses, makeup bag basics, and makeup looks for specific occasions, e.g. job interview, formal occasion. Though it's probably geared towards a younger audience - for example, teens who are just getting into makeup - I found it to be helpful as I was just starting out myself, at the time. I also really enjoyed Bobbi's sections on wellbeing, which covered eating well and exercising. I thought it was good for a beauty book to emphasise that 'looking good' starts from the inside - rather than through slapping on makeup - and especially important for its audience of young girls to understand. Bobbi's writing also has a laid-back, humorous tone to it, which made it an enjoyable read - I read it as soon as I bought it and couldn't put it down! A great one that covers the basics for sure. 9.5/10

Next up... Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful (2012):

Pretty Powerful by Bobbi Brown

Bobbi takes a different angle with this book - starting with the woman and what beauty means to each individual. This one also features 'everyday women', but also many individuals that are more well-known - i.e. sportswomen, celebrities, designers and public figures, such as Lauren Bush, Estelle, Alexa Ray Joel and Blythe Danner. The chapters are also divided into personality 'types': Pretty Natural, Pretty Radiant, Pretty Strong, Pretty Classic, Pretty Authentic, and Pretty Bold, with mini quizzes at the beginning to determine which one you identify with. It also featured day-to-night makeup looks for each 'type'. I found the short interviews with the 'more well-known individuals' to be inspiring; in line with the generally affirming tone of the book. I appreciated the ample photographs, though would have preferred more step-by-step tutorial-type spreads. Like 'Beauty Rules', I enjoyed the segments on 'beauty from the inside out', which looked at healthy eating, exercise and general wellbeing. 'Pretty Powerful' features plenty of 'ordinary' women as well - along with descriptions (which did become a little repetitive at times) of what she did to achieve the 'after' look, though I felt that it wasn't as comprehensive as 'Beauty Rules'. This one's a good pick if you're after a dose of life-inspiration along with your beauty fix! 8/10

And lastly... Zoë Foster(-Blake) Amazing Face (2011):

Amazing Face by Zoë Foster-Blake

This last one is a collection of beauty goodness from resident Beauty Queen and Columnist, Zoë Foster-Blake, and her first beauty book, which was hotly anticipated at the time. Personally, it was a bit of a let down (perhaps due to all the hype?), though largely due to its brevity: it covers many topics - from skincare and makeup to post-flight perking up - but not in a lot of detail, which I would have preferred. It features a heavy dose of her signature witticisms and humour, which is entertaining to begin with, though largely irrelevant at times, when you think about it. I enjoyed its colourful, easy-to-read format, which was visually appealing and contributed to the overall aesthetic of the book. The photos, where featured, were clear, and helped to illustrate the instructions, though more photos would have been nice, methinks. I appreciated the how-to's accompanied by photos, product recommendations, and illustrated brushes and tools guide at the back, as well. I suppose the main issue for me was that, after devouring this book, I was left feeling a tad unsatisfied (if that's a legitimate post-reading emotion...) - like I'd just eaten the icing without the cake. So I'd recommend this book if you're after little tidbits of advice for any beauty topic under the sun, rather than a comprehensive guide. 7/10

Have you read any of these?
Do you have any recommendations on what I should read next?

P.S. Bobbi Brown has recently released a new book that focuses on eye makeup, 'Everything Eyes' which also looks interesting!

P.P.S. If you're looking to buy books online, I'd highly recommend the Book Depository - great prices and free shipping worldwide. You're welcome :D x

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

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

LUXE NUXE // REVIEW: NUXE REVE DE MIEL

I finally made the admission that my go-to lip balm of late, Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream, was not cutting it anymore. I'd been putting off reaching for Nuxe Rêve de Miel as I already had four lip balms in rotation (um, seriously!) - Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm, Maybelline Baby Lips, Maybelline Tinted Baby Lips, and Nivea Lip Butter - though it got to the point where none of them were 'heavy duty' enough. Enter Nuxe Rêve de Miel.

Ingredients listing

I'd previously heard about this little pot of goodness from sleepandwater and Essie Button, who described it as her 'holy grail x infinity'. For a lip balm fiend like myself, that was all it took, really. I searched eagerly for it in local chemists and pharmacies, and was intending to buy it from Feel Unique as my last resort. Though I did not find it on the website, I ended up purchasing it from Priceline, where it was slightly discounted (it retails for $20AUD). It's been sitting in my drawer since.

I recently mentioned my first impressions of this lip balm when I'd just cracked it open, so to speak.
It has a faintly citrusy scent and reminded me of lemon curd. The top of mine had hardened slightly, most likely due to the cold weather. Underneath that, it was somewhat 'creamier' in consistency.
It has an almost waxy texture - definitely not the plush, creamy balm I had anticipated in the beginning. I find there is some resistance when I rub my lips together, not so much 'glide'. It's also a 'matte' balm, which makes my lips look natural, and means it stays on much longer than, say, Nivea Lip Butter, or other shiny/glossy balms. It lasts well through eating and drinking, and I only need to reapply every few hours (rather than every few minutes!).

It kind of had a 'MLBB' effect on me, though I can't fathom why, and left no white cast. When I applied it before bed, I woke to find my lips less dry and cracked. They were kind of at that smooth phase right after lip balm has been absorbed and just before the need for reapplication, if that makes any sense! I would say that it locks the moisture in and provides protection from the elements rather well. My usual practice is to smooth on the tiniest amount - a very thin layer - on to my lips, as a little goes a long way. At this rate, the 15g jar will probably last for an eternity!

On a more superficial note, it's housed in a pretty frosted glass jar with a plastic lid, which is aesthetically pleasing, but somewhat heavy to lug around (compared to twist-up lip balm or tubes that can easily slip into the pocket of my jeans). Therefore, mine usually resides on my dresser or bedside table.

Overall, Nuxe Rêve de Miel is the most intensive balm I have at the moment - long-lasting, hydrating, and does not require frequent reapplication. I can see it fast becoming a 'can't live without' essential in these Winter months.

Have you tried this matte lip balm?
What are your thoughts?

HAULAGE // BLOG SALE (+ SWATCHES)

So a while ago I went a bit nuts on Ria's makeup sale site - you can check it out here.
I've used a few of them already, but haven't properly tested out all of them.

Cue haulage...

FACE:
bareMinerals Correcting Concealer in Medium 2 - a creamy concealer with SPF 20

CHEEKS:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty - a bright strawberry pink
NYX Powder Blush in Desert Rose - a mauvey-pinky-rose

EYES:
TheBalm Batter Up Creaseless Cream Shadow in Triple Play Mae - a warm cocoa brown, and Grand Slam Pam - a browned-lilac

Wet'n'Wild Comfort Zone Palette - a palette of neutral-ish, cool-toned, buttery powder eyeshadows.

Browbone shades

Eyelid shades (left eyelid shade is more of a shell pink in person)

Crease shades (the left shade is more of an olive brown)

Definer shades (the right shade is darker in person, and the left shade is a pretty duo-chrome)

Urban Decay Primer Potion sample
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler

LIPS:
NYX Black Label Lipstick in 105 Cherry - a cream-finish, pink-based red

Have you tried any of these before?
Did you love them or loathe them?