LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 25

Wowza. It was pretty crazy earlier today - and all over in about five minutes! The heavens opened and rain bucketed town, followed by hail about the size of raisins or macadamia nuts, which left us without electricity for a few hours. My, my - time seems to pass so slowly without the internet! Anyhow, I was definitely 'feeling' the volatile weather today - and as my mood seems to reflect the weather, it made sense to do a more 'full-on', somewhat-more-Autumnal face. No 'sunshine and lollipops' today! Today's lip is one of my favourites Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible, which is a gorgeous currant red that I usually reserve for the Autumn/Winter months. I especially love that it's a wonderfully hydrating formula that keeps lips happy all day, while packing a punch in the colour department. Side-note: The eyeshadow I'm wearing is a combination of the burgundy Bourjois cream eyeshadow, with Essence Party All Night layered on top - it's strange how the Bourjois one becomes more of a browny shade when blended (see the swatches here).

What I used:
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
EcoTools Large Eye Brush and Smudge Brush
Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne


Hope you're all taking care in this crazy weather! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 11

How gorgeous is the weather?! I just can't get over it - it's such a novelty after the Winter chills. Speaking of chills, today is a rather relaxed day, so I've been experimenting with 'Spring-appropriate makeup' for the warmer weather. Not to say that I'll be retiring the berry shades altogether, but I thought it was time to introduce some peachy/coral shades to the mix. Today's 'tropicoral' lip is courtesy of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti. The colour is quite punchy, but can be worn sheerer for a softer look. ...And in other news, today my legs saw the sun for the first time in months. Scaring off neighbours and passersby FTW...

In using La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ sunscreen, today also marked the first time that I have reached for something other than my perennial pick, Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light. With the sunnier weather I figured it was appropriate to amp up the SPF, though as you can see, it's caused my face to turn a ghostly shade, despite me layering Chanel Bronzer over the top to tone it down - and not using flash. The washed-out effect is actually more subtle in person, but it's always good to check out these things before using them for occasions where there is likely to be photography! Luckily, you pale ladies probably don't have to worry too much.

What's on my face, you ask?
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ sunscreen
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 012 Bronze
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti 
Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush


I hope you're basking in the sun, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 10

Phew! So despite looking like a pale, sickly creature, I'm feeling better today and nearly recovered (man-voice and raw nose notwithstanding). I just thought I'd post a quick FOTD to show you what yesterday's lippie - Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In (Grenadine) - looks like applied straight from the tube (follow the link to read the mini review). You probably can't tell from that photo, but my lips are pretty gross and chapped - thankfully it's a forgiving, moisturising formula!

The other stuff on my face:

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
The Body Shop x Lily Cole Lip & Cheek Dome in 20 Pinch Me Pink
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In / Grenadine
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard


Hope you're enjoying the gorgeous Spring sunshine! x

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

#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?

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?

DEPARTURE // GOODBYE (BUT NOT FOREVER)

This will be my last post for this month, as I'll be overseas for three weeks, returning at the end of April. I never really know what to take overseas - I feel like there's an art to it, and I'm not one who has packing down to a science! I used to be far more organised - in fact, I'd be the kid who'd start planning for months before the actual trip, writing and rewriting; collating lists of things I'd need, 'the essentials'; what I could potentially buy, etc. Now, the definition of 'packing' is the equivalent of me throwing things haphazardly into a suitcase, hoping that some of it might come in handy, and that I won't have forgotten something I really need.

My makeup bag is no exception:

The breakdown:
Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Stippling Brush
ModelsPrefer Airbrush
EcoTools Deluxe Concealer Brush
B Collection by Bloom Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks in Barossa Valley
Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Black
Neways Barrier Cream
Tweezerman tweezers
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
Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry
MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30
Agnès B. makeup pouch
Natio gwp makeup pouch

The verdict:
Do I really need four brushes? Probably.
Can I really do without a base? If I can get away with it, yes!
Only four lip products? (Am I going to survive?) Oh, don't worry, I'm sure that total will have doubled by the time I return...

See you soon! x

WEEK IN REVIEW // 5

A week of largely crappy weather, last-minute things-to-do, and a revisiting of old (old-ish) favourites.

Clarks boots - These have long been a favourite of mine since I bought them last year. With the rainfall this week I had the excuse to pull them out again.

Glassons knit sweater - I love the colour of this jumper (which goes perfectly with Revlon's ColorBurst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, btw), and had the chance to wear it with the cooler weather.

Packing for HK - I'm leaving for an overseas trip to the motherland in 5 days' time! I should probably start actually packing...

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - With the dreary weather I've been reminiscing of Summer, which has made me pull this bronzing beauty out, in the desperate hope to retain (or at least fake my way to) my Summer tan.

Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 sunscreen - The last few days were surprisingly sunny, so I've loved layering this under MAC Face and Body, or wearing it on its own with concealer and a touch of cream blush for a no-fuss weekend face.

Maybelline Baby Lips Glow tinted lip balm - I've been using the untainted version for the past couple of weeks, but recently fished this one out of the depths of my makeup bag - perfect for days when I want a slight hint of colour and something that doesn't require precision in application.

Elizabeth Arden Pretty EDP - I've loved this perfume for years now, and have only recently gone back to using it, after switching over to her Pretty Hot sister.