LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 8

Ugh. So I'm sick...again. With the flu. Most likely caught from my brother who's just recovered. Cheers, bro. And I'd say that I look about as delightful as I'm feeling (read: not very), so instead of a charming photo of my face, I'll leave you with a little list of lip balms that I'm currently contemplating - 'lip balm longings', shall we say?

It's no secret by now that I have a peculiar penchant for lip balm. I don't know how to explain it (or justify it, for that matter!), but it's probably got something to do with non-chapped lips, smooth, subtle glossiness, a hint of tint, and occasionally, pretty packaging... Though I've still got a few (*cringe*) unopened/not-yet-used-up tins, I've already been eyeing the ones I'll add to my collection when I'm in need (read: probably not any time soon). It's embarrassing enough that I've got a Word document titled 'Lip Balm', which is basically a huge list of lip balms that I've come across and become interested in...so you can imagine the tough time I had trying to narrow it down to just five. C'mon, a girl can dream!

1. Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 - $28
I've been eyeing this one for ages, ever since I saw it on Beauty Swatch! Mecca Cosmetica's own range recently got a reboot, and the new packaging looks pretty swish. I've just been having a difficult time justifying spending that much on lip balm...

2. Go-To Skincare Lips! - $14.95
You know how I feel about this one - I'm pretty keen to get my hands on this lippie created by Ms Zoë Foster herself! So far it's the most affordable option of the lot.

3. Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - $16
I've also had my heart set on this one for a couple of years now. Perhaps it's the allure of a cushiony, hydrating tinted balm that's got me - hook, line and sinker. It's just a struggle trying to decide which one to get first - ideally I'd like to collect, Pomegranate, Mango, Quince, and Wild Rose ;) This option is surprisingly affordable, too.

4. Honest Skincare Lips - $10gbp
I heard about this homegrown (well, local British) skincare brand from Sophie of A Private Life of a Girl, and was instantly smitten with their pared back approach to skincare, and 100% natural ingredients. I've just been putting off purchasing this because of international shipping costs...

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Berry
I heard about this much-raved about tinted lip balm a long time ago but gave up hope after seeing how ridiculously overpriced it was online, as it's not available here. My interest was reignited with the announcement of Sephora's arrival later this year and reports that they would match US prices.


Have you tried any of these?
Do any take your fancy? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 4

Maybelline / Burt's Bees / Yes To Carrots

Today's post is just a quick tinted lip balm roundup, featuring the ones mentioned earlier, which you may or may not be familiar with. (Personally, I'd previously never heard of the one by Yes To Carrots!) As you may know, (if you've been reading along), I am particularly fond of tinted lip balms for everyday wear, as the provide a good dose of hydration, along with a hint of tint - something low maintenance that is 'just enough but not too much'. Keep reading to see a little summary of each...

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

Opacity: This one comes out clear, then develops into a sheer pinky shade that is supposedly unique for each wearer, depending on their lip colour. On me, it ranges from a muted rosy colour, to a pink that's actually surprisingly bright (see Day 2 for reference). It's not very pigmented, but there is a slight wash of colour.

Hydration: It glides on with ease and is rather moisturising. It can leave my lips feeling dry if I don't reapply after eating and drinking.

Longevity: Because it is so hydrating, it doesn't stand up to eating and drinking very well (which isn't unexpected, anyway). It lasts for around an hour or two without eating/drinking.

Price: $3.95 for 4g

Other notes: This one has a pleasant, fruity scent. Also, I tried to swatch this, but it didn't show up at all on my skin.


2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose

Opacity: This one is the most pigmented out of the three. In terms of opacity it's closer to Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters than a regular tinted lip balm, though it's not quite as pigmented, and on the balmier side.

Hydration: This one is quite hydrating, and provides lasting moisture over a decent period of time (it keeps my lips happy during work in an air-conditioned environment).

Longevity: It lasts surprisingly well through my shift (4-8 hours), even through eating and drinking if I'm careful.

Price: $15 for 4.25g

Other notes: It has a slight scent about it that is kind of difficult to describe - most probably due to the natural ingredients it contains - it's not quite a chemically scent, but it's not really distinguishable and it doesn't bother me, though it might bother some people. It can also get a bit 'melty' in warmer weather, which makes it a good pick for the cooler months. This one swatches better than the other two, which didn't show up at all.


3. Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum

Opacity: This one also provides a sheer hint of colour that's very natural and barely perceptible (I could tell the different, but my mother couldn't!) It's slightly pigmented, but not more than your average tinted lip balm.

Hydration: It has a creamy consistency that has less slip than Baby Lips, and it does glide on with more resistance than the other two mentioned above. The oils in it can take longer to melt into lips especially in colder weather, and it makes my lips feel a little dry if I don't reapply frequently, or after eating and drinking.

Longevity: It lasts about an hour or so until my lips feel dry and I need to reapply.

Price: $6 for 3.3g

Other notes: It has the same 'natural ingredient-y' scent as Burt's Bees, which doesn't really bother me. As it is of a more solid consistency, it'd probably be a good choice for warmer weather, or you may need to stick it in your pocket to warm it up a little before application. I tried swatching this, and it didn't show up very well on my skin, either.


Overall, I think Burt's Bees is hands down my favourite, if not for the ridiculous price tag, compared to the other two. It ticks all the other boxes - Yes To Carrots doesn't quite compare, though it is a more affordable option. Maybelline is quite a good option, too, especially considering what you pay for. I've also got an unopened tube of the tinted version, Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Colour, that I've yet to try - perhaps that'll bridge the gap, but I guess we'll have to wait and see...


Have you tried any of these tinted lip balms?
Do you have a favourite? Please share! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 2

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

#FOTD

Today is a relatively chill day-off, so I'm just wearing Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Glow, which provides a sheer layer of colour and a good measure of hydration. It applies clear-ish, then develops into a pinky tone - a colour which is supposedly unique for each wearer. It lasts pretty well until I eat or drink, but that's not unexpected for a balm. Perfect for relaxed catch-ups with friends - nothing too garish or over the top, but it still looks like I kind of made an effort ;)

The other stuff I used:

*I actually didn't put anything on my cheeks, other than In a Good Light, so I'm not sure why it looks a little pink. #datnaturalglow ;)

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // INTRO

Woohoo, it's finally Spriiiiiiing! Words cannot describe how thrilled I am that Winter is over - I've missed being able to feel my fingers and toes haha. I'm already looking forward to warm breezes and sunny weather.

So, for ages I'd been meaning to do a whole compilation of the many lippies in my possession, but never really got around to it. As the lovely Valentine of This Is Valentine recently reminded me about it, I thought I'd post a 'lippie a day' to coincide with Liptember. Liptember is an initiative that raises funds and awareness for women's mental health during the month of September, through women buying a Liptember official lipstick and being sponsored for wearing it all month by family and friends. The funds that are raised will go directly to the Centre For Women's Mental Health, and Lifeline. Rather than participate this year in all the rainbow lipstick festivities (working it retail, it's not really acceptable for me to show up with flamboyantly coloured lips, such as yellow, green or blue lipstick!), I thought I'd donate money instead, and challenge myself to actually wear the lipsticks/lip products that I've got (rather than merely hoarding a collection). Seeing as I don't actually have 30 different ones, I don't think (*pats self on back*), I'll intersperse them with little overviews/mini reviews - so get ready for a whole lot of lip lovin' this month!

Lippie collection!

Have you heard of the Liptember campaign - or participated - before?
Would you consider joining the cause?

P.S. Does anyone remember how Burt's Bees was the official partner for Liptember a couple of years back? :D 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!

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

WEEK IN REVIEW // 13

I'm alive! Sorry it's been dead this week - I got sick again, believe it or not. (I know - I can scarcely believe it myself. I haven't a clue why my immune system has been so pathetic of late!). I blame the freezing gale-force winds (and my own stupidity for spending so much time outside, despite the weather). So this was a week of runny nose, sore-ish throat, and little comforts, though thankfully I'm feeling much better now:

Clockwise from top:
Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Candle - Yes, I've had it a little while now, and this week I finally burnt it instead of merely sniffing it! I have to say that its scent is prominent enough when unlit, and lighting it was somewhat disappointing for me, as it wasn't distinctly more potent. I've found it a nice accompaniment to reading, as a way to wind down after work.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ - I've also had this for nearly a year now - it had previously been sitting on the shelf during the warmer months as it is quite emollient. Now that the weather calls for something more moisturising, I find this fits the bill perfectly. It's lightweight, easily absorbed, kind to my sensitive skin and rather hydrating. You can expect to see this one again soon.

Pretty Powerful by Bobbi Brown - I've been taking it easy this week, to give myself the best chance to recover (after learning the hard way from past experiences). I headed to the library with the intention of getting lost in the pages of all kinds of books, when I came across this. I've been meaning to read it for a long time now, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to. I love Bobbi's books for their detail and photographs - and her writing style, which is frank in clarifying the essentials and the 'nice-to-haves'. More to come on this one.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - I concede that I may be slightly obsessed. I'd thought Reese's were not available here, and tried Whittaker's Peanut Butter block, which I thought was the next best thing, but I came across these the other day. I must say that I have newfound respect for Aldi! Trust me, they're goooood.

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - I know I've waxed lyrical about this already, but I thought it was worth a mention again. With consistent use, I've found that its texture has changed a bit. I don't know if it's just mine, but at first it was hardened at the top, and creamier underneath. It went through a 'melty' stage, and a 'lemon curd' stage, and now it's kind of in between the hardened top and creamier middle. Strange. But consistency aside, I haven't any issues with it.

Soothers Refresh medicated throat lozenges, Forest Berry flavour - These are quite nice - I saw that they'd released a new flavour and thought I'd try it. These have been 'soothing' for my throat while at work - talking to people for 5+ hours really wears me out!

Confidence Aloe Vera tissues - You know the drill! Though I think I prefer Kleenex...


Hope your week was better than mine! 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?

WEEK IN REVIEW // 9

A week of slow recovery, new loves and little treats.

L-R:
Whittaker's Peanut Butter Chocolate Block - Did someone say Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?! Courtesy of sleepandwater - recommendation seen on her instagram here. (Dayumm gurl, you'll be the death of me!) So after seeing that, of course I dashed into Aldi. And it did not disappoint. While I prefer the saltier, nuttier taste of Reese's, this really is the next best thing! What are you waiting for? Run, don't walk!

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes - Wow. That's all I have to say - these are good! So effective, and ridiculously soft - unlike some other brands I've tried (Simple and Garnier, anyone?) I did buy these for Mother when they were on sale at Priceline, but couldn't resist trying them myself. These definitely own every other brand I've tried to far.

Chi Chi Baked Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You - I finally tested it out (here). My first impressions were as follows: Not as intensely pigmented as I'd first thought - or as first swatched - but easy to blend, with no fall out. Lasted a good 6 hours or so.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm - This is probably the first 'week in review' where you haven't seen my resident lip balm fave Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream! These past few days Nivea just hasn't been making the cut. Perhaps it's because we're now officially in Winter and my wind-chapped, cracked lips need something a little more, well, 'nourishing', but at any rate, I've finally drawn out Nuxe from hibernation. First impressions? It's waxier than I'd anticipated and smells faintly of lemon curd! Lasting power is also pretty good, and has so far managed to keep my lips looking and feeling better.

Swisspers Cleansing Eye Make-Up Remover Pads - These are also great. While it seems superfluous to have these as well as the wipes, I can say that they remove mascara with ease, and are so saturated with remover that I could take off the rest of my makeup with the remainder. Win!

QV Cream - Claims to "replenish dry skin" - and indeed it does! You may remember that I've been sick recently, and have experienced all the joys of illness, such as a sore throat and runny-and-raw nose. I've been using this to combat my gross, sore and peeling skin, and found it to work wonders, though it did sting a little at first. It's quite emollient, but sinks in quickly - plus, it's of a rather handy size. 

Cedel Blow Dry Faster Heat Protector - As the nights get colder, this has once again become my bestie, as it allows me to dry my hair quicker, and makes it wonderfully straight, too - and all without the assistance of a brush or comb - you can check out my full review here.

Forever New Taliah Clutch - My sale find! I popped in to Forever New this week, on a whim, and walked out with this beauty. I'm looking forward to taking it out on formal occasions. These 'end of season'/mid year sales have been so good - but result in so much debit card damage!

What has been the highlight of your week?
Do you have a weakness for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups like me?

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...

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

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!

SKIN SAVIOURS OF YESTERYEAR //

The weather of late has been...temperamental to say the least! Lovely sunny days with a gentle breeze quickly succeeded by rainy days with a bitter wind...followed by beautiful weather again. With the chillier weather fast approaching, I thought I'd recap the few products that provided much needed relief and comfort to my skin in Winter last year - and remind myself of what I need to have in my arsenal before Winter hits!

Avène Soothing Moisture Mask - One day I discovered that my regular night cream just wasn't cutting it anymore. Maybe it was my wind-chapped face, or the hot water I used to wash my face with in the shower (naughty, I know)... I'm still not too sure what caused it, but suddenly I found that my face was very sensitive, red, dry, irritated and itchy. I grabbed this on a whim, as it looked thick and hydrating - and gentle enough for highly sensitive skin, and sure enough, within a few days my skin had returned to normal. Over Winter I used this as a 'booster' or a mask for when my face was feeling especially dry or sensitive. I found it also worked wonders on other parts of my body, such as elbows and patches of mild eczema.

Avène Cold Cream Hand Cream - I also toted this around with me so I could apply it when my hands became dry and chapped. My circulation is poor to begin with, and even worse in cold weather, exacerbated by indoor heating and chilly weather outside - therefore hand cream is my best friend! I found this one by Avene to be soothing and hydrating; it absorbed quickly and acted like a moisture-retaining barrier.

Natio Moisturising Lip Balm with SPF 30 and Vitamin E - I know I've already harped on about this sufficiently, but it really is my favourite lip balm. I like a lip balm with SPF even in Winter, especially for those surprisingly sunny days. This one is rich enough for Winter during the day, though I prefer something heavier for night.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - Enter this little tin of scrumptiousness. I loved slathering this on before bed for the scent alone to keep lips moisturised throughout the night. After a while it seemed oddly drying - it seemed to sit on the lips rather than sinking in, but I found it worked well with a wash cloth to exfoliate lips. I would apply a generous layer, before gently buffing lips with a wash cloth soaked in warm water in circular motion. It's of a lovely buttery, creamy consistency and doesn't harden like some other oil-rich lip butters.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion - This has been a firm favourite of mine for years now - not too heavy for Summer, but hydrating enough to use in Winter. It's also sensitive skin-friendly and non-comodogenic (doesn't block pores). It has a slight scent that isn't very noticeable or unpleasant. This is definitely one of my can't-be-without skincare basics.

Reniu Coconut Body Lotion - Oh my, this smells absolutely delightful. This is perfect for when my legs need a bit of extra TLC to stop them from being dry and flaky. It's fast absorbing and provides lasting hydration (plus it makes my clothes fragrant, too). I'm not sure where you can buy this from as it was a souvenir from Fiji, though I'd say The Body Shop has some equally delicious coconut-scented offerings.

What are your Winter skincare essentials?

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.