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!

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! :)

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

WEEK IN REVIEW // 10

A week of chillin', adventurous foodie-ing, catchups with friends, and sneaky purchases.

The goods:
Wittner Kissable Heels in Nude Patent Leather - These were my sneaky purchase this week. With all the 'EoFYS' and 'Mid-year Clearances', it's been pretty tough not to cave! I was drawn to the cutouts, which are a little out of the ordinary, the comfy block heel, and the pretty shade of nude (the photos don't do it justice). Seeing as I don't have any pairs of nude heels, I figured it was justified. (Right? RIGHT?!) These may just become the nude counterpart to my favourite black Wittner heels - only time will tell!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - This has been my lip balm of choice this week. It seemed to be a good match for the citrus tart we had for dessert last night... Last week I mentioned my first impressions, but you can check out the full, non-abbreviated, updated post here.

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light SPF 30+ - I've found this to be lovely for the cooler, windier weather, as it is hydrating and illuminating - plus, it's got SPF, which is a must! This has been my fave 'face base' of late. See it in action here and here.

bareMinerals Correcting Concealer in Medium 2, MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30 and Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush - Lately I've been struggling with my concealer options, as I'm in need of something more hydrating as my skin becomes drier. I only just got the Correcting Concealer, and I find it to be quite thick and creamy, though I'm on the fence about its cream-to-powder finish. With my usual MAC concealer, I've been experimenting with different methods of application. I've been testing out various tools, such as fingers, the Ecotools Deluxe Concealer Brush, and the Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush, which is excellent for diffusing harsh lines and preventing an unsightly almost 'streaky' finish. I'm still eyeing NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, but I might make that my last resort.

And I thought I'd also do a little throwback to when the weather was warmer, and the skies less grey, as the rain falling outside it making this Winter seem rather dreary already...

This photo was taken by my talented pal, Chris (who started his own photography company, Too'Eazy Photography), on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in April. Ah, I'm wishing we still had that lovely summery breeze.

Hope you're enjoying the long weekend (if you're in Aus)!
What was the highlight of your week? x

#FOTD 5 //

Who said FOTD's had to be serious affair?

Today was a pretty chill day - the kind of day that encourages me to experiment.

('Scuse the eye bags...)
*I had my hair in a ponytail, hence the random bits of hair sticking out!

The breakdown:
1. Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light all over face
2. b Collection by Bloom Cream Blush in Barossa Valley applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush on apples of cheeks
3. MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze applied with Real Techniques Contour Brush under cheekbones to contour
4. MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30 dabbed under eyes with fingers
5. Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black gently traced along upper lash line
6. NYX Black Label Lipstick in 105 Cherry patted onto lips (applied over a thin layer of Nuxe Rêve de Miel)

Hope you're having a great start to the weekend!

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?

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?