I've been trying to 'shop my stash' more, and not spend my hard earned cash on things I don't need. I like to think I'm a little more judicial, but some days I cave wayyy too easily. It's funny though - when I'm waiting for my pay check I'll spend ages online ('window'-)shopping, thinking about all the things I'll purchase when I'm paid, but when payday actually comes, I find myself more reluctant to part with it...
It's not to be unexpected that a few things have caught my eye yet again - though I suppose the element of surprise lies in the fact that it's taken me so long to put this post together! My apologies.
But without further ado, I present to you 'curiosity piqued' - take two:
BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation ($35 for approx. 8g) - I'd previously written this foundation off as 'incompatible' with my normal to dry skin. During a recent catchup, a friend of mine raved about the original formulation (for Winter), as well as the matte version (for Summer), rating them as 'Holy Grail-worthy'. I had tried the compact Ready version of the foundation, but was far from impressed - it was chalky and unflattering (and the shade I was matched with was too light, so it made me appear corpse-like)! But re-inspired by my friend, I headed into my local Mecca Cosmetica to have a play. My MUA talked me through the correct method of application ('swirl, tap and buff') and I was impressed when I found that it did provide an airbrushed finish, though a couple of dry patches were highlighted (but nothing a good moisturiser or primer wouldn't fix). I'm considering it for Summer when my skin tends to be a little oilier. Natural sunscreen through titanium dioxide is a bonus, though I'd probably layer it over something with higher SPF if I'm spending an extended amount of time outdoors.
Despite their wide range of shades, an exact shade match was tricky to find, especially as my skin has neutral-yellow undertones. 'Light' was a good match for my Winter skin, though I was recommended to head back around November for a proper Summer skin match. Admittedly, I was a little put off by the packaging - or rather, the general messiness involved with finely-milled powder foundations (I just imagine a Hiroshima-esque mushroom cloud of powder every time!). I wore it around for the rest of the day and am glad to report that it did not irritate my sensitive skin. You may hear more about this one from me come November!
Becca Mineral Tinted SPF 30+ Sunscreen ($35 for 40ml) - I stumbled across this product quite by chance. To cut the long story short, I was reading an article by Zoë Foster about why she now prefers physical sunscreens over chemical formulations, in which she provided a couple of suggestions for physical sunscreens for various skin types - one being Becca Mineral Face and Body Sunscreen. After discovering that it was no longer available online at Becca, (though I saw it on David Jones' website), I continued to browse randomly, coming across the zinc oxide-based Mineral Tinted SPF 30+ Sunscreen - their only offering in the 'sun care' category. At a rather reasonable price, I'm practically sold, though my only reservation is the shade match - it comes in three shades, 'Light', 'Medium' and 'Tan', and I'm tossed up between 'Medium' and 'Tan'. Some companies make a very dark 'Medium' and others make it very light - what even constitutes 'Medium', anyway?! For my NC30-ish skin, it's always a bit of a challenge - it'd be nice if there were a Becca counter nearby so I could test it out before purchasing.
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée ($27 for approx. 5g) - I'd actually been eyeing these for ages, but put it in the back of my mind, as they aren't readily available here in Australia. But with recent news that Mecca Maxima is now carrying Josie Maran, my interest was instantly reignited. I have a particular soft spot for cream/gel blushes, and considering that the mark up isn't ridiculous for once, compared to US prices, this has certainly earned its place on my list of potential purchases.
Ecoya Limited Edition Guava and Lychee Sorbet Candle ($39.95 for 400g) - Uh oh. Not again! You may recall that I had been eyeing the Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom candle from Ecoya's previous limited edition offerings, and ended up purchasing it. I stumbled across the current limited edition candles while (somewhat less-innocently) browsing in David Jones. While I wasn't so taken by the other candle, Sea Grass and Water Lily, I was immediately enraptured by this gorgeous, fruity-scented one. I mean, as if the name alone was not appealing enough!
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Perfume ($60 for 30ml, $90 for 50ml, $120 for 100ml) - Being quite a fan of Marc Jacobs' Daisy perfume, and Daisy Eau So Fresh as well, you can imagine how excited I was to see Daisy Dream launch at Myer. It reminds me of Lancôme Trèsor Midnight Rose (which I also adore) - Daisy Dream a little headier than Daisy, which is lighter and fresher. While I definitely can't justify purchasing another perfume for a long while, I can't deny that it smells delightful - and the bottle is seriously adorable!
*Images from Google
What are you currently eyeing? Do share! x
Showing posts with label wants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wants. Show all posts
Friday, 10 October 2014
Monday, 8 September 2014
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
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
Saturday, 17 May 2014
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
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
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
AUTUMN WANTS //
As Summer becomes Autumn I've got my eye on leather accessories in 'cosy' tones, beauty products to combat parched, dull skin, and little luxuries that will end up being Winter warmers, bringing cheer when the weather is dreary.
Clockwise from top left:
Citizen Eco-Drive watch
Wittner Helsinki brogues in Black
LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Brown Pot Rouge in Raspberry
Glasshouse Triple Scented Candle in Fudge Brownie (Peter Alexander Limited Edition)
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina perfume
(Images from Google).
Clockwise from top left:
Citizen Eco-Drive watch
Wittner Helsinki brogues in Black
LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Brown Pot Rouge in Raspberry
Glasshouse Triple Scented Candle in Fudge Brownie (Peter Alexander Limited Edition)
T2 Creme Brûlée tea
Fossil Sydney Satchel in CranberryLa Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina perfume
(Images from Google).
Labels:
autumn,
bobbi brown,
candle,
citizen,
collage,
concealer,
cream blush,
fossil,
glasshouse,
inspiration,
la roche-posay,
lip scrub,
lush,
nars,
perfume,
t2,
tea,
wants,
watch,
wittner
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