Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #8

It has been almost a year and a half since my last empties post. I have only been accumulating these empties for the last month-two months, as I had stopped collecting my empties.

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in 105 Ivory

I adore this powder. It works really well on my dry skin. I have already repurchased it, and I think I have found my holy grail drugstore powder. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3

It has taken me about three (or maybe four) years to use this powder up. When I first purchased it, I liked it, but as time has gone on my skin has gotten dryer and this powder really emphasised my dryness. Towards the end, I was just using this powder on my chin where I have a bit of scarring and pimples to cover it up, as this powder has got a lot of coverage. I would recommend this powder for people with oily skin, but not dry skin. 

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light N10 

I actually really loved this foundation. I have dry skin, but it did not emphasise my dryness whatsoever. I got this in a set of bareMineral goodies, so I also got the matte version, which I didn't like as much. I ended up purchasing the pressed version of this foundation, and unfortunately it does not perform as good as the loose, as it really emphasises my dryness. I probably would repurchase this as the undertone was fabulous, matched me pretty well, and did not dry my skin out whatsoever. The only downside is it is very messy because it is loose. 

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colourless Powder

I adore this powder. Last year at IMATS, I repurchased two bottles of this powder, and will repurchase two more this year at IMATS. I use this daily to set my undereye concealer, and I have minimal creasing with this product. 

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
This is my holy grail concealer for under the eye. A couple of weeks ago I Back To MAC'd five empty bottles, and I'm almost done with another one of these. This will always be a repurchase for me.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
I actually quite enjoyed this primer. It reminded me a lot of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer, which I also enjoy (and have repurchased over and over). I would repurchase this, but only when it is on sale (or at Chemist Warehouse where I initially purchased it - makeup is always discounted there).  I don't think this product is a great pore eraser (it has a silicone feeling, but doesn't fill in pores all too well), but large pores aren't a skin issue that I experience.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (x2)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is a primer I have repurchased over and over. It is the one I use in my freelance kit, and it works great on my skin as well. It is great at smoothing and slightly hydrating my skin.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray 
This is another holy grail in my collection. I have one sitting in my freelance kit, and one sitting on my vanity. Always a repurchase (and can we talk about how great it is that NYX is now stocked in Priceline???)

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray 
This spray was okay. I didn't notice too much when I used this verse when I didn't use it. This product claims to be redness reducing, pore minimising, and oil absorbing. Redness is my only real skin concern out of the three, and I don't think this spray made much of a difference. However, this spray was nice as a pre-makeup treatment and it was a hydrating spray.

Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara (x2)

This is my holy grail brow gel. I go through this brow gel quite consistently, and whenever I see it in the shelf at Priceline or Target, I tend to pick it up as a back up. When the product starts to change colour and the tube is getting a bit empty, that's when I tend to chuck it and grab a new one. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I love this mascara. I'm currently using a deluxe sample size of this mascara that's almost done as well, and I have a back up deluxe sample waiting to be used. I do find this mascara tends to dry out quickly, so I prefer going for the deluxe sample size as opposed to the full size (there was a point where at Mecca you could purchase the deluxe sample size). 

Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

This mascara was in my freelance kit, and I never used the wand so can't comment on that (my only comment is the wand is actually huge), but this mascara has a good waterproof formula. I did use it on myself a few times (with a disposable wand), and I found the formula good.  I would repurchase this mascara for my freelance kit. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 

This is a deluxe sized sample that I picked up on sale at the Sydney Domestic Terminal earlier this year. I wasn't expecting much from this mascara, but I actually love it. I have quite a few unopened mascaras and I'm trying to keep my unopened mascara collection to a minimal, but I would consider repurchasing this mascara in the future.  

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP

I'm sure this perfume has been in my empties before. This is my holy grail perfume. I go through a bottle a year roughly, and will always repurchase. I abolsutely adore this scent. If you've never smelt Flowerbomb and are a fan of floral scents, make it a point to smell this perfume, and thank me later. 

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick 

This is the first MAC lipstick I have used up. Last year, MAC Velvet Teddy was on my lips about 80% of the time. I have repurchased this lipstick, but tend to lean more towards Whirl. I think when the warmer months come around, I will reach for Velvet Teddy more as it is a lighter shade compared with Whirl. 

Blistex Click Cool Spearmint Lip Balm 

Years ago, I used a peppermint lip balm and it was the most soothing, wonderful lip balm. I saw this in Chemist Warehouse a while ago (it was in a duo with a peach scented lip balm as well), and put it in my basket without a second thought. I loved this lip balm, and would repurchase if I saw it in stores again. Mint lip balms are so refreshing. 

Target Essentials Cosmetic Pads

I actually really enjoyed these cotton pads. Next time I'm in Target, I'll pick up another pack. 

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads 

I tend to pick these up every time I'm in Kmart. They're cheap, and they do the job ok. 

Woolworths Select Make Up Pads

I don't really remember these cotton pads all too well, so I'd say they're about average. Probably would only repurchase if I was in need of cotton pads and in Woolworths. 

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Calming Facial Cleansing Wipes

I don't use face wipes every day, but when I do, these are one of my favourites to use. They are gentle on my sensitive skin and do a good job at removing makeup. Most importantly, these face wipes don't dry my skin out. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

I love this mask from the Body Shop. It is a great leave on, overnight mask, and very moisturising. Last year when my Dad was sick and the chemo was drying out his skin, I purchased him a few of the products from the Vitamin E line from the Body Shop, and they worked well for him too. If you have dry skin, or dehydrated skin, I would recommend checking this out at the Body Shop. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Unfortunately this oil made me break out. Towards the end (once I had figured out it was the oil breaking me out), I used it in my hair only. I wouldn't repurchase this product as I prefer other oils in my hair, but I'm happy I was able to use the product up (and that I only purchased a small travel size as opposed to the full size)

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I love this micellar water. I use this to remove makeup (I tend to use a cleansing oil first, and then go over with the micellar water). This is fine to remove light makeup, but not great for heavy makeup. I also use this to remove swatches on my arm. This bottle has lasted me well over 6 months, and when I purchased this (it was from the Priceline 40% off skin care sale a while ago), I did purchase two bottles, and have already started using the second bottle. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge

For a while, I couldn't find this product in Daiso. When I did, I purchased 10 bottles. I have used up more than just this one, but have not kept them. I find this is great for removing makeup from sponges, and also great to break down liquid or cream products on brushes (I find it works better than my usual baby shampoo) when deep cleaning them. If you haven't tried this product, I highly recommend it. I still have a few left, but will definitely repurchase when those are used up. This product is also $2.80, so you really can't go wrong. 

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon 

Rose Jam is my favourite scent from Lush. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a few bath bombs from Lush, and had to purchase two of these. I wish Rose Jam was a scent they had year round. Would definitely repurchase this. 

Manicare Mascara Brushes Duo Length & Define 

I either use these mascara wands in my freelance kit, or when I wax mine or my Mum's eyebrows. These are decent, and I would repurchase. I know I can purchase mascara wands cheap on eBay, and I should do that for when I wax brows, but I do like the shape of these wands for when I apply mascara on clients. 

Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm 

I think this product was off when I tried to use it. The scent of this was horrible. I'm just chucking it in the bin, don't want to put this near my face again. 

By Terry Baume De Rose 

I enjoyed using this lip balm at night, and the sample ended up lasting about a week. I do have another sample to use up, but this product is quite expensive and I didn't find it revolutionary by any means, so I would not purchase. 

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream

This sachet lasted a few uses, and was quite nice. I do need to get into using eye creams again (whoops), but I do prefer the Benefit eye cream I used to use to this one. It was a nice hydrating cream, though. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light 

This was basically a one time use sachet of the oil. I used this in my hair to moisturise after washing.

I have quite the collection of samples, and want to work my way through them, so hopefully I have a few more to include in my next empties post!

Thanks for reading,

X

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #6

I haven't done an empties post since last December - wow. I have used quite a few products up over the past four months - even a few makeup products, which is quite surprising for me!

Schwarzkopf Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protectant Spray

This is my go-to heat protectant, and I have already repurchased.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

I absolutely despised the scent of this (I love the Cocoa Butter lotion) and it took me ages to use this up! I think I will just stick with Bio Oil. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

My favourite dry shampoo. I have repurchased, and got two mini's of these from the Easter Show! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry

Not a big fan of the scent. When I was in England last year, I purchased the full size of this because it was ridiculously cheap and I wanted to try out the scent. I used it up because it was a free sample, but I would not purchase this scent. The dry shampoo does work well though, it is the scent that turns me off it!

Nivea Moisturising Fluid SPF 15 

I liked this moisturiser - quite liquidy, blended in nicely - but there are others I prefer. This comes in a relatively small tube, so it is good for travel - which is why I bought it - I took it overseas last year. 

Benefit POREfessional Sample

I got this sample from a Benefit counter around Christmas, and only recently tried it out. Because I wear glasses, makeup tends to move around my nose, and I used this primer on my nose and it worked quite well! I probably will end up buying this, but not at the moment. 

Nivea Rich Regenerating Night Cream

I'm not too sure about regenerating, but this is a rich night cream and keeps my skin quite hydrated. Would repurchase, I prefer this one to the other Nivea night cream I am using at the moment. 

Beauty Care Co Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free 

I liked this nail polish remover, relatively cheap and because it is acetone free safe to use on acrylics. Would repurchase. 

Starlet Nail Polish Remover with Vitamin E 

I liked this nail polish remover as well. Relatively cheap, and gets the job done. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I got this sample (and another one) last year, and I liked it. It was moisturising, but I didn't really see a difference. I do have the other sample still, so maybe I will. 

Maybelline Clean Express Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

This was one of the makeup removers that is half liquid and have oil, and you mix it up. I like the concept, but this made my face so greasy! Would not repurchase this, there are other makeup removers that work much better. 

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

I like this setting spray, and I have repurchased it. Next I want to try the Urban Decay Setting Spray for dry skin, but that will have to wait for now. 

Pure Acetone 

I picked this up from a nail store, it was about $5 and pure acetone works great at removing nail polish (who would have known!). I will end up repurchasing this when I return to that store. 

L'Oreal Youth Code Youth Booster Serum

I liked this serum a lot, and I probably will repurchase this.

Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer (x2)
I've used up two of these primers in the last four months, and I do like this primer. It is quite hydrating, and I enjoyed using it, but I think there is a better primer out there for me.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes
I've had this mascara since July last year, and it is time to bin it. I did like this mascara, the brush was nice, but I don't think I can justify the price of this mascara. Maybe next time I travel overseas, I'll pick it up duty free.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara 
I love this mascara, and when I get around to going back to the store that sells this in Australia, I will stock up on a few. I have previously done a review on this mascara, which you can view here.

Covergirl Clump Crusher in Black Brown
This is another mascara I liked using. I'm not too sure if I will repurchase this one as I have found other mascaras I love since, but I do recommend this one for separating lashes and for lengthening.

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
My holy grail for setting brows. I have repurchased this over and over again, and will continue to repurchase.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in 01 Ivory
I used this up a while ago, and I did enjoy it. But I used it up so quickly - maybe under two weeks. I have found things that work better, but this was a good concealer for highlighting under the eyes.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 Vanilla
I love this foundation. I need to repurchase it, but that will have to wait. Light to medium coverage, and great for dry skin.

Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin in Light
I love this BB cream! Although it is for combo to oily skin, I find it works well on my dry skin, and I much prefer it to the original Garnier BB cream. Since using this up, I have repurchased another tube.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat 
My holy grail top coat. Have repurchased this, and will continue to repurchase. This stuff dries super quick, and if you haven't tried it - I'd recommend it.

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion
I've had this sample for ages. I'm not the biggest fan of the original Primer Potion, but I love the matte one (Eden).

Manicare Disposable Mascara Brushes
Love these for coming out the brows. I keep these in my makeup kit as well.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
I adore this shower scrub! So much so that when I repurchased it I bought two. The price is fairly decent for a body scrub, and I adore the smell of this.

Redwin Vitamin E Cream
When I'm sunburnt, I cover myself in this stuff. It is relatively cheap, and works well as a body moisturiser as well. Will repurchase this eventually, probably in the summer time.

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream
I have mentioned this in previous empties posts, and I do love this moisturiser, but I have found better ones suited for my dry skin. I am still on the hunt for the perfect moisturiser, though.

Eylure Katy Perry Color Pop Lashes in Ka-Pow! 
From memory, these are the purple lashes - which I wore for my 21st! I loved these lashes, although I wish they made them in just normal black. I absolutely adore the Katy Perry lashes by Eylure.

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes
I don't really remember these in particular, but the Swisspers Naturals are my favourite kind of face wipes. I would repurchase these.

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Facial Cleaning Wipes (x2) 
I prefer these out of the bunch of Swisspers Naturals range. I love the range, and will continue to repurchase these wipes.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Facial Cleansing Wipes for Dry Skin
These may be for dry skin, but they did not work well with my dry skin. I found them quite harsh, and I would not repurchase these.

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
I don't really remember these wipes all too much, but I don't remember having a bad experience with them, so I probably would repurchase these if they were on sale.

Daiso Eyelashes (x2)
Here I have two pairs of Daiso lashes. I like Daiso lashes - they are cheap ($2.80) and have some nice styles. Not my favourite kind of eyelashes, but for the price, you really can't go wrong.

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads
Always in my empties, always a repurchase.

And those are my empties over the last four months! Thanks for reading,
x

January Favourites

NARS Deep Throat Blush
This blush came in the NARS One Night Stand Palette (see review here). Deep Throat is a peach, and not as shimmery as the other peach in the palette - Orgasm. I've been wearing this blush everyday for the past two weeks, and I love it, especially in the summer.

MAC Pink Plaid Lipstick
I've recently been loving this lipstick in summer, especially topped with a pink gloss (who thought I'd ever say that). I tend to wear this combo when I'm at work, and it's a nice combo for work or the day time. This lipstick is a matte, but the gloss makes it easier to touch up when I'm at work.

OPI Jinx Liquid Sand Nail Polish 
This liquid sand polish is absolutely lovely and screams summer to me! I recently did a review of all the Liquid Sand polishes I own (check out my review here).

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC20 
A repurchase of a favourite foundation in a shade down. This foundation has featured in my favourites a few times, and will always be a repurchase.

Essence Liquid Ink Waterproof Eyeliner 
I can't believe I haven't mentioned this eyeliner before, but I absolutely adore it! It's super black, super waterproof, and stays on until you take it off.

Juicy Couture Peace, Love & Juicy Couture Perfume 
I absolutely adore this perfume. It's such a spring scent, super floral. This is my top 3 favourite perfume, but the one I've been reaching for the most this past month.

VO5 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray 
I recently cut my hair pretty short (for me, anyway), and texture is a must. I love this spray to add some texture, and it is so easy to use. This was pretty cheap as well, so if you're looking for a texturising spray, I recommend picking this one up!

The Good News Project 
A new channel that has popped up on Youtube dedicated to delivering good news. Check out Steph here.

And those are my favourites for January! I cannot believe we're already one month down into 2014 - I hope everyone is having a great 2014 so far!
Thanks for reading x

Top 13 of 2013

I cannot believe 2013 is at an end. This year has been one of the best years of my life, the most significant was my travels to England. For this yearly favourites, I decided to pick 13 of my favourite products I discovered in 2013 - and it was hard to narrow it down! But here it is, my top 13 of 2013!

1. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This is probably the best purchase I've made this year, and definitely number one on my list of best products of the year (and probably my favourite palette ever). This is the perfect palette to accompany any makeup look, single eyeshadow, or palette you have. See my review of the Naked Basics here.  

2. MAC Painterly Paint Pot 

This is the best matte base I've ever tried - I don't know why I put buying this off for so long! Although my whole body is dry, I have hooded eyelids that get quite oily. This keeps everything on my lids. I don't do a makeup look without this base, and although it is on the pricier side in Australia, if you're looking for a good base that'll work, I recommend the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly.

3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

I've found that this year, my skin is much more dry than it has been. I slowly had to move away from powders, and venture into the world of products specified for dry skin. This isn't a holy grail foundation (I know I'll find it someday), but it is a great everyday foundation for dry skin. 

4. Essence Lash and Brow Gel

2013 was definitely the year of the eyebrow for me. This brow gel sets everything in place, and is relatively cheap - under $5. Even if you don't fill in your eyebrows or apply any product to them, it's always good to set them and smooth everything out, and I recommend this brow gel. 

5. Benefit Coralista Blush 

This is the blush that made me fall in love with blush. I absolutely adore this blush, and since then have tried incorporating blush in my everyday routine (something I never really did). On paler skins this is beautiful, and on darker skins it is beautiful. I love this blush.

6. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

My Seche Vite is basically all gone, but this is the greatest top coat I have ever used. It dries super fast, is glossy, and everything I want in a topcoat. I highly recommend this product if you haven't tried it yet! 

7. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume 

This is one of my perfume favourites of 2013. I picked this up on my way back from England at Heathrow, and I absolutely adore this perfume. I'll probably invest in the original parfum next time, but I love the scent of this. I love floral scents! 

8. YSL Parisienne Perfume

I've included two perfumes because this was the year I ventured out into different scents. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is my all-time favourite scent, but when I got a sample of this earlier in the year I had to buy it. I purchased this a week or so before I went to England, so every time I wear this perfume I'm reminded of that time away, and this is definitely a scent I'd purchase over and over again. 

9. Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie

For when my eczema flares up, I love this stuff for in the shower. It's like a clay almost, and is super soothing. 

10. Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleaner 

This is the greatest thing to clean makeup sponges. For regular brushes, I find it mediocre, but it just sucks liquid makeup out of brushes. 

11. Sigma Small Angle E65 Brush 

This is the only brush I will use in my brows. It is much smaller than the other angle brushes I own, and is perfect for filling in brows. I think I'll need to invest in another one soon, because I also adore this brush for gel eyeliner, or black eyeshadow on the lash line. 

12. Sleek Face Form Palette in Light 

This palette (at least the contour) has seen better days! The contour is absolutely lovely for my light skin, the highlighter is also nice. My only vice with this palette is the blush - on light skin tones, I really can't work this. When I was in England, my cousin who is dark skinned used it and it looked phenomenal on her! But on me, no! However, I'd recommend this palette just for the contour alone - I love it.

See my review of the palette here.

13. Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (Bad to the Bronze)

This was a purchase I made in England. I've been a fan of the Colour Tattoos since they came to Australia in late 2012, and although this has been a favourite, I never picked it up until I was in England - another product I put off buying for so long!

And those are my top 13 of 2013. Happy New Year everyone, see you in 2014!

Shop My Stash #3

I apologise for my absence the past week, as I have been extremely busy with uni and assessments. Here is my Shop My Stash #3.

I've mentioned this bronzer on my blog quite a few times, and the NARS Laguna Bronzer is one I have a love/hate relationship with. I put this on the shimmer in the product, but I absolutely love the shade and it blends like a dream. See review here.

The Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette is a cult classic in the beauty world. I love this palette, but it is lacking in matte shades and that is why I don't reach for it all that often. Definitely will try my hardest over the next two weeks!

Benefit Watt's Up is a beautiful highlighter, but I have neglected it over the last month. It's added to the list.

The Essence Match2Cover Cream concealer is a favourite of mine, and it's getting close to an empty. I have neglected it recently, so I want to try use it up over the next few weeks.

Last is the MAC Honeylove lipstick. It's a nude, and I got it when I was coming back from England. It's an easy everyday colour, so I need to get into using it more often. Below is a swatch. 

(L to R: Benefit Watt's Up and MAC Honeylove)

August Favourites

Time for favourites, yet again. I really have found some holy grail products this month!

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Concealer Primer
For my birthday my lovely friends got my a gift voucher for Napoleon Perdis. I've never really dabbled in Napoleon, but I decided to go and pick up a few things, and I asked the lady if they had any good products for under eye creasing and she recommended this and another concealer. I've been a bit lazy with the concealer, as it is more a corrector and an extra step in my routine, BUT THIS PRODUCT IS AMAZING. It hasn't completely stopped under eye creasing, but there is 90% less creasing when I use this product. Holy grail status right here. I know Smashbox does one also and I'll try that when I run out of this, but I absolutely adore this product!

Above is what the primer looks like (with flash). There is shimmer in the primer, to highlight, but once you apply concealer on top you don't see any shimmer.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
It really was a toss up between this and Soft Ochre, but I opted for Painterly. I have really bad eyelids - they are hooded and they crease horribly - I have oily eyelids (although the rest of my face and body is dry) and this in combo with the hooded eyelids means a lot of creasing. This is a perfect primer/base. Every time I've used it I've had little creasing after 7+ hours (which is awesome for me). Maybelline Colour Tattoos work well as well, but sometimes I need a neutral base and this product is perfect. Highly recommend this to anyone with oily eyelids, or problems creasing.

Benefit They're Real Mascara
I got a sample size of this mascara in the Bronze of Champions kit (see review here). It is awesome! I don't have spectacular lashes, and while I find the plastic brush not as pleasant to use as typical mascara brushes, this mascara gives some amazing lashes.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
In all honesty, I didn't think I needed this palette. I have way too many neutral eyeshadows, but I am so happy I picked this up (see haul post here - a review will be coming soon!). This is a perfect palette. The matte shadows mean it is really versatile - crease work, transition work. It is the perfect addition to any palette really, and I've found myself reaching for this every time I do eyeshadow work. Even for a highlight shade with no shimmer, this palette gives two shades. I can't speak highly enough of this palette.

Marc Jacobs Eau So Fresh EDT
I love this perfume! I've used a significant amount of it in the last month, because I've been reaching for it 3/7 days. I love the floral scent, and it is, well, so fresh! Definitely recommend this for those who love floral scents.

NYX Taupe Blush
For the first two weeks of August, this was my go-to contour shade. At the moment I have fake tan on, so this doesn't work well on tanner skin, but for pale girls this is an awesome contour shade!

Essence Match2Cover Cream Concealer
Since coming back from overseas, I have had pimples that won't go away. I don't know what it is. But this concealer is awesome at covering them up! I'm also sure this concealer is no more than $4, so I think it's a product worth checking out.

So in September, I'm going on a no-buy. 30 days, no purchasing makeup/skincare/haircare (unless I run out of something I drastically need, although I stocked up this week on those I was running out of so I doubt it). I want to do the Project 10 Pan, but I think this will be a really good test because I'm sure the Project 10 Pan will take at least 3 months to complete (maybe I'll do Project 5 Pan instead...). I still have some things coming in the post I ordered last week, which doesn't count because they weren't purchased in September! So it won't be so bad, I hope. Wish me luck!

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #3

I feel happy writing these posts, because I know that I at least use up some of the products I'm purchasing. 

Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie

I discovered this towards the end of the June, and I repurchased a back-up when I was in England because of the significant price difference. It is quite expensive though, so I only use it on parts of my body with eczema and it has helped. 

Vaseline

Who doesn't love Vaseline? I use this as a lip balm and in the hope that smothering them on my eyebrows will help them grow. 

BeautyCareCo Makeup Remover Pads 

A repurchase, and next time I'm in Kmart I will pick up another packet. You can never have enough makeup remover pads. 

Nivea Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion

I brought two of these travel size bottles with me to England, I used one up there and brought one back with me. I really like this body lotion, and would repurchase it after I have finished up all the others I have scattered around! 

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo 

My favourite dry shampoo, and my favourite scent. I will end up repurchasing this, but at the moment I have the original Batiste scent Dry Shampoo because it was $4 at the Reject Shop and I picked up 2. 

Priceline Cotton Tips 

These were alright, nothing fancy. Not much to say about cotton tips though. A repurchase if I go to Priceline.

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Facial Cleansing Wipes (x2) 

I actually really like these wipes. They're not that expensive full price either, so I don't mind picking them up when they're not on sale. They were on sale at work recently though, so I picked up a back up of the Green Tea and Original. 

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

This is expired, although I hardly made a dent in it. I did repurchase the Mint Julips, but when I was in England they had a Popcorn flavour that I've only seen in Australia once (I think it was around Christmas) so I picked it up and I love it! This will always be a repurchase product for me (although only once a year because it doesn't expire for a year and I'll never end up finishing one whole tub [and now I have two, good job Sarah]) because it is awesome if you have dry lips, especially if you want to rock a matte lip. 

Bio Oil

I use this on scars, stretch marks and stuff like that, although I've become really lazy. I'm not allowing myself to repurchase this until I finish up the Cocoa Butter equivalent I decided to try out, but the scent is so sickly that I hardly touch it. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

This is a travel size of the stuff that my Dad got me when he purchased the Vice Palette for me last year when he visited England. I finally finished it up when I was in England, but I'm going to keep the bottle because it is a good travel size spray bottle. 

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Deodorant 

This stuff was alright, but nothing amazing. Not as good as my favourite Rexona deodorant, lol. 

Juicy Couture Peace, Love and Juicy Eau De Parfum 50mL

I've had this bottle for a while, and I kept it with my other perfumes long after it was finished (about a year) to remind myself to repurchase it, because I really enjoyed the floral scent. I couldn't find this one, but Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture smells about the same so I picked it up. I enjoyed this perfume and if you love floral scents, check out Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture. 

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara

The lid of this mascara ended up breaking, so I decided its time was up. I have a back up of this anyway, but this is my go-to brow gel. Definite repurchase next time I go to Priceline. 

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

This just ended up drying up, so it's time to chuck it. I love this mascara, but I've accumulated so many lately that I will wait to repurchase this. 

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara

I really have a love/hate relationship with this mascara. I love what it does, but hate the formula. This one is dried up, but I have another one in my collection. My Mum absolutely loves this mascara, though. 

Lush Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion Sample 

When the lady at Lush recommended me this, there was none left so she gave me a sample to trial out. I ended up loving it, so I picked it up in England. 

YSL Parisienne Sample 

I finished this up and have already purchased the 50mL bottle of this perfume. I adore the scent. 

Youngblood Mineral Primer 

I received this with an order I made off of Lipstick Republic, and I took it away with me overseas. It was an okay primer, but it didn't do anything amazing for me so I won't repurchase it. 

OPI RapiDry Top Coat

I was never really a fan of this top coat. Since discovering Seche Vite, I don't want to touch the others I own. However, I have a smaller size of this that came with a mini pack of OPI polishes and will use it up. But after I do use all the other top coats I own, the only one I will repurchase will be Seche Vite. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 100 Ivory

I am so happy I finished a bottle of foundation! I have a lot of foundation, so this is an accomplishment. I did like this foundation, but the shimmer in it is so noticeable (this is the same reason I don't like the MAC Mineralize Moisture foundation). If you don't mind the shimmer, I recommend this one, but I won't be repurchasing it. 

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream Sample

I received this sample at Heathrow airport, and I really like this moisturiser! I will repurchase the full size, but I have two other day moisturisers at the moment and I'm trying to reduce the size of my collection. 

Katy Perry Purr Shower Gel 

This was an okay shower gel, but because of my eczema it isn't the best. I was happy to use it up though, and it smelled just like the perfume - which I love! 

May Favourites

I apologise for my lack of posts the last couple of weeks. Exams are coming up, and I've had a good amount of assignments taking up my time. And last week, my Macbook decided to die, and I've just gotten it back. However, on to my somewhat late May favourites!

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
This pencil matches my eyebrows perfectly, and it's all I've been using (besides a brow gel) all month to fill them in.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
I LOVE THIS LIQUID LINER. This is the best purchase I've made in a while. If you're looking for a new liquid liner, I highly recommend this.

MAC Fix Plus
I've mentioned this product before, and as my skin has become dryer in the colder months I've loved to use this to hydrate my face, and set my makeup.

Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette
I only got this palette recently (see haul here) but I've absolutely loved using the second browbone shade as an all-over lid colour, 

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara 
This product has been in my routine for a couple of months or so, and I always forget to mention it. I use this to set my brows in place, and it works wonderfully.

Revlon Colorstay (Normal/Dry Skin) in 150 Buff
When I first bought this product, I wasn't that impressed. But since my skin has become drier, this has been a favourite foundation that I've reached for.

(L to R: Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil, swatched heavily and lightly, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, the second browbone shade in the Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette, the second crease shade in the Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette) 

So these were my favourite products in May. There's not much, but experimenting with makeup hasn't been on the top of my list this last month. These are the essential products I've been reaching for.

Essence Gel-Look Top Coat

I heard this mentioned in a video, and the next time I was in Priceline I decided to pick this up. From memory, it is around the $3.95 mark, and I was really excited to try this product out. It does sound like a promising product, but I was left really disappointed.

I attempted to use this product twice - last week when I first got it, and the other day. I applied two coats of OPI Steady As She Rose. My nails were completely dry before I attempted this top coat. It comes out really thick and it is hard to distribute the product because of the thickness - you just know you'll have to wait around forever for it to dry. I left my hands without touching a thing for over an hour, and this is what I was left with the next morning (just like the time before):

Every single nail had some sort of smudge or mark on it. It's really disappointing because I wanted this product to work. 

I think I'll attempt to use it one more time. Maybe a day where I have nothing to do and I can just wait around for the top coat to dry. Nonetheless, I was disappointed with this product. 

March Favourites

This will be a feature on my blog monthly. In it, I will include beauty favourites and just random favourites!

Beauty:

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara
This has been a rediscovered favourite. While cleaning out my collection, I came across this tube - it still has plenty of product in it, and hasn't dried in the slightest. I have relatively short and straight eyelashes, so this along with an eyelash curler is the perfect combo.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Khol Kajal in Nude
I've always felt white on the waterline to be too off-putting and strong, so when Rimmel released this liner in nude it was a a must-have for me! I'm so glad with this purchase, and I use it every day. Definitely a repurchase when I finish with this one.

Benefit Erase Paste in Light
This is the perfect under eye concealer for my skin tone. It instantly brightens my under eye area, which I love. I've had this sample size tube since July last year and it is only running out now.

MAC Lipstick in Party Parrot
I am so happy that MAC re-released this limited edition lipstick. I bought it straight away from the online MAC store, and it hasn't been a disappointment. I love bright and bold colours, and this bright pink is perfect.

MAC Fix Plus 
I have been using this as a setting spray for about five months, and I still have a third of the product left. It really helps in getting rid of the powdery look of my foundation, and it is a refreshing spray. I also sometimes use this product when I want bolder eye colours by spraying my brush first before applying. I also alternate between this and another setting spray when using my beauty sponge to wet it.

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream
I've been using this day cream for about a year or so and this is my third tub. I love this stuff, it is great at moisturising. The only downside is it doesn't contain SPF, but I do wear foundation, or at least BB cream on a regular basis, all of which do contain SPF.

OPI The Spy Who Loved Me Nail Polish
This was one of the colours that caught my eye in the OPI James Bond collection. It is a shimmery red, with goldish/orange shimmer. I'm not really the biggest fan of shimmery nail polish, but this colour is perfect. I love it. I use it on my toes all the time, and at least a few times a month on my nails.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15
This is my current favourite foundation. I've been using it for over three months, and I love it. I'm quite pale, and now that winter is coming (heheheh) I probably will stay this colour until next summer - it is a perfect match! I will definitely repurchase this when I run out (which appears to be soon), but I also want to try the MAC Face and Body foundation as I've heard good reviews about it and my skin has started to become more dry. The coverage on this foundation is wonderful.

MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3 
I love this powder to set my foundation. My skin hasn't been too wonderful lately, and this powder foundation has helped give just a bit more coverage.

Essence 3-in-1 Concealer
I find the pink shade perfect in counteracting dark circles, which I've had a lot of since going back to university. I don't find the product to cake in the slightest, and for the price - it is a bargain! I saw on the Essence Facebook page that they were discontinuing this product, so I will definitely have to pick up another one before that happens.

Sleek Face Form Palette in Fair 
The contour shade in this palette is my all time favourite. See review here.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
I bought this highlighter half way through March, but have wanted it for a while. Because of my light skin, I find that this highlighter is perfect and it blends into my skin nicely. Previously, I was using MAC's Soft and Gentle but I find it too glittery. See haul post, where I purchased this and other products here.

Swatches (L to R): Rimmel Scandaleyes Khol Kajal in Nude, MAC Party Parrot, Benefit Erase Paste in Light (not blended), theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer 

Random:

Game of Thrones (TV) - I blame my boyfriend for this. Almost finished Season 2, which is good because Season 3 starts tomorrow :D

The Roman Republic - as a history major, you can't blame me for including this in my monthly favourites. Love the Roman Republic~

What have your favourites been this month?
Xo

Haul - Essence, MUA, theBalm and Lime Crime

It's been a while since I've updated, and I'm going to blame that on going back to university. Almost two weeks ago, I placed an order on the MUA site - and I wasn't expecting it to come so quickly! My first order from MUA a couple of months ago took almost a month to arrive! So Thursday when I came home from uni, I had two parcels - one from MUA, and the other with my Lime Crime lipstick. I also visited a shopping centre the same day and they had one Mary-Lou Manizer left in stock at David Jones and I had to grab it. I also picked up an Essence highlighter from their new collection. On to the haul!

The MUA purchase totaled $30.97, and in it I bought the Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder, the Undress Me Too Palette, the cream blush in Bittersweet, an eyebrow pencil in Brunette, the Mosaic Blusher in English Rose, and the lip liner in Softly Lined. For this order, I was most excited about the Undress Me Too Palette - which is supposedly a dupe of the Naked 2 by Urban Decay. My Bootycall in that palette is almost gone, so I'm hoping this palette will have a good dupe as Urban Decay don't do singles of Bootycall :'( I will put up a comparison post sometime this week.

In a wish list post from last month, I posted about Serpentina by Lime Crime - a forest green lipstick! The site I have ordered Lime Crime from previously has been sold out, and from my googling last week I found a site that had one left in stock - I was so excited. The lipstick was $21, which is standard, but the postage was a little expensive at $11.95. I ordered it on Sunday night, and it came the following Thursday. The site I got it from was veganbeauty.com.au. I still don't know how I will wear this lipstick, but I am glad to have it in my collection! The order also came with a lemongrass and bamboo face scrub 5mL sample from Ayana Organics, and I am glad to give this a go.

Two weeks ago when I went into David Jones hoping to buy the Mary-Lou Manizer from theBalm, they were sold out. When I went in the past week, they had one left in stock and I had to get it. It retails for $34.95, but I have a staff discount and it came down to $27.95. I absolutely love this highlighter! So glad with this purchase.

Lastly is an Essence highlighter, which I saw in Priceline a few weeks ago and went back to purchase last week. A girl can never have too many highlighters, right? Excited to give this one a go too! It's from their new Circus Circus trend collection.

Don't forget to check out my instagram, where I love to post all things make up (and my dogs!) @_crystalised 

Thanks for reading guys, 
Sarah x