September Favourites

September has come and gone and I realise I haven't done a favourites post in a few months, so here is my favourites post from September!

Juicy Couture Couture La La EDP
I picked this scent up from Priceline a couple of months ago when it was on sale. I adore the Peace, Love and Juicy Couture scent from Juicy Couture, which is quite a floral scent, as is this one. Now that we are in Spring, I feel like I can rock the floral scents, and this is the one I wore on the first day of Spring, and for the majority of the month.

Manic Panic Dreamtone Foundation in Virgin (Whitest White)
This has become my favourite product in my every day routine. I use it to lighten foundations that are too dark, and have even used it to lighten liquid concealers that are too dark (I have some small jars where I have been mixing the foundation and concealer so I am able to store it and not have to do it on the daily). If you are of a fair/light complexion and have difficulty matching your foundation shades, I would recommend this product. I will have a review up of this foundation on my blog at some point.

Mario Badescu Lip Wax
This is the best $6 I have ever spent (I've actually bought two now). This lip balm is super moisturising and I probably won't ever buy another lip balm again. You can purchase this from Mecca.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso 
I picked this up from Crush Cosmetics about a month ago after hearing raves and raves about this product for years. It's safe to say all the raves were correct and this is one beautiful blush. It is quite a luminous blush, as the name suggests, and looks absolutely gorgeous on my light skin. Highly recommend!

Wet n Wild Megaglo Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche 
This is another product I've seen raves about over on YouTube. And this is another product that the raves are correct. I picked this one up from Crush Cosmetics as well. This product was $12AUD, which I think is a steal. If you're interested in picking up some US drug store products, I'd recommend checking out Crush Cosmetics - they do have a nice selection of Wet n Wild products. My favourite side of this duo is the highlight shade, but the contour shade is also lovely and I use it whenever I use the highlight shade without any complaints!

(L to R: Wet n Wild highlight, Wet n Wild contour, Milani Luminoso)

Thanks for reading,

X

July Favourites

I can't believe the only Favourites post I've done this year is a Current Favourites, because I had missed quite a few months on the monthly favourites. Favourites posts are one of my favourite posts to write (haha), so I hope to get back into them from now on.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Midi
This is the perfect, neutral, matte liquid lipstick. I absolutely adore this lip product, and when I don't know what liquid lipstick to wear, I tend to reach for this one 80% of the time. It is more pink based (which generally isn't what I like), but there is something about this colour on my lips.

ColourPop Super Shock Cheek in Lunch Money
I have been doing a Project Pan recently - click to see my introduction and first update, and I love to apply this cream product underneath the powder highlight in the Sleek Face Form Palette. The two together look beautiful - and I even hit pan on this product last night!

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in 105 Ivory
About a month and a half ago I was on the mission of finding a powder I could use on my dry skin that would not show up powdery and cakey, and not emphasise any dry patches. I love the Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation, but it is $50 and I tend to use it up very quickly. I am not saying that this product is a dupe by any means, but I have been enjoying this powder as it does not make my dry skin look dry, nor does it cling to any dry patches.

LA Girl Pro Conceal in Green Corrector 
I picked this up just over a month ago, and this corrector has made the world of difference with the redness I experience on my chin because of break outs and scarring. If you have redness in your skin and haven't tried a green corrector, I would highly recommend one. This one can be purchased for about $10 online in Australia, so it isn't going to break the bank. It is a liquid concealer, not a cream, which I tend to favour more on my dry skin.

Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil 
I picked this product up from Sephora about six months ago, and I absolutely love this for removing heavy makeup! One or two pumps of this oil on a cotton pad is enough to remove the heaviest eye makeup. I tend to use micellar water on a daily basis after cleansing my skin, but if I have heavy makeup on (both eye and base makeup), I do like to go in with this oil first to remove makeup.

Sportsgirl Lip Chalk Matte Lip Cream in Vertigo
I recently posted a review about this product, which you can view here. This liquid lipstick is also a great every day liquid lipstick, and more accessible in Australia than the ColourPop. ColourPop Midi and Sportsgirl Lip Chalk in Vertigo are two of my go-to neutral liquid lipsticks.

Sportsgirl Glow Liquid Illuminator in Pearl
I also picked this one up the same time I picked up the Lip Chalk. I didn't have a liquid illuminator that was pink based like this, so thought it was unique in my collection. I love applying this like a primer/base under my foundation. I will have a review of this one coming up in the next couple of weeks.

(L to R: ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Midi, ColourPop Super Shock Cheek in Lunch Money, LA Girl Pro Conceal Green Concealer, Sportsgirl Lip Chalk Matte Lip Cream in Vertigo, Sportsgirl Glow Liquid Illuminator in Pearl)

And those are my favourites from July!

Thanks for reading,
X

Current Favourites

I haven't done a Favourites post in quite some time, so I thought I would compile all the products I have been loving over the last couple of months.

Too Faced Love Flush Blush Palette 
This is the only blush product I have been reaching for for the last couple of months. Baby Love has become my favourite blush - it is the perfect shade for everyday. To see my review of this palette, please click here.

MAC Whirl Lipstick
This lipstick has quickly replaced Velvet Teddy as my favourite MAC lipstick. It is a little bit darker. I really have been loving medium toned nudes over the last year or so, and am super happy I've added this to my collection.

Kat Von D Lolita Everlasting Lipstick
I think this is my favourite liquid lipstick ever. The shade is so gorgeous and perfect for everyday. I only have a deluxe size sample of this product, and will have to purchase the full size very soon.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
I picked a mini of this up to give it a try. I actually wasn't expecting to love this mascara as much as I do. This mascara is great at curling and separating the lashes.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara 
I got this mascara in a gift set of Tarte products from Christmas. Over the years I have heard good things about this mascara, and I have to agree with them. I love layering this mascara on top of the Benefit Roller Lash. This is a great thickening mascara.

Benefit the POREfessional Primer
This primer is amazing to use one my nose. I wear glasses, and I find with this primer, makeup transfer on my glasses is more than halved! Makeup transfer with glasses always discourages me, but I am so happy to have found a product that is able to reduce this. This primer also keeps product on my nose for much longer - when I don't use this product, makeup always fades super quickly on my nose.

MAC Lightscapade Mineralise Skinfinish
I think this is the most natural highlight I own, and I love it for everyday wear in the office. I picked up this highlight maybe two years ago after trying Soft & Gentle - which was seriously hyped in the beauty community, and to be honest - I just don't get it. Up until the last couple of months, I had hardly reached for this highlight. I tried it one day and was seriously wowed by how natural and glowy it looked on my cheeks.

The Body Shop Ionic Clay Mask 
I have been breaking out quite badly over the last couple of months - and this is something I have never experienced in my life. I love to use this mask as a spot treatment. I tend to leave it on for quite a bit to dry out pimples, and it works quite well.

Australis Take Me On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Palette 
The contour shade in this palette has become my everyday contour shade. Absolutely perfect for my light complexion.

And those are all the products I have been loving over the last couple of months!

Thanks for reading,

X

Top 15 of 2015

I feel like 2015 just flew by. It was one of the most challenging years of my life, and I am happy to see it go. So today, I bring you my Top 15 of 2015 - in no particular order.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
This palette is absolutely beautiful. When I do makeup on people, this is the palette I reach for 90% of the time. Marzipan is a beautiful allover lid colour, and Creme Brulee is a stunning gold. I have made a significant dent in Milk Chocolate, which I love to use as a transition shade, and the shimmery highlight, Champagne Truffle is a beautiful shimmery shade (and can even be used as a highlight on the face). If I was to travel, this would be the palette I would take with me. It has the right amount of shimmer and mattes, and all the shadows are beautiful. I highly recommend this palette. I will eventually have a comparison post between the Chocolate Bar Palette and the Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette up on the blog.

MAC Velvet Teddy
This has been my go-to colour for the better half of the year. I have purchased a back up of this, as I am nearly out of mine. It is a medium nude, and looks beautiful on my light skin, but would work on many skin tones. It is a pricey lipstick, but the MAC matte lipsticks are my favourite conventional lipstick, and it lasts for hours on the lips. If I'm wearing a nude lipstick, 80% of the time it is this.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream
This is my favourite base product from this year (and probably all time). The shade is great for my skin tone, and you get a lot of product - the tube comes with 50g! I've had it for quite a few months and will need to purchase a back up shortly. It is light-medium coverage, and if you're able to get this in your shade, I would recommend it. It is hydrating as it is a CC cream, and my dry skin looks fabulous with it. Highly recommend this.

OPI You're Such a Budapest  
This OPI nail polish has been on my nails 50% of the year. It is the most perfect periwinkle purple.

Kit Cosmetics Salted Caramel Candle
I don't currently have this candle, but it is one of my absolute favourite candles. This is the only sweet candle I actually enjoy. Usually, sweet candles are too sickly for me, but this candle smells like heaven. Absolutely adore this candle. When I've burnt through 2 more candles, I will repurchase this.

Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor & Queen Bee
I'm going to group these two together because they are a similar product, just a different shade. Essentially, they are a tinted lip stick, that are super moisturising. In the colder months, these are bomb lip products. My boyfriend also gifted me with Medieval for Christmas, so I will have a review up of it soon. For a review of Hello Sailor, see here.

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation 
This powder is absolutely heavenly on my face. It isn't the cheapest face powder, but it doesn't dry my skin out at all. It also smells like chocolate, so who can really complain? I would recommend checking out this powder - oily and dry skin alike!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Where has this mascara been all my life???? I don't have the most fabulous lashes. They are short, okay at holding a curl, but nothing amazing. Enter the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I love this mascara. If you haven't tried this mascara out, please, do your self a favour and try it. Your mascara game will change completely. The first time I wore this mascara, my friend asked me if I was wearing falsies. Enough said!

LA Girl Pro Conceal in Classic Ivory
MAC Prolongwear Concealer is still one of my all time favourite undereye concealers, but for the last 2 or so months of 2015, I have really enjoyed this concealer. The shade I have is quite pink in tone and thus amazing at covering dark circles.

Chi Chi Brow Pomade 
I have two shades - Taupe and Dark Brown. When my roots were a lot lighter (I have a belayage blonde happening), Taupe was a good shade, but now that my roots are a lot darker, I find Dark Brown the better option. To see my review of Taupe, please click here. A comparison of the two will be up on the blog shortly.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Trap
In the cooler months, this is the ultimate perfect lip shade. It is a cool toned nude. The formula lasts on your lips for ages, is a little drying, but not too extreme. These products retail for $6US, and they have a heap of shades as well. I have two reviews up of different shades - see review 1 (Trap is mentioned) and review 2.

NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette 
This, of course, is a favourite from the last couple of months of 2015. The highlight shade in this palette is my favourite to put under my eyes. See my review of the palette here. The palette contains a massive Laguna, beautiful blush shades, and a nice contouring and highlighting duo. If you can still pick this up, I would highly recommend it.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP
This perfume was a gift for my 23rd birthday this year. I've never been too interested in Chanel scents, but this scent is so feminine. I've used a quarter of the bottle in five months, so it definitely has been used a lot this past year.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion Plus
This moisturiser has been a favourite for years. It is super moisturising, works well in the summer and winter months, and always leaves my skin feeling hydrated.

ColourPop Blaze Super Shock Shadow
This eyeshadow was part of the Kathleenlights Where the Light Is quad, but can now be purchased individually (I have placed an order with ColourPop and one is on it's way to me). See review of quad here. This is the most perfect bronzey, glittery shadow. Because it is a ColourPop eyeshadow, it is super pigmented and one of my favourite go to bronzes (next to Urban Decay Smog, nothing will ever remove that as my number 1 bronze).

And those are my favourites of 2015!

Happy New Year!

September Favourites

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

This has been my go to face setting spray for the last month or so. This is a hydrating mist for the face. I don't know if it makes my makeup last any longer due to the fact that I have used setting sprays every time I've done my makeup for the last 2-3 years, but it is a nice hydrating mist and my skin loves it. I haven't tried much from The Body Shop to be honest, but I am quite excited to do so in the future. 

bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
A couple of months ago, I purchased the bareMinerals set of powder foundation in the lightest shade. This included a small sample of the bareMinerals Prime Time Primer. This primer is silicone based, and glides nicely over my skin. Silicone based primers are my favourite type of primers. It does not emphasise any dryness on my face and any makeup I apply on time blends nicely.

Chanel Coco Madmesoille EDP
This perfume was a gift for my birthday, and is an absolutely gorgeous scent. I've never really been into Chanel, but this scent is beautiful. It is a very feminine scent.

Hourglass Mood Exposure Blush
I purchased the limited edition Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush palette last year, and I have used this blush a lot (it is the last shade in the palette). It's such a nice, natural shade. I definitely prefer it more in the winter months (love my corals in the spring and summer), but this blush does have a significant dent in it and  I can see myself reaching pan quite soon.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer 
The last month or so, I have really been into highlighting. This highlighting powder is one of the more extreme highlighters that I own, but it is absolutely gorgeous. Mine shattered after I first purchased it so it has been put back together with a bit of rubbing alcohol, but I definitely recommend this highlighting powder. One of my favourites.

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Light 
My boyfriend actually purchased this for me. This is the only powder foundation I have used that doesn't emphasise my dry skin. It goes on smooth and lasts great. I think I have found my holy grail powder. This works great on top of a foundation/BB/CC cream or by itself. I will go more in depth in my review of this powder which should be up in the coming weeks.

(L to R: Hourglass Mood Exposure Blush, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Light)

And those are my favourites for this month!

X

Current Favourites

It has been a while since I've done a Favourites post, so I thought I'd combine the last couple of months. I have been experimenting with new products as of lately, and these are the products that have stood out to me from the last couple of months:

Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Illuminiser 
Where has this product been all my life? I picked this up from Mecca a couple of months ago, and I love to mix it in with face products for an allover luminosity (it works especially well with the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue). The only downside to this product, when used mixed with base products, is once the makeup does wear off throughout the day, glitter does remain on your face. For a night out, however, this is a great product. You can apply it all over your face before foundation as an illuminating base.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
I received a small size of this in the Naked on the Run palette. I have been wearing this daily and it does something magical with my tiny lashes. Will definitely repurchase this one, even though I don't tend to spend too much on mascaras. I find Maybelline do great mascaras, but this one was a pleasant surprise.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream
I have been using this product on the daily. The coverage is light but buildable. I purchased this in the shade Light (I believe there is a Fair shade) and it is a pretty good match. Because it is a CC cream, this type of base product is great for dry skin. I have not had an issue with this one clinging onto dry patches. There is 50g of product in this tube. The standard for foundation is 30g, so the amount of product for the price is amazing.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue
The coverage of this is much lighter than the Chi Chi CC Cream. I do find with super dry skin, this does cling a bit. With properly moisturised and primed skin, this is a great base product for everyday. There is 35g of product in here, which is an additional 5g than the standard amount of foundation. The colour range in Australia isn't as large as it is overseas, but if there is a shade that matches you, I would recommend checking it out. This product is advertised as a "tinted hydrating gel cream", so the coverage is just enough to even out my skin tone (my main concern is redness).

Too Faced Cocoa Contour Palette
This has quickly become a staple in my everyday makeup routine. The Light Cocoa shade in this palette (as you can see) is my absolute favourite under eye highlight powder I have tried to date. I've done a review of this palette here. The Medium Cocoa shade is a great contour shade for me, and I will definitely be experimenting with Dark Cocoa once the spring and summer time hits.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
I love mixing the two lighter shades in the palette for a subtle highlight during the day. I know a lot of people love to use these powders to set under the eyes, but I find them too shimmery for that. As a subtle glow, though, these work well. I've done a review of this palette here.

And those are my current favourites! Thanks for reading,
X

March Favourites

Another month, another favourites post:

Kit Cosmetics Salted Caramel Soy Candle

Oh my, this is the most delicious smelling candle ever! I never really go for the super sweet candles, but this candle was just too delicious to not purchase. Since purchasing it, I have been burning it non-stop. 

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Peach Beach

I was hunting this blush down every time  I went into Mecca, and after about two months there it was, one left in the box! This is such a flattering blush on lighter skin tones (although I am sure it will work on darker skin tones as well). I sometimes find it hard to find a blush that works with my complexion, but this one definitely does. I will have a review of this blush up shortly. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking to buy one!

Wet n Wild I Love Matte Palette 

This palette is an oldie but a goldie. I have no idea if it can still be purchased, but I find it worth the $10 I would have paid for it, just for the two lighter neutral shadows on the right row (the Browbone and Eyelid shade). These two shadows are great for everyday makeup looks. 

Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour in Miss Monroe

I picked this lip colour up from the Priceline 40% off cosmetics sale (I also wanted the darker nude that was sold out), and it is absolutely amazing. Matte lip creams are my absolute favourite lip product - once applied, they won't go anywhere. 

OPI You're Such a Budapest 

This lilac slight periwinkle blue is such a flattering shade. I got this done through gel, but bought the regular polish when I was leaving the salon. 

Thanks for reading, 

x

February Favourites

It has been so long since I last did a Favourites post, that I am actually embarrassed. But alas, let us move on to my favourites for the month of February!

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in 31 Ivory
This has become my base of choice for the last couple of months, not just February. The only real main skin concern I have is redness in my face, and this base covers up beautifully. I'm sure this is available in Australia, but I picked mine up from ASOS a couple of months ago.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette 
I will put up a review of this palette soon! But in particular, I have been loving the Mood Exposure (last shade in the palette). It is absolutely gorgeous and the colour lasts on my cheeks all day. The shade that comes out on your cheeks is so different to the shade in the pan (at least it is on my complexion).

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette 
I have no clue if I've mentioned this palette on my blog as yet, but it is hands down one of my favourite palettes ever. I bought it a few weeks before Christmas, and since then, it has been my go-to palette. It is the perfect mix of shimmers and mattes. The Semi-Sweet palette has now come out to Australia, and I am contemplating purchasing it... But honestly, do I need more palettes? (probably).

My Burberry EDP
This perfume was a gift from my parents for Christmas. I've hardly touched the bottle as I think this is my first sophisticated, grown up scent. Only to be worn on special occasions, but I love the scent and would recommend it. To me, it is a very sophisticated scent.

MAC Runner Lipstick
This is from the Nasty Gal collection, and I absolutely adore this lipstick. It is a perfect shade for winter. It is a dark red, and described by MAC as a 'burgundy'. If you can still get your hands on this lipstick, I would highly recommend it.

And those were my favourites for the month of February! I'm glad summer is officially over now so we can move into the cooler months and I can experiment more with winter appropriate makeup looks!

X

Current Favourites

Favourite posts are my absolute favourite (haha) posts to write, but I haven't posted one since July! I thought I would combine a favourites post for the last couple of months.

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colourless Powder
I picked this powder up from IMATS in September. I love to use this powder under my eyes to set concealer. It is a colourless powder, light-weight, and great for setting! Absolutely recommend this powder and it's not too expensive as well! The only issue is that it is loose powder, but I've been okay working around that!

Lime Crime Velvetine in Wicked
Oh my god. Where has this thing been in my life?!?!?! Although it's going into Summer, I will be rocking this lip shade in Winter next year. It's an absolutely gorgeous shade, lasts for hours without touching up. I want to buy every single Velvetine now! I wish every lip colour could come in a Velvetine option. Definitely recommend checking these out for anyone who finds a shade that they like!

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Peach Ivory
I picked up this foundation about a month ago, and I absolutely adore it! It has been on my wish list for quite a while, and I'm super glad that I bit the bullet and bought it. Just a side note - I actually wore this foundation to my graduation last month. I find this foundation is great for dry skin and recommend it for anyone with dry skin!

muk spa Argon Oil Treatment 
I've had this oil for about two months, and my hair routine feels incomplete without it. I feel it adds moisture back to my very bleached hair, and keeps it very conditioned.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in 30
I absolutely adore this brow product! I will have a review up of this once I have thoroughly tested it, but so far, it is absolutely love!

Marc Jacobs Dot EDP
This perfume is such a summery scent, but I've been breaking out early. It smells just like watermelon and is such a pleasing scent.

And those are the products I've been loving the last few months! I apologise for my absence the last couple of months, but hopefully things will be back up and running soon!

X

July Favourites

July is my favourite month of the year (yes, my birthday month). Working full time, I need products that just work and are fuss free, and unfortunately, nothing changes much in my makeup routine anymore. However, I do change a few things up, and have found a few new favourites this month.

First, the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. I love to use this product at night, lather it allover my face to moisturise. This product hasn't broken me out either, which is a big win!

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 is my go-to under eye concealer. This one is basically used up, but never fear, I repurchased another one yesterday. This concealer does not budge, and for glasses wearing girls like me, is not budged around by glasses (the struggle I have with under eye concealers).

The Lady Gaga Fame Perfume has been my go-to scent this winter. It is sweet, but not overpowering, and an absolutely beautiful scent. 

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara is a new find from this month. It is a double-ended mascara, one brush for top lashes and one for bottom lashes. I actually love using the brush for bottom lashes on both my top and bottom lashes. I don't think Maybelline mascaras ever disappoint. 

And finally, my new lipstick favourite - Chi Chi Viva La Diva in Lady Bump. I absolutely adore this lipstick. It is matte, but not in a drying way at all. Quite moisturising, a daring colour, and an absolute favourite for the winter season. 

X

Current Favourites

I thought I would combine Favourites for this month, considering I haven't done a Favourites since March. These are products I've been loving over the last three months that have really been stand out products.

Since taking off my acrylics, I've been using the Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Strengthener to strengthen my very weak nails. I've been using this for about a month or so, and I'm very happy with the results - my nails have been growing! Slowly, my nails are recovering from acrylics, although I'll probably end up putting them back on really soon.

I picked up the Rimmel Kate Salon Pro Nail Polish in 706 Classical Red a couple months ago when I was looking for a darker red for the winter months to wear to work. I absolutely adore this shade, and it's what I've been wearing every three weeks or so (I'm actually wearing it on my toes and finger nails right now!). I definitely recommend this one for winter, and these polishes are opaque in two coats (and are relatively cheap!)

The MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt is a great sculpting powder for lighter skin girls like me! I've done a review on it here, so check it out for more detail. 

I've been using the MAC Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil at night to remove any remaining make up after cleansing. This oil hasn't broken me out, and this is my second time purchasing this product. The travel size is $15 (which is what I have) and has lasted me for a while, so if you're interested in trying out this product, I'd recommend grabbing the travel size first. 

My go to base product is the Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin in Light. I've mentioned this product before, and although I have drier skin, I find this one works amazing on my skin and the coverage is great! I wear this as my base 80% of the time - it's reliable, it works, and I love the coverage for work days. 

Since using up the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, I've been applying the MAC Strobe Cream after moisturising for added luminosity. I love this cream, and I'm probably going to always repurchase this cream. Definitely recommend it for those wanting dewy and luminous skin, or those with dry skin.

Since bleaching my hair lighter and lighter, I've been using the muk intense muk Repair Treatment  at least once a week, and I love the way my hair feels after using it. The blonde process hasn't been too kind on my hair, but I've been trying my hardest to use moisturising products in my hair to assist in repair.

I picked up the People for Plants Hydration Gel up about a month or so ago, and I use it every night before moisturising. I've found my skin hasn't been extremely dry like it has been in the past, and this gel has definitely assisted in that.

The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams have been a hit with me over the last few months, and here I have pictured Abu Dhabi. It is a darker nude, but I find it a perfect shade in winter, even though I am light skin toned. Since starting work full time, nude shades have been my best friend, and I love rocking this one. To see my review of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, click here.

I've really been enjoying layering the bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara and the Maybelline Colossal Volum Cat Eyes Mascara. The Maybelline separates my lashes, and the bareMinerals adds a lot of volume. A combination I've been enjoying a lot recently.

My absolute favourite and signature scent - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. This has been my favourite perfume since I was sixteen, and I will always repurchase it. Back in April I bought a mini set of Marc Jacob perfumes and Marc Jacobs Dot was an instant hit. I love this scent. It is more of a summery scent, but when you get the chance, I recommend giving it a try - at least spray it and see what it's like! 

The two palettes I've been using recently are the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette and the MAC Spoiled Rich Eyeshadow Quad. I think the Naked Basics is my favourite palette ever, and it's a great every day palette. See a more detailed review here. The MAC Spoiled Rich Quad was limited edition from last year, but if I wear any colourful eyeshadow, it tends to come from this quad. Next to Urban Decay, MAC makes my favourite eyeshadows. To see my review of the MAC Spoiled Rich Quad, click here.

And now for a totally random favourite (and possibly the best) - my new 2013 Mazda 3! 

This is my baby Mazzy, and I absolutely adore this car. I bought her in April, and we've been inseparable ever since. Work is an hour drive from where I live, so I thought a new car was a good investment - my old car was on its last legs. I had been eyeing of the Mazda 3 for months, and although it is a much bigger car compared to my Getz, Getzy (and where I work, small cars are much easier to park), I just couldn't think of any car I wanted as much as this one. I'm so glad with my new car.

And those are my favourites from the past couple of months!
x

February Favourites

It's my favourite time of the month - monthly favourites. This month, I started working a full time job and I've found myself reaching for products that I know work. The products in this post are relatively day-time, work-friendly products, but I adore them and have been reaching for them on a daily basis.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
I picked this concealer up in February (see post here) and I absolutely adore it! I have a nice combination of dry under eyes where you can see the lines under my eyes with any concealer but this. The hype around this concealer is true - and if you have been considering purchasing this concealer, I recommend doing so.

Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin
I'm sure I've mentioned this BB Cream before. I have dry skin, and I've tried the original Garnier BB Cream and hated it. I decided to pick this up one day because everyone seemed to love it, and although it is for combo/dry skin I figured it is a BB cream, so it will be moisturising. I was right. I've just repurchased this, and this has been my go-to for face makeup during the week.

MAC Syrup 
Another new product to my collection, and I absolutely adore this lipstick. It is mauve, but because of the lustre finish I find this extremely flattering for work. It is a no-fuss lipstick as well, I can apply it without a mirror if I need to. Absolutely adore this lipstick, and I do want to try out more lustre lipsticks from MAC.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
A repurchase product. They offer this in Dewy and Matte, so a majority is catered for. This sets my makeup in place and I find it to work relatively well in keeping it in place all day. As long as I still have eyebrows by the end of the day, I don't care what the rest of my face looks like.

NARS Laguna Bronzer
I've hit pan on this - and I'm quite proud of myself. In the beginning, I was a bit iffy with this product, but I love it and it blends beautifully, and looks natural. I cannot imagine my everyday makeup routine without this, and although it is included in the One Night Stand Blush Palette (see review here), I will be repurchasing a full size when I run out of this one.

And those are my favourites for February! What have you been loving?

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!

December Favourites

I cannot believe it is the end of the year. I will have a yearly favourites coming up before the New Year, but for now I wanted to talk about my favourite products from December.

Sephora Mascara and Eyeliner in VIP Gold 
I got this off a friend for Christmas, but I had tried it out before it was gifted to me. This is amazing! It is a mascara, but also has a fine brush on the end of the mascara wand for eyeliner. I haven't really used it as a mascara, but as an eyeliner it is gorgeous!

MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipglass
I am not a lipgloss person at all, but I received this in my KK present last week and I'm seriously in love! It helps that I love the Viva Glam Nicki lipstick, but this on its own gives a nice flush of pink on the lips, and topped on a nude is gorgeous! I've been pairing this with MAC Honey Love recently.

China Glaze Nail Polish in Techno 
This polish is like a disco ball, it's so pretty! I've been wearing this over the Christmas period, and probably will keep it on until after New Years because I really don't want to have to deal with removing it!

NARS Laguna Bronzer 
I hit pan on this this month. This product is always on and off with me, and it definitely works better in the summer time. I do like this bronzer, but sometimes I find it doesn't work for me.

MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick 
This lipstick is gorgeous, it is seriously a bright, neon pink. Now that my hair has returned to dark (meant to be brown but really black) and I've gotten rid of the red, I can get away with more pink and red lipstick colours. Love this colour in the summer.

Real Techniques Setting Brush 
I have really dry skin, so I don't powder my skin except for under my eyes to set under eye concealer. I absolutely adore this brush for setting under the eyes, and highy recommend it! It's super cheap on iHerb also, so I recommend looking into it.

And those are my favourites from December! 

November Favourites

November wasn't the best month, and this post is a little late (blame my MacBook's logic board thx), but better late than never, right?

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 010 Ivory 
I picked this under eye concealer up on a whim and I'm so glad I did, it has replaced the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in my eyes. This is more yellowed toned, and I prefer it to the pink of the Maybelline because my under eye circles are more purple than blue and the pink doesn't help to counteract the purple as well as yellow does.

NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray
When I saw the NYX stand at Target I was ecstatic. I picked up this, and a brow powder set that is too red for my brows (especially now that I'm back to brown). I love this setting spray though. I had been using the Urban Decay All Nighter, but my skin is so dry lately that it makes my skin look super dry. This doesn't, and prolongs makeup wear. They had a matte version as well, so there is an option for both dry and oily skin.

Lush Let The Good Times Roll Facial Cleanser 
This cleanser smells heavenly. It smells like popcorn. It is amazing. I don't use this every day because it isn't the most gentle on my skin, but when I do my face smells amazing.

Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer 
I picked this primer up a while ago and I have really enjoyed it. It is quite hydrating, which works well with my dry skin. Works well as a primer, and probably will repurchase soon as I'm nearly finished with this one.

MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette in Light 
I picked this up two or so months ago. I also have the Medium in my makeup kit. These are the Studio Finish concealers from MAC. I've hit pan on the NC20 concealer shade as it is the main shade I use on myself. It contains 4 concealer shades and 2 corrector shades, which makes it a versatile palette.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara
I picked this mascara up when I was coming back through Heathrow Airport, and I wasn't the biggest fan at first. Now, once it has significantly dried up, I love it. The wand just does something with my non-existent lashes, and I love it.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Guava
Such a summery colour! Currently wearing this on my toes, and later today I will put it on my nails. I love the formula and opacity of the Gelly polishes.

And those were my favourites in November!
Thanks for reading x

October Favourites

I have been slack with posting this month, and I can only blame that on my workload from university. I still want to do a favourites post, as there are some new products I've been trying out this month that I have loved.

MUA Eyeshadow Shade 30 Pearl
This eyeshadow is absolutely gorgeous. I did a haul post back in September (see post here) and I still have to do a review on all the eyeshadows. This one is absolutely gorgeous, it is super pigmented and lasts all day. It reminds me of Urban Decay's Half Baked, just a little more orange.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water 
I bought this about two months ago, and I love it. It's a great toner, and it doesn't feel too harsh on my skin. I'm almost out of this and I want to try out the other toners from Lush, but I recommend this one. They come in a bigger bottle as well, but the smaller sizes are good to test out. They are in a spray bottle which is super convenient.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Vibrant and Red 
I was in David Jones a few weeks ago and saw this. I have red hair, it isn't a super vibrant red but it is still red, and red fades quickly. This dry shampoo is wonderful to add some vibrancy back in your hair, and the red does stick around - when I've washed my hair after using this, some red washes out. I love this dry shampoo, and while it doesn't smell as good as the Blush scent, when my hair isn't recently dyed (like right now), I'd pick this over Blush just to add some colour back in my hair.

MAC Strobe Cream
This is a travel size I picked up from a Pro MAC store for $15, and I love it. I use a day moisturiser, and once that has sunk in I top it with the Strobe Cream for added hydration and luminosity. The full size of 50mL is $55 in Australia, and this 30mL tube cost $15, so I think next time I'm in store I will pick up a few of these travel sizes as they work out better value for money.

Bioderma
This is a small size I got from eBay to test this product out. I really like this for gently removing all the makeup and cleansing my skin after I have used a face wash, and I recommend it for sensitive and dry skin.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (On and On Bronze)
I don't know if I've featured this in a favourite, but I picked up this colour tattoo in England and I absolutely love it. Yesterday I used it with Urban Decay Smog and it was absolutely beautiful. All the colour tattoos I own are wonderful bases, and if you are interested in trying just one, I recommend Bad to the Bronze.

And that's my favourite products for October. Thanks for reading, and if you haven't yet, follow me on Bloglovin'!

September Favourites

I can't believe it's the end of September already! Where is this year going? On to my favourites!

Napoleon Perdis The One Concealer 
I don't know what it is (maybe stress of uni), but my bags have been bad this month. I purchased this peach coloured concealer during August when my friends got me a gift card for Napoleon Perdis, and this works wonders for cancelling out any bags and blues under the eye around my eye (it gets pretty bad in the inner corner). This isn't a concealer but a corrector, and you need the smallest amount of this. I use this almost daily, especially when I'm super stressed or haven't had enough sleep. Love this product!

Sigma E65 Small Angle Brush 
This is my brush of choice for applying powder to my brows, and I love it. Not much else to say!

Urban Decay Naked Palette 
I went a little backwards with my Naked Palette purchasing, and bought the Naked 2 before the original Naked Palette. The Naked 2 will always have a soft spot in my heart, but lately I really have been reaching for this palette (which has both surprised me but pleased me!)

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumising Mascara 
I think I got this mascara two weeks ago, but every day since, I have loved using it. It's great to use in combination with other mascaras, or on it's own.

Garnier BB Cream Combination to Oily Skin in Light 
This was a product I was meant to include in last months favourites, and I completely forgot to do so! When the original Garnier BB Cream was realised last year, I bought it with high hopes and was disappointed. I find it too orange for me. This BB Cream, though targeted for oily/combination skin, gets a lot of love and attention in the beauty blogging/vlogging world, so I decided to pick it up and try it out. I absolutely love this! For good skin days (which haven't been many lately) this is an awesome product. Although designed for oily/combo skin, it is still a moisturising product and it works on my dry skin fairly well. This is in the light colour, but unlike the original I own in light, this is fairly light and not orange at all!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 Vanilla
This is another product I was sucked into buying, expecting great things and being disappointed. I don't know why I was, because this is a lovely foundation, but when I first bought it a couple of months ago, it didn't live up to what I thought it would be. However, this month I have been loving this foundation! It's not super coverage, but it is a nice foundation.

Savvy by DB Smooth Finish Primer 
While I don't find this primer one that will make your make up last all day and then some, I do find this a nice moisturising primer to smooth my skin before applying foundation, especially on days my skin is feeling super dry.

Benefit Coralista Blush 
This blush has shimmer in it, which I thought I wouldn't like. But it is the most subtle, gorgeous looking blush I have ever seen and now I look forward to applying this blush! (I never thought I'd say that!!). This blush has really made me fall in love with blush, and I think I need to add another Benefit blush to my collection! What Benefit blushes do you recommend?

(L to R: Napoleon Perdis The One Concealer, Benefit Coralista Blush) 

And those are my favourites for this month! Thanks for reading!

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!