Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #7

It has been a very very very long time since my last Empties Post, and I have been dreading doing this one because of the amount of products I have used up since. But alas, it is time to bin all these empties, so on to the empties post!

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush (3x 200 mL, 1x 50 mL)
This is my all time favourite dry shampoo, so I'm really not that surprised I've used this much in the last six months. Always a repurchase, and always features in my empties.

Edward Beale Pure Argan Oil 
I used this product up quite a while ago, but it was good at moisturising my hair after every wash. If this was on sale, I'd probably repurchase it (even though it is relatively cheap to begin with).

Schwarzkopft Daily Oil Elixer

This was another product I liked to use after every wash, and was featured in my Project 10 Pan - look, I did use something up! I have found an oil I like better, but for the price, this was good at it's job. 

Cedel Dry Shampoo
This was good as a dry shampoo, but the scent was too much for me. Would not repurchase.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil
This was an okay oil for the price.

Schwarzkopf Ultimate Colour Oil-Elixer
Only a sample, so can't really say much about this oil. But it is for coloured hair, so I might purchase this to give it a real go.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser Dry Skin Repair
The dry skin body moisturiser from Vaseline is my absolute favourite. I don't use this allover my body, but I do use it on my back as it is hard to reach. Absolutely love this and always repurchase (there is another one pictured below in a different photo that I forgot to include in this one - whoops!)

Garnier Moisture Match Ultra-Hydrating Rich Cream (x4)
I have absolutely been loving this moisturiser, as I'm sure you can see. It's a great drugstore moisturiser for dry skin and I'd recommend it for anyone with dry skin.

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub
This was my favourite lip scrub before I discovered the Popcorn.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub
This is my favourite lip scrub from Lush (and probably my favourite product from Lush, as well). Have repurchased.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water
I was going through a stage where I wanted to test out all of the toner waters from Lush. After this adventure, I have concluded that this is my favourite and since have purchased the large size. The toners are super convenient because they are in a spray bottle, and they are relatively cheap. I would recommend checking them out.

Lush Eau Roma Water
I really liked this toner water, but the Breath of Fresh Air is my favourite.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream Sample 
This was only a baby sample, but I did enjoy using this. I might have to pick this cream up as a full size at some point.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eu So Fresh

I don't like the original Daisy all too much, but I absolutely adore this version. I've been meaning to pick up another bottle of this scent, it is so summery and so fresh. I have since purchased the Daisy Dream, which I do love, but once that is up I think I will have to repurchase the Eu So Fresh again. I'm not a fan of the original Daisy.

YSL Parisienne

I love this scent. It reminds me of my trip to England every time I wear it. Was gifted with another bottle for my birthday last year.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb

My all-time favourite perfume. This will always be a repurchase.

Benefit Moisture Prep Toning Lotion
I liked this toner, but my favourite toners are the Lush Toner waters. But this was a fine toner, nothing wrong with it, did not break me out.

Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream
I like this moisturiser, and I like the scent. I would repurchase this one.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream
I actually really like this moisturiser, and probably will end up purchasing the full size. This moisturiser is great for dry skin.

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

Don't really have much to say about this nail polish remover. It worked well at removing polish.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing 24hr Day Cream SPF15 for Dry Skin
I used this moisturiser, but found with most foundation/face products, it would ball up and not look cute. For days where I'd wear mineral foundation (which has been more frequent lately), this moisturiser is fine. But any other days, this would not work.

Johnson's Baby Conditioning Shampoo

My go-to for deep cleaning my brushes. Have repurchased two bottles since using this one up.

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper Sample 

I really liked this eyeshadow primer, I found that there was minimal creasing when used. Unfortunately the sample has dried up so I'm the bin it goes.

ELF Blush in Mellow Mauve
This blush unfortunately shattered when it was dropped and I attempted to use it but unfortunately just became too messy. This is a relatively cheap blush and a nice autumn/winter shade, so I probably will repurchase this at some point.

L'Oreal Nude Magique 
This foundation is lightweight, but I really love it. It is super liquidy, which I kind of enjoy. I have repurchased it since.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
This is my absolute favourite setting spray. I have repurchased, and I always use this when I do makeup on clients.

David Jones Daily Brush Cleaner
I really like this brush cleaner. It is relatively cheap and does the job. Have repurchased since, and have some of this in my makeup kit as well.

Clinique High Impact Mascara
I love this mascara, and I love getting this as a sample. I don't like purchasing mascara too often because I have quite a few tubes going, but would consider purchasing this.

Benefit They're Real Sample
I do like the Benefit They're Real brush, but I don't think it is a mascara I need.

Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleanser 

This product absolutely rips all makeup product out of sponges. Will always repurchase this product.

Face of Australia Translucent Setting Powder

I really like this translucent setting powder and would recommend it. Have repurchased. 

Seche Vite Top Coat 
All time favourite top coat. I have been getting acrylics with gel polish as of late, so I haven't really needed to go out and repurchase this. But I will eventually.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer 
This primer reminds me of the MAC Strobe Cream, and I have purchased it a few times.

Ardell Lash Glue
I absolutely adore this lash glue. I'm currently using up an Eylure lash glue, but once that is used up I will definitely be repurchasing this one. It goes on clear, and it dries clear - what else do you want in a lash glue?

Maybelline the Falsies Mascara
I absolutely adore this mascara, one of my all-time favourites. Recommend this mascara if you haven't tried it. 

Essence Maximum Definition Volume Mascara
I absolutely adore this mascara. It's cheap and does the job. Would repurchase.

ELF Lash and Brow Gel
This is a really old product that just needs to be binned. I love my Essence Lash & Brow Gel, so probably wouldn't repurchase this one. From what I remember, this made my brows super hard like I had sprayed hair spray, so not a huge fan of it.

And those are the empties!

Thanks for reading,
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

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

March Favourites

Another month gone, it feels like 2014 is flying by. Onto the March Favourites!

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer 
This is a primer mixed with MAC Strobe Cream. I love it. It makes my skin feel nice and smooth, has illuminating properties, and my makeup goes on flawlessly. I definitely think I have found a primer I will continue to repurchase.

A'kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil - For Dry, Sensitive and Normal Skin
My skin has been super dry lately, so I thought trying out an oil would be a good idea. This stuff is awesome, it is an oil so does take a while to sink in, but I use it morning and night and my skin hasn't been as dry. I basically love drowning my face is moisture. This hasn't made me break out either (like another oil I purchased has). If you have dry skin, or sensitive skin and need some hydration and moisture, I'd recommend trying this out.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bikini-tini 
When I do wear eyeshadow, I tend to pop this in the inner corner and allover my eye to open it up, and then add a highlight shadow. Fool-proof eye make-up, really. I did a comparison post between the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded and this cream shadow, which you can view here.

Maybelline 24 Hr Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (Bad to the Bronze)
This always pops up in my favourites, and this is the one cream eyeshadow I would recommend to anyone. Looks great on its own, with any bronze or gold eyeshadow topped on it. Super long lasting. I love this, and the price point is amazing. Definitely recommend this one!

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint in 120 Pure Ivory 
I am working on a review of this foundation, which will hopefully be up soon - when I have a day off to take before and after photos (unfortunately, most days I leave home and it is still dark, and by the time I have returned home, there is hardly any makeup left). I don't think this is the most long-lasting foundation on the market, but for a light, natural looking base makeup, this is it. It is a strange consistency, very liquidy, but feels almost like water - which is why I think I adore it so much! Because of my dry skin, makeup tends to cling.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume
This month I've really been reaching for this perfume. I only have the tiniest bit left, so this will probably be featuring in my next empties! It's such a nice floral scent, and definitely need to repurchase this soon.

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!

England Haul pt 2 - Skincare, Haircare, Nail Polish and Perfume!

Time for part 2 of my England haul, which features skin care, hair care, nail polish and a perfume. I didn't go as crazy as I did on makeup, so I've condensed these all together. 

I got some Soap & Glory travel size items, they were 3 for 2 at Boots when I went in, and I never got the chance to go back and get some more. I bought Hand Food, Flake Away Body Scrub and the Daily   Smooth Body Butter. I purchased an Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner (which isn't as great as I thought it would be). The second week I was in England, we went away to the beach, so I decided to fake tan because I am pale. I purchased the St. Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Lotion and it was awesome! I bought a back up of it to take back with me to Australia. I also visited Lush because there is a dramatic difference in price. I bought back ups of the Dreamwash Shower Smoothie and Dream Cream, which I use both of for my eczema. I also bought Ultrabalm, WHICH IS AMAZING. I've repurchased it since returning to Australia.

I also brought back some sample sizes I wanted to try while I was there, but I never got around to doing so. There is the Skin Wisdom Instant Benefit Peel Off Face Mask (which I've tried, and loved), the Skin Wisdom Skin Essentials Thermal Face Mask, another Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Deep Treatment and a Garnier Ambre Soleil Natural Bronzer Self-tan Face Wipe.

Marc Jacob's Daisy Eau So Fresh. I purchased this duty free, and I absolutely adore the scent! Very happy with this purchase, and the bottle is adorable.

I also picked up some nail polish not available in Australia. Three Barry M (one Nail Effects in Foil Effects, and two Gelly Hi Shine in Guava and Lychee) and a Rimmel Cocktail Colour in a Flash in 110 Baby Bellini.

And this concludes everything I purchased from England. Next time I go, I will definitely pack a lot less in regards to skincare and makeup because I bought much more then I intended to and it really is so much cheaper than it is in Australia! I'll even pack less clothes because I didn't really have much room in my suitcase to bring any clothes back. I loved shopping in England, and I can't wait to go back.