Project 10 Pan - Finale

I have been debating ending this project, or continuing, but I am really disheartened and think I need a break from these products. I have tried my hardest over the last few months to use up as much product as I can, but I think I just need a break now. In saying that, I'm still happy with my progress - out for 10 products, I have finished 3 completely. Out of the 7 remaining, I have hit pan on 3 of the products, and on the cheek trio, I have finished one product completely and hit pan on another. The remaining products cannot be measured on a "pan" basis.

At the last update, there was a significant dent in the Sleek highlight, and I have now hit significant pan on the product. The blush has not gone down much, but does have a tiny dip. I did end up hitting the bottom in the ELF eyeliner, and the pan has increased in the ColourPop eyeshadow. 

I have made a good dent in the Rimmel and NYX pencils, and will continue to try and use them up. The bareMinerals lipstick is the product I had the hardest time with. It's a nice shade, but I really dislike the finish of the lipstick - it is too creamy and glossy for my liking, and in all honesty, I like changing up my lip products on the daily. 

I mentioned in a previous post I would continue to use up the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project was done, as I cannot see inside the packaging to track my progress, but the product is getting old. I really like the formula of this brow gel - it really holds brow hairs in place. Once you cut the weird brush wand you can make this product work. I would consider repurchasing this product, but only if it was on sale. I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it. 

I think I won't start another Project Pan until next year. I have a few ideas on what I can do next year. But on the other hand, maybe I can do a mini Project Pan for the rest of this year - maybe a Project 5 Pan? Finish 5 by the New Year?

I really did enjoy doing this project, and although I didn't use up all 10 products up, I did make a significant dent in the products I do have left. The products I do have left can always be put into another Project Pan at a later date (I might even do a Project Pan Roulette!)

Thanks for reading,
X

Project 10 Pan - Second Update

I haven't done an update in about two months, but have had some significant progress since my last update on my Project 10 Pan. Click here to see my introduction post, and here for my first update.

First, onto the products I have finished up!

I have finished the Lady Gaga EDP, L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation, the NYX HD Concealer and the bronzer/contour shade from the Sleek Face Form Palette. I'm quite happy with my progress so far, 3 full products used up, and 1/3 of a palette used up completely! I still have a smaller bottle of the Lady Gaga EDP, and I most likely will repurchase this perfume when that one is used up as I quite enjoy the scent. I don't think L'Oreal sell the Nude Magique foundation anymore, but I could be wrong (a quick google and search on the L'Oreal website shows they don't sell this foundation, but have other variations of products in the Nude Magique line). Once I had purchased products to mix with this foundation (I loved mixing it with the Body Shop Lightening Shade Adjusting Drops), I found I went through this foundation quite quickly as I was able to create a shade that matched me a lot better (this foundation was a little dark as in Australia we are just getting out of winter and I am at my lightest in skin tone). I would consider repurchasing the NYX HD Concealer, as I found it was a great brightening concealer for under the eyes. 

In regards to the highlight and blush shade in the Face Form Palette, I just want to hit pan. This Project would go on forever if I attempted to use up both products.

For the ELF Cream Eyeliner, I have made a significant dent in the middle, but I'm not too sure if I've hit the bottom as yet. I have used this as a base, to tighline and waterline, under the lash line as a base for shadow. A small amount of this product goes a long way. 

The pan has increased in the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Glow. I use this as a base whenever I wear eyeshadow. I have technically completed the "hitting pan" part of the project with this product, but I would like to use it up. 

I will continue using the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project is done, and then chuck it in the bin. As the packaging is not clear, I can't mark any progress for this product, but I have been using it consistently. However, it has been in my collection for a while and getting a bit old, so I think it's almost time to get rid of it. 

I have made okay progress on the Rimmel Eye Pencil, and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. The bareMinerals Make Your Move Lipstick is a little hard for me to use, but I am trying. The colour of the lipstick is nice, but the formula and finish are not my favourite, so I have been trying to work out different ways to wear it. I do need to make a more conscious effort to use this lipstick (I have worn it a few times since the last update), but there's just other lipsticks I prefer much more. 

I am happy that I have been able to clear out three products from my collection by using them up. Overall, I don't think I'm going to make much more progress on the ELF Cream Eyeliner, as it is quite hard to see the progress I have made, but there is a nice dip in the middle of the product, and I will continue to incorporate this product into my eye looks. I would love to use up the Rimmel Eye Liner and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. And of course, I want to hit pan on the highlight and blush shade in the Sleek Face Form Palette. 

Overall, I have used up 3 out of 10 products, and hit pan on 1 out of the remaining 7 (hopefully by the next update I would have hit noticeable pan on the ELF Eyeliner, and at least one more shade in the Sleek Face Form, be it the blush or highlight shade). I am quite proud of the effort I have made in this project so far.

Thanks for reading,

X

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

Mecca Beauty Loop Level 3 - 2016

This week I got an email from Mecca saying the "special edition" Beauty Loop Level 3 box was available for collection. About a month ago Mecca had a Beauty Election, where you were able to vote for your favourites products. The products featured in this box are from the Beauty Election.

Generally the boxes come with a card that tells you about the products that are in your box, but a nice feature in this box is you can see all the products that were available in the Level 3 box. Not going to lie, I really was hoping for the Eyeko Skinny Liner. 

And here are the products I received:

bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumising Mascara

This mascara is actually one of my favourites. I'm currently using a deluxe sample I received in a Christmas set, but when that one goes bad I'll definitely reach for this.

NARS Liquid Laguna Bronzer

NARS Laguna Bronzer is actually one of my favourite bronzers in the summer months. I'm not too sure how I feel about liquid bronzers, but it is nice to receive a sample of this (the sample size is 4mL) to try it out. I probably won't reach for this product until the summer months, though. 

Ren V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream

I seem to always end up with a Ren product in my boxes - which isn't a bad thing, as I have quite enjoyed the products I have tried to date. This one will definitely get some use soon as I am nearly out of my night time moisturiser. 

Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Cleansing Oil

I am currently using a cleansing oil from Sephora (which I love), so it would be great to try a different brands cleansing oil, as the Sephora one is currently the only one I have tried. This would be a good travel size, but in all honesty, I don't think I'd bother too much in bringing a cleansing oil with me when I travel.

And those are the products I received in my Beauty Loop Box! What did you receive?

Thanks for reading,

X

Project 10 Pan - First Update

Back in June, I posted my introduction post for my Project 10 Pan, which you can view here. It's been over one month, so I thought I was overdue for an update post.

1. L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation in 120 Ivory
To be honest, I think this foundation is just a little bit too dark for me. Because it is quite watery based, I can't mix it with a lot of foundations that I own, besides the MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation (or I've been thinking of purchasing The Body Shop Shade Adjusting Lightening Drops). I think I've only used this foundation two or three times, so there is actually no real progress with this product.

2. NYX HD Concealer in Fair 
I actually quite enjoy using this product, and it is the one getting the most use in this project. I apply my MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW20, and then for extra highlight under my eyes, I apply this concealer on top. I have made significant progress on this concealer, and I'm actually thinking I'm going to end up repurchasing this once I am done.

3. Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 011 Sable Brown 
I have made some progress with this product, as can be seen in the photo at the end of the post. I don't apply pencil liners on a daily basis, so I do need to remember to use this.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
For the first couple of weeks I forgot to use this product - whoops! But I have used an okay amount of this. When I wear eyeshadow, I put this on top of my MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. If I'm not wearing any eyeshadow, I tend to put on a bit of the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow' as it is fairly neutral and matches my skin tone.

5. Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - Fair 
I did end up repressing the contour shade in this palette, to try and use it up fully. I feel like I have made a dip in the highlight shade, but can hardly see any progress in the blush. The blush shade isn't really appropriate for this time of year, but I have been trying to use it with a light hand. The dip in the highlight doesn't really show in the photos, but it's there.

6. bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move
I hate to say it, but I really dislike this lipstick. I have tried to use it a few times, but even, as you can see below in the photo at the end of the post, that has made hardly any significance. This lipstick is too glossy and feels really sticky - and to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the colour. If I am wearing a lipstick, I prefer it to be matte. I might try mix this with a lipgloss and see if that makes me like the colour a bit more, but I am really struggling at the moment to use this product.

7. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow'
As this is actually a product with a pan, this is the first product I have hit pan on in the project - go me! I do want to use this product up, but this is a good start. As mentioned earlier in the post, I like to pop this shadow on my eye lids for the days where I am not doing an eye look, just mascara.

8. Lady Gaga 'Fame' EDP
I have tried to use this perfume on most work days. I do love this scent and think it is a great winter and summer scent. I just feel like I have hardly made any progress with this perfume. The bottle is tapered, so maybe once I use some more and get to the smaller end of the bottle, it will show more progress. But I will persevere!

9. Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown
As I mentioned in my introduction post, I ended up cutting the weird bristles of the brush so that the brush is in a uniform shape. I can't monitor my progress with this brow gel as the packaging does not allow this, but I have used it every day and quite enjoy this product. The brow gel definitely holds the brow quite firmly - more than my usual Essence Brow Gel does.

10. ELF Cream Liner in Coffee 
I actually didn't take a photo of this cream liner in the introduction post. I have tried to use this product a few times, and I have used it in the waterline and it works okay. I think with this product, I just want to hit pan and then I'll call it quits - I'm not the biggest eyeliner wearer as I do have hooded eyes, and I find that wearing eyeliner on my eyes tends to close them up quite a bit.

And that is my progress so far! For the next month, I'd really like to make a significant dent in the highlight shade of the Sleek Face Form palette, and make some progress on the L'Oreal Foundation and the bareMinerals lipstick. 

Thanks for reading,

X

Project 10 Pan - Introduction

I have wanted to do a Project 10 Pan for quite a while. I have previously attempt one a few years ago, but that did not go down too well. I will not buy any products (unless they are limited edition), until these ten products are used up. Can I just say, it is so ridiculously hard to come up with ten products you want to use up? I have been going over the products I own for weeks and finally have come up with 10 products.

So these are the ten products I've come up with...

1. L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation in 120 Ivory 
I do really like this foundation, but I haven't reached for it for a while. This is actually the second bottle I have purchased of this foundation, so there is not much progress with this one so far.

2. NYX HD Concealer in Fair
I like this concealer, but find it hard to wear with glasses. I will try use a little bit daily on top of my MAC Prolongwear (or underneath), and hopefully I will be able to use it up.

3. Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 011 Sable Brown 
This is an older eye liner pencil in my collection, and because it is a brown, I figure it will be less harsh than black for day-time, work appropriate looks.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
I actually own three of these, so I've decided to try and use one up. Before I discovered MAC Painterly Paint Pot, this was my go to eye base. I'm sure if I start wearing eyeshadow to work more frequently, I will be able to use this one up.

5. Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - Fair
As you can see from the photo below, I have used up a significant amount of the contour shade and hit pan on it. I believe this will be the hardest product in this Project 10 Pan to conquer. I would like to hit pan on both the highlight and blush shade. I've hardly made a dent in either product, so it will be great to monitor my progress on this one. This was actually one of the first products I reviewed on my blog, and if you are interested, you can see the post here.

6. bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move 
I received a sample of this lipstick in a Mecca Beauty Loop Box. It is a nice, neutral everyday colour, so I don't think it will be too hard to use up.

7. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 'Glow' 
This shadow is matte, light beige, so think it will be a good base on top of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. If I don't want to wear much eyeshadow, I could just use this as an allover eye colour with some shadow in the crease.

8. Lady Gaga 'Fame' EDP
I actually own a small bottle of this perfume that I keep in my handbag, so I would like to use this one up. I have had this bottle for about two years, so I'd like to use this up before the perfume goes off.

9. Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown
I've had this brow gel for a while, and would just like to use it up. The brush is in a weird ball shape, which I probably will cut, but I do quite like this brow gel. There are a few more brow gels I want to trial out, so I'd like to use this one up before doing so.

10. ELF Cream Eyeliner in Coffee 
This is a matte brown cream eyeliner. I thought a brown would be easier to use up than a black, as I could apply this lightly as a brown base, or as an eyeliner.

I have marked on the L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation, NYX HD Concealer and Lady Gaga Fame my starting point for reference photos in future posts.

Here is my starting point with the Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal in Sable Brown, bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk:

The rules of the Project 10 Pan challenge are simple - no buying makeup until you've used up (or hit pan on) the ten products. I will say that if there is anything limited edition that comes out that I want, I will allow myself to buy it - and if I run out of anything that I don't have a replacement or back up for, I can repurchase. I do think the Sleek Face Form palette will be the hardest to hit pan on - and it might take quite a few months- but I hope I am able to do so (I might even try use up the contour shade completely).

Wish me luck! (and thanks for reading),
X

Mecca Beauty Loop Box Level 3 - 2015

This is the third Beauty Loop Box I have received this year from Mecca. I have finally reached Level 3, which is the highest level from Mecca and therefore there is more value in this box than the other two Levels. See my post from the Level 1 box, earlier this year here, and Level 2, from July/August here.

This box features some nice deluxe sample size products. I am particular excited about the inclusion of the new NARS Audacious Mascara. This is a 3mL deluxe sample and the full size retails for $39. I can't seem to find the Darphin product on the Mecca website, but included is a 4mL bottle of the 8-Flower Nectar Essential Oil Elixir (more detail can be viewed here). On the US website, the 15mL bottle retails for $150US, which means this little bottle is worth $40US! The oil has a nice floral scent, and I'm definitely excited to see what this expensive oil can do for my skin. There is also a deluxe sample of the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation, which retails on the Mecca website for $80 for a 30mL bottle. In this sample, there is 7.5mL of product, which means it is $20 worth of value. Going off the Mecca website, there only appears to be two shades in this No Foundation Foundation, but I look forward to trying out. The only annoying thing is the packaging does not distinguish if it is No. 1 or No. 2, but from swatching it, my guess is it is No.2. It is a very light formula and I probably could get away with the shade in the summer without fake tanning. 

The Beauty Loop box also includes a deluxe sample of the bareMinerals Make Your Move Marvellous Moxie Lipstick. It is a lovely mid-toned nude, and a great every day colour! I can definitely see myself using this up quite quickly. The full size retails for $26, which isn't too bad for a lipstick, and this shade is currently sold out on the Mecca website which must mean it is a quite popular shade in the line.

I really enjoyed this Beauty Loop Box, and there is some good value in this box.  Of course, I do need to spend over $1200 in a year to be eligible for this Level, but it's nice that Mecca provides these types of boxes 4 times a year. Great to try out some new products this way that you wouldn't necessarily consider picking up. So if you haven't yet, head into your nearest Mecca store and pick up your Beauty Loop Box!

Thanks for reading,

X

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,
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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!
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What I've Bought Recently #2

This week, I bought a car. A brand-spanking-new car. So you'd think I'd quit on the spending for a bit, right? Apparently no. These are all the new things I've bought recently!

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C2 is a foundation I've wanted to purchase for a long time, and I finally did. I've only used it today (bought it yesterday) and it is light weight foundation, but I am loving it so far! 

I picked up the Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover for Light/Medium Skin Tones from Priceline two weeks ago, but I haven't actually tried it as yet. I'm a little nervous because of my dry skin, but I want to give mineral makeup a go. 

For the past couple of days I've wanted a dark red nail polish, so I picked up the Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish in 706 Classical Red yesterday. Put it on last night, and so far so good. 

The tube of MAC Viva Glam Rihanna is absolutely gorgeous - and so is the colour. I have a lot of red lipsticks, but nothing that is a frost finish. This lipstick is super pigmented.

I mentioned the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint in 120 Pure Ivory in my March Favourites (view here), but it is a recent purchase so I thought I'd include it in this post. 

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW20 was mentioned in my last What I've Bought Recently post, but unfortunately yesterday I was doing makeup on a client and the bottle dropped and shattered everywhere! I had to go to MAC straight away and buy another one, this is my absolute favourite under eye concealer and I will repurchase again and again. 

I think I have found a holy grail product for my brows, and that is Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep. I apply this before powder throughout my brows, and fill in where I need to after. Absolutely adore this, and lasts all day! 

The only real question I have about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp is where has it been all my life? I picked this up this week - and I am in some serious love. There was a 3 for 2 offer on NYX products, and I might go back to Target today and see if the sale is still on. I absolutely adore this - it is matte, but not drying, I've had it on today for 2 hours now and there is no sign of cracking or drying out. I adore this product!

I was in Mecca Maxima last week, and saw the bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara, and what caught me was the price! Cosmetics in Australia are fairly overpriced, but this was only about $23 so I decided to pick it up. I haven't had much use out of it so far, but I will do a review of this mascara at a later date. 

I picked this Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara yesterday as it was on sale. I used it today and so far so good, and the brush reminds me of a bigger version of the Benefit They're Real mascara.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer was also included in my March Favourites, but it is a recent purchase and I thought I'd include it. It reminds me of the MAC Strobe Cream but in a primer purchase, and I definitely will be repurchasing this. 

As part of the 3 for 2 in Target, I grabbed the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 630 Cashmere. I haven't tried it yet, but I think it will be a lovely base for different gold and bronze eyeshadows.

I've tried Bioderma before and loved it, and I saw the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Priceline, so of course I picked it up. I really like it, and it's great for dry and sensitive skin. 

And those are the products I have picked up recently. Reviews of products will be coming soon!