Lately I have been running around town like a mad women, and have needed to look put together on a daily basis. My no-makeup Monday's have defiantly been shot out of the water over the past few weeks. Along with being presentable, it need to last from about 9am - about 9.30/10pm when I finally get home and wind down. So this collection of products has been doing just that!
If your interested in any of these products I have put a link over each of the products to where you can buy them
So mum jeans are known to be the most unflattering, un-sexable jeans known to the lower half of our bodies. They are baggy in places they shouldn't be, tight in places they really shouldn't be, yet we continue to whip them out and try to make them work. This is my attempt at the ever so chic 'Mum Jean' look.
I dont know about you, but I absolutely love rainy Sundays. Don't get me wrong, I do love a good beach day or a Sunday BBQ outside, but when the weather is as miserable as it is outside today makes for the perfect DIY spa day. Its the perfect excuse to stay in and whip out all your super indulgent body treatments. Todays selection is Lush's Fresh Face Mask called Cupcake, The Body Shop's Body Butter in Shea Butter, NouNou Nourishing Hair Mask and a few coats of Essie's Merino Cool. What are you Sunday Feel Good Products?
By now you are probably aware of my love for cleansing oils to take off makeup. It has been a revolution is my nightly skincare routine as it is just so flippin good! I was first introduced to the world of cleansing oils with my purchase of the Body Shop's Silky Cleansing Oil. I was super sceptical to use an oil on my skin as I already have oil skin, and the thought of more oil... No thanks!
But to my surprise, it was the opposite! Do you remember in high school when we were doing those stupid equations like -1 + -1 = -2 or something (I wasn't really listening), this cleansing oil works kinda the same. It equalises your oil balance so that your skin does not over produce more oils. Very scientific.
The point is I fell in love with the Body Shop's cleansing oil! It is delightfully rich, nourishing and effectively removes every speck of makeup, including eye makeup. But sadly it ran out...
So I popped out to Myer to try something knew (As a good beauty blogger does) and found that Clarins had released a cleansing oil aswell. The price was a little stepper, but I expected perhaps the skincare benefits might be greater. However over the past few weeks of trying the Clarins oil I have found that it is not quite up to the same standard as the Body Shop oil. Don't get the wrong, it still nourishes the skin and clears my makeup, just not as well. Overall Body Shop Cleansing Oil take the cake, Big clap for Body Shop Hurrahhhh!!!
For along as I can remember I have always had the urge to evolve and change my skincare. I love trying new products and experimenting with different brands. However, my skin hates me for it! My skin resembles the personality traits of an old grumpy man, that likes what he likes, and is as stubborn as a mule when it comes to trying something new. Therefore I have given in and have tried to gather a collection of products that my skin really likes.
Starting with cleansers -
Mornings I use St Ives Apricot Scrub - Such a lovely exfoliator that freshen up my skin and helps clear away any nasties.
To remove my makeup I have been using a cleansing oil - My favourite is the Body Shop Oil, but have been trying the new Clarins Total Cleansing oil. (look out for a full review)
Nighttime I use Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser - This is a no brainer for me. It is fragrance free, soap free and gentle enough for my crabby skin. I know it is not the most glamourous product on the market, but it really is a treat for my skin.
My nightly Serum is the REN Clearcalm Replenishing Night Serum - Such a lovely, lightweight formula that skins into the skin instantly. It really helps to keep my skin crystal clear.
My morning an nightly moisturiser is, and always will be Clinique Dramatically Different Gel Moisturiser. I have seriously been using this since I was about 15! It just works for my skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth every time.
So these are the staples that I will always have in my routine. I can afford to chop and change facial masks, and toners and eye creams, and tend to do so on a regular basis, so I did not include them in this post.
So its your usual Thursday Morning...Groceries, washing, bit of work and yes a trip to David Jones. I originally went there to purchase the Clinique Cleansing Balm to replace my empty bottle of the Body Shop's Cleansing Oil, but they were out of stock!"MERRR" I said. So I stumbled across the Clarins counter to find that they had released there own Cleansing Oil that I thought i'd try. To my surprise Clarins was holding a gift deal where you receive a Tone of products if you purchase 2 Full size bottles of skin care. So I bought the Cleansing Oil and their infamous Body Lift Lotion. The Goody Bag consisted of 5 full size products;
So its officially Summer here in Australia and its time to whip out all of the essentials to help keep up with the warmer weather. Here are a few things that I love during the Silly Season. Let me know what your Summer Must have are.
Things I Mentioned:
Dove Summer Glow - Bought at Priceline J Bronze - Dark Spray & Face Tanner Bourjois BB bronzing cream Minerallusture Foundation Avene Thermal Spring Water YSL Rouge Voulupte' Shine 14 Chanel Rouge Allure 42 Mac Impassioned White Dress - Alice Mccall Necklace - Isobel Badin Check out her other pieces at isobelbadin.com
What a WEEK!!
Another week has shot by and I cannot believe that we are nearly at the end of October! Where has this month gone!! I do like to take this time to reflect over my week, because if I don't I often forget about all the lovely details that happen through out the day, and these pictures are just a few that I have taken from my instagram to help remind myself of those small details. This week was defiantly full of details, some scary, some exciting and some romantic.
To start off, Id just like to say how truly sorry I am to all the families that have been affected by the fires that have ripped through NSW. On Thursday a giant black cloud covered Sydney and really woke us up to the severity of the fires. It was pretty scary and I hope that they will be put out soon.
On a lighter note my Boyfriend Travis surprised me with a beautiful home made dinner. Just to set the scene, Trav cooks about once a year so this was a big flippin deal and MY GOD it was soooooo YummY! We then went out and saw Gravity which was....Intense. That is the only word I can find to describe it. The score was amazing! Steven Price did an awesome job :)
To finish off the week Trav and I hit the beaches and had a Sunday Sesh in the park with some friends. Then snuggled up on the couch and watched the Chopper Read interview on 60 Minutes. Week DONE. Ready for the Next.
Oh my golly gumdrops, have I got some scrumptious new things to show you!
These four products have kinda become my new pride and joy. I am so smitten, and just had to share these great finds with you. Starting with the tip of the ice burg - Bourjois BB Bronzing Cream 8en1. This is such a unique product that I literally have nothing to compare it too! It is an incredibly light lotion that smells like chocolate-coconut heaven, and may just be the most versitle product in my collection. I have been using this as an allover tint to warm up my complexion. I have been mixing it with my winter foundations to make them match my skin tone. But my favourite is using it as a cream bronzer! Ahhhh I die!!! So natural, so radiant, flippin Awesome!! Ya'll need it :)
Next I have been loving St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub. This heavenly exfoliator has become my go-to cleanser for the mornings. It helped to keep my skin crystal clear and love love love it! Picked mine up from Priceline.
For fragrance I have been reaching for my Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne. It is the perfect scent for spring/summer as it is light and crisp without being sweet. I think it is a very androgynous scent, but that might just be me :) Anyway i've been wearing it loads and always seem to get compliments when I have it on.
Last fav is the Minerallustre Foundation. It has been super hot weather here in Sydney, and foundation and hot wear do NOT mix. So I have been dusting a light layer of this over my face for everyday. I adore this foundation as it is so versatile and great for problem skin.
It was the first week back at school, so my teaching schedule was back into full swing.
The weather has had a mean case of bipolar with temperatures hitting 35' yesterday and top of 19' on Friday. I don't think the weather gods have decided if we are still in winter or if we are in summer. Someone please tell them to decide because I can not deal!!
I managed to catchup with my Nan which is always a treat! I never get to see her enough.
And Trav got stuck in a tree. . .
Overall it was pretty hectic, but id rather be busy than bored. Cheers to a fresh week x
Over the past week or so the following products have been huuuge standouts for me. The weather is warming up and my skin has kinda been having a hissy fit, and the routine I was following religiously was not working anymore. I decided to strip things right back and invest in Cetaphil, which is a face wash targeted at sensitive and acne prone skin. Now I know that I do not have acne, but I am just sooo over these breakouts that I seem to be continuously getting. It is definitely not the most glamourous product I have, however it is by far the best face wash I have used to target a breakout. It so gentle, hydrating and affordable and I highly recommend this face wash!
For makeup I have gone back to my old winter ways and rocking the good old winged liner. The one I have been loving is the L'oreal Super Liner in Brown. I actually picked this up by mistake as I thought I was getting the black liner. But I thought what the heck and turns out I like it more! The brown is a lot softer and flattering for my colouring.
Staying on the makeup road I have been head over heels in love with the Nars Creamy Concealer in Honey. This is the best all-rounder concealer in the market and has cemented itself into my everyday routine. I frickin love this stuff!!
My final fav is Dior's classic fragrance 'Miss Dior'. I usually save this for when I am going out, or for special occasion, however over the past week or so iv been wearing everyday. Yes it may be a little heavy and full on for day time but 'I Dont Care'. Smells so goooood :)
But to be fair I have been lusting over these products for sooooo long, and I am completely over the moon that they are now apart of my collection.
I went for a stroll into Mecca Cosmetics in Paddington and kinda went nuts. Just wanted to thank the shop assistant that was helping me out.
If your in Australia you MUST check out Mecca in store or online here meccacosmetica.com.au/ Ride up to the moon - Eye Shadow Palette
This Palette may have been made specifically for me. Well that is what I thought when I first saw the Ride Up to the Moon Palette. It is a gorgeous collection of gold, bronze, matte cream, emerald green (my favourite) and Chocolate brown with gold and green shimmer shadows, that are simply stunning. Nars eyeshadows have a lovely velvet feel to them, and blend like an absolute dream. This beauty is stapling itself into my everyday routine...FOREVER!
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - Santa Fe
This foundation is a famous cult product that has been raved about ever since it came out. I would say it is a medium coverage foundation that can easily be built up to full, that is unbelievably light and flattering on the skin. I love mixing it with my Stila Tinted Moisturiser for a light coverage base for everyday.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - Honey
I have Lily Pebbles, Viviannadoesmakeup and Essie Button to thank for this one. This might just be the perfect all-rounder concealer. I though I had found my concealer holy grail (Rimmel Wakeup Me Up and Revlon ColorStay) but this concealer is the perfect combination of the two. It literally melts into the skin, providing amazing coverage that does not crease, cake or leave dry. Slow clap for Nars!
In Sydney the weather is warming up, and it is getting to the stage that a full face of make-up is just not a viable option. I detest that feeling of a cakey face, especially when its hot! *cringe*
So these are the products that iv been grabbing for a daily routine for the warmer weather.
So this video turn out to be one BIG fail! Im so embarrassed but thought, what the hell!
I have a feeling I am going to regret this one..
Base -
I always start my makeup with a good base, and lately iv been gravitating towards Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch primer. I really enjoy this primer as it does not leave a synthetic veil over my skin. Before I apply any foundation I have been using the Chanel Bronze Universal to my cheekbones and the perimeters my face. I feel as though it gives a 'lit from within' effect when applied under foundation.
For foundation I have either been using Still Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser on its own, or mixing it with Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. I find that mixing these products give me a light-weight base that offers slightly more coverage on days that I need it. Winning combo in my eyes! I conceal under my eyes with Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer and cover any imperfection with Revlon ColorStay concealer.
To set my base I like to use Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder.
Eyes -
On these hot aussie days I like to keep it super light and bright, and have been using Mac's loose pigment in the colour Tan. It is such a gorgeous wash of sparkle that is perfect for everyday. After that I just slap on my trusty Maxfactor Clump Defy mascara on the upper lashes only, and fill in my brows using the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette.
Cheekies -
I have been grabbing my favourite cream blush from Top Shop in the colour Head over Heels.
Because this makeup is so minimal it allows me to go wild with my lip colour. I been going for bright pops of colour and my favourites at the moment have been reaching for Top Shop Lip Bullet in Heartbeat and Mac Sunny Seoul.
Touch ups for the day -
I find that this makeup stays put during the day, and I honestly hate re-applying during the day. However there are a few thing I like to take with me just in case ;)
- Revlon Nearly Naked Powder
- Avene Thermal Spring Water
- What ever lip stick i take with me. Today I choose Mac Sunny Seoul
It thought i'd kick off the week with a review of the Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer. I have been using this tinted moisturizer everyday for the past two weeks and am so blown away by it. It is one of those products that perfect your skin's tone and appearance and still lets your natural skin shine through. It is perfect for girls who are looking for something light, undetectable and that has high protection from the sun. I have been wearing this with my Clarins Instant Smooth primer and have been setting it with Revlon nearly naked powder and am amazed at the longevity of this combination. It stays put all day! So in love with this stuff! Available at Strawberrynet.com for $39.50
When I first heard that our Australian Sweetheart Jennifer Hawkins was releasing a tanning range I was quite skeptical, as often celebrity endorsed products aren't that flash. However, I bit the bullet and purchased the Dark Tanning Spray, Face Flawless Tan and the Instant Illuminiser.
First thing is first, the packaging is gorgeous. It is sophisticated, simple and resembles the qualities of a high end product. I tried the Dark Tanning Spray first, and the first thing I notice was it's powerful scent. It has a strong coconut fragrance that is 'so sweet', and resembles Malabu Rum. It can be quite overpowering and found myself coughing and sneezing a lot! I wouldn't recommend applying this in a small space because you may pass out and die from the fumes! The spray nozzle can be a little blotchy so its is best to blend in the product with a mitt or your hands. Once I had applied the spray I tried the face tan which is a lovely light-weight formula that sinks into the skin instantly, avoiding that clammy, sticky residue that other self tanners give. The entire tanning process only took about 10min and soon it was time to crawl into bed and see how the tan developed over night. 9hours Later.....
Best finish I have seen in a self tan! It is a beautiful red based tan that looks so natural and deep. The red undertone gives the illusion of a fresh out of the sun holiday glow that is SO natural! Seriously this tan is Fantastic!
I am now on the 3rd day after applying and the colour is starting to fade. However, it is fading so evenly and still has that gorgeous red undertone that makes me look naturally sun kissed. This is my new favourite self tan that is a stable in my summer routine.
On to the Illumaniser. I was not as impressed with this product as I was with the others. This is a wash-off shimmer that can be applied to legs, arms, or anywhere that is exposed to an extra element of glow. However this illuminiser seems to had a lot of silver sparkles that actually makes my legs look dry and flakey. I kind of want to test this product out and a highlight for my face (ill let you know how I go). The scent of this illuminiser is heavenly and smells a lot like Marc Jacobs Daisy.
Overall not a fan of the illuminiser, Sorry Jen, but the self tans are Amazing!!!
Before I start I just want to congratulate my dear friend Kiara and her beautiful bride Yvonne on their special day. You are both such beautiful and amazing women that deserve nothing but happiness.
WHAT I WEARING Jumpsuit/Romper - Lucy in the Sky Belt - American Apparel Shoes - Wittner Nails - Urban Outfitters Watch - Michael Kors
Just thought i'd share my favourite little get up at the moment. Iv been loving the sport luxe thing that has been going around. I found this oversized tee at General Pants and have been wearing it non stop. Its got floral detail a the bottom which creates a sick contrast and makes the look a little for feminine. Threw on my leather jacket and some connies and I'm good to go!
