Monthly Favourites | September 2013

September favourites time! I sound like a broken record every month, but surprisingly September actually felt pretty long! I did go on a week of camping at Fraser Island with no internet or technology so time felt different over there, also exam week seemed to drag on forever! I had quite a bit of fun but it's good to be back. I returned to almost 500 blog posts to read and heaps of youtube videos (but it's so annoying that youtube doesn't display all the new videos - only to a certain number, so I am slowly wheedling my way through my subscribed channels), not to mention all of the TV shows are coming back from hiatus - WOO!

Onto the products though!

I have one hair product to talk about, and that is the Goldwell Rich Repair 60sec Treatment. This is a hair mask which claims to help repair the hair in 60 seconds - ambitious! But I'm glad of that because I don't have time to stand in the shower for 15 minutes (wasting water!). I generally leave this in for maybe 2-3 minutes while I'm washing my face and body and whatnot. I don't believe you can repair damage, but I do think this helps to moisturise the hair a lot (my hair is so soft after using it!) and help it look and feel healthier than it probably is. It also smells divine! Hopefully this will help prevent any damage to my locks as well.

My skincare product pick of the month is the Kosmea Skin Clinic certified organic rose hip oil. I have been using this for probably 2 months (I'll review it in full in due time) by mixing in three drops with my night cream. I find that combo really helps moisturise my skin and quench any thirst it's experiencing. I can't say much as to acne scarring, but I feel like it has helped slightly, I'll keep you posted! So far I like it more than the Trilogy one though, I feel like it absorbs into the skin better and faster!

A repeat favourite - Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream. I previously said that I liked this but didn't love it...well this month my lips have been very fussy, and only liking this product! It seems the majority of my other lip balms have been making my lips dry and itchy (yes still having those issues...) which is weird as they never used to. This lip balm has been the only one that has helped this month and has been a staple.

Makeup favourites!

For base I've been using the Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream a lot! I'll have a full review up soon but so far, I think this has become my new favourite Western BB cream (taking over the Garnier oily/combo). The colour is better, less orange, if anything a little light. It provides nice light coverage, has a satin finish and is SUPER smoothing on the skin.

I have a couple of eye things:

The Lorac Pro Palette has been a go-to whenever I want to wear eyeshadow. I won this from the lovely Sarah at More than Adored - thanks Sarah! I absolutely adore this palette, I will be doing a full review with swatches, but wow wee do I love it. The formula is stellar on all the shadows, and I love the variety of shades and finishes (matte and shimmer) - you can create SO many different looks!

Sadly this next product is discontinued (DAMN YOU Essence!!). I managed to snag this Essence Sun Club gel liner not too long ago on clearance, there was no black sadly but I do LOVE this colour. It's in the shade BBC All Night Brown which is a deep brown with golden shimmer, giving it a bronze-y tinge. I love this for doing cat eyes and smudging on the lower lash line. The effect created is a lot less stark than black liquid liner, more casual and wearable for me. It frames my eyes perfectly without being too harsh or put-together. The formula is just amazing - creamy, pigmented and so easy to apply (I use the Essence gel liner brush). Essence always seems to discontinue their best selling products, which IMO is the worst business decision ever!

Cheeks Cheeks Cheeks!

Another Essence product - still available! It's the Silky Touch blush in the shade Natural Beauty. I've had this blush for ages and did a bit of 'shopping my stash' last month, and fell in love with this blush! I have actually had a review sitting in my drafts for like, 7 months, but never got around to publishing it. The formula is super silky and soft (very much so, don't drop it!), pigmented and super blendable - not chalky at all! The shade is a stunner too. It's a rose-y, mauve, bronze-y shade which is perfect for a 3 in 1 blush! It has a silver shimmer which highlights nicely, and it warms up the face really well, as well as shaping the cheeks slightly.

Last fave is theBalm Mary Lou-manizer which I have in my Balm Jovi palette. LOVE this highlighter. It's very popular in the beauty world and rightly so. The golden tone complements my yellow complexion perfectly and it looks amazing on the cheekbones. Its not gritty or glittery but has a strong frosty sheen. It's quite a strong highlight, but can be applied with a light hand.

Mary Lou-Manizer, Natural Beauty, Gel liner

Just a couple of music favourites to add on - this month I've been listening to Imagine Dragons Night Visions almost on repeat! I seriously love it - not a single song on the album I don't like! Also Lorde Pure Heroine came out like, 3 days ago, but I am really liking it! I've been obsessed with her latest single Team. 

Anyways - what have your favourites been this month?