Empties #12

I don't know how I didn't realise it, but my empties bin has been piling up rapidly! An empties post was long overdue and I have a lot of products to go through that I've finished in the past four months or so. Feels good to get rid of all this clutter! I'm pretty sure I've talked about most of these products on the blog before, so I'll link relevant reviews where applicable! I'll try to make it snappy as I've got so much to go through! If you have any questions on any specific products, hit me up in the comments ;)

What's In My Travel Beauty Bag(s)?

So I leave tomorrow for my three week trip to the US! I feel like I've been waiting forever for this trip to come, and now that it's here, I feel so unprepared! Why must I procrastinate in every aspect of my life?? I'm pretty sure I've never shared with you guys what products I've taken travelling in the past, usually it's nothing exciting, especially makeup wise as I'm never really bothered much in that department! I figured this trip I'd put more effort into my face as I'm going to some big cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Denver!). I tried to pack light, especially considering I'll be buying a WHOLE LOT while I'm there, but I may have overdone it on the skincare... :P My excuse is that my skin is actually pretty good right now and I don't want to mess it up! Plus I'm gone for three weeks so I cant just switch it up for an off week, y'know? Also, ignore the weird lighting in these photos. It was raining pretty heavily today! Plus, my camera decided to start acting up and basically died. Just before my trip of course!! I had to wipe the settings and I have no idea what they were to put it back to what it was lol. Ended up being a bad connection between the lens and the body which a quick clean fixed (for now...). 

Empties #7

Slowly, but surely, I've been making my way downtown through quite a few products! Sort of justifies the huge amount of hair and skincare products I've come into the possession of...right? Anyway, let's dig into the empties!

Empties #4

Well do I have quite the empties post for you guys today! It's been long overdue, I'd actually already taken the photos weeks ago but realised I forgot to include a few things, then I finished more products so it just ended up accumulating! 

Clear Nourishing Shampoo and Daily Conditioner

As you can see, I have both the full sizes and travel minis. I'll probably keep the mini bottles to refill for travelling later. I thoroughly enjoyed this shampoo and conditioner. I definitely felt that it was nourishing, making my hair soft and smooth. It was moisturising on the scalp but didn't make me overly oily, and cleaned well. 

Repurchase? In the future, yes!

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair 60sec Treatment

Initially I really enjoyed this mask, however towards the middle/end I didn't notice it doing overly much for me. It's supposed to be very moisturising on the hair and help repair damage. When I used this, I didn't notice much moisturisation - my hair didn't feel softer than usual - and my hair only felt conditioned when I followed up with a conditioner.

Repurchase? No

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Holy grail product, and it was in my last empties (albeit, 4 months ago), so I clearly go through the stuff! I've talked about it countless times but I genuinely feel like this helps keep my skin relatively clear.

Repurchase? Yes already have, though in the future I really would like to try the+ version!

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Illuminating Moisturiser

Another product that's been previously featured in one of my empties. I do feel like this helps fade acne scars gradually, as well as giving my skin somewhat of a 'glow'. I just really like the texture and feel of this moisturiser as well.

Repurchase? Yes, though trying to use up other moisturisers at the moment. I'd also like to give others a go.

Beauty Care Co Green Tea Facial Wipes

My second pack of these and I bought them because they were cheap ($2). They're decent enough however the actual towel is a bit dry, and the last couple of wipes I had in here dried out. I've since moved on to the Smart Skin ones from Woolworths which are much more moist, for the same price.

Repurchase? No

Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser
Haven't seen this guy round these parts in a while have we? He finally bit the bullet and while I did initially love it, and still do think it is a really good, effective cleanser, I guess I got a bit bored of it towards the end? I didn't find it to be as thick or balm like as I originally thought. Now that I've tried cleansers like Lush Ultrabland, this one felt quite thin in comparison. I will always like it though because it was the first proper cleanser I used that helped my skin on the road to recovery!
Repurchase? Not at the moment or near future, but I wouldn't rule it out!

Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose hip Oil
I really adored this rose hip oil and it probably still stands as my favourite. It has so many benefits to the skin. I found it sunk in well, was extremely moisturising and helped my skin with acne and evening out its tone.
Repurchase? In the future, yes

A'kin Pure Radiance Rose hip Oil
This had the same look and feel and the Kosmea one, so I thought it would be similar, but no. I really dislike this one! I don't think I could pinpoint a specific reason, but I just found it didn't make my skin feel good. I used it for about a week or so and really just disliked it. Upon going back to the Trilogy one I am currently using, my skin went back to feeling moisturised and less congested.
Repurchase? No

Sally Hansen Acetone-Free Fast & Gentle Polish Remover

For some reason, I/my mum always purchases this one, it's just the one we've always used! I will admit, it's not the most effective because it's acetone-free, especially with glittery polishes, but it does the job and doesn't dry out my hands/nails or cause any irritation.
Repurchase? Already have, and probably will in the future - though I should probably investigate others!

Soap & Glory Hand Food

This is pretty old and actually not completely empty but the cream has turned to a runny, sour liquid - yuck. Definitely time for the bin! I did really enjoy this hand cream though! It smells divine, and it was quite a thin feeling texture that sunk in quickly and didn't leave a greasy residue. Because it is a thinner texture, I didn't find it absolutely crazy moisturising but it's not as rich so it's understandable. Great for on the go though!

Repurchase? In the future, yes

Original Source Lime Shower Gel

This was a pretty standard shower gel. It lathered well and left my skin feeling clean - not squeakily so or dry, but also not moisturised or soft. The scent smells like lemon-lime Solo soft drink which was refreshing at first, but after a while it began to remind me of some sort of citrus cleaner...

Repurchase? Not this particular scent, but possibly another scent in the future.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

I really liked this - it was the first lip scrub I'd tried and I found it very effective in removing dead, dry skin. The Popcorn scent was really nice, more of a sugary-salty-caramel than actual popcorn. However, it was a slight nuisance to use as the sugary bits would often fall so I always made sure to do it over a sink. It's very expensive for what it is so a luxury product for me. I get the job done with a face cloth in the shower.

Repurchase? In the future, yes but it's not an essential.

Nivea Caramel Cream Lip Butter

Probably one of my favourite lip balms. I find this super moisturising, creamy and it smells delicious! I found this really helped heal my lips when they were irritated, but not if they are severely dry or chapped.

Repurchase? Yes, but I'm trying to get through other lip balms at the moment.

Skincare Routine | Night

Hello all! The second part of my little skincare 'series' is up today and it is my nighttime skincare routine! I've reviewed most of the products I mention in full so hopefully the post won't be too rambly! This one is a little more involved than my morning routine so let's dive in!

First up for cleansing:

I really like using creamy cleansers at night to help remove the majority if not all of my makeup (other makeup removal products will be mentioned in my next skincare post!). These two are my most used. I remove both with a face cloth. 

Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've already talked a bunch about this and done a full review so I will spare the nitty gritty! This is super nice and creamy and it melts away makeup! It leaves my skin feeling nice and soft and is a really great, basic cleanser.

Natural Instinct Cream Cleanser

I've also reviewed this here. I find this thicker and heavier than most typical cream cleansers, so I find it works very similarly to the Soap & Glory. It doesn't remove makeup as well and doesn't leave my skin as soft but it is still a really great cleanser!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliant

I do apologise that I still haven't done a review of this yet! Hopefully with a bit more testing I will do a post! I use this as a typical toner and it feels like one too. It is super gentle but I definitely feel like it has helped the overall condition of my skin - including its brightness.

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Night

I've done a review on this guy here and I'm still loving it! With the bevy of other dark spot, skintone evener outers I feel like my acne scarring is fading (slowly but surely) and the overall tone of my skin improving! This product, I think, is definitely a substantial factor!

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Again I've spoken soooo much about this product and done a review. Basically, it's one of my Holy Grail products, this is my second tube! I love this for helping clear blemishes and keeping them away.

Kosmea Skin Clinic Rose hip oil

Review here, love this rose hip oil! I find it helps hydrate my skin immensely and is in general a great all rounder skincare product.

Soap & Glory Night in shining armour Cream

Great night cream that I've reviewed here! Not too thick (great for nighttime use) but very moisturising. Nice and basic!

Trilogy Eye contour cream

This is a nice eye cream that is relatively thin in texture and sinks into the skin well. I find it mediumly moisturising and after late nights, I don't wake up with my usual puffy eyes - so that's a plus! I could see it being effective for both day and night use as it's not too rich.

Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment

Again, reviewed here. Not the hugest fan of this but I'm using it up. I don't find it particularly amazing at clearing acne but it's better than using nothing!

Not too many steps to my nighttime routine...but probably more than your average sixteen-year-old. 

What do you guys love using at night?

A Rosy Outlook

Hey guys! Today I have a review on a product, not necessarily this one, but in general that has garnered a lot of hype in the beauty community, and that is Rose hip oil! The one I'm reviewing today is from Kosmea, it's their Skin Clinic certified organic rose hip oil. 

Lately, rose hip oil has become super popular and in general a more mainstream and easily accessible product. As the name suggests, rosehip oil is the oil extracted from the hip of the rose and it is high in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. It helps moisturize the skin, fade scars, wrinkles and contains a multitude of other benefits for the skin. The Kosmea Rose hip oil contains Rosa Eglentaria oil, as opposed to Rosa Canina which is generally more common. I believe there is little difference between the two species, if you do know how they are different, let me know in the comments! 

The packaging is quite standard, but nice and practical; it comes in a glass bottle with a pipette/dropper. The only other Rose hip oil I've tried was from Trilogy and I found the oil would seep up from the bottle onto the cap and it wasn't very efficient. The Kosmea one though is much better, I've even travelled with it and it hasn't leaked at all.

The oil itself is quite a vibrant amber shade, different to any other Rose hip oil I've seen. It does leave a tint to the skin, but since I only use it at night I don't really care. Also it absorbs into the skin quite quickly, so it's not too noticeable. Speaking of, I found that it absorbed quicker than the Trilogy which tended to make me look oily without really ever fully feeling like it had sunk in (to the point where my face didn't look shiny). The Kosmea is shiny upon application, but I feel it sinks in really well, and my skin produces its own oils thereafter. 

I apply this at night by mixing 3 drops in with my moisturiser so that it is easier to spread over the skin. It's not that it's 'hard to spread' but I feel like I achieve a more even coverage of the oil when using a cream base. I find that the oil is very hydrating though, more so than if I were to use my moisturiser alone. I have been using this for a decent amount of time (2 months) and can't honestly comment on its effects on my acne scarring. This is due to the fact that I've been using a number of other products that help with fading scars. My current skincare routine (posts of that will be up soon-ish!) has been serving me well, and since using this oil, I've been noticing less breakouts and an overall healthier appearing skin. It is soft, smooth and supple and with this and a combination of other products, I do think it has helped reduce scars and redness - though not to the point of complete disappearance. My skin hasn't had a single dry patch at all!

Though it is one of the more expensive Rose Hip oils on the market at $21.99, I definitely prefer it to the Trilogy rose hip oil and feel it's more effective. Rose hip oil has become a staple in my routine, and I recommend everyone use it as it provides so many benefits - even if you have the oiliest of oily skin! From many bloggers' experiences, it can even help decrease oil production.

Have you tried this Rose hip oil? What's your favourite?

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?

Collective Haul | July + August 2013

Hey guys! Today I have a haul post which is very collective. As the title suggests, I bought this stuff over a good two month period. Heck, I think I even bought some of this in June! My shopping has been very sporadic, ya know, since I was sorta on a shopping ban. There have been a number of good sales and offers which I took advantage of (the usual) but I will say that I have been justifying my purchases better, saving where it counts and only buying things I really want, haha! Also, a lot of this stuff was on my last wishlist (still got my eye on the more high end products though!).

First up a few hair and skin things!

I picked up a new shampoo and conditioner duo as I recently ran out of my current ones. I decided to pick up the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner as I have heard a lot of good things about the range, and they were on special. I have been using these for a few weeks and have to say I really like them! They make my hair feel SUPER soft and clean. They also smell really nice! They do contain Sulphates, but the last products I used didn't so I figure it's okay to alternate. 

I managed to pick up Lush Grease Lightning quite a while ago and have been using it for a decent amount of time. I'm not really sure how I feel about this yet! I'll definitely have a full review up once I have affirmed my opinions! This was $12.95.

I repurchased the Garnier Dark Spot Corrector which I finished in my last empties. I just adore this as a morning time moisturiser as it provides just enough light hydration and I do notice my dark spots fading. This was on a bit of a discount at around $11.

I also recently ran out of my Trilogy Rosehip Oil and while I liked that one, I wanted to try out some other ones! I decided to buy the Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rosehip Oil as I've heard quite a bit about it being the best one out there! It is on the more expensive side as far as Rosehip oils go being $21.99 at Chemist Warehouse, however this uses a different kind of Rosehip (Eglantaria as opposed to Canina). I'm yet to do a bit more research and will go into detail in my review, but so far I really like this (probably more than the Trilogy!)

Only a few makeup bits:

As you probably all know, Priceline recently had a 50% off Maybelline sale which I managed to check out. Maybelline has released quite a few new products, so I was excited to be able to get them so well discounted. Currently Chemist Warehouse is having 50% off Maybelline (as well as Revlon and Rimmel) if you are interested. I grabbed the Dream Pure BB cream ($7.50) which is designed for Oily skin with 2% salicylic acid. I have the shade medium which is a good shade, maybe a little bit light. I've been reaching for this on an almost daily basis and I'll definitely review this in full. I also bought the Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink ($6) which is from the newer Metals collection. In comparison to the original shades, I find the formula of this one to be much creamier! The shade is absolutely gorgeous and right up my alley!

Recently Sleek had a 10% off everything sale and I decided to finally grab some things I've had my eye on for ages! I cut my list down to the Face Contour Kit and the Blush in the shade Pomegranate. I will also say that the shipping was SUPER cheap, especially for International! It was only around $3 and only took about two and a half weeks to get here. I'm really excited to get using these!

Gotta have some nail stuff! 

I was super interested in picking up some of the Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat polishes so when Target was offering a gift with purchase, I jumped at the opportunity! The minimum spend was $15 so I bought the Fuzzy Coat in Fuzz Sea ($9.95) and the Polish remover ($5.50). I was going to get two fuzzies, but I refrained! I might pick up some more in the Chemist Warehouse sale though...hehe. I was running out of my nail polish remover anyways and I've used this one for years. It is acetone free so it's not the fastest at removing nail polish, but it works! The GWP was comprised of a rather tacky looking pink bag, a Complete Salon Manicure polish in Get Juiced, a Hard as Nails treatment and a buffing block. I really love Get Juiced and have got it on my toes right now!

Lastly a fashion-y purchase which was SUCH a crazycrazycazy bargain. I picked up this pair of shoes from Witchery for only $12!! What's even more shocking is that these are $150 full price. Like whoah! Crazy markdown! They are suede with a leather upper too! They are the style Natalia but I bought them a few weeks ago now. They are a really cute sandal with a mid height heel and I love the colour. I think these will be perfect for Spring/Summer and I have been seeing this style all over the fashion blogs. I really don't wear heels often (nor do I have many occasions to do so) but I couldn't pass them up! What is up with me finding cheap shoes? Not complaining though!

A stock photo - my shade is 'coral'

So that's my collective haul! Hope you guys enjoyed and I'll probably have another haul soon enough, but I'll try not to spend too much!