It's empties time again! As per the usual, I've got a heap of skincare and almost zero makeup but hey, at least I'm using up my products! Not much more to say in this intro, so let's dive in!
12/02/2018
29/01/2018
The Best of 2017 // Skincare
It's basically February but apparently I'm still stuck in 2017? It is late, but I'm finally rounding out my 2017 favourites with my favourite skin care products. Check out my makeup faves here! I haven't done an updated skincare routine in a long while, so think of this post as products I've been using recently, as well as my favourites!
18/12/2017
My Summer Essentials
It took a minute, but summer is well and truly in full swing in Brisbane! The sun be swelterin' and the sweat be drippin'. I figured now was a good a time as any to share some of my essential products for combatting the hot weather (or rather making it more bearable!).
14/11/2016
Collective Haul // November 2016
Well, it seems like I go without a haul for months, and then all of the hauls at once! Granted, I don't think I'll be doing much shopping after this - but that's not guaranteed :P. There was definitely a reason behind this haul though! Priceline's famous 40% off cosmetics sale happened last week so I picked up a few bits. Mecca also launched their holiday collections, and I managed to restrain myself to one purchase! Aaaand, the Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette came back in stock so obviously I had to grab it!
11/12/2015
Empties #10
It's time to check in with my empties bin! My little bucket has been piling up and I thought I better get out an empties post before the year is out! I have to say, I'm pretty proud of how many products I've managed to get through over the year and these posts have been semi-regular every 3 months-ish. Gold star for effort ayy. Anyway, onto tha goodz. Also ignore the weird colouring differences...foil-y metallic background is hard to photograph on!
10/09/2015
Empties #9
It hasn't been that long since my last empties, but wow - I've been on a roll! Either a bunch of products just decided to finish simultaneously or I've actually been using them (what a shocker). But yes, I'm trying to (sort of) make more of a conscious effort to finish products! These empties posts always end up being super long and rambly, so imma try and keep it short (ish) as we have a lot to get through!
03/07/2015
The Long Night is coming, and the dead (skin) come with it
Gotta love a good ol' Game of Thrones related title eh?!? I was tempted to do 'Winter is Coming' but gosh darn that is so cliche, so I went with a quote from Jon Snow (... :'( ) in the latest season. ANYWAY, it is currently Winter in Australia, and as I type this up, I'm huddled in my onesie next to the warm coals of a dwindling fire (dat imagery). I wanted to do a post about products I love when the weather gets colder to help combat dry skin and other wintery blues, so here it is!
01/06/2015
Monthly Favourites // May 2015
HOW ARE WE BASICALLY HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR. THIS IS INSANE. May has been a hectic month for me. In my friendship group, May is, like, THE birthday month so pretty much every weekend I had at least one birthday 'do to attend (mine included! ;) )! While it was extremely fun catching up with everyone, it also meant I was super busy. Coupled with gift shopping, work, study and procrastination, there was little time left for blogging unfortunately! My blogging schedule has been all out of whack (kills me) but hopefully everything will be back to normal once I finish exams on the 10th! I've been trying to keep my bloglovin' feed contained, but it's so easy for the blogposts to just PILE UP! So, I'm trying to catch up on those too! Anyway, favourites-wise, as you guys saw, I've gotten A LOT of new stuff lately so I've been trying it all and not really using any one product a lot. I've rounded up the things I've loved though, but maybe haven't used them a tonne.
23/04/2015
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!
01/01/2015
The Best of 2014 // Skin & Hair
Happy new year peeps! I hope y'all had an amazing NYE. I had a rather uneventful night, though we had a barbecue with family friends which was quite fun and food-filled! I'm sure yours was much more adventurous ;) Well, today is my first "Best of 2014" post for you all, featuring my most loved skincare and haircare products from the year! I will have my makeup one up next week (probably) :).
08/09/2014
Buffering...Buffering...
My search for the perfect spot treatment continues, I actually haven't tried that many, and I definitely haven't been blown away by any particular one. My main skin concern pertaining to acne is hormonal and stress related breakouts which generally come in the form of under the skin, cystic breakouts. Every other spot treatment I've tried had little effect on them, so I thought I should bring out the big guns and try out one that is targeted toward them - the Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion.
The Buffering Lotion has been raved about from the reviews I've read, certainly touted as being the best for cystic acne. It comes packaged in a small bottle that actually contains a considerable amount of product - 29mL. The consistency is not a lotion at all, but liquid with white sediment that settles at the bottom. Before use, the product should be shaken well to combine the two, creating a cloudy white liquid. The packaging isn't the best, the spout is unpredictable in how much product it releases. I generally take one drop at a time with my finger and apply to the affected area. It's a bit incovenient as a runny liquid, but manageable. The liquid is clear on application so fine to use under makeup.
What intrigued me most was that it doesn't contain your conventional acne-fighting ingredients like Witch Hazel or Benzoyl Peroxide. It supposedly contains Salicylic acid though I don't see it in the ingredients (possibly under another name that I'm just not familiar with?). The main other ingredient is Sulfur (let's hope no one mistakes me for a demon...Spn fans will get me ;) ), which I'm not familiar with in terms of treating acne. The Buffering Lotion boasts "quickly minimising large clusters of acne, preventing future eruptions and reducing inflammation and redness". I must say I had pretty high hopes for this product, but like others before it, it doesn't offer immediate results. The product doesn't make the spot disappear overnight, or even after two or three nights, especially if it's a big bugger. I find that it helps accelerate the spot's healing process, by helping bringing the spot down, reducing redness or bringing it to a head. Depending on the size of the cystic pimple, it can take anywhere from two nights to a week. The second ingredient is alcohol, and I do find it slightly drying on the spot but it doesn't burn or purposefully dry out the spot. It also doesn't make much difference in terms of scarring. Although it's not marketed for whiteheads, I do find it semi effective on those spots. It's recommended usage is every other night, though I've been using it every morning and night and haven't experienced any reaction or irritation.
While it hasn't blown me away, it's definitely the best performing spot treatment for cystic acne that I've tried. Perhaps there isn't a product out there that will bring down pesky zits within a few days, but I'll certainly still be on the lookout. This product retails for AUD$22 (yay for recent price reductions!) at Kit Cosmetics or Mecca Cosmetica. It is a bit pricey, but I have a feeling this bottle will be lasting me a decent while.
01/09/2014
Monthly Favourites // August 2014
Well, well, well...here we are at the end of August. This month has been HECTIC to say the least. I've had a shiteload of assessment this term, and still many more exams to come...but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! There are less than 50 days left of school this year and that scares me...but anyways, onto the favourites! They are quite skincare heavy as I've pretty much been using the exact same makeup products as mentioned in like every other favourites. Keep reading till the end though because I have a few 'lifestyle' favourites such as music and the like.
An old favourite and one that I use every single week, though it has been particularly great this month because as I said I've been SO busy this month, and soooo stressed so that means lots of breakouts! Yay ! I've been slathering this guy on and really coating the problem areas to help them GTFO.
I recently received this oil and have been using it for the past few weeks in place of my regular rosehip oil. I believe this is mostly targeted towards hydration, and anti-aging, scarring - the usual, but I've been really liking it. There isn't much difference between this and other facial oils in my opinion, but regardless I find it incredibly moisturising and sinks into the skin well. I really like the packaging too! It's like a conical shaped bottle with a pump.
I've been wanting to try PFP for ages so when fronted with the opportunity to try this eye cream, I immediately said yes! Due to the mass amount of study I've been doing, I've been incredibly sleep deprived. I've been riding on maximum 7 hours of sleep a day meaning I'm constantly tired. But surprisingly I don't have puffy bags under my eyes, or dark circles like I've been punched in the face, which I usually would! I think that's all credit to this eye cream, which is lightweight but still really moisturising.
I have a full review of this coming up (it's already written, just a matter of publishing) but like I said - breakout city, and the cystic/under the skin kind so I've been slathering this on every morning and night and it's been helping soothe and reduce the pimples. This is by no means a miracle worker, it still takes 3 or more days for the pimple to go but it's the most effective spot treatment I've found for cystic pimples. It works decently on whiteheads too.
L'oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil
I talked about this guy in my last post, so I won't ramble on. I've been using it every time I wash my hair and it's just been so nourishing and has left my hair feeling preeee soft!
I've been absolutely in LOVE with this hand cream ever since I got it a couple of weeks ago. The morning after my first use, my hands were so soft, even my friend noticed a difference! It has some really amazing, nourishing ingredients (that are all natural btw) but the scent is also sooo beautiful. It contains essential oils that supposedly banish anxiety, promote sleep and reduce stress. Now, I've still been very stressed and anxious but it's been so lovely to use before bed and inhale the scent. I haven't necessarily been falling asleep quicker, but I almost feel like I've been sleeping better through the night? Regardless, a very beautiful, luxurious hand cream.
NYX Terracotta Powder Blush
Like I said, I've been using all the same makeup products but I have been particularly enjoying this blush. It's a stunning bronzey, almost coppery-rose gold shade that is like a bronzer, highlighter and blush in one. I think it's very warm and autumnal, but will also be amazing in the warmer seasons.
Yaaaaaay, Troye's EP came out a couple of weeks ago, and boy oh boy, it is good. I'm such a huge fan of his Youtube channel (he is hilay) and it's so awesome that he's gotten so much success with his music, so quickly! Woo! Besides Happy Little Pill, Touch has been ma JAM, but seriously all songs are amaze.
More music I've been listening to on repeat this month are some songs from Banks! Her album Goddess is coming out next week, but she's already released a few tracks from it which you should definitely check out. I just really adore her style of music, and her vocals are CAPTIVATING.
I have been looooving watching Estee and Aslan's road trip, which is sadly now over (creys)! What will I do with my life. But gosh darn, I love those two so much - it's borderline creepy. And Scandinavia looks amazing, it's really making me want to go there and EAT all that amazing food! I had a blast watching their vlogs everyday, a bit of procrastination break between studying!
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy
GOTG also came out this month, and me being the major Marvel fan that I am, made sure to see it in Cinemas. It was amazing to say the least, SO funny! I think the plot was pretty good, but not the best, but I must say the costumes/special effects and soundtrack were so good. Groot is my bae <3
Wow, that was a very rambly post. Let me know what you've been loving this month!
*Products sent for consideration
24/04/2014
Collective Haul // April 2014
It's haul time again! Whenever I go on school holidays I tend to execute some major spending sprees, then vow to go on a ban 'til the next holidays (which succeeds mainly because I don't have the opportunity to go shopping). Regardless, here is what I've bought mainly in April, though also between now and my last haul in January.
Nail stuff first as usual!
Maybelline Color Show Brocades in Knitted Gold
The Brocades collection released fairly recently and I'd seen some swatches online of them and they looked so pretty but I was really only keen on this shade. I'm so glad I snagged it when I did (in Woolies of all places and it was the last one) because whenever I check out the Maybelline stand, this shade is sold out. My previous post was a NOTD featuring it so check it out if you'd like to see some swatches!
Illamasqua Speckle
Man oh man, as usual I had my eyeball out for those bargains. Illamasqua is one of the few high end brands that I actually notice clearancing their stock (I guess others send them to outlet/corporate stores and the like), so I made sure to check out their counter. Sure enough, they had all their speckle nail polishes for $5! FIVE DOLLARS! I was so excited, but managed to limit myself to just one. I wore it over the Easter break as I thought it was perfect for the occasion!
Sportsgirl Pink Icing
I can't seem to go a haul without a Sportsgirl nail polish can I? This is one I had my eye on for a while, but as usual I waited until it was on clearance. They had their 30% off further reduced so it came down to $3-ish. I'll have a NOTD up, but it's a good 'un. They have a white version out right now.
Essence Blush Up! in 10 Heat Wave
Do you see this?! IT'S AN OMBRE BLUSH. FROM ESSENCE. AMAZE. Literally when I saw it, I couldn't make faster grabby hands. Ombre blushes are seriously fascinating, and this is reminiscent of that one from MAC and that one from Estee Lauder (you know the ones I'm talking about...maybe). Nonetheless the shade is totally up my street, and y'all know I love Essence blushes. It was on the more expensive side of Essence ($6.95) but still super affordable!
Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Libido
Yup - that crazy bright red blush right there? I bought it *sheepish face*. This, like the nail polish, was on clearance - for half price ($14). Initially I scoffed at it like, "pfft I would never wear that!" and went home to promptly read some reviews of it because I couldn't get my mind off of it. Every single review was glowing. GLOWING I tell you. So I went back the next week and bought it! I'm guessing they are discontinuing this particular shade because it's probably not selling very well? I'll have a review up of it soon but trust me, it's not as scary as it looks (and might I add, a lot more orange).
Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Lipstick in Peach on the Beach
FINALLY! Gawd it feels like an eternity that I have been wanting this product! Every time I went into Priceline, this shade was sold out - even the tester had been used to it's last! I must be the last person ever to finally get this. I was so over it that I paid the rather high price of $15. I'm just glad to have it and gosh darn hope that it lives up to my expectations!
Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms in Audacious and Complex
I've already reviewed these here - and I like 'em. I bought the pair for buy one get one free from Priceline.
Sportsgirl Pucker Up lip crayon in Fruit Tingle
This pencil was on sale for quite cheap (around $3) so I picked it up because I love the colour! However, it appears slightly sallow on me, and makes my teeth look a lil' yellow. I probably could have gone without it (who am I kidding? I could have done without all of this), but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it!
L'oreal Colour Riche Moisture Matte lipstick in Cherry Crush
I've also already done a review on this here, in short - it's amazing. Can you tell I was having a bit of a matte lip moment?
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
I got this mini in their mascara swap where you trade in an old mascara of any size or brand to get a free mini. It's still going on until May! I'm super excited to try out this crazy popular formula but won't open it until I finish my current mascara.
Skincare bits!
Puretopia Refresh & Balance Facial Mist & Toner
I picked this up on account of Sarah's good words about it, and my need for a new morning time toner. It was also on sale at Priceline for around $10 which pushed me over the edge to purchase it!
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion
I was in pretty desperate need of a new spot treatment as I'm coming near the end of my Lush Grease Lightning which I really wasn't a fan of anyway. I was completely stumped as to what to buy, and ended up going with this one as it's basically the be all end all of spot treatments, and one of the only to solely target cystic acne - which the majority of my pimples are. I decided not to faff with the cheaper ones and just go for the top! I've already tried a sample and I was quite satisfied with the results!
Lush Ultrabland facial cleanser
I decided to pick this guy up as I'm actually speeding through my current cleanser and I wanted to get a new cleanser before the end of the holidays. I've heard some pretty great things about this one, and the Lush girl talked it up HEAPS. I also really wanted to try a Balm Cleanser, if this can be classified as one. It was quite expensive at $17.95 for the 45g tub, so hopefully I don't use it up too quickly.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
I stumbled across this lil' tub at David Jones on clearance for $11! I was mad excited as recently I've been hearing raves about the brand, and though I hadn't heard a ton about this particular product (just that Meghan really likes them), it sounded like I would really like them. I'll have a full review up on it but they are basically toning pads that help exfoliate and brighten the skin! Just what I need amirite?
L'oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 hair mask
I was in need of a new hair mask as I've basically finished my current one. I'm not too fussy when it comes to hair masks and basically take whatever I can get. I have heard really good things about the L'oreal ones so I bought this one despite not reading any reviews or it not being on sale. Hopefully it works out!
Smart Skin Moisturising Facial Cleansing Wipes
Needed new face wipes and I decided to switch to these as I was starting to find the Beauty Care Co ones to be a tad dry. I'm quite liking these - they're very moist and remove most of my makeup. They're the same price ($2) and can be bought at Woolworths.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Miracle Complexion Sponge and Travel Essentials set (not pictured)
I made an iHerb order with my sister and bought a few Real Techniques goodies I've been wanting for a while. I've already reviewed the travel trio, and other reviews are in the works. I haven't included the sponge or the other brushes because they're quite dirty at the moment!
Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads
I purchased these guys because they're still the cheapest I've found! $2 for 200.
I now have a few jewellery picks that I bought, and thought hey why not feature them?
Lovisa two gold necklaces and gold rings
Lovisa was having 3 for 2 and I wanted to pick up some things - I was mainly inspired by a few pieces some of my fave UK youtubers have been wearing. I thought these pieces were pretty nice, and I've actually gotten a ton of wear out of them these past holidays!
Sportsgirl Star sign necklace
This guy was on sale for only $2 and it was the last Taurus one left! I really like how dainty it is and just thought it was a cute necklace.
Phew! That was a long post - as basically all of my haul posts are! I hope you enjoyed reading about what I've been blowing my money on!
06/02/2014
Empties #3
The third installment of my empties posts is probably long overdue (it's been about four or five months since my last one), but alas I don't have a huge collection of empty products to share. I just don't finish things very quickly! I don't get how people can accumulate bags full of empties after only a month. Anyways I thought I would share the products I've run out of recently and my thoughts on them.
Organic Everescents Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
My mum won these in a pack from her hairdresser and she gave them to me as she prefers volumising products. I really enjoyed these! The are fully free of silicones, sulfates and parabens and are made up of really good ingredients. Also, the packaging is made out of recycled plastic! I didn't find these intensively moisturising, but they did leave my hair feeling soft and clean. The shampoo lathered pretty well despite being sulphate free.
Repurchase? Probably not as they are quite expensive and there are other sulphate free shampoos/conditioners that I would like to try.
Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion
A nice, basic body moisturiser. It's a nice thin, lotion consistency that sinks in and absorbs into the skin quite quickly. It has a lovely clean scent too. My skin was soft and nourished after use and for the day following.
Repurchase? Probably
I really liked this for a basic but intensively moisturising night cream. It wasn't too heavy or greasy feeling on the skin and absorbed reasonably quickly. It left my skin feeling very moisturised and soft in the morning, and I had pretty much no dry patches while I was using this!
Repurchase? Not at the moment, though possibly in the future.
I really loved this toner! It felt like a nice clarifying toner but contained really lovely ingredients that left my skin feeling refreshed rather that tight or dry.
Repurchase? Probably in the future!
Estee Lauder Idealist
A couple of samples I finished up that lasted me quite a while actually. I used it both as a slight (and subtle) illuminator mixed in, and a morning time serum. It was a pleasure to use and felt lovely on the skin though I don't really think it yielded any long term results in terms of brightening or evening out the skin tone.
Repurchase? No
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion
I had a sample of this which lasted a decent while. I used this on any cystic or under-the-skin pimples which is what it is designed for. I found it did work really well on them, helping bringing them to the surface quicker and reducing any pain. Whether I found it to be more effective than your standard spot treatment...I don't think I had enough to truly ascertain.
Repurchase? Maybe, I might get another sample first.
Holy grail product. Helps clear up my acne as well as prevent it. I'm halfway through my second tube and have a third waiting in the wings.
Repurchase? Definitely!
Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads
These are the cheapest cotton pads I've seen around - 200 for $2. Granted, they're not the best quality. They are thin and do fall apart quite easily, but for me they do the job. I'm not really fussed at all and honestly will grab the cheapest I can get. I've finished about three (100 pads per) packs and am working on one more right now.
Repurchase? Probably, unless I find something cheaper.
Beauty Care Co Green Tea Facial Wipes
These are a little on the dry side, but the towelettes themselves are decently soft and don't irritate my face or eyes. They remove everything bar waterproof mascara. I still go in with a cleanser as they don't completely clean my face, and definitely don't get deep down into the skin. These are also $2.
Repurchase? I'm halfway through another pack and unless I find something cheaper I'll probably buy them again.
Michika Complexion Synergist Facial Mask
My first experience with sheet masks and I quite liked using these. I still have three left. They left my skin feeling very soft and I do think it offered slight instantaneous brightening effects. Thye did sting a little in my eyes though, nothing crazy unbearable but just a little bit of irritation.
Repurchase? I'd like to try out other sheet masks before I come back to these.
Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara
Dayum, I'm pretty sure I used every last drop of this! It works well and does the job at a very low price. The packaging is super shoddy though, the spoolie broke off and the lid died a bit. Regardless, it was obviously still useable, albeit a little gross!
Repurchase? Yes - and already have!
I really liked this but when it started to smudge on me and smell a bit funky, I knew it was time to bin it. It contained fibres which made my lashes look longer, and it held a curl like no other! A really lovely mascara!
Repuchase? If I ever have the opportunity again - maybe! Though I will try new ones before returning to this one.
Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara
I think I've had this WAY too long and it just needed to be binned. It was still useable though but towards the end I didn't notice it doing too much for my lashes. It was a nice mascara but since my lashes are pretty weak to begin with, it didn't have any extraordinary results.
Repurchase? No.
Products getting the chuck:
The Garnier BB cream is pretty atrocious - little coverage, quite orangey and left me very oily. Should have thrown it out long ago! Clinique lipstick that is sheer and frosty. The Napoleon lip glosses I actually really liked, I got them free a few years ago so they're pretty old now and the packaging was leaky and bad. They were a bit sticky too.
Hope you guys enjoyed this empties post! I feel like I might have a few more products next time (maybe) as I'm nearly finished a few.