Empties #8

It's been a little while since my last empties, and when the empties bin starts overflowing, you know it's time for an update! I have quite a few products to talk through (no makeup though, that shiz is impossible to finish up), so let's get started!

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!

The Lip Product Addict Tag

A few weeks ago I was tagged by the lovely Sheri to do the Lip Product Addict tag. If there's one thing that I know I am, it's a lip product addict! This tag was also created by two of my favourite youtubers - Estee and Amelia - so I really wanted to do it! Keep reading for my answers...

1. Favourite balm/treatment?

My favourite lip balm at the moment is probably the Nivea Lip Butter, this one is in the scent Vanilla & Macadamia which smells delicious. I really like this lip balm, for no particular reason other than I think it's pretty moisturising for every day and it helped out when I had itchy lips. It's not super intense though, so don't expect it to heal extremely chapped lips!

2. Best eye-catching red?

In all honesty, I really don't wear red lipstick often so I don't have many to choose from. One red that I do have that is pretty bright, relatively cool-toned as well is the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturising Balm Stain in the shade Rock n Rouge. It's very pigmented for one of these balm stain types, it has a slight sheen to it and it does stain. Not much more I can say really!

3. Best luxury and best drugstore?

I actually didn't have a clear cut answer for this one, I don't have any crazy, ultimate, absolute favourites from either category, so I just chose two lipsticks that I really like. For drugstore, I chose the L'oreal Nutri-shine lipstick in the shade Pink Nude. The formula is similar to the Revlon Lip Butters, only better in my opinion. The colour is a really pretty nuded peachy-pink. For luxury, I chose the Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in the shade Soft Amethyst. The formula of this lipstick is really nice - it's super pigmented, but quite moisturising and sits very comfortably on the lips. The colour is also beautiful - a super wearable purple. 

4. Best MAC lipstick?

I only have four to choose from, but I'd have to say the definite winner is MAC Morange. It's a beautiful striking red-toned orange, that is super wearable. It's bold and bright, with an amplified formula, so it is very pigmented yet not drying at all.

5. The most disappointing?

I'm going to steal Sheri's answer here, but hands down, Face of Australia Lip Quench lipstick in the shade Lychee Crush. Firstly, the colour is horrendous on my skintone. This shade was getting RAVES, and it swatched as a really pretty pale peachy-pink nude but on the lips, it made me look dead and washed out. Also, the formula is terrible. It's too creamy that it slips and slides and settles into lines and it smells terrible. The reason it looks like I've used my whole tube is because I tried to redeem it as a cream blush. It worked for a while, but it didn't last well on my cheeks. My second disappointing product is actually the Rimmel Apocalips. My review of these was probably a bit lenient but I had a bad burger-eating experience with the shade Stellar. Whilst eating it somehow got all over my face, like chin, teeth, burger - it was a mess. This was a good few hours after application too. These don't set down and stay sitting on top of the lips - easily transferable.

6. Liner - yes or no?

I'm gonna go with a straight no on this one. I just can't be bothered! I'd only ever use liner if I had a special occasion - wanted my lip to last extra long, etc, etc you know the gist. But I've really only used a liner once or twice! I do have a few of the Essence Lip Liners which I do really like - they're creamy and you could even use them on their own.

7. Best gloss?

I could have answered this with a few different products, but chose to stick to the NYX Butter Gloss of which I have in the shade Peaches and Cream. This gloss is so lovely! It feels balmy on the lips - a slight thickness but nothing sticky. Amazing pigmentation, smoothing gloss and delicious scent. What more could you ask for?

8. And something extra!

I decided to chuck in the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets, I acquired these recently and have been loving them. They are matte lip creams but don't dry like paint on the lips. They're matte but not at all drying, with a soft feel and staining effect, making them extremely long wearing. They do still transfer a little though. I have them in the shades Peach Club and Frambourjois.

L-R: Rock n Rouge, Soft Amethyst, Pink Nude, Morange, Lychee Crush, Celestial, Stellar

L-R: Peaches and Cream, Satin Mauve, Cute Pink, In the Nude, Frambourjois, Peach Club

I hope you guys enjoyed reading my answers! I tag: Vanessa (though I don't peg you as a lip product addict, yolo imma tag you anyways), Cherie, Jen, Miss Louise, Yige, Candice, Monica & Linny and anyone else who would like to do it!

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.

The Lipstick Tag

I was recently tagged by Cherie from Cherry Picking, and Monica & Lin from Twoplicates to do the Lipstick tag. Lipstick is probably my second favourite makeup item next to blush, so when I saw this tag floating around I was very eager to do it, so thank you girls for tagging me!

Fun Fact (courtesy of my friend Tam!): In Medieval Europe, lipstick was banned by the church and was thought to be used as an 'incarnation of Satan'. Scandalous!

1. How many lipsticks do you own?

I was actually a bit afraid to count, but it's not terribly bad - about medium compared to other bloggers' tags I've read. I own 37 lipsticks and my total lip product number comes to 69 (excluding clear lip balms). Considering I only wear about three on any sort of a daily basis, it's definitely too much! Also especially in comparison to other 'normal' girls my age who probably don't even own any lipsticks! I will say though that a lot (basically the whole third row was from my Mum) were handed down, gifted or won in a giveaway so technically I haven't spent too much money on them! I would love to wear all my lipsticks, all the time but considering I'm still in school it's not really possible :S

2. What was the first lipstick you owned?

Apart from my huge Lip Smackers collection that I had when I was little, and the various lip balms along the way, my first lipstick was a hand me down from a GWP from my Mum. She only wears one shade of lipstick (dark red), so any other shade gathered in her drawers until I snatched them up! The first I really loved and started wearing from that bunch was Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Venetian Rose.

3. What is your favourite lipstick brand?

To be honest, I don't think I really have one, but if I had to choose it would probably be MAC. Just because, they have a huge range of colours and finishes where I think there is something for everyone.

4. What is your most worn lipstick?

Probably Essence All about Cupcake which is a great MLBB, pinky-nude shade that is slightly sheer, slightly glossy and very cheap!

5. What is your favourite finish?

Something slightly sheer (but still with medium pigment) with a lightweight and creamy texture that is slightly moisturising. Something like the L'oreal Nutri-Shine lipsticks or MAC Cremesheens.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?

The last lipstick I bought was from my last haul, the Clarins Rouge Hydra Nude lipstick in the shade 04 Nude Caramel. I picked this up on a whim when I saw it for only $10. I have a review of it up here, but the formula is quite similar to the finish mentioned above, and the shade is a lovely peachy-brown-nude.

7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?

Well, considering I don't carry a handbag with me everyday, I can't really answer this question. I do, however, keep my Nivea Lip Butter in my pencil case at school. When I go out, I usually only take my lip balm and the product I'm wearing that day. I'm pretty good with clearing out my bag after - mostly because I'm so anal with my makeup collection, it all has to stay in the one place!

8. What is your favourite red lip colour?

To be honest, I don't wear red lipsticks very often but in my collection, my favourite has to be Napoleon Perdis Devine Goddess lipstick in shade Aphrodite. It's slightly lighter than it looks in the bullet (it's more like the shade you see in the bottom of the tube), but it's an amazing, bold blue-toned red that looks dayum stunning on. The formula is also super pigmented, but still creamy and long wearing.

9. How do you store your lipsticks?

I store my lipsticks in a drawer of my Keji 4 drawer set from Officeworks that is cheap, yet mimics other acrylic makeup storage. They lay flat and I'm really weird about having them 'tessellate' (I'm SUCH a nerd), hence why all the rectangular ones are at the front. As you can see though, the drawer is preeeeetty much full up so I think I'll be buying some sort of lipstick holder soon.

10. Which lipstick(s) are you currently lusting after?

Lots. Of the more high-end spectrum, I've got MAC Crosswires, the YSL Rouge Volupte Shines and the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils on my wishlist (and probably countless others that aren't springing to mind right now). On the more realistic side, I can't wait to get my hands on the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms and the newly reformulated Rimmel Moisture Renew lipsticks.

Gee that tag was pretty fun! I tag Sheri, Vanessa, Yige, Lulu and Nhi if you haven't already done it, and anyone else who would like to!

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

Soap & Glory Night in Shining Armour Night Cream

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.

Natural Instinct Clarifying Toner

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.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

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!

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara

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.

The Standouts of 2013

Hello 2014! I hope you guys all had a happy new year! I cannot believe another year has been and gone, and it will probably take me a while for the fact that we are in 2014 to sink in. Anyways lets live in the past and take a look at my most favoured products from 2013! I haven't covered all categories as I didn't necessarily have a FAVOURITE favourite for every area. Despite that, I still had trouble narrowing things down so you're in store for quite a few products! Also, I haven't touched on tools or skincare, haircare, bodycare or nails. For tools, pretty much all Real Techniques and for skincare, check out my skincare routine posts here, here and here. Reviews have been linked where applicable! Let's jump in!

Face:

• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
• Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream in shade Medium
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in shade Light Beige
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin liquid makeup in shade Natural Beige

I find the Laura Mercier primer generally good at prolonging the wear of foundation and keeping it looking better for longer. My BB cream favourite was hard to choose, but I found myself reaching for the Maybelline a lot. Good colour, coverage and finish. Foundation wise, for a lot of the year the Bourjois was a go-to but I found the shade quite light towards the end of the year. I've used it by mixing with other products and a hefty load of bronzer. Lovely finish on the skin and a nice light-medium buildable coverage. The Neutrogena is pretty much a spot on colour and offers a good medium coverage with a very natural skin like finish. Not too dewy or too matte.

Cheeks:

• Models Prefer Desk to Date
• The Balm Instain Blush in Toile
• Essence Silky Touch blush in Natural Beauty
• Sleek Contour Kit in Light
• Jane Iredale Bronzing Powder in So-Bronze 1
• The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer

I am a self-professed blush junkie but these three were probably my most worn. I like Desk to Date for an easy, goes-with-everything light peachy pink, Toile for something slightly brighter but still natural and Natural Beauty for a bit of a 'nothingy' cheek - it's the perfect blend of a blush, bronzer and highlighter in one. For contouring my main favourite has been the Sleek (mainly just the contour shade), a nice brown that isn't hard to work with and creates a natural looking shadow. For bronzing all over the face, Jane Iredale has been my pick. A nice warm brown that is only slightly darker than my skintone and gives warmth and colour to the face. Highlighter fave is hands down Mary Lou-Manizer. It provides an amazing champagne-golden glow which I love.

Eyes:

• Essence I love Stage Eyeshadow Base
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in shade Halo
• Maybelline Color Tattoo in shade Bad to the Bronze
• MAC eyshadow in shade All that Glitters
• Essence Gel Eyeliner in shade BBC All Night Brown
• Napoleon Perdis Ultimate Nude Palette
• Lorac Pro Palette, particularly shades Taupe, Espresso, Gold, Lt. Bronze and Pewter
• Dolly Wink Eyebrow Powder in shade Dark Chocolate

The sadly discontinued Essence eye primer has been my most used and loved this year. My two favourite cream shadows were from Estee Lauder and Maybelline. Bad to the Bronze made the perfect single shadow eye look while Halo was both a great base and all over lid shade. All that Glitters was definitely a favourite - I love the pinky-beige metallic colour! Also discontinued is the Essence Gel Liner which I used quite often for both a winged liner and smudged on the lower lashline. The deep bronzy brown made for a perfect casual liner look. The Napoleon palette is filled with matte shades which I used both on their own or to accompany other eyeshadows. Also filled with mattes is the Pro Palette which contains a bevy of shades to create a multitude of looks! Also some of the best formulas were found in this palette. Pretty much the only thing to grace my eyebrows was the Dolly Wink powder - perfect shade for my black hair!

Lips:

• Essence lipstick in shade All about Cupcake
• L'oreal Nutri-shine balm in shade Nudy Coral
• Estee Lauder Signature Hydralustre Lipstick in Venetian Rose
• L'oreal Nutri-shine Lipstick in shade Pink Nude
• Estee Lauder Signature Hydralustre Lipstick in Soft Amethyst
• NYX Butter Gloss in shade Peaches and Cream
• Witchery Lip Gloss Wand in shade Blossom
• Nivea Lip Butter

All about Cupcake and Nudy Coral were probably my most worn lipsticks of the year. All about Cupcake being the perfect my-lips-but-better (and more pink) and Nudy Coral being a lovely tinted lip balm with the tiniest hint of colour. Venetian Rose is sadly discontinued but is probably the best peachy nude I've come across so far. It's not really nude but it's really the perfect neutral peach for my skin tone! Pink Nude is just a beautiful colour. It's got hints of pink and peach, with a neutral tone - lurve it! For the wearable purply-plum lip, my fave has to be Soft Amethyst. Lovely formula and really flattering! It's purple without being PURPLE. The NYX gloss has a lovely texture and the colour is just really lovely. The Witchery gloss however, is the lipgloss that got me liking lipglosses. Probably my favourite lipgloss formula yet (though the NYX is rivaling it) - thin, non-sticky and pigmented. The Nivea lip balm has definitely been my fave. My lips have been very fussy and lip balms that I used to love seemed to irritate my lips. The Lip Butter saved my lips and has been pretty much the only balm I've used since!

Fragrance:

• Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Camellia

This scent has definitely been my most used. It's light, summery and really nice for every day wear.

So that concludes my beauty favourites for the year that was! I will be doing a part two concerning more 'entertainment' favourites I guess you could call them, including favourite TV shows, books, movies and other varying ways to procrastinate.

What have been your favourite products of 2013?

Monthly Favourites | October 2013

Happy Halloween! The inevitable end of the month favourites are upon us again! We truly are nearing the end of the year which is both shocking and fear-inducing for me! I have my end of year exams soon, and then a very nice eight week holiday. But then, I will begin my final year of high school! I'm more scared than excited haha, I am not ready to face the real world! In terms of favourites this month, I actually struggled a little to gather items as I've been using much the same products as featured in previous monthly favourites. There have been a few standouts this month though!

My skincare favourite of the month has been the Garnier Anti-Dark Spot Renovator Night serum treatment. I've been using this for over a month now and a full review will be up soon! This serum contains 4% glycolic acid along with vitamin c to help exfoliate and brighten the skin. I haven't noticed any drastic improvement in my acne scars, but I do feel that my skin's texture is smoother and my scars slightly lighter.

A tool I've been loving again particularly is my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers. These get their fair share of rave reviews and I gotta say they deserve them! They curl my short, asian-straight lashes super well and makes them look quite nice (considering how meagre they are)! 

I haven't been wearing eyeshadow a ton, but if I want to slap on a little bit of product, I've been reaching for the Maybelline Colour Tattoo metal in the shade Inked in Pink. It's a gorgeous sort of icy, silvery but also warm pink, that complements my skintone well and is a great no fuss eye shade!

Another product I featured way back in January is the Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder which I have in the shade Darkest Brown (really not a very dark brown at all...). Since I've been going the BB cream route pretty much daily this month, throwing this on to set everything adds a bit more coverage. It's a super soft powder that applies really well to the skin. It doesn't leave a cakey residue and keeps me matte-ish for a decent part of the day.

My favourite product out of the bunch this month has definitely been the The Balm Instain Blush in the shade Toile. I'll have a full review up on this one soon too but WOW! I had pretty high expectations for this product and it has certainly lived up to them! The shade is utterly gorgeous, a deeper peachy-pink with a hint of rose that actually looks extremely natural on me and has an amazing staying power to boot.

I have been using the Nivea In-shower Body Lotion quite a bit this month and I really like it. However, I was unsure about purchasing it (but did to qualify for a voucher) because I don't really need it. It's not that I'm too lazy to apply moisturiser, more that I just forget to. This is nice to have and use, and leaves my skin feeling quite soft, but it doesn't actually penetrate the skin to provide any intense moisture. It's sort of a superfluous product which I enjoy using but probably wouldn't repurchase.

I have been really enjoying the Clear Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner. These are the minis but I did purchase the full sizes. I find these clean my hair really well but don't leave it feeling dry or stripped. The conditioner is so nice - my hair feels amazingly soft and silky after using it! They also smell nice too, nothing to crazy, just nice hair product-y smell.

I've been using the Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge to wash my brushes all month and it has been doing a stellar job. It cleans them AMAZINGLY, getting out all of the stains that foundation and concealer would usually leave, making them looks good as new. Awesome for the price!

Oh my gosh, you guys - this book. This book. I think I may have discovered my favourite book of all time!!! It is Divergent by Veronica Roth. It is absolutely amazing and captivating, so well written, awesome characters and romance and just ughhh amazingness crammed into 500 pages. This had me hooked from the first line and I probably would have read it in one sitting if I hadn't had a Chemistry EEI due. If you haven't read this yet, DO IT. It's sort of (ish) similar to the Hunger Games - set in a futuristic, dystopian messed up world and written similarly (first person, present tense). So, if you liked that, you'll probably like this. I'm almost finished Insurgent (the sequel) and Allegiant (the final book) came out last week! There's also a movie coming out next year which I am SO excited for. Let's hope it's a better book-to-movie project that The Mortal Instruments (PLEASE). 

The blurb, to titillate your senses...

So those were my monthly favourites. I'm also going to see Thor: The Dark World tomorrow which I am unbelievably excited for! I've been waiting for so long and cannot even contain myself! My expectations are pretty high so I hope it doesn't disappoint! I'm a huge Marvel fan and an even huger Hiddlestoner (Tom Hiddleston fan) haha.

What have you guys been loving this month, any plans for Halloween?