Empties #11

It's been a hot minute since my last empties! I try to get one of these up every quarter, but sometimes I just forget or keep putting it off until I finish a certain product because I'm sooo close. Anyway, this is the loot that I've come up with this time around!

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) :).

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.

Origins Clear Improvement facial mask

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.

The Jojoba Company 100% Natural Australian Jojoba*

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.

People for Plants Kakadu Plum, Calendula, Chamomile Eye Cream*

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.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

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!

Vanessa Megan Peruvian Flower Hand Cream*

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.

Troye Sivan TRXYE

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.

Banks

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.

Estee and Aslan's Nordic Vlogs!

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

Skincare Routine | The Extras

Today I have the final installment of my little skincare 'series'. I have also posted my Morning routine and Nighttime routine. In this post I will be talking about all the little extra products that I don't necessarily use daily, but are vital in my skincare routine!

First up is makeup removal!

I don't wear makeup everyday and depending on how heavy my makeup is will determine what product I use. Sometimes my cleanser is enough if I'm wearing light makeup.

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Solution

Here is everyone's favourite makeup remover! While I really like this product - it removes makeup whilst feeling just like water - it's very expensive. Also, it doesn't remove waterproof mascara or eyeliner well. I find it most effective for face makeup as it doesn't leave my face feeling dry. I have a full review here.

Beauty Care Co Green Tea Facial Wipes

Facial wipes are not wholly recommended in the beauty community which I agree with, to a point. I don't recommend using solely these to 'wash' your face, but I use them to remove my makeup before going in with a proper cleanser. These are very cheap ($2 for 30) but I also find them quite effective. Bearing in mind I haven't tried any of the more upmarket kinds (let's be real, I would never pay $7 for wipes), I find these wipes to be rather soft but a little on the dry side. They still remove makeup as well as the bioderma (not waterproof mascara).

I actually forgot to photograph what I use for waterproof eye makeup but in my last favourites I mentioned olive oil which has been surprisingly effective. It does leave an oily residue but this can be somewhat decreased by diluting it with water.

I've also been trying out the Hada Labo Cleansing Oil, so far so good! I'll have a full review up soon.

Garnier Pure 3in1 Wash + Scrub + Mask

I use a manual scrub for my face about twice a week. I find that this is a really nice consistency. It is still rather gentle and has sort of a paste consistency. It's like a cream filled with granules that aren't too small or too large but really feel like they are polishing away dead skin cells. My skin does look and feel better after use, and with the inclusion of salicylic acid I find it helps with acne. It's also effective as a mask.

I've already done a post of the clarifying masks I like to use which is here so I won't bore you with the nitty gritty. I like to use a clarifying mask twice a week to really cleanse my face and get rid of a week's worth of yucky. I also like to use them the night before any special ish event as they help my skin look much better! While my favourite is the Origins Clear Improvement (review here), I have grown more fond of the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.

Origins Drink Up Intensive

I don't use this mask on any sort of regular basis but I use it whenever my skin is feeling particularly dry or needing a bit of a pamper or boost. It's essentially and uber moisturising cream which they call an overnight mask. I wake up with my skin looking plump and hydrated! I don't own the full size (this little tub is courtesy to Cherie - thank you!) but one day definitely do intend to purchase!

So that's pretty much everything you need to know about my skincare routine! I'm very happy with it currently but my new found obsession with skincare has resulted in an extremely long wishlist.

What are your favourite skincare products?

Empties #2

Hey guys! Today I have another empties post as it has been about 3 months since my last one! I finished up a few products but I also culled a few makeup items from my collection! Let's get into it!

Hair and body first!

Salon Professional Repair Mask:

This was a small size hair mask which I used up. I quite liked this and it claimed to repair the hair, etc. but you can't really tell if it does can you? I found that it was only slightly more moisturising than my conditioner so I didn't find it particularly great as a mask. As expected though, it left my hair feeling soft and nourished.

Repurchase? No, there are better hair masks out there.

Organic Everescents Organic Bergamot Conditioner:

I finished up a travel size (100mL) of this conditioner for normal/dry hair. I really like this brand as it is totally organic, no sulphates, etc however I did not really like this product. I found that it didn't really do anything for my hair - it sort of just went on then rinsed out, without providing any moisture. I ended up using this to clean my brushes in the end. I have tried the moisturising shampoo and conditioner from this brand which I much prefer!

Repurchase? No

Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen:

This actually isn't empty but rather expired (about a year ago too...whoops!). I really enjoyed this sunscreen however I like the Dry Touch one much better (also from Neutrogena). I find this one is slightly more greasy, but not at all bad for wearing under makeup.

Repurchase? No

Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill Body wash:

Another mini body wash, this one also from a gift set I received. I like to alternate between body washes and the Dove beauty bars so I'm mostly trying to use them up! They're all pretty much the same to me, and the scent wasn't bad but I got pretty bored with it.

Repurchase? Nope, already moved on to other body washes!

Some skincare - yay!

Garnier Dark Spot corrector:

I've already got a review up here so I won't talk too much about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this product and loved it as a morning time moisturiser. I found it actually really did help with my acne scarring in lightening it, however it did not totally diminish them. 

Repurchase? I already have!

Origins Super Spot Remover:

I also have a review on this here. I found this a little bit underwhelming probably due to the fact that it was very raved about. It wasn't a bad spot treatment by any means, but I found it didn't clear up spots that quickly, and they still left scars.

Repurchase? Not at the moment, I wouldn't rule it out, but I definitely want to try others first.

Clinique All about eyes eye cream:

Another sample size, however this one lasted legit AGES. I swear, eye cream samples are, like, a full size product in themselves. I found this moisturising and if I put it on on a late night or before an early morning (pretty much if I'm not going to get much sleep) it helped prevent the puffy eyes I tend to get. I don't have problems with dark circles so I can't comment on that.

Repurchase? I've actually got another of these waiting in the wings, but I probably wouldn't purchase it - it's expensive and I like trying new things!

The next three products I spoke about in my Little Luxuries post so I won't ramble too much!

Clinique Moisture surge intense:

Lovely moisturiser! Very light on the skin, but intensely moisturising!

Repurchase? I would consider in the future, however I've got another night cream I'm using now.

SKII Cellumination Essence and Whitening Source Derm Brightener:

Honestly, I didn't notice anything drastic with these products. They are only sample sizes so they didn't have a lot of opportunity to work wonders. I noticed maybe, a slight, brightening effect with the Cellumination Essence, but not much. I'm actually using another of the Cellumination Essence, so we'll see how it goes!

Repurchase? No, they are very expensive and I wasn't impressed with the samples.

Maybelline Baby lips in Mango Pie:

I've finished about five tubes of this stuff (different flavours) and I used to be infatuated! However, I've come to quite dislike the formula. It is quite cream-y as opposed to a gel or a balm and inexplicably it feels weird on my lips, coupled with the scent and taste of the product. Not a bad lip balm at all and I like the inclusion of SPF 15 however I feel I have out grown these!

Repurchase? Maybe in the future, but probably only the menthol flavour as that was my favourite.

Estee Lauder More Than Mascara:

I do believe that this has been discontinued but this was my favourite mascara at one point. I loved the very natural, fluttery lash look it gave me with no clumps in sight! It didn't flake or smudge on me and I absolutely love the wand. I do think that this has a nourishing formula for the lashes? I actually did notice that my baby lashes grew quicker with this (maybe it's my imagination?).

Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer:

This was a smaller size and I enjoyed using it. I found it quite long wearing however it did accentuate dry patches as it wore. It was suitable under the eyes and on blemishes, however like I said it did cling to dry skin.

Repurchase? No, there are many other concealers I would like to try!

I wouldn't typically include sachet samples but I thought I would share my thoughts on these.

Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu brightening serum:

This 2mL sample lasted me quite a little while though and I have to say I quite liked this! It smelled of oranges which was very enjoyable. I didn't love that it left my face feeling sticky though. In terms of brightening, suprisingly I think it did help miniscule-ly in fading dark spots. 

Purchase? Probably not, at least not until I get my hands on a few more samples.

Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator:

I had two of these so I have a resigned opinion on them. I was very excited to use these as they contain AHAs (exfoliating acids) which I've wanted to try for a while, however these sort of did nothing for me. I didn't feel any sensation that indicated that they were working, and my skin texture nor appearance improved after use. Humph.

Purchase? No

The stuff I'm clearing out are pretty much a bunch of lipglosses and a mascara. The mascara is the Maybelline Sky High Curves which has long since been discontinued. It left my lashes a clumpy mess with little length, volume or curl. The lipglosses are mostly sticky and yuk (Model Co and Lancome Juicy Tube minis) or old and yuk (Designer brands). The Designer Brands ones actually weren't that sticky but I've had them for long enough, and the shades are too sparkly for my liking.

WHEW. That was a long ass empties post. If you made it to the end CONGRATS. I realise I wouldn't repurchase the majority of these products which is sad, but I absolutely love trying new things and hardly bog myself down to one product and a lot of these didn't work too well for me, and I feel there are better ones out there yet to be tried! And so, we wait for the next empties to roll around...

Masquerade Parade

Hello! Today I have a post to showcase all of my purifying masks. They are all clay-based and I have one higher end, and a couple cheaper ones. I thought I would compare them and share my thoughts on each of them individually!

The three clarifying face masks in my collection are Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, Origins Clear Improvement and Garnier Pure 3in1. All three are mainly clay-based, kaolin clay to be exact, which is well known for its ability to draw impurities like dirt, dead skin cells, residue and other toxins from the skin without stripping the skin of its moisture. I find these sorts of masks are absolutely amazing for detoxifying the skin. I use a purifying mask at least twice a week to help rid my skin of any makeup buildup as well as other nasties that may have taken up residence. All three also help with reducing oil as well! I believe all skin types can benefit from using these sorts of face masks as thoroughly clean skin leads to clear skin!

I have a full review on the Origins Clear Improvement mask here so I won't dwell on it for too long. This is definitely my favourite of the three, whilst also being the most expensive. I find that it cleans the skin extremely well and does indeed draw out all impurities. Not only am I left with much cleaner and fresher feeling skin, but it also looks calmed with reduced redness and a brighter look in general. 

The Garnier Pure 3in1 is actually, as the name suggests, a three in one product. It can be used as a face wash, scrub and mask. I personally only use it as a scrub and a mask. I feel that the texture is too gritty and abrasive to be used as a regular wash, but works really well as a scrub. Often, while in the shower, I scrub my face with this and leave it on for a little bit then wash it off. Afterwards my skin feels clean and softer after use as a scrub, and I feel it helps with acne with the inclusion of salicylic acid. Like I said, this has a grit to it, but isn't too harsh (assuming that your aren't physically scrubbing the heck out of your face). There are a lot of beads (they pretty much make up the whole paste) in a creamy base. The benefit of this as a mask is that it only needs to be left on for 3-5 minutes, perfect for if you need a quick fix or mid-week pick me up. I feel that the results produced are similar to the Origins but to a lesser scale as it's used for a shorter amount of time. But I feel it gives clean skin, reduced redness and a brighter complexion.

The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is very popular in the beauty community. It is praised for being very helpful with acne and the fact that it is so incredibly cheap, the cheapest I own but coming with the most product. It strongly smells, looks and tastes (I kid, I haven't eaten it) like toothpaste. It has almost a heavy mousse like texture, that is really easy to spread over the skin. I think though, that I may have had much too high expectations for this product as it left me a little disappointed. That and I only started using this after becoming well acquainted with the Origins, which blew me away. I feel that if this were the first mask I tried, I would have loved it. However, it is nowhere as near as good as the Origins, or even the Garnier, in my opinion. After use, my skin does feel clean and my acne feels slightly better, but I didn't see anything drastic from it. It doesn't give me the multiple benefits I get from the others. It's by no means a bad product, it works perfectly average for me, and considering I only paid about $4 for it, I think it's a really good budget buy.

Garnier, Origins, Queen Helene

So in my particular experience, you get what you pay for. The Origins comes in at $34 as my favourite, the Garnier is around $12 (though constantly on sale) as my second fave - also because I really like it as a scrub, and the Queen Helene, my least favourite at only $4 from iHerb.com. I do use the Queen Helene very regularly though, about once a week on Mondays, and the Origins on Fridays. I think this little treatment routine has vastly helped with the state of my skin!

I think next on my list is the Aesop Parsley seed mask! 

What is your favourite clarifying mask? Any recommendations?

Monthly Favourites | July 2013

Wow guys - over halfway through the year! I have a few favourites to share for the month sooo here we go!

First up some skincare bits:

I have been in love with the Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth cleanser this month! I reviewed it in full here so I won't go crazily into detail. I love that this pretty much gets everything off of my face and it leaves my skin feeling really nice and softly moisturised. I also think that this has improved my skin quite a bit!

To help with Winter dry skin blues I've been using the Origins Drink Up Intensive moisture mask on a weekly basis. This is a very talked about product which is an overnight treatment that provides and replenishes the moisture in the skin. I wake up the next morning with soft, supple and moisturised skin. I only have a sample but thanks to Cherie who kindly decanted some of hers for me, I don't think I'll need to purchase the full size for a while.

This month my lips have been SO dry, more so my lip line and the skin around my lips. It has been dry, flaky and super itchy - gross, sorry. Oddly enough I don't have an unexpired tube or tub of Lucas Paw Paw ointment hanging around so the only lip balm that has been soothing my lips relatively well has been the MOR Lip Macaron in Passionflower. Its not a super intense lip balm but it does provide good moisturisation to the lips and I use it regularly every night regardless of how dry my lips are.

For the face I've been reaching for my Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette (review here) which is a good standby. It's not my favourite concealer formula - tending to cling a bit to dry, flaky skin and accentuating it throughout the day. However, the shades are easy to match to my skin (I do use the corrector quite a bit too) and it is pigmented and long lasting.

I have been using the Jane Iredale Bronzing Powder in the shade So Bronze 1. I'm really not a bronzer person, I don't ultimately have the desire to look tan all the time and tend to only use them for contouring. However my sister gave me this one which is satin at its base and has some golden shimmer particles. It isn't overly shimmery but more so individual particles. The colour is a warm light brown (not dark enough and too warm for contouring). So - I've been using it for its purpose! When I have a slightly lighter foundation, or when I look washed out, I sweep this over my lower cheeks, around the forehead, temples and neck. It warms up my skin and gives some dimension to my face. 

For blush I have pretty much been using this one exclusively for the whole month. It is the Models Prefer blush in the shade Desk to Date which I've featured here. It is really the perfect everyday peachy pink that gives a natural and warm glow to the face.

For eyes I've been wearing the Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on shadow paint in the shade Halo whenever I wear eyeshadow. It is a beautiful beigey champagne cream shadow with a slight pearlescent/shimmery finish. It is so creamy and actually acts as an efficient primer preventing creasing, etc (unlike the Maybelline Color Tattoos). I'll have a full review up too but I really do love this!

Also on the eyes I've been using the Rimmel Scandaleyes waterproof kohl kajal in Black. This is a super pigmented, creamy pencil with great lasting power. I've been using this in my tightline and although it does smudge down only the lower lashline a bit, it's not as bad as others and it doesn't fade despite the smudging. It great on the lashlines too!

As I mentioned, my lips have been super dry so lipstick hasn't been a front runner this month. I've been using these MAC cremesheen glasses quite a bit. I talked about their formula a bit and have swatches here. I like Color Saturation for a bit of a bolder berry lip and Going Casual for a more natural pinky lip. They are a little bit moisturising, rather long lasting and comfortable on the lips.

What were your guys' faves this month!

A Clear Improvement

Hello! Today I have a review of the Origins Clear Improvement face mask. Recently my skin has been freaking out from the stress and late nights due to assignments and exams - which still aren't over yet! Holidays, come quick! This mask has really been helping out my skin and it's about time I did a post on it.

This clay-based clarifying mask has a number of ingredients to help clear out those pores! "Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental toxins, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that 'stuff' down there, skin 'breathes a sigh of relief'"

My skin certainly does 'breathe a sigh of relief' after using this mask!

This mask has quite a thick, almost sticky, consistency but is relatively easy to spread over the face. Lately I have been using this once a week and it sure does clear out any trace of dirt, oil and makeup that may have accumulated. I use it quite sparingly, taking it over the face in a relatively thin layer but building it up a bit in specific problem areas. I then leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with a warm washcloth. It is quite an interesting sensation once the clay has dried - any facial movement will cause cracks to appear, haha. I also look very much like I've been working in the coal mines all day.

After using this mask, I notice immediate results! My skin feels squeaky clean - without the squeak.  This mask is best suited to oilier skin types (I have combo) as it does leave the skin on the dry side, but not tight or uncomfortable. I find following up with a good moisturiser sets me up pretty well. After use, the skin appears brighter and the texture is smoother and softer. Where I feel this mask helps the most is if I have any breakouts. The redness is reduced and they are less irritated and any pain is reduced. I find the morning after, my skin looks a whole lot better in regards to any large, under-the-skin pimples. Their size is reduced and the mask helps them get on their way out. For whiteheads, I find the mask helps bring them to the surface (so yes they will be more noticeable) but once they come up they recede rather quickly, as opposed to lingering for longer than they should. As it helps clean out the pores, it will aid in preventing any future pimples. Granted, whilst I have been super stressed (the chocolate I've been eating hasn't helped either...) pimples are popping up like crazy, but I find this mask really helps calm the skin.

While this mask is not cheap at $34 for 100mL, I really have been enjoying it and it's definitely worth the money. It's the best clarifying mask I've tried that also delivers other benefits. I also don't see myself running out of this anytime soon either!

Have you tried the Origins Clear Improvement mask? What is your favourite clarifying mask?

Collective Haul | Birthday and Bits & Bobs

Howdy! So on Saturday, it was my birthday! I thought I would do a bit of a haul on the things I bought with my birthday money. I also bought a few other things that I didn't necessarily use my bday money for, but were essentials! That's my excuse anyway...haha.

So, I've pretty much gotten all of what was on my first wishlist (all the things I really wanted at least) and the thing I was most excited about were the Real Techniques brushes!!! It was actually perfect when iHerb had their 20% off sale on the brushes, which made them even cheaper (along with a discount code)!! In my opinion that is a totally awesome bargain, keeping in mind iHerb sells the brushes at American RRP where Priceline sells them for more than double that! 

I bought the;

Core Collection (includes the Buffing Brush!) for $14.39 (full price $18).

Starter Set for $14.39 (full price $18)

Stippling Brush for $7.99 (full price $9.99)

Blush brush for $7.19 (full price $8.99)

I also picked up the Queen Helen Mint Julep Masque for $3.84, which is crazy cheap for the amount you get. I've heard really good things about this.

So with a $10 off code, it all came to a mere $41.80. Crazy!

You can use my discount code TKZ374 (First orders only) for $5 off or $10 off if you spend more than $40.

Kmart is quickly becoming my favourite store (lol, but seriously.) as lately it has been having really good sales and their stuff is so cheap. Across the board; clothes, shoes, candles, other essential shiz. CHEAP.

Anyway, I picked up three of the Face of Australia Glitterati polishes as they were having $4 off FOA, these worked out to be 75c (like I said, CHEAP)! I got Studio 54, Dancing Queen and Lookin' for some hot stuff. Sadly these were the only shades in stock, I'm still looking out for the milky ones!

I bought the Beauty Care Co Makeup remover pads and green tea facial wipes. Both were $2 each. Firstly, how cheap is that! You get 200 pads for $2! I usually get the Woolies ones (80 pack for $3) but no more!

Kmart also had a sale on some lippies for $5 each. I picked up the Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in the shade Salsa.

One more thing that I picked up from Priceline, the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Camellia Perfume. It was $15 for 100mL, pretty cheap. A spur of the moment purchase, but I really like the scent!

I went to Daiso which recently opened up in the Myer Centre, Queen St Mall. I was super excited as I've already been to one in Hong Kong and I had a blast! Everything was $2.80. I didn't go crazy at all and definitely could've bought more. Sadly though the Makeup Sponge detergent was sold out which is what I really wanted. They literally have everything, sweets, drinks, storage pieces, crockery and some cosmetics and skincare, and MOAR.

I picked up a sheet mask because I've really wanted to try one! I got the Collagen one (not that I really need it) but I'm hoping it will provide some moisture to my skin. My friend who was with me bought the Q10 one so we swapped so we could try both (you get 3 in a pack)!

More skincare bits:

I managed to buy the Origins Clear Improvement mask which was on my wishlist for $34 from Kit Cosmetics. I also grabbed a sample of the Drink Up Intensive mask (to which the SA was quite sour about...). Sadly at both Kit and Mecca, they didn't have the Soap & Glory cleanser that I wanted. Hurmph, I'll have to go online then.

Another thing to cross off my wishlist is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo which I'm super excited to get using! I bought mine from Terry White Chemists for $25.95. Not every store stocks LRP so you can find a local stockist here.

Lastly is a freebie which arrived just in time for my birthday! You can get this little Neutrogena sample pack for free as they are celebrating 50 years. As at the writing of this post, it is still available here. Simply follow the gift app directions and you'll be on your way!

So those were my self-gifted gifts for my self, haha. I also did get some other things from my sisters (Blackmilk leggings!) but I seriously need to go on a spending ban now!

Monthly Favourites | April 2013

Hey guys, it's time for my April Favourites! I am just baffled that we are already almost halfway through the year - where did it go?! Anyways, these are the products I've been using throughout the month.

For the makeup bits:

For base, I've been absolutely loving the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation. I picked this up off of Ozsale and have been using it for the past 2-3 weeks. I just love the finish, texture and coverage of this product! It's a dream to blend and looks so natural on the skin. I'll have a full review up soon though!

For blush, I've been using the Essence Home Sweet Home blush in the shade 02 Wool-d you cuddle me which I have a review on here. It's a really pretty peachy-pink shade that looks really nice and natural on the cheeks and imparts a beautiful glow. I find it also lasts a really long time too!

On my lips has been the L'oreal Nutri-Shine lipstick in the shade Pink Nude which I have a review on here. Awesome, super flattering peach-pink-nude shade. Love.

For mascara I've been using the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus which was actually in my January Favourites also (review here), while I've been using it throughout the months between, I've just been gravitating towards it a lot this month. It keeps my curl and looks wonderfully natural which is just my cup of tea!

Eyeshadow wise, gotta give it to the Maybelline Color Tattoo in the shade Bad to the Bronze which I've also reviewed here. I don't often wear eyeshadow day to day, on weekends if I want to though, this has generally been my pick! So easy to slick on, beautiful shade to boot! Though it does crease on me, so a primer is needed underneath.

For some sort of 'skincare' bits:

As the aforementioned mascara is waterproof, to remove it I love Lancome Bi-Facil. This is an awesome eye makeup remover that removes waterproof mascara really easily, I just soak a cotton pad and hold in over for 30 seconds, wipe it away a couple times and ta-da! I only have a mini and probably won't purchase as it is quite exxy, but a lovely product!

Lately, I've been really getting into face masks and absolutely adore what they do for my skin. This month I've been loving the Origins Clear Improvement mask which is a white clay and active charcoal mask that really cleans out those pores. It makes my skin feel super clean and fresh and helps bring acne to the surface, and I've found it's helped with it in general. I've used this sample size 3 times and am itching to pick up the full size!

I've been using the Trilogy Rosehip Oil for a few months but particularly this month I've been loving it. Especially after face masks, I find it really helps inject some moisture back into my skin and brightens and smooths a bit too. I just use 2-3 drops and press it into my face and it works a treat!

So those were my favourites, some old and some new!

What have been you guys' faves this month?

Spotty Superhero

Today I have a skincare review of the Origins Super Spot Remover. This has received many good reviews, though some bad as well. I had just ran out of my other spot treatment, so I decided to give this one a go.

It's packaged in a little squeezable blue bottle which holds 10mL. It is easy to dispense the right amount of product and it has a screw top lid.

It's a gel consistency with quite a strong smell. It's key ingredients are salicylic acid and witch hazel. It also has clove bud oil to fade spots but I did not find that it really helped with fading scars. I use this twice daily, at night and in the morning. In terms of actually 'removing' pimples, it doesn't really remove them overnight by any means. I find different results depending on what sort of blemish I use it on. For larger, under the skin pimples I find it doesn't really help too much. It still takes about a week for them to calm down, but they still leave a mark. I find it does help bring them to head though (bring them to the skin's surface). For whiteheads, again I get different results. For really small whiteheads, I find they're gone after about one-two days. For larger whiteheads it takes a bit longer, anywhere between three days to a week. 

When I first used it, it did sting a bit, but afterward it was okay. After exfoliating my skin though, I find it stings quite a bit with a cooling sensation, it tightens up the area and almost makes them a bit itchy. I find this sensation only lasts for a few minutes though and it's definitely bearable.

So, is it worth the money? The price is $19 for only 10mL of product (such a tiny bottle!), though I think this will last me quite a long time. It's definitely better that the last spot treatment I used (Clinique anti-blemish solutions spot treatment gel) but I haven't tried any others so I don't have a lot to compare it to. I do really like it but I'm not sure if I would repurchase, we'll see by the end of the bottle. But, I'm still searching for the perfect, miracle spot treatment! Origins is available from Kit Cosmetics and Mecca Cosmetica/Maxima.

Have you tried the Origins Super Spot Remover?

Collective Haul | February + March 2013

Today I have a collective haul to share that I have been accumulating for around 2 months! I've been buying things here and there so this is what's new!

First up, a few skincare bits:

Yes, the esteemed Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellare Solution. I've been wanting this for a little while and bought a 2 pack from Ebay which I split with my sister. It came to $18 each, which is quite expensive for 250mL of product, in my opinion. I'll have a full review up soon about whether or not I think it's worth it!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for $4 (Full price ~$6) from Chemist Warehouse. A lot of mixed and skeptical reviews on this product!

Garnier Pure 3in1 Wash-Scrub-Mask for $7 from Kmart (Full price ~$12).

Origins Super Spot Remover for $19 from Mecca Maxima.

Sportsgirl Nail polished in Galactic Glamour and Ruby Slippers for $3.40 each (Full price $7.95).

Maybelline Color tattoo in Bad to the Bronze for $6.75 (full price $11.75) from Kmart.

Ulta3 lipsticks in Hot Pink Kisses and Sunkiss me for $3.95 and $2.95 respectively from Terry White Chemist.

Sinful Colors Nail polishes in Pistache and Envy for $4 each from Kmart. I would recommend buying these from Kmart as they are 95c cheaper than Target!

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream for $3.89 (Full price ~$5) from Target.

Essence Lip Liner in Satin Mauve for $1.46 (full price $1.95) from Target.

So those are all my purchases from the past two months! I was actually naughty and bought a couple of things yesterday, but I'll save those for another post!