Like Music to My Ears #12

I hath finished assessment for the semester! Hopefully that means back to semi regular blog posts up on here, but no promises because I'm lazy and disorganised - oops! Let's get back in the groove with a good ol' music post. There have been SO many new albums out lately that I actually had to leave some out from this post (so I could keep it to an even six haha). Perhaps if I'm still liking them by the next post I'll give 'em a mention ;) Anyway - let's dive in!

Like Music to my Ears #11

It's about that time again for me to round up what I've been listening to lately! I actually got Spotify premium at the end of last year, and since then my music listening life has kind of been changed forever! I can actually listen to ALL OF THE music while I'm out and about (and not just the albums I've downloaded onto my phone). Because of that, I've kind of been listening to a bunch of stuff and not really dedicating time to any one album. That being said - here are some of the (mostly new) releases that have stuck out to me!

Like Music to My Ears #10

New music time! It seems I have settled into a bit of a pattern with my music and tv show favourites - every three months I manage to amass a bundle of current faves to share with you guys. Seeing as I posted about my recent TV show binges last week, it seems only natural that my music faves follow soon after! I happen to have a really eclectic mix of genres and artists this time around - if I do say so myself! 

Like Music to My Ears #9

Hello friends! Apologies for my mini break the last couple of weeks - life has been hectic! I was hit with a mountain of assessment due dates a week or so ago which was utterly life consuming, and I've been pretty worn out since then! I'm coming at you with a music post today though, because as mentioned in my last one, SO many new albums have been coming out! It's pretty crazy but awesome how basically every week I have a new album to listen to - since I can get tired of music pretty quickly. That being said, I've been listening to these albums for a good month or so and haven't tired of them yet!

Like Music to My Ears #8

I'm back from my mini holiday! It was really fun and I had a great time in Melbourne! Also, I was more successful at skiing this time around! I did really suck the first day and stacked it a few more times than I should have, but the second day was much better and I actually enjoyed it! I thought it was about due time for a music post though because I don't know about you guys, but when I travel I listen to a lot of music! It was a bit of a road trip to the ski fields! ;) Also, there's been a lot of new music lately, and more new music to come so probably expect another of these in the next month or two. Let's dive in!

Like Music to My Ears #7

It's been a looooong time since my last music post, which is a bit unfortunate really! I tend to like to do these as round ups of albums I've been listening to - I'm the kind of person who listens to whole albums on repeat until I get tired of them - and not a lot of albums have really hooked me in the past six-ish months. That being said, there have been a few really good new releases and some artists I've just discovered! Plus! It's music festival season so I thought y'all might want some recs ;) Lately I've just been really enjoying listening to the Triple J hitlist which is where I tend to keep up to date with new music and discover new peeps!

Like Music to My Ears #6

New albums seem to come in waves don't they? There have been a bunch of new releases from a few of my favourite artists that I've been listening to over the past month or so, so I thought it was definitely time for a music update!

Like Music to My Ears #5

It's about time for a music update post y'all! I haven't been listening to a tonne of new music since my last post, but there have been a few notable releases that I have been obsessing over lately. I thought they were worth a mention and I actually really like doing these posts to somewhat document what music I've been liking throughout the year [like a musical diary basically). Do you guys ever find that if you listen to a particular album on repeat and go back to it later it totally takes you back to that time?? (like scents but music lol). So these posts are my way of logging musical memories? Anywaaaay - now I'm rambling, let's just get into it!

Like Music to My Ears #4

It's time for a long overdue music post! I've been meaning to do an update for a while since I've been listening to a lot of new music! These four artists have been the standouts for me recently though, and have made the commute to uni a little less dreary! 

Like Music to My Ears #3

It's right about that time...assessment time! Meaning...I've been listening to a helluva lotta muzac! Attempts to make studying less dreary ay... It's also been a time of quite a few album releases so there are a bunch of new jamz that I've had on repeat for the past few weeks!

Monthly Favourites // August 2015

Where did August go? Honestly. August was a pretty heckers month (I had my driving test - and passed! Whoop!), but this coming week is going to be crazy too as assessment starts gearing up. Writing this blog post is just another way to "justify" my procrastination... Anyway, let's have a chat about some faves, shall we. I definitely have a mix of new and old favourites (and some music faves)!

Like Music to My Ears #2

It's time for a music update, y'all! Not much has changed since my last "music-y" post, I still really like all of those albums, as well as Andy Bull who I mentioned in a recent favourites post, but there are a few new tunes my ears have been enjoying!

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.

Like Music to my Ears #1

Good music is something I depend on to get through an otherwise extremely boring and tedious day. I'm listening to stuff constantly! While studying, blogging, commuting, even in the shower on occasion! I thought today I would share a few albums (and a podcast!) that I've been jamming out to lately. I don't have any specific taste in genre, I must say it's pretty eclectic; ranging from Pop to Alternative and everything in between (...except for Country probs)! If you couldn't tell, I'm sooort of trying to introduce a few random/non-beauty related posts to the blog! I'm starting off easy with my favourite music and TV shows and I'm not sure what else is in store hehe, though I'm open to suggestions!

Monthly Favourites // September 2014

Yes indeedy, it's the end of September, and that scares me. My university course preferences are officially in - there's no more running from my future (or lack thereof)! Pretty soon I'll be out of high school and forced to face the real world...and I ain't ready. So instead...let's talk favourites ay? I don't have too many this month, mainly because I haven't bought new makeup/stuff in ages (yay me) so I didn't have many new things to try. However, there are a few things here that I haven't mentioned on the blog before!

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
A full review of this is on the way, but as you can see, I've already hit pan on the stuff - say whaaat?! I'll be honest, I do feel like I'm going through this quite quickly, and I don't even use it every night. Most times I do use it, I double cleanse. I really like it and I guess you could say it's my first foray into proper balm cleansers. It removes makeup super well and definitely cleanses the skin - though I always do a double cleanse - with a face cloth. It thins out to a bit of an oily texture, however it doesn't leave the skin feeling oily at all. Meaning, it doesn't make my skin feel hydrated after, but it's definitely not dry at all. Regardless, a really awesome cleansing and makeup removing product!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner*
Aah yep, this guy's making a return! Since I finished up my FAB Facial Radiance Pads, I've switched back to this chemically exfoliating toner. I can't say which I like better, they do pretty much the same thing. Clearer complexion, smoother skin texture and overall better looking skin is what this guy'll get you!

NAT. Vitamin C Serum*
My last post was a review on this so I won't ramble, but basically I've been using this everyday as my morning time serum and it's awesome. Super hydrating, sits well under makeup despite being an oil and I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin tone. Good stuff.

theBalm Balm Jovi Rockstar Face Palette
I've mentioned this product countless times on the blog, though mostly for the two cheek products. This month however, I've been enjoying the eyeshadows! As I mentioned, I went away for a week down to Melbourne and I took this palette with me (it's super compact and awesome for travel). The eyeshadows served me well. It contains a variety of different finishes (shimmer and matte) and shades (neutral and slight colours). The textures are pretty awesome too - pigmented and very easily blended.

Face of Australia GLAMAZON Contour & Highlight Kit in Leopardess 
Sadly this little duo was limited edition - there may still be a few floating around though! I was planning to do a review but it slipped my mind, do let me know if you'd still like to read it! Basically the contour shade in this is da bomb. Yes I just wrote da bomb. It's cool-toned, dark - but not too dark, smooth and blendable. It's also actually not too heavily pigmented, making it easy to apply just the right amount to get a lurvely shadow. Definitely my new favourite contouring shade, and I totally look like I have some cheekbone-age (sadly not Cumberbatch level). The highlighter is really pretty too!

Benefit They're Real Mascara
I finally got around to using my sample size on my trip to Melbs (I still have too many unopened AND opened mascaras...sigh) and must say, was initially unimpressed! The first time I used it, it smudged after two hours...TWO HOURS. That is a short amount of time my friends. However, on subsequent uses, I made sure to powder under my eyes well, and it lasted much better. It only smudged a little towards the end of the day. Anyways, I really like the brush - it grabs onto my (very few) lashes and does lengthen and give good volume. It even helps pump 'em up a bit even if I haven't curled my lashes, making them somewhat noticeable. Definitely one of the more 'dramatic' mascaras I've used and does quite a lot with my really sucky eyelashes.

Cuponation
Y'all probably know by now that I am a bargain hunter, I shop dem sales and hold off buying things until they go on sale (I'm very stingy). I thought I'd mention a site I recently came across that basically puts together sales, deals and coupon codes in one place. The site is called Cuponation, and has offers on beauty places like Priceline and Beautybay, as well as heaps of other categories like fashion! It's super convenient and a site I'll be looking at to check for all the deals without having to rifle through individual sites/catalogues.

Broods

I do have a music favourite this month, and it is the brother-sister duo from New Zealand called Broods! They do have quite a Lorde-y feel to them (they have the same producer) but regardless, they've created some really awesome music. Like really awesome. I've been listening to them on repeat for the last month. They make for really great study music and seriously I'm still not sick of them. Some of my favourites are Evergreen, Superstar, Mother & Father, Never Gonna Change and Coattails - I know that's a lot, but seriously I love every song. Also I'm so sad that I won't be able to go to their concert here, since it's 18+, but HOW IRONIC because I'll be in New Zealand when they're here. 

September faves done and dusted - what have been your favourites this month?

*Products sent for consideration. 

This post contains some sponsored content. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.

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

Monthly Favourites // May 2014

I cannot handle how fast this year is going! Half of 2014 is gone and I'm not ready for it to eeeend. Aaah, things are getting very real, very quickly. But of course, there will always be a favourites post to document the passing of another month. May was a good month - ma bday month as well as the birthday month of a lot of my friends, like geez there must have been much excitement in August '96...jus' sayin. So, there was much to be celebrated!

DKNY Delicious Night Eau de Parfum

Fragrance fave! My sister is moving down to Melbourne, *sad face* but that meant she was getting rid of a heap of her stuff - hair products, a couple of makeup bits and a shedload of clothes, as well as this perfume. This is probably one of the less popular out of the famous apple perfumes. I wasn't expecting to love this, but I have been spritzing it on most days! You would think from the name that it's more suited for nighttime wear, but actually since the weather has been cooling down it's not too heavy for the day. It's sweet and sexy but still has a fresh-fruity element. I might bring Smelly Sunday back to talk about it some more!

Garnier BB cream for Oily/Combo skin in Medium and Heroine Make Lasting Mineral BB cream in shade 2

A base favourite this month has been a mixture of these two. The Garnier being too dark and the Heroine Make too light, the combo of the two gives a really good shade match. The formulas are somewhat similar, the Heroine Make being superior in the coverage and lasting power departments, but together they give a really good coverage and lasting power, easily buffed on with a buffing brush.

MAC Opulash Mascara

Another sloppy seconds from my sister, and again I didn't really expect to like it because I've really heard nothing about it. Also, the brush is HELLA big, like the size of my eye. What surprised me about this mascara though is that it doesn't clump. Like the first time I used it I swear I put on 3 coats of the stuff, and didn't need to comb through with a spoolie. This is CRAZY for me because I can't stand clumps, and even comb through mascaras that aren't even badly clumpy/sticking my lashes together. Combing through is habit for me, and I didn't need to with this! It looks pretty natural, but gives good thickness, decent length and volume. It also doesn't smudge too badly by the end of the day.

Nvey Eco Natural Bronze Organic Compact Bronzer

Another product from my sister, and another that I didn't think much of to begin with. Wow, sensing a theme? Firstly, the colour didn't look too great in the pan. It's quite warm and red-toned, almost like…a dirt colour? Yeah, not so appealing and it definitely isn't appropriate for concentrated contouring. With a fluffy brush, I like the Real Techniques Blush Brush, it applies really nicely and looks very natural, especially around the hairline mimicking a sunkissed look. Also when swept lightly under the cheekbones it provides definition and shadow without coming off too ruddily.  It's completely matte, blendable and pigmented.

Essence Blush Up! in 10 Heat Wave

So obviously I love it, it's an ombre blush. Also the colour is absolutely up my street. The formula ain't too bad either, haha! It's very pigmented, but at the same time retains a translucency? I don't know how to explain it, or maybe I'm imagining things but it still lets your skin show through, with like a sheer...overlay of colour. Get me...? It's also pretty dang long lasting too!

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip gloss in Coralista

Out of the Benefit Go Tropicoral kit, this was the product I thought I'd be most 'meh' about, but turns out to be the only one I'm using on a regular basis. I haven't gotten around to reviewing that kit, I will though - once I get around to actually, properly using the products inside. This gloss though feels much like a balm, quite slippy and with a medium level of glossiness. The pigmentation is definitely on the sheer side, like the slightest wash of colour. It's also not sticky at all, even when it wears down it sort of absorbs into the lips. I like it a lot!

Bastille Bad Blood

A music favourite this month has definitely been Bastille and their debut album Bad Blood. My friend has been nagging me for ages to listen them, and sorry Yas for taking so long! I've basically been listening to the album on repeat, Dan Smith's voice is majestic, plus he's an all round cutie. Said friend plus a couple others are going to their concert in a couple of weeks which I'm so jealous about! I am going to Katy Perry at the end of the year though, so my concert quota is all filled up :( (but much excite for Katy). 

So it was a month filled with unexpected favourites, but favourites nonetheless! What have you been loving in May?

Monthly Favourites // February 2014

The shortest month of the year is near its end, and so comes the Autumn season! I'm not sure if I'm that excited for the cooler months, but since it has been SO bloody hot here, I'm definitely ready for a break. I'm here to bring you my collection of favourite products for the month. I don't have very many, but I do have some new products and some rediscovered.

Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial Radiance Exfoliator

My scrub of choice for the month. I've been using this 2-3 times a week and have been enjoying it. I'd say it's medium on the scale of abrasive-ness, it's composed of a gel base and scrubby granules as well as fruit extracts to help chemically exfoliate. The granules aren't very dense though, so I find myself using more product than usual (maybe 1.5 peas?). My skin feels very soft after use though, in terms of brightening, I'm yet to see significant result.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

For the days I've been wearing mascara it was most often this one. I really like that the brush is thin(ish) but still very bristly and grabs all the lashes. It lengthens, defines and thickens the lashes, looking very natural and without clumping. It says with "fibres" but I actually don't notice that it contains any.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in the shade Medium

I've been thoroughly enjoying this concealer lately. It's much quicker and more convenient that having to dip from a pan. The shade is a good match, it has a good coverage (not totally full though) and works well for both under the eyes and around the face, without accentuating dry patches.

Topshop Head over Heels, theBalm Frat Boy

Topshop Cream Blush in Head over Heels and theBalm Powder blush in Frat Boy

I've been on a serious peachy-pink blush kick this month (aren't I always though?) and I pretty much wore these two exclusively. Before this month, I hadn't worn HOH for so long mainly because I never really knew the best way to apply it. I've since found the best brush to apply this cream-to-powder with (which I will talk about next). I also wasn't wearing Frat Boy nearly as much as I should have been as it's in a palette which I keep in my eye drawer and always forget about when it comes to applying blush. I made a point of putting the palette on top of my daily makeup storage after seeing it in so many b/vloggers favourites and have worn it so much since. It actually pulls a lot more peach when applied to my face, it's also very long lasting!

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush

I recently made a few purchases off of iHerb (my sister was making an order) and picked up a few of the RT things I've been wanting. This is in the Travel Essentials kit and what I've been using to apply the Topshop blush as well as my face powder. Lily Pebbles recently described it as being a mix between the Blush brush and the Buffing brush, and I couldn't agree more! It is still fluffy, but is also a bit more dense than the blush brush. It's density picks up the product really well, but it's fluffiness blends it out effortlessly. I don't use this for more pigmented blushes though as I think it's probably a bit too dense.

Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder in the shade Darkest Brown

A long time fave right here and one that I've been reaching for pretty much everyday this month. It's perfect for topping off BB creams or sheerer coverage foundations. It sets and mattifies with a natural matte finish and adds a tad more coverage. It's a very soft, and creamy powder that never looks cakey or powdery on the skin.

Chvrches The Bones of What you Believe

Lastly I have a music favourite! I've been listening to this album pretty much on repeat for the month. A band I discovered through the Triple J Hottest Hundred (which I've also been loving listening to) and one that I pretty much fell in love with immediately! I love their style of synthpop and their songs are seriously awesome. Not a single one on the album I don't like. It's been making studying a lot less dreary!