Current Fashion Wishlist

Lately I've been really lusting over a few fashion items. I have been LOVING the look of leather for everyday outfits as well as a few other bits. I've put together a dreamy wish list that I only can hope my uni budget will allow for me to buy at least one thing off this wish list :) 

1. Marcs by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses  

2. Lashes of London Dress

3. Windsor Smith Dion Wedges

4. Minkpink PU Skirt

5. I Like Wolves Parka 

6. Black Tote

Most of these things I don't need and I'm just lusting over! But I do really need that black tote for uni.

What have you been lusting over?

Updated: My Night time Skincare

Early this week I posted about my Morning Skincare Routine, following on from that I'm going to share with you what I use on my face at night time. Now I don't use all the products nightly but I'll get to all that as I go through the steps. 

I did a detailed description about my skin type and problems in my Morning Routine so do check that out if you wandering about that. 

Step 1: Cleanse

Prior to using The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash I like to remove the bulk of my make up with a facial wipe or any kind of make up remover. This is just personally preference and I find if I skip this step my cleanser will remove it, I just prefer doing it before I cleanse. This cleanser is my holy grail cleanser and I'm yet to find something that is better. It has a really lovely scent, doesn't strip my skin and does a really great job cleaning my face. 

Step 2: Exfoliate 

Unless I have an active breakout I use this at night daily. The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator works best in the shower because it emulsifies easily and I find it much more affective with the aid of steam. This is gentle but still gritty and exfoliates your skin. I have done a full review here if you want more information about it.  

Step 3: Tone 

Out of the shower now and I take some of my The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner on a cotton round a swipe it all over my face. As I said in my morning routine I find this really helps rebalance my skins oils. 

Step 4: Treatment 

This is the step where I do use either my La Roche- Posay Effaclar Duo which is a cream or my Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment which is a gel. The LRP I use when I have an active break out and am needing to clear up my skin whereas the Seaweed Night Treatment I use to help my oily skin and it does help keep it clear but not as affective as the LRP. 

Step 5: Moisturise 

I have included this Sukin Facial Moisturiser because it is what I'm using but I'm just trying to get through it. I wouldn't recommend this for people with oily skin because it is a heavier moisturiser and can leave your skin feeling tacky. The smell isn't pleasant either. I'm just getting through it because it hasn't broken me out and it does the job. I also use my Benefit It's Potent! Eye cream to moisturise my eye area and as I said in my morning routine I love it. I reviewed it a long time ago here.

Step 6: Spot Treatment 

This is my current spot treatment the Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Gel. I feel like I've spoken about it alot recently on my blog (May Favourites and With Your Last $10 #4) so I won't go into too much detail. I apply this on any spots I have and find it helps them clear up faster. 

These are all the products I'm currently using on my skin! Before you all ask no I'm not sponsored by The Body Shop! I just really love love love the Seaweed line of skincare! 

If you'd like to see any further reviews on any of the products just leave a comment :) 

What is your staple skincare product? 

Make Up Collection Series: Highlighters

I thought it was about time to do my next instalment of my make up collection series. I've recently updated my storage so for the remainder I won't be showing you the storage part of my collection because that's for another day. 

If you've missed my other posts you can click the following links:

Eyeliner | Mascara + Brows | Smaller Palettes | Bronzers  | Blushes

Benefit 

High Beam | Sun Beam | Girl Meets Pearl

ELF + Essence 

ELF in Gotta Glow | Essence Circus Circus collection 01 It's Magic

Rimmel + Nude by Nature

Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in 003 Peach Glow | Nude by Night Liquid Mineral Illuminator 

Jemma Kidd + Mac

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme 01 Iced Gold | Mac MSF in Soft and Gentle 

Most used: 

Elf blush in Gotta Glow 

JKAll Over Radiance Creme 01 Iced Gold 

Benefit High Beam

What's your holy grail highlighter?

May Favourites

I swear to god I say this every month but WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING! I only have 2 weeks until the end of my university semester and then I have exams ahhh! This month I've rediscovered so many products. 

Hair

My hair isn't liking the cooler weather along with the rest of my body. The TRESemme Split Remedy Serum was recommended by a friend and I bought it a while ago and it kind of got put to the side. This month I've pulled this out and applied this to my hair when it's wet. I find this maintains the frizz look I get when I am in need of hair cut. It smooths and makes my hair feel so soft. Along side this serum the Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner set has been really helping put moisture back into my hair and I've been really enjoying these. 

Skin

My skin has been going nuts this month around my chin and nose. I've been using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo which has been helping clear the area and reduce the size of my break outs. In conjunction with the LRP the Clean & Clear Advantage Clearing Gel has also been a life saver with under skin pimples that are really sore. If you seen my recent post called Winter Skin Blues I mentioned that this Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion has been perfect to use on a cold morning. 

Again, winter has hit me hard and my lips have been loving the Nivea Lip Butters. I love all the flavours available and find this is a great consistency for day and slathering on at night as well. For hand cream this Swisse Hand Cream has a fantastic formula. It absorbs really fast and moisturisers well however I don't love the scent! Hopefully this comes in other scents because I would love it if it did! 

Make Up 

This Artistry Automatic Liquid Eyeliner turned up in the mail and it didn't have a return address on it so I actually have no clue who sent it too me! But I love it! It is super black, doesn't smudge on me and is really easy to use. I don't wear eyeliner very much but when I did I was always reaching for this one. I recently did a pretty big Mac Haul and I bought this Mac Blonde Duo. This includes Mac Soba and Omega. I thought that Omega would be too grey for my eyebrows but it's actually really a perfect match! 

It wouldn't be a honest favourites without a mention of this Lorac Pro Palette. This has become a staple in my make up collection. I won't go too in detail because I've done a full review which includes swatches and more information but seriously it's great. You can also win one for yourself in my latest giveaway! 

For lips I've loved so many shades but I decided to just mention these three. Last month I mentioned the Australis Pout Paste in Pash Me Pink but this month it's been all about Berry Nice Kiss. I did a What's On My Face featuring it and it's a beautiful berry colour which lasts! Also Mac Sweetie purchased in my Mac Haul has been a great everyday shade for uni. Lastly, Illamasqua Lipstick in Corrupt has been getting a work out when I want a pop of colour. 

A surprising rediscovery has been this blush by Maxfactor in True Rose has been a huge hit. It's really pigmented and gives my face a lovely I've-just-been-out-in-the-freezing-cold glow. 

Artistry Eyeliner | Maxfactor blush | Mac Soba | Mac Omega | Illamaqua Corrupt | Mac Sweetie | Australis Berry Nice Kiss 

I know there were a few but I've just rediscovered and found so many products I wanted to mention! 

Don't forget to check out my latest giveaway here to win your own Lorac Pro Palette 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them?

Updated: My Morning Skincare

Skincare is something I usually switch out pretty regularly however I've found over the past couple of months my routine has been extremely consist and has been working well for me. This post will focus on my morning skin care routine and I will be posting a night time one sometime in the next week. 

Before I start rambling about all these products I love I will tell you a bit about my skin type. I have normal-oily skin, which up till recently, isn't prone to breaking out. Recently, I went off the pill that was prescribed for my skin way back when I had extremely bad acne. I thought that my skin would stay the same (I hoped) but it has actually started to break out. I can't tell whether this is due too being off the pill or due to stress of upcoming exams and hormonal etc, only time will tell. I also have really horrible problems with congested skin and blackheads. If anyone has any recommendations of products that'll help me with that please leave them in the comments because I'm yet to find something amazing it help with it :) 

In the morning I like to keep my products to a minimal and fairly simple. This is largely due to the fact if I do say, put an oil on the morning under my foundation, I will end up being an oil slick early in the day. 

Step 1: Cleanse 

I've recently switched to this Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion for in the morning because it's so freezing! I massage this into dry skin and then wipe off with a warm cloth. I find this is perfect for in the mornings because I don't need that deep cleanse but I still want to wash my face. 

Now about 2 or 3 times a week I won't use the cleansing lotion but instead use my Clarasonic Mia with another cleanser - I haven't been sticking to the same cleanser so I haven't included any in this picture. This gives my skin a really good exfoliate and cleanse. 

Step 2: Tone 

Now I never realised this until I started reading blogs and watching Youtube but not everyone uses a toner. I do and always have! Right from when my Mum first bought me a Clean & Clear pack in my early teens I've always used one. I find toning a great way refresh your face and rebalance. I find the Seaweed Clarifying Toner by The Body Shop really lovely at rebalancing my oils. 

Step 3: Eye Cream 

I use the Benefit It's Potent! eye cream because it's a really thick one. I do tend to get dry patches around my eyes and since using this morning and night I think I've only had a couple of dry patches around my eye area. I really like this - it's super moisturising and makes my under eye make up glide on alot easier. 

Step 4: Moisturiser 

I'm currently using this Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Illuminating Moisturiser. I'm nearly finished this and I have other day creams I'm looking forward to switching too. I do think this does what it claims - it's illuminating and I feel as though it has helped even out my skin tone. My skin has a long way to go before it's completely even however. My only gripe about this product is if you accidentally use a little too much than you will get oilier quicker so although I do like this product I think that will be a factor that I'll consider when it comes it repurchasing this product. 

Keep your eyes peeled for my Night Time Routine which has alot more steps!

I'd love if you've recently done a skin care routine to leave a link to it below OR just tell me what your favourite products are to use in the morning!

Lorac Pro Palette Review + Swatches

This palette is something that's been on my wishlist for a very very long time. I've spent hours looking on blogs and youtube looking at reviews and different looks created with this palette. I needed it. When my friend Jen did her massive haul she offered to have mine posted with hers I jumped on the opportunity! 

In the box the palette comes with a little mini of their eyeshadow primer which I've been using and really liking! As for the packaging I really love the simplicity of it however it is that matte texture similar to Nars products and it marks super easy.

This palette comes with 16 different shades. The tops shades are matte and the bottom are satin/shimmer. I find myself reaching for this palette because it has such a vast variety of colours and also the option of finishes which means you can really customise your look to how you want it dependent on day or night or just your own personal taste. 

White | Nude | Cream | Champagne 

Taupe | Gold | Lt. Pink | Lt. Bronze

Mauve | Pewter | Sable | Garnet 

Espresso | Deep Purple | Black | Slate

I think why I like this palette so much is because despite there being a matte or shimmer option the colours aren't necessarily the same just a matte/shimmer finish. Take for instance you have a matte black and then the shimmer colour below is a gorgeous shimmery slate blue. You really get so many options in this palette which makes it super versatile. 

I love the simplicity of this palette the colours are named just according to what the colour is and it works from lightest to darkest shades. I think that this palette would be a great starting point for somebody who is looking to invest in their first eyeshadow palette.

Matte shadow row

Shimmer shadow row 

I've been loving this palette and have been reaching for it daily. I really love Taupe, Sable and Espresso for matte eye during the day. The shadows are really pigmented and creamy. My only complaints would be some of the lighter matte shades are a tiny bit chalky however it's nothing that tapping off your brush can't fix. Other than that I find this shadow incredibly creamy and I think I prefer the formulation over most other eyeshadows I've tried. 

Now for the big question: Do I like this better than the Naked 2 palette? 

I do love my Naked 2 and I think it's a fantastic palette. However, if I was to be a beginner and looking at investing in a palette again I would go for this one. It has so many more options than Naked 2 and I find that with the inclusion of matte shadows you can really use this daily. 

Overall if you're on the fence about this palette DO IT! You will not regret it. 

Or you can enter my giveaway here and win yourself one! 

Do you own this? What are your thoughts on this palette?

Bellabox May 2013

I gave in. When I saw Kat from Kitsch Snitch post about her May Bellabox  I really really wanted the box she had gotten. I signed back up to Bellabox and I'm unsure whether I'm happy with the decision or not. Of course I didn't get the box Kat did damn! But I'm still happy with the contents of mine. 

Bellabox typically have a theme of the monthly box and this month was 'Beauty SOS'.

Sanctury Spa Brightening Facial Illuminating Moisture Lotion 75mL $19.99 (full size) 

In Kat's box she received a Jurlique Rose Hand Cream and I REALLY wanted that but instead I got this facial moisturiser as my 'luxe' product. This is meant to be illuminating and even out skin tone. I'm not sure how this will go with my combination oily skin type but I'm happy to give this go. If it does work well it'll be perfect for winter skin. 

Manicare Duo Mascara Brushes $4.99 (full size)

I don't have much use for these really but I guess it'll be handy to have in the future. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo 40mL $25.95 

I have this and love it. It's helped my skin so much when I have a break out I use this as my treatment before moisturising and it helps clear up the skin. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel 200mL $19.95 

I really wanted to get this sample. I love the Duo so I wanted to try the foaming gel and see how that went. 

Udderly Smooth Udder Cream 340g $14.99

At first when I seen this in the box I was like what is this! I thought it was like a nipple cream haha but it's actually just for extremely dry skin! I'm excited to try this during the winter months. 

Bloom Lip Stain - Rhubarb $24.00 (fullsize) 

I think lip stains are very hit and miss. I don't like the applicator on this but we will see how it goes on the lips. 

So that's all the products I received this month and I'm really happy with this month's box. I hope that the quality continues with Bellabox so I stay subscribed. I have missed it! 

What did you get in your Bellabox?

With Your Last $10 #4

If you're new to my blog this series is a short and sweet post where I comply some of my favourite products you can buy on a budget. I love these kind of post because being a uni student I've had my fair share of tight budget weeks. I've linked down my other posts so you can take a peep! 

With Your Last $10 #1

With Your Last $10 #2

With Your Last $10 #3

1. Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion $8.39 this was featured in my Winter Skin Blues post. I love this on a cold morning. 

2. Carmex Strawberry Moisturising Lip Balm $4.26 I love Carmex for the lips and it's probably one of my favourite brands for lip balm. 

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder $6.67 I don't need to go over this. It's my favourite powder and if you haven't tried it you should. 

4. NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss $5.49 these lipglosses aren't sticky and I've been loving the shade Beige.

5. Dove Body Silk Creme $5.99 this is such a staple for me in winter. It's cheap and super moisturising. 

6. Clean & Clear Advantage Fast Clearing Gel $7.69 this has been a life saver for me this past week. My skin has broken out and it's helped clear my skin faster than it usually would and take the 'sting' out of the nasty sore ones.

What's your favourite bargain buy?

Innoxa Antioxidant Lip Glazes

I know what you're thinking. Why am I reviewing a lipgloss? I know. When I found the media release about these lurking in my inbox I was unsure as to whether or not it was a product I wished to try but I thought considering I do really love NYX glosses that it would be fantastic to try out an Australian brand of lipgloss and see how it went. These particularly intrigued me because they claim to have antioxidants in to help repair and nourish the lips. 

Guava: a muted baby pink

Plum: a mauve plum

Berry: a rose pink

Tangerine: a bright coral

Apple: a bright red

What they say:

'...high gloss & shine. Infused with antioxidants to condition and repair lips.' 

What I say:

The finish is really great, glossy and shiny however these are not, even in the slightest, tacky or sticky. When I wear these it feels as though I am wearing a lip balm but then I look in the mirror and I have a tint of colour that is glossy. I'm not even exaggerating, these are the best lip glosses I've ever tried for wear. 

The pigmentation on these is really great! I find I can apply them to my lips and notice a change in colouring, I've tried so many glosses that are meant to be coloured but come out just clear. Being a lipgloss these aren't super long-wearing but I'm yet to find a lip gloss that is so I never expected it to be. I find when I wear these over a lipstick they do last that little bit longer because they have something to stick too. 

As for the conditions and repairs claim I haven't had really damaged lips since trying these however they do really feel like a lip balm when I applied so I don't think they would make your lips more dry and cracked how other lip products can do. 

As for the smell OH MY GOD. These smell so good! I find some have more of a distinct scent than others. The Guava one really smells like coconuts! However, none of the scents are overpowering or linger :) 

Overall these are great lip glosses! Even if you aren't a lipgloss person I'd suggest trying these because they provide you with the glossy finish but are in no way sticky or tacky. I used to be so anti-gloss but now I feel as though I should be trying more because these are so great! 

These are available directly off Innoxa for $14.95 each here

What are your favourite lip glosses? 

These products were provided for consideration, honesty as always.

Prime Time

I've been interested in trying the Face Of Australia primer for a while but have never got around to purchasing it. To be honest, I've been perfectly content with my Australis one I haven't felt the need to purchase something different. 

Primer is something that I feel is a super important part of your everyday routine. It creates an extra layer before applying make up protecting the skin. Before using this particular primer I had been using a  moisturizer then my Australis primer. With this Face Of Australia product it does both which I find alot easier and quicker. 

What they say:

'...smooths skin tone, fills fine lines, whilst delivering instant hydration that retains skin's moisture level and controls shine. Improves performance and foundation wear and smooth skin's texture..'

What I say:

I couldn't argue that they've exaggerated what this primer does. I find it really does smooth out my before applying any foundation and my foundation does glide on easily after waiting a few minutes for the primer to soak in. I love that this is a moisturiser and primer in one! On days where I've slept in or am too lazy to do a moisturiser and a primer it certainly is alot easier to slap this on and know I'm still getting enough hydration. They claim it does control shine however I feel I can't comment on that because I have got slightly oily skin so I get shiny throughout the day anyway. 

I thought I'd show you the difference in texture in comparison to my Australis primer. The Face Of Australia one is more of a thicker cream formula obviously alot closer to a moisturiser in texture whereas the Australis one is more of a gel purely working as a primer. 

I do like both equally and switch out which one I use depending on the day :) 

Overall I really have enjoyed using the Face Of Australia primer and it has worked well for me. If you're on the hunt for a great primer then I'd suggest giving this one a go! 

This is available from here for $11.95

This product was sent to me for consideration, honesty as always.

Not so Soft and Gentle

Recently I did a massive Mac haul and one of those items I picked up was Mac's Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle. I was super excited about this product because it receives such amazing raving reviews - for most beauty bloggers and youtubers it's sitting comfortably in holy grail status. I thought buying this product was just a no brainer. 

I love the look of this product. It's just how as beautiful as everyone says it is. The golden veining makes this so appealing to the eye and when I first opened this I was in awe - it is just overall gorgeous. 

You also get soooo much product in the pan! I agree with every beauty blogger that has said that this will last you a life time because you use so little and there is so much in the pan. It's so worth the hefty price tag in that regards. 

This is what has let me down. The actually colouring of this product. See swatched on my finger it looks as though it's going to be a beautiful golden highlighter. But then swatched below on my arm the fine glitters are more noticeable and prominent.

On the face the glitters are more noticeable again and in my opinion this is a really unnatural highlighting product. I don't know if it doesn't suit my skin tone or whether it's just my eye but I do know Sophie shares the same opinion. 

Now I'm not saying this is a shitty product that isn't worth you buying. I just think for me, it's not what I'm looking for in a highlighter. I prefer a natural 'glowy' highlighter over 'glittery'. I do think this would look super pretty for a night out or maybe when I've got a tan but it won't suffice for day-to-day wear for me. 

Do you own soft and gentle? What do you think of it?