What a week! This week has been a busy one here at More Than Adored HQ. I'm super busy putting together content for the new site and getting things ready for the relaunch so I haven't got too many favourites this week. For skincare I've been really enjoying the Amboni Organics Skin Butter Calming Balm* which is a multipurpose product. It's super hydrating and easy to work into the skin so I've been applying it to my super dry elbows and knees. It doesn't leave behind too much of a residue like my beloved Lanolips 101 Ointment does so I'm preferring this just for convenience. I've also been really enjoying this mini size of the Thalgo 2-in-1 Cleansing Water. I'm currently not repurchasing any make up removers like Bioderma in a bid to get through my stash and this one is a great alternative to Bioderma. It's gentle, feels exactly like water, but it super effective at removing all make up even pesky waterproof mascaras.
Onto some make up bits and a strange favourite of mine is this Cosmetic Kitchen brush I received in a subscription service box. It's the perfect brush for blush, bronzer, powder - just about anything. I've been loving it for quickly sweeping bronzer around my face. It blends everything really seamlessly. My favourite everyday mascara of the moment is the Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara*. It gives my lashes enough oppfhh for everyday, a bit of length, lots of volume and definition which is exactly what I like. The brush on this is really stiff which is a characteristic I haven't seen in many mascaras but I'm really enjoying it. Last up I have my favourite brow product of the moment which is the newly released Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown. This isn't a perfect product at all. I don't really love the applicator and the formulation can leave your brows feeling a little stiff but it is perfect for a quick fix everyday. I thought the Dark Brown would be miles to dark but because the roots of my hair are darker at the moment I can get away with it.
What have you been loving this week?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
August has been a really great month for me. I've had some big lifestyle changes, I'm working on content for the new site and there has been some killer launches that I'd go as far to say that some are my favourite of the year! I usually break it down into categories for photos but most of this stuff is make up (my skincare routine has been two things: lazy and choppy) so I didn't for this month - I hope you all don't mind.
I'll start off with the two bits that are a bit random but still really really loved this month. The Toni & Guy Wave Memoriser* has been perfect on lazy days or for adding a bit of definition throughout my hair after I've curled my hair. I always throughout these types of products were only ever going to work throughout damp hair but I find that if you show some restraint, it took me a little while to master, then it really can make your hairstyles look finished and defined. My all time favourite line of fragrances from Marc Jacobs found a new addition to the line in the form of Daisy Dream* and I'm seriously addicted. I like how this is packaged and smell is unique to the other scents in the line but you can still tell it's a MJ scent - genius. I haven't spoken to anyone who hasn't loved this scent so it's really worth a sniff.
Onto make up and there are two new foundations in my stash that have been heavily on rotations throughout the month. When I've been fake tanned I was wearing the L'oreal Infallible 24Hr Foundation* regilously. The coverage is fairly decent, it feels so lightweight on your skin and it lasts well throughout the day. The only thing I don't like is the shade Golden Beige can oxidise throughout the day becoming a little orange however I'm going to purchase a lighter shade for when I'm not fake tanned soon. For when I'm a pale lady I've been loving the Maxfactor Skin Luminizer Foundation* which I really didn't expect to fall in love with. This has the most gorgeous radiant finish to the skin but it actually lasts really well throughout the day, when set with a powder of course. I'm actually really blown away by how well it lasts on the skin and it's quickly become one of my favourite foundations.
I've been raving about the Maybelline Big Eyes Waterproof Mascara* all month so I won't dwell on how amazing it is but I couldn't go without mentioning it. I'm not a huge fan of the bottom lash mascara brush but I adore the upper lash mascara and the formulation is amazing. For blush the only thing I've been wearing on my cheeks has been the Mineralogie Pressed Mineral Blush in Riviera/Sunset*. I adore how much definition you can from the two shades without a bronzer, the formulation is amazing and the last all day on the skin.
Onto some lip products and a quick shout out to the Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Lip Balm*. I really didn't love the scent when I first tried this but now I can't get enough. The Burt's Bees Lip Balms are some of my all-time favourites too. I'll finish up with my one true love which is these L'oreal Extraordinares*. These are possibly my favourite lip release for the whole year - seriously. These are a hybrid between a lipstick and a lipgloss but that doesn't sacrifice the longevity or pigmentation of the product. They're smooth, gorgeous and I just can't explain how much I love them. I'm going to be doing a full swatch review on these as soon as I can hunt down all the shades!
What products could you not stop using this month?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
Recently the lovely people from Fresh Fragrances & Cosmetics got in touch about potentially collaborating, now it's not often I get overly excited about beauty websites but when I clicked through to Fresh I was blown away by the vast amount of brands that I've been itching to try so we've teamed up so that I can share with you all my picks from the site. Fresh stocks a little bit of everything from brands like Jo Malone, Make Up Forever, Kevyn Aucoin to some of my favourite skincare brands like Origins and Ren. A lot of the items I picked out are ones I've been dying to try and review for you all so I hope that you're just as excited as me!
The first item I knew I was getting without question was something from RevitaLash. I've heard many bloggers/vloggers rave about the brand so I decided on the Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner.Now if you've been following More Than Adored for a little while you'll know my lashes are pretty long already but they're not very strong. I'm hoping that this will make a considerable difference to my eyelash strength and I wouldn't say no to a little bit of length either! I know this is an expensive item so I am definitely going to be reviewing it and doing a before and after sharing my experience with this one so if you're interested in that it'll be coming in a few months.
Onto some brow items and I've been in desperate need for some high quality tweezers so when I noticed these Tweezerman Tweezers in Pastel PurpleI just couldn't say no. I decided on the mini version because not only are they lower in price but they're so cute! I also snapped up the Make Up Forever Aqua Brow Kit in 10. I have been really looking for a brow product for a more dramatic look and I've really fantastic things about this particular product. Hopefully it works for me, the colour seems to be that particular balance of ash for blondes so I'm really keen to get trying. Any tips for application with this one?
For skincare I've always wanted to try the Borghese Fango Active Mud since Fleur from Fleur De Force reviewed it last year and I needed a new mud mask so it was perfect timing to try this one. This wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be coming at under $35 so if you've been eyeing it up now is a really great time to try it. The last item I choose out was this Ren Seaweed and Sage Body Washwhich is a complete treat for me. All the other items are ones that I want to be able to feature on More Than Adored in the future but I wanted one item to be a little bit luxurious. Most people would buy bath salts or something of the sorts but my current flat doesn't actually have a bath so this was the next best thing. I'm a huge fan of seaweed scented items and when I seen this one from Ren I took the plunge adding it too my cart. I don't regret it because when I opened my parcel this filled this whole box so I'm very excited to use it tonight!
I also wanted to give a quick mention to the customer service I experienced with Fresh. Now obviously I was issued with a voucher due to this collaboration but I had a fantastic experience as a customer I wanted to included in this post. I had placed my order and all was well until I received an email from customer service stating one of my items was out of stock. Usually this would annoy me but as I scrolled down I was so impressed. Fresh had included links to 4-5 other items that were similar from the same brand and other brands with clickable links. There was the voucher code for the out of stock item amount along with an extra discount code of 25% off for the inconvenience. I think that other brands and websites should really take note of that because in the past I've had alot of trouble with store credits, voucher with brands not showing any care about me as a customer. I'm really impressed!
What do you think of these items? If you've tried any before let me know your experiences!
I'm a complete sucker for any sort of matte lip products so when I seen Lipstick Republic were now stocking the Sleek Matte Me Lip Creams I just couldn't resist. The range offers six different shades with a good mix of nude shades as well as some intense bright ones too. After rave reviews from some UK bloggers I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.
The downside to matte lip products is that they can be painful to apply and like most other matte lip creams these are a bit fiddly. Now this doesn't phase me because once set up on the lips they don't move, they don't feel heavy or cakey and will last throughout the day without a worry. Some of the shades in this range are worse then others (more on that later) but overall they generally can be a pain to get on. The colour range is aboustely perfection. I love the range of bolds and nude shades, I think Sleek really nailed the selection of colours included - there isn't one I don't like.
On the lips these are just incredible. Of course it's best to apply some lip balm before but I don't care if lip products dry my lips out really, I find most do so it's not something that will put me off wearing or purchasing lip colours. These only require one light coat and after they've set they don't go anywhere. I really love the formulation it's smooth, light and very matte - exactly what I like in a matte lip product.
Brink Pink is an intense neon pink shade which I was certain I would like but on it actual look really nice. It's definitely not a typical colour for me and if I wasn't doing this blog post I probably wouldn't've purchase but I really love it. This one can seep into dry cracks in the lips so applying a balm before hand is a must.
Birthday Suit is the nude shade in the range and it definitely pulls more brown. On the lips it's doesn't not suit me but I'm not completely sold on matte nude lips... Top with a gloss it looks fab though.
Easily my pick from the range is Fandango Purple which is a bright purpley/pink shade. This is the type of shade I usually wear and I love it.
Next up is Petal! As you can see on the lips this did look quite chalky but I did build up a few layers because this one did streak whilst applying. I think there is a fine line between evening out any streaks and the colour becoming quite chalky with this one. I do love the shade but I definitely need too master applying it on the lips.
Party Pink is a gorgeous bright colour which I'm itching to wear during the spring summer months. This one can streak a little but nothing that can't be evened out.
Lastly in Rioja Red which could very well be my new favourite red shade. This pulls quite orange toned in the lip swatch however it's very subtly an orange toned red. I really love these types of shades!
Overall I really love these lip products from Sleek and the colour range is so on point. The only shade that disappointed me was Petal but all the others I'd recommend in a heartbeat! The formulation is matte, long lasting and pigmented which is exactly what I want in a matte lip product.
This week I have had a quiet one (finally) so there hasn't been too many make up products I've been loving except the Clarins 3-Dot Liner*. I've had this since it launched a few months ago and I dismissed it as a bit fiddly so I barely used it. Lately I've been reaching for it in order to tight line my upper eyelashes and it's been so quick, easy and effective. It really finishes any eye look off! I will definitely be repurchasing it in the future. My lips have been so dry this week I've been opting for my Maybelline Baby Lips or the Carmex Moisture Plus in Peach for a hint of colour without the dryness of a lipstick. These really are so comfortable to wear and a handbag staple. The peach one by Carmex is easily my favourite purely because the scent is just delicious!
Onto skincare and I've been having some serious skin issues the past two weeks. I've mentioned it before but I've recently gone off the pill and my body is still adjusting so my hormones are crazy. My skin has definitely been really affected which has me a bit down in the dumps because my skin has always been pretty manageable. The Dermalogica MediBac Special Clearing Booster* has been really helping clear my breakouts. I apply a light layer all over my problem areas and allow it to dry before moisturising, it really helps to bring down any big pimples. It is a little drying but I find dry patches easier to deal with then big sore spots so I'm okay with that! Another new skincare bit is the Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc Eye Cream* that has a fancy applicator so you apply straight to your eye area. It's hydrating, absorbs quickly and is as close to my beloved Benefit Eye Cream I've found so I'm enjoying it!
Last up is another Pure Tan product! I know I've been talking alot about their products but I'm really enjoying the range so far and I honestly prefer it over Bondi Sands because these products aren't drying! The Pure Tan Coconut Creme Body Scrub* is perfect to use before you tan because it's not overly abrasive. I hate using a really harsh scrub before applying a tan because I feel like a dried prune. This is gentle, a little moisturising but it doesn't leave a residue on the skin so it's not going to affect the application of your tan. I'd highly recommend checking out the Pure Tan line if you get a chance!
What products have you been loving lately?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
Despite loving the scent of this I found that I didn't enjoy using it as much in the mornings. The lavender blend is super relaxing and not overpowering at all! The actual formulation is gorgeous and even leaves a bit of a moisturising film on the skin. I wouldn't repurchase this scent but I would repurchase Natural Instinct Body washes.
Would I repurchase? No.
Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Scrub*
I'm a big fan of Palmer's moisturisers however I had never tried any of the body scrubs until this landed on my desk. I really loved the user friendly packaging and the crushed cocoa beans really stuck around so you could get a deep exfoliation. This one was great for removing fake tan.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Coles Nail Polish Remover
I'm a tad fickle with my nail polish and I tend just to grab whatever is cheap or readily available. I didn't mind the formulation of this but I did find that the packaging was horrible and the bottle leaked.
Would I repurchase? No.
Indola Pure Detox Shampoo*
I've spoken about this shampoo before but it's one of the best clarifying shampoos I've used in my hair. I found that it's super gentle and doesn't leave your hair feeling striped or that tacky texture other clarifying shampoos can leave behind. I used this once a week and found it really helped remove any build up or product in my hair. The only negative I have to say is that I did have to use a fair bit of it every time. Would I repurchase? Yes.
The Balm En Root Shampoo* & Conditioner*
I will never ever repurchase another shampoo and conditioner set (for everyday use) after I finish up my stash. This duo is fantastic, smells INCREDIBLE and is great quality. I cannot wait to repurchase! These are definitely number 1 everyday shampoo and conditioners for me and if you're on the hunt for some new haircare I highly recommend checking these out!!! Would I repurchase? YES.
Lonvitalite C8 Collagen Crystal Eye Mask*
These are my favourite eye masks! Lonvitalite do the best cloth facial masks but these are gel pads you apply under the eyes and they really help to depuff the area. They're super soothing and have saved my tired eyes time and time again. I'd highly recommend these.
Would I repurchase? Yes!
Boots Optiva Radiance Toner*
I was really impressed with the two moisturisers I tried from the Optiva range, especially the night cream, but this toner really let the line down. I didn't noticed a difference in the radiance of my skin or any other skin benefit. If anything it left my skin tacky which made putting moisturiser over the top unpleasant.
Would I repurchase? No.
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Masks*
As I mentioned Lonvitalite do make my favourite sheet masks, particularly the C4 ones, however these from Indeed Labs were great. I feel as though I prefer using these over Hydraluron because it's the instant hit and I can notice a difference in the hydration of my skin straight away.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Clarins Be Long Mascara*
You all are probably sick of me talking about this mascara since over the past few months I've mentioned it time and time again. It's incredible! I've always said I would never continuously purchase a higher end mascara but this has me changing my mind. If it came in a waterproof version I wouldn't hesitate in purchasing it over and over but it doesn't. This is a mascara that makes my lashes look like I'm wearing false lashes. It's amazing and everyone should try it.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Jordana Fabuliner
Hmmm. This is one of those eyeliner pens alot of US bloggers talk about saying that the quality exceeds the affordability but I have to disagree. Even when I first applied this I found the formulation wasn't really black and it was almost patchy. The pen applicator was easy to use but the formulation was horrible! Maybe I just got a bad one but I definitely don't think I'll ever repurchase to find out.
Would I repurchase? No.
Illamasqua Matt Primer
If you have combination/oily skin and you're looking for a primer that'll help keep your face matte throughout the day you need this primer. Although I adore my Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and I think it does a fantastic job, for mattifying this is the only primer I've ever used that makes a big difference. The texture isn't the nicest, it's a cream but you can feel it's going to mattify (does that make sense) but it's so worth it. I'm going to try to finish up some other primers before repurchasing this one but it's worth every single dollar!
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Gypsy 94 Lashes
I've heard Shaanxo talked about Gypsy Lashes before so I made a purchase earlier in the year and I've been really impressed with the quality. The 94 and 92 styles are my favourites but if you're after affordable, quality lashes then give Gypsy Lashes a go!
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Neutrogena Make Up Remover Towelettes*
A cult favourite of many that I just didn't get on with. First off they smell really bad like chemicals and they don't actually remove make up very well at all. I don't understand why these are so popular because they're not the cheapest available. I'd much rather spend my money on the the Wotnot Facial Wipes or Dermalogica Precleanse if I was going to buy facial wipes.
Have have you finished up lately that you're missing?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
I'm a huge sucker for new bases but the Maxfactor Skin Luminizer Foundation in Light Ivory* has to be one of my favourite releases this year because it's not something I would typically buy or even think would work for my oily/combination skin. It's a light/medium coverage and the finish is just stunning. I find I have to always prime and my favourite one at the moment is the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, just to make sure the foundation lasts a little longer. Given the lighter coverage and my shitty skin I went over some blemishes and under my eyes with the Origins Plantscription Anti-aging Concealer - no explanation needed for that.
For eyes I'm on a huge Mineralogie kick. The Mineralogie Lux Creme Eye Shadow in Rose Quartz* is still one of my all time favourite cream shadow bases for the subtle yet beautiful rosy gold hue. I applied that and then went in with the Mineralogie Quad in A List Collection* creating a subtle smoky eye with the taupe and highlight shade. It's the perfect quad for everyday. I think added my favourite mascara of the moment Maybelline Big Eyes Waterproof Mascara* - amazing stuff! I did forget to give one of my eyes a second coat hence the dramatic difference between eyes, if you were wondering about how effective a second coat is the above pictures shows! I've finally found a brow product that is quick and works yay! Say hello to the Maybelline Brow Drama Mascara in Dark Brown*. It's not a perfect product but it is a very good affordable brow option.
For finishing touches I went in with this Mineralogie Pressed Mineral Blush in Riviera & Sunset*. I love having two different shades in one compact because it allows you to create some really definition to your cheeks. I applied the darker shade more in the hollows of my cheeks and then the lighter shade on the apples.. I've been loving the combination! For lips I went in with the Loreal Extraordinare in Rose Melody* which is another favourite release for this year. These are a hybrid between a lipstick and gloss but they're just so creamy, smooth but pigmented and long-lasting all at once. If you haven't tried them yet you must!
What products have you been loving this week?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration. This does not hinder my opinion.
There are some products that I can always turn to no matter what. They're the ones that I fall back on when I'm having a bad skin day or when I'm not feeling like over thinking my make up. We all have them, the ones that just work. I thought I'd share mine with you all because alot of them don't get as much of a mention as they should - prepare for major gushing throughout this post.
By the end of this post you'll get it - base is the most important thing for me. I have combination oily skin so when shit hits the fan I need products that are going to last and/or help control the oils. Starting off with skincare and The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash is my ultimate hero. I haven't used it in a long time but it's my favourite cleanser ever. It deeply cleans the skin without leaving it stripped or tight, smells amazing and it really removes all impurities. The Body Shop have recently lowered their prices too so you can pick this up for only $16! When my skin is acting up I always fall back on the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+*. I haven't been using the new formula for that long but I've been using this product since before it was even available in Australia. It's a light gel cream formulation that I use as a serum during the day and also at night to help clear any breakouts quicker. Another skin saviour is definitely the Kosmea Rose Hip Oil which is just a staple everyone should have in their bathrooms. I generally use this as a moisturiser at night however it's great for targeting dry patches on the face and the body.
Onto some make up bits and let's have a moment for Laura Mercier bases. My love affair for along things Laura Mercier is ridiculous but the base products are the best on the market. I really love the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation and Laura Mercier Smoothing Powder Foundation* both on their own or mixed together. The colour range at LM is fantastic and even us pale gals can find a really great match. You've heard me speak about the Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer time and time again but it really is the best of the best. It allows for great coverage over blemishes or under the eyes, long-lasting, doesn't crease and pretty much is the perfect concealer in my eyes.
When it comes to colour products like blush, lipsticks and eyeshadows I am a bit of a floater, I find that most brands have some really fantastic products for pops of colours but for eyeshadow I can't go past my Mac Eyeshadows. I find these really long-lasting, fool-proof when it comes to blending and the colour range is endless. I can't wait to finish off my palette! For base, of course, the Nars Smudge Proof Eye Primer is my go-to base as it's one of the only primer that's actually worked at prolonging my eye looks. Although I can be fickle with mascara Maxfactor Clump Defy and Maxfactor in general do my favourite affordable mascaras. I can always reach for this if I don't have time to applied 5 coats of mascara because it's so quick and easy to apply.
Last few bits are a bit random but I'm in love with Lanolips 101 Ointment*. I've always raved about it but this winter it's been my saving grace. I will never repurchase Paw Paw Ointment products over this stuff, yes it is pricey but it's so so so worth it. The tubes lasts ages anyways! My beloved top coat of choice (not pictured - whoops) is the Orly Chip Resistant which is the most effective top coat I've ever used. One coat of this really seals your polish and makes it last for up to 7 days.
What are your most reliable ones?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
This week I've had a really great week in terms of loving some products, none are particularly fancy but all are incredible. I'll start off with my favourite duo which comes from Antipodes. They've recently releases an Anti-aging Mini Set* consisting of the night cream and night serum. I've always wanted to try Antipodes but I was never really sure where to start as the whole range is raved about. The serum is beautifully scent, hydrating and a dream to apply and as for the gorgeous night cream - I'm in love. I think this set was the perfect way to try out the brand for me and I'd recommend it. Although it's not available on the Priceline website it is exclusive to Priceline so make sure you keep an eye out for it because it. is. so. good.
More skincare items I've been enjoying come from Go-To Skincare and Thalgo. It's a bit trivial to me to be including both of these this week because when I first tried both I wasn't too sure they were for me. The Go-To Skincare Properly Clean Cleanser* is unlike any other foaming cleanser I've tried - it's gentle! When I first switched to this it didn't feel like it was really deep cleansing my face but I think that's just because I was using such a harsh cleanser before I switched. It's gorgeous, gentle, non-stripping but still oh-so statisfying with the fun foam consistency. I can also read all the ingredients on the back of the bottle so it's refreshing to finally have a good quality foaming cleanser in my routine. The Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist* is something I chucked into the whatever-it-won't-work pile when I first received it. When I finished up my current toner I pulled it out mainly to laugh at how stupid it was going to be BUT I was completely blown away by this spray. Unlike other sprays I notice a huge difference in softness of my skin and the way products absorb afterwards. I'm so impressed and would highly recommend it.
The next three products have been my lazy routine. I find winged eyeliner, a soft lip and tousled hair my go-to look when I want to look like I made an effort when really I was eating toast whilst getting dressed hurrying out the door. I know in my 'New In: July' post I featured this Covergirl Bombshell Liner* as a miss and it's still not my favourite applicator I've ever tried but the formulation of this is pretty amazing considering it's only $12. It's super black, long-lasting and doesn't transfer at all. Even though I prefer a flexible tip I would probably repurchase this just for the awesome formulation. The Rimmel Rita Ora collection has finally hit Australian shores and the Colour Rush Balm in 200 Keep Mauving* has been a fantastic long-lasting lip colour. It's not as mauve as I would like, it almost pulls pink, but it's still a great everyday shade and the formulation I've been really enjoying. Last up, the Toni & Guy Rough Texturiser is my new bestie. I was sent a press sample but I've gone and repurchased because unlike other textured sprays this gives you texture but you don't have to wash your hair at the end of the day. I really like it for a quick everyday spritz.
What products have you been enjoying this week?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
I'm a huge fan of liquid lipsticks and these Sweetpea & Fay ones had been on my radar for a while. The compact squeezey tubes makes them the perfect handbag friendly lip products and the colour range is extensive, ranging from vibrant purples to really gorgeous nude shades. Texturally these are fairly typical of liquid lipsticks being pretty thick and opaque. I find application is best being built up rather then slathering a really thick layer straight on. I tend to apply one layer, wait, apply another and so on until I get the desired look. This may sound like a bit of a fuss but it's actually really satisfying being able to control the deepness of the colour just by the amount of layers applied. The finish of these isn't matte which I tend to prefer but they're still comfortable to wear throughout the day and not overly sticky on the lips. These actually contain oils like olive oil and coconut oil so if anything they're one of the more comfortable liquid lipsticks I've tried.
Onto the shades I have and I decided on Nantes, Ukulele and Willa. Ukulele is a gorgeous nude shade this lovely on it's own or layered with a slightly deeper liner. Nantes is a really unique colour which I'm loving. It's almost like a burnt orange shade which is perfect for this time of year. The last shade Willa is a pretty typical one for me being a medium mauve/purple shade. Across these three colours I find them equally as pigmented as each other. The only difference I can pick is that the nude (Ukulele) can be slightly chalky looking on the lips if they're dry but that is pretty typical for a light colour.
When it comes to comparing these too the OCC Lip Tar there are a few differences. The first difference is the applicators. Unlike the silly OCC Lip Tars the Sweetpea & Far ones come with a slanted tip so you can apply them directly to your lips without the hassle of finding a lip brush. This too me is a huge plus because the reason I don't wear the OCC Lip Tars as much as I would like is down to the fact they're not that user friendly. In saying that I do think all liquid lipsticks are best first applied with a lip brush to ensure a crisp edge and then touch ups are easily done by applying directly from the tube. The other difference is the price - these Sweetpea & Far ones are only $9.50 whereas the OCC are $19 so there is a huge difference in price point. OCC do boast a huge range of colours, finishes and limited edition collections which the Sweetpea & Fay ones just can't measure up too at all but in saying that they both have a vast range of wearable shades as well as some other crazy colours.
The formulations compared against each other are pretty similar. I find the Sweetpea & Fay ones slightly thicker then the OCC but that's when really looking for a difference. I think if you've been looking to try out the OCC Lip Tars but aren't sure where to start or whether or not the formulation is a kind you will like definitely go ahead and get your hands on some of these. They're fantastic little products that are so much user-friendly compared to the OCC ones.
I've always been the type to shun rose scents and put them into the 'old lady' category but over the past year I've grown quite accustomed to a little bit of rose in my life. Whether it's in the form of a body wash or a lipstick - I'm there! Not only is the scent soothing and relaxing but the tinted products look so natural, like they're only enhancing your features not covering them up.
My favourite products for a light rosy scent come from the Rose et Reines line from L'occitane. L'occitane have a way of capture a particular scent and not overdoing it - that's exactly what they've done with this particular line. The shower gel offers a gorgeous light scent whilst still foaming up really well and being moisturising. Layering that with the Eau de Toilette and the scent is subtle but lasts allll day. There is also a moisturiser in the line that I do like although it doesn't get as much as a work out as the Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil*. I use this instead of a body moisturiser because, if I'm honest, I rarely moisturise my body in the winter so when I do I like it to be intense and body oils are perfect for that.
A quick mention to one you've all probably seen everywhere at the moment but for good reason. The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Toner* is incredible. Not only is the bottle (and this years campaign) gorgeous but the actual product is worth the high price tag. It's balancing, hydrating and helps all your moisturisers absorb better. For on-the-go I love the Kosmea Rose Hand Cream* which is a relatively new addition to the line. The formulation is non-greasy yet moisturising and the scent lingers which I enjoy.
Onto make up (yay!) and I have a few bits that really give me that rosy glow I love so much. For blush it's all about the Red Earth Sun Dance* shade and the Physicians Formula Rose blush. Both offer very pigmented formulation that requires a light hand but I adore the flushed look they give my complexion. For lips, if I'm after something natural and light I love the Nivea Soft Rose Balm. These balms are perfect for during the day and they really are a long time favourite of mine. To line my lips of course it's my all-time favourite liner! The Essence Lip Liner in Cute Pink is a must-have for everyone. The formulation is creamy, easy to work with and long lasting plus the colour range is quite extensive. The next two when applied heavily they give more of a pink appearance but sheered out they're both a love natural rose shade. My most worn of the two is the Rimmel Apocalips in Nova as you'll know from my constant raving - it's beautiful. I think it's one of the only lip shades I wore last winter. The other is Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop which was one of the first lip colours I ever bought and I still adore it!
Not directly beauty related but I've also been enjoying the Essentially Australis Rose Myrtle Essential Oil*. This was the inspiration for this post and for my growing love for essential oils. I pop a little of this in my oil burner and it really fills the whole room quite quickly. Do I prefer it over a candle? No but it's a much more cost effective way of making your living space smell delightful.
What are your favourite rose scents or hues?
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*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
If you think I've been a bit MIA on here and my social medias it's probably because I have been. I've been curled up on the couch ( with blanket, tissues and cookies and cream ice cream, of course) with a cold which has hit me pretty hard. I'm finally starting to feel better so I thought it was about time I got my but into gear and wrote some posts. This one was a particularly hard one for me to write because I've never done something like this here on More Than Adored. I don't want this to be seen as me bashing brands or products because that's not what I'm doing, most of these brands do some of my favourite products ever, but it's important to acknowledge that there are always going to be products that just don't work out. I had a bit of a hefty pile in my room waiting to be passed off to friends so I thought I'd first go through them all on MTA and give you the low down on why they just didn't work for me.
MAKE UP Australis Go Camo Concealer*
Australis are usually pretty on point when it comes to base products but this concealer is impossible to use. It's a high coverage, thick concealer that is hard to even squeeze out of the tube let alone blend it into your skin. The colour match is fantastic but I found it creases under my eyes and didn't blend well over problem areas. I really prefer the three-in-one concealer they do.
Essence All About Nude Eyeshadow
Being a budget brand Essence can be a little hit or miss and for me this palette was a huge miss. The colours look gorgeous in the pan but they're impossible to transfer onto the eye. The sparkly shades end up being sporadic bits of glitter on the lid and the light colours are chalky without any pigmentation at all. It's a bit surprising given that the single eyeshadows from Essence are generally pretty amazing.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
I think I must be the only one ever not to like this concealer but I find it pulls really ashy on my skin tone so perhaps it's just the shades I've tried. The packaging also is a let down as a decent amount of the product is wasted every time you click to dispense more.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin Curves*
This again, isn't a bad product but I just wasn't a fan of the brush. I know that with mascaras brands are always trying to bring out something new and exciting but I felt like this brush was a complete fail. I found it super hard to use and control - maybe I'm just a bit hopeless with mascara but overall I wouldn't purchase again. I really like the basic mascaras Rimmel do!
Australis Tint My Brow
I mentioned this before on More Than Adored and I have two problems with this product. The first is that the brush is far to big which makes it hard to get into your brows evenly without making a messy and the second is that the colour for blondes isn't ash toned at all. I know alot of people love this one but personally I would prefer to spend a little extra and buy Benefit Gimme Brow for the small brush and great colour.
Tarte Blush in Fearless
I bought this off another blogger and I was so excited to finally be able to try these very raved about blushes. I love the shade, despite it being quite shimmery, however the formulation isn't as amazing as what people make it out to be. I found it didn't last 12 hours and definitely wasn't a dream to blend. Maybe I just got a dud shade but I definitely won't be racing to purchase more.
BODY Dr Lewinns Liquid Loofah Mineral Scrub*
I'm a bit fussy when it comes to scrubs and this one just didn't tick all the boxes for me. It isn't abrasive enough for me and the smell is minty which I don't particularly enjoy. If you love a gentle scrub and a minty smell then I'd recommend this but for me it just didn't do enough compared to other dry scrubs I use.
Premium Spa SOS Wonder Scrub*
I've been trying out a fair few different products by Premium Spa and given the affordability I'm super impressed by the range. This scrub is gritty enough for my liking but my problem with it is the horrid smell that lingers on your skin afterwards. It's very herbal and I find it offensive. I much prefer the scrubs they do in the pots other this one :)
SKINCARE Formula 10.0.6 Over Night Success Overnight Spot
I'm all for trying new pimple zapping products because no one likes to have pimples! These are essentially a little clear patch you apply to the zit over night and they're infused with tea tree oil and pimple fighting ingredients to help clear to spot fast. I've tried these numerous times and I've never noticed a difference plus having a few small stickers on your face isn't the most comfortable to sleep with. They also don't stick well over moisturiser so I found them a bit of a pain to use!
Nivea Naturally Even Cleansing Foam
I actually really enjoy some of Nivea's skincare range so this was a bit of a shock not to like but it just goes to show that every brand has flaws. This is a cleansing foam that lathers up really well and the experience of cleansing your skin with this is actually really lovely, it's how your skin is left feeling that is the problem for me. It's leaves a powder, tight sensation on my skin that is super uncomfortable!
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Scrub
This is not a scrub. This is a textured facial wash. I don't really have else to say about this one other than it really does just feel like a gel cleanse with a little bit of texture to it. I was really disappointed because the Positively Radiant line is one of my favourite affordable skincare lines.
HAIR Polished London Bonny Blonde
The Polished London dry shampoos are one of my favourite dry shampoos lines but this one for blonde hair didn't blow me away. The tint to this is actually more yellow then a typical blonde colour which I find hard to work into my roots then regular dry shampoo.
Paul Mitchell The Detangler
This is called 'The Detangler' so you would expect it to do some serious detangling and smoothing.. Right? Well it doesn't do anything for tangles in my locks. I don't know if I'm just not using enough or the shampoo I'm using is causing a problem but it just didn't do anything for my seriously knotty hair. I do love the cleansing shampoo (shampoo 2?) from this line though!
Innova Hair Thickening Elixier Setting*
I actually have another product from this line I'm really enjoying but this one was a bit of a fail purely because of the crappy packaging. This is a squeeze bottle for a product that you're mean work through towel-dried hair before blow drying. It's not an issue to start off with but I'm about half way through and it is impossible to squeeze out now! It would be much easier if it was a bottle that you don't have to turn upside down to dispense product... If that makes sense?
So there you have it a few products that I just didn't get on with. None are particularly bad products and I know alot of people that do enjoy some of these but personally I just couldn't make them work.
What products did you not get on with?
*some of these products may have been sent to me for consideration.
I feel as though this winter I'm chopping and changing my preference when it comes to foundation week in week out but this combination has been one I just keep coming back too. Although in the pictures it looks as though my face is considerably lighter then my neck, it's not (stupid light settings)! And the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compactin Light* matches my skin tone too a tee at the moment. I aboustely adore this as a base! It's light in texture, moisturising, blends seamlessly and gives your skin such a gorgeous glow. I admit for long days it's not going to last the day but otherwise it's gorgeous. I love love love adding the Arbonne Natural Radiance Mineral Foundation* over top to set everything in place and add an extra bit of coverage. This is going to give you even more of a glow and the duo are just incredible together.
Enough raving about that particular combination and onto the star of this look and that is the cheeks! The bronzer/blush/highlight duo from the Arbonne Country Garden Palette* (available here) is INCREDIBLE. It gives your skin such a beautiful glow and I need to find out what the products are separately because I would buy them in a heartbeat. It's the perfect bronzed glow for the day time that is subtle but still perks up the skin making you look lit from within.
Because my cheeks and skin is what I wanted to be really noticeable I left everything quite simple. I primed my lips using the Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base as usual and I then used the shadows from the Arbonne Country Garden Palette* which are lovely but not for me the winner in that palette is the cheek duo! I added a coat of my favourite mascara Maxfactor Clump Defy and the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl in Nude in the water line. I finished off the look with the Arbonne Rosebud Sheer Lipstick* which actual comes in the Country Garden palette set. It's a gorgeous everyday sheer lipstick that can easily be applied without any mirror or fuss. I really love the soft look it gives to the lips!
What are you favourite base products for an instant skin pick me up?
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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)
