Monthly Favourites | January

Ok so I know we're in the middle of February but I still want to share with you my favourite products from last month as there are quite a few new products that I want to share with you all. Starting off with the KIKO Lip Scrub which so far has bee the best one I have ever used. It is gentle enough to be used everyday and keeps lips feeling soft and supple. I prefer to use it before going to bed followed by some lip balm to wake up with plumper lips.

Next, I have the Onsen Purifying Facial Peel which I have been using religiously on a weekly basis ever since I got it. I shall go into more detail in a review I have planned for this weekend but I all have for this product as words of praise as it really does deliver great results and even better looking skin.

On to makeup, I only have two products for this month, the first of which is the Make Up Store Smoothing Primer Powder which is god-send for days when I'm in a hurry and just need a thin veil of something for my skin to look good to go. It's got a very fine texture and can be used as a primer or worn alone. I sometimes also use it as a setting powder and for baking and it also works well in that regard.

Lastly is my MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade Oh Lady! I have worn this a couple of times and I always got good compliments on the colour. I have to say that this passes the eat & drink test, the kiss test and the time test! It is really that long lasting and I admit, it is a bit of a pain to remove completely.

Do you have any favourite products you would like to share? Write them in the comments!

Monthly Favourites | June

This is the third post for today to make up for all the days I didn't have time to blog...here are the products I have been loving during June.

 

I will start with nail products. So I have really been enjoying using the Essence Profi File which comes in a case that makes it ideal to travel with. I always have this in my purse for those little emergencies. Another Essence product I have really been liking this past month, is the Nail Polish Corrector Pencil which makes correcting polish mistakes easy as pie!

 

 

Moving on to more new products, the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover has been working wonders for me and my clients to clean up the cuticle area. It only takes 15 seconds to act and I really like the results...even my clients do! Speaking of my clients, I have recently added Orly Gel FX to my nail services. It is basically gel nail polish that last for 2 weeks without chipping and retains a glassy shine throughout. I have tried it on myself as well and I love it as much as my clients! The shades I have enjoyed during June are Passionfruit and Rage. I will be doing a full review soon so stay tuned!

 

Next are eye and lip products and none of them need any introduction on this blog! I have really been into pinks and oranges this month and my favourite lipglosses have been Essence Stay With Me Long Lasting Lip Gloss 05 I Like Cotton Candy and Essence Marble Mania Trend Edition Lipgloss 02 Peach And Mix. As for mascara, I have been reaching for the Essence Multi Action Blackest Black Mascara most. I like how black it is and the volumising effect it has on my lashes. Lastly, the Catrice makeup bag from the Cruise Couture Limited Edition is my favourite way of carrying around bits and bobs in my bag.

 

 

Finally, face products...the Essence Marble Mania Blush 01 Swirlpool, E.L.F. Studio Warm Bronzer, E.L.F. Mineral Booster and Napoleon Perdis Ultimate Contour Kit are all old favourites of mine so there is no need to waste time telling you why I love them all over again. As for the beauty blender dupe, it has been my favourite way of applying foundation ever since I got it. It gives my face an airbrush finish that application with a brush doesn't even compare to!

 

What are your June favourites?

The Exit Interview Series | Volume #21

Hi everyone! I've been very busy the past few days and while I have some time to spare, I will be showing you the products I have used up last month.

I will start with skin care first. I have finally managed to use up the E.L.F. Shine Erasers. I have had these for over three years and I kept them in my bag but somehow, I didn't find myself reaching for them that often. Not to mention the fact that I had to use like three or four of them to blot away excess oil from my face. Definitely no repurchase here E.L.F. sorry!

 

As for the Roberts Rose Water, this is my favourite toner to date. I love the light rose fragrance and I love how refreshing it feels on my skin. Back-up already bought and being used...guess there's no need to say more!

 

 

Moving on, I have two lip products next. I will start with the one I will definitely repurchase...the E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator. I really love this product! It works miracles and I love the smell, the packaging, everything! Pity you go through it fast but next time I will buy two right away to avoid waiting ages for E.L.F. re-stock it. The other product is the Nivea Hydro Care lip balm which has lasted me for a long time and I really like how moisturising it feels. I will not be repurchasing for now because I have way too many lip balms to go through but once I get there, I will definitely buy this again.

 

 

Lastly, I have two more products, the Tres Emme Volumising Mousse which works wonders for my hair in summer and The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub...my all time favourite body scrub! Mum already bought another mousse so I will not buying the Tres Emme one for now and as for the body scrub, I am currently working my way through another one from Bottega Verde, then I am definitely switching back to this one!

 



The Exit Interview Series | Volume #20

It's the end of the 5th month of the year, and that means, it's time to show you which products I used up over the last 4/5 weeks!

I will go with skin care first. So I have used up La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser which is in itself a very good product targeted for oily/sensitive skins. However, I was still getting the odd breakout and I have now switched to Michael Todd True Organics. The LRP Effaclar Cleanser is still my no.1 recommendation for teens though as it is mild and paraben & soap free. It will last a long time as well and it is not pricey at all. This was my second bottle and it's a good place to start at as far as skin care goes.

 

 

Also from the same range, I have used up the LRP Effaclar Mat Sebo-Regulating Moisturizer. This is the best moisturizer for me as it mattifies my skin and helps keep oil production at bay. I have already re-purchased a back-up and I totally recommend it to anyone with oily/sensitive skin or individuals with enlarged pores.

 

The last skin care product I used up are the Lycia Makeup Remover Wipes for Oily/Blemished Skin. These are my go-to makeup remover wipes especially when I am too lazy at night to thoroughly wash my face. These do the job well and I can take off all my makeup with just 2 wipes. As usual, back-ups already bought!

 

Speaking of makeup, this month I finished another tube of Essence Stay Natural Concealer in 01 Soft Beige. Needless to say, I always stock up on this concealer which is my favourite to cover under-eye dark circles. I also finished the E.L.F. Studio Mattifying Translucent Powder which I really like as a setting powder. I won't be repurchasing for now though as I still have to go through the Complexion Perfection a.k.a. Tone Correcting Powder and Mineral Booster before I decide which one I should get. I really like the packaging and I have decided to keep it and re-use it.

 

 

That brush in the picture is from Avon and it is a retractable lip brush. I am throwing it away because... it has rusted!! I wash this brush like the other brushes and leave it to dry flat so I don't know how that happened but I thought I'd share this with you guys. I am quite gutted as I liked the brush and I think it's a pity to throw it away.

I have also used up Essence Moisturising Nail Polish Remover that smells of Coconut and Papaya as well as Impulse Hint Of Musk Deodorant. The remover is good and I like the smell but I won't be repurchasing as I am now using the acetone-free one from LIDL that comes with a handy pump dispenser. As for the deodorant, Impulse is my favourite brand and I always make sure I am stocked up on it and this is my favourite scent.

 

Lastly, I have a perfume sample, namely Vanitas by Versace and E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads. The perfume has actually been one of my favourites this month and it smells very fresh and floral and it's perfect for spring. I will not be buying the perfume though as I have way too many to go through first but I will keep it in my wishlist as it is definitely up my street! As for the polish remover pads, I will definitely repurchase once E.L.F. re-stock as they are very handy to have in your purse and I really like the citrus smell they carry.

Make-Up Collection {Part 1 ~ Storage Cabinet & Face Products}

Hello loves :) I thought of sharing my make-up collection with you in a series of posts where I will divide the products in different categories.  I will also link the reviews to the different products so you would know which I have already reviewed and if you would like me to review any of the non-reviewed ones (if any) or  you simply want to know if I still like the product as much as when I initially bought it or if I have changed my mind about it or anything, just leave a comment down below :) 

I will start with face products today.  You will see that I as much as I love to collect make-up, I am not much of a hoarder in this regard as I just don't get the point of having say 10 peach blushes when you only have one face lol but that's just me! So don't expect a huge collection.  Also, my make-up is mostly drugstore with the occasional high-end product or two.

Anyway, first up are some pictures of the cabinet where I store all my make-up.  The cabinet is located in my room just under a half-length mirror and I apply my make-up standing up.  Mum & Dad had bought it for me after I had been complaining that I didn't have any more space to store all my make-up.  I quite like it being white and the drawers are all very spacious especially the wicker baskets.  Mum will however take off the flowery cloths and sew some out of left-over fabric from my curtains and bed-spread so that the cabinet matches my room more.  

Here's a quick rundown of how I store all my make-up in the cabinet, starting with the smaller drawers first...

In the first one, I mainly keep face products as well as some lip products while in the one beneath it, I keep my false eyelashes and other eye products.  In the third drawer, I keep all bits and bobs I use to tie my hair as well as fancy bobby pins etc and in the last one, I keep all my taller nail polishes such as China Glaze and Orly.

In the first wicker basket, I keep my brush-roll and other loose brushes in their covers as well as the brush shampoo and daily cleaner.  The second basket, houses all my eyeshadows while the third one, holds all my perfumes and some body lotions.  In the bottom-most one, I keep my Philips hair-dryer and New Look straighteners.  

On the top of the cabinet, I keep the brushes I use on a daily basis, basic make-up products I reach for most often and my hair brushes and deodorant.

That out of the way, I will let you have a nosey into my face products collection :P

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Candid Coral

e.l.f. Mineral Blemish Kit

e.l.f. Mineral Booster in Sheer

e.l.f. Studio Warm Bronzer

NYX Concealer in a Jar in CJ12 Green

Max Factor Creme Puff in 85 Light 'n' Gay

essence stay natural concealer in 01 Soft Beige

e.l.f. Tinted Moisturizer in Rosy Beige

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in 180 Sand Beige

NYX HD Foundation in HDF02 Soft Beige

Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream

e.l.f. Studio Complexion Perfection

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 Ivory

Inglot Under the Make-up Base

e.l.f. Studio Make-Up Mist & Set

Rimmel Powder Blush in 004 Pink Rose

e.l.f. All Over Color Sticks in Pink Lemonade & Persimmon

So that's all of my face products collection ladies! Do we have any common products? Do you like these kind of posts?

Top-Ten Tuesdays ~ Rimmel London

Here's my first Top-Ten Tuesdays post :D The brand I chose for this week is Rimmel London as I am a huge fan of theirs. So let's get started!

10. Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in 021 Denim Blue

I bought this pencil a while ago as I wanted something different than my usual black eye pencil. I like the softness of this pencil as well as the very good pigmentation.

9. Special Eyes Eye Liner Pencil in 131 Forest Green

I got this pencil with the Denim Blue one for the same reason and also because I like the way a green pencil makes my eyes stand out more. Unfortunately, this shade is no longer available.

8. 60 Seconds Nail Polishes

I adore Rimmel Nail Polishes especially the 60 Seconds range; in fact I chose 3 colours not 1 for this post but I grouped them in 1 category so as not to affect the number (cheeky :P). So, my faves have to be 270 Shocker - a bright shocking pink with a metallic finish; 610 Pompous - a rich, velvety royal purple with silvery shimmers; 730 Silver Bullet - to my eyes, this is more of a pearly white colour rather than silver and I really like to use it as an alternative to the creamy white for a french mani.

7. Shock Gloss 3D Magnifying Lipgloss in 200 Clearly Clear

This is my go-to lipgloss! I believe every girl should have a tube of clear lipgloss in her make up bag and in my opinion this is the one to have, the HG of lipglosses! It gives my lips a plumped effect and I like the spatula applicator as I get to control the amount of gloss I use.

6. SpecialEyes Mono Eye Shadow in 030 Smokey Quartz

I like to use this eyeshadow for day looks because of its neutral non-shimmery colour and for night because it is so pigmented I can easily add drama to my eyes! This range of eyeshadows is now called Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadows.

5. Sexy Curves Mascara in 002 Brown Black

I fell for this mascara after seeing an advert and I really loved the brush and the purple colour of the tube. I am really happy with the results this mascara gave me and in fact I have to buy another one soon!

4. 100% Waterproof Mascara in 001 Black Black

I have yet to meet another mascara which rivals the waterproof formulation of this one... and to be honest, I think I never will! This is the best waterproof mascara you can ever buy... it doesn't smudge, it doesn't budge and it lasts all day! What's not to love?

3. Hide The Blemish Concealer in 103 Soft Honey

I compared this concealer to another one and I found this is actually better (click on the name for the review). For me it does a very good job and when blended, it is a perfect match for my skin.

2. Powder Blush in 004 Pink Rose

I am absolutely head over heels on this blusher! It gives my face a healthy, true-to-nature glow without being too obvious.

1. Lasting Finish Minerals Loose Powder Foundation in 100 Ivory

I am a big fan of natural make up and thus, this is my choice of foundation! It is finely milled and gives me just the right amount of coverage without looking cakey!

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Full Skin Cleansing Routine

Hello my beauties :)

Today, I'm gonna blog about my skin care routine and the products I use throughout.

1. I always make sure my hands are squeaky clean and after I wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water, I apply a sanitizing gel. This will eliminate commensal skin bacteria and therefore, prevents transfer of these bacteria onto the face.

2. Dilate 2 or 3 cotton discs in warm water and apply eye-make up remover to each one of them.

3. Pull the brow of one eye upwards (gently), apply the disc to the eyelid and leave for 5 seconds. Sweep in an outward motion and repeat until all the makeup is removed.

4. Run under the lower lashes with disc edge to remove any mascara and eye pencil smudges. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other eye with another cotton disc. If mascara is still coming out, apply some more make up remover to a cotton bud and run it over the lashes.

5. To remove lipstick, apply some makeup remover to another cotton disc, hold lips taut from one side and sweep outwards in the opposite direction (if your holding your lips from the left side sweep to the right and vice versa).

6. For cleansing the face, apply a 20 Euro-cent coin-sized dollop of cleanser to one of your palms. Wet the other palm and work the cleanser into a lather. Start by applying it over the neck in upward, circular movements and move on to the centre of the face and continue with outwards circular movements. Pay special attention to the nostril area. Rinse off with warm water and repeat when removing full make up.

7. Apply toner all over the face, omitting the eye area.

8. Apply 20 Euro-cent coin-sized dollop of FACIAL scrub (body scrubs have coarser granules which will be too harsh for the skin on the face) onto your palms and massage on your face using circular motions outwards and upwards from the jaw-line. Leave on for 3 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

9. Apply a thin layer of face mask (for peel-offs apply a thicker layer) all over the face omitting the eye and lip areas. Leave on for 15 - 30 minutes or as long as it is stated on the package. Rinse off with warm water. Steps 8 and 9 should ideally be done twice a week.

10. Apply another application of toner paying special attention to the hair-lines so as to make sure all traces of the mask are removed.

11. Leave the skin to dry.

12. Apply some eye gel or eye cream by gently dabbing with the ring finger around the orbitals.

13. Apply a slick of lip balm.

14. Apply a layer of moisturizer and work in the skin until fully absorbed. In the morning apply sunscreen prior to applying the moisturizer. When I am not going to apply foundation, I use a tinted moisturizer as a make-up base.

- Skin Truth Face Eye Contour Gel

- Nivea Visage Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

- Nivea Visage Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

- Nivea Visage Refreshing Toner

- Nivea Visage Young smooth it! mild exfoliating facial scrub

- Nivea Visage Young control shine! mattifying gel cream

- Nivea Visage Young be beautiful! tinted moisturizer

- Nivea Lip Care Caregloss & Shine

- A range of Montagne Jeunesse face masks and tonics. I always try out different ones suited for my skin.