Why I've Quit Using Over The Counter Skincare (Almost)

Somewhat unconsciously 2016 has become the year of 'getting shit done' for me and it's only January, oh yeah! This is the year that I've decided to stop complaining about things that I'm not happy with or aren't working for me and actually action some changes. Top of my list along with finally creating my own writing space - more on that in another post - was tackling my skin issues.

I've mentioned the frustrations I've felt with my skin before with constant congestion causing breakouts and this summer I noticed an increased area of pigmentation on my forehead. Although I've discovered some nice skincare that has helped - and it has helped - nothing has actually permanently helped to change my skin. Taking matters into my own hands I decided to seek help in the form of a professional dermatologist to see what actually was going on with skin at a cellular level (fancy huh). So I googled, read some reviews and booked in a free appointment to get a skin consultation and guys, it was an eye-opener.

After sitting down for an hour with a very lovely professional (sidenote her skin is amazing) I found for the first time I was getting advice on what the hell my cells under the surface are actually up to and as it turns out it's not much. My cells are lazy guys, they are pretty crap at completing their supposed 30ish day life cycle of forming, rising to the skins surface and sloughing off naturally. All that laziness is causing a lack of water getting to my skins surface which is why I've always confused about how my face feels tight and dry but appears oily. It's dehydrated and all those lazy-ass cells are getting congested and causing pimples to form.

I can't tell you how good it was to sit down with someone who has science on their side and tell me exactly what I mentioned above without me actually saying it to them. And all for free! At the start of my consultation I wasn't entirely sure about what I wanted to come away with. Mainly I wanted to know which products to buy and what would cure my skin woes.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) my dermatologist only prescribes products which have been tested and scientifically proved to show a different to skin cells. Which means no over the counter skin products. Now I should point out that this doesn't mean nothing from a beauty shop or supermarket can cure my pigmentation/dehydration woes but often the research done by pharmaceutical companies has a conflict of interest (ie. Their own brand scientists doing the research so it's not really peer reviewed or independent) meaning it's hard for dermatologists to recommend them.

At the end of my session I came away with a new understanding of what my skin is actually up to (being lazy apparently), what products will actually make a difference (hyraluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin A) and the offer of skincare products which have been proven scientifically to make a difference. I decided after the hour was up that since I've been spending my hard earned cash on products that were only cleaning the surface of my skin it was time to delve a little deeper. The price of the skincare I came away with - a cleanser, serum and moisturiser to start - isn't that different to high end skincare. Ranging from $60 for the cleanser to $90 for the serum requires a bit more budgeting for me but is overly not too bad considering I only get one skin to care for.

While it's early days yet to see what is going to work for me, I've also got a milk peel booked next month for the pigmentation (also caused by my lazy-ass skin cells) so I'll keep this blog posted on what changes are happening.

The main point of todays ramble, and it has been a ramble, was to say this. If you have skin concerns that you feel haven't been overly helped by over the counter skincare then why not book in with a dermatologist. Most of them give free consultations so you are under no obligation to spend any money and it's an amazing feeling to get some advice from a medical professional concerning your skin.

Have you ever thought about consulting a dermatologist before for your skin?

An End of Summer Beauty Wishlist

I think I'm going to make these beauty wishlists a more regular occurrence as they help satisfy my need to peruse all my favourite beauty websites without necessarily spending any money. Here are the products I'm lusting over before the Summer is over:

Stila Convertible Colour Palette :: Sometimes the beauty gods release a product that takes all the difficulty out of being unable to decide on which colour to choose. I've had the Stila Convertible Blushes in my MECCA bag for ages but have been unable to decide on which one I want to take home. Sunset Serenade is the warmer toned palette of two options and includes three shades (Petunia, Gerbera and Peach Blossom) that I was torn between choosing!

Essie Nail Polish in Maximilian Strausse-Her :: I've been very picky in adding nail polishes to my collection but I love the muted tones of this greeny grey polish. I think this will be a perfect subdued option for when the weather starts to turn a little colder and is a more sophisticated shade for wearing to work than some of my bright coral polishes.

Dior Diorskin Star Foundation :: The more I hear about this foundation the more I really think it might be something that sits well with my skin type. I love glowy skin and need a bit of coverage to mask the redness around my nose and chin which is exactly what Diorskin Star Foundation promises. Not gunna lie though, the $80 plus price tag makes my eyes water a little. One for special occasions maybe?

Chanel Chance Eau Frache :: Speaking of champagne taste and beer budgets Chanel fragrances have been something I've been lusting after for a while now. Two years ago I tried out the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle fragrance and loved it but I'm looking to replace it with something a little different. It's hard to pick between the three beautiful Chance fragrances but Eau Frache has a beautiful fresh scent to it that might just become my new favourite.

Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick :: I have a weakness for pharmacy brand lipstick (usually from Rimmel) and it's usually where any excess parking coinage ends up going! Finding a peach coloured lipstick is actually quite hard as I found out not long ago by swatching nearly every peach hue I could find. This colour looks so pretty and I don't have anything in my makeup collection like it.

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette :: The palette with the longest name ever has been on my radar for a while now. I've slowly started to come around to the idea of matte eyeshadows and not just for wearing in the crease either. This palette is so pretty and warm toned but I think it would be just as stunning yet understated to wear a fully matte eyeshadow look. Unfortunately it's been out of stock for a while now I'm patiently waiting for it come back in store!

Let me know what beauty bits you've been lusting after lately in the comments below!

January Life, Style & Beauty Favourites

January's a funny month isn't it? The month we all go back to work and school and it can be slightly depressing even for those of us enjoying the Summer sun down under. Fortunately for me it's also my birthday month which always gives me something to look forward to. Here's what I've been enjoying the most this January.

My New Ikea Desk :: My desk was a present for my birthday after I complained about not having anywhere to write in our house and I just love it so much. Even though I'm yet to style it in any way just having a space to blog and write from that doesn't have to get tidied up and put away at the end of the day has made a big difference to how often I sit down to tap away at my keyboard. Stay tuned for some desk styling content as I'm really excited for all the copper and rose gold accents you know are gunna be coming at ya!

Essie Cute As A Button Mini Nailpolish :: I seriously think that all Essie nailpolishes should be available in mini form easily as who even uses up a whole bottle of varnish before they get weird and gloopy and need to be chucked in the bin? This colour is such a cute one for the summer and compliments a tan just nicely.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask :: Oh the hydration in this mask is so good for holiday-bad-diet skin! I love the moisturising texture on the skin and that I can just slather a layer of this on and head to bed without actually looking like I have weird goo all over my face. Winning.

Morning Work Outs :: What a difference a change in schedule has made to my week! Since both my boyfriend and the sun rises at a ridiculous hour in Western Australia I've started making the most of the three hours of sunshine before I head to work at 8.30am and fit in a sneaky workout before hand. Not only do I get it done and dusted before the days begun but I'm actually working out more than ever since it feels like such a long time between workouts. Like, who even am I?

Mums, Cooking and Jamie Oliver's 30 Minute Meals :: I was a lucky girl this January and got to have my mum come over from New Zealand to stay with us for a while. Mum did most of the cooking over this time as me and the boyfriend mainly just tried to stay out of the way in the kitchen but I didn't realise that all the recipes she was whipping up were from my very dusty edition of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals. Thanks mum!

What have your favourite things been this month?

New Additions to the Beauty Shelf #3

My last update of pretty new thangs on my beauty shelf was way way back in April of 2015 which means this post is long overdue. Whoops! With the festive season just gone I received some lovely beauty bits and bobs from my sisters (they know me so well) and did a little splurge in MECCA when I visited Melbourne for the first time over the new year. Here’s what I’ve been loving lately:

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask :: A hydrating face mask that doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything on your face? Yes, please! I’ve been wanting to buy Origins products for ages and have been thoroughly impressed by my first purchase. This mask is perfect for lazy girls who can’t be bothered with the faff of waiting around to remove their skincare.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette :: Oh so shiny! I will admit I’m still mildly perplexed at how this palette works best but so far I've been using Incandescent Light (furthest left) to set my makeup and it does have a very 'lit from within' effect on the skin. Is it magic? I don't know but I do know it doesn't make my skin look cakey which is often what I get from using powders to set with.

NARS Isole Eyeshadow Duo :: I am all about coppery, goldy, orangey coloured things on my eyelids. Blue eyed girls need to pick this duo up because it will make your peepers pop. The quality of NARS eyeshadow is also amazing and I had a ‘this is what I’ve been missing out on’ moment the first time I used it.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfumes :: Mini perfumes are great because a) tiny things are cute b) trying out multiple perfumes at once is where it’s at and c) They are so convenient for travel and handbag usage. I've never tried any of the Daisy perfumes before but these three minis are all sweet and floral without being overpowering or too 'young' if you know what I mean. I still can't pick a favourite!

Antipodes Aura Hydrating Manuka Honey Mask :: I just really like face masks okay? I replaced my clay mask from Moorish Skincare with another tip top New Zealand brand Antipodes and I love this one. My skin is oily but needs hydration and I also love the fact that I don’t have to sit there with my face feeling like its cracking in a clay mask. Manuka honey has antibacterial affects which are great for spot prone skin too.

What lovely beauty things have you been using lately?

Easy Eyeshadow

It's been a while since I've shared any of my favourite beauty or skincare bits and pieces on this blog so I thought today it was time to dedicate a post to my most recent love. And, while they are hardly new these tiny pots of coloured goodness are transforming my love for eyeshadow.

Whether wonderfully mousse-like in texture like the Max Factor Colour Tattoo or the creme Maybelline Colour Tattoo pots I have a steadily growing collection of colours from pink, gold and taupe to a browny bronze shade. The best thing about these little pots is that they are great for a quick dash of colour across the eye and super easy to blend out if you are short on time in the morning. The even better thing is how great they are at being a base for eyeshadow colours packed on top.

I have been loving using all four colour pots in conjunction with my Naked original palette and love the way really deepen the colours of my eyeshadow as well as creating an extra look that's slightly different than if I were to just use the naked palette.

The only downside is there shortened shelf-life of six months. As they are creme and mousse textures (although they dry down to a powder like finish) these pots will inevitably dry up and can't be kept as long as most other powders. For now I think I have covered all the colours I use on a regular basis but the fact that they can only last a certain amount of time has been spurring me on to get as much use out of them as possible.

Are you a fan of the Colour Tattoo pots? They've been the best thing I've added to my beauty stash all year!

Beauty Game Changers

It's only in the last couple of years that I've really started to get into the nitty gritty side of beauty. I'd always been about the instant results when it came to makeup, the pretty eyeshadows or adding a punchy lipstick to my collection but more recently it's the unsung heroes in my beauty stash that have been making the biggest different. Here are my top beauty game changers and why I love them so:

Eyelash curlers :: I, like many people, had heard people harp on about how much of a difference curling your eyelashes makes to open up your peepers but never jumped on board this bandwagon. While I didn't shell out major dosh for a pair of Shu Umeura's even my little drugstore pair make such a big difference. Who knew your mascara was only doing half the job?

Toners :: The often forgotten about and murky watered step that is the toner has made such a big difference to my skin! This is where I truly think drugstore and supermarket brand just don't cut the mustard and investing in something a little more pricey is the way to go. My two favourites are REN Clarifying Toner ($30 from Mecca Cosmetica) for making a big difference in my spotty adult skin and Clarins Brightening Toner for perking up and exfoliating my complexion. If, like me you're still looking for a way to get monthly breakouts under control I highly recommend picking up a bottle of the REN Clarifying Toner!

Primers :: Being an oily/combo/what the fuck is my skin up to type of girl primers have always been my makeup best friend, but it's the oil free soaking-that-stuff-up kind that has really put primers into game-changer territory. If you're not of the same skin type as me worry not as there is a primer out there to meet every want and need, (I'm particularly fond of the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and the Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer for keeping my face shine free, while the Laura Mercier Radiant Primer brings a seriously luscious amount of glow.)

What are your favourite beauty game-changing products?

October Fashion & Beauty Favourites

Spring blossoms, a return to warmer weather and terrible hay fever have all made a reappearance during October but im not complaining as a change of season has also brought with it some new favourites to both my wardrobe and makeup bag. Here is what I've been loving in October:

The Perfect Striped Dress :: Do you ever find that sometimes that most basic clothing pieces are the hardest to get right. I can't remember the number of times I've bought a striped dress which just doesn't quite hit the mark. Being five foot two it's pretty easy for things to be too long or not fit the way a garment was intended, but this stripey number from Dorothy Perkins is so perfect. It is figure hugging but I've been loving wearing it with a denim jacket and my white converse shoes for an easy but put-together casual look.

Button Up Denim A-Line Skirts :: I love it when trends are actually wearable and super flattering for practically every body type. A Line skirts are my go-to for the best shape for my body type (read: thighs) and it's one of the only elements of the 70s trend that I think is going to stick around for a while. This button up number is from Dotti and I'm seriously considering getting it in black as well.

REN Clarifying Toner :: Remember my mini-MECCA beauty hall and how I said I'd do a review of said products sometime.... This product has ignited my love for toners. Having only really used supermarket jobs which don't actually do much, switching to a 'proper' toner has had a significant effect on my skin. Oily and spot prone girls might be interested in giving this a try as it's one of the only products that has quite noticeably helped clear up my scars and helps prevent pimples from being as bad as they could be.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer :: Another MECCA product I bought last month and have been loving. I bought the tiny sized 8.95ml bottle because this stuff is eye wateringly expensive and I wasn't sure it was worth the hype. Fortunately its bloody brilliant especially for preventing oil from ruining your makeup, something I constantly struggle with. The other upside? A tiny tiny amount goes a loooong way. Since the bottle I bought has a mini pump to go with its mini size, I squeeze out a tiny tiny blob, so tiny it's hardly worth calling a blob and it covers my entire face. Amazing, brilliant and may just bite the bullet and buy a big size when my tiny bottle eventually runs out.

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick No.30 :: I've been on the hunt for a purple lipstick for a while now but wasn't sure if I was brave enough to go full purple. This baby is a berry shaded purple which is a tad brighter than what I would usually wear in autumn. It's probably not the most spring appropriate shade but it's just so pretty I think it works all year around. Rimmel matte lipsticks have become my go to since they're just so cheap and the formula rivals that of many high end brands.

A Mini MECCA Beauty Haul

I've had a wishlist as long as my arm at Australian high-end beauty store MECCA for quite a while now and have only recently been able to indulge in a couple of items. I've been waiting patiently for some of my skincare to get used up so that I can replace them with more expensive items. Mostly because I think my combination skin type means that supermarket and drugstore skincare just ain't going to cut it. I'm quite looking for to seeing how much difference higher-end products can make. Here's what I've picked up recently:

REN Clarifying Toner :: I've decided to pull out the big guns when buying skincare and this toner has been on my wishlist for so so long. REN have such a great reputation in the beauty blogging community and I'm certainly hoping this can improve the breakouts that have been occuring around my jawline over the last couple of weeks. This particular toner is supposed to be great for oily/combo and blemish prone skin which is just what I need!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara :: Ridiculous names aside this too is a holy grail mascara for a lot of bloggers. My beloved Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara is pretty near to being dryed out and I really fancied giving something a little more high-end a try. The wand is fairly fat and fluffy and since I usually prefer a small skinny wand this may take a wee bit of getting used to.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer :: The main thing that interests me with this primer is it's oil soaking properties. At $70 for a medium and something around $120 for a normal sized bottle this stuff does not come cheap. Hence why I've only shelled out for a teeny weeny bottle of the stuff ($25) as I don't want to regret splurging on something I'm not sure will work wonders. One the one hand I'm looking forward to experiencing the awesome-ness of this product on the other hand the thought of spending that much money on a primer makes me wince!

So I've made a tiny dent in the wishlist. What high-end skincare or makeup do you love?

An Updated Beauty Wishlist

Spring is here which means as well as lighter mornings, blue skies and barbecues being on the horizon so too is the need to shake off my winter routines and embrace lighter, dewier makeup and delicious smelling skincare products. I've updated my current beauty wishlist for the things I'm lusting over most for the coming Spring/Summer months!

Origins Original Skin Re-texturising Mask and Re-newing Serum: I'm often on the lookout for skincare aimed at mid-twenties skin and this clay mask and serum are screaming out to me for their smoothing and calming properties are right up my street.

Glasshouse Candle No4 Les Baies: Oooh la la, everything about this candle makes me a little bit giddy. From the lux geometric packaging to the promise of wild berry scent I think this will be my favourite scent for warming summer days.

St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan: Spring is on the horizon which means bare legs are also making a comeback. Gradual tanners are much more appealing to me these days than the orange-sheet staining options of years gone past, and are such an easy lazy girls way of topping up an existing tan.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: It's not often that a high end mascara makes me take notice but the skinny wand plus often raved about formula of this Too Faced offering have certainly caught my eye.

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Foundation: Lately I've been finding that my sheer foundations just aren't cutting it whenever my skin has a breakout session so rather I'm looking to add a preventative measure into my base.

REN Clarifying Toner: Toners are still a rather mysterious skincare step for me but REN have such a good reputation for skincare that works that I can't wait to add this clarifying lotion to my nightly routine.

NARS Lipstick in Niagara: Despite my attempts at swatching every peachy pink lipstick I can find in the pharmacy, it's a hard colour to nail at a cheap price. I love the corally-peach tones of this NARS number and so far I've never met a NARS product I didn't like.

What I'm Reading On Bloglovin'

L-R Impression Blend, Coco Chic, Vivianna Does Makeup, The Londoner,
I Covet Thee, Wholefood Simply, Cider With Rosie

It's been about seven years since I first discovered blogging, firstly as a reader rather than a writer and in that time my tastes have certainly changed. While I used to be solely fashion-obsessed when it came to perusing the internet I've found over time my tastes have bounced back and forward between different topics but now I have a fairly broad range of subjects I like to read about. I've put together a little list of my favourite bloggers (and Youtubers) in case you're looking for a little inspiration.

Beauty
Two years ago a quick Google of 'drugstore beauty skincare' was all it took to get me hooked on beauty blogs and makeup in general. As someone who grew up pretty much a total tomboy with no such clue as to what and where and how to use most of these products I've certainly developed a bit of an obsession with affordable and high end skincare and makeup. British beauty girls seem to be my favourite for their clear skin, neutral eye looks and bold lippy shades.
My Favourites: Vivianna Does Makeup, Hello October, I Covet Thee

Books
I actually don't read a tonne of book blogs as I find a lot of content is very Young Adult based and I don't read a lot from this genre (despite my attempts). I also find I get a lot more inspiration for my own blog by reading from a wider variety of blogs than just those that focus on books but the bloggers I do follow always have great recommendations!
My Favourites: Impression Blend, Fiction Book Review, Feed Your Head, Books Beauty Amerie,

Healthy Eating
My boyfriend finds it amusing that whenever I'm on a healthy eating site it's because I want to bake something yummy and not for all the other equally nutritious recipes I could be whipping up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have really missed baking every since I cut back on eating sugar and so many snack foods and healthy alternatives have really filled the gap. I've found that traditional baking is often too sweet for me now but since I love the act of baking this is a nice alternative.
My Favourites: Deliciously Ella, Madeline Shaw, Wholefood Simply

Lifestyle
I think lifestyle blogs are actually one of my favourite genre's to read but also the hardest to find that appeal to my tastes since nearly everything can be classified as 'lifestyle.' My favourites tend to have a little bit of everything from travel posts to coffee spots and festivals.
My Favourites: Cider With Rosie, The Londoner, From Roses

Fashion
Compared to a few years ago when my Bloglovin' feed was cluttered with only outfit posts, I'm fairly restrained in this department now. Too much lusting after clothes that half the time aren't appropriate for my lifestyle or climate had left me a little burnt out but there are still some bloggers that I love visiting frequently for a fashion fix. I'm still on the hunt for more Australian fashion bloggers that are more aimed at a mid range price market (otherwise a girl can go broke) so any suggestions are welcome!
My Favourites: Fleur de Force, Lily Melrose, Flip & Style, Coco Chic

I'd love to know what genres of blogs or Youtubers you love reading when you're not keeping up with book blogs? I'm always looking for new blogs, big or small, to delve into so leave any that you love that you think I might too down in the comments!

A Sunscreen Saviour for Winter and Summer Skin

Well I never really thought I'd be using this space to talk about my favourite sunscreen but then that's the nature of blogging isn't it and if I've been looking for something for a really long time I kinda want to tell people about it.

Looking after my skin to prevent the early signs of ageing has become something I've subconsciously been doing ever since I moved to Australia. I have to say though rather than the ageing factor it has been the skin risk that has me most worried. You'd be surprised and horrified by the number of young people diagnosed with skin caners here every year and it's no wonder consider our skies are rarely cloudy. With that in mind finding a sunscreen suitable for winter and summer that doesn't make me feel like a shiny grease ball has been pretty high on my priority list. I've been though quiet a few terrible ones that leave white traces, streaks and grease and don't gel well with makeup that I was beginning to get a little bit miffed with my search.

So, after hearing good things and recommendations about the skincare brand Natio I went on the hunt for their SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen and have been a happy camper ever since. I have oily combination skin and it feels really light when applied after my skincare routine and before my other makeup products. Sometimes with sunscreen I find that applying a moisturiser before hand and a primer afterwards is far too much and results in too much build up on my skin and a horrible heavy feeling like my makeup is going to slide on the floor. With this I haven't had to switch one thing up and it's so lightweight. I used this on our holiday in Bali in June and since then have been slathering it on sunny winter days to keep the sun beams at bay.

If you're looking for a heavy duty sunscreen (it's SPF50 and UVA & UVB protective and water resistant for four hours) that doesn't mess up your makeup Natio might be the one to try. I've heard great things about this brand but am yet to try anything else makeup or skincare, but if you have let me know in the comments!

Skincare Review: Manuka Doctor Brightening Oil and Skin Serum

I’ve been really enjoying introducing natural skincare into my regime more. It gives me the warm fuzzies to find brands that are both nasties free and more importantly actually work! While I’m not completely onboard the chemical free waggon for everything I am firmly in the ‘I’ll take my bets with the natural stuff where I can get it’ camp, a camp which clearly needs a far catchier title. On the lookout for a few serums and oils to add to the my regime I stumbled upon the brand Manuka Doctor in my local pharmacy.

I knew their Brightening Oil was a bit of a cult product thanks to beauty journalist Sali Hughes mentioning it as a holy grail product, but what really makes me double happy is this is also a New Zealand brand so my bathroom cabinets are supporting a whole lot of local goodness (my cleansing products are also by a Kiwi brand Moreish who are organic and just all together rather lovely). After grabbing the Brightening Oil to try I also spent approximately a good few minutes reading every package on the shelves and seeing what other skin woes I could fix. As an oily skinned gal anything that speaks to hiding my scarring or reducing pesky breakouts is pretty high on my priority list so a skin serum aimed at just doing just that was also whisked into my basket.

Let’s talk about the oil first as I don’t want to alarm you but if you’re looking for a natural ingredient-laden brightening oil then run don’t walk to pick this stuff up. Sometimes I worry when using more chemical products that there might be something nasty in there bleaching my skin to give it a glowing effect so the fact that this stuff is made with the help of our furry bee friends had me happy with the overnight result rather than alarmed. The first time I used it I woke the next morning to a visibly (to me) brighter face - something I could compare to the effects I’d last seen by using the Indeed Labs Pepta Bright which is also awesome.

Although the Manuka Doctor Brightening Oil says to use morning and night I don’t like adding extra oil to my face in the morning as it’s a bit too much for my skin but even using just in the evenings my skin has retained a certain glow that wasn’t there before.

The Manuka Doctor ApiClear Skin Serum has also been quite a hit. It is a little tacky on the skin after I apply it but is nothing that my moisturiser doesn’t fix. Similarly the results have been pretty awesome and I’ve noticed how much quicker some of my scarring around my chin has cleared up in weeks rather than months.

Now I should point out that since these products contain bee venom they are neither vegan friendly nor appropriate for anyone who has allergies to bee stings. If though, you’re completely down with our furry kneed friends and are looking for something a bit more natural to slather on your skin morning and night then it might be time to give Manuka Doctor a go.

The Six Month-On Review: Moreish Organic Skincare

I read a lot of beauty blogs and product recommendations before I shell out my cash for most products, but one thing I often wonder is if months after the initial love-at-first-use has passed, are those once raved about products still in use? I noticed my Moreish Organic Skincare review has been quite popular this last month so I thought it was time to give you an update on whether I'm still using it or not. And, I think I'll do a six monthly update on all reviews featured on this blog for beauty/skincare just so in the long term you can see whether I'm still smitten with a certain product.

Six months later I'm still using and loving the products I purchased from the Moreish Organic Skincare range. In fact I'm halfway through my second bottle of the cream cleanser and it's still giving me a lovely clean, non-tight non-greasy feeling to my freshly washed skin. Ditto I am still using and am pretty much in love with the clay mask. I'm definitely not as disciplined in using it as I was when I first bought it but using this mask is still a part of my ongoing skincare regime. It's still doing the job helping to clear my skin and I've noticed a difference when I forget to do it regularly. I'm only halfway through using the first tube I bought but will be repurchasing when it runs out.

The final product in my review was the exfoliator. While it's still a product I use regularly I've decided that when I get to the end of the tube I won't be repurchasing only because I'm looking at introducing some chemical exfoliators and toners into my skincare and don't see much of a need for repurchasing a manual exfoliant. That being said I am still enjoying using it and it still leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth after use.

I hope you find these reviewed reviews helpful. I think products can sometimes be brilliant when first introduced to your regime but can lose their magic over a longer period. All in all I still recommend Moreish Organic Skincare as an affordable organic option that gives good results!

New Additions To The Beauty Shelf #2

I've been adding to my beauty draw lately as the weather has made the first signs of autumn appear. Enter darker lipsticks and smokey eye colours in abundance. Take a look at my new additions here:

MAC Eyeshadows in Antiqued and Cranberry. I made a wee duty free purchase on the way back through Auckland Airport in February and these two bad boys came home with me. I love the look of a daytime appropriate smokey eye which is where these shades of bronze and berry are perfect. If you have light coloured eyes they really make the colour pop, which is so pretty!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I've been using the Bioderma Micellar Water for a few months now which is brilliant but really pricey. At first I thought nothing would be able to compare to its one-swipe makeup remover qualities, but you know what? This Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is totally on par and only about half the price. Plus I can pick it up from the supermarket which makes it completely hassle free!

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Moisturiser. I've really gone back to basics with my skincare choosing either organic brands or skincare designed for sensitivity. I'm still using and loving the Moreish range for cleansing and masks/exfoliating but didn't want to pay $30 for a day moisturiser. I love I can pick up this Simple moisturiser for around ten dollars at the pharmacy or supermarket. It's super light weight and most of all sits well under my foundation.

Models Prefer Blusher. These baked blushers reminded me of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushers, or that's the main reason I picked them up! For a fraction of the price they have the same beautiful marbled effect. I love baked blushers at the moment and chose the 'Autumn' shade and have added 'Winter' a light pink hue onto my wishlist.

MaxFactor Lipstick in Scarlet Ghost and Maybelline New York Lipstick in Bold Matte. The first lipstick being a pretty purple-ish berry shade is not too dark for my liking, while the bold matte is a tomato-red that withstood a night of drinking to completely stay put on my lips - just what I'm looking for in a red lip.

Bourjois Smokey Stories Quad. I have quite a few bronze and copper eye shades (see above for new additions) and love the thought of a grey/silver smokey eye. I just need to know how to perfect it...

L'Oreal Perfecting Skincare Range: A Three Product Review

I've always thought of L'Oreal as more of a makeup brand than a skincare one but there's no denying they have a pretty impressive range of the latter as well. I picked up three products from their Skin Perfection range which is aimed at women in their 20s and 30s. The not-so-nice thing about being in your twenties and having skin issues is that pimples and the first signs of ageing can both be a reality.

L'Oreal Perfection Serum
I have been loving using this serum as it is so lightweight on my skin and feels very plumping and moisturising on any dry patches. The only thing that gets me is the claim to be 'perfecting' as I honestly can't see a difference in my skin before or after use. I had quite a few breakouts in the first few days before I started using it, but to my eyes I couldn't see a lick of difference in the appearance of my redness/blemishes that this is supposed to help 'perfect.' All in all it is a wonderful serum though, the consistency is quite light which I really like and my skin feels really smooth after use.

L'Oreal Correcting Day Moisturiser
Another real winner for me the correcting day moisturiser is a great consistency for my combination skin. In summer I suffer from more dry patches then usual and this is wonderful for being light and sinking into the skin while giving a great boost of hydration. Again I'm just not sold on the 'correcting' thing. My redness and blemishes don't look any different after use so I can't help but think this part isn't delivering on the results.

L'Oreal BB Cream
In the past I've tried BB Creams that are nothing more than tinted moisturisers and I have to say that the L'Oreal 5-in1 perfecting BB Cream falls into this category. I found mixed results with the formula of this cream as well, as some days it felt great on my skin and others I felt like an oil slick had appeared over my forehead and cheeks. This is a tinted BB cream and as far as I can tell the only 'perfecting' qualities come from the fact that the tint disguises my redness and blemishes rather than any amazing ingredient properties. I really think BB Creams are just something the western market are failing at in general and this was overall a fairly disappointing product.

So there you go, two wins and a loss from the L'Oreal Perfecting range which isn't too bad. Despite the fact that the serum and moistuiser don't seem to have any perfecting qualities that I can visibly see results from they are great products in other ways. There's also a L'Oreal Blur perfecting cream which I haven't tried out but if you have let me know what you thought!

Moreish Organic Skincare Review

You know that dreaded moment when multiple skincare products run out at the same time, and an online order that costs an arm and a leg is just something you don't want to do? This time rather than waiting I decided to opt for something I could pick up from the pharmacy that wouldn't cost me half my pay check but would still deliver results.

My usual mooch around the aisles of Priceline lead me to discover a new brand to me: Moreish skincare and let me tell you it ticks a lot of the boxes. Organic, natural skincare at a reasonable price. I picked up the Moreish Cream Cleanser, Exfoliator and Clay Mask to add to my stash and have been using them in conjunction with my usual moisturisers and serums.

First impressions: The Cream Cleanser smells amazing, kind of citrus-like but not in a synthetic way and it feels really gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft afterward. I've actually never used an exfoliator before but this one is so gentle. The exfoliating beads are very small and feel like tiny granules of sand as I buff it into my skin. The Clay Mask smells the same as the cleanser and after applying and washing it off my face my skin feels soft after use.

Week 1: Since using the Clay Mask the right side of my face has broken out in blemishes majorly. I literally have about eight pimples that have come to the surface and there are more blemishes that look like they want to rear their heads.

Week 2:  The blemishes have cleared as quickly as they appeared (about 2-3 days). I've been using the Clay Mask once a week and the exfoliator 2-3 times a week. Skin is clearer this week and the texture of my skin is smoother than usual.

Week 3: This last week I've only been wearing tinted moisturiser and concealer as my skin has been pretty good. I definately find that im getting smaller breakouts and less large spots that exist under the skin for a long time.

Verdict: Overall I have noticed the difference using an exfoliator and clay mask has made to my skin. Blemishes seem to appear and heal a lot quicker than before and my skin's texture is smoother in general. I think if you already use an exfoliator and clay mask and they work for you then these products aren't going to make much of a difference but if you are looking for an affordable, organic skincare brand Moreish certainly deliver on clean and fresh feeling skin.

Beauty & Skincare Wishlist

I am partial to making wishlists on any and all types of online shopping retailers so I thought I would do a roundup of beauty and skincare goodies that have been on my radar as of late. They are all products I've never used before so if you have let me know if you would recommend them!

Stila Blusher. I have the shades Peony and Lilium on my wishlist on Beauty Bay just waiting for the day when I have some spare cash to make them mine. I've not got any cream blushers in my makeup bag so this is a new type of blusher I'm interested in trying out.

Moreish Cleanser. I have been looking for an organic skincare brand that delivers results but isn't as expensive as the likes of Antipodes. Moreish are available at Priceline pharmacies so they are definitely on my list of easy accessible skincare to try out very soon.

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shower Gel. With Christmas steadily edging closer this shower gel would make a sweet gift. I love the smell of cinnamon and it's a nice scent to use in summer as well as winter.

NARS Creamy Concealer. Nars are one of my favourite make up brands, their products are such good quality and they have so many covet worthy items. I know concealers aren't the most exciting thing in the world but Im yet to find a pharmacy brand concealer that actually works well at concealing.

NARS Lipstick in Shiap. Every time Youtuber Alix from I Covet Thee wears this lipstick in one of her videos I always find myself reading through the description bar to find out what it is. A punchy berry colour perfect for summer, Shiap is such a flattering 'notice me' shade.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. Another cleanser (but hey, you always know they are going to get used) on the list has to be the much raved about Oskia cleansing gel.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. These beautiful highlighting powders have been raved about on many a beauty blog. The main thing that has put me off buying them (apart from the rather high pricetag attached to Hourglass products) is that many people have commented on getting the shades colour matched to your skin tone. Without a Mecca near me it's probably not going to happen but I still this powder is wishlist worthy if only to look at.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I'm all about adding radiance boosting products to my skincare regime. My skin can be a touch sensitive so this is a product I would probably approach with caution but I think masks used occasionally can make a big difference to the overall appearance of your skin.

Reds For Spring/Summer

One month into Spring and I've been craving something a little more punchy than the usual pastels and soft pinks that get whipped out at this time of year. Enter my picks of two vibrant reds for lips and nails to get excited about - Essie's 'Really Red' nail lacquer and L'Oreal Color Riche lipstick in '115 Rouge Coral.' Both are pretty true reds neither being overly orange or pinky in tone, which I think makes them the perfect bright reds for warmer weather.

I've never tried a L'Oreal lipstick before but the pigmentation is actually pretty good with those one - managing to stay on through both dinner and drinks without coming off. It is a little bit smudgy though and doesn't dry down onto the lips. For those looking for a moisturising lipstick this is pretty much your man right here - the formula is not drying at all and just feels quite nice on the lips once applied. For dry lips its actually really nourishing although I'm thinking a touch of lip liner wouldn't go astray to help keep things in place.

I've always thought of true reds colours as being quite an old fashioned choice on nails but the Essie Really Red has a vibrancy to it that makes it stand out from its counterparts.Its really opaque with only one coat really needed (but two for luck). By day four things are getting a little chippy and I'm going to need a re-do but I think that's more down to the fact that my Essie Topcoat isn't the best.

Both these shades are so pretty and vibrant that even if you're not entering into the summer months they would add a nice pop of colour for the autumn/winter months leading up to Christmas! What are your favourite reds of the moment?

Real Techniques v Sigma Brushes

When it comes to makeup brushes there are so many options ranging from the very high end to the low. I've had my Sigma brushes for well over a year now and having recently picked up some additonal brushes from Real Technique I thought I would do a comparison of the two low-end brands to see how they fare against each other.

There are a tonne of great brushes on offer from both of these affordable brands and while I haven't tried all of them out there was definitely some clear winners in my beauty brush stash.

Foundation:
Applying foundation for the first time with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush it was pretty obvious what the hype surrounding these brushes was for. For buffing in and moving product around the face the Real Techniques brush is miles better. It really buffs product into the skin to leave a flawless complexion and makes a small amount of product go a long way. I have a couple of problems with the Sigma Round Kabuki brush, the main one being how much product it absorbs during application. Because of this it's also a bi-atch to clean and takes roughly three times as long as any of my other brushes, and a million years to dry. Although the Real Techniques brush is only available in the Core Collection kit which comes with four brushes in total, it's well worth the price as the other brushes are all pretty good too.

Blush:
I picked up the Real Techniques Blush brush and originally thought that because of its massive size I would only use it for applying bronzer around my face. In fact it's such a soft and lightweight brush that it deposits powder really well on the cheeks, much better than my Sigma contour brush. I always find with the Sigma one I need to give it quite a few taps to remove excess product first and even then on first application I can be left with a rather rosy looking dot on my face where the colour goes on but isn't blended out that well.

Eyes:
I haven't tried any Real Techniques brushes for the eyes but the Sigma brushes do really standout in this category. While they aren't as soft for blending as something a bit more expensive from MAC or Napoleon, they do what they say on the tin, applying eyeshadow with no fallout to the lids, blending and generally just being well worth the $10-$15 pricetag I've paid for them.

As far as face brushes go Real Techniques have come up trumps. I didn't mention how soft they are either, they are the softest brushes I've ever used and yet are completely cruelty free and synthetically made which is a huge plus!

Things I've Learnt From...Beauty Blogs

If there is one thing that I read more than books it would have to be blogs. I read a lot of blogs but one of my favourite topics to read about would have to be beauty. Here are ten things I have been introduced to through my love of beauty blogs.

The importance of the Pre-Cleanse. Ever since I have started removing makeup before cleansing I have noticed a marked improvement in the way my skin looks and feels at night. Cleaner, fresher, less gunkier, if you are wearing makeup either pre-cleanse or double cleanse for a truly clean face.

Bioderma is a miracle worker. And my weapon of choice for the pre-cleanse would have to be Bioderma. I wasn't expecting to even be able to find this easily in Australia considering how elusive it seems to be in English stores. Low and behold my local pharmacy stocks bottles of the stuff and it's been a staple on my bathroom shelf ever since. Not only is it ah-may-zing at removing stubborn eye make-up like nuthin' else, I like to pack a bottle of this if I'm going camping or staying overnight somewhere but don't want to pack my whole stash of cleansing products.

High and low is where it's at. I will admit to being a makeup product snob before blogs pointed me in the direction of the best in pharmacy brands. It's no suprise that my makeup bag was previously always in dire need of something when shelling out $40-60 for bronzers, foundations, blushers and the like are always running out. Now I have a nice balance of high and low brands giving what every girl really wants in her stash, options and ones that don't break the bank.

Contouring. I wouldn't say I can now contour like a Kardashian but my bronzer cheek-defining skills have definitely improved tenfold, to the point where I actually look like I have some cheekbone action going on.

Bronze, blush, highlight. My approach to 'doing' my face with anything after foundation used to consist of me just swirling brushes haphazardly around my cheeks until I either looked over-blushed to the point of looking sunburnt or deeply deeply tanned. Since then I've learnt where to bronze, blush and highlight and the importance of a light hand in application.

Bourjois. My holy grail of pharmacy brands, I had actually never even heard of Bourjois before I read beauty blogs. Now they make some of my favourite products and I've discovered that pharmacy brand foundations aren't as scary as they used to be.

The importance of a skincare routine. I'm still working on actually getting a few options together for when my skin is more breakout prone, dryer or oilier but for the first time in my life I actually have a good range of products that I know how to apply in the right order and my skin has noticable improved since following a consistent routine.

Dehydration and oily skin. Having learnt that most people have deydrated skin, even if your skin is oily has been something of a revelation. Enter hydrating products into my skincare routine a marked improvement in the plumping factor of my face.

Concealer after foundation. Well I don't know where this blatant and confusing lie regarding concealer application before foundation comes from but all I know is that I'm now doing it right.

The importance of eyebrows. Okay well this one has been known to me for a while. Having a makeup artist for a sister meant she was always preaching the importance of having a well defined brow but just how much they enhance your face and really make you look pulled together, now you're preachin' to the converted.