February 5, 2014

OPI ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE & DEBORAH LIPPMANN I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE

I seldom make nail related posts, mainly because I don't bother with anything that takes too much time (I can't stay still) or keep up-to-date with the latest nail art/polish trends. I'm terribly lazy when it comes to painting my nails -  one solid colour is all I go for and I don't usually take on glitter because I absolutely loathe the removal process.

This here really isn't anything fancy, but I stepped out of my usual routine with OPI On Her Majesty's Secret Service topped with Deborah Lippmann I Love the Nightlife and I really like how the two pair together. This is quite a simple combination, but it's been getting a few compliments here and there so I thought it would be worth a feature!



Products I used include: OPI Natural Base Coat, OPI On Her Majesty's Secret Service (2 coats), Deborah Lippmann I Love the Nightlife (2 coats) and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. Okay, so I know Seche Vite is a little controversial, but this stuff really does it's job, FAST! Literally touch dry in 1-2 minutes after application - and I had on thick coats too. Still, it's probably not worth risking my health over. Do you guys have any suggestions for me?


January 31, 2014

SKINCARE SAVIOURS


My skin can get a little crazy at various times of the year. When the seasons change, during that time of the month, or even when days jump from cool to hot really quickly (which happens a lot here in Sydney) my skin gets super irritated, dry and often break out. 

My face in general (or on my normal days) is between normal to dry, but I get oily around the t-zone, so I usually go for products that are catered for combination skin. I change up my skincare routine very frequently - mainly because I'm constantly trying new things - but seem to always go back to the following products, and they never fail to come to the rescue during desperate times. What are some of your skincare 'saviour' products? Please let me know! ;)


Anitpodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask
I break out on occasion, but things usually get a lot worse during my period or when I am traveling overseas. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is great for the odd pimple here and there, but can be too drying when my skin is acting up or more sensitive than usual. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is an amazing product that deep cleanses and intensely hydrates, whilst gently treating blemishes and spots. It doesn't work as quickly as the MB drying lotion, but to speed up the process, I also apply a little of this stuff on my pimples overnight, in addition to using it as a mask. This product can be use on any skin type, anytime of the year, it leaves my face really soft and helps get rid of break outs without irritating my skin. 


Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask
I'm sure a lot of you have heard about this mask, it's an easy-to-use, hassle-free product that works well to deeply nourish the skin. I usually apply a generous layer, leave it on for about 10 minutes, then tissue off any excess before nodding off to sleep. No washing required! I wake up to moisturised skin, and appear more freshened up altogether. On top of this, I also like to use this on long haul flights - I know some people are brave enough to throw on a sheet mask, but I just can't bare the odd looks! I travel at least once a year to visit family in Asia, and this mask helps keep my skin hydrated, despite how drying it is cooped up on a plane. Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask is the perfect facial treatment without any fuss, great for any lazy skincare day! :P


Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
More Antipodes love! I actually use this as my regular night cream during the cold winter months, but go back to it any time of the year when my skin is feeling dehydrated. The main ingredients of this include shea butter, avocado oil, manuka honey and macadamia nut oil - just to name a few - so if this doesn't nourish my face, I don't know what will! It applies on the thicker side and just slightly oily, but my skin sucks it all up and feels really moisturised when I wake up in the morning. It also promises to promote collagen production and regenerate healthy skin cells, though I don't notice much of a difference at the moment, so maybe in a couple of years!

January 27, 2014

CURRENT BLUSH LOVE



I started this a while back (see here) - it's my idea of a 'favourites' post, but PURELY featuring blushes. Next to lipsticks, blushes are my second most purchased makeup items, so I'll make any excuse to ramble on about them. Plus I haven't done a blush post in a while, so here goes!


Benefit Box o' Powder in Rockateur
This one was all the rave when it was first released, so I don't think it needs any introduction. I've always been a fan of Benefit Box o' blushes, they are nicely pigmented (though this varies slightly between shades) and are easily blendable on the skin. Rockateur is a beautiful shimmery rose gold, it applies a little more peachy against my skin, but lovely nonetheless. It's one of those 'it-goes-with-everything' shades that would wear well on many people.


MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed
MAC blushes are one of my ultimate weaknesses, there are just so many shades to choose from, and to collect! Well Dressed is a subtle pink with cool undertones. It has a satin finish, and though it swatches with more shine on the arm, you can barely it once applied the cheeks. This one is slightly less pigmented than Rockateur, but I really like the soft finish which can be built up if you are after more colour. I'm not too sure how this would wear on darker skintones though, but if you are around NC20-25, this is a great everyday blush!