Polish of the Week: Essie in Sand Tropez

I must be in some sort of minimalistic mood lately. I have been gravitating towards minimal makeup (see my minimal makeup basket post here) and now I have been leaning towards a neutral nail when I usually love colour. The great thing about a neutral nail is that it matches with absolutely anything and is perfect for the workforce. Admittedly, I wear some questionable colours for where I work (aqua blue nails in a private practice? possibly not the most appropriate!) but they're just so pretty and it's silly to let them sit in my (unattractive) plastic container nail polish storage. 

The nail polish in question this week is Essie Sand Tropez, which can be described as a light grey-beige. As with most neutral coloured nail polish, it takes a few coats to get an opaque colour. The first coat is quite transparent and streaky, the second coat is less streaky and more opaque, but in order to get an opaque application three coats are needed, which is how many I applied in the images above. I personally love having a neutral nail and love how this one doesn't have a pink undertone. When I think neutral nail, I think of a true beige or a nail polish with a pink undertone. The fact that this is a very light grey is what I think sets it apart from your 'typical neutral'. 

Jess 

xoxo

What's in my makeup basket #4 - Minimal Makeup

Good skin days = minimal makeup. Don't you love waking up and realising you're having a good skin day? The best! 

Anyway, for my minimal makeup look I used Maybelline Fit Me Concealer just on the areas of my face that need it (around the nose and a little bit on the chin) and blended it in with my fingers. For my under eye area I used my stock standard Bobbi Brown Peach Corrector and Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer. Finally for my base, I applied a touch of the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in translucent down my T-Zone. For cheeks, I swiped on my Topshop Blush Stick in Sneakpeek, again blended in with my fingers and for lips I applied Rimmel Apocalips in Celestial, blotted it to give a stain and then applied my Clarins Instand Light Lip Perfector on top. Finally, I curled my lashes with my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and applied Maybelline Define-a-Lash in the waterproof version. 

What's in your makeup basket today?

Jess

xoxo

Review: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

Awhile ago I posted that I use Lush's Rub Rub Rub as my clarifying shampoo.. this has now been overshadowed by the infamous Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo (how fitting for a Sunday post!). As an avid dry shampoo user, I rely on clarifying shampoos to get rid of product build-up. 

Unlike the Lush's Rub Rub Rub this is actually designed to be a clarifying shampoo. It's a thick gel-like consistency with a fresh scent that lathers well in your hair. Once it's rinsed out, it immediately leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean. This may be a negative for some people, but I see it as a sign the product is actually working and getting rid of all the product build-up in your hair. In saying that though, I would only recommend using this on a weekly basis (as suggested on the packaging) as opposed to using this as your regular shampoo. 

After I come out of the shower and my hair is dried, I notice a difference in the weight of my hair. It's feels lighter and my hair has more body. I have also noticed that consistent weekly use of this product has reduced how oily my hair gets when it's second day hair. 

It's pricey ($38.00 at Mecca Cosmetica), but I would highly recommend it if you're after a good clarifying shampoo. It also lasts for ages since you only use it once a week! I've had mine for a couple of months and it looks barely used. 

Jess

xoxo

P.S. Sorry I haven't posted my weekly nails. To be honest, I haven't had anything on my nails. I've been sick all week and have been in one of those lazy moods. They'll be back next week though!

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Trash Diving #2:Skincare

Time for skincare empties! 

Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser: I received this when I first purchased my Clarisonic 2 years ago. It was one of those freebies that I left in a sample box and never used. I didn't love the product and used it purely for the sake of not wasting things. I have other cleansers that definitely top this one.

Would I repurchase? No

Bioderma Sebium H20: I received this in a monthly subscription box and used this as a makeup remover. It did take off my make-up really easily (except waterproof mascara); however, I much prefer my Crealine H20 which is designed for sensitive skin. I felt that this stripped my skin too much and left my under eye area feeling particularly dry. I'll stick to the Crealine H20 but it was nice to receive and compare the two. 

Would I repurchase? No

Aesop Parsley Seed Masque: This is a great all-rounder masque and one that I use on a weekly basis. It's particularly good at clearing up the skin when you have some pesky blemishes. My skin is left feeling smooth and soft and I notice a difference in the overall  appearance of my skin. 

Would I repurchase? I already have :)

Origins NIght-a-Mins Oil Free Moisturiser: This has been my night time moisturiser for the last 6-8 months. It smells absolutely heavenly with it's citrus scent and I love putting it on. Origins have two versions in this moisturiser and I had the oil-free one. Out of all products in this month's empties, I'm most sad to see this one in the bin. It's a light texture, goes on easily, easily absorbed and provides my normal/combo skin with enough moisture. When I purchased this the lady said there was an ingredient in the product that was meant to help you sleep, but I don't know if it actually worked to be honest. Nevertheless, it was the best night time moisturiser I've tried. 

Would I repurchase? Yes 

Swisse Hand Cream with Vitamin F and Pomegranate: Who knew Swisse produced anything else besides vitamins right?! Their skincare products tend to be overlooked as I feel marketing is focussed on their vitamin range. The best thing about Swisse and their skincare range is that they're free from any nasties like mineral oils, parabens and sulfates. This was a light hand cream with a natural citrus scent that was easily absorbed with no sticky residue left on your hands. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

Apivita Express Beauty with Carrot: It looks like a small packet but I got about 5 uses from this one packet. The mask itself has a thick creamy texture which glides easily onto the skin. I found that I didn't need to use much at all to cover my entire face. This is designed to be a nourishing and regenerating face mask. It left my face feeling plump and hydrated. Highly recommend this mask if you're looking for a moisturising mask to combat this cold weather and heating which seems to be drying out my skin. Knowing that I can get at least 5 uses from one packet and it is purchased in packs of 2 for $7.90, I feel more comfortable spending the money on these masks now. I really don't know how to describe this scent but it smells lovely.. like a perfume. If you're sensitive to smells it might not be the best choice though. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

That concludes my second empties blog post. I'm on the tail ends of a few products so you may see a new 'Trash Diving' post sooner rather than later!

Jess

xoxo

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Trash Diving #2: Haircare, Makeup and Nails

Time to go through what I've used up again! Today I will go through haircare, makeup and nails and my next post will cover my skincare since I always use up more skincare than anything else. 

Haircare

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Shampoo and Conditioner: I absolutely loved how this shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel post-wash. The shampoo lathered up well and after using these two products my hair felt soft and looked shiny. I did notice that it weighed my hair down slightly, but I still loved using it.  

Would I repurchase these again? Yes, absolutely. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush: Batiste is my favourite dry shampoo thus far and I've raved about it enough on this blog, so I won't bore you. I did a dry shampoo comparison which I wrote about here, if you would like to read about my thoughts on it. 

Would I repurchase this again? Of course!

Nails

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails: This is designed to be a nail hardening treatment, but I tended to use this as a top coat since it dried so quickly. I prefer my Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat though. 

Would I repurchase? No, I would not. I much prefer my Revitanail as a strengthening treatment (although I really want to try OPI's Nail Envy!) and my Insta-Dri Top Coat, so there's no need to purchase this again. 

Make-Up

Maybelline Define-a-Brow: Loved this for defining my brows and was an everyday staple. It has been compared to the MAC eyebrow pencil. I personally have never tried the MAC one, so I can't comment but this did the job well. It allowed me to draw natural hair-like strokes to fill in the tail ends of my brows since that's where they're most sparse. 

Would I repurchase? Yep!

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara: This mascara added volume and length to my lashes while still looking natural. I liked it more as it dried out, but it wasn't great at holding a curl in my stumpy, straight lashes. 

Would I repurchase? I'll put it on the maybe list. I have other mascaras that I prefer, but did enjoy it 

towards the end when the 

formula was more dry.

What have you used up recently?

Jess

xoxo

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New Additions: Emma Hardie, Kerastase and L'Occitane

So this arrived in the post last week and I couldn’t contain my excitement! So much so that I’ve thrown the packaging away and have already used all 3 products several times. This was possibly one of the most exciting deliveries this year. Big call I know and how terribly materialistic of me… BUT two of the three products I have been itching to try for so long. Which two you ask? Well, the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and L’Occitane Shower Oil in Almond of course! Welcome to my beauty stash you two, I hope you live up to my high expectations after all the fantastic reviews!

The Kerastase Ciment Thermique is actually an old favourite and something I began purchasing many years ago when it was recommended to me by my hairdresser; however, I haven’t had it in my hair care stash for a couple of years now since I was trying out new things, but I am glad it’s back!

Have you tried any of these products before? What are your thoughts?

Jess

xoxo

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Polish of the Week: Rimmel Salon Pro in Reggae Splash

On my nails this week has been Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish by Kate in 705 Reggae Splash. Yes, I know, I know.. I had a shade from my last nail polish post from this range as well but the sale at Big W was still going on and I had to pick another one up! There were limited choices (I still have Jazz Funk and Hip Hop on my list to purchase) and much of the range had been picked over so I went for this shade since I don't have a shade like this in my collection. I would describe this as a pastel peach shade; however, I don't feel like it goes with my skin tone perfectly right now, but I can see this shade looking absolutely perfect for when you have a tan. I know I will be gravitating towards this shade when that happens! If you are currently in summer where you live and have a tan, I would highly recommend this shade! 

Jess

xoxo

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What's in my makeup basket #3

Time to dig in and see what I've been using lately, make-up wise! Some stock standard products that you have seen so many times that you're probably thinking.. that again?! Namely, Bobbi Brown Peach Corrector, Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer and Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. Need I go through what I use them for again? Nope.. didn't think so. Onto the newer products that you can see in the picture!

Clinique Superfit Makeup Foundation has been tucked quietly in the back of my makeup drawer. It hasn't seen the light of day for quite awhile now (questionable expiry date as well, might I add) so it was time I whipped it out again. It provides slightly more coverage than my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, buildable and doesn't break me out. Downside is that it oxidises on your skin so I'm careful with how I use it. I don't use this all over my face but as a product to even the overall appearance of my skin. The foundation is discontinued now. 

For the rest of my face (bar the RImmel powder), I used my Stila Bronzer in 01 in the 3E motion on my face, highlighted with my Dior Amber Diamond Highlighter and applied my Cargo Blush in Tonga to the apples of my cheeks. This blush was arguably made famous when Jennifer Aniston declared it her blush of choice and definitely the reason why I bought it in the first place I'm unashamedly able to admit. 

I'm going simple of the eyes with a couple of coats of Maybelline Define-a-Lash (Waterproof) which holds my straight lashes in a curl like no other (8 hours after application and they are still curled.. *runs to the mirror* yep, still curled). However, it is definitely a pain to remove, but worth it. Use some good waterproof makeup remover for this one!

On my lips I used Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blush, which is the perfect tone and match for the Cargo blush. It is my natural lip colour with just a hint more rose and provides a slightly glossy look to the lips without the gloss. 

What's in your makeup basket?

Jess

xoxo

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Polish of the Week: Rimmel London Salon Pro in Classical Red

I was so excited to see the newest Rimmel London nailpolish range by Kate Moss on the shelves of Big W the other day. I picked up 706 Classical Red from the Salon Pro with Lycra range. Can't go wrong with a good old red right? I'm absolutely loving it so far in terms of application, colour, lasting power AND I got it on sale for $5.44! The photo above is just one coat as well. Amazing! Check out your local Big W right now if you're interested because I saw that they were still on sale yesterday.

Jess

xoxo

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Current Beauty Wishlist

I thought I'd post my high-end beauty items that are on my wishlist. A money tree would be useful in this instance. 

I am currently lusting after:

Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium

This just seems like the perfect contour powder. Want. Need. 

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Muse

I have heard about these lipsticks a lot on youtube and blogs, but Anna from Viviannadoesmakeup makes me want this product in my life. I swatched this at Mecca Cosmetics and holy moly! Talk about pigmented. As always, I want a colour that I can wear everyday first as opposed to a bright colour. I also think it's more value for money if you spend money on a product that you will use often, particularly if you're investing more than usual into it. I see it as.. you should use all your products ESPECIALLY the more expensive ones as opposed to saving it for special occasions. 

 NARS Larger Than Life Waterproof Eyeliner

Dubbed as the longest wearing eyeliner.. this has my name written all over it. As a sufferer of panda eyes due to oily eyelids. This may well be my go-to eyeliner. Of course, I need to buy it first before it gets a *Holy Grail* title. 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

A concealer that can be used under the eyes or on blemishes with good coverage and staying power? I really want to try this! I also want to see whether it lives up to the amazing reviews...

Salvatore Ferragamo Fragrance in Signorina

It's been awhile since I purchased a fragrance and this one is right up my alley! The perfect balance of fruity, floral and musky in my opinion.. but there are mixed reviews on this one. You just have to go smell it for yourself and decide! 

What items are you lusting after?

Jess

xoxo

* all images taken from barneys.com and ferragamo.com

Topshop Sale Pickups

I skipped over to Topshop on the weekend and was happy to find that they were having a sale. I noticed Zara were also having a sale, but everything I liked was not available in my size *sigh*. Now, I didn't pick up a lot from Topshop (only 2 items in fact), but I am currently saving up for my trip to Japan at the end of the year and might have possibly placed an order on Look Fantastic AND Feel Unique the night before. A couple of hair care and skin care items are on their last legs so it was time to replenish them. Look out for a product empties post soon!

So let's start of with the makeup item I purchased. Isn't she pretty?! I posted awhile ago that I loved the cream blush in 'Acting Up' from Topshop which is a bright orange, so when I saw this cream blush in 'Sneakpeek' I had to have it. Plus, it was $5.00! I was definitely chuffed with this purchase. It's a hot pink which blends seamlessly into the skin and the fact that it's in stick form means that it's quick and easy for those rushed mornings.  

The next item was definitely a great deal. I picked this jumper up for $28.00 from $96.00 making it almost 75% off. Now, I would never pay $100 for this, but at $28.00 it is definitely more reasonable. This jumper is going to be perfect for those casual chilly winter days which Melbourne is experiencing right now. I swear if it wasn't so damn windy it wouldn't be that cold! Throw on some jeans, ankle boots and a coat and you're good to go.

Have you picked anything up from the Topshop sale?

Jess

xoxo 

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July Favourites 2013

Skincare

First, let's start off with the things which I have been using to target the blemishes I had in the month of July. For some reason, I had more than usual. So in comes another product reappearance from last month's favourites! I find that Origins Super Spot Remover reduces the inflammation and redness and overall, I feel that it gets rid of the blemish faster than if I didn't use it. This little bottle is my second one and therefore, a true sign I love the product. It's my go-to spot remover and you can pick it up from Kit Cosmetics for $19.00  It's a gel formula and can sting on application, but I see that as a sign that it's working. Does anyone else think that as well?? In a recent haul post (see here) I mentioned that I picked up Indeed Labs Hydraluron. This product is amazing and definitely deserves the rave reviews it has gotten. I find that it has improved the texture, softness and overall appearance of my skin, even after a few weeks of use. Gotta love a product that delivers on it's word right? Plus, it's in Caroline Hiron's Hall of Fame and you can't argue with her! 

Makeup

In order to cover up my blemishes I have been using Inglot Cream Concealer. This has been a staple in my makeup collection for around 5 years! This stuff doesn't budge especially when you set it with powder, making it perfect  for those pesky blemishes. I mix 2 shades to get the perfect colour for my skin tone. I would not recommend this for under the eyes though as it's too thick. Another make-up product I have been loving is my Make Up For Ever HD Blush in #7. This product has made numerous appearances on my blog. It's the perfect natural flush colour for my cheeks. The product dries quickly, so make sure you blend it in fast! 

Haircare 

My favourite haircare product of the month has to be my newly purchased Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque. Wash your hair, apply this from the mid-lengths to ends of your hair, let it soak in for around 7 minutes to let it do it's magic, and then rinse! Your hair will feel much softer, and look shinier after one use. Instant gratification! Who doesn't love that?! If you're not a fan of the scent, stay away as it will stay there until you wash your hair. It's slightly fruity and reminds me of Garnier Fructis' hair products. I don't know whether that is a good or bad thing (I still haven't decided whether I love the scent), but the product itself I'd highly recommend.

Misc

I received a candle from Palm Beach Collection in Pear & Cinnamon as a gift this month. It smells heavenly! To be honest, I had never heard of this brand of candle before but am definitely interested in what other scents this brand has to offer now. Made in Australia using soy wax, this is a two wick candle with a scent that fills up my entire apartment and lingers even after you blow it out. This particular scent is perfect for winter, providing a sense of warmth and comfort with the right balance of sweet and spicy-ness. I would recommend these candles if this one is anything to go by!

What's your favourite product from the month of July?

Jess

xoxo

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