Her Beauty Days

I've never really ventured into Asian cosmetics even though I'm quite Asian myself.

June can be best described as a blur.
I finished my exams in the earlier half of the month and concluded it with friendly encounters and random episodes of work.

Unfortunately, due to the stress of my exams I did break out and additionally, my skin became irritated. I made a few purchases here and there and used quite some products in an attempt to control the crazy state my skin was in.

Behold, June 2014 empties!


1. Palmolive Body Butter Heavenly Vanilla Moisturising Body Wash (400 mL)
I love basically anything that is vanilla scented or infused! This was a lovely treat to use and I would probably repurchase later on in future, as I like to experiment with various body washes. Great for those winter nights!

2. Clearasil Daily Clear Vitamins & Extracts Daily Wash Cleanser (150 mL)
I had my first encounter with Clearasil back in the teenage years to control my combination skin. This cleanser is gentle albeit it does contain salicylic acid. It's a great every day cleanser to use but I wouldn't rely on this to help clear my problematic skin. I would probably repurchase it for general everyday use.


3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (15 mL sample)
I finished this up in last month's empties (here) and overall it was a great moisturiser for dry skin types. However, I wouldn't purchase it as there are cheaper alternatives that do a similar job.

4. Clinique All About Eyes Eye Serum (7 mL sample)
This product aims to reduce dark circles & puffy under eye areas, which sounds like the perfect eye cream for me! I really liked how refreshing and cooling this product was. I do believe that this serum works well and I would probably purchase this in future.

5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP Body Balm (15 mL sample)
I received this in one of the beauty subscription boxes. It's a "lipid-replenishing body balm" designed for dry or irritated (itchy) skin. Aforementioned earlier, I did suffer from irritated skin due to the immense anxiety I had from exams. This product was a lifesaver and helped nourish my skin whilst I was recovering. I definitely recommend this product!

6. Pure Fuji Hydrating Body Lotion (coconut infusion) (15 mL sample)
This smelt really delicious but it wasn't as hydrating as I wanted it to be.

7. Rimmel Glam' Eyes Professional Liquid Liner in #001 Black Glamour (3.5 mL)
One of my HG liquid liners. I love how I can create a really thin yet pigmented line and it really lasts quite a while! I will definitely repurchase this in future. I actually use a couple of liquid liners on rotation.

8. No Brand Nail File
Wow, I've had this for quite a long time! This initially smelt of oranges and was really enjoyable to use. Over time, the nail file has worn out so it's time to bid farewell!

And that concludes June 2014 empties!

The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
I was curious in trying out Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting serum, to address some pigmentation I've acquired during the summer months. It was difficult to convince myself to fork out over $50 to purchase 30 mL of  serum; so when this deal rolled around, I didn't think twice.
The deal was to spend a minimum of $65 on selected skincare products and receive the goody bag for free!

This year's bag came in a reflective silver tote, presumably a Model's Prefer one.

Here's what I got when I emptied my bag:


Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (15 mL sample)

Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water (50 mL)

Beauty Essentials Dry Skin Body Lotion (500 mL)

Biorè Steam Activated Cleanser (145 mL)

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (17 g)

Chapstick True Shimmer Lip Balm in Tropical (4 g)

Derma Sukin Daily Gentle Wash

Dr. LeWinn's  Firming Eye Cream (30 g)

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes)

Hope's Relief Goats Milk Sopa (with shea & cocoa butter) (125 mg)

Manuka Doctor (pack of 3 samples)
- apiclear skin serum (5 mL)
- apifine targeted wrinkle filler (3 mL)
- apinourish rejuvenating face mask (7 mL)

ModelCo Face Tan Hydrating Self-Tanning Gel (50 mL)

Models Prefer Cosmetic Bag

Models Prefer Kohl Pencil in Matte Black  (1.14 g)

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser (177 mL)

Nivea Pure & Natural Hand Cream (75 mL)

No brand - Dual Mirror Compact

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Intensive Relief Concentrated Cream Hand & Body (100 g)

People For Plants Mist Toner (rose otto, burdock, kakadu plum) (125 mL)

Puretopia Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub (75 mL)

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub (200 mL)
Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Corrector Pen

Suvana Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm (25 g)

Swisspers Naturals Aloe Gentle Eye Make-up Remover (100 mL)

Thursday Plantation Macademia Oil (125 mL)
Yes To Carrots Lip Butter in Berry (4.25 g)

Samples

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Pac (Kelp & Seaweed) (6 g sample)

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Intensive Relief Moisturizing Lotion (5 mL)

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes (5 wipes)


There was also the inclusion of discount vouchers for some of the product brands included in the bag.

I ended up spending under $70 to qualify for the free bag.
The products I've purchased were also discounted; overall it was a great deal!


Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash (177 mL) $11.99

Biorè Pore Unclogging Scrub (135 mL) $8.79

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting serum (30 mL) $47.19


I can't wait to start using these products. I'm definitely stocked up in the winter skincare department.

To see what's in last year's skincare bag and my previous skincare haul, click here.

So, did you cave in for the skincare goody bag this year?!

Unexpectedly, May has been a pretty exciting month.

The blossoming of new relationships has really allowed me to view life in a new perspective. April marked the death of a relationship and the consequent month has brought a glimmer of happiness in my life.
During this month I found myself using a lot more moisturiser than I anticipated; "Winter is coming". Being deeply engrossed in the Game of Thrones show and fearing that I would develop the expected dry patches, I took extra measures to ensure my skin isn't depleted of hydration.

Looking back, May was all about taking care of myself, after April's tragic events.
You can evidently view this through the empties I've acquired.


1. L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary oil Treatment Oil (100 mL)
My friend got me this just last year. I really loved how luxurious the glass packaging is and the product was a pleasure to work with. There is an accompanying fragrance with the oil and I absolutely adore it. I would definitely repurchase this after I use up all of my other treatment oils.

2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (15 mL samples)
This is targeted towards very dry to dry combination skin types. Overall, a great moisturiser to use - kept my skin hydrated but other than that, nothing outstanding.

3. Frank Body Coconut & Grapeseed Coffee Scrub (200 g)
Thoroughly enjoyed using this. It did provide some minor improvements to my skin. I would consider repurchasing it in future but currently I'm quite interested in whipping up my own batch of coffee scrub. See my review here.

4. Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent (7.5 g)
A great cheap finishing powder that sets and mattifies my makeup. It doesn't leave a white cast despite being white in colour. I would repurchase this after trying out other powders.

5. Sukin Facial Moisturiser (50 mL sample)
This is a nice moisturiser that is light enough to be worn during the day and hydrating enough to be used at night for my combination skin. The inclusion of natural ingredients and oils are a bonus but I'm not a fan of the fragrance. I already have a full size bottle of this waiting to be used.

6. Hiruscar Skincare Gel (20 g)
I used this up in my earlier empties post. I won't be repurchasing it because it was quite expensive even though it did prove itself to be effective.

7. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Correcter (40 mL)
I really don't see any amazing results from using this. However I do repurchase from time to time because I feel like I need it in my skincare regime. It works to reduce the appearance of imperfections and unclogs sebum-blocked pores.

8. Essence Lipstick in 52 In the Nude (4 g)
I purchased this back when I was in the nude lips phase. Unfortunately, this shade washed me out and I barely use it. Verdict: I'm throwing it out.

9. Smartskin Facial Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes)
I usually pick these up for $1 at woolies. I don't always use them to remove my makeup; mostly for wiping my hands and dirty surfaces.

10. John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo and Conditioner (44 mL and 8.3mL samples)
I thought these worked well for my hair. No complaints coming from me! I would possibly repurchase these but I'm in no rush to grab these any sooner.

And there you have it! Last month's empties done and binned!

Apologies for my prolonged absence.
I've recently endured the most stressful fortnight of my life.
Assessments after assessments, accompanied with other commitments, I admit it was quite a struggle.

I know this post is long overdue, but regardless, I'd like to share it with you. I can't believe I had this in storage for quite sometime!

Hello to three months' worth of empties!


1. Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water (300 mL)
Spraying this on after a hot shower or workout - it's so refreshing! I already have backups of this mist. It's so soothing and not irritating like other facial mists. See my review here.

2. Dettol Healthy Touch Instant Hand Santitizer (200 mL)
I wouldn't consider this as a product related to beauty, but I do keep it on my vanity for those spontaneous moments. I think it's important to have clean hands when dealing with makeup products.  My friend got me this and I'm really grateful for it! Will definitely repurchase.

3. WOTNOT Facial Wipes (5 wipes sample)
Hands down the best facial wipes I've used. Love these so much. They're everything I'm looking for in a facial wipe - superior quality cloth wipes, natural and organic... I just wish they were available in the stores I regularly visit such as Priceline.

4. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser (30 mL sample)
I thought this was a pretty mediocre cleanser. Adding on, I wasn't a fan of the herbal scent.

5. muk Spa Argan Oil Shampoo (300 mL)
I received this at my very first media launch. I really love how gentle yet effective the product was - free from sulfates, parabens and some other "nasties". However, I didn't enjoy the scent that much.

6. Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen
This eyeliner was also featured in my first empties post on this blog - June 2013 Empties!
I will forever repurchase this unless I find a more superior product for lining my upper waterline.

7. Biorè Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser (200 mL)
Biorè and I go way back! I love how this is targeted towards combination skin (that's me!). It's a great everyday cleanser that doesn't disrupt my skin's natural moisture. I will probably repurchase.

8. Schwarzkopf Ultimate Oil Elixir Serum (80 mL)
I was first drawn to this product because it contained golden particles! Overall it was an alright finishing product but the fragrance was a bit overpowering. I wouldn't recommend this product for those with "overstressed, straw-like hair" (the target market) because of the product's high alcohol content.

9. Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream (3 g sample)
Designed to fade dark circles and brighten up the area, the product didn't yield major improvements in my under eye area. However, I did enjoy applying this on every night. The thin consistency was just right and I liked how it tingled just a bit (am I weird?). I wouldn't repurchase this.

10. Hiruscar Skincare Gel (20 g)
I have already repurchased this a while back for my scar and finished the second one last month. It did prove to be effective against my scars. However, because it was quite a bit expensive for my taste, I wouldn't be repurchasing in future.

11. Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder (0.05 g sample)
I already have the full-sized boxed powder and it has become one of my favourite bronzers!

12. Re-Gen Re-Gen Oil (125 mL)
This is supposedly a cheaper dupe/alternative to Bio-Oil from ALDI. I do think this oil is on par with Bio-Oil; it was effective in reducing the appearance of my scars. I will repurchase once I finish up on using the other oil treatments.

13. e.l.f Shimmer Lip Gloss in Red
I'm throwing this out because it smelt funky when I first opened it.

14. Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover (125 mL)
This is my second bottle. It's a bi-phase type of makeup remover. I really enjoyed using this - it's cheap and works well. I won't be repurchasing because I've discovered micellar water and have been loving it!

15. Matrix Biolage Advanced Keratindose Shampoo and Conditioner (7 mL samples)
Loved the smell of this. It was nice for my hair but I won't be repurchasing it because there are cheaper alternatives.

16. Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair Shampoo and Conditioner  (10 mL samples)
Wow this smelt so heavenly - a bit vanilla-like. I really enjoyed using it and would probably purchase the full sized products if there was a special going on.

And there we have it. Three months' worth of empties - February, March and April.
I hope you enjoyed this post.

Earlier this week, I made an appointment at the Genius Bar (Apple store, Broadway) to have the back of my iPhone replaced. Having finished my exams a bit earlier than expected, I visited Kmart, with only an hour to kill before my appointment.

Instead of heading straight to the cosmetics section, I had a browse around the store.
I couldn't find anything to my taste so I finally headed to the cosmetics section. I loved how Kmart revamped the cosmetics section. A lot of the products are now in cardboard packaging; a great security measure and it makes identification of products much easier!

CoverGirl's cosmetics are currently discounted by $5 until the 20th (Sunday). To be honest, I wasn't really interested in purchasing any of their cosmetics, but I do remember that I loved their Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polishes.

I wasn't sure if the nail polishes were under the classification of "cosmetics" but luckily they were discounted as well! Who can say no to great quality nail polishes for only $1.75?! Not bad of a bargain, I'd say.

The haul contents were purchased at Priceline and Target.

Priceline

I have no reason to be here other than I wanted to check out some new beauty products (not a good idea!). I ended leaving the store with the following:

Beauty Essentials Nail Polish Remover (conditioning)
I think these were on sale; you can't go wrong with stocking up on nail polish!

Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Natural
I definitely do not need any more blushes in my collection, but naturally, I was drawn by those cute love hearts and pink packaging! Super happy that I purchased this for more than half price. I've tried it out and I love how I don't even need a mirror to apply this on - you can't go wrong with this shade!

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in 03 frosted apple
I just love the colour of this shadow. A bit out of my comfort zone but I'm quite interested in experimenting with shades other than neutrals.

Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 02 irresistible purr-ple
Again, something out of my comfort zone. When I saw this in person, I was just overwhelmed how gorgeous it looked! The name of the shade is quite fitting, I couldn't resist to not purchase it!

Essence Kajal Eye Pencils in 08 Teddy and 23 Love Me Lavender
At under $2 a pop in an array of gorgeous shades, I couldn't pass up.


Target

I needed to pick up an under eye concealer that suited my skin tone and has a bit more coverage (didn't conflict with the rules of the ban I think...). I settled on Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser in Medium earlier and found out that it was on sale at Target yay! Unfortunately or fortunately, Chi Chi was also on sale; I've always been curious in their eyeshadow palettes (reminiscent of the Urban Decay Naked palettes) so I decided to pick up their Bases palette because the shades look simply lovely, plus it's something I'll get a lot of use out of. "Ok, time to remove myself from the beauty section", I thought after picking up what I wanted. But sadly, you know how the rest of the story unfolds and my eyes quickly spotted the Chi Chi Social Butterfly Gift Set on special for under $5?! Let me repeat myself, "for under $5!". I loved the idea of a phone case inspired eyeshadow palette and the included phone cases, sporting the Chi Chi brand. Even though I'm not a fan of the iPhone 5 case with the colourful zebra print, the price I paid for the eye palette was a pretty good deal! Additionally, I can use the iPhone 4 case - what a cute nail polish pattern! Don't you agree this set is quite similar to Too Faced's Jingle All the Way Makeup Palette?!

This is my first update for the Spending Ban/Project Pan I've started back in mid January.

I had this mindset prepared to achieve a successful outcome but I've come to realise that it's very difficult to hit pan on anything. I didn't select certain products that I wished to use up, nor segregate anything for usage during Project Pan. I've been using a bit of everything from my collection - I don't like to stick to one product only as I dislike repetitive routines and enjoy random selections and variation. Maybe I should allocate myself to certain products only, perhaps starting from next month.

Surprisingly, I found it easier to neglect my enthusiasm for the release of new products. However, the sales have been very tempting. Guilty as charged, I finally caved in and purchased myself a few items I couldn't say no to! Don't even start with me about the justification for purchasing these products; I'll have a detailed post about my "guilty haul" soon enough. I'm disappointed with myself but hey, I got myself some very good deals! (trying to make light of the situation haha).

In an attempt to assess the amount of makeup I have, I've reorganised my collection and discovered some new favourites (hello old friend!).

Honestly, I think I need another spending pan/Project Pan once this one finishes. There's this satisfaction involved with finishing up a beauty product, that I rarely achieve. Being fairly new to the beauty world and acquiring a lot of products at an exponential rate, I have never hit pan on any product before.

This Spending Ban/Project Pan ends on the 1st April 2014.

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday, filled with the love from family and friends!
For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to create a makeup look that utilises a majority of drugstore products. Dissatisfied with the number of Valentine's Day makeup tutorials I've encountered that encompassed a pink theme, I had a play around with my makeup collection. I wanted a look that promotes healthy radiance, simplicity and wearable for younger beauty enthusiasts. Additionally, this combo is suitable for a natural and effortless everyday look.

I've recently discovered some new readers of my blog who aren't familiar with the basics of makeup, so this one's for you! Furthermore, I'd like to share with you how I put it all together, ready to face the day.

I applied the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light on random areas on my face with my fingers. I then used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection to blend the BB cream into my skin. I found that the BB cream's finish was dewy so I omitted a highlighter in this look.
To conceal my dark circles, I used the Benefit fakeup concealer in Medium, patting the product in gently with my fingers.
I dusted the Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent all over my face with my Real Techniques Powder Brush, to mattify and set my base.
For a romantic flush of colour, I applied the Essence Silky Touch blush in 20 Babydoll with my Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Eyes
I like to start my eyebrows off first; I combed the Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara in, to make my eyebrows more defined and in place. This is a great staple, a transparent gel mascara that is very natural looking on the brows.
For my eyelid primer, I used the Makeup Academy (MUA) Pro-Base Eye Primer. I was actually surprised at how well this product worked considering it is very inexpensive. For my eyeshadow base, I used the EcoTools Large Eye Brush from the Essential Eye Set to apply the lighter, "3D" shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates. I then blended the Benefit Hoola bronzing powder  into my crease with the Emily 217 Blending Brush (purchased from eBay), for a nice transition colour and added definition. For a bit of a highlight under my brows and inner eye corners, I used the same light shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates in conjunction with the EcoTools Highlighting Brush from the Essential Eye Set.
For long luscious lashes, I curled mine with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and applied two coats of the Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara, a smudge-free fibre mascara that promotes elongated lashes!

To finish off the look, I opted for soft red lips that aren't too dramatic using the Face of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Apple Crumble. These are the new limited edition lip crayons on the market; affordable (only $4.95) and reliable products, infused with a vanilla scent.

All of the Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes were purchased off iherb.com. You can use the code PCW095 to get $5 off your first order under $40 or $10 off your first order over $40.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you would like future FOTD posts composed in a similar nature to this one, do let me know in the comments below!
So tell me, how do you do your "special occasion" makeup?

Currently there are two variants of the coffee scrub available on the Frank Body website (frankbody.com), original ($14.95/200g bag) and the coconut & grapeseed ($17.95/200g bag).
The packaging is a resealable, paper bag.


I purchased the coconut & grape seed variant, which claims to
- target cellulite, stretch marks, psoriasis, varicose veins, eczema and acne with roasted, ground arabica coffee beans
- moisturise, tone and repair the skin with grape seed oil
- hydrate the skin and tend to imperfections with coconut oil
- gently smooth lumps and bumps with coconut flakes, brown sugar, jojoba beads and sea salt
- work wonders from the outside in with the added vitamins and minerals.

A lot of claims said, I was very excited to try the product out.

The product is a dry type of scrub; I used two fistfuls of the product (for entire body). Fresh from the shower and while in it, I massaged the scrub in circular motions, concentrating on the problem areas. For coffee lovers, the scent will send you in pure bliss; I admit, on the days I use Frank, my showers have been much more enjoyable (indulging in that lovely coffee aroma!). It is recommended to leave the scrub on to dry for 5-10 minutes.


After washing the scrub off, my skin felt so soft, smooth and well exfoliated, a feeling I've never encountered before. Believe me, I've had my fair share of body scrubs. Since I have combination skin, I used a body wash after to remove the excess oil (as recommended for combo-oily skin types). In the instance of not using a body wash, there will be a slight oily finish to the skin and a lingering scent of coffee (yum!).

I do believe using Frank on a weekly basis yielded improvements in the texture and appearance of my skin. The whole experience is personally pure luxury.
I highly recommend this product for those who seek a great moisturising and exfoliating body scrub, additionally, those who seek an experience like no other!

Aussie residents can purchase Frank Body scrubs from the website and get free shipping to their door!

So what are you waiting for?
Get naked.
Get dirty.
Get rough.
Get clean.

It's a bit ironic how I'm constructing today's feature on last month's haul after I posted up my announcement of a spending ban/Project Pan.

Isn't it cool how that rhymed?!

Unscrewing the lid you get a nail polish applicator to transfer the product onto the cheeks and lips.
The product itself is of a milky nature similar to the consistency of Benefit's Posietint. After applying the thin layer to my cheeks, I blend everything in immediately with my fingers and the result is sheer (lilac/pink) yet buildable to an intense purple/fuschia shade.
The product blends in seamlessly on the cheeks in comparison to Benefit's Benetint. The tint is surprisingly very wearable and would look beautiful on all skin tones.
Application on the lips however, is a bit disappointing. I did not achieve a even stain and had to apply many layers, which is expected as I don't fare well with lip stains. Additionally, my lips looked dried out - not a pretty sight!
Despite the negative attributes, wear time was quite good depending on the base. Over a BB cream base, the stain lasts around 8 hours. Over bare cheeks, I presume the wear time would be greater.





Overall I love this product more than Benetint! If you found Posietint to be too light for your liking you might enjoy Lollitint. Additionally, if you've enjoyed using Benefit's Hervana you might also like Lollitint. The aforementioned stain could easily be the liquid version of Hervana - a great pairing if you ask me!

Lollitint retails for $30 (12.5 mL/0.42 fl. oz.) on the Benefit website and is available in Australia sometime NEXT MONTH at the usual Benefit cosmetics stockists.

So, beauties will you be embracing the new year with Benefit's Lollitint? I mean, for the prettiest (flirtiest) flush that's right in season (BANG ON TREND), why not?