Her Beauty Days

There's a considerable number of items to showcase here today, but for three month's worth - it's quite less than what I expected.

Moisturisers

1. LUSH Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser (10g sample)

This is one expensive moisturiser ($74.95 for 45g). I can see why, I absolutely adore the scent, the moisturiser itself fared well with my skin - my skin was radiant, plump and exhibited signs of good health in the mornings, after applying this at night. The only thing preventing me from purchasing the full sized product is the price-tag!

2. Olay Moisturising Lotion (150mL)

My HG moisturiser! I'm currently using another moisturiser at the moment but will definitely return to this one. I've included this product in my Skincare Tag, you can read about to find out what's so special about it!

3. Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion (50mL)

I love Sukin's face products but I wasn't accustomed to applying their lotions onto my body due to the scent. I'm just so used to applying body lotions with fruit scents! Overall, it's a great product but I won't be repurchasing.

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (40mL)

I purchased this when it was first became available at Priceline (remember that period?). I didn't notice much improvement but during the course I used this, I didn't get any pimples (yay!). I didn't use this alone as a moisturiser and had to top it up with my Olay one. If I see this on sale at Priceline, I'll probably purchase it again.

5. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion (354mL)

Marketing has done well in positioning this product. I'm wired to adore Aveeno's products' I've already repurchased this but in the variation designed to relieve stress.

Makeup Removers

6. Simple Eye Make-Up Remover (125mL)

This stuff is like water; it removes my eye makeup quite well.  It doesn't leave any oily residue and is gentle on the eyes. I don't think this will work for waterproof mascara, but since I don't use that - it's perfect. I'm currently using the bi-phase makeup removers but will return to this eventually.

7. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (125mL)

I really enjoyed using this. It's gentle yet very effective at removing everything. I don't think I'll be repurchasing this due to the cheaper options available.

8. Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean! Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (70mL)
I purchased this makeup remover in my Maybelline September haul which I blogged about here.
It's a bit expensive in my book, luckily I got it on sale and it works great. A great substitute for my Lancôme Bi-Facil I might add.

Makeup

9. Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent (7.5g)
Love this finishing powder! It sets my makeup nicely, mattifies my face a bit, helps with oil control and it goes on colourless despite its white powder form.

10. Benefit They're Real! Mascara (3g sample)
This mascara lasted over two months. That's two months of perfect lashes - long, curled, voluminous and separated lashes were achieved! I'm also loving the bommy-knocker at the end of wand - it helps me reach the corner lashes!

11. ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss in Strip Tease
I received this from the company ages ago and it's time I gave it the boot. It's a really sheer shimmering lip gloss - quite average yet the pricetag implies otherwise. The inclusion of a mirror was handy but the scent was a bit sweet for my liking. I would not repurchase this; I don't find ModelCo's products worth their RRP.

12. Rimmel Vinyl Gloss Voluptuously Shiny Lipgloss in 110 Keep A Secret
One of my favourite glosses, likewise to ModelCo's lip gloss, this one is also on the sheer side. A great everyday shimmer lipgloss that would sure give you that luscious looking pout! I would repurchase this lipgloss in other shades (and possibly the same shade!).


Other

13. Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water (300mL)
Spraying this on my face = wonderful! The spray distribution is even, there are so many uses for this product and I've already bought backups. A staple in my skincare routine. Read my full review here. 

14. Lux Luminous Touch Body Wash (400mL)
Love this body wash so much! (love Lux body washes in general) Even though I don't detect the presence of illuminators on my skin, it's what I've been looking for in a body wash - pleasant scent, nice lather and moisturising! Would definitely repurchase this.

15. Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo & Conditioner (50mL samples)
I really love the scent of this. It's quite an average shampoo and conditioner but I don't think I'll be repurchasing it - I'm interested in trying more natural products.

16. Jurlique Replenishing Foaming Cleanser (30mL sample)
I used this after I had the horrible reaction to Indeed Laboratories' Pepta-bright which you can read all about it here. This was a lovely cleanser to use, it didn't strip my skin of its natural oils and it was just so gentle on the rashes I received. The only thing I don't like about it is the scent - which is understandable since there are natural derivatives within the product.

And there you have it. Three months worth of empties!
What did you think of the items I've finished? Have you finished any items lately? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, I'd love to hear about it!

It also involves enjoying the company of friends and family over good food.

Many will recognise that Christmas is a time of love, joy, hope and not least, it's a time of GIVING.

I'm EXCITED to throw this mini giveaway as part of my Christmas rituals and to thank all of you for supporting me through viewing and/or reading about my journey into the beauty world!

I've added a few favourites and miscellaneous items into the giveaway mix; all are useful during this festive season!

Giveaway contents:

1. The Bakery Shoppe White Chocolate Scented Candle - lighten up the mood and prepare yourself for the festive season!

2. Circa Home Pear & Lime Scented Soy Candle - something milder for the post-Christmas relaxation period

3. Revlon Luxurious color Perle Eyeshadow in 011 Lilac Shimmer - glitter and sparkles are all part of the festive season

4. E.L.F. Color Crush Palette - a great basic colourful eyeshadow palette with an included brush for testing out a few eye looks (so you don't waste your more expensive palettes/shadows!)

5. Olay Complete Touch of Foundation SPF 15 in Fair - a moisturiser with a hint of Max Factor foundation, great for the summer days, us Aussies are facing during Christmas! (suitable for medium skin tones)

6. Le Tan Wash Off Instant Looking Tan in Bronze - Summer days are calling in!

7. Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in 908 Graphite Gravity - go hard at night, flashing this unique nail polish!

8. Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish Nail Polish in 270 Hot Shot  - can't go wrong with a pink mani for Christmas

9. OPI Nail Lacquer in On Her Majesty's Secret Service - another great polish for the night (I'm thinking New Year's Eve!) from the Holiday Skyfall 2012 Collection

10. OPI Nail Lacquer in In My Santa Suit  - from the Mariah Carey 2013 Christmas collection! Pearly red - PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS!

11. Models Prefer Dark Chocolate Kohl Pencil - create those smouldering smokey eyes to capture your next victim at the party ;)

12. Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara in Black - a fibre mascara that great for the day

13. Sukin Facial Moisturiser - no matter what, hydration comes first

14. Nude By Nature Nature's Super Anti-Oxidant Foaming Cleanser - please remove all of that makeup please!

Bonus - rainbow candy cane! :)

The Extra Bits!


Fill in the Rafflecopter below!

Open to Aussie residents (sorry international ladies!) over 18 years of age or has parental consent.

Mandatory to follow via GFC and like my page on Facebook.

Giveaway starts NOW and will end on Thursday 19th December 10pm Sydney time.

Winner will be contacted via email and announced on my Facebook page on Thursday 19th (morning-midday)

I am not liable for any packaging that goes missing or arrives at a later date than expected.
Enjoy! xx

I'm so glad that we've hit Spring in Australia; loving the much warmer days albeit it's been a bit windy in Sydney at the moment.

Having farewelled winter a few weeks ago, you can sure guess that last month's empties sure packed a a tad more skincare products than usual. This year, I exerted extra effort in adhering to my winter skincare routine. To my satisfaction, I did not experience winter skin symptoms such as itchy skin, all good!

So, let's check out the empties shall we?!

Glam Eyes Manicare Accent Lashes Black - Eva Lashes
"2 half length ready to wear instant luscious-looking lashes with pre-applied adhesive"
I received these falsies in a goody bag last year and sometime during August had a play around with them. Prior to this experience, I've never worn them before so when I did try to apply these falsies on, I failed horribly. It was quite a hilarious moment; I had the notion that these would be pretty easy to apply because they're demi lashes, so how hard could it be?! Mind you, I had my laptop open to some instructional YouTube video...But you know what they say - practice makes perfect.
Oh, I do like this brand - it's easily accessible at Priceline and other stockists.

Cedel Dry Shampoo For Dark Hair
I won this shampoo with other cans of hair products through a Facebook competition.
Having tried Batiste's dry shampoo, I was curious to see how this would perform. I liked how it was easily concealed in my black hair but a few improvements can be made to the formula and fragrance. I prefer Batiste over this brand even though it does leave my hair with grey-white residue.


Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil (50 mL)
Rose hip oil entered my life last year when I was looking for a natural alternative for face and body oils. I found the Trilogy Rosehip Oil and after trying that progressed onto the Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+. I found the former worked better for me but you know me, being the Asian that I am, sought to find a cheaper alternative. Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil will you please come forward?! Rose hip oil, liquid gold, fatty acids or whatever you may wish to call it, worked wonders for me. I apply a few drops on my face before bed and wake up to plump glowing skin. During winter, I like to top it up with my all time favourite moisturiser (described here). This oil is super versatile - you may use it for dehydrated skin, to treat scars and pigmentation, as a light anti-aging serum, as a moisturiser... the possibilities are endless! If you've never tried rose hip oils, I must impart you a word of caution - the smell may be off-putting; very distant from the fragrance of roses I can assure you! Recently I purchased my fifth 50mL bottle from the Chemist Warehouse, despite my inner yearning to venture into trying other brands such as Kosmea - the producer of the "best rose hip oil". Oh please, try me!

Bio-Oil (125 mL)

Describe your skincare in five words

Inconsistent, self-diagnosed, pastime, important.

What's your skin type?

Combination skin type (hello T-zone!) and perhaps sensitive.

What's your favourite skincare product?

A moisturiser that feels "luxurious" on my skin. I've been using Olay Moisturising Lotion for about five years; I simply cannot live without it! This classic moisturiser sinks into the skin after a moment, providing a lovely boost of hydration. Consequently, you may receive plump, baby-soft cheeks for your efforts!

Top Blemish Zapper?

In my experiences, a product with salicylic acid or a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide are great at minimising blemishes, e.g. Benzac AC Water Based Acne Gel.

Face wipes, yay or nay?

Yay, for the lazy days (but not every day!). Plus, they are super handy when you need to clean your hands in the most bizarre situations.

Toner, yay or nay?

Nay (and yay? My decision making skills are atrocious). I don't think toners are a necessary staple of a good skincare routine. However, I occasionally use one, purely because I was given a one to try out. They work well in removing the extra bit that cleansers sometimes miss; I can see why some people can't live without toners.

High-end skincare or high-end makeup?

On the rare occasion, I've found some drugstore products that are comparable to high-end skincare products, which is the reason why I barely purchase high-end products. Personally, it's not about the "status" of the product (high-end, drugstore etc.), it's all about choosing the products that work best for my skin. However, given the choice, I prefer to select high-end skincare products over makeup products. Nothing emanates radiance better than healthy skin!

What's the most unusual skincare product that you've tried?

I haven't encountered any skincare products that were deemed "unusual" in my book. Still, I can remember being highly interested in using one of those dual phase makeup removers; I've never used anything like it before. 

You're in a French pharmacy and can only pick one item - what is it?
I've recently purchased the La Roche-Posay Efflaclar Duo and it has been received quite well by my sister. I didn't see any major improvements but I have noticed that I haven't been receiving as much blemishes as I should have due to hormonal changes. I will certainly pick this item up if I found myself in a French pharmacy!

Tell us your top skincare tip?
Drink lots of water. Your skin is your largest organ and organs, being made up of smaller units - cells are predominately made up of water. So it makes sense that an adequate intake of water is good for your skin. And don't you just love it how water can flush out those nasty toxins?
I believe a great diet with lots of vegetables and fruits plus a large consumption of water yields a healthy looking complexion. For myself, it's easy to be said than done, so I make sure I use the right products to help achieve great looking skin.