An Island Getaway...

Happy Friday fellow blog lovers! I hope your week was nice and not too stressful, and that your weekend is a good one! As you are reading this post I am currently on an island attending a super awesome camp. I thought it would be most appropriate to title the post 'An Island Getaway' not only for that reason, but also because the product I am going to be talking about is an Essie nail polish in the colour 'Fiji' (see what I did there). I thought I would share these two stellar nail products with you incase you are in need of a new addition to your collection for the summer! 

I think this is such a pretty light pink colour that is perfect for the summertime when you're a little bit more sun kissed than you usually would be. It's just such a beautiful colour that I am always complimented on whenever I wear it. Not to mention the Sportsgirl base/top coat that is pictured above. I cannot rave about this product enough. It's such a great quality top coat that I also am always complimented on as it makes my nails look like they have shellac on them - can't complain! I always feel so pretty and lovely when I paint my nails, thanks Essie and Sportsgirl! 

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Thoughts On: Bellabox (January Box)

I am back once again with a Bellabox post. These are seeming to become a monthly tradition as I think it's a useful post to some of you who many be interested in subscribing to Bellabox, but just aren't too sure yet. I have to say, I only have positive thoughts on this months box. While mine took a little bit longer to come than usual, it was absolutely worth the wait. So let's take a look inside...

Palmolive Ayurituel Shower Gel in 'Indian Mulberry & Lotus Flower' scent (sample size) - RRP $6.79

This shower gel smells incredible. So sweet and clean and lovely. I normally don't like these shower gels as I don't like the scents they come in, but I absolutely love this one! I cannot wait to try it out.

Yes To Carrots C Me Shine Lip Tint in 'Ready Red' (full size) - RRP $9.95

This seems to be a tinted lip balm basically, and it smells really fresh and minty as it is a 95% organic product. I'm a sucker for anything red so I am eager to give this a go and see how it is. Plus, I have never tried anything from the 'Yes to Carrots' brand before so that's exciting to use something a bit different.

Avene Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream (sample size) - RRP $52.95

To be honest, I'm a little bit sick of seeing Avene products in my Bellabox as they are not a brand I love and use, but this little cream will probably come in handy when travelling or to just keep in my handbag as a 'just in case'. 

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask (sample size) - RRP $41.95

Even though I am sick of Avene, I am keen to try this sample out because I've never actually used a moisture mask before, so it will be nice to try something different for a change. 

Coconut Revolution Body Cream (sample size) - RRP $24.95

This body cream smells so incredible it's almost ridiculous. It is also a very decent sized sample which makes me so happy because I think I'll be using every last drop of this product, and will probably end up buying the full sized one too! 

Model Co Fat Lash Volumising Mascara (full size) - RRP $20.00

Lately I've gotten very into mascaras, so I am excited to try this one out and see how it compares to my other ones. It has a very interesting brush so I can't wait! 

Bonus: Wotnot Facial Wipes (sample size) - RRP $7.95

In every box I have gotten before the bonus product was always a sachet of something, so I was very happy to see that this months one was a cute little pack of 5 facial wipes. These will be perfect for when I'm travelling as they don't take up too much space, they also look like they'll be a great product so I can't wait to give them a go. 

I was extremely pleased with all the products included in my box this month, including the two full sized products. This has been my absolute favourite box so far as all of the products included were so perfect for me. Thank you Bellabox, you have made me extremely happy this month. Also, two thumbs up on the new packing, I like! 

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Clarins Bright White Palette

I got this super cute travel palette for Christmas and thought I would share it with you guys incase any of you travel a lot and are looking for something just like this. This is the perfect gift for anyone who travels a lot and would like a nice little selection of products to easily take with them. It comes in a beautiful white makeup case with the little C for Clarins stamped all over it. 

Travel kit contains:

• 1 Mini Wonder Volume Mascara in Black
• 1 Mini Gloss Appeal in Sorbet
• 6 Eyeshadows (a variety of colour, all shimmer)
• 1 Powder Compact (a light/medium colour)
• 1 Blush (a pinky/peachy colour)
• Mini Face Powder Brush and Eye Shadow Brush

I am very excited to take this with me the next time I go away somewhere, so am going to refrain from using it until then. However, I had swatched everything and it looks good! Clarins is beautiful quality so I would expect nothing less with this really convenient travel set. 

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Everyday Summer Makeup Favourites

It is currently summer here in Australia, so that means makeup becomes matte, waterproof, bright-lipped, and minimal. These products are the ones that I have been reaching for lately as it has been extremely hot and just plain gross! It is quite a basic look that doesn't really include any eye makeup and my lip colour of choice will change depending on the day, otherwise everything else pretty much stays the same. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation - 103 True Ivory

This has been my go-to foundation lately because it makes my skin look almost flawless and just really lovely. It isn't too heavy or cakey, but is quite high coverage and definitely buildable. It's one fault is that it doesn't contain any SPF, but that just means I have to put suncream on beforehand instead. Matte is definitely the best option in summer as you tend to get a bit hot and sweaty and oily, so matte products helps to keep that all under control, while you still look fresh faced and beautiful.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - 001 Transparent

This is my all time favourite powder, as you know, and is definitely a must-have product for the summer to mattify everything and keep the oil at bay. This powder helps to minimise the appearance of pores so your face looks even more flawless while keeping your makeup in place.

Sportsgirl Glow and Behold Illuminating Bronzer 

During the summertime I sometimes tend to skip blush and use this bronzer instead because it has golden, bronze, and pink shades in it to give your face an all over bronzed glow that looks so radiant and healthy. 

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Cheek & Eye Shimmer - Rose

I love to apply this product to the tops of my cheeks to give them that extra glow and shimmer without anything being too over the top. It's the perfect pair with the bronzer and has quickly become my favourite summer combination because it just looks so pretty and natural on the skin. 

Revlon Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara - Blackest Black 

I tend to skip the eyeshadow and liner step and just use mascara instead because this wakes my eyes up and gives them that little extra without being too heavy. Waterproof is obviously the way to go during summer and this is my favourite one of the moment.

Bourjois Colour Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick - 04 Peach on the Beach

My lip colour is the thing I change up the most, but lately I have been loving peachy/pinky/natural shades, with this one being one of my favourites. It is such a lovely colour and formula that looks natural and simple, but still very pretty and perfect for summer. 

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Current Skincare Routine (Updated)

It has been quite some time since I last blogged about my skincare routine, and a lot has changed since then, so I thought it was only right that I did an updated post. If you want to see the original post I did then you can read it here. I have oily/combination/acne prone skin so these are the products I am currently using to try and keep things under control. I've never been completely happy with my skincare routine, and I'm still not, but so far I'm enjoying using these products and haven't had any major problems. 

Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detox Cleanser

This is the cleanser I have been using for the past few months. It's nice to use because it isn't drying or stripping on the skin, but cleanses it really well. I use this morning and night, and it is really good at removing my makeup (especially eye makeup) after wearing it all day. 

Lush Tea Tree Water Toner

I love this toner because it is so refreshing and invigorating to use on my skin. I use this in the mornings because it is such a lovely 'wake me up' spray that just controls oil and allows me to start the day fresh faced. 

Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner

This is my nighttime toner that I use particularly after a day of wearing makeup because it just helps to remove anything my cleanser may have missed, and allows me to go to bed with a really clean and smooth face. It is 100% alcohol free which is something I always look for in toners. Plus it has vitamins and nutrients which are so beneficial for the skin.

Natio Acne Clear Day Daily Repair Oil Free Moisturiser 

I have only been using this product for a couple of weeks, but so far I'm really liking it. I wish it had SPF in it, but that is something that I can easily apply myself anyway so it's not a deal breaker. It's nice and moisturising without being oily or greasy and seems to do a good job at keeping breakouts under control. 

Natio Acne Clear Night Repair Moisture Treatment

This is the partner product of the moisturiser above, but for night time instead. I'm also really enjoying using this product. They have an organic smell about them which is sometimes not as lovely as something artificial, but who wants to put artificial fragrances on their face? Not me! It seems to be doing a good job of calming things down overnight.

Re-Gen Cream

I use this cream at night time to add extra hydration, and to also help with the fading of my scars and blemishes. I have been using this on and off for about a year now, and while it hasn't worked miracles, I do notice a difference using it. Plus I really like the smell of it for some reason. 

Garnier Dark Spot Treatment Night Serum

This is my night time serum that I use to help with the fading of my dark spots. I have noticed that my dark spots have gotten lighter over the past few months, and so I'm thinking it is this product that deserves the credit for that. 

Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque

I'm actually not entirely sure what this product is meant to be used for, but as it says that it is a first expression lines cream that smoothes, de-stresses and relaxes I thought it would be perfect to use as an eye cream. So that is what I have been using it is. I really like it actually. But as this was a sample in last months Bellabox and I didn't pay for it, I'm not entirely sure whether I would buy the full sized product, but we'll see.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

This is my spot treatment. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and I really like this product. Not much else to say about it, really.

Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier 

This is another recently purchased item and I have used it a few times so far and I really like it. It feels nice on my skin and seems to do a good job of cleansing like a mask should. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

I have mentioned this product a few times before so you guys know that I love it. It's a really great treatment mask that I use once a week and it definitely does make a difference in the long term. 

That concludes my skincare routine! No doubt it will continue to change in the future, so I will write another updated post again once that happens. If you have any questions about these products or anything else don't hesitate to leave a comment!

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Top 13 of 2013

Happy 2014!

How on earth is it 2014 already, it's mind boggling! Today I thought I would share my top 13 products of 2013 with you guys, and there is a mixture of makeup, skincare, and body care for you. I found this to be so difficult to choose only 13 products as I loved so many different things throughout the year, but it has to be done, right? So without further ado, let's get cracking!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Before 2013 I was never a massive fan of using brushes to apply my foundation. I used to only use sponges, but not even the good sponges. Ever since I started using this particular brush I have been converted and have no intentions of ever going back. The quality of the Real Techniques brushes are exceptional and they are also so affordable. This was the standout brush of the year by far. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

I was introduced to this foundation this year and fell in love immediately. This is my never fail foundation that I always find myself going back to. I love absolutely everything about it, from the texture, to the packaging, to the smell, to the finish. This was the one foundation that stood out among the others and I will be repurchasing it again and again. 

Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub

I only discovered this product a few months ago but it was too incredible not to mention. It smells divine and leaves my skin feeling so smooth and lovely. Pair this with the Dirty Works Supreme Creme body butter and you have a duo that's on fire. 

Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel

Oh my goodness, the love I have for this product is ridiculous. It smells so fresh and lovely and leaves your skin tingling. It actually feels like you've used toothpaste all over your body to clean it, which sounds odd, but it always leaves my skin feeling amazing and ever so clean. This is probably my favourite shower gel of all time and I encourage you all to try it because the experience is something that cannot be put into words!

The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Hand Cream

I adore hand creams and own way too many, but this is my favourite by far. I actually got this for free while I was down in Melbourne in July this year, and ever since getting it it is the one that goes with me everywhere. It's always in my handbag and I'm always using it. It smells so pretty, leaves my hands feeling soft but not greasy, and is just everything a hand cream should be.

Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Perfume

Choosing a perfume of the year is always a really difficult thing for me because I find myself loving so many. However I narrowed it down to this one because it is the one I always go to if I'm not quite sure which one to wear. It's a lovely scent that is quite rich and romantic, but not too overpowering (I'm obviously great at describing smells!). This is just a never fail scent that people always compliment me on. 

Bourjois Colour Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick in Peach on the Beach

Another extremely difficult decision to make was picking a lip colour. I loved so many throughout the year, but this one was one that I always went back to and loved a lot. It's a really pretty pinky, coral-peach colour that looks so beautiful on but isn't ever too much. It's the perfect everyday colour particularly for the warmer months. 

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded

These colour tattoos became the hottest thing this year and every beauty blogger seemed to be talking about and loving them, myself included. Out of the few colours I own this one is definitely my favourite because it's so pretty and versatile. It's perfect just on it's own, or even underneath another colour as a base. They are such great value for money and it quickly became a staple product of mine. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

Funnily enough, this is the only skincare product that I'm mentioning in my favourites for the year. Even though I definitely tried out more skincare products this year than I ever have before, when it came down to it there wasn't really many things that I would call my favourite. I can't say this is a miracle worker, but over time I have seen it make a difference in my skin. It feels so lovely and cooling once applied and I will continue to use it and love it through 2014. 

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara

Something that I learnt through 2013 is that mascara makes a difference! If you're stuck on time and can't do a full eye makeup look, just put on mascara and you'll be good to go. I've never really obsessed over mascaras, or really worn them until this year, and this was the one that I immediately fell in love with. I just think that it makes my lashes look incredible and natural without being too overdone or dramatic. 

Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry

For those of you who know me well you will know that I am obsessed with lip balms. I have close to 20 floating around my room, which is bordering on being problematic. The one standout for me this year would absolutely have to be this one because it tastes incredible and leaves my lips feeling soft and repaired and hydrated. Even though it's an expensive little thing, it is absolutely worth it. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent

I know, I know, this is pretty much every beauty blogger's favourite setting powder - but for good reason. It's pretty damn amazing. This is the only powder I use and will probably end up being the only powder I ever use because it is so good. It just does the job perfectly for me.

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Cheek & Eye Shimmer

Last but certainly not least, it wouldn't be my 2013 favourites post if I didn't include this product. I think it is fair to say this is the one product I mentioned time and time again and you are probably all sick of hearing about it. I love it. That's all I'll say! 

Bourjois Colour Boost in Peach on the Beach

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Cheek & Eye Shimmer

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