It's that time of year again - that time where I don't understand what just happened in the last 6 months. Seriously, 2015 is flashing before my eyes and I do not know what I'm doing with my life. However, I do know that there have been several favourite products in my world for the first half of this year. Initially, I actively searched for products that weren't mentioned in my end of 2014 favourites, but I had no trouble at all finding a whole new slew of favourites and "holy grail" items. Forewarning, I will be repeating "holy grail" a lot and this post is quite wordy. I can't help it, I have so much to say, okay?
Base wise, I have yet to find - or buy as I just finished my sample of Nars Sheer Glow, which I LOVE - the perfect foundation. The perfect concealer is definitely the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer though. I love shade Custard to spot conceal and when Vanilla is mixed with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer there no spot that the duo wouldn't be able to cover. This concealer is so pigmented and creamy yet very lightweight and never settles into fine lines. My dry spots are also very well disguised as the light diffusing properties sort of deflect attention away from them. Holy grail.
I've found Bourgois's Healthy Mix Powder in shade 52 is the best tinted powder I've come across. This gives a lovely satin-like finish to dewy foundations, but isn't particularly oil controlling. The shade is a teeny bit too dark for me but it does adjust after a bit, leaving me with natural and healthy skin. For those with dry to normal skin, this one is for you.
I've been alternating between TheBalm's Mary Lou-Manizer and the Hourglass Ambient Powder in Luminous Light as highlighters a lot. For days where I want a natural "glow from within" I opt for Luminous. This honestly gives me the most wonderful illumination to my skin that makes it appear lively and, again, healthy.
I have been more and more obsessed with blush recently. Since being awakened to the powers of a nice flush to the cheeks by Nars Lovejoy, I have not been able to put it down. So much so I've placed an order for the more affordable blush counterparts from Sleek Makeup, as well as buying some to try out from Essence.
In a case of obsession turned everyday staple product, MAC Prep and Prime Fix + has found it's way into 'can't live without' territory. This is the only spray that is able to "set" my makeup without causing a reaction. It takes away the made up look and keeps everything looking dewy and natural. Holy grail.
Holy grail #3 is Leila Lou By Rosie Jane. This pretty little vial of jasmine, pear and fresh cut grass is an all year round oil that clings close to myself, without being cloying. Leila Lou invigorates and draws me into my relaxed and happy mood. I can't fault this.
As far as lip products go, I've literally been using lip balms for the majority of the year so far. I've found that life has become a little too hectic to continually worry about the upkeep of my lipstick. Hence I've opted for tinted balms, one of which is Luk Beautifood's Lip Nourish in Tangerine & Vanilla (now Vanilla Chocolate). This is a great product made from real food and is very nourishing for the lips. The wear time is a little less than the average creamy lipstick and the colour is very sheer, which I like. The only thing that annoys me to no end is the packaging because the twist mechanism keeps messing up.
I've found Bourgois's Healthy Mix Powder in shade 52 is the best tinted powder I've come across. This gives a lovely satin-like finish to dewy foundations, but isn't particularly oil controlling. The shade is a teeny bit too dark for me but it does adjust after a bit, leaving me with natural and healthy skin. For those with dry to normal skin, this one is for you.
I've been alternating between TheBalm's Mary Lou-Manizer and the Hourglass Ambient Powder in Luminous Light as highlighters a lot. For days where I want a natural "glow from within" I opt for Luminous. This honestly gives me the most wonderful illumination to my skin that makes it appear lively and, again, healthy.
I have been more and more obsessed with blush recently. Since being awakened to the powers of a nice flush to the cheeks by Nars Lovejoy, I have not been able to put it down. So much so I've placed an order for the more affordable blush counterparts from Sleek Makeup, as well as buying some to try out from Essence.
In a case of obsession turned everyday staple product, MAC Prep and Prime Fix + has found it's way into 'can't live without' territory. This is the only spray that is able to "set" my makeup without causing a reaction. It takes away the made up look and keeps everything looking dewy and natural. Holy grail.
Holy grail #3 is Leila Lou By Rosie Jane. This pretty little vial of jasmine, pear and fresh cut grass is an all year round oil that clings close to myself, without being cloying. Leila Lou invigorates and draws me into my relaxed and happy mood. I can't fault this.
As far as lip products go, I've literally been using lip balms for the majority of the year so far. I've found that life has become a little too hectic to continually worry about the upkeep of my lipstick. Hence I've opted for tinted balms, one of which is Luk Beautifood's Lip Nourish in Tangerine & Vanilla (now Vanilla Chocolate). This is a great product made from real food and is very nourishing for the lips. The wear time is a little less than the average creamy lipstick and the colour is very sheer, which I like. The only thing that annoys me to no end is the packaging because the twist mechanism keeps messing up.
Eyeshadows have definitely been my largest accumulations so far, the tip top favourites being Burberry and Inglot single shadows. It took me forever to get all the shades I wanted from Burberry (I returned one which I already had in a quad) but ever since, my life has never felt so complete. Well, my eyeshadow cravings anyway...for now. The Burberry shades are most definitely more complex yet understated and chic. Yet, the staying power, rich creaminess and absolute epic range of shades from Inglot will have me coming back for more for a long time. Holy grails with these two, I love them equally for different reasons.
I have been loving Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner in Suede as an everyday lined eye look. This thing is great at giving me bigger eyes. Another product that nicely frames my eyes is the Burberry Effortless Brow Definer in Ash Brown. I received this as a prize and never expected to use it every single day afterwards. Considering I have never cared about grooming and shaping my brows, that's got to be something right?
Ben Nye's Bella Poudre Palette was love at first swatch. This is essentially a palette of the pressed versions of their widely known Bella powders from Neutral Set (Colourless or Translucent through to Bella 06. This even includes the famous Banana Powder! I have been using this non stop as face powders, bronzers and even eyeshadows. I'm not one for multi purpose products but this palette is just brilliant. The powders are silky soft and oh so awesome if you know how to use them to their best effect, much like the Hourglass Ambient powders.
I have been loving Prestige Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner in Suede as an everyday lined eye look. This thing is great at giving me bigger eyes. Another product that nicely frames my eyes is the Burberry Effortless Brow Definer in Ash Brown. I received this as a prize and never expected to use it every single day afterwards. Considering I have never cared about grooming and shaping my brows, that's got to be something right?
Ben Nye's Bella Poudre Palette was love at first swatch. This is essentially a palette of the pressed versions of their widely known Bella powders from Neutral Set (Colourless or Translucent through to Bella 06. This even includes the famous Banana Powder! I have been using this non stop as face powders, bronzers and even eyeshadows. I'm not one for multi purpose products but this palette is just brilliant. The powders are silky soft and oh so awesome if you know how to use them to their best effect, much like the Hourglass Ambient powders.
I've never been more conscious of skincare as I have been this year. Lately my skin has been clearing up nicely and seems to know what it likes. Most notably, the Sukin skincare lines can do no wrong. Great products, great results and great prices are all win-win scenarios in my book. Especially fantastic is the Facial Recovery Serum which gave me awesome results within a week, and the Cream Cleanser which I have been using for at least two thirds of a year now without damaging or irritating my temperamental skin. Thank you, Sukin, you've changed my life for the better. Holy grails here.
Sunscreen has always broken me out, expect for the Natio Ageless Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30. I actually cannot imagine using any other face sunscreens apart from the pair. I will have a post up soon comparing the two, so for now all I can say is HOLY GRAILS.
For the longest time I've been searching for a Caudalie Beauty Elixir dupe, and the closest for now is the Iluka Hydrating Toner Mist. By far this is the most refreshing and effective toner I've used since finishing up the Beauty Elixir last year and I can't wait to repurchase this. Post up soon.
Another holy grail (last one, I swear!) is the Nuxe Reve-de-Miel Lip Balm. I use this every night before bed and every morning before makeup and my lips are always hydrated, plump and have never had a dry patch since finishing my acne treatment. This little pot has lasted me little under a year, I cannot recommend it enough. Dr. Lipp's Nipple Balm has worked wonders for painful scars and wounds, as well as dry parts of my skin. The only thing I don't like about this is the unpleasant scent.
Speaking of scents, the scent from MAC's Tranquil Cleanse Off Oil is one of my favourite in my skincare routine. I've found this oil very good at cleaning off the last of my makeup after micellar water, as well as very handy for some lazy face cleaning during travel.
I'm not one for hair care, but the best dry shampoos I've ever come across are the ones from Girlz Only. I've tried all of them and the Day Shampoo is best for my dark hair and has a less annoying, vanilla-esque scent when applied. The next favourite is the one in the green bottle which I can never remember. Can you believe these sell for $3 each (often 2 for $5)?? For the 150ml you get, the amount you go through and Australian pricing, these are a bargain!
It's been swell writing up about 1380 words in an hour, who knows what the next semi-annual favourites will bring? Until next time, take care :)
Sunscreen has always broken me out, expect for the Natio Ageless Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 30. I actually cannot imagine using any other face sunscreens apart from the pair. I will have a post up soon comparing the two, so for now all I can say is HOLY GRAILS.
For the longest time I've been searching for a Caudalie Beauty Elixir dupe, and the closest for now is the Iluka Hydrating Toner Mist. By far this is the most refreshing and effective toner I've used since finishing up the Beauty Elixir last year and I can't wait to repurchase this. Post up soon.
Another holy grail (last one, I swear!) is the Nuxe Reve-de-Miel Lip Balm. I use this every night before bed and every morning before makeup and my lips are always hydrated, plump and have never had a dry patch since finishing my acne treatment. This little pot has lasted me little under a year, I cannot recommend it enough. Dr. Lipp's Nipple Balm has worked wonders for painful scars and wounds, as well as dry parts of my skin. The only thing I don't like about this is the unpleasant scent.
Speaking of scents, the scent from MAC's Tranquil Cleanse Off Oil is one of my favourite in my skincare routine. I've found this oil very good at cleaning off the last of my makeup after micellar water, as well as very handy for some lazy face cleaning during travel.
I'm not one for hair care, but the best dry shampoos I've ever come across are the ones from Girlz Only. I've tried all of them and the Day Shampoo is best for my dark hair and has a less annoying, vanilla-esque scent when applied. The next favourite is the one in the green bottle which I can never remember. Can you believe these sell for $3 each (often 2 for $5)?? For the 150ml you get, the amount you go through and Australian pricing, these are a bargain!
It's been swell writing up about 1380 words in an hour, who knows what the next semi-annual favourites will bring? Until next time, take care :)