August Favourites

Skincare:

Kose UNKISEI PRIME cleansing oil

So one night, I freaked out. I was removing my BB cream, thought all was good. Had a shower (where I used my cleanser) and when I came out to tone my face - there was still a heck of BB cream on. So. More make up remover.. (Lots more) AND another 2 washes with two cleansers later.. did the trick. Yes, I was constantly monitoring. I wasn't sure what it was. Too much BB cream? Not sure. So.. she suggested I use Kose UNKISEI PRIME cleansing oil. She said she had been using it for a while and it was really good. Honestly, I was really desperate for a solution at that point. The only problem was that it needed to be ordered. But whatever, order me one and anything to prevent this from happening again. My skin at that point with all that cleansing and make up removing was D-R-Y.

Image Source: Sasa.com

I'm going to admit, it wasn't exactly love at first use with this cleanser/make up remover. I felt like using an oil was messy. It just seemed to make my liquid eyeliner run and I still had to grab my cotton buds after my shower and get rid of it. But, I probably didn't use it right, or wasn't used to it. It gets so milky white around my eye area now and looks so clean! I do use a cleanser in the shower afterwards, because it just feels a tad oily if I don't. I have heard that you don't need cleansers because make up remover oils double up as cleaners. But, my friend told me she also follows her make up removal routine with a cleanser. But it's really good to use as an eye make up remover. Really liking it despite the messiness.

Body:

Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Dry Skin Lotion



My Nivea Rich Moisturising Lotion ran out, so my mum purchased another in it's place as my family share body lotions in the bathroom. This was actually the second one we got (The first was a total miss). This doesn't have as thick of a consistency as the Nivea Rich Moisturising Lotion, so that is still my preferred one. However, I think does do a pretty good job. So I will make my way through this bottle. I won't keep using the other one however. BUT after this one is finished, I have purchased a double pack of Nivea Rich Moisturising Lotion! Yay!

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Okay, I didn't know where to put this, but over the drier months for Winter, I've been loving Vaseline. I have a small tub I keep at my table, so when my lips are dry and I'm about to head out - just finished my make up, it's my lip balm. It also works as an alternative to eye gel to hold eyebrows together (did you know that?) :) - just don't dip your fingers in again if you're going to be using it on your lips as well! AND, Because I have dry skin, I've had some REALLY dry areas on my hands/arms. So guess what I used? Yup, that's right. Vaseline. Hydrates really well. One tub, multi-purpose!




Hair:

Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Shampoo and Conditioner (Separate)
So, if you've seen a previous post about hair care, you'd know I love the Clear haircare range. And I didn't think anything was going to change that. Really, nothing probably will. However, I was getting quite an itchy scalp with so much dandruff and although I felt the Clear anti-dandruff shampoo worked, I felt my hair was less soft. So I went back to Head and Shoulders.



Yes, I'm combining both the shampoo and conditioner (separate bottles) and it's leaving my hair really smooth and getting rid of my dandruff! I do still think the Clear shampoo does a better job of leaving it smooth, but this is the price to pay for wanting to have less dandruff I guess! I do miss how Clear shampoo smells, so I might start alternating and see how that goes.

Makeup:

Muji Duo Tone Blush

I'm not sure Muji make this item anymore - I checked on the global website and it's gone :( My friend actually bought this for me from Hong Kong a while ago and I've just been slowly using it and alternating between blushes. But I've found myself constantly reaching for this one. I haven't been able to find any blushes on the Muji website. However, I remember the first time I ever bought a blush from Muji, it was a quadrant and the mix of colours was amazing. You could a colour to highlight or choose one to use a blush to complement your overall makeup and best of all? If you mixed them, it gave an amazing colour. If you ever see a really pretty pink blush quadrant at Muji - PICK IT UP. Unfortunately I don't have Muji in Sydney, so that will only be for when I travel.



Sorry about the glare, the photo didn't show without the glare -.-

Back to this Duo. The softer pink makes a lovely highlighter, though I will admit I prefer the highlighting effects of the YSL or Maybelline Dream Lumi. As for my cheeks - depending on my look, I'll either opt for just the brighter pink or mix the two together. For my everyday makeup, I'll make the two together, it looks your natural look a nice "pop". There's also a really  nice, light shimmer to the colours.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer
Another product which I've loved but mentioned previously is the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer. Yes, I've reached for it more than my YSL Touche Eclat! I am mainly using it for under my eyes however, so for highlighting I would probably using the YSL. I'm currently using Ivory, but I think I'd need to go up a shade when I repurchase. You can read my review where I compare Maybelline Dream Lumi and YSL Touche Eclat here



MISSES:

Okay, something new this month. What hasn't really worked well for me?

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

In all honesty, this is the FIRST eyebrow pencil I have used. But I didn't think it worked well while being sharp (when new) and was hard to glide on. I prefer it very blunt to the extent that I am very afraid of sharpening it. It works better, but I wouldn't say it works the best. The brush that it comes with is also quite harsh and has hurt my eye area, particularly if I'm rushing in the mornings. I haven't actually tried to use a brush to brush out the pencil lines, rather just do it slower. But it's something I will try. That being said, I will keep using this until I find a new pencil.. but it just doesn't do it. I don't hate it, but because I have purchased it, I will use it, but wouldn't recommend it.



However, IF you have a drug store/ low end eyebrow pencil to recommend me, please leave it in the comments below! :)

Health Benefits of caffeine

I'm sure we've heard everywhere that caffeine and well, the drinks that contain it, particularly coffee, actually are good for us. But really, what are the benefits?

Did you know they believe it is suggested to reduce heart disease and is even speculated to reduce Parkinson's disease?! It might even reduce your risk of developing cancer, or decrease the age that your cancer is shown. In conjunction with exercise, a study has shown in mice which were had genetic predispositions to skin cancer, there was more than a whopping 60% reduction in their development of cancer! What?

Image source: www.precisionnutrition.com

There are of course some negative effects to drinking caffeine too, including affecting sleep and more problematic issues with high consumption including hallucinations!

But, a cup of caffeine to decrease chances of cancer and increase metabolic rate? The caffeine addict in me says yes please! But of course, the cost-benefits is for you to outweigh!

Articles read: Wikipedia & Healthy Food Guide

Thin Lizzy Concealer

I got this in a glossy box a while back (I've since stopped getting them because I just ended up with sooo many things!) and decided I'd give it a try. I always see ads for Thin Lizzy on TV and hearing the powder can be used 6 ways.

Image Source: http://www.thinlizzy.com.au

So I was sent the concealer creme in Orient Doll, which was actually the perfect match for me (although that meant I couldn't try out their 6 in one powder unfortunately), however, I thought there was REALLY good coverage. To be honest, I was really amazed with the level of coverage that this has. I would think if you're not after a full/heavy coverage, you might even be able to apply this as your foundation and leave it as that. I put some on my arm for you to see.

It actually has a really nice matte finish too which is definitely a plus for me. The only downside I would say is that the colour is quite and doesn't have the highlighting effect which I have come to love with the concealers I have been using. I also found that it didn't spread as easily on drier areas that other concealers would have.

They come in a large range of shades so you can match it as close to your skin as possible. The website even seems to say it can cover up tattoos!

So Thin Lizzy is actually made in New Zealand - but I'm not sure exactly where it's branched out to in terms of sales. I've had a look on Amazon, but wasn't able to find it there. I know it's definitely for sale in Australia: you can purchase Online or at Big W. And there's a number for queries.

For all you others overseas who might be interested, I'll leave the link for Thin Lizzy Australia 

I have seen it on Ebay too - so if it hasn't branched out to your country or isn't available in your country, you can see if you can find a seller who ships to you. It is really good, if you're after a concealer with amazing coverage and not after highlighting properties.

Moisture Surge Face Spray

So with the dry weather, I've been doubling on moisturisers for day time - on the days where I wake up and feel that my skin needs a pick me up. Or, when I've been exposed to a lot of heater use and my skin could really use some more hydration. I have some Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray from the pack I got in Hong Kong so I thought I'd see how that worked under my BB cream in the morning. It actually works really well. Obviously not as good as if I put on a layer of the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel, but it provides pretty good hydration - literally almost provides a layer like moisturiser would.

I am also in process of trying out another face spray - But I do think this one the better of the two. It also doesn't have a smell, and hasn't irritated my skin! For those of you going into Fall - this would be great as you move into drier seasons - even just for those pick me up days. Just spray 1-2 on your face, or spray on your hands and pat onto your face. It lasts a really long time.

Daiso Eyelash Curler

So I went on a hunt for a new eyelash curler as my old one wasn't working well. And this is, hands down, the BEST eye lash curler I have ever used. Nevertheless, it is only $2.80 from Daiso. (This may be a surprise for those of you not in Australia, where I've heard it's cheaper) BUT $2.80 for an amazing quality eyelash curler. I'm not going to complain.

Daiso has SO many eyelash curlers, I really didn't know which one to pick - obviously knowing I wasn't going to go back and keep purchasing if I picked one that really didn't work well. But I was really drawn by the packaging. What I didn't notice was this one came with a a spare rubber to replace - score! It's also really tight when you push the curler together - unlike my previous one which really helps curls your lashes. But means you've got to be careful! I have heard Shu Uemura has the best eyelash curler, but it's not something I've been able to try, and quite reluctant to purchase and invest in for now since curling my lashes isn't part of my every day routine. But it seems like, if you're in need of an eyelash curler - you can pop into your nearest Daiso and score a really good deal! Must say, I was quite sceptical of whether it would work and even well at all. But really loving it!

Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Chloe Logan who nominated me for the Liebster Award :) Please check her out, she's a fashion/beauty blogger too! :) -link here- For those of you who don't know, it's a way for bloggers with less than 200 followers to get into the blogging community! :) I thought I might finally do it today since I have a bit of time between catching up with school homework and work later today! :)


The rules: 1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.  2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer. 3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post. 4. Go to their page and tell them. 5. No tag backs
11 things about me:

1. My favourite colour is purple
2. I am MESSY but ridiculously cannot stand anything DIRTY - THERE'S A DIFFERENCE!
3. I really dislike mint, and have to drink lots of water after brushing my teeth
4. I have a bunk bed which is detachable, although I no longer share a room with my sister
5. My favourite season for clothing would be Spring BUT, I much prefer the weather of cooler months.
6. I taught myself to speak mandarin in high school by watching series and listening to music.
7. I dislike eating hard lollies that you need to suck on haha.
8. I've tried to die my hair MANY times, but my hair is JET BLACK, and no colour has ever been able to come through. I even tried blonde.. I went to school the next day and my friends asked if I died my hair black! (They were at home-sets, so looks like I may need to go to the salon)
9. I am a mix-of quite a few Asian backgrounds.
10. I've learnt to try go to a hair dresser with a photo everytime!
11. I have over 20 uncles and aunties! (yes, big asian family!) :)

Chloe's Questions:  

1. Would you say your more of a bright lip or dark eye kind of girl?

Definitely a bright light - however I do like statement eyes - but not necessary dark.

2. Do you stick to one makeup brand or do you like to mix and match?

 I like to mix and match - however, I do find that some make up brands make quite good products all round! But, I try to find what product I like most and purchase that.

3. If you had to choose, would you rather wear the same makeup for the rest of your life (as in the same products applied every day) or no makeup at all?

Probably same make up for the rest of my life - In Australia, with such strong UV rays, I'd definitely need lots of UV protection, and there'd definitely be days where I'd need makeup!

4. If you could own one expensive piece of makeup, what would you choose?

 Chanel's CC cream! Definitely something I'd want to try, and something I'll be wearing EVERY day.

5. Would you say your one most used beauty product is?

BB Cream

6. Your favourite highstreet/drugstore makeup brand?

Maybelline

7. Favourite moisturiser?

Clinique Moisture Surge :)

8. Do you use a setting spray with your makeup?

I don't actually - it seems to stay on, But i should get some for when I need it for a big event where I'll need lots of make up to last all day

9. Favourite nail polish brand?

Hmm, I don't really have one at the moment =\

10. Do you prefer matte, sheer or creamy lipstick?

Creamy

11. If you had to recommend one product to me, what would it be and why? 

Pieras BB Cream if you get to get your hands on it - it's sooo amazing! It blends to the colour of your skin and has a much coverage as a foundation. It's the best BB cream I've used yet!

I tag...

www.freefalling4fashion.blogspot.co.uk/ 

debrabros.blogspot.com 

bohemianmuses.blogspot.com 

http://ramblingofabeautyblogger.blogspot.co.uk/ 

http://mercuteify.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://your-daily-break.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://fashionandhappythings.com/ 

http://ramblingofabeautyblogger.blogspot.co.uk 

http://perlasancheza.blogspot.com.au/ 

Kerry's questions:

1. Do you prefer to shower mornings or nights

2.What is your make-up cleansing/removing routine?

3. How would you describe your sense of style?

4. If every season you buy unlimited shoes, bags or jewellery/accessories, but only two of the others, which would it be and why?

5. What is your favourite make up product at the moment?

6. Do you use fake lashes?

7. What was your first memory of using make up?

8. How light/dramatic is your everyday makeup?

9. Do you prefer fashion or make up?

10. What is a make up item you'd like to try?

11. Do you have a high-ended item (fashion or make-up) that you really want to own, if so, what is it?

I hope you have fun doing this! And please leave a comment when you've done this so I can read it! :) xx

Lush's Fun Red

A couple of week's ago, I went shopping for my friend's present and decided to wonder into Lush. The gift set actually kept my table smelling soooo good everytime I sat at my desk. I wanted to keep it just to make my room smell nice! haha. I was given a sample of Fun Red and was told that I could use it in my hair or on my skin and it didn't have to be in my bath either!

Image: Lush.co.uk

It smells absolutely gorgeous! It's a really nice, mandarin smell - but not overly citrus-ey. As I've said before, I don't actually like strong, citrus smells. But this is a really nice, smell. That if I walked past someone, you could probably catch a light wiff. I only used it in my hair, but I wouldn't recommend it as shampoo. I did think it made my hair look flat. So I'd probably stick to putting it in my bath, or using it in my body to give it that effect of having that really nice "wiff" when I walk around. It's so nice when I moved my hair and smelt some of it. Because it wasn't strong, it wasn't like I could grab my hair and sniff it either! (ok, now I'm just sounding weird), BUT it smells SO GOOD!

Would I purchase it? Probably not to use as a soap - but perhaps if I was having a bath. It's definitely a nice summery scent. So it would be great for you guys in the Northern Hemisphere before Summer runs out! I also read on the label in store that you could use it on your clothes - SO I might actually try that out and see how that works out for me - really loving the scent! haha.