Sunday, November 4, 2012

October Favourites

They're a bit late, but better late than never. Not much makeup this time, because I feel like most of my picks were covered in my How Much Is My Face Worth? post (namely, Benefit They're Real mascara, Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Busy Signal and NARS Sheer Glow). A good chunk of my favourites for October overlap with products I purchased and first started using while vacationing in New York. I didn't get around to making a favourites post for September, so I've carried them over to October.


The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Shower Gel
One whiff of the Vineyard Peach Body Butter at the shop next to Radio City, and I was hooked. I've been using the shower gel more than the body butter, only because I rarely moisturise. The peach scent of this range is absolutely scrumptious and so intensely fruity, but not in a cloying, artificial way. It's like concentrated peach nectar. The shower gel lathers up a storm and leaves the skin delicately fragranced.

Lady Gaga Fame EDP 1.2ml sample
A freebie given out by promotional people on a street near the Empire State Building. Definitely no blood or semen in this, as mentioned in initial reports of Lady Gaga coming out with a perfume. It's actually a fairly inoffensive, slightly musky fruity floral. There's a hint of spice and the oriental. It smells a bit more grown up than the usual overwhelmingly fruity and sweet celebrity fragrances out there. I'm kind of regretting not buying a 50ml bottle when I was in the US, since it's the same price as the 30ml here.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
I wanted to include this in my October favourites basically to right a wrong and detail how I've done a complete 180 when it comes to this brush. At the beginning of the year, I was very underwhelmed with it. It was probably my least favourite of the Real Techniques brushes I bought. It didn't work for me in applying the foundation I was using, as it felt spiky on my skin and left streaks on my face. The bristles seemed much sparser, pricklier and less plush than my beloved Real Techniques Buffing Brush, so for the longest time the primary use I had for it was to wipe away eyeshadow fallout. Recently, I randomly tried it with my Make Up For Ever HD foundation after exhausting all other possibilities, and it worked like a charm. Now it's become the exclusive brush I use when I want to wear that foundation. It's a versatile all-rounder brush that seamlessly blends a variety of products, both powder and cream, into the skin.


Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
Best sunscreen I've used. This was included in the free Priceline skin care bag, but I am definitely looking to repurchase when my tube runs out (which shouldn't be for a long time, since it is a very generous 115ml and I only use it on my face). I put this over a moisturiser that doesn't contain SPF in the morning, and it sinks into the skin without any chalkiness or hint of white residue. When it's absorbed, it's weightless and non-sticky. The sunscreen lotion is quite moisturising in itself, without being greasy or feeling heavy on the skin.



Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 15ml
I wrote a little about this already in a recent skin care post, but felt it still deserves another mention here. I still haven't used this directly on my face, or on my hair or body, but I'm convinced that it does make a difference when I add two drops of it to my Nivea Soft at night. It gives my moisturiser a boost. My skin has become noticeably less dry and the texture of it looks smoother and clearer when I wake up in the morning.



Benefit High Beam 4ml
High Beam really exceeded my expectations. I've read that Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Pink Light is a dupe, but now I can confidently say that High Beam is superior. The truly remarkable thing about it is that it provides illumination with absolutely no sparkle. It just gives a luminous sheen to the skin without any glitter or visible shimmer particles. Even though it's a liquid highlighter, I find it relatively creamy in texture and easy to blend into the skin. You need only a small amount, dotted on the cheekbones, to highlight the face with a pearly glow.

58 comments:

  1. great picks for the october!! I super agree on the Argan oil as I have tried it too and it works fab! As the high beam, I think it is the best highlighter I have ever used ^_~

    ReplyDelete
  2. That reminds me, I so gotta get into the sunscreen routine! I only apply them on my face and I've noticed my hands and feet's a significantly lighter shade than my face. My skin's nuts. XD

    Speaking of peach shower gel, my mom loves peach shower gels and she's currently using a peach scented one from MOR and it smells divine! I'd recommend you check them out! =D

    ♡ M.May

    ReplyDelete
  3. YAY! I'm so buying the Stippling brush now! And I was looking for a nice shower gel, and was going to settle for Palmolive Milk and Honey, but I'll definitely try this instead! I tried the Black Fluid perfume at Myer months ago, and quite liked it. Was less keen when I was at Myer again a week later and there was a topless male model walking around with very dramatic eye makeup, as part of their ad campaign. My friend whispered to the SA at Kit 'are you supposed to smell the perfume off him?'. Bizarre, and kind of tacky. High Beam beckons! I've been wanting a highlighter that doesn't have the generic iridescent shimmer particles in! I was looking for the Neutrogena Healthy Defence for Oily-Combo skin but couldn't find it anywhere! I guess I'll get this one instead. :) Do you prefer this one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol I would've been scared off too! :p I remember smelling Fame a while ago and I didn't think much of it. Only the sample made me reconsider and I ended up quite liking it once I spritzed it liberally on myself a few times. You might want to try Sun Beam if you like more warm gold highlight, rather than High Beam which is pinky white/pearly. The Neutrogena Healthy Defence is almost liquid in texture and not moisturising at all, but really good for oil control in summer. The sunscreen is more like a traditional moisturiser in consistency and it feels like it on the skin as well, it's a lot "oilier" but it does sink nicely into the skin. I would go for the Healthy Defence in summer if my skin is feeling oily, but I'm using the sunscreen now because I need the extra moisture in the mornings for foundation to go on without dry patches :p

      Delete
  4. I love reading your blog. Your reviews are always so helpful; the pretty pics are a bonus!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I'm a sucker for sweet-smelling things. I'm currently using The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit Body Butter and it's so nice! Really want to have a look at the Vineyard Peach Shower Gel, but at the same time I don't because I have to $ave! :<

      Delete
    2. I use TBS Pink Grapefruit shower gel as well, it smells just as nice as the Vineyard Peach :)

      Delete
  5. Omg I just LOL'd at the part where you described Lady Gaga's perfume!

    My agency (where I work) actually promoted the launch of Lady Gaga's fragarence in Sydney. Surprisingly when I first tried the scent I was surprised it wasn't anything too 'crazy or hardcore' in terms of Lady Gaga's standards :P

    Also I've been eyeing that RT stippling brush for quite sometime but being constantly lazy about purchasing it and also kinda restraining myself from buying it since my face brushes are probably just as fine the way it is. Considering that, I really want a stippling brush... (I think I'll keep contemplating)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, how cool :) What was involved in the promotion? Yeah, the perfume really isn't crazy at all. I thought that it would smell a little funky (like Illamasqua Freak or Thierry Mugler Womanity), but it's much nicer and sophisticated than what I expected (or was bracing myself for, lol).

      Delete
  6. I've been really loving the Real Techniques brush for days when I want a lighter coverage. And High Beam is so nice. I have not used it in a while. x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have that sunscreen from that bag, I have never used it! I will definitely try it out now. High Beam is good stuff!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  8. i loving hig beem from a long time it is in my wishlist.. and i think its time to buy this... <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. I felt the same about real techniques stippling brush at the beginning. The buffing brush def outshone it in terms of applying foundation. but then I found the stippling brush is perfect for applying creamy cheek products. I apply my cream blush or highlighter with it and it gives the most radiant and glowy finish..

    In other hand, the first time I got high beam, I loved it so much! but slowly I started to dislike the glow it gives.. maybe it'S because my oily skin, but I feel like it enhances my pores and makes them look bigger ( the same problem with bobbi brown shimmer bricks ).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean about enhancing pores - I find that more for shimmery powder products that I use. For whatever reason, cream/liquid products fare a little better on me :p

      Delete
  10. Now I know why benefit highlighliters are so hyped about, they really are very very fine. I'd prefer cream highlighters over powder any day! The argan oil seems so tempting.. If only I could find it here. I wanted to buy the real techniques brushes on my vacation to London but just neve got around to; truly regret it now!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So many people agree with you about High Beam I feel like I must try it out!
    I can't believe you didn't like the stippling brush, I like to use it in conjunction with the buffing brush, stippling to apply and get it all over the face, and the buffing to make sure it's all blended haha, but it is effort sometimes, glad you like it now though :)

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. 'It's actually a fairly inoffensive, slightly musky fruity floral'

    Love your description. AHAH. I haven't tried it yet but will definitely try soon!

    Everyone seems to rave about High Beam! I was actually concerned that it might be a bit drying but since hearing that it spreads quite easily and is creamy, I think I might give it a go!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I used the peach shower gel too, smells great. I also agree about the stippling brush, it depends on the foundation you use it with. I love high beam too, you have good taste haha, xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I definitely need to pop into the Body Shop and smell the new peach range. I really want to try the Real Techniques brushes too! xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow i love that benefit high beam pearly glow! This is such a nice post!

    ReplyDelete
  16. 2 more months until I'm buying the Real Techniques brushes! I'm so excited! :D

    Sandra from The Puzzle of Sandra's Life

    ReplyDelete
  17. The RT brush will definitely be in my favourites this month too. Such a great brush! xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great favourites :) I really want to try out Real Techniques brushes, they look so good :) x

    ReplyDelete
  19. I absolutely love High Beam! Real Techniques brushes are truly amazing :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yay favorites! :D The Body Shop shower gel sounds divine. I've never seen this Vineyard Peach scent before, must go check it out soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you must! It's a new range and as soon as I smelt the body butter I knew I had to have it :)

      Delete
  21. great products! I've smelled this new Peach range at The Body Shop store but I'm a little broke so I couldn't treat myself to anything :-( I might have to try Real Techniques brushes and this highlighter from Benefit!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love that sunscreen too! And I really want to try that Real Techniques brush. I may buy it next time I see it in a store because I am always hearing great things about it

    ReplyDelete
  23. I definitely want to try the Benefit's High Beam! And that Body Shop shower gel sounds divine - I really like peach scents ^^

    I just purchased some Real Technique brushes, so I'm eager to try them out.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love High Beam as well, it took me a while to get used to it, but now it's a staple for me. It makes my blush pop out (in a good way) so much more:)

    ReplyDelete
  25. i love using argan oil for my hair ^^ and i lvoe the smell of body shop, ure so lucky u dint have to moisturise :<

    ReplyDelete
  26. nice blog :) im following you now! please follow me back

    http://are-you-gonna-be-my-girl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great favourites! I purchased the Vineyard Peach Body Butter and cannot get enough of this delicious scent. I also own the Josie Maran Argan Oil and it has become and all time favourite of mine. I love your blog, and the photos you take are just fantastic <3

    Amy, xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Amy, I love reading your blog too :)

      Delete
  28. Great favorites! I haven't tried any of these but I've heard good things about quite a few of them. (:

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I was about to buy the stippling brush the other day but backed out cuz of the price, now i wish i had! great post, you have a new follower right here! :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hey I came here after you commented on my blog, I've followed you straight away! I absolutely love your blog, I've spent the whole afternoon reading it!

    thoughtsfromanothergirl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww thank you so much :) I have followed you back!

      Delete
  32. Absolutely love High Beam! I really want the Stippling Brush for liquid blushers - going to have to go on my xmas list I think! x

    http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love peach smell, I will check this out fo sho! And the stippling brush is my brush of choice for liquid foundation atm! xx

    http://ferdies-place.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great products! I have that real techniques brush too and love it!


    Black&Vanilla
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love Benefit High Beam!! Glad you got a chance to try it!

    <3 Rubiiee

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the scent of vineyard peach! yumm!

    gl0ssi.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  37. I wish we had more products available here from Neutrogena. I really like their skincare line but never tried their SPFs. I've recently purchased a Nivea one because the one I was using would make me oiler as the hours went by, fingers crossed this one will work! The Sun here is no joke, the ozone layer keeps getting weaker and weaker every year, how bad is it over there? I've always been meaning to ask you!
    I've only had samples of either High Beam or Moon Beam but didn't like them enough to make such a splurge and buy the full size, I think I prefer my highlighters to be in powder form rather than liquid LOL ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope the Nivea one doesn't disappoint. The sun is pretty strong here, but I stay indoors most of the time because I work in an office. I went to the Australian Open and watched most of the matches outside for a week - I think I went 2-3 shades darker from that time!

      Delete
  38. Great post! :)) Love all your favorites! <3

    XO,
    http://www.rosychicc.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  39. It's always great fun to see what products others are loving! A few of your favorites are mine as well, including the The Body Shop shower gel and the argan oil. :-)

    ~ Yun

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love High Beam on your skin!

    Question, what is on your nails? It's so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  41. ohh looks lovely :D!

    X Jenny
    Rocknrollerr.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love high beam, great post x

    themaibug.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have that brush and love it too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. High Beam is the one! It's a staple in my makeup bag. Love your blog :)
    Anna x

    sweet--spot.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  45. great favourites!! i love all the products you picked, especially the Real Techniques brush and the Benefit High Beam. I really love Benefit highlighters, they're the best I've seen so far :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would love to try Highbeam but my country is so expensive :(
    on ebay is cheaper but the shipping is worst LOL
    I've read that lady Gaga's perfume smells really nice, even when has weird ingredients like semen hahaha and now I see in your post that is very nice
    hugs!!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...