Sunday, June 2, 2013

May Favourites

May was yet another largely uninspired month makeup-wise, which isn't to say I haven't been as cosmetics obsessed as ever (especially in the lipstick and eyeshadow department). But in terms of my daily routine, it was more or less the same old. Except for a wine lip stain and pastel glitter polish, I haven't discovered anything this past month that I'm really excited to start using on a regular basis. Most of my favourites are well-loved products or those I've had for a while but needed some time to fully appreciate.



Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush
I did a whole post on vampy berry shades, but didn't include what might be my favourite of them all. Crush long eluded me because until recently, Revlon decided to exclude it, along with Rendezvous, from the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain range in Australia. Thankfully, they released the two of them as "new shades" (snort), and at the earliest opportunity I snapped both up. (Now if only Maybelline would follow suit with Brazen Berry from the ColorSensational Vivids line.) Crush is the perfect wine lip — not too red, not too brown, not too light or dark. The only thing I'm not crazy about is that it tends to wear unevenly, fading from the centre of the lip faster than the outer edge, which can look like you've put on lip liner but nothing else. I prefer using this over a lip balm, alternating between applying and blotting a couple of layers first so the stain really sinks into the lip, and reapplying as needed.

Australis 10 Hour Waterproof Eye Pencil in Bombastic Bronze
This has quickly become my go-to bronze pencil eyeliner that I use every day to define my lower lash line. I think it's better than the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Bronze which I was trialing previously but wasn't entirely satisfied with. It doesn't quite top my absolute favourite, Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Busy Signal (which seriously doesn't budge), but a pencil is a much quicker and easier option compared with a cream shadow, and I'm all for any kind of time/effort saving. It ticks all the boxes: gorgeous metallic pigment, glides on without ever tugging at the skin or feeling waxy, and even if it doesn't entirely live up to its name in lasting power, it comes pretty darn close.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black
I've been using this for a few months but only recently became fully converted. At first, I was a little on the fence, wondering if I should revert to my trusty ol' Bourjois Liner Feutre. I wasn't used to the finer, more precise tip on the Stila with which you can draw a much thinner line, and the first few times I tried it over my bare eyelid, it was surprisingly streaky. I've found this works much better over some kind of product, be it a power or cream eyeshadow or primer. It's seriously black and although it's quite liquid, it dries very fast. The staying power is excellent but it's also not an absolute nightmare to get off. The tip of mine has frayed slightly, but I haven't found it to affect the application. After using it solidly for some time, I've managed to get the flick needed for my upper lash line down pat.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed
One of the greatest pleasures of having more blush than 10 average women combined is the ability to select the one that suits your fancy any given morning. But even with all the options available to me (or perhaps it's precisely because of the sheer variety of choice?), I tend to just draw a blank. That's when Exposed comes mightily in handy. It's the perfect blush to reach for when you don't know what to pick. It'll go with anything and it won't look bad. It's more rosy than the polished nude of NARS Douceur, not as plummy and tan as Benefit Dallas, but not your run-of-the-mill "peachy pink" either. It's sitting somewhere in the middle of all that, in an ideal neutral territory. Given I had to literally fly to the States to acquire this, I feel like I really should appreciate it more. More in depth review here.


Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
An ancient favourite of mine and I product I will continually repurchase without hesitation. Yes, Batiste also make a perfectly decent dry shampoo, but I just like the Klorane better. I've reached a pitifully new low of laziness when it comes to hair "care" (the extent of which is shampooing my hair at night every 3 days, skipping conditioner, and spritzing dry shampoo on the morning of the third day). This product serves a very important function in my life, which is to minimise any effort I have to make regarding my hair. It does its best to keep greasiness at bay while I do my best to stretch out the time in between washes.


Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 and 53
I just did a whole post on this foundation so I won't go into too much detail here. I moved on from Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow which I was using in April back to Healthy Mix Serum. I was combining 52 with Rimmel Wake Me Up in Soft Beige, but ditched that as well, and began just mixing 52 and 53 to form my shade. I almost wish I had dry skin rather than normal/combination just so I could wear this all the time.


Face of Australia Heart of Glass
Already raved about here (with nail swatch to boot), this is one of the most exciting nail polish discoveries I've made in recent memory. The moment I put this on my nails, I knew that I had to scout a backup bottle before the limited edition collection disappeared from the stores altogether. Pleasingly affordable at $4.95, this polish is worth three times that. The formula seriously impressed me for such a light base and the glitter is delicate and not garish or overdone.

l-r: Tarte Exposed, Revlon Crush, Australis Bombastic Bronze, Stila Eye Liner, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

52 comments:

  1. I love how your posts are always incredibly well thought out and of course, your amazing photos. My favourite product out of your list is probably the Tarte blush, i absolutely adore the colour.

    I hope it's not too rude to do this, but I have a make up blog sale, where I'm selling mostly new or lightly used items, that I'm shipping from Sydney. I have far too much unused make up, and I am looking for new homes for them. Some brands include: Nars, MAC, Bourjois, BB creams, Laura Mercier, Asian brands, Revlon, NYX and more. Please check it out: https://sites.google.com/site/muablogsalebroken/

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  2. I've been wanting to get my hands on Tarte Exposed for the longest time but can't justify purchasing any more blushes when I only really use 1-2 on a daily basis! I definitely need to try the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum as I'm a big fan of the foundation!

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  3. What a lovely selection of favourites. Heart of Glass was part of my May favourites post too, it is just so beautiful! That Revlon stain looks gorgeous too.
    xx

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  4. The Revlon Stain looks stunning! I actually haven't seen this shade before, but I am keen on checking it out after reading this. I also haven't been able to pick up any of the FOA glitterati polishes for myself! I'm still on the hunt for Heart Of Glass!

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  5. The nail polish looks absolutely gorgeous *.*
    You picked out pretty much my favorites too :D

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  6. I love the Klorane the most out of dry shampoos as well! I just like the spray better and find it works the best in my hair.
    Great picks. I love Crush soooo much :)

    Sarah
    morethanadored.blogspot.com

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  7. We don't have tarte blushes in my country... I really want to try them out!

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  8. I agree it is a bit ridiculous that Revlon has called crush and rendezvous 'new'. Especially since I have the latter at least seven months now, but they are amazing. I cannot wait to get my hands on exposed. A little over a month now.

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  9. Really want to try the healthy mix serum, I have the foundation already but think the serum would work so much better on my skin!

    Sarah | sarahcptr.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. Tarte Exposed is definitely on my wishlist and I still desperately need to pick up the FOA milky glitters! I seriously need to get so Revlon JBKBS because I dont own any, *note to self* next time they're on sale...

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  11. I'm still lusting after a Tarte Amazonian clay blush and FOA "heart of glass" - gorgeous!
    Lovely faves xx

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  12. I'd hoped Illamasqua Zygomatic would help me do away with my wanting Tarte Exposed but I still want it! The mini Klorane can is adorable! Such a good travel size- just like the mini MAC Fix+, which you can only get in Pro stores. And we don't have any Pro stores in QLD, 'try Sydney' said the MAC girl. I purchased Heart of Glass and will apply it ASAP- I'm waiting for a spare study-free three hours to properly try it out and take photos! I'll get the Australis Bombastic Bronze when it's next on sale- I've been wanting the Rimmel bronze liner for ages now so I might try the Australis if you say it's better!

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  13. I love the Tarte blush too :) It is so nice! xx
    http://xtouchofbeautyx.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. Oh wow how gorgeous is the Exposed blush? I wish we had Tarte here in the UK <3 xx

    Gemma ♥ | MissMakeupMagpie.co.uk

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  15. Great picks! I really want to try the Tarte blushes, they sound amazing :) ♥

    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. GAHHHHH I need a Tarte blush!

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  17. Tarte really need to jump across here to the UK, their blushers never cease to amaze me across a wide variety of blogs, they look incredible! As does Australis Bombastic Bronze, that looks simply stunning.

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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  18. Nicely done! Old favourites or rediscovering the potential a product you already have is are always good. I love the easy application of the Australis eye pencil, it is just so smooth and creamy! I just painted my nails with Heart of Glass and I happened to stumble onto your new blog post. It is such a pretty polish, although I had difficulty fishing out the glitters- I absolutely love the sheer base colour though! The Tarte blush is a gorgeous shade too :)

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  19. I am obsessed with Heart of Glass - really impressed with Australis lately. That shade of the Relvon balm stain is amazing. I love colours like that, except I really can't wear them. Nice to admire though!

    dolcebeautyx.blogspot.com

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  20. That tarte blush is beautiful! I always find myself reaching for my tarte blush more than any of my other blushes also!

    http://eyeshadoweyeliner.blogspot.com/

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  21. I've been dying to swatch and purchase a Tarte blush! I'm not really into the Revlon Balm Stains but I think my sister would love them. The swatch makes it look super promising :) xx

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  22. Great favorites! I love Revlon Crush and I think I need that Stila eyeliner. It sounds like the perfect replacement for my Dollywink one, which is running out pretty quickly.

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  23. Tarte Exposed has been my favorite and go-to as well. Such a pretty shade and goes well with any eye makeup. I have the Bourjois Healthy Mix but find it bit greasy, especially on hot days. I really have to powder it down whenever I use it.

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  24. Every time I see Exposed popping up on a favourites post, I feel like I'm missing something in my life despite being the owner of 50+ blushers.

    I wash my hair every 3 days or so as well. Who can be bothered, lol.

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  25. Absolutely wonderful favorites as always. I loved the Klorane dry shampoo while I had it; Crush is one of the more gorgeous JBKBS (though I'm with you on the uneven fading); and I still remember how gorgeous Heart of Glass was when you did a post on it (so much lust!!).

    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  26. The just kissable balms are the perfect lip product for the warm weather. Nice formulation and a stain that lasts!

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  27. awesome favourites. I have been sticking to some pretty good ol standbys lately too! I love my Tarte Tipsy, I think I need to get my hands on Exposed since I've had my eye on NARS Douceur for a while now!

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  28. I adore Revlon Crush! I have that and Honey from the Just Bitten... range. It's such a great colour for a subtle berry lip. Love the minty scent too. I still haven't tried healthy mix serum despite using the Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect foundation for years and loving it. I wasn't a fan of healthy mix as I found it too heavy and hard to blend so I think the serum version would be better for my skin type!

    Thanks for sharing your favourite!

    Emma x

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  29. That's funny, I've been wearing Crush a lot lately, and getting lots of weird looks in CA since it's already hit summer weather. I love reading your favorites posts, it inspires me to want to do my own :) but I'm afraid that I won't commit to them in a timely manner.. Haha

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  30. That bronze eyeliner is something missing from my collection. I, like most people I guess, tend to go for black when it comes to eyeliners, only to then discover a world of wonder that comes when using brown/taupe instead : ) Great favourites Lena, it's nice to see several of the same products mentioned over and over, that just reinforces the idea of how great they are ^^ xx

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  31. Thumbs up to the Tarte blush and the Bourjois base!!! Nice May faves! :)

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.com

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  32. i really want to try the tarte blushes >__< so sad that they're not easily accessible from the UK :( great post x

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  33. I don't know how I haven't found your blog before but I'm so glad I did today :) Followed! Love your picks for favourites and would LOVE to try a tarte blush... One for my 'one day' US wishlist!

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  34. Great round up of favorites. I always swatched Exposed and walk away without buying it. I love shades like it but I used to own Tipsy and ended up never touching it! I think I will get NARS Douceur first before going for Exposed. I have been wanting to pick up Revlon's Rendezvous...now I will have to check out Crush!

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  35. I always like to see your favorites! ^^
    I'd love to try the bourjois healthy mix serum since a lot of people love it.. I am so far happy with the original healthy mix, so I'd love to try the serum version! ;D
    Tarte blushes are also on my wish list, sadly they're not available here in germany T.T

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  36. I need to start wearing my Revlon lip stain again. I have it in the same colour. Maybe I'll wear it tomorrow.

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  37. I actually just got that dry shampoo in one of my subscription boxes. I really enjoyed using it, though I'm not sure where it is available to purchases near me here in the States, I think it's only online...

    <3 Carolyn

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  38. Currently I only have one blush I consider to be a warm nude shade, sleek suede. I'd love exposed from tarte! That shade of the kissable lipbalm looks sooo vampy!

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  39. I really want to try Tarte exposed since everyone RAVES about it but its just not very accessible and i always end up thinking to myself maybe this is a sign i dont need another blush but ughh i need :3
    Also would you say you prefer the savvy eyeliners or the australis one?

    à la foliee

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    1. I haven't tried the new Soft Glide one (really want to!) but I love the old Luxury Liner in Brilliant Bronze. But because it's discontinued I don't want to use it too often which is why I'm sticking with the Australis. I would say they're fairly comparable, not too much splitting them!

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    2. Aw!! You're so cute L! ^_^

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  40. I've got to get my hands on that Kissable Balm Stain! Great post and lovely photos.

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  41. I love your reviews! So great! The photos are so awesome! Nice May favorites! :)

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  42. Your reviews are simply the best. I've been on the fence about the stila liner for awhile and I might have to take the plunge now!

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  43. I'm so jealous of your Tarte blush ! It's so beautiful ... I want it !

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  44. I want to try the klorane dry shampoo, im not a great fan of batiste, tbh :(

    I Am A Weapon Of Massive Consumption

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  45. I really want to try the Tarte blush and the foundation! Your reviews are always so thorough and convincing :)

    xoxo
    Jenny @ Geeky Posh

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  46. I'm the only person I know that had a bad experience with Klorane dry shampoo... I could only use it 7 times and it didn't add any shine to my hair, my hair looked quite matte and Im used to have other results after dry shampoo.. I will need to give it a second chance!
    xx

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  47. Lovely favourites, I wish I could choose some each month haha. Thanks to you I really want Bombastic Bronze and I need to try a blush from Tarte, it looks so pretty! xx

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  48. I am still lemming for that tarte blush. That revlon balm stain is lovely too, I sadly have only tried the lighter colours.

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  49. Ooh there are many things I own here, you have inspired me to dig out my crush lip stain!

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