Thursday, August 1, 2013

July Favourites

HOW is it August. I don't understand. July was mostly cold, which encouraged as much sleeping in as possible and lazy makeup practices. I was experimenting with the newly released CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation but the shade I bought, Buff Beige (825), proved too light, so I had to mix it with Rimmel Wake Me Up in Soft Beige (200), which kind of defeated the point. The rest of the time I was relying on Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation but I never felt completely satisfied with it. Near the end of the month, I crawled back to my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. There was a tonne of skin care experimentation going on in July, but nothing I found particularly revolutionary. All that cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising and treatment didn't seem to make any noticeable difference. If anything, I started to break out, mostly on the lower half of my face, which I tried to remedy with Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Spot Minimising Patches from Priceline's skin care goodie bag. It was quite the novelty to paste transparent oval stickers onto my spots and peel them off in the morning. Can't say they did much, but at least I half used up something.



Grown Mandarin and Rosemary Leaf Body Cream
There's a bit of a funny story with this one, and by funny, I mean sad, and by sad, I mean pathetic. I spotted this body cream at Priceline one day, slashed down to $20 (normally $50). The only problem was there were none left. I tried some of the cream from the tester, really liked it, and lamented not scoring such a bargain. That night, I did some research online, trying to find a similar price point, but failed. I then simply couldn't get this stupid body cream off my mind. I'm sure there's a psychological phenomenon that can account for my behaviour. I would've never looked twice at it had it not been so reduced in price (me? Body moisturisation?), but missing that opportunity, I now wanted it regardless. In the end, I purchased it from Myer when they had 25% off Grown. Nowhere near $20, but at least there was some discount. The cream reminds me a lot of Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Balm. I did a side-by-side ingredients comparison and there are a lot of commonalities (including sweet almond oil, macadamia seed oil, wheatgerm oil, mandarin orange and carrot root extract). The scent when I'm applying it to the skin is a bit more sharply herbal/leafy than the sweet-but-tart citrus I was hoping for, but it's a pleasure to use nonetheless and sinks into the skin quickly, leaving no greasy or sticky residue.



Caudalie Divine Oil
I've featured this in a previous favourites, but I've relied on it heavily this month as well. Once we get over the distinctive, rich scent (which I've warmed to considerably) and how it's a bit drier than other face oils, it manages to be a truly versatile, high performing product. The luxurious 100ml spray bottle is much easier to use than the mini 15ml cylinder from the Caudalie Must Have Set. I typically spritz one pump into my night cream and then rub my palms together to mix them, then massage it onto my face. I find the Divine Oil adds that much-needed boost to my regular moisturiser as I sleep. I wake up to generally smoother looking, well-hydrated skin that looks just that bit clearer, plumper and more well-rested. I've also really enjoyed adding it to purified water and making my own goodness-knows-what toner in a small, generic pump bottle. When I've slept in way too late on Saturday and can't be bothered washing my face, I do this 3 step routine of Avene Thermal Spring Water, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist and my DIY water/Caudalie spray. For reasons that elude me, it leaves my skin feeling toned and looking softly polished and radiant.


Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème in Rose Gold
Another product that I've written about before, this was basically the only highlighter I used this whole month. I think my appreciation for my Dewy Glow has intensified threefold with the knowledge you can't get this anymore. As time goes on, I'm just so grateful that I bought it off BeautyBay back in the day. This is one of the more subtle highlighters that I have, which I find more suitable for everyday wear. I prefer the skin-tone peachiness of Rose Gold to more champagne (yellow) or pearly (pink/white) options. It glides onto the face without being overly emollient or slippery, barely requires any blending for a seamless finish and has surprisingly good wear time for a cream product. I've had it since February 2012 and haven't even hit pan yet, so hopefully it'll last me for some time to come.


Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush
The Pixiwoo sisters are always using this brush and the Deluxe Crease Brush for their concealer, and with the breakouts I'd been having, I finally gave the Domed Shadow Brush a go for that purpose. Instant love. I use my Maybelline Fit Me concealer, dabbing it onto my spots directly with the applicator, then start feathering the edges of the blemish out with the brush, blending the concealer into the surrounding skin as delicately as possible, patting on the spot itself to smooth the surface without moving the concealer around too much. My technique still requires a bit of fine-tuning and practice, but the results aren't anything you can get using just your fingers (trust me, I've tried). This brush has become an absolute necessity if I'm applying concealer for the purpose of covering up spots. I've even made a makeshift cover for it with a discarded plastic tube and sticky tape so I can pop this in my makeup bag without worrying it'll become contaminated. I'm interested in finding something with a pointy tip for even more accurate concealing.



Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze
If we're keeping these favourites real, then this has to make an appearance. I've already mentioned Bad to the Bronze in countless other posts, so I'll try not to harp on. Basically, this stuff is the best. It's both a primer and a base, as well as a standalone eyeshadow. Ridiculous lasting power. Metallic finish without being overly chunky, shimmery or glittery. So easy to whack on. Ideal everyday colour, not too warm-toned or cool. Other shadows blend nicely with it. Not too soft so it slides all over the place and goes on patchy, not too dry so it's impossible to get any product and hard to blend. My brainless, automatic, go-to choice, time and time again.

l-r: Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, Jemma Kidd Rose Gold

44 comments:

  1. The Real Techniques brushes are sure winners. They are only sold in sets in Canada and I wish they will start selling individual brushes as I bought 3 sets already.The Jemma Kidd highlighter color is gorgeous.

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  2. I wore the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze yesterday and the day before and I've fallen back in love with it all over again.

    xx
    Celina | The Celution

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  3. Absolutely loving these favourites! I'm the same as you with the whole "sale" thing! I probably would have asked them to check the back for me :P haha!
    Quick question though hun, what brush do you use to apply Bad to the Bronze! I can't seem to find one that works well with the colour tattoos and result in just using my fingers!
    xx

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    1. I use the concealer brush from the Ecotools 5 piece bamboo set. It's stiff and flat! I struggled to find the right brush at first as well, but since I experimented with that one I haven't looked back :)

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  4. Yesss, how can you not love Bad to the Bronze? We should start a fan club :) I enjoy using that Real Techniques brush as well, although for now I use it to blend out my eyeshadows... I'll make sure to try it as a concealer brush!

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  5. I love my jemma kidd rosy glow! I've got a huge amount of pan showing :( But I've heard that the bare minerals luminizer is similar, just in powder form!

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    1. I heard that Illamasqua Aurora is quite similar :)

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  6. I LOVE the packaging of Grown's products, but NOT the price points! Yeesh!

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  7. So many nice products!
    Sad thing is that my country started to sell Maybelline color Tattoo and I believe I've gotten 2 damaged ones T__T Their consistency is terrible, super sandy o__o
    That brush from RT looks amazing!
    Kisuu*

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    Replies
    1. Oh really? That's such a shame! Were you able to take them back to the shop to get replacements?

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  8. The way you photograph your posts is so beautiful. I will always be regretful that I didn't purchase the Jemma Kidd dewy glow in time :(. Also need to try out some RT eye brushes x

    lamourjosie.com

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    1. Thank you for the kind words Josie :) That's too bad about the Jemma Kidd - we all have our makeup regrets! :p I'm sure there is a product out there that's close enough I suppose!

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  9. Ah I wish I picked up the dewy glow when I had the chance! I love the way you've done this post, the pictures are beautiful and the mini reviews are so informative! Sorry if that sounds very 'profesh' haha, I just love it! X

    takingkate.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. You should do a post on your DIY water/Caudalie spray! I'm far too cheap to shell out the money for the spray.

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    1. Lol it would be one short post indeed! It is literally boiled water and 3 squirts of the Caudalie. Then I shake it before I use it each time :p

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  11. I always need to stop myself from using Maybelline Color Tattoo Bad to the Bronze every.single.day. Looking forward to getting my hands on the new metal color tattoos!

    - Kate Xx
    http://www.themintedbeauty.wordpress.com

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  12. That caudalie oil sounds really good. I just added rose hip oil into my skincare routine so I'm hoping it will do some good for my skin. I wish I had've gotten my hands on the jemma kidd line when it was still available :(

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  14. The Caudalie divine oil does look divine indeed!

    Fusels

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  15. Maybelline's Bad To The Bronze really is what you said it is: brainless. Sometimes I put it on without even thinking about it, then look in the mirror later and say "when did I put on eyeshad-ohhhhh...". The technique you talked about for covering blemishes sounds wonderful as well, I'm definitely going to have to give that a try (I've got plenty to cover right now, oofta).

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  16. I shopped my stash this month and forgot how much I love the maybelline color tattoos!

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  17. The Caudalie Divine Oil is my absolute favourite body oil! It has such a calming scent so I love to use it at night.

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  18. Wow, the Jemma Kidd highlighter looks absolutely beautiful! I wish I could try it x

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  19. I'm completely obsessed with the colour tattoos! Especially bad to the bronze, so easy! x

    actuallyash.blogspot.com

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  20. I want to try that Caudalie oil! I have heard a lot of great reviews about that product! thanks for sharing!

    Btw, I have an ongoing giveaway on my blog right now. WIN AWESOME ACCESSORIES FROM MISS LITRATISTA! It is open internationally and giveaway ends on August 31! Hope you'll join!

    Chamee of PIXELS AND TALES

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  21. As always, a stellar round up of favourites. I am interested in trying out some Caudalie skincare in the future, but there are far too many French brands that are catching my eye at the moment! I too have a deep love for Bad to the Bronze, is such an amazing cream shadow and an absolute winner from Maybelline in my opinion. You've reminded me to grab out my Jemma Kidd, I haven't used that highlighter in quite a while!

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  22. Great feature this month.
    I always find myself crawling back to Bad to the Bronze! Definitely a favourite of mine for this month as well :)

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  23. Love your eyeshadow picks and the All Over Radiance Crème looks very pretty and perfect for summer! :)

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  24. I find it hard to find any product that beats the Maybelline Tattoos, such great products :)
    Amy x
    -A Little Boat Sailing-

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  25. Great favourites! Always love Bad to the Bronze for those lazy days. I really need to find a nice face oil, just Bio-Oil at the moment. The highlighter looks beautiful!
    xxx Kat
    http://katnesslifeandloves.blogspot.com.au/

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  26. Ah, I must be the only person left who hasn't tried the Colour Tattoo! I'm pretty lazy with my makeup and hate fiddling around with eyeshadow, so it sounds like a godsend. I'm really curious about that body cream too... even though I rarely splurge on them I want to smell good for once! Haha :)

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  27. Definitely agree about Bad to the Bronze- it is such an easy product to use and just works effortlessly! I managed to pick up a Grown Alchemist Watermelon and Vanilla lip balm from Priceline, down from $20 to $5 which I thought was a bargain! They had many other products with reduced prices too, I wonder if they were discontinuing a few lines? I'd never had any interest in the brand either but they do make quit nice products! I really like your DIY water and oil mixture too :)

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    1. I think they are discontinuing some products - that's what the girl at Priceline told me when I asked her in my moment of desperation whether there was possibly any left of the body cream. (I was that close to requesting if I could take home the tester.)

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  28. I love that you made a little cap for the RT brush to make it handbag-friendly! I'm always on the lookout for good retractable brushes- so far no luck. We'll have to wait and see if RT brings one out- they're bringing their own BeautyBlender sponge out, which is progress! Grown is such an apothecary brand- I've never looked into their stuff before! Might do next time. :) Oh, that Divine Oil. The tale of you making your own goodness-knows-what toner is gold!

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    1. I think it was the cap from the #3 brush included in the NARS And God Created the Woman Eye Kit ... I just stepped on it earlier tonight and creased it terribly :( Meep. I've forgotten about the existence of retractable brushes - I remember I had this lip brush that was retractable, I never cleaned it so it must be a minefield of germs. I never looked much at Grown mainly because of the price point, but I think they are trying to do some rebranding. I noticed they scrapped the friendly, cursive font and went for something more modern and cleaner. Maybe trying to become like a less expensive Aesop or something? The extent of my DIY activity is water + existing product, shaken together :p

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  29. oh the jemma kid highlighter looks nice!!!
    I think I should get use more of my caudalie divine oil and maybelline bad to the bronze.. I have been neglecting both of them lately..>.<
    the grown body cream sounds very appealing! I am sure the brand is not available here in Germany T.T

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  30. Yessssss, Caudalie Divine Oil! I am in love with that thing. Your idea to mix it into a mist is GENIUS. I'm too scared to put it on my face straight up while it's hot here, but it felt good during winter for sure. And the smell is amazing when you mist it into the hair - lasts all day and you get a lovely whiff every time you get up from the sitting position.

    I'm so sad to have missed out on Jemma Kidd makeup. It never made it to Canada!

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  31. I love their brushes and just cant get enough of them for the price :) also I love the colour tattoos, find them so pigmented and set all day which is just want you want :)

    Katie xx | Katies World

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  32. Seeing so many re-occurring favourites definitely tells us something. That Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is definitely a must have/on my to-buy list now haha. And that Real Techniques dome brush....I'll definitely pay $20 to buy the set just for that brush LOL

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    1. Ummmm, yeessss. You NEED Bad to the Bronze. The tricky part with it is finding the best brush in your collection to use to apply it - because fingers aren't ideal in my opinion. I've had a lot of luck with a stiff, flat shader kind of brush, synthetic :)

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  33. A couple of products in this post have piqued my interest, namely Bad to the Bronze (totallyyyy still not on that bandwagon for some reason) and the Caudalie Oil. I also 100% agree with you about the domed shadow brush - that thing is magical!

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.com

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  34. Uhhhh my bad to the bronze dried up and I miss it so bad!

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