February Favourites

The speed that time seems to be flying at is utterly frightening at times, a not uncommon assessment when we come to the beginning of a new month. Summer is officially over, though the last few days have been prematurely dreary that it felt over much sooner. My skin’s improved from last month but it’s still far from ideal, so I've been focusing on using high quality skin care to keep it happy. I've rediscovered an old foundation love, developed a newfound appreciation for a French lip balm, relied on a near faultless eyeshadow duo, and enjoyed moisturised hands smelling of dessert.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm
I’d previously only used this as an occasional treat at night, and wasn't too thrilled with how it fared as a makeup remover. It also always managed to get into my eyes, blinding my vision. I was hardly using it, which seemed like a massive waste given it’s otherwise an expensive, luxurious product raved about by the likes of Caroline Hirons (who called it her “all-time favourite cleanser”). Then one day I woke up and thought to myself, “why not use it in the morning?” I promptly ditched my Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser for the Emma Hardie, and I haven’t looked back. As I’m only washing my bare (half awake) face, I don’t use as much of the balm since there’s no makeup to remove, but I still get to enjoy the incredible fragrance and how it leaves the skin feeling nourished and plump, rather than stripped and dry.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
This has been my daytime moisturiser of choice this month, usually following washing my face with the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. First off, I absolutely love the jar packaging, which I think makes it that extra bit special and appealing. It has a beautiful texture that can take a little bit more work to fully absorb into the skin, but is very hydrating without feeling greasy and heavy. It works especially well as a base for my foundation. Where other moisturisers can reveal dry patches once I've applied my foundation, this one provides a smooth canvas and allows foundation to sink in and blend seamlessly into my skin.

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji
Featured in my Best of 2012, I returned to Sheer Glow this month and I’m now convinced it’s the best foundation I've tried. The only thing is you really need to properly prep your skin for this foundation to achieve its full potential. Exfoliate, moisturise, slap on your favourite overnight mask, do whatever you have to do to achieve your best possible skin before applying this. Some of my best skin days in recent memory have been after cleansing with Emma Hardie, moisturising with Antipodes, then following up with NARS Sheer Glow. Radiant, airbrushed, plump skin perfection.

NUXE Rêve de Miel
I don’t think I really “got” this lip balm when I first purchased it, but I’m fully converted now. I don’t even reach for my Maybelline Baby Lips anymore (say what?) because it’s been all about this NUXE number at night. It’s the finishing step in my evening skin care routine and it’s been keeping my lips in excellent condition. Bonus points for smelling positively edible. A definite repurchase.

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Hand Crème
Speaking of edible products, this hand cream takes the cake. I was browsing David Jones the other day and came across the Laura Mercier counter, where I saw the Crème Brûlée Soufflé Body Crème and hand cream. Remembering Pam’s review, I tried both and it was instant love. I wasn't too sure about shelling out $65 for the body soufflé, so I settled for the hand cream instead, which I purchased from StrawberryNET. This cream absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue. It might not be the most amazing, hydrating hand cream formula I've encountered, but whatever it lacks in performance, it makes up for in scent. I just keep cupping my hands together, bringing them to my nose, and inhaling deeply. Instant sugar hit without the guilt or calories.

l-r: bareMinerals A-Ha, Foreshadow

bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Epiphany
This “brown sugar/ brown truffle” duo consists of the shades A-Ha and Foreshadow. Both are smooth, pigmented, with minimal fallout, though slightly drier than a more creamy, buttery formulation. I don’t know if I could have come up with a better eyeshadow duo that sums up my tastes so succinctly. While I love the shimmery A-Ha for all over the lid, the dark matte brown Foreshadow comes in handy to darken up any eyeshadow look for that extra definition in the outer corner.