July Favourites

Super late, I know, but better than never. Surprisingly, there were a whole bunch of new products for July, with only one item I've previously featured on the blog. A few skin care bits and bobs (the majority courtesy of the Priceline skin care gift bag) to ameliorate the damage of winter, learning to make use of my most indulgent brush purchase, and finally adding to my collection a couple of popular makeup products I've been meaning to try for ages. Thankfully, they didn't disappoint.

Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum
Sure, the scent of this is a bit too reminiscent of shampoo for my liking, and the texture is like a lightweight, gel-like hair conditioner, but I do think my skin is appreciating what it does. I apply a dollop to my freshly cleansed/toned face in the morning before going in with my regular daytime moisturiser. The extra step boosts plumpness, hydration and protection, resulting in smoother, more balanced and supple skin. I much prefer this to Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum which I'm not sure ever did anything for me. I liked it so much I even bought a whole 40ml bottle (I'm currently using a 15ml sample) during Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale.

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
I can't really comment on the skin-brightening and tone-correcting claims (mainly because I haven't seen any noticeable difference, and/or I haven't been using it consistently or long enough), but I have been enjoying using this as my evening serum. The consistency is unlike anything I've experienced. It's extremely watery upon contact with the skin, but before then, it's somewhat gloopy and thick. Coagulated, even. I'm used to either oils or runny serums, so it took a while to adjust to the entirely new texture. When it is applied, it does feel refreshing and hydrating, sinking into the skin quickly and effectively without the slightest hint of greasiness or heaviness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche
I use this as a nourishing, plumping night cream after my toners and serums, and it's like a drink of water for my skin. Instant, comforting hydration. Infused with their Thermal Spring Water, it's very moisturising but not unpleasantly thick or oily (unlike Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream). Suitable for dry, sensitive skin, I like that it's very basic (scentless, non-irritating, clinical ingredients), with a creamy texture that spreads out and absorbs well, providing vital protection and moisture.

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer
I resisted valiantly for a year and a half, but finally caved. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't just buy it earlier. I still prefer the cult Mary-Lou Manizer, simply because the colour is more universal and versatile, but Cindy-Lou is a beautiful, worthwhile addition to my highlighter wardrobe. It's not so much a highlighter in the traditional sense (i.e. belonging to the champagne/pearl family), but pure peachy-pink shimmer. Depending on the rest of your makeup, a strongly pink highlight might be incongruous with the rest of the face, but when it does work, it's eye-catching, unique, and damn pretty.

SUQQU Cheek Brush
I've barely recovered from the amount of money I paid for it, but at least in July, I've been reaching for it daily. It was being neglected for a while because it's not my preferred brush to apply blush, but for highlighters, it's perfect. Especially ultra pigmented, smooth, easily blended, high impact highlighters like Cindy-Lou, Mary-Lou and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I wouldn't have thought to use the Cheek Brush primarily for powder highlighter, but it was Christine of Temptalia that recommended it. The small shape and unrivaled softness of the brush places and diffuses product effortlessly and flawlessly.

l-r: Shimma Shimma, Glamorous, Cosmopolitan, Roulette, Homecoming, Cocoa Bear, Grandstand

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
FINALLY, I become acquainted with Makeup Geek shadows. Could I have called myself a lover of eyeshadow without having tried these earlier? When I heard the company was holding a free shipping promotion (thanks to the AustralianMakeup subreddit, of all places), I couldn't get onto the site quick enough. After waiting an age and almost giving up hope my order would ever arrive (though realistically, shipping time was less than 3 weeks), my precious cargo arrived safe and sound.

Sure, I basically have all the warm-toned, orangey/bronzey/rose goldy colours in a combination of Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar and Morphe Brushes Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, but who's counting. I love all the shades I picked out, but especially Glamorous, Homecoming and Grandstand. Roulette is the only one that I'm slightly iffy about, in that it's a bit too brightened, in-your-face red for everyday wear, and extremely similar to a few existing shadows I have (LORAC Garnet from the Pro Palette and Morphe Mysterious ES11 come to mind). Still, the shadows are incredible quality: beautifully pigmented, vibrant, smooth, easy to blend, and complex in their colours and finishes. I'm honestly impressed and despite not needing any more eyeshadow for the next 3 decades, I want to order more.

Sticking to the List ... Almost

Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale came earlier than expected, but I sure wasn't complaining. The last one was in August, and this time around I promised myself I would STICK TO THE LIST. I knew in the moment, browsing the store with everything being almost half price, I would be tempted to shop impulsively and potentially make some regrettable decisions. Or if not regrettable, then unnecessary. For the most part, I succeeded in bringing home only what I'd planned on purchasing, with one exception (which yes, I ended up wishing I hadn't bought).

Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream
I wanted to buy this last time 'round, but it was out of stock. Luckily I managed to grab one before the shelves were emptied. Previously featured in my March 2014 Favourites, I'm looking forward to cracking the tub open when I've finished with my current night cream, Grown Alchemist Regenerating Night Cream Neuro-Peptide & Violet Leaf Extract. I really like the scent and texture of the Rosapene Night Cream and how hydrating, calming and nourishing it feels. It's fairly thick but not greasy at all (unlike the Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream), and while it's packed with "natural" ingredients that have sometimes been problematic for me, my skin seems to get along well with it.

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque
Probably the only mask I've repurchased. I'm almost done with my el cheapo Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask Orange + Bergamot, so really, I'm practically adhering to a one in, one out policy. Progress! This is an excellent, affordable mask and my favourite product from the Sukin range. It's cooling, soothing and truly effective at neutralising any angry flare ups from adverse product reactions. Though clay-based, it's not one of those masks that immobilises the face when it dries on the skin. It is a bit of a pain to wash off completely, but the results are worth it.

Iluka by Natalie Imbruglia Hydrating Toner Mist
I saw this a few days before the sale started and was intrigued, but wasn't overly keen on handing over $20 for a 60ml toner I've never tried. The ingredients list did look promising and the frosted glass bottle reminded me of the luxurious Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. I have to say I'm not the hugest fan. Firstly, don't get this anywhere near the eyes because it stings. It still very mildly stings (a slight burning sensation) when I spray it on the rest of my face. I'm not sure why that is, but I suspect it could be the eucalyptus leaf and lime oils in it. It's one of those toners that I find more drying/tightening than calming, skin-plumping and hydrating. I'm not too bothered that I took a punt on it since it was only $12, but it's definitely not instant love.

Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis
Yes, I bought this again, even though I also purchased it in the last skin care sale. I'll allow it, since the value proposition is just too good. Even if it didn't include 15ml of the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, I'd spend the $12 for the 10ml mini of the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum alone. It's basically the same cost per millilitre as the full size 30ml bottle (which is $35.40 with 40% off). If anything, I prefer the miniature since it's easier/quicker to use up, better for travel, and keeps the contents fresher.

Avene Thermal Spring Water (300ml can)
I wasn't really planning on buying this, but I'm more than halfway through my existing can and I simply can't be without this in my life. Seriously, I use it for everything. I bought my last four 300ml bottles from Chemist Warehouse (taking advantage of their unbeatable 2 for $20 promotion they had a couple of years ago), but I haven't seen them repeat the deal since. I figured I might as well buy a backup now in case I don't come across a better offer.

Moreish Superfood for Skin Euphoria Cream Cleanser
My one impulse buy. Definitely not on the list. The ingredients appealed to me (manuka honey, coconut oil, argan oil, papaya fruit extract, grape seed extract, carrot root extract), it was cheap, the packaging was enticing. I've almost run out of my morning cleanser, Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser, and was hoping this would be a good substitute. One small problem ... it causes my skin to freak out. We're talking ugly, alarming, red splotches resembling bruising all over my face. The funniest part about all this is I looked up reviews of Moreish and particularly this cleanser before buying it, and the only thing I could find was one blog post that mentioned the product caused a negative reaction. I tend to view my skin as fairly hardy, so I dismissed their experience as the consequence of sensitive skin rather than a formulation issue. To make sure it wasn't just a one off thing, to be certain it really was the cleanser that was the culprit, I tried it THREE times. Each time, the same splotchy mess. I wanted to return it but wasn't sure if Priceline would let me. I never received an answer on Twitter, so I guess not. In any event, it was $9 so I'm not exactly weeping for my wasted money, only kicking myself for deviating from my list.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
I'm at the point where I'm almost certain nothing will ever rid me of my blackheads. It's an ongoing issue requiring constant intervention. These strips won't do anything long term and I've heard frequent use actually exacerbates blackheads, but they do serve their purpose. Namely, a quick fix for accumulated gunk. There's still something perversely satisfying in ripping one off and scrutinising the surface of the strip. Gross, I know, but results you can see.

2014 Favourites: Skin Care

Time for the yearly roundup of best-loved products, and this time I'm dedicating an entire post to skin care (beauty favourites to follow). Some of these products I discovered this year, others were purchased the previous year but continued to serve me well throughout 2014. The funny thing about skin care is that unlike makeup, where I can usually tell straight away whether something will be a hit with me or not, it's not uncommon for me to develop a deeper appreciation or understanding of a product weeks or months after forming an initial lukewarm, or perhaps even slightly negative, opinion. Perhaps the key is continued use and the patience to stick with a routine that eventually pays off with results.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Silky, slippery and nourishing, this olive-oil based cleanser gets absolutely everything off efficiently, while your face receives a relaxing massage every night when this is smoothed onto the skin in circular motions. When washed off, it doesn't leave any trace of greasy residue, nor does it feel drying.

Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum
A wonder product for dry skin, this can be worn alone before moisturiser as a serum, or mixed in with your regular cream for an extra hydrating, skin-loving boost. Lately, I've been slapping onto my face 3-4 drops of this with a small dollop of Nivea Soft before bedtime and waking up to smooth, soft and visibly rested skin. If you buy the 10ml size in the $20 Anti-Ageing Minis set (which also contains a 15ml tube of Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream), it's terrific value.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
My go-to product to fix dry skin, stat. It's deliciously fruity and feels calming and instantly thirst-quenching, minimising any flaky patches and generally restoring moisture to the skin overnight. My only (slight) complaint is that it does feel a bit sticky and doesn't absorb entirely, especially when applied liberally, so there might be a bit of transfer on your pillow if you rest your cheek on it.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm
After initially not being all that enthused, I finally saw the light in February this year when I started using this as a morning cleanser. Now, it's hard to imagine being without what is undoubtedly the most luxurious skin care product I own. With a heavenly fragrance that demands to be inhaled deeply, this ultra-nourishing and skin-plumping balm wakes up the senses with its premium ingredients and pampering feel.

Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist
Yes, it's an eye-watering £46 (or $91) for 100ml, and the main appeal might be the glamorous name and elegant packaging rather than what's inside. I wasn't completely convinced it was worth the price at first. But now? I'm leaning towards repurchasing when I run out (I'll definitely need a discount code though). Firstly, like all sprays (except Avene Thermal Spring Water, which I go through like toilet paper), it takes ages to be used up. I've had my bottle for 16 months and it's still about 50% full. Granted, I'm not religiously spritzing it every hour of every second, but I'm not exactly rationing it either. But more to the point, when I follow with this after an exfoliating toner, my skin loves the injection of hydration and suppleness. It feels properly prepped to receive and absorb the benefits of any serums/face oils/creams that are subsequently applied.

Pixi Glow Tonic
Along with the Emma Hardie and Omorovicza, this is yet another Caroline Hirons recommendation I simply had to take up. I remember the sheer joy of finding this in stock at the Pixi shop off Carnaby Street on my London holiday in September 2013, back when you couldn't purchase it online and it was notoriously difficult to get a hold of at the physical store. Although I've been alternating Glow Tonic with the excellent First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads for my post-cleanse exfoliating toner, I find the Pixi more economical and gentler, more hydrating. Consistent use helps to improve the texture of my skin and forms part of a more complete skin care routine when paired with a hydrating toner before moisturiser.

NUXE Rêve de Miel
I was a naysayer at first. Now the backup's already in my drawer, waiting to be utilised the second my existing tub is emptied. If you've never tried this before, then it probably won't be like anything you know. This is a weird thick paste with exfoliating BEADS. The trick is to apply a small amount and really work it into the lips, letting the heat of your skin almost melt the product so it starts to sink in. I use this every evening as an overnight lip treatment to banish dry, flaky lips, but also whenever my lips are calling out for some intensive repair.

Dove Triple Moisturising Deep Nourishing Body Wash
You know what? Forget about philosophy or Lush and all those fancy shower gels with their gourmand or oriental scents. This stuff is simply the best. While I love a bit of bathing in a foamy cloud of cookies or spice, most of the time, you just want to keep it simple. This is pristine, soapy goodness. The actual product and the way it feels on the skin is positively luxurious for something seemingly so pedestrian. It's lusciously thick, lathers like a dream, feels slick and intensely nourishing and washes off without leaving the skin feeling dry or slippery.

Grown Mandarin and Rosemary Leaf Body Cream
I never thought I would use up a 500ml bottle of body moisturiser, but 18 months later, here we are. Let this be a resounding testament to how good this stuff is. Dare I say it almost makes me look forward to moisturising my body after I step out of the shower? The formulation is perfection. It has a herbal, somewhat citrusy scent that isn't too heavy, and is the furthest thing from sugary and cloying. But best of all, this is a body cream that actually absorbs into the skin. There is no stickiness or dampness after you've applied it, which I find nothing short of a miracle given the deep hydration it provides.

Antipodes: Hits and Misses

I remember when Antipodes first burst onto the blogging scene a couple of years ago, the hype was tremendous. I first heard about the brand through Essiebutton and soon enough, I was seeing universally positive reviews about their products on countless other blogs. Gradually, the continued exposure brought me to a tipping point where I was finally prepared to fork out some cash. Given the price point of the skin care, the Daily Moisturise Kit I bought at the beginning of last year was the ideal introduction. Since then, I've accumulated far more Antipodes products than expected and I've tried enough of the brand to give a general overview.

HITS

Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip
I would definitely recommend a good face oil as an essential part of any skin care routine. This one containing avocado, macadamia, rosehip and jojoba oils, along with vitamin E, is a solid pick. Like most Antipodes products, the attractive packaging is undoubtedly a drawcard, though I find the addition of ylang ylang, sandalwood and jasmine essential oil fragrances to give it a bit of a hippie, musty, ever-so-slightly uriney vibe. I usually mix 2-3 drops with my nighttime moisturiser for additional hydration and nourishment. It helps the skin feel and look softer, smoother and better rested in the morning.

Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum
Unlike a face oil that I normally combine with a moisturiser, I tend to use this product on its own over freshly cleansed skin before applying my evening cream. It has a pleasant scent of sweet berries though there is a touch of the exotic as well, which I find hard to pinpoint. It's certainly not artificially saccharine, there's a richness/woodiness to it that evokes images of the ingredients being extracted from raw nature. Maybe that's just me. This is a silky, light, hydrating serum that absorbs well and does an excellent job of combating the drying effects of winter.

Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator
Probably the most surprising 'hit' on my list, in that this is not something I'd willingly buy. It's one of the more expensive items by Antipodes at $42 for 75ml. At that price, I'd rather buy an exfoliating toner or mask. I managed to score this as a freebie with the purchase of the Daily Moisturise Kit, an offer I've never seen repeated since. Though it's an extremely gentle exfoliator with tiny beads that barely feel like anything, I really notice the difference when I use it in that my skin is left polished, softer and more receptive to oils/creams afterwards. The texture is so refined despite clay (kaolin) being the second ingredient, but best of all, the subtle sweet orange and cedarwood scent is absolutely divine. By far my favourite fragrance of any Antipodes product, making it a pleasure to use.

GOOD BUT NOT GREAT

Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
How I feel about this cream largely depends on the weather and how my foundation is cooperating. It's a rich, skin-plumping cream that's better suited for autumn/winter when the skin is craving a bit more moisture. In the summer, it might be too heavy and a disaster for oily skin. The jar packaging gives it a luxurious feel and the texture of the cream is beautifully smooth and easy to work into the skin, provided you don't use too much. It has a lovely botanical, slightly sweet scent that's not too overpowering, though I don't detect much vanilla.

Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
I was super excited to try this for the first time when I purchased the Anti-Ageing Minis set, given this night cream seemed to be one of the star products of the Antipodes range. While it's an effective duo with the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum, I'm not convinced I'd go out and buy the full size on its own. Firstly, the smell is pretty funky. Once again (like with the Divine Face Oil), it's the essential oil fragrances of sandalwood, ylang ylang and this time, patchouli. Not a fan. If I thought the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream was on the heavy side, this takes it up a notch or two. It's positively greasy, though that's not so much a problem if I'm slapping it on before going to sleep. I don't think it has as refined a texture as the day cream, and as far as night creams go, I prefer both Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream and Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream.

Aura Manuka Honey Mask
I wanted to love this more than I do since this seems to be one of the most popular products in the Antipodes range. For me, it's more of a disappointment simply because I had such high expectations. Don't get me wrong, it's undoubtedly pleasant in terms of texture, scent and how it feels when it's applied. It's calming, soothing, cooling, and the skin just drinks it up. The only problem is that it doesn't do anything. I've used it a handful of times and each time after washing it off, I'm quietly hopeful that my patience has paid off. No such luck. It does nothing for blemishes. It does no more in improving my skin's texture and/or boosting moisture levels than my regular routine of washing my face, using an exfoliating toner followed by a hydrating one, and applying my serums/creams on top. Nice, but ineffectual.

MISSES

Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser
The only Antipodes product that for me, has been a dud. I know a couple of blogger friends who are fans, but I just couldn't make this work for me. Maybe my bottle was part of a bad batch (I noticed that the liquid in mine is almost transparent, when in other swatches online it's almost an amber colour), but I found this foaming cleanser to be on the drying side which is a huge no-no. After cleansing with it in the morning and patting my face dry with a cloth, within 1-2 minutes, I'd get that slightly tight, uncomfortable feeling of needing to moisturise ASAP. I also simply disliked the scent (it smelled SALTY to me). The 200ml bottle is ginormous given you need a small amount each time, and considering I'm not using it anymore, it's destined to be thrown out 80% full at some point in the future.

TBC

Joyful Hand & Body Cream
I received the full 120ml size with a recent Priceline promotion simply by purchasing any Antipodes product. Given the cream itself retails for $34, it was an offer I simply couldn't turn down. Having tried the tester in store, the scent seems to be basically identical to the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum. I would've preferred if it replicated the Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator, but at least it wasn't the Divine Face Oil or Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream. I'm sure the product itself is all the things I'd expect in a good quality cream: easily absorbed, non-greasy, nourishing and hydrating. I just need to use up my existing body and hand creams before I get to it ... which might take a while.

Skin Care Sale Stock Up

Is it a bit tragic to look forward to a twice-a-year skin care sale? Well then, tragic I am. Back in May when I purchased the Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis set, I mentioned I was eagerly anticipating Priceline's next 40% off skin care sale, given they now stock brands like Bioderma, NUXE, La-Roche Posay, Avène, Trilogy and Antipodes (all they need to do is include Caudalie in the mix and I'm pretty much set). On Tuesday, July 29, that day finally arrived. I actually had no clue beforehand and a friend I was meeting for lunch told me about it in the morning. I literally made a dash to the nearest Priceline within an hour of hearing the news.

Though I made it to Priceline at about 11am, I was surprised to see all three items I'd jotted down on my list to be completely gone. I wanted to buy the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream, Sukin Purifying Facial Masque and a backup of my NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm, but everything was unavailable or sold out at the store I visited. I left empty-handed and a bit peeved.

I checked out another Priceline after work but it was exactly the same story. The sale was only for 2 days, so I contemplated making a trip to the city on Wednesday to survey other stores, but instead asked friends who were in the city to check for me. One managed to find NUXE Rêve de Miel, but had no luck with the other products. That night during the remaining few hours of the sale, I made one last visit to my local Priceline and the irrational side of my brain took over. It was thinking, "CHEAP! GOOD DISCOUNT! 40% OFF, THAT'S BASICALLY HALF PRICE, RIGHT?!" rather than "Was I planning on buying this in the first place?"

The Trilogy night cream I wanted still wasn't there, so I settled for the Balancing Face Lotion. I figured it's a generous size (100ml), making it good value for money and something that would last a long time, it's packaged conveniently and attractively in a heavyish dark frosted bottle with a pump, has quite a few overlapping ingredients with the night cream, and can be used day and night, year-round. I find it similar to Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream but lighter, more fluid in consistency and less rich, and easier to spread over the face. It absorbs well and doesn't leave the skin feeling heavy or looking shiny. It has a pleasant, relatively subdued, sweet botanical scent that's not cloying or irritating. It's probably more suited to summer use but I've been trialling it the past week during winter here in Australia and I haven't felt it lacking in the hydration department.

I picked up another Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis set because at $12, the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum (10ml) and Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (15ml) were $6 a piece and I simply could not say no to that. Speaking of a price that can't be refused, I managed to nab one Grown Alchemist Regenerating Night Cream Neuro-Peptide & Violet Leaf Extract for $12. Yes, $12. Considering the cream is retailing on the Myer website currently for $84.95, I think I did well. It was already hugely slashed down to $20, but a further 40% off was entirely welcome. The consistency and colour remind me a bit of cake batter. It's one of those "natural" creams that take a while to be worked into the skin (Yes to Carrots Daily Facial Moisturiser with SPF 15 had the same issue). It leaves the skin slightly tacky to the touch but absorbs fairly well. I don't find it overwhelmingly hydrating and nourishing, nor have I noticed that my skin looks markedly better in the mornings, but we'll see with prolonged use.

Finally, an addition to my list of products for which I have a backup, namely NUXE Rêve de Miel. My existing pot is far from empty, but I use it every evening as an overnight lip treatment. Despite initially finding it odd and somewhat uncomfortable when applied, I've since embraced its thick, paste-like texture and weird exfoliating beads, especially when the result is dry, chapped, flaky lips are kept at bay.

Backup Worthy

You know you really like a product when you've bought it again before the one you're currently using has even run out. Sure, we have those ever-repurchased staples (mine include Avène Thermal Spring Water, Klorane dry shampoo with oat milk, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, Daiso Cotton Puffs, Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover, and of course, Bioderma Créaline H₂O), but every now and then, a product you've newly discovered feels so valuable and indispensable, you can't help but want to stock up.

The easiest way to ensure a routine shower becomes a pampering experience is to get your hands on a simply irresistible shower gel. As soon as I featured philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath from the The Cookbook set in my April 2013 Favourites, I was already intent on restocking the full size bottle from StrawberryNET. And I wasn't even halfway done with my existing 120ml bottle. The creamy, sugary, slightly spicy, doughy goodness was like having dessert in the shower. On the other hand, LUSH Twilight Shower Gel is less food-like, but still intensely sweet, with a hefty dose of calming lavender. Unlike the philosophy, the relaxing, bedtime-priming scent stays close to your skin and lingers even after you've stepped out of the shower. Being limited edition, I rationed my first tiny 100g bottle for months, so naturally I pounced when I saw LUSH selling Twilight again last October.

Taking a couple of minutes to treat yourself to a good hand cream can be a simple but effective pick-me-up during a day at work staring endlessly at a computer screen. The distinctive, heady and bright scent of Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Hand Therapy lifts the spirits while providing relief to dry hands. Another fixture in my makeup bag are the Korres Lip Butters. Softening, hydrating, attractively packaged, not too intimidating in terms of colour payoff, as well as multipurpose (I've used Pomegranate many times as a cream blush), there's a reason why I've collected almost all the shades.

Occasionally, a deal will strike me as such good value that repurchasing not only seems prudent, but almost essential. When I calculated that the full size versions of the products contained in the Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis set would have to be nearly half price to give me equivalent value, I rushed out to buy another box. (The threat of a 'limited edition' label probably played a role too.) Antipodes isn't the cheapest of brands, so on top of the satisfaction of scoring a good deal, I readily incorporated both the silky smooth, deeply hydrating Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum and rich, thirst-quenching Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream into my evening skin care routine.

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge was such a revelation the first time I used it, I had to secure myself a backup bottle ASAP. No more bending over the sink, scrubbing and scrubbing brushes using my open palm and baby shampoo. Make no mistake, this stuff is life-changing.

The final three repurchased items now seem questionable to me, given the likelihood I'd ever finish up the original product. More to the point, I've either cooled my enthusiasm, a once scarce product has now become widely available, or I've since found superior or equally excellent alternatives.

There was a time when the prospect of welcoming Revlon Whimsical into my nail polish collection seemed as elusive and dream-like as its name might suggest. The moment I stumbled across a bottle at Rite Aid while holidaying in New York City was one of quiet, triumphant joy mixed with disbelief. When Whimsical finally made its way to the shops here, I undid my regret at not buying another bottle when I had the chance in NYC. Despite needing to tediously paint about 4 coats for complete opacity, and wearing it more than any other polish I own, my current bottle shows no signs of being completely used up for quite some time. I may get to opening the backup in 2016.

Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Shimmering Slate was one of my earliest eyeliner discoveries, and being super affordable at $3 on sale, I bought a bunch a couple of years back. Since then, I've moved on to the efficiency, precision and ease of use of felt tip eyeliners for my upper lash line. I also avoid black on my lower lash line where I'd normally use a pencil, preferring instead taupe or metallic browns.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze still remains one of my most adored eyeshadows, but my existing pot has largely dried out, making the texture challenging to work with. While I have a backup right there, I'm hesitant to open the new one when the old one is only about 30% used up. Which really just makes me wonder under what circumstances I'd ever open the brand new one, given solid use over 2 years only diminished a third of the product, and I've put off 'fixing' my dried out cream eyeshadow for months. Time to utilise a backup for precisely its purpose, methinks.

May Favourites

May was largely uneventful, though I was grateful for the delayed winter Sydney seems to be experiencing. (Also, thank you to those in my last favourites post who left me kind comments in response to the loss in my family.) Warmer temperatures made getting up in the morning just that bit more manageable, though I have been trying to squeeze in every last millisecond of sleep possible. There was a bit of a slowdown in posts, not for any particular reason except that other things in life took precedence over blogging. I've also been purchasing less new makeup (with the exception of two cheeky additions from Mecca Cosmetica), instead making a conscious effort to use and appreciate what I already have.

Dove Triple Moisturising Deep Nourishing Body Wash
I forgot how good this stuff is and was only reminded when I stayed over at a friend's place and she had this in her shower. Why bother with Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser when this exists? It's rich and creamy, lathers up luxuriously, feels so smooth and nourishing on the body, smells of clean, pure, soapy heaven, and leaves the skin pampered and pristine.

Pixi Glow Tonic
I'm now halfway through my bottle and there's been no loss of enthusiasm since I last featured this in my November 2013 Favourites. Some nights after stepping out of the shower, I simply can't be bothered with toner as part of my evening skin care routine, but I really start to notice the difference if I skip it just a couple of times. I feel that Glow Tonic essentially helps to properly prep my skin so it's more receptive to the serums/face oils/moisturisers I apply. It's a very hydrating and gentle toner that doesn't feel harsh or drying despite the presence of chemical exfoliants. With regular, long-term use, it's extremely effective at refining the texture of my skin, making it appear smoother, softer and more plump.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow SPF 25 Brightening Makeup in "Cheers to Me" Champagne
My go-to foundation if my skin's spotty and slightly flaky, which it has been lately. Unlike the majority of my bases, I can be fairly confident that this foundation won't result in more breakouts. It's oil-free and water-based, a major selling point that the girl at the Benefit counter emphasised when I bought it. It has medium, buildable coverage and is very forgiving on dry skin.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen
My eyeliner of choice in May. Most mornings, I struggle to open the cap of my Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, I'm trying to preserve the last remnants of my beloved Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, pencil eyeliner just doesn't cut it, gel liner is way too fiddly and time-consuming, so it's Revlon all the way. It might not be the blackest or most budge-proof of felt tip eyeliners, but it's easy to control and draw with for my eye shape. My pen has also lasted forever. Seriously, I've been using it on and off for I can't even remember how long.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in My Two Cents

Since selecting this cream shadow in my last Shop My Stash, I've have been consciously reaching for it more. It's probably the closest thing I have to my treasured limited edition Essence Eye Soufflé in Pas des Copper. It serves as a quick, effortless, all-over lid wash for a lazy weekend, but also works well paired with a darker powder eyeshadow like Burberry Midnight Brown for extra definition.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies in Blackest Black
Starting to understand why this is Tanya Burr's mascara of choice. I've always liked it, but I feel I've only unlocked its full potential in the last month. I find the trick is to almost close my eye as I'm applying it (the other eye being open of course), so I can really get to the base of the lashes. Doing this helps to thicken, lengthen and curl with maximum impact, good separation and no clumps. The wand allows me to reach the outer corner of the top lashes and works equally well for upper and bottom lashes.

Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum
Already written about it here, so I won't say anything further except that I've basically forgotten all about my other face oils in favour of this serum.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm
Still loving this. The perfect finishing step to my nighttime skin care regime. The tiny exfoliating beads are a little unusual but they're a novel touch. The thick paste simply melts into the lips and is soothing without containing menthol, an ingredient I'm partial to when it comes to lip balms (see Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol, Blistex Lip Conditioner). The weighty frosted glass jar and refined honey/apricot scent only add to the enjoyment.

Nighttime Pair

My skin hasn't been in the greatest shape lately (to put it mildly), but I've been sticking with a pared down evening skin care routine for the past week or so which I think has been helping. I bought this "limited edition" Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis set for $20 from Priceline back in February, but have only started using it consistently recently. Comprising samples of the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum (10ml) and Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (15ml), the set immediately appealed to me as being excellent value for money. The fact Priceline has now begun stocking Antipodes along with Bioderma and La Roche-Posay makes me positively salivate at the prospect of an upcoming 40% off skin care sale.

I try to get my makeup off after getting home and having dinner (food first, skin care later) with Bioderma Créaline H20 poured liberally over Daiso Cotton Puffs. I follow with a generous spritzing of my can't-live-without-it Avene Thermal Spring Water, which provides instant soothing, hydrating relief. Usually, that makes me confident enough most of the gunk's off my face, so as a second cleanse, I use a gentle foaming cleanser or occasionally my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in the shower before bed.

Still mindful of Caroline Hirons's prescription of two toners (one exfoliating, one hydrating), I alternate between Pixi Glow Tonic and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, then once again follow with Avene Thermal Spring Water (a lighter misting this time). I don't find the Avene to be materially different to La Roche-Posay Serozinc, so I'm a bit puzzled by the hype surrounding Serozinc last year.

I wait until the Avene has mostly evaporated off my face, then squeeze about 5 drops of the Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum into the palm of my hand. Rather than mixing it with my moisturiser as I've done with most of my face oils in the past, I massage it by itself all over my bare face. I find it absorbs better than Sukin Rose Hip Oil or Antipodes Divine Face Oil, in that it really seems to sink in and penetrate into my skin, rather than sit partially on the surface.

I then get a smallish dollop of Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream and layer it over the serum. This cream is quite rich and easily spread, so you don't need very much. It is on the greasy side, especially in combination with the serum, but it leaves the skin feeling nourished and protected overnight. I've noticed that in the mornings, the redness in my skin from my blemishes has significantly calmed down, my spots are slowly diminishing, and the overall texture of my skin appears smoother and softer. I think with any skin care routine, it's the commitment to sticking with it daily that eventually gives you results. I intend to continue with my current regime until my samples run out, then hope for another of Priceline's generous sales to restock in the full sizes.

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.

Natural Aura

If there were four masks that I kept repeatedly seeing on blogs and YouTube, it would be Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Masque and Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Antipodes seem to have steadily captured my attention recent months, and 25% off the New Zealand skin care brand at David Jones last month was all the incentive I needed to add this popular hydrating mask to my skin care arsenal. I purchased it for just under $37 (regular price $49), lured by the promise of an "intensely moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment" and exotic-sounding ingredients like the pohutukawa bloom and "traditional Māori remedy" Manuka honey.

Ingredients: Aqua (water), leptospermum scoparium mel (manuka honey), persea gratissima (avocado) oil, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glycerol stearate, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, vitis vinifera (Vinanza Grape grapeseed) extract, daucus carota sativa (carrot) oil, metrosideros excelsa (pohutukawa) flower extract, tocopherol (Vitamin E), essential oil fragrances of vanilla & mandarin: coumarin*, d-limonene*, linalool*.
*Component of essential oil

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Antipodes suggest smoothing a thick layer of the mask over the face and neck twice a week, leaving it on for 15 minutes and washing it off with warm water. Like all masks I use, I never bother with the neck. I've also left it on for much longer than the recommended time (until almost all the product had absorbed into my skin), and I don't think it makes any real difference to how well it works.

The Aura Manuka Honey Mask is an off-white cream colour with a similar texture to a moderately thick moisturiser. It's easy to spread and feels instantly soothing and hydrating once applied. It has a noticeable cooling, minty sensation that feels gently refreshing and calming for about 10-15 minutes but subsequently subsides. The smell reminds me a bit of raw cake batter but a bit more medicinal, not as sugary. Despite its name, I don't detect much of a honey scent at all. It's certainly not sickly sweet. There's a vague sense of vanilla coming through, but nothing distinct. Overall the fragrance is subdued and generally pleasant.

Is this the "ultimate solution for spots and blemishes" as Antipodes claims? Nope. Not even close. I've used it a few times and I don't feel it significantly contributes to blemishes diminishing in appearance or disappearing faster. I much prefer my Sukin Purifying Facial Masque for that purpose, where I can see my skin afterwards appearing brighter, clearer, more balanced and less inflamed if I'm suffering from a reaction or break out. What the Antipodes does excel at is hydration. When this is washed off, my skin is left feeling soft, nicely cleansed and nourished, like a layer of moisture has already been locked in before I need to slap on any other products. There's no dryness or irritation that come with other masks, notably the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, where my skin is craving moisturiser once it's washed off. Overall, while the Aura Manuka Honey Mask is hardly groundbreaking or super effective at combating spots, it's a refined, high quality mask that's gentle and comfortable on the skin, and a pleasure to use.

Bright Like Juliet

I first heard about Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser from Michelle of Eat Paint Sniff Glue all the way back in October 2012, but only managed to pick one up during the post-Christmas sales a few weeks ago. Both Myer and David Jones were having 25% off full-priced Antipodes products, so I bought this cleanser for just under $25, which I thought was reasonable for a 200ml bottle. While Antipodes seems to get a decent level of attention on blogs, I haven't heard much about this cleanser except from Michelle and Cherie and wasn't sure whether my skin would like it or how it'd perform. I've generally enjoyed the Antipodes products I've tried so far, so I had high expectations.

Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser

After using it for a few weeks, I feel I've definitely had misconceptions about the product. Firstly, I expected little to no foam, but it actually produces a not insignificant amount of lather, especially with warm water and freshly washed hands. Secondly, I expected my skin to be left plump and balanced afterwards, with no signs of dryness or feeling stripped. Actually, I found it's no different to most regular foaming cleansers, in that if I don't moisturise within a few minutes of washing my face, I absolutely feel some degree of tightness and my skin craving hydration. Thirdly, I expected this to smell amazing, with the description on the bottle promising "a refreshing fragrance of green apple and cardamon", but after a while all I detect is the faint smell of soy sauce combined with a whiff of cough medicine. A little bit odd, not exactly pleasant, but subdued enough to not be an issue.

I've been using this basically every weekday in the mornings to wash my face, believing it to be a gentler and less harsh option than a normal foaming cleanser from say, Dove or Bioré, but at the same time more effective than simply splashing cold water onto my face. I like the ritual of properly cleansing my face in the mornings to get my day started, wake me up a little, take off any remnant creams, serums or oils that I've slapped on the night before and begin with a fresh, bare canvas for my moisturiser and makeup. Even with near daily use, it barely looks like I've used up any product, so I imagine the entire bottle lasting a long time.

Though it has a few ingredients that sound very appealing and skin-benefiting, like kiwi seed oil, Manuka honey and their trademarked "Vinanza Performance Plus" (which combines kiwifruit seed and grape seed extracts using a natural process that involves only water), I'm not wowed by how this leaves my skin feeling after I've used it. That is, after I pat my face dry with a washcloth and all the water has evaporated off my face a couple of minutes later, it starts feeling taut and craving moisturiser. Maybe my skin's just on the dry side right now and this is designed more for normal or oily/combination skin. I also don't feel it's done anything particularly noticeable in terms of skin-brightening. I'll continue to reach for this in the mornings instead of only washing my face with water or using a cream cleanser, but to me, it's more or less a slightly gentler version of a standard foaming cleanser from a cheaper brand, with some nicer-sounding ingredients and a unique scent.