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.

Packing for the Outback

I'm headed for a short trip to Alice Springs and Uluru a few days after Christmas and a part of me is already anticipating scorching temperatures, rainfall, flies and sunburn. With my face melting in those conditions, makeup isn't exactly a top priority. Still, I figured packing a few items "just in case" wouldn't go astray. The only criteria the products needed to meet were to be able to withstand or assist in controlling heat.

Sun protection is vital so my La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+ is the first thing I'll be packing. Not forgetting the lips, I've also included ChapStick Ultra SPF 30+. For my base, I picked Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light, previously featured in my February Favourites and as one of the five products in my Go-To Low Key Makeup look. I could've opted for Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser instead, but I'm giving it a rest after taking it with me to Europe. The fluid-like Garnier is lightweight with decent coverage and a brightening finish, as well as excellent oil control. I've developed a somewhat alarming number of dark spots around my chin from pimples that have left scarring, which I've been attempting to selectively conceal where foundation hasn't provided enough coverage. Maybelline Fit Me concealer in Sand is a fairly good match for my skin tone which is especially important for camouflaging imperfections, and its creamy texture is easy to blend and doesn't cling to dry patches.

For eyes, I've decided on the absolute minimum (for me, at least). I doubt there'll be time for brushes or powder shadows or even cream shadow pots, so I've chosen Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze for my lid and/or lower lash line, Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Shimmering Slate for defining the upper or lower lash line, and Revlon CustomEyes mascara, which is just something I'm trying to use up. The Savvy by DB pencil is nicely black, has good staying power and is much easier to wield than a felt tip, gel or liquid eyeliner. The Rimmel eyeshadow crayon may be a bit too dark for the daytime, but used sparingly and blended with the fingers, it should be a quick and fuss-free way to add some depth to the eyes.

In summer heat, Avene Thermal Spring Water is a thing of beauty. This fine mist is refreshing, soothing and cooling. It's probably counterproductive to restoring the skin's hydration to have water evaporate off your face, but I don't care. The instant, calming relief this provides is addictive. It feels like the skin taking a drink of water from a pristine source. I use it for pretty much everything: when I can't be bothered washing my bare face, as a revitalising pick-me-up for dull or tired skin, after hair removal, after makeup removal, to cool down in hot weather, to dampen the skin in preparation for face masks or Bioré nose strips. It does it all. Another staple I'm planning on bringing with me is a mini bottle of Bioderma Créaline H20 to take my makeup off and refresh and cleanse the skin, short of properly washing it as I usually do in the shower before I head to bed.

I'm bound to get shiny no matter how oily/combination skin-targeted my foundation is, which is where The Face Shop Oil Control Film comes in. This is the proper, soft, ultra thin, filmy, blue facial blotting paper. None of that segments of baking paper that other brands manufacture. Finally, I thought to pop in Korres Lip Butter in the reddish-coral Pomegranate for an easygoing slick of colour on the lips. Pomegranate can also double up as a cheek tint, not that I imagine requiring any kind of blush when it's 40°C outside.

What's in My Makeup Bag

Rather than doing an updated What's in My Bag post, I thought I'd feature what's in my makeup bag instead. There's still some overlap in terms of the products, but the main difference is that I have a makeup bag now to house all my various tidbits in one place rather than needing to rummage through the debris at the bottom of my handbag. Every now and then, I'll forget to zip up the makeup bag, and invariably everything will fall out and my bag contents will become a mess again. Some things never change.

I'm using this free makeup bag that came with a Bourjois gift with purchase from Priceline in November last year. It's a flat, zip up bag with a white-lined interior that holds a lot more than expected. I like that it's purely functional and hardy (a must in the rough terrain of my handbag) — there aren't any embellishments (apart from the gold exterior) or superfluous details. The zip opening runs along the whole width of the bag and it's not made of plastic/stiff material, so it's easy to rummage through and stuff things inside. While it's roomy enough to hold both the mini Klorane dry shampoo and Avene Thermal Spring Water (just), I usually leave those two outside the makeup bag so that it's not too bulky and bursting at the seams.

As usual, I have way too many lip products. I normally will have at least two Korres Lip Butters — Jasmine for a bit of balmy nourishment, Mango for something with a bit more colour and a potential cheek tint. Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol is an absolute must as it's the only thing that works to alleviate dry lips craving a bit of soothing, minty hydration. I've gone through so many tubes, I probably could've bought five pots of By Terry Baume De Rose with the same amount of money. The now discontinued Revlon Beyond Natural Protective Liptint in Pink Rose is deeply underrated. It's kind of in the same family as a Clinique Chubby Stick or tinted lip balm, but with greater pigmentation and more comfortable and moisturising on the lips. I like to have a couple of other lip options that I'll move in and out in my bag depending on my mood or current interests, especially if I'm planning to go out at night after work. Right now, there's Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush (I hate that the lettering on the outside rubs off so easily) and Revlon Matte lipstick in Strawberry Suede, because I'm all about wine and orangey-reds at the moment.

Spritzes, mists, sprays. There's one for every occasion here. I have the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, though I'm really more in love with the smell than what the actual product does. I'm a bit wary of anything where alcohol is the second ingredient, but a careful inspection of the rest of the ingredients list reveals lactic acid and marshmallow root, rose, grapefruit and aloe leaf extracts that seem potentially useful (but really, what would I know). Spraying this also tends to feel more like I'm being attacked with a hose than subjecting my face to a gentle, fine mist. That's where the Avene Thermal Spray comes in — I'm addicted to this stuff. It's a godsend for when I've sat in front of a computer in a dehydrating, air-conditioned office for 8 hours and my face feels like it's about to melt off. I spray this on any skin irritations that might arise, when my face feels weirdly hot, when I need a refreshing, cooling pep up, when my eyes feel tired, when my makeup feels gross nearing the end of the day. I try to convert other people onto it as well. I'm that person pushing them to try it because trust me, it's sooooo nice. It disperses such a light, perfectly distributed mist — kind of like when you're on a sight-seeing tourist boat a few metres from the base of a famous waterfall (Maid of the Mist pleasure-seekers, you'll know what I mean). A small bottle of the Klorane extra-gentle dry shampoo with oat milk is at hand for any emergency touchups to my perpetually greasy roots.

A few more essentials: mirror, blotting paper, a small tub of Nivea Soft to smooth over any dry patches, Listerine PocketPaks (very thin, super minty, small sheets that you put at the roof of your mouth to freshen your breath). There's my favourite hand cream at the moment (only because I've run out of Jurlique rose one): Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Hand Therapy. This was a freebie with Women's Weekly a few months ago and it's lived in my makeup bag ever since. The smell just makes me happy. There's my beloved Kai perfume oil which I dab onto my wrists for an instant pick-me-up or whenever I feel like smelling it/smelling of it. I've decided that I really should get my hands on the EDT as it's the only perfume that's excited me for a very long time. Lastly, I have the Maybelline Fit Me concealer in Sand. Said to be similar to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, this is the only makeup item in my bag excluding lip products. I use this to touch up my skin after a long day if I'm going out at night. I usually dab a bit on my hand, then use my fingers to apply this around the sides of my nose, corners of my mouth and any blemishes that I might have. It sinks into the skin decently when it's first applied, but I find that it does wear off and start to cake slightly as time goes on. I'm not head over heels for it, but it'll do for now.

Most Worn Things: Summer

How is it almost the middle of March? The past three months have come and gone in a blink of an eye. Thanks to Cherie for tagging me to take part in this fun post reflecting on my most worn things this past summer.

1. Nail Polish
Revlon Whimsical. Though that would probably be at most only 3 times. Because of how much nail polish I have, I don't tend to wear the same shade over and over again in a short period of time. (Plus, I need to preserve this one bottle for as long as possible.)

2. Hair Product
Easy question, because Pantene shampoo every 2-3 days is the extent of my hair care routine. Usually, I can't even be bothered to condition. I literally don't do anything else with my hair, though I have been dabbling in Morrocanoil, which I bought on sale around Christmas. I use it on my ends after I've washed my hair, or the morning after (I always sleep with my hair wet — one of my many terrible habits). I'm not sure how I feel about it, mainly because I don't use it with enough frequency, and don't really pay attention to the state of my hair except whether it's clean or not. I have noticed when I put the Morrocanoil in it, my hair is more manageable and appears smoother, healthier, better-looking. Or maybe that's just what I want to see?

3. Bag 
Still my Mulberry Alexa. But I've recently switched to a navy Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Long Handle Tote because it's just so much easier. The Alexa was constantly overflowing and weighed a tonne. I need something that I can just chuck a lot of useless stuff into and be able to carry on my shoulder comfortably.

4. Shoes
These leopard print loafers I bought from ALDO in New York. I usually wear a pair of flats to death until it's time to buy another.

5. Clothing Item 
Nothing to do with summer, but probably a pair of black Zara work pants. I wear them at least 1-2 times a week. My wardrobe is spectacularly dull because I can't be bothered to think about what to wear most days. I just wear the same things over and over again to work, and the same (different but more casual) things if I’m going out on the weekend.

At home, I practically lived in this shapeless paisley cotton tunic all through summer. For a person like me who wants to expend as little effort as possible (mental and physical) to get dressed, it was the perfect garment. No buttons, no fastenings, you need only to slip it over your head. Super lightweight and thin (but not see-through), it also kept me cool in the heat.

6. Accessory
I rarely wear jewellery except some random rings I have lying around and the House of Harlow 1960 Double Sunburst Station necklace.

7. Foundation 
I was using Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow until I bought Rimmel Wake Me Up, which I started to mix with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum as the shade I bought was too dark.

8. Bronzer and/or Blush
I went through a short-lived period of regularly using bronzer in an attempt to contour, but kind of gave up on it in the last few weeks. I liked the Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder and was close to putting it in a monthly favourites. As for blush, I'd say NARS Deep Throat. It's just easy to reach for because it goes with pretty much anything. I wore this to a friend's wedding in December, on laid-back weekends with more minimal makeup, and as a go-to blush during the working week.

9. Lip Product 
I'm going to narrow this down to something with colour, because clear Maybelline Baby Lips is just too boring. Truthfully, it's Korres Lip Butter in Mango or the underrated, now discontinued Revlon Protective Liptint SPF 15 in Pink Rose which lives permanently in my handbag.

10. Mascara
It's a toss up between CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume and more recently, Max Factor Masterpiece Max. I'm not really in love with either, but there's only so much a mascara can do for me with monolids and short lashes. They're both reliable everyday mascaras that perform reasonably well and don't have any glaring issues.

11. Eyeshadow 
Surprise, surprise. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. But I also really loved Laura Mercier African Violet from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette.

12. Fragrance
Lady Gaga Fame, though being terribly fickle, I'm kind of over it now. There were also my usual picks for the daytime, Liz Claiborne Liz, Estée Lauder Pleasures and Elizabeth Arden Pretty.

10 Products I Would Repurchase

I've seen the title of this post in the form of a tag, with the premise being that you've lost your entire makeup collection and need to choose 10 products to first buy as you rebuild from scratch. That thought exercise didn't seem as engaging to me as showing products I'd actually repurchased, or am convinced I would repurchase once finished. Of the products selected, I have physically repurchased 7 of the 10, some of them numerous times and often with more than one backup stowed away. I've omitted a few items I've previously harped on about, mainly Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol, Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Avene Thermal Spring Water and Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush
I adore Real Techniques brushes and can't imagine applying my makeup without them. The Buffing Brush is my absolute favourite. I use it almost every day for my base. It's just a phenomenally good brush. It doesn't soak up product, it blends foundation in effortlessly and efficiently, it's super soft and just the right density. It's held up remarkably well after nonstop use and regular washes for over a year. After it's freshly washed, it could almost pass as brand new. I don't recall it ever shedding a single hair. The thought of buying another Core Collection set as a backup (despite having both the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Sigma F82 to potentially replace my Buffing Brush) has crossed my mind many times, but I've managed to resist for now.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
Forgive me for rambling about this cream eyeshadow ad nauseam. Already repurchased even though I don't see myself finishing my existing pot for at least a year. It's now an established part of my default makeup when I can't be bothered to think about what to slap on my face (which is most days). I'm thrilled something that performs so well and is such a flattering, neutral shade is so readily available and affordable.

Korres Lip Butter
Now that Cosmo Cosmetics stocks the 3 pack of these for under $20, these Lip Butters (normally $18.95 each) are no longer out of my price range. They're plush, moisturising and non-sticky on the lips, and shades like Mango and Pomegranate provide a fresh, summery tint. My collection reviewed in detail here.

Bourjois Liner Feutre in Noir
It's time for me to repurchase this again as my current one has run out. I've tried a few felt tip and liquid eyeliners (including Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen, Sportsgirl To the Point Liquid Eye Liner and Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner), but Bourjois Liner Feutre is still the best. Easy and quick to use, it's fast drying and stays put the whole day with only minor fading. And while it's long lasting, I like that it's also relatively easy to remove with my normal cleanser.

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji
Out of all my foundations, this is the one I would purchase if my makeup collection disappeared. I previously used this as my everyday foundation, but now want to reserve it for special occasions, or when I want my skin to look extra nice. I love the illuminating, perfected finish it gives, while still looking relatively natural. It's easy to apply with both a brush or fingers, and unlike Make Up For Ever HD foundation, I've never experienced it clinging to dry spots or being difficult to work with.

Josie Maran Argan Oil
I wish I'd picked up a larger bottle when I had the chance, as I'm not sure how easy it'll be to replenish my supply once I use up my 15ml travel size bottle (there's less than 40% left). I actually think I prefer this to my Antipodes Divine Face Oil, which is still good but not as effective or pure. With 2-3 drops in my regular night cream, my skin is more hydrated, plump and smooth in the mornings. I also feel that continued use has helped with oil control and minimising breakouts.

Bioderma Créaline H₂O
Best makeup remover, hands down. It's basically like water but super effective at taking everything off without disturbing or irritating the skin. I use this as sparingly as I can (mostly for eye makeup removal) because it's precious stuff. Like most things, it's incredibly overpriced in Australia and not that easy to come across. Thankfully I have a backup bottle courtesy of my dad and his Parisian travels last year.

Dove Essential Nutrients Day Cream SPF15
Repurchased countless times. It's the cream that I keep returning to because it just works for me. It's hydrating without being greasy or heavy, feels comfortable on the skin and is readily absorbed, doesn't have any kind of offensive or overpowering scent, and works well as a makeup base. It's a touch rich for a daily moisturiser, so it might be a little too much for those with really oily skin, particularly in summer.

Dove Cleanser & Toner in One
Like the Dove Essential Nutrients Day Cream, this has been repurchased too many times to count. I've been using this for years. I honestly didn't know how good it was until I tried out a few other cleansers and discovered how woefully inadequate or downright terrible they were in comparison. This foams well, is gentle and non-drying, and removes makeup effectively. Best of all, it's the only cleanser that I can rub along my lower lash line to get rid of eyeliner without stinging my eyes — and it takes it all off.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
Forget Seche Vite. Tried it, didn't like it. It smelt disgusting, shrunk around the edges and gave off a yellow tinge which totally discoloured my nail polish. I don't know whether that was a dud bottle, but my one experience with it was so underwhelming I never bothered to give it another go. Insta-Dri, on the other hand, is a godsend for someone like me, who regularly paints their nails but is too impatient to wait for each coat to dry, and who probably does 2-3 coats more than required each time. What I've found is that is effectively creates a kind of hard, sealed top layer for my nail polish, so that even if the bottom layers aren't completely dry because I've heaped too much polish on, they're protected from dents and smearing by the Insta-Dri coat. It also just speeds up the whole drying process, and leaves a smooth, glossy finish which makes any polish look better. When Chemist Warehouse had their 50% off Sally Hansen, I purchased 3 backups. Yes. Three.

Best of 2012

It's funny that I should be writing my yearly favourites post, as it perfectly coincides with this blog's first anniversary. I remember starting sleep and water when I was bored out of my mind around Christmas last year, alone at home and needing a creative outlet, an ongoing project that I could devote myself to. One year and 155 posts later, here we are. I'm truly grateful for everyone who reads and comments, and for the connections and friendships I've made with fellow beauty bloggers. 2012 has been a pretty good year for me, bookended by two trips that were long-held dreams of mine: the Australian Open in January (I'm a tennis fanatic) and New York in September, a city that's always been first on my list of desired travel destinations.

For my favourite products of 2012, I tried to pick items that were representative of what I consistently loved throughout the year. I attempted to be selective (in everything but the lip products it seems), which has meant a few items were excluded that probably should've been featured, mainly eyeshadows. If it's not here, it'll be in past monthly favourites.

Lips

Top lip products of 2013:

• Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Primrose
• Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Melonade
• Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon
• Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Soft Nude
• Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
• Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait
• Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

• MAC lipstick in Shy Girl
• MAC lipstick in Viva Glam Nicki
• MAC lipstick in Creme Cup

• Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate
• Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine
• Korres Lip Butter in Mango 

• Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol
• Blistex Lip Conditioner

Okay, so I've gone overboard with the lip products. It was impossible to select just a few things. I can't live without Maybelline Baby Lips — if I ever did an empties post, it would just consist of 6 of these. Blistex Lip Conditioner is another essential. It's basically a more potent version of the menthol Baby Lips in a pot. I'm big on mintiness in my lip balm, but more than that, these two provide instant hydration and leave the lips feeling smooth and soft.

Korres Lip Butters are now a handbag staple. These live up to their name in their butteriness and the darker tinted shades double up as a cream blush. The release of Revlon Lip Butters brought me back to the excitement of getting my first Lip Smacker in primary school. Revlon and MAC made my favourite lipsticks of the year. If it was pink, nude or coral, I probably bought it.

Cheek

Top blushes of 2013:

• NARS blush in Douceur
• NARS blush in Deep Throat
• Benefit Hervana
• Bourjois blush in Rose D'Or
• Rimmel 3 in 1 Powder Blush in Autumn Catwalk

Before my New York trip in September, it was all about Bourjois Rose D'Or for blush and Rimmel Autumn Catwalk, two pinks that (most importantly) didn't pull too red on me. I didn't start wearing blush regularly until the second half of the year, as it wasn't something that enthused me very much. I thought it was a tricky, unnecessary step that always tipped my makeup into "unnatural" territory. How times have changed. In the past three months, I've become blush crazy. NARS has won my heart in the blush department — I love Douceur for a more neutral, polished, slightly sculpting look, and Deep Throat for an easygoing peachy flush. Benefit Hervana is also a foolproof, everyday pink that goes with anything.

Top bronzers/highlighters of 2013:

• Stila Sun SPF 15 Bronzing Powder in Shade 01
• Benefit Hoola
• Models Prefer Highlighter in Glitz & Glamour
• Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème in Rose Gold

At the beginning of the year, I was highlighter obsessed. My pick for powder highlighter is the affordable and very glowy Models Prefer one in Glitz & Glamour. I prefer it to the much hyped theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, as I find the yellowish gold clashes with my skin tone. My favourite for the year is the Jemma Kidd cream highlighter in Rose Gold. I initially wasn't too thrilled with it, but I've now come to love the long-lasting, subtle gleam it imparts. The texture is very creamy but non-greasy and it just melts into the skin.

I'm not a huge bronzer user, and I didn't start experimenting with contouring until later in the year after buying the Napoleon Perdis Ultimate Contour Palette. Benefit Hoola is now my go-to contouring shade. I like that it's not too dark or orange and it's easy to sweep onto the face with my Real Techniques Multi-Task brush. I've also been reaching for the Stila bronzing powder when I want to subtly warm up the face with more of a soft apricot tan, rather than the cooler, slightly darker and more brown Hoola.

Eyes

Top eye products of 2013:

• Benefit They're Real
• L'Oréal Lash Architect 4D
• Maybelline Define-A-Lash
• Bourjois Liner Feutre in Noir
• Shiseido eyelash curler
• Essence Eye Soufflé in Pas Des Copper
• Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Busy Signal
• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

Benefit They're Real was my first foray into high end mascara, and it lived up to the hype for me. Earlier in the year, I found the L'Oréal to be a good all-rounder, though the wand does tend to get a bit clumpy. I'm returning to Maybelline Define-A-Lash once my They're Real runs out, as I think the two are very close. Of course, no mascara would be as effective without my trusty Shiseido eyelash curler.

Cream eyeshadows really drew me in this year. I'm thrilled with Essence Pas Des Copper, which I came across by pure chance on a casual trip to Target. It was the main eyeshadow I relied on while travelling and it never let me down. On days that I could be bothered with makeup, I managed to get ready in record time due to the ease and versatility of the product. Most days, I use Maybelline Bad to the Bronze applied over the lid, both as a flattering everyday shade and an incredibly effective eyeshadow base. Benefit Busy Signal is almost the only thing I wear now to define my lower lashline.

Top eyeshadow palettes of 2013:

• Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner in Naturally Glamorous
• Sleek i-Divine eyeshadow palette in Storm
• Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Seashells (or Khaki Suede, or All-over Palette in Passion Fusion)
• Urban Decay Naked
• Urban Decay Naked2

Before any powder eyeshadow, I always prime my eyes with a light shade in one of the various Revlon cream eyeshadow palettes I own. I actually prefer them to Urban Decay Primer Potion, as they're easier to blend eyeshadows on top of and add a touch of extra luminosity to shimmery shades. Revlon Naturally Glamorous was the other eyeshadow product I packed on my New York holiday, along with Essence Pas Des Copper. The colour next to the darkest liner shade is perfect for a single shadow, smoky look. Revlon can make disappointing eyeshadows, but this palette is smooth, buttery and pigmented. I think it's very underrated. The bronze in the Sleek Storm palette is my most used eyeshadow and what I use on top of lighter neutrals to add more depth and definition to the eye. This chocolatey, rich bronze with a gold sheen is nothing short of stunning. The price of the palette is worth it for that one shade alone.

Urban Decay Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle

My favourite shades from the original Naked palette are a combination of Smog/Darkhorse, and Toasted/Hustle. I usually apply the lighter shade over the lid, then the darker one starting from the upper lashline and ending so that when my eyes are open, it's just barely visible. I then blend the two shades together.

Urban Decay Snakebite, Suspect, YDK, Busted

YDK is perhaps my second favourite eyeshadow shade, next to the bronze in Sleek Storm. Like my four picks from the original Naked palette, I usually wear a combination of Suspect/Snakebite and YDK/Busted. I also like Busted over Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, or to darken up any lighter purple shadow.

Face

Top foundations of 2013:

• Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream in 23
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52, 53
• NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji

Before acquiring NARS Sheer Glow, I alternated between the Missha and Bourjois for my base. I don't remember having any major complaints about either, as I used them contently for months. The Missha is higher coverage than the Bourjois and a touch dewier (good for slightly dry skin), but both give a natural, brightening finish. NARS Sheer Glow has now become probably my favourite foundation, though it can get a bit cakey (mainly if applied with a brush). It blurs imperfections, smooths out uneven pigmentation and gives a softly illuminated glow.

Kooky For Korres

My love affair with Korres Lip Butter began when I saw Pomegranate in my friend's makeup bag. I'd never heard of or seen these little pots of buttery lip balm goodness before, and something about the impeccable packaging immediately hooked me. As Sarah Jessica Parker feverishly whispered in her Covet perfume ad, I had to have it. At first the only place that I knew sold them was Mecca Cosmetica at Myer for $18.95 each. If they weren't available anywhere else, I still think they're worth the price, but thankfully I found them on ASOS for a much more palatable $10-$11. Then came an amazing offer on StrawberryNet where a pack of 3 (Pomegranate, Wild Rose and Jasmine) were being sold for around $12. It was never to be repeated, but thankfully I snapped one up in time. There's currently still another Lip Saver set (of Guava, Pomegranate and Mango) on StrawberryNet for a very nice $19.50. Right now, I have all the shades except Quince and Plum. I'm not too keen on Plum, as from swatches I've seen, it very closely resembles Wild Rose, but the collector/hoarder in me really wants Quince to complete my set.

l-r: Guava, Jasmine, Mango, Pomegranate, Wild Rose

l-r (first row, then second row): Jasmine, Mango, Pomegranate, Wild Rose

Pomegranate on cheeks (with NYX Taupe as contour)

Out of the ones I have, I find Jasmine to clearly be the most moisturising and buttery. Pomegranate and Wild Rose, in comparison, are slightly less emollient, though much more pigmented. Guava and Jasmine appear more or less the same on my lips, with Guava having more of a whitish tint and Jasmine more of a pinkish nude. Mango and Pomegranate are also very similar when applied, with Mango more a straightforward orange (like Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti) and Pomegranate more red/coral. Wild Rose is the darkest colour, a blue-toned berry red which for me, is a bit too heavy for daytime wear. I prefer this blotted on my lips, or as a cheek tint.

What I love about these Korres Lip Butters is the darker colours can be substituted for cream blush. I thought I was the only weird one that used them for that purpose, but when I inspected more closely the packaging on the Lip Saver set, there was an actual note on there that they could be used on the cheeks for a natural tint. I've dabbed and blended Pomegranate on the apples of my cheeks to freshen up and add some colour to my face many nights when I've been out but didn't have anything else in my bag. A small amount goes a long way and properly blended in, doesn't feel noticeably sticky or greasy.

Each pot has its own distinctive scent matching its name. Guava reminds me a bit of the scent of preserved plums. Jasmine doesn't really smell like anything particular to me, it's sweet in a milk candy kind of way. Pomegranate is quite tart, but also mellow. Wild Rose is the most unique in that it's neither sweet nor fruity. It has this understated, slightly musky rose scent without being syrupy sweet or artificial.

Bit of trivia. Cameron Diaz uses the Korres Lip Butter while talking to herself in an aeroplane toilet in Knight and Day. I'm sure that couldn't possibly be intentional product placement, so I'm choosing to think that Cameron Diaz had that in her purse and did a bit of improv.

Beauty Favourites

A few products that I really love, in no particular order. 

1. Klorane dry shampoo with oat milk I tend to wash my hair every second day at night. This product is a lifesaver for those times when I cannot gather the energy nor inclination to wash my hair, and when sleeping as soon as possible is a higher priority than clean, shiny hair the following morning. I shake the bottle and spray some of this stuff on my roots in the morning, wait a couple of minutes and brush through. It makes my limp, oily and dirty hair look freshly washed and effectively soaks up my greasy scalp for the whole day. An incredible time and effort saver, this dry shampoo can also be used on clean locks to add volume and texture, especially in combination with backcombing.

2. Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol My go-to lip balm, I take this everywhere I go. Ever since this was released in Australia, I've gone through several tubes and need to stock up again. It glides on smoothly and distributes the right amount of balm to the lips, instantly providing minty relief. I wear this lip balm overnight and I do find that in the morning my lips feel soft and moisturised. It can be applied before lipstick as a base to prep the lips, or over lipstick for extra moisture and to add a subtle sheen.

3. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate This creamy, coral-tinted lip balm softens the lips while adding a pop of colour and comes in an elegantly designed pot. It is fairly pigmented so I sometimes use this on my cheeks as a cream blush for a healthy, rosy flush. It is a little pricey (retailing in Australia for $18.95) compared with most lip balms, but for the high quality and beautiful packaging, it's well worth it. I'd love to collect these in the other shades available, particularly Jasmine, Quince and Wild Rose.

4. Jurlique Rose Hand Cream Smells heavenly like Turkish Delight and a small amount goes a long way. Non-greasy and fast absorbing. My favourite hand cream, hands down. I'm also a fan of Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist which I liberally spray to my face when I feel like a refreshing, hydrating spritz.

5. Bourjois Liner Feutre in Noir Part of my daily makeup routine, this eyeliner is long lasting and inky, with the felt tip enabling easy and precise application for creating a winged eye.

6. Shiseido Eyelash Curler A step that I rarely neglect before applying masara is curling my lashes. This curler fits well with the shape of my eye and gets very close to the base of the lashes, forming a noticeable upwards curl. Mascara then becomes easier to apply and has a greater effect.

7. Swisspers Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes Convenient, generously sized and damp with enough product to remove a face full of makeup. Leaves the skin feeling cleansed and toned. These facial wipes also have a refreshing and clean scent that isn't overpowering or unpleasantly synthetic smelling.

8. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude Finding that elusive perfect nude lipstick can be a lengthy, disappointing and costly process. Thankfully my search is over. This balanced nude is warmed by tones of pink and peach, resulting in a flattering, understated and very wearable colour. The ColorBurst lipsticks easily rival higher end brands, with beautiful shades, a creamy and moisturising formulation that applies well to the lips, and sophisticated quilted packaging. What's not to love.