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.

April Favourites

With April done and dusted, we're edging closer to the middle of the year. I feel that in no time at all, Christmas music will be playing over the speakers in shopping centres once again. As the Game of Thrones saying goes, winter is coming, a particularly apt premonition on this gloomily overcast day as icy wind howls outside and I'm rugged up in a hoodie and very unhip men's polar fleece jacket from Kmart. April was chugging along nicely (and more leisurely than normal, with two consecutive long weekends thanks to public holidays), my respiratory issues seemed to be clearing up after I was prescribed an inhaler, I was still trying to eat better, avoid junk food and move more, until we received some unexpected family news. Now and then, something abruptly awakens you from the autopilot of daily life, and forces you to take a step back and reassess what's important. Sudden loss can be a potent reminder of everything we take for granted and have to be grateful for.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment
I know I once described this as "upgraded Vaseline", but I have a much kinder take on it now. My interest was rekindled after I saw a large tub of this on the coffee table of my friend's place when I was visiting. She loves the stuff and always carries a smaller tube around in her handbag. I do find it provides relief to dry, chapped lips better than other petroleum-based lip balms like Nivea Lip Butter. One unconventional use I have for it is smoothing a generous layer over my lips after applying my foundation in the mornings, waiting a minute or so, then wiping it all off with a tissue. I always find remnant foundation gets on my lips as I'm applying and blending it all over my face, leaving them looking pale and chalky. The Lucas' Papaw Ointment, with its clear, slightly thick but smooth texture, sinks into my lips, manages to take away all traces of foundation after I remove it with a tissue, but also leaves my lips soft and hydrated after.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 02 Apricot Shimmer
I could've easily included this in my recent Shop My Stash, since it's a product I neglected for no apparent reason. I have written a full review, and while it is probably a little overhyped for what it is (though mainly due to its elevated price tag and my existing excess of lip products), it's still a beautifully made lip gloss/balm that I enjoy using. I've been making a conscious effort to include it in my bag if I'm going out so I reach for it more. The elegant, feminine packaging is visually pleasing, the caramel/cupcake scent is delicious, and it feels luxuriously plush and comfortable on the lips. My only complaint is the colour (or lack of) — it's fairly pale and milky, and lighter than my natural lip colour, so not the most flattering look.

Essie Shine of the Times over Revlon Gumdrop

Essie Shine of the Times
I just raved about this, so at the risk of repeating myself, I could hardly take this off my nails the whole month. The only glitter top coat I'd rate as on par with Shine of the Times is China Glaze Snow Globe. Everything else can't quite compare.

Sukin Cream Cleanser
I finally used this 125ml pump bottle up after purchasing it during Priceline's 40% off skin care sale in late July last year. My skin has been acting up for inexplicable reasons, so I ditched my more drying, foaming Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser for something gentler. Apart from some mild paranoia about the shea butter in this potentially exacerbating my spots, I figured it's only going on temporarily and being washed off immediately after, so there shouldn't be any major issues. (Not to mention the actual moisturisers I use containing shea butter, which I don't seem to be as concerned about.) This feels really nourishing and nurturing on the skin and never leaves it feeling tight or craving moisture afterwards. I would say it's very comparable to more expensive cream cleansers from the likes of Trilogy or Antipodes, but at a much more affordable price point. I would repurchase, though preferably during another of Priceline's 40% off sales.

Archipelago Botanicals Caramel Soy Candle
My favourite discovery of April. I was casually browsing David Jones after a doctor's appointment and feeling prepared to treat myself to something. I was contemplating the new Glasshouse Birds of a Feather Pink Lemonade candle, or splurging on a Gascoigne & King Paddington candle, but then I turned around and saw the Archipelago stand. Not expecting anything, I gave their candles a cursory whiff and found myself pleasantly surprised. These were big, prominent scents that you could really smell. None of that subtle, faded, barely-there stuff. I was tempted by the unusual Wasabi Mint and the gloriously floral Peony, but in the end, it had to be Caramel. It hooked me instantly. Warm, inviting, full-bodied but not sickly. And there was a toastiness and slight popcorn note in there that made all the difference. It had the most significant throw of any candle I've tried and the scent lingered in my room the next day.

Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow Pearl 402

l-r: L'Oréal Tender Caramel, Inglot 402, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze

Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow Pearl 402
When Michelle of Eat Paint Sniff Glue declares she could be faithful to this one eyeshadow for the rest of her days, I pay attention. Naturally, when I stumbled across an Inglot counter on a rare trip to Bondi Junction Westfield, I couldn't leave without snapping Pearl 402 up. A single eyeshadow pan was $10, so I opted not to purchase the case it comes in for an additional $9. It makes storage a bit tricky, but until I get my hands on a Z Palette, I'm keeping it the right way up in its original box.

As for the shadow itself, it's one of those effortless, throw on, all-over lid neutrals, of which I have plenty, but another one in the mix never hurts. Especially not when it's as well-executed as this one is. My first experience with Inglot shadows doesn't disappoint — all the typical adjectives apply: smooth, buttery, highly pigmented. Minimal fallout. L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadow in Tender Caramel is more frosty and aggressively shimmery, cooler, with a lilac undertone. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is darker, more taupey and metallic in finish. 402 has more of a subdued satin finish and subtle rosy/mauve tones that give it extra warmth, though on my lids it still leans relatively grey/cool. It's probably everything I was hoping MAC Satin Taupe would be.

January Favourites

January was about dealing with bad skin, refocusing on a skin care routine centered around one star product, finding an incredibly effective solution to my makeup brush washing woes, revisiting a popular hair treatment after becoming more experimental with my shampoo, finally figuring out how to properly apply a blush I wanted to love, a somewhat underwhelming Australian Open, and lots and lots of Lush bath indulgence. Amid all that, I also managed to sneak in a short beach getaway with friends on the Australia Day long weekend, kicking off the year on a high note.

January 2014 Favourite Products

In the midst of my paranoia about whether my makeup brushes could be causing my skin problems, I started to apply my foundation with clean fingers instead. I picked Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow as my preferred base. I remember when I purchased this foundation at Bloomingdale's during my New York holiday in late 2012, the girl at the Benefit counter mentioned that she'd previously used MAC foundations that constantly broke her out, but once she made the switch to Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow, her skin has thanked her ever since. The silky, fluid formula is kind on slightly dry skin and feels extremely lightweight. It creates a natural, satin finish that subtly brightens and perfects the complexion, and holds up well in terms of oil control.

While I'd normally conceal any spots or areas of redness after with either Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Sand or Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Classic Beige (030) using a Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush, I decided to go back to an old favourite in Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille. I've been alternating between much pricier powders in the form of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in N°20, but returning to the Bourjois was a revelation. This stuff is seriously good. A light dusting of this over the Benefit foundation, pressed, not blended on with my Too Faced Power Pouf Brush successfully pulled off the illusion of damn good skin, when the truth was anything but. It's very smooth and soft in texture without being powdery, mattifies without looking flat, and provides an extra, finishing boost of coverage.

I've already detailed the routine I stuck with which helped my skin to recover from a bad state, and I attribute Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil to most of its success. It's reached the point where I'm reluctant to switch things up and use another of my many face oils, lest the good work be undone. I'm super pleased with how this seems to work magically overnight to restore the skin, replenish its suppleness and give back much-needed hydration, and generally balance, nourish and protect the skin. I would say I previously had oily/combination skin, with my T-zone shining like a beacon in many a picture taken with flash, but consistent use of face oils over the past couple of years have definitely helped my skin regulate itself better.

I had the luxury of having the house to myself for a week in January, which meant being granted the space and time to indulge in some self-pampering and try some of the bath bombs from Lush gift sets I'd purchased during the post-Christmas sales. I snapped up some pictures on my Instagram (Fizzbanger and Lord of Misrule Bath Ballistics here, The Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar and Dragon's Egg Bath Ballistic here) of the explosions of colour, froth, confetti, glitter, oils and scents triggered by dunking these into water. Out of the four I tried, Lord of Misrule was my favourite. Dipping into the water felt so silky and moisturising, I enjoyed the green exterior revealing a wine-coloured centre, and the rich, calming, sensuous fragrance lingered in my bathroom the day after.

Speaking of Lush, I've been using their Shower Jellies, bars of Fun and even shower gels to wash my hair over a normal shampoo from the likes of Pantene or L'Oréal. It adds an element of novelty and play to the usually dull, tedious routine of hair washing, and I find it leaves my locks very clean (but not dry or brittle) and stretches out the time between washes as my roots don't become oily as quickly. My ends can become slightly dry however, so I've been regularly reaching for my Morrocanoil Hair Treatment to condition my ends, squirting one pump into my hands, rubbing them together, then working the product into semi-damp hair, concentrating on the lower half of my tresses. It helps hair to dry faster, and leaves it smoother, less frizzy and shinier.

If you're after a brush cleanser that takes the agony out of brush washing, look no further than Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge. Using the tip I learned from Michelle, I squeeze a bit of this out into a small measuring container filled about a third of the way with lukewarm water. Immerse the head of the brush into the container so it's touching the base and circulate it around. It takes about 10 seconds for a freshly washed brush to emerge from murky waters. Life changing. I washed 36 brushes in less time than I would have taken for about 10-15 employing my old method of Johnson's Baby Shampoo and my palm.

My last favourite for this month is theBalm FratBoy blush, which I was determined to make work after seeing it pop up repeatedly on some of my favourite blogs. Despite initially not loving the shade on me and finding it much too similar to Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition blush in Screen Siren for my liking, I persevered and it finally paid off. The best way I've found to apply this blush is to use a soft, fluffy brush like Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush or Ecotools Blush Brush (from the Alicia Silverstone 5 Piece Brush Set), lightly dab the brush into the pan, take off most of the colour on the underside of the wrist, then sweep from the centre of your cheek that aligns with your pupil, along the cheekbones, to the top part of your ear (an amazing tip from Lisa Gregory). The result is so much better than the ruddy mess that happened each time I was applying the blush straight from the pan and struggling with the placement. It peps up the face and imparts a very springtime-appropriate, warm peachy-pink flush with a touch of coral.

Skin Rescue Routine

About a month ago, my skin inexplicably started to go crazy, culminating in some of the worst skin I've experienced in recent memory about a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure if it was a reaction to a foundation or a skin care product, or hormonal, or mainly diet/lifestyle related, but it wasn't pretty. As soon as pimples appeared to be calming down and fading, a whole new crop sprouted. My skin was spotty and angry in a way that was largely foreign to me, with scarring and bumps in various stages of development. I needed urgent skin care intervention. Along with the help of time, here are the products I used every single day to vastly improve and clear up my skin. The results were so encouraging that the same products now comprise my normal evening skin care routine.

l-r: Dove Foaming Make Up Remover, Dove Cleanser & Toner in One, Pixi Glow Tonic, La Roche-Posay Serozinc, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream, Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil

Taking off every scrap and trace of makeup at the end of the day seemed of utmost importance, so I begin with three pumps of Dove Foaming Make Up Remover. This comes out in a cloud of white foam, but applied and worked into the skin, I imagine it's similar in consistency to a cleansing oil that's been emulsified with water. This stings if it gets in the eyes, so it's not ideal to take off eye makeup on the lower lash line, though it's fine for eyeshadow, eyeliner on the upper lash line, and mascara. While the Foaming Make Up Remover takes off mostly everything, to get rid of remnant eye makeup and ensure nothing's left, I double cleanse with Dove Cleanser & Toner in One. That's probably going slightly overboard with the cleansing, but the lather it produces is creamy and rich, and it thoroughly and effectively cleanses my skin without leaving it feeling dry or stripped.

Next, I strictly adhere to Caroline Hirons's recommendation of two toners post-cleansing: one exfoliating and one hydrating. Both products were purchased as a result of her influence (her rave about Pixi Glow Tonic, apparently a cheaper dupe of Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion, here, and rant on La Roche-Posay Serozinc not being available in the UK here). I use two pumps of Pixi Glow Tonic on a Daiso cotton pad all over my face. I like that it seems to calm and balance my skin, while gently exfoliating it and giving it a smoothness and softness. I then follow up with a liberal spritzing of La Roche-Posay Serozinc. I purchased mine from Paris during my holiday last September after succumbing to incredible hype, and originally felt a little underwhelmed. It seemed virtually indistinguishable to my beloved Avene Thermal Spring Water, except with more sodium chloride and zinc sulfate. I'm no chemistry whiz, but from experience this doesn't do much if your skin type is normal and relatively blemish-free. It's designed more to be an astringent toner for oily, problem skin. I find it helps to soothe and hydrate my skin, reduce redness and diminish the appearance of pimples with regular use.

I tried to keep it simple with moisturiser, treatments and serums. I opted for the most "natural" cream in my skin care stash, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream. Free of supposed chemical nasties and designed for sensitive skin types, it's not something I'm absolutely in love with, but at least I know it won't break me out or result in an adverse reaction. To boost moisture and add extra nourishment to my cream, I add a few drops of Sukin Rose Hip Oil and mix the cream and rose hip oil together with my palms before smoothing it onto my face. I'm a renewed believer in rose hip oil after using it every night for a couple of weeks straight. Forget other face oils, rose hip oil does the job and does it brilliantly. I'm most impressed at how it genuinely leaves the skin appearing softer, smoother and well-rested the morning after. It seems to target discolouration and scarring and generally improves the texture of the skin. I feel that more than any other product mentioned here, it's been instrumental to bringing my skin back to a much happier state.

Five Face Oils

I've been meaning to write this post for a long time, but have always slacked off on it because, simply put, these different face oils I use are practically indistinguishable to me. I use them in exactly the same way for exactly the same purpose with more or less the same results. Clearly, this is not going to be some verifiable scientific breakdown of each of them. None of these are miracle workers, but having converted to face oils roughly this time last year with the purchase of Josie Maran Argan Oil, I can say that generally, my bare face has become more presentable in public, and somewhat ironically, my skin is overall less oily now.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
My first face oil, and in a way, my sentimental favourite. I bought this at Sephora in New York while on vacation. I started my foray into face oils by mixing 2-3 drops of this with Nivea Soft and applying it day and night for the 3 weeks I was in NYC. I don't know if it was the lack of stress or the increased exercise from walking around on holiday, but I swear, I look back on pictures from the trip and my skin has never looked better. I've rationed this 15ml travel size bottle for a good year, though I've almost finished it. What I love about the Josie Maran is that it's completely scentless and seems to be one of the more refined oils I've tried. The skin just drinks it up, and it softens and soothes. I've contemplated ordering another bottle from Sephora via the overpriced Tarazz multiple times, but eventually settled for the argan oil from Garden of Wisdom. I'm hoping it'll be exactly the same thing.

Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil
One of my most recent additions, after being convinced I needed a rosehip oil in my life after repeated exposure to Trilogy Rosehip Oil on beauty blogs. Never mind that I already had the Antipodes Divine Face Oil which has rosehip in it. I needed the unadulterated stuff. The scent of this oil always reminds me of fish oil capsules. Not my favourite, but the smell at least doesn't linger. I find this is quite rich in that if I apply 2-3 drops to bare skin in place of a regular moisturiser, my skin will have a slight greasy residue after a couple of hours. I'm not sure whether it's because it doesn't absorb as readily, or whether I just use too much. It's very hydrating and seems to work overnight to restore the skin and give it back some suppleness and smoothness. However, I don't think it did anything significant in reducing scarring from spots.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip
I do like this and find it very similar to the Sukin, in that it's a bit on the heavier side. I'm not a fan of the scent which I always think of as a little hippie and musty (almost like pee, dare I say?). It has avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, vitamin E and essential oil fragrances of ylang ylang, sandalwood and jasmine. I really love the packaging of this, with the patterned dark green label, amber bottle, quirky Antipodes font and contrasting gold ring at the top. I've used about half of the 30ml bottle, but given that it acts very much the same way as pure rosehip oil, the smell is off-putting to me and I'm a bit on the fence about the added essential oils, I'm not sure whether I'd repurchase. If I didn't have the Sukin though, I'd be content using this daily, either applied to a freshly cleansed face or mixed in with my regular moisturiser.

Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil
This one has a whole bunch of ingredients, including sunflower seed soil, rosehip oil, wheat germ oil, jojoba seed soil, rosa centifolia (cabbage rose) flower extract, frankincense and rosa damascena flower oil. I have no idea what half of those things are or what they're meant to do. The liquid is much paler than the Sukin (which is amber) and Antipodes (dark yellow). This one is much nicer on the nose with a faint sweet rose smell. I find the oil lighter and slightly more readily absorbed than the Sukin and Antipodes, closer to the Josie Maran in the way it feels on the skin.

Caudalie Divine Oil
This French multipurpose dry oil comes in a large 100ml cylinder with a pump dispenser and can be used for body, face and hair. The primary ingredient is grape seed oil, said to be high in omega-6 and vitamin E, but it also contains sesame seed oil, shea butter extract, sunflower seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, argan oil and tomato extract. This one is heavily, heavily perfumed, to the extent you could easily use it purely for the fragrance, especially if applied to the ends of the hair. Those sensitive to strong scents may not want this anywhere near their face. One squirt gives you a decent amount, I would say equivalent to at least 4-5 drops of the other oils. This one is the fastest absorbing and doesn't leave much of an oily residue, but it doesn't feel immediately hydrating or soothing either. I find the smell too rich for the day so I only use this as part of my nighttime routine, in combination with my Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream, or as a final layer of treatment/hydration over any moisturiser/oils I've already slapped on.

Almost Half Price ... Again

Following Priceline's 40% off all cosmetics sale in April, last Tuesday and Wednesday, they held 40% off all skin care. This kind of unprecedented sale rolls around rarely, so even though I just bought a load of skin care to qualify for their skin care goodie bag about a month ago, I simply had to take advantage of such a generous discount. It's almost embarrassing to enter my local Priceline these days, since I visit so frequently I'm sure the staff are judging me and my consumption habits. I hauled in two parts across consecutive days, first picking up Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+ and Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, then the following afternoon, purchasing two Apivita Express Beauty Face Masks (Orange and Pomegranate) and the Sukin Cream Cleanser. I was contemplating buying a backup of Indeed Labs Hydraluron, but it was totally sold out. I was also keen to get my hands on this Trilogy pack with a bottle of their rose hip oil and a complimentary 30ml tube of their Vital Moisturising Cream (ideal size for travel, and good value considering the full size is 50ml and $39.95), but once again, sold out.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+
A conspicuous lack of SPF was pointed out to me by several people in my Winter Skin Care Routine: AM post. Naturally, this had to be remedied immediately, especially as I've started to use Alpha-H Liquid Gold every third night or so. I'm a happy camper now that a brand like La Roche-Posay is readily stocked at Priceline, though the Australian retail prices are (surprise, surprise) not cheap. This sunscreen is normally $25.99, discounted to $15.60 at 40% off. Scrutinising the ingredients, alcohol denat is fourth on the list, which I found a little surprising. You need to shake the bottle vigorously before applying the product. It comes out quite thin and liquidy, but absorbs easily into the skin and feels completely weightless.

Sukin Cream Cleanser
I was umming and ahhing over whether to repurchase this, now that I've finished the 50ml sample I was using. My main issue was paranoia over the shea butter in this (apparently something that acne-prone skin should avoid, at least in moisturiser), and the fact that while it was pleasant to use and worked perfectly fine, I wasn't enamoured with it enough to rush out to the shops to buy it again. In the end I thought, it's $6 for 125ml. Who cares. I would really struggle to find anything more affordable, functional, and packed with natural, nourishing ingredients, including sesame seed, rose hip, jojoba seed, avocado and wheat germ oils.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleanser
This was a totally unplanned purchase. There were about three boxes left at my Priceline, and the guy working there was telling me how it was under $20 after discount, and how he was thinking of buying one for himself. I remember reading about this "facial cleansing device" (also known as the poor man's Clarisonic) from Heather Honey ages ago, but I never expected it would eventually make its way to our shores. My curiosity won out in the end and I took home this oversized electronic toothbrush for my face.

When I opened up the battery compartment, there was this bizarre/gross greasy leakage in it, which I tried to clean up as best as I could with a tissue. Apart from that manufacturing defect, I've used it several times in the shower at night, and let me say, the novelty wears off real quick. There's two settings (one slower, one faster) and the brush head rotates (rather than vibrates) to clean and exfoliate your skin. It doesn't feel rough, scratchy or overly abrasive as the bristles are quite soft. The sensation is basically like a pressurised buzzing against your face. Because the head rotates, there can be a bit of resistance moving it around the various parts of the face. A major downside is that it's operated by batteries, meaning another ongoing cost apart from replacement brush heads. I'll wait and see how long two AA batteries last in terms of number of uses, but if it's anything less than 60, I'll be sorely disappointed.

Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream
I bought this mainly because of the fruit enzymes in it that reminded me of the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Both contain papaya and pineapple fruit extract, said to help "break down and remove the build up of older skin cells and impurities which dull [the] complexion". On my second visit to Priceline on Wednesday, I saw that Trilogy recently repackaged this cleansing cream so it's in a fatter, darker-coloured tube (they also offered a free 20ml tube of the Line Smoothing Day Cream with it), but I'd already purchased it the day before in the older packaging. The blurb on the box says it has a "silky, mousse-like texture", but it's more thin and watery which I really don't like. I was hoping it'd have a delectable fruity scent but it just smells faintly sweet and chemical. I've been using this in the shower, putting a generous amount all over my damp face, then following up with the Olay facial brush for about 1-2 minutes, then washing it all off with my hands. It's not at all drying and my skin is left feeling very smooth, soft and thoroughly cleansed.

Apivita Revitalising & Radiance Mask with Pomegranate, Apivita Revitalising Mask with Orange
I've tried a few Apivita face masks (Aloe, Cucumber, Carrot, Cereals) and found them uniformly good (with the exception of Cereals, which smelled sickly sweet and broke me out), so 40% off these pricey sachets was something I couldn't pass up. These are normally $8 for 2 x 8ml packets, which is fairly steep on a cost per millilitre basis ($50 per 100ml). Since it takes a long time to use up an entire tube of face mask, and I can get at least 2 uses per sachet, these Apivita masks are an enjoyable and convenient way of experimenting with different face mask ingredients and properties. The two I bought seem mostly to be hydrating masks designed to add some vitality, nourishment and plumpness back to the skin.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
I've been meaning to pick this up for the longest time, but wasn't prepared to shell out $15 for a 17g tin. I was thinking of purchasing LUSH Lemony Flutter instead (not so bad at $16.50 for 50g), but felt content with my Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme. The Burt's Bees smells deliciously lemony but has a hard and waxy texture, so it's a bit difficult to get any product on your cuticles and nails. Unlike the LUSH, it doesn't have shea butter or lanolin in it, so it's not as soft and greasy. You definitely have to warm up the product with your finger to melt it with your touch before applying it. The small tin is cute and portable and because you use so little each time, it'll last an eternity.

Winter Skin Care Routine: AM

Not too long ago, my skin care routine was uncluttered and refreshingly basic. In the mornings, I'd splash my face with cold water and then apply my favourite Dove Essential Nutrients Protective Day Cream. If I wanted extra hydration, I'd use Nivea Soft mixed with a couple of drops of a face oil. At my most diligent, I'd also apply a layer of Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+ over my moisturiser. Goodbye to those simple days of yore. In the last month or so, my interest in skin care has escalated quickly. Now my morning skin care routine involves a ridiculous number of steps and products. I'm still undecided whether my efforts have actually resulted in any improvement, or whether I'm just taking longer to put more stuff on my face.

I start by smoothing a generous amount of Sukin Cream Cleanser all over my face, then washing it off with warm water. I decided with all the gunk I put on at night, I need something more powerful than plain water to wash it all off. This 50ml tube was free with the Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil I bought last month. I've almost used it up and I'm contemplating repurchasing because it's so affordable and cleanses effectively without stripping or drying the skin. The consistency is like a decently thick but spreadable lotion, but it's not dense or creamy like the Sanctuary Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser which I prefer to use at night. The scent is thankfully on the light side as well. I pat my face dry with a washcloth.

I skip toner altogether (bad, I know), and go straight to the Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator that I received in my Priceline skin care freebie bag. I have no idea what this does, but I was encouraged by a positive review from usually scathing Paula Begoun. It stung the first few times I applied it, but mainly feels minty now. I've noticed after using this day and night for over a week, my under eye area generally appears well-hydrated and not dry or uneven in texture, though I can't say it's done much in terms of illumination. The weird packaging makes it a challenge to squeeze out just the right amount. The very liquid lotion pools on one side of the brush tip applicator, which I then transfer onto my finger and apply to the eye area.

I've run out of my 567th Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol and can't be bothered to open another tube just yet, so I'm trying to use up my Lucas' Papaw Ointment first. This is basically upgraded Vaseline, fruitier, more "natural" and generally more pleasant to use, but still petroleum-based.

Indeed Labs should write a hefty cheque to their best salesperson, Caroline Hirons, for convincing her readers Hydraluron is nothing short of a skin care necessity. When Hydraluron hit the shelves at Priceline, I couldn't hand over my money fast enough. My aim in the mornings is to maximally hydrate my face in preparation for a long day of sitting in front of a computer in a dehydrating, air-conditioned office, so incorporating Hydraluron into my routine seemed like a no-brainer. It's a hydrating serum that you apply underneath your moisturising cream that provides "below-surface hydration" and supposedly helps the skin retain as much moisture as possible during the day. I've been using this for a couple of weeks and to be honest, I don't really get it. The main thing I noticed was my skin feels quite tight and dry immediately after applying it but before I put on my normal moisturiser. I really dislike the packaging as I find the opening of the tube leaks terribly. I probably use way too much as well. I'll stick with it in anticipation of any longer term effects, but I can't say I've been immediately wowed by anything it's done for me so far.

Next, I mix 2-3 drops of a face oil (usually Josie Maran Argan Oil or Sukin Rose Hip Oil) with Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream. I've temporarily nicked this off my mother who originally received it as a freebie from Trilogy's anti-retouching campaign, though I'm eyeing Origins GinZing Energy-boosting moisturiser as my next purchase. After finishing my last tub of Dove Essential Nutrients Protective Day Cream (which now appears sadly discontinued) and being put off mineral oil (Caroline Hirons again), I wanted to go in the opposite direction and try something mostly natural. Even with that extra face oil, I don't find the Trilogy moisturising enough on its own, so after a few minutes of letting it sink in while I do my eye makeup but before I put on foundation, I add another layer of Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, second ingredient mineral oil. Because I'm congruent like that. The Embryolisse works well as a base primer to add more dewiness to the skin and facilitate a smoother surface for foundation. Once that's on and had a couple of minutes to settle, I finish off the rest of my makeup (foundation, blush, sometimes highlighter and powder), and then I'm out the door.

June Favourites

June was a month of indulgent spending and not one I care to repeat any time soon. I basically lost my mind trying to acquire one particular item of intense lust, bought an expensive lip balm for no reason (despite an acute awareness of the ridiculous number of lipsticks I own) and decided that I was now interested in skin care. It wasn't all about new acquisitions though — I did fall back in love with a phenomenally good brush and reverted to an old favourite after coming into possession of a backup thanks to a fellow blogger's generosity.

NARS And God Created the Woman Eye Palette
Let's begin with the most exciting favourite of June. The limited edition NARS And God Created the Woman Eye Kit (which includes a mini primer and #3 brush) first made an appearance on the Mecca Maxima Facebook for a mere $95 back in March. Even at that laughable price, it was sold out on their website. I thought I might be able to inspect it in person at Mecca Cosmetica, but one the assistants there swiftly put an end to that hope. After many nights spent trawling through blog/YouTube reviews and searching for places I could buy it online, I finally caved one night and ordered it from Sephora (where it retails for US$59) and had it shipped to me via Price USA. Incredibly, while waiting for my package to be delivered, I spotted just the palette on a local blog sale. A second palette for hoarding/potential gifting/insurance purposes wouldn't go astray...

Putting aside my mortification at how much I'd spent on it, this palette is everything I hoped it would be. Everything about its compact size, portability, shade selection and the quality of the eyeshadows delights me. While all the shades are delicious, I'm especially smitten with Kalahari. It's easily become one of my favourite eyeshadows ever, to the extent that I'm contemplating buying the original duo. I just needed to find the right brush to apply it as it can be a bit sheer and chunky. I'm using the Ecotools Petite Eye Shading Brush from the Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set to gently pat the colour on my lid. I've previously derided this brush for being too small to be useful, but it's come in handy recently so I take it all back.

Lancôme Baume in Love À La Folie, Cherry (130)
I confess I bought this for two reasons: a) the packaging b) it was on sale. I'd always wanted one of the Rouge in Love lipsticks but they were a little out of my price range. The Baume in Love comes in identical packaging but instead of a lipstick inside, it's a tinted lip balm. The colour that I bought (known as Midnight Rose in the US) seems to be the darkest of the four shades available. I thought the plummy, rosy pink might be similar to a very sheer MAC Plumful. It has a relatively thin texture and feels more like an balmy barrier on the lips than anything super hydrating, but it's comfortable enough, smells faintly of caramel, provides a subtle, flattering wash of colour to the lips, and did I mention it looks good in my purse?

Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil
One day, I was struck by an overwhelming need to buy a rose hip oil. I was originally going to get the Trilogy one, but I saw that Chemist Warehouse was having 30% off all Sukin products. I figured how different could the two possibly be? I ended up bringing the Sukin home and I've been really pleased with it. Next to Josie Maran Argan Oil (which I've almost run out of ... sob), I think this rose hip is my favourite face oil. I usually mix 2-3 drops in with my regular moisturiser, morning and/or night, and smooth it all over my face. In the mornings, it injects a subtle glow to my complexion and provides instant, soothing hydration. In the evenings before bed, this is a simple but effective serum/treatment to help improve the condition of my skin and leave it looking plumper, smoother and clearer in the morning.

Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone Finishing Brush
This gem came in a brush set that I purchased ages ago when I was first getting into makeup. It's a duofibre/stippling brush that is perfect for mineral powders or anything where you need to evenly buff powder all over your face. I use it to apply my Laura Mercier Mineral Powder — I think it works better than the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which is too dense and more suited to liquid foundation. It's also the only brush I have that can apply bronzer all over my face to darken my skin tone if the foundation I've put on is too light. It works amazingly well for a more soft, seamlessly blended contour along the cheekbones and sides of the face. It's also great for powdering in general, either to mattify the skin or to set your makeup with an illuminating finishing powder. It's one of the softest, if not the softest brush I own. I wish this brush was sold individually, but it came from a limited edition set so it's definitely one to treasure.

Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Brilliant Bronze
When the very sweet Tram thoughtfully sent me a brand spankin' new one of these discontinued pencils (along with a Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Creamsicle and an adorable hand-written card!), I finally felt I could go back to using my existing one which I'd been saving and rationing so I wouldn't finish it up too quickly. I find it warmer and richer in colour than the Australis 10 Hour Waterproof Eye Pencil in Bombastic Bronze that was my previous go-to, and it just edges out the Australis in staying power as well.

Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator
I didn't touch this exfoliator for a long period of time after I initially bought it, but this month I made a concerted effort to pop this in my shower caddy and use it regularly. It's a truly gorgeous product. Since I always use this in the shower, it can lose its creaminess and get a bit watery if diluted, but it feels soothing, calming and nourishing, and leaves the skin cleaner and never tight or dry. Exfoliation is essential to any skin care routine, and without any chemical exfoliant to play around with at the moment, this Antipodes is serving me well. It's extremely gentle (you can barely feel the jojoba beads on your skin) so it can be used daily, though I prefer to use it every second day. The mild sweet orange scent is super nice and I love the fancy toothpaste packaging as well. Every time I use this, I think to myself ... would I pay $42 for this? I scored this as a gift with purchase for spending $39 or more on an Antipodes skin care set at David Jones late last year. It would've been absolutely crazy to me to spend that much on an exfoliator, but the more I use this, the more I entertain the prospect of repurchasing.

l-r: Lancôme Baume in Love in 130, Savvy by DB Brilliant Bronze, NARS Kalahari

Face, Body and Hands

This year, along with the Beauty Bag, Priceline has also released both a hair and skin care bag. I passed up on the hair one (mainly because I don’t do anything with my hair except wash it every couple of days and spray some dry shampoo in between washes), but this skin care one was just so stuffed with goodies, I couldn't resist. In order to claim one, you need to spend $50 on skin care across the participating brands (which include Avene, Dove, Neutrogena, Nivea, Sukin, Biore, Vaseline, Palmer’s, Yes To Carrots and others).

My bag contained 20 items housed in a Models Prefer black patent mock croc tote. There’s all the skin care I need for the next couple of years in here. Body lotion, hand cream, face cream, face treatments, face masks, face mist, blemish sticks, cleanser, facial towelettes, perfumed deodorant and sunscreen. Granted, I probably wouldn’t actively go out and buy any of the contents (except maybe the Avene Thermal Spring Water), but I guess that’s the appeal of a freebie bag: being able to sample so many full-sized products that I normally wouldn’t purchase.

Here’s what’s inside (and my thoughts on a few):

Apivita Express Beauty Mask With Carrot

Avene Thermal Spring Water (50ml)
It’s really just water (and nitrogen) in a can, but somehow I kind of love it. Spritzed on, it feels genuinely refreshing and calming, and adds a touch of dewiness to the skin if used as a makeup setting spray. The nozzle is a thing of wonder because it disperses a truly fine mist.

Biore Clean Things Up Gel Cleanser

Dove Silky Nourishment Body Cream

Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil Aerosol
This is an oil in an aerosol that you can use on either your face or body. It claims to moisturise dry skin and minimise scarring, stretch marks, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. I’m not convinced about rubbing oil into my face, but it doesn’t seem any greasier than a rich cream, so we’ll see how it goes.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
Pleased about the inclusion of this because I’m lacking a good sunscreen. It’s something that I usually neglect as an individual step (relying instead on the SPF in my day cream), because sunscreens I’ve tried are usually greasy, chalky and leave a white cast. But this one feels light and non-greasy, like I could substitute it for my daily moisturiser.

Nivea Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream
Pretty standard hand cream infused with the Nivea Crème smell, which I find unpleasantly pungent and overpowering.

OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel
I just realised it says at the top “engineered for male skin”. You’re supposed to apply the gel directly from the tube at the first sign of a spot appearing. I've been having minor breakouts fairly consistently, so I'm curious to see if this will work the next time I get a pimple (which can't be too far off).

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Fragrance Free Body Lotion
I wouldn’t say this is completely fragrance free, it smells like a much lighter version of the rich, buttery and chocolatey original. I don’t mind the scent of the normal one, but this fragrance-free version seems a bit fresher and lighter.

Playboy Play It Rock Body Spray
Not a fan of the scent. I sprayed it on my hand to test it and then wished I hadn't.

Pure Therapy Intensive Moisture Repair Gel
Not sure how much use I’d get from this as it’s a treatment for those with very dry and flaky skin.

Puretopia Glowingly Smooth Body Polish

Softlips Vanilla SPF 20

Skinvitals Hydraflex Flex-Cloth Face Mask

Sukin Facial Moisturiser (125ml)
I have a 50ml bottle which was another freebie. Wish it had SPF because then I could use it as my daily moisturiser. Otherwise, I sometimes use this at night, but it’s not my preferred choice. I like the feeling of my skin drinking up moisture from my cream (especially in winter), but this is quite watery and light.

U Little Beauty Hand Cream

Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh SPF 15 Daily Light Lotion

Witch Blemish Stick
Same purpose as the OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel but in the form of a stick rather than a gel, and with witch hazel.

Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes
I’ve heard good things about these towelettes and they’re also an Allure Best of Beauty 2011 Award winner, so I’m looking forward to trying them out.