Best of 2017

I haven't been inspired to do a yearly favourites in a couple of years, but felt motivated to put together something this year. Maybe because it dawned on me I've now been blogging for 6 years (craaaayyy, even with the significant drop in posts from 2016), maybe after reducing my exposure to a relentless reel of influencers' monthly favourites, hearing about what people have been enjoying and reaching for is genuinely interesting again, maybe because at the end of the day, I still just really like makeup, skin care, candles, fragrances, the whole shebang. I had a look through my blog posts, Instagram, and stuff lying around at home, and picked up the following 11 products as my standouts of 2017.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi
Might as well say it. This is my favourite lip colour. The shade is perfection to me for a natural, beautifying, effortless pout. I even bought a backup because when you've found the one, you don't ever want to be without.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Seduction
A close second to Abu Dhabi, Seduction is a touch pinker and darker. Very similar texture, application and feel on the lips, which is to say it's soft, velvety, and gives the polish and relative longevity of a matte without sucking all the moisture from the lips. Full review here.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer
Haven't stopped using this since it came into my life. I went from skipping/total disinterest in bronzer for at least half a year (only using blush or a bronzer/blush hybrid like NARS Madly or Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve) to using this with my Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt brush daily. It's so smooth, virtually blends itself, the shade isn't too dark so it's tricky to work with but pigmented enough that definition is easy to achieve. The colour is just the right mix of warmth for that summery, healthy glow and shadow for a believable contour.

Clinique Cheek Pop in Nude Pop
Just the perfect, everyday, neutral peachy-nude blush. The cheek equivalent of NYX Abu Dhabi. Goes with everything, instantly lifts a dull, tired complexion and makes you look fresh and alive. Creamy, non-powdery, satin texture that looks lit-from-within. Works a treat with the Morphe E4 patted up and down the cheekbones and onto the apples of the cheeks.

Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color in Night
This is one of those somewhat boring, unsexy products that I use all the time and haven't encountered a better version of. A fat, jet black, matte crayon like this is a great tool for monolids since it can draw a thick line quickly. I first do a winged liner with a fine, felt tip/brush eyeliner like Maybelline HyperSharp Wing Liquid Liner, then use this when I want to thicken and even out the shape my eyeliner from the inner corner to the beginning of the wing, giving the appearance of more rounded, larger eyes. The staying power is absolutely phenomenal. On the couple of times I've been naughty and slept in my makeup, pretty much everything is gone the morning after but this.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in My Two Cents
I've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in Bette for forever, but why would I spend $44 (not even including shipping) on it when I have My Two Cents? This is the perfect shimmering goldy-bronze on light-to-medium skin tones. On days I wear contacts, this is my go-to cream shadow paired with Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze. I even picked this My Two Cents/Bad Girl Bronze combo for my eye makeup to an interstate wedding. Never fails.

l-r: NYX Abu Dhabi, Revlon Seduction, Clinique Nude Pop, Benefit My Two Cents, Physicians Formula Bronzer, Nudestix Night

Laura Mercier Fall in Love Illuminator Collection
I've been meaning to do a review of this for ages, but since it was limited edition from late last year, I felt there was kind of no point. I thank my lucky stars every time I use this that I took the plunge and purchased it, because usually I shy away from expensive items. This houses 4 of their highlighters in the shades Indiscretion (rose gold), Addiction (more conventional yellow gold), Devotion (an icy purplish shade) and Seduction (bronze). I usually go for Indiscretion or Devotion, as Addiction is a bit boring to me (still beautiful though) and Seduction is way too dark for a highlighter (great for eyeshadow/workable as shimmery bronzer). They are a drier, more gelée type formula (what I recall/imagine ABH So Hollywood to be like), and don't emphasise skin texture or pores. They don't go on extremely blinding at first instance, so can be built up to desired intensity. Best of all, I really do like that there's a bit of glitter in the mix. I just think it makes the shades that touch more interesting and eye-catching.

l-r: Indiscretion, Addiction, Devotion, Seduction

Tarte Tartelette in Bloom
At the beginning of the year, I was debating between Tartelette in Bloom and Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance. The latter was sold out, so deciding which to buy came down to the one that wasn't out of stock. I ended up buying Modern Renaissance at the tail end of the year thinking I *needed* it, and now I can definitively say I prefer Tartelette in Bloom. Why? Simply, the colours. In the mornings when I'm doing my makeup for work, I don't really gravitate toward bright/dark pinks, reds and vibrant oranges. The rest of Modern Renaissance is also cool-toned (read: muddy and dull on my lids). But almost every shade in Tartelette in Bloom is flattering, office-friendly and foolproof. It's a complete palette with smooth, pigmented shadows that are a breeze to blend. Full review here.

Too Faced Hangover Primer
A fairly recent find given I only bought this in September, but I think I've finally found the primer for me. I don't think it does much in terms of oil control or improving longevity of your base, but it does create a more moisturised, plump, soothed canvas for your foundation to go on. On good skin days, coupled with this primer, my skin looks positively glowing and baby smooth. The coconut scent is delish, it's a pleasure to use and feels like a treat on the skin.

Crabtree & Evelyn Spiced Earl Grey Hand Therapy
Truly one of my favourite discoveries of 2017. The travel size lives in my makeup bag. I loved the tester so much in the shop I also bought the 100ml, but gifted that my mother. I'll have to resort to eBay to replenish my stock since this was sadly limited edition from last Christmas. I wish they would bottle the scent in a perfume. The smell is exactly as the name suggests. I didn't think earl grey in a hand cream could be done this right, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.

Gucci Bloom EDP
My current scent obsession. I can't even remember the last time I purchased a 100ml bottle of perfume (from a department store at that, not even Priceline/Chemist Warehouse/online), but it's a testament to how much I lurrrvee it. I also have the body lotion and rollerball, so I can live out my dreams and douse myself in the stuff. It's a somewhat old fashioned white floral that's been reimagined in a modern way. I like that it's not too dry or green on my skin, with a certain sweetness and creaminess that's been missing in other white florals I own (Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, Kai perfume oil). The dreamy ad campaign with Dakota Johnson, the millennial pink bottle, I'm a sucker for it all.

Winter Workers

Come this time of the year, I get lazier and lazier when it comes to skin care and makeup. My constitution is not built to withstand the cold. In the mornings, I can barely get myself out of the warm cocoon of my bed, let alone be bothered to wash my face and slap on makeup. At night, I need the simplest and most efficient way to get rid of the day's gunk and hydrate my face so it's not completely ravaged by winter. Here are the products I've been relying on to work their magic.

I'm a real beauty blogger, mom! Marble surfaces!

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
After literally years of hearing about this cleanser, I'm finally using it. It's okay. I'll give it 7/10. Slightly better than a lukewarm reception, but not undying love. I prefer Radical Hydrating Cleanser. It reminds me of a version of Dr Lewinn's Multi-Moisture Balm (also a distinctive orange colour) that can be washed off. It has a thin, oily texture that emulsifies when mixed with water. My face doesn't feel dry or tight after patting dry with a cloth, but it doesn't feel super plump and moisturised either.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream
Had a 8.9g sample from the First Class Flirts Travel Set which I've used up. This did the trick in keeping my face pretty happy during the day after cleansing in the morning. It's super rich but not greasy. The only downside is its overpowering scent of chemicals and apples, like a high octane, somewhat putrid variant of Ralph Lauren Ralph. Still, once it's applied to the face, it feels like a smoothing, emollient layer between the skin and foundation. I noticed when I used this as my daily moisturiser, my face showed no signs of the dryness and flakiness that comes hand in hand with winter.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips
Nothing much to harp on about except to say this is a solid, effective lip balm. Instant soothing relief for chapped lips. Doesn't sting (no menthol), not oily like Vaseline, not ultra matte like Nuxe Rêve de Miel (still has some slip). I can see this being multipurpose — you could definitely use it on dry patches on the skin or even as a hand cream if desperate.

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask
One of my all-time favourite moisturisers (I don't use it as a mask). Currently I use it as a night cream, though I could easily use it for the daytime as well. Texture is superb, absorbs super well, feels immediately moisturising on a deep, satisfying level, never balls up when you apply it or otherwise acts up. Just perfection.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask
Mainly trying to use this up as I received this 30ml tube as a gift with purchase in late 2013. I alternate with the Avene as my night cream, after getting off all my makeup in the shower with Muji Cleansing Oil (which I'm increasingly disliking, mainly because once it's anywhere near the eyes, it stings and irritates). This one takes a bit more effort and time to thoroughly work into the skin, and isn't as hydrating as the Avene, but delivers similar results. Right now, I'm not using any other serums, face oils, or masks, I skip all toners and chemical exfoliation, just cleanse with an oil and apply this or the Avene at night. My drastically pared down routine has been working fine for me even in the thick of winter.

Weleda Skin Food
Possibly the richest cream I've encountered, and I say that in the best way possible. Wouldn't recommend for the face, but it's an amazing hand cream (though needs to be used sparingly if you don't want greasy fingers). Perhaps better as an overnight hand or foot treatment to avoid transfer. Botanical scent is heaven and very reminiscent of higher end skin care brands like Aesop.

NARS Madly
I've come around from my initial 'meh' review of this blush. Madly applied with my Morphe E4 is a lifesaver these days. 99% of the time in the frigid, dim mornings I can't be bothered with separate contouring or bronzing, so it works well as a matte all-in-one bronzer/contour/blush. It instantly enlivens the complexion and is an invaluable time-saver. The neutral shade also works with anything and looks natural while still injecting colour into the face.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige
Another product I initially wasn't that into, but I've since warmed up to considerably. Lately, I've been favouring a vastly simplified, minimal makeup approach. I used to use at least two eyeshadows (one for the lid, then a deeper shade concentrated closer to the lash line and blended up and out for a subtly smoked out look), but now I stick to just the lid shade. I like the matte quality of Creamy Beige for sophisticated, office-friendly, subdued definition, though if you really scrutinise, it is slightly satin. I used to think it was still too cool-toned for my colouring, but I've been finding it more neutral-toned the more I wear it. It's quick and easy to apply with the fingers, lasts all day and doesn't crease or fade. Swatch and original review here.

January Favourites

Monthly favourites posts can be a chore to write (mainly because my enthusiasm for something earlier in the month usually has diminished by the end of it), but I find them to be the best chronicle of my relationship with makeup over time. There's something inherently worthwhile in bringing together in one post what I consistently reached for, enjoyed and appreciated, discovered or re-discovered in the preceding month. Reading back on old favourites posts always evokes memories of that particular point in time and reminds me of products in my stash I previously loved but may have since forgotten. This month, I was focused on substituting things I wanted to buy with what I already owned, paying more attention to unloved high end products, and unearthing a couple of olfactory gems.

Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Shimmering Slate
A theme I'm attempting to stick to this year is using up stuff. Sure, I completely failed at my no-buy list, but the main point is remaining conscious of reducing excess and appreciating/utilising what I have. This eyeliner has long been a favourite, and after a concerted effort to use it most mornings, I'm now half-way finished with the last of several backups I purchased 3 years ago. That actually makes me kind of sad, since it's a damn good pencil. Very smooth and creamy, very opaque, stays on and lasts the whole day. What more I could ask for.

Napoleon Perdis Ultimate Contour Palette
Well specifically, the highlight shade. How on earth did I forget or never properly notice in the first place how phenomenal it is? What I love about it: a) it is the smoothest, soft but not powdery, most finely milled powder that basically blends itself (seriously, one swipe with my Real Techniques Setting Brush and I have cheekbones) b) it's not too yellow/orange or too white/silvery, but a beautiful pink-tinged opal c) it's powerfully luminising, sits beautifully on the skin and isn't overly frosty or too subtle d) it doesn't fade or wear off completely by the end of the day. This is up, UP there with the best of the best, including Dior Amber Diamond, Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème in Rose Gold and theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, and dare I say it, my current #1 out of them all.

Shay and Blue Salt Caramel
I was not intending to buy this, but so incredible was the smell, I was hopelessly hooked within minutes of first sniffing it at David Jones. It pained me to shell out $60 for 30ml, but I didn't want to be in the position of going home empty-handed and regretting it because in Kylie Minogue style, I couldn't get it out of my head. For those that follow me on Instagram, you may have already heard me wax lyrical about the smell. It's intensely buttery, almost popcorn/nutty, toffee-ish but somehow not cloying or artificial, with a sea salt note that cuts through and adds character and interest. Wear it and be a walking dessert.

MOZI Gardenia Hand Cream
Gardenia, you say? Sign me up. I love anything gardenia and am constantly seeking a good gardenia-scented product or perfume, so when I spotted this hand cream at Myer before Christmas, I had to try the sample. I adored both the delicate floral fragrance and the nourishing cream itself, but was hesitant to pay $30 for a 100ml tube. You can imagine just how thrilled I was then, to discover it on sale in early January. I believe this is a limited edition product (sob) and it was the very last one, so tell me that ain't fate.

Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator
I've had this for an eternity but never used it, despite having opened the tube. I was contemplating just chucking it out (mainly because I was paranoid it would cause me to break out), but was primarily motivated to dig it out and give it a go after convincing myself of its similarities to Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow. It probably isn't anything like it, but a close enough substitution to satiate my immediate curiosity. I had fun experimenting with a multi-purpose, subtly glowing, golden liquid highlighter. I liked mixing it with my moisturiser, almost like a radiance-boosting primer, then using it again on the high points of my face before applying foundation.

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder
This is one of those products that I lament not reaching for more. There's nothing wrong with it, but I find it takes a bit longer to slap on than liquid foundation — not ideal when I'm in a rush in the mornings. It's also a tad unpredictable, in that I can never know when I'll apply it too thickly and appear oddly white in sunlight or under flash photography. It's also super fiddly and powder gets everywhere when I'm unscrewing the cap or tipping a bit of the powder into the lid so I don't overload my brush.

All those quibbles aside, this powder is top stuff. I can be assured it doesn't break me out, it has excellent coverage, the finish is radiant without being greasy or shiny, and it controls oil better than most foundations. Some days I simply don't want to bother with liquid foundation, BB creams or tinted moisturisers — generally just anything wet. That's when I'm glad I have this. I can use it all over my face, including over my eyelids, and it doesn't leave my skin tacky or damp. It truly feels weightless and blends seamlessly into the skin with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (though I usually go over with my fingers to get rid of any remnant cakiness). I had reservations that the shade Real Sand was slightly too light for me, but the effect is moderated by applying a relatively thin layer and adding bronzer/blush. Failing that, there's always Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light to tone down any excess paleness.

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.

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.

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.

June Favourites

I skipped May, but here are my favoured products for June. I haven't included any eyeshadow, foundation or make up brushes, because those have remained fairly constant over the past few months. For my foundation, I've been alternating between Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation (applied with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush). I've been largely uninspired when it comes to eyeshadow, sticking to my usual bronze and taupes, mainly from my Urban Decay Naked palettes or Sleek Storm palette. I'm still loving Essence Pas Des Copper, L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadow in Sahara Treasure and HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Electrified.

l-r: NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural, Bloom Sheer Colour Cream in Coy

Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme
Perfect for dry and brittle nails, I slather this on when my hands need instant and deep hydration. I usually concentrate a generous amount on each nail and rub the cream in. My skin drinks it up, leaving my hands softer and moisturised. Smells like orange Tic Tac.

Avène Thermal Spring Water
If you can get over the fact you're paying for water in a can, a misting of this over your face is soothing, calming and refreshing. Spray it bare-faced, after hair removal, or on top of makeup for a dewy finish or quick pick-me-up during the day.

Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black
I neglected this for a while in favour of my Essence gel liner in BBC All Night Brown, or Essence Kajal Pencil in Teddy (with a touch of Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Brilliant Bronze), but came back to it this month. I lightly dip my Ecotools Angled Eyeliner brush into the pot, only picking up the smallest amount, and apply this to my lower lashline for subtle but effective definition.

Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect Mascara
I hated this mascara when I first tried it because it clumped like crazy and smeared all over the place. I've found the trick is to apply a first coat without turning on the rotating wand, and then a second coat with it on. It doesn't length or curl as well as Maybelline Define-A-Lash, but it thickens and voluminises well, and is very black, which is always a plus.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
I don't know how I painted my nails before this. It's an incredible product. You apply it to the nails when they're about 65% dry and within a few minutes, you can more or less go about your business without worrying about denting, smearing or smudging. It also makes nail polish last longer and imparts a super glossy, smooth finish.

Bloom Sheer Colour Cream in Coy
I bought this during Easter, thinking I'd use it primarily as a blush, but surprisingly I've been liking this more as a lip colour. It's not the most moisturising product, so I do have to use balm before and after, but it gives the kind of pastel peachy pink lip I'm always trying to find in the form of a lipstick.

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural
I only have one NYX cream blush, but if my experience with Natural is anything to go by, I need more. This is very pigmented and soft and creamy in texture. It's easily blendable but not greasy when applied. I usually dot a small amount on my cheeks and then use my Ecotools baby kabuki to blend.

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.

Coming Up Peaches

Tony Moly Peach Anti-aging Hand Cream is a delightful and unique product. Packaged in a realistic plastic peach exterior, you twist the top off to reveal a white, peach-scented hand cream inside. Aside from the novelty factor (which is guaranteed to reel me in), the cream itself is highly moisturising and smells of sweet, juicy peaches. You can collect a whole fruit basket of other Tony Moly products with the cherry, blueberry, tangerine, red apple, green apple and tomato. I've seen the peach hand cream available at Morning Glory for $10, otherwise, you can purchase them online.

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.