Olive Green and the Power of Compliments

Years ago when I was an undergraduate at university, I walked into an afternoon tutorial on an average Wednesday rugged up in a big scarf and with my bag heaving with a new stack of library books. The lady running the tutorial at the time is a local author and she stopped speaking to compliment my makeup and ask me where I was heading after class! The quickest and most simple compliment (I was heading home to read after class!) stuck with me for all these years, and subsequently every time I wear olive green or khaki eyeshadow I'm reminded of that moment and it makes me smile. It also reminds me that if you think a nice thought while out and about, it's often worth saying something to the person, it could make their day! I often throw quick (genuine!) compliments if I see someone wearing something lovely and some may think me strange, but I'm happy to take the risk so that they have a chance at that lovely feeling that I had years ago. Here are some of my favourite olive toned shades that I love to wear (not including the MAC shade I was actually wearing for that tutorial, Mink & Sable!)

-MAC Cosmetics 'Grand Entrance' from the Intriguing Scarlet Warm Eyes Palette (MAC Passions of Red collection, 2008)

-Chanel Illusion D'Ombre '84 Epatant'

-Prestige Total Intensity shadow 'Bewitched'

-Inglot Eyeshadow Pearl '419'

-Lancôme Ombre Hypnose 'Erika F'

-Colourpop Super Shock Shadow 'Hammered'

-Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Crayon 'Urban Camouflage'

Swatches! MAC, Chanel, Prestige, Inglot, Rimmel, Colourpop, Lancome

Have you ever given someone you don't know well a compliment? Or have you been given one yourself?
Are you a fan of green shades like the ones I've shared today?
-Emma 

L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub Review

As much as I adore luxe skincare, sometimes I love finding an affordable staple that comes from a solid brand even more! I have recently finished this 150ml tube of L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub which promises to exfoliate, smooth and cleanse the skin. It's targeted towards combination to oily skin, and even though my skin is closer to dry/normal I found it really worked for me at scrubbing as a second cleanse type of product. I did find the 3 pure clays (Kaolin, Montmorillonite & Ghassoul) took some moisture from my skin (as clays should!) but as long as I made sure to moisturise properly post-cleanse it wasn't an issue for me.

I enjoyed the smell of this scrub and it reminded me of having a spa treatment done, luxuriously pampering (which lets be honest, is as close as I'm going to get at the moment!) It's often on sale at Priceline and the full price is only $14.99 anyway, which means it fits into my budget easily, and the tube lasted a really long time so the value was brilliant.

Overall I would repurchase this scrub, and will once I finish up trying out the other L'Oreal face products I bought alongside this one.

-Emma

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

My skincare weaknesses would have to be facial cleansers, scrubs and masks - the three products that make the biggest difference to my complexion. I have a good collection of all 3 but masks are the most fun - a bit of a pamper and a good shot of somethin' somethin' for my mug. My favourite kind of mask is an overnight one that you don't have to rinse off (definitely perfect for my new Mum status!) and alongside the popular Origins Drink-Up Overnight Mask is another true skincare star, Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask*.

The scent of this product is so luxurious and I literally inhale and sigh every time I use it, so it makes for a really nice (yet quick!) home spa kind of experience. It's a deep and heady rose scent, and the mask is a thick cream style that I actually prefer to use lightly as an overnight face mask rather than applying it thickly and removing the excess. With a thinner layer overnight I find the mask has lasted such a long time and I haven't had an issue with residue, and I really like waking up with glowier, plumper skin for hardly any effort. The Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is targeted as an anti-aging 'Instant Youth' product, but that isn't something I need yet I still adore the hydrating, plumping and smoothing it provides.

I looked up this mask while preparing this post and was impressed to see that it's the top seller in France and loved by celebrities like Lara Worthington, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone among others, but I've been using it without being aware of it's popularity which is actually quite nice. I have also been using it without being aware of the price tag - I knew Sisley was a luxury brand and that I love all of the products I've tried from them, and it indeed feels like a high quality mask and not one to disregard when it comes to quality...and so I now know that it's $180 AUD. This makes me glad that I prefer to use it lightly as an overnight mask!

What are your favourite types of face masks?
What is the most you've spent on skincare? Was it a product, a facial or a whole regime set?
Emma x

*Product provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

My Priceline 50% Off Haul

I've been patiently waiting for the Priceline 50% haircare sale to roll around, and it is finally on! It ends at midnight tonight (Friday 13th of October) and began yesterday morning, so I popped in last night before I did my groceries to stock up. I quickly perused the makeup section before heading to the busiest aisles and was pleased to see Bourjois was half price during this promotion also, and took the opportunity to grab another new release colour from their Rouge Edition Velvet line, the bright orange-red '20 Poppy Days' ($12 AUD)

The main drawcard for me was my beloved Cedel Anti-Dandruff Medicated Shampoo - glamorous it is not, but it is the only shampoo I can use and is rarely discounted anywhere! I bought 5 bottles at $2.74 each for my stockpile (especially handy since I am now on maternity leave!) I grabbed two bottles of Batiste dry shampoo which I feel will be a new-Mum necessity (in the scents Eden and Sweetie, $4.99 ea for 200ml) and my favourite Dove Intensive Repair Treatment Mask ($3.99 for 200ml) I also picked up two conditioners I am yet to try, the Herbal Essences None of Your Frizziness Conditioner with Mandarin Orange Fragrance ($2.74 for 300ml) and the newly released L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Conditioner ($2.97 for 250ml) How pretty is the L'Oreal packaging?!

My total haul came to $45.38 and I then used my $3.93 Quarterly Rewards to bring my cost to $41.45. I'm pleased with everything I grabbed and happy to have stocked up before baby girl's big arrival! 

Did you grab anything in this Priceline sale, or are you heading in today to pick something up? How do you feel about Priceline not sending out physical vouchers anymore?

-Emma x

Currently

It still feels surreal that I'm off work on maternity leave now and in the final stages of preparing my life and home for the little bundle that will be joining us shortly. Life has been a whirlwind of baby shower planning, tying up loose ends and trying to get the nursery completed before all of the real excitement begins, which became more challenging with the addition of lots of baby gifts from all of the lovely ladies in my life at said baby shower! 

One of the beautiful gifts from my baby shower!

Book
I'm still working my way through What To Expect When You're Expecting, but have also been reading fiction novels centered around mother's groups! Parenting and the dynamics of motherhood obviously fascinates me at the moment but hopefully my own antenatal group will be filled with a lot less drama than the ones I've been reading.
Music
Mr and I have only just come to understand the beauty that is Spotify Premium, so we've been listening to all of our old favourites like Ying Yang Twinz, T Pain, T.I and random rap mixes. We're trying to work out how to go about listening to our favourite style of music with an infant in the house...definitely not child-appropriate lyrics there!

TV
I put the call out on Twitter a week or two ago to find some television series recommendations for binging on during maternity leave, but so far all I want to watch is One Born Every Minute UK, Midwives and am thinking of continuing on with Call The Midwife which I started ages ago. I get so obsessed with certain shows at different stages of my life - it was home shows for a while (still a reoccuring obsession) then wedding dress realities, and now we're onto baby-central viewing!
Perfume
I haven't been wearing perfume during this pregnancy as I've heard people have gone off their favourite scents that they wore while pregnant, and I would be devastated to fall out of love with Guerlain Champs Elysee etc! I've been wearing Bath & Body Works travel sized fragrance mists instead and adore them, but was recently sent the new Vera Wang Princess of Hearts and Katy Perry Indi and have cheekily worn them quite a few times now - nice and sweet, just how I like it!
Makeup
Peach tones that I showed in my most recent post, and I'm finally about to dive into the new Urban Decay Naked Heat palette that I bought during the pre-release but haven't even swatched yet!
Frequently Worn Outfit/Item
I've been rotating the same drawer full of maternity wear for what feels like forever now. I'm absolutely in love with having a bump but it sure does limit your wardrobe when you don't feel like splashing out for lots of new clothes that you can only wear for a short time...
Food
Right now I'm all about fruit, smoothies and cereal. Safe to say breakfast is definitely my favourite meal of the day...

Bane 
Though it might make me sound like a whiny child, my parents are overseas at the moment and this 9 week trip they are on is too long for me! Mumma Bovary is my best friend and there is only so much Facetiming we can do to fill the void - I'm fragile and need a Mum-hug right now! The third trimester has been a tricky one health-wise and it's taking all of my strength to get through the tough days without her by my side.
Joy
My baby shower was last weekend and it was lovely - silly games, extremely thoughtful sweet gifts for my baby girl and I felt really nice and feminine in a flowy floral dress. It left me utterly exhausted though so I'm happy to be able to focus on the upcoming arrival of the little princess instead of party planning.

Anticipation
Definitely the birth of baby girl - she isn't technically due until November but it seems she will be making an appearance a bit earlier than we intended, so I am looking forward to starting this new adventure and finally meeting her! As I type she has the hiccups and is making my whole belly twitch - I'm going to miss feeling things like that when she makes her official entrance into the world.

Wishlist
I've actually started a Christmas wishlist, very early in an attempt to be organised before I slip into a foggy Mum-daze! I think my main wishes at the moment though are for my Mum and Dad to return home (hopefully in time for the birth!) and for baby girl to arrive safely.

Random Thought
My brain is very baby-centric at the moment - sorry if I've bored you here - but I think it's to be expected this late in the game!



How is your October going so far? 
Emma x

(List taken from this post!)

Spring Peaches

It finally feels like spring is actually upon us, and I've been taking advantage by spending as much time as I can outside with the dogs and soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D! Being heavily pregnant has meant walks are short and very tiring so I've just been popping a chair in the garden and letting the boys run around while I relax- never have I appreciated our front fence more! The fresh air has been lifting my spirits and I've also gotten some reading done which has been lovely. I was also inspired to dig through my makeup drawers a little and came up with some products I haven't used in a while to freshen up my everyday look - I was very much drawn to peach tones! 

The Too Faced Sweet Peach palette has a lot of mixed reviews from what I've seen online, but I really like it and appreciate that there are some easy to wear neutral shades in it that I can just throw on when I'm tired. I do wish the green shade shone through more when I put it on my lids but it's still lovely and I've been getting a fair bit of use from it lately. I also pulled out my favourite peachy gloss Revlon Pango Peach which I adore as I don't need a mirror to apply it, which makes it so easy to reapply while I'm out and about. Possibly the most exciting additions to my routine are MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque (which never fails to remind me of Ingrid Nilsen aka Miss Glamorazzi, who introduced me to the shade on her YouTube channel!) and MAC Springsheen Blush which is a darker orange-peach shade. I haven't bought anything from MAC in the longest time but have been enjoying exploring my old favourites from the brand - such a throwback! 

Have you thrown anything new into your routine with the change in weather? When is the last time you purchased from MAC?

-Emma 

My Current Cheek Rotation ft. Hourglass, Too Faced, MAC + more

Over the last few months I tried to push myself out of my Chanel Joues Contraste blush rut (my love for that product is strong, you guys!) in an effort to rotate through my large blush collection. These are the products I've primarily reached for through that time and I have to say that I've been enjoying it - but that I'll always return to Chanel for a good blush rush.

Blushes and palettes are two of my favourite things, so it makes sense that I adore the idea of a blush palette! My current favourite and most used palette is the Too Faced Love Flush Blush wardrobe and I've worn each colour at least once over the last little while. The other blush palette is the Hourglass Ambient Light Blush Palette which I took up to Queensland for our week away, and I'm happy to say that while there I used all of these shades at least once as well. I really like the glowy effect that the Hourglass cheek powders give to the skin and I think those who like a natural but luminous finish would really appreciate these. It kind of takes the need for highlighter away which I like during the day, but I amp up the glow for any special occasion or night out with TheBalm's Mary Lou Manizer, which deserves all of the hype it receives from the beauty community.

Something different that I've been popping on my face lately has been bronzer - I go through stages with wearing bronzer and the lead up to our 'beach holiday' (which ended up being a bit chilly if I'm honest!) I was wearing The Body Shop Honeycomb bronzer every day in excitement for a week away. I love how light and easy to apply this product is, I use it to sculpt my cheeks (which I really need right now, pregnancy puff is real!) as well as give overall warmth to my pale complexion. Two other blushes that have been getting some love are neutrals (surprise, surprise!) Benefit Dallas boxed blush is super pigmented and though I always try to use a light hand with it I always end up buffing it afterwards to tone down the colour. It's a gorgeous though and that perfect bronzer/blush combination shade that I adore. A more pink-toned neutral is MAC Poised which is a staple of mine, it's just an easy colour to throw on if you don't want to put much thought into pairing shades or matching a certain makeup look. 

What cheek products are you currently loving?

Emma x

2017 Quarterly Empties - Quarter One and Two

I'm forging ahead with my quarterly empties efforts but have two lumped in together for this post, covering the first half of the year. Being pregnant threw off my brain a little bit but I kept all of my empties for this late post! I'm definitely buying a lot less than I used to and finishing/giving away products more often so I think a pared down stash is becoming more possible for me than ever before.

 HAIR

Still very boring in the hair stakes over here, I'm loving the Cedel shampoo as it really does soothe my scalp and I'm planning on stockpiling it for later on. I also really liked the L'Oreal conditioner as it left my hair really soft and the packaging is gorgeous.

 

Would repurchase: Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, Cedel Anti-Dandruff Medicated Shampoo, L'Oreal Elvive Volume Collagen Conditioner

Probably wouldn't repurchase: Garnier Fructis Instant Melt-In Mask, Awapuhi Mango Moisturising Conditioner

  

MAKEUP 

I'm really pleased to have finished the MAC MSFN and enjoyed using it, but I'm interested in trying out other powders once I've rotated through all the ones I've hoarded in my makeup drawers over the years. Right now I'm back onto an old Maybelline Dream Matte powder (remember those?!) that needs to be finished and is showing some major pan. The gel eyeliner dried up and the lip crayon sadly fell apart soon after purchase, and I'm not going to bother trying to depot it or anything like that so out it goes. 

Would repurchase: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural, essence Gel Eyeliner, Skindinavia makeup Finishing Spray, Max Factor Masterpiece Glamour Extensions Mascara*

Probably wouldn't repurchase: Face of Australia Sundae Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon

SHOWER

Those Palmolive body butter body washes are decadent and smell amazing, despite the confusing name. Peppermint Crush is just stunning and I want to get a bottle to use in the festive season this year! I made an effort to pull out some travel sized shower gels to show them some love rather than hoarding them away - I used the Sweet Magnolia and Clementine while in Queensland and it was lovely. The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea collection was nice to use, and while the Grown Alchemist Pearl, Peppermint & Ylang Ylang body exfoliant comes in a stunning metal tube but I just found it a bit too tricky to squeeze out each time I showered.

Would repurchase: Palmolive body washes, Original Source shower gels, Bath & Body Works shower gels, The Body Shop shower gels, Priceline Body Scrub (sadly discontinued)  

Probably wouldn't repurchase: The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub (not scrubby enough for me) Grown Alchemist Pearl Peppermint & Ylang Ylang Body Exfoliant

 FRAGRANCE 

Loved everything Mr and I used up in this category - both of the male products were nice and didn't annoy my sensitive pregnant nose, and I thoroughly enjoyed using the body spray as well as the beautiful Vivienne Westwood perfume (that packaging though, swoon!)

Would repurchase: Old Spice Denali Body Spray, Ralph Lauren Polo Blue*, Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascan Vanilla Fragrance Mist, Vivienne Westwood Flirty Alice perfume*

 SKINCARE

I was impressed by so many of these products - the L'Oreal moisturiser was so luxe and reminiscent of Lancome products in so many ways, and I unexpectedly fell for the La Clinica Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil which my skin just adored. It smelt quite strongly of a florist which put me off at first, but the effect on the skin was unbeatable and I will definitely be looking into buying this product down the line. I used up the small tub of The Body Shop body butter as my first foray into tummy moisturisation after purchasing a gift set at a thrift store (hence all of the Fuji products in this post!)

Would repurchase: L'Oreal Skin Perfection Moisturiser, La Clinica Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil*, The Body Shop Body Butter (probably in a different scent next time though) Origins Modern Friction, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Probably wouldn't repurchase: Dove Go Fresh Face Cleanser*, Burt's Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser with Royal Jelly*, Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes*, Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk

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Glad to have finally posted these empties, now to continue making my way through some more products to whittle down my stash and try new things! 

Emma x

*Products provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

The May Makeup Bag

May felt like a whirlwind for me, and I relied on a stack of beauty products to keep me looking somewhat presentable as I tried to stay awake without taking a nap everyday! While in Queensland I kept my makeup low-key as none of the family on my husband's side indulge in beauty products, but the other three weeks it was business as usual with a lot more concealer piled on out of necessity.

I'm still testing out the Morphe 35T palette despite receiving it as a gift for Christmas last year...some days I adore it, and others I'm frustrated that the shade in the pan is nothing like what the shadow actually looks like on my eyelids! I'm also fond of palettes with named shades which this lacks, but I still think this bad boy was worth the money and have been dipping into new colours almost every morning on top of my MAC Painterly Paint Pot. I've also been using my sample of Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara that came in a Beauty Loop box from Mecca Maxima - love how long those little tubes last!

Base seemed to be the usual suspects in May - I've repurchased my Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer and always have a tube of Rimmel BB Cream Matte on the go (both were originally PR samples that ended up in my permanent rotation, love when that happens!) I've moved onto a new pressed powder to use up, the Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Waterproof Powder* which gives a bit of coverage on top of my liquid base which I like. My saviour in May was definitely my Clarins Instant Concealer*, my pregnancy hormones are out of control right now and I'm spottier than I've ever been so layering this high coverage concealer is making me feel less self-conscious about my skin. It's still driving me nuts though!

I've been rotating my blushes fairly well recently but my most used shades in May were definitely from this Too Faced Love Flush Blush palette - I've been loving how pigmented they are and I have been trying out a denser brush laid on the side to apply them, and I'm digging the effect! How Deep is Your Love and Love Hangover might take the cake as my favourite shades right now...

Lips have been pretty low key as they've been quite dry and chapped (and I had a horrible pimple followed by a horrible cold sore all in the one fortnight - thanks weakened immune system!) I've been using balms but have also had a stack of nude/MLBB lip liners stashed in my bag for a bit of definition - the ones pictured are Savvy by DB and essence but a whole range of others were worn in May.

So that's my May makeup bag done and dusted! I'm looking forward to throwing some new things into my June makeup bag to spice things up a bit.
Emma x

*Provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Some exciting news...

So happy to announce that Baby Bovary is due November 2017!

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It has been quite tricky to keep the news on the down low across social media but I'm so glad to be finally sharing this happy news with you all. I have documented so much of my personal life on this blog over the years, from dating Mr Bovary to buying a house and getting married, and this next exciting chapter is one I can't wait to document along the way. I'm now partway through my second trimester and am looking forward to (hopefully!) lots of baby related chats with fellow Mum's on my social media channels - but rest assured, beauty will still feature heavily as it always has. 

Emma x 

Twitter: emmabovaryblog

Instagram: emmabovary

 

Travel Sized Beauty

I may not be the worlds biggest jetsetter, but I do love squirreling away samples and travel sized products for short trips and even weekends away at the beach house. I was pleased with the itsy bitsy products I toted up to Queensland with me recently for a one week stay, so here is a round up of what they were!

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel - I've used up a full-size bottle of this in the past and have since repurchased, so before I went away I squeezed away to refill this sample tube that I got from Mecca Maxima. I love being able to use a good cleanser without having to bring the whole bottle with me!

Uriage Creme Lavante Nourishing and Cleansing Cream - A nice, simple fluid cream cleanser that was the perfect size to take away with me.

Bioderma Crealine H2O - The original micellar water, I love the different sizes these come in and for this trip I brought up the classic variety with the red lid. I used this to remove all of my makeup, and it does take a few swipes for the eye looks I prefer but worked a treat nevertheless.

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer - Love this stuff, a silicone primer that I use on the face where my pores stand out the most to smooth over them before I apply my foundation or BB cream.

Palmer's Massage Cream for Stretch Marks - I always try to take a small moisturiser away with me just in case, and even though I knew I was going to hit up Bath & Body Works I wanted this for the start of my trip so my skin stayed hydrated.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation (sample pot) - This little jar was originally a Mario Badescu skincare sample from Mecca Maxima but I cleaned it out and pumped a few days worth of my Too Faced foundation for the days I wanted higher coverage than my everyday BB cream and for nights out to dinner with everyone.

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How many products do you travel with? Do you bother with miniature things or just lug your regular routine with you?

-Emma x

Bath & Body Works Australia Haul

I just returned home from a family holiday in Queensland, and I took the opportunity to pick up a few travel sized bits and pieces from one of my very favourite stores, Bath & Body Works! There are currently two Australian stores open and one is at Chadstone shopping centre in Victoria which is accessible for me, but I only go there about once a year at most so am yet to visit. The other store is at Pacific Fair in Queensland, and since I've only ever bought this brand while on holiday it seemed fitting to continue the trend and treat myself to a few new scents! My favourite product from this store would have to be their fragrance mists, and I love grabbing the travel sized versions which are 88ml and last a long time. This time around I also picked up a travel sized body lotion, and they had a deal on with any 3 travel sized body products coming to $25 AUD, so this haul came to $50 AUD.

Pretty as a Peach
Blushing Peach, Jasmine Petals, White Nectarine, Apple Blossom, Sheer Freesia

Hello Beautiful
A petal-perfect blend of white gardenia, jasmine petals & magnolia blossom. 

Magic in the Air
A wondrous blend of almond flower, white iris & whipped vanilla.

Tutti Dolci - Golden Honey Praline
Cozy up to creamy caramel & praline musk drizzled in golden honey.

Tutti Dolci - White Mocha Kiss
Fall in love with rich vanilla mocha & coconut orchid wrapped in marshmallow crème.

Warm Vanilla Sugar 
Indulge in the cozy, irresistible scent of vanilla & sheer florals.

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Do you have a product you tend to only buy on holiday? What is your favourite body care brand?

Emma x

Flushed with Love - Romantic Makeup Look & Product Round Up

I'm in a very loved up state of mind at the moment - I've got the weddings of close friends coming up which I'm very excited about, and after being ill I've come to realise who truly loves and cares for me completely which has been humbling. 

Valentine's Day is usually a pretty quiet affair in our home, Mister and I will either go out for dinner or bring home some takeaway, so the focus seems to be on not being the ones who have to cook! I think it's nice to celebrate love in whatever form it takes in your life, I'll be at home with the doggies all day and plan to shower them in love with healthy treats and lots of tummy rubs - it doesn't have to just be about a romantic partner, you know!

Another thing I'll be making heart eyes at today? My makeup collection. We finally caved and bought an Ikea Alex which Mister lovingly built for me, so it was a helluva lot easier to grab out some romantic makeup to get me in the mood for love! I used some of the products to create a soft and easy makeup look - please go easy on me, it was the first time I had worn makeup in weeks!

Products Used 
MAC Painterly Paint pot
Too Faced Bon Bons palette - shades Almond Truffle, Satin Sheets and Divinity
L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Golden Mahogany
Max Factor Masterpiece Glamour Extensions Mascara*
Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation in 810
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light
essence Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Highlighter in 01 Lady's Night
Too Faced Love Flush Blush palette - shade Love Hangover
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - Don't Pink Of It!

How are you spending Valentine's Day?
Emma x

*Product provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Library Haul - February 2017

I'm a huge fan of my local library, so much so that I have an entire section on one of my bookshelves dedicated to housing my borrowed titles. After spending a week in hospital with pancreatitus I'm currently at home on bed rest, so I shuffled into the library before a Doctor's appointment to load up on some new titles to keep me entertained!

I've found myself becoming more interested in non-fiction recently, I'm traditionally a fiction gal at heart but the lessons I've found in non-fiction books have opened my eyes quite a bit. I'm trying to focus on improving myself in any way I can, and I feel that books teach me new ways of thinking that assist me with this. A lot of the books I've read recently revolve around saving money, minimising consumer debt and creating a more harmonious and environmentally-friendly home, which are all things I'm looking to achieve at the moment. If you have any great titles along these lines, do let me know and I'll put a hold on them at the library for next time! 

Why Pay Retail? - Todd Alexander
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - Marie Kondo
Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
Footloose and Financially Free - Julie K Macken
Inside the O'Briens - Lisa Genova
Zero Waste Home - Bea Johnson

I nabbed some pretty popular titles on this library trip, I'm looking forward to finally reading the much lauded Marie Kondo book and I've heard great things about Jojo Moyes from various family members. What are you reading at the moment?
-Emma

2016 Empties - Fourth Quarter

Finishing my 2016 empties series with a bang - I'm quite proud of the empties this quarter and also of the things I'm choosing to toss into the bin! I definitely need to streamline my beauty stash in 2017 and alongside gifting out items I think my emptying habits will serve me well for this.

SKINCARE

I think it's quite evident that my face was kept clean in the final quarter of 2016 - I finished off a 250ml bottle of Bioderma Sensibio* which I adore, a tube of Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Cream Cleanser* and Griffin + Row Cleanser* which will be reviewed shortly, and two sample sized cleansers (Philosophy Purity* which I'm not a fan of and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser* which was a bit too squeaky for me but overall decent) Also leaving my stash is a tube of the Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture-Infusing Lotion that I won from The Belle Lumiere, unfortunately I just couldn't get past the strong scent and even when I gave it to Mr to finish up the smell drove me crazy, but I'm happy that I gave it a go and used most of it up anyway. The Cetaphil DermaControl SPF30+ Moisturiser* is only being tossed as it has expired, but I've bought another fresh bottle for this summer. 

HAIRCARE

Evidently nothing exciting happened in the realm of hair this quarter - I used up a bottle of my new staple Cedel Anti-Dandruff Medicated Shampoo (Garnier discontinued my previous staple anti-dandruff shampoo!) and a tub of the Garner Fructis Grow Strong hair mask, which was quite nice.

SHOWER & BODY

All the body washes, cleanliness is king! Palmolive Heavenly Vanilla Body Wash is thick and smelt divine as you would expect, Lush Ponche* really did smell like a cocktail, Original Source Daily Scrub in Cranberry and Honey is much more of a body wash than anything else, and the Bath & Body Works Oahu travel sized shower gel was a fun wash I took away for our anniversary to try and drum up some Hawaiian vibes while on the Mornington Peninsula...I also used up a sample sachet of Natralus Paw Paw Moisturiser* which I am really enjoying at the moment!

MAKEUP

This is definitely the category I am most proud of this quarter! I finished up two bases that I adored (Rimmel Matte BB Cream in Light* and Revlon Whipped Creme Foundation) and a gorgeous champagne coloured eye pencil, NYX Retractable Eye Liner in Silky Cashmere. I was happy to see the end of an eyeliner but was also planning on repurchasing this shade, but I believe it has been discontinued so am heartbroken! Does anyone have a good champagne liner recommendation for my lower lashline?!

I finished a Covergirl Full Lash Bloom mascara, Rimmel Fix & Protect SPF25 Makeup Primer* which was a nice daily base for foundation and am tossing a melted and bashed up Tarte lip crayon in the shade Achiote. 

Last but certainly not least...I finished a blush! Fellow blush fiends and beauty addicts in general will rejoice with me for this one, it's not the first I've finished but it sure felt great to finish it at a faster pace than I normally would. It's the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve and it was a brilliant product, I wore it to work all the time and the lasting power was impressive, but I think that this too has been discontinued so that is a bummer!

That's it for my 2016 empties - I've already made a start on the next lot of empties, hurrah!

-Emma x 

*Products provided for consideration. Honesty, always.