On Rotation: March 2013

Saw this on Eat Paint Sniff Glue (one of my favourites!) and I knew I had to follow her lead!

Skin Care

Makeup Remover: Dermalogica Precleanse*

Cleanser: Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser*

Exfoliant: Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub*

Toner/Facial Spray: Uriage Thermal Spray*

Moisturiser: Cosmecology Hydra Skin*

Night Treatment: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Spot Treatment: Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion / Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Eye Cream: Kiehls Midnight Recovery Eye

Mask: Queen Helene Mint Julip / The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Mask*

Lip Balm: La Roche Posay Ceralip / Lip Smackers Kool Aid in Strawberry & Kiwi

Body Care:

Hand Cream: The Jojoba Company Lemon & Coconut*  

Body Scrub: Soap & Glory Breakfast Scrub*

Shower Gel/Cream/Lotion: Bodycology Sweet Petal / Soap & Glory Clean on Me

Soap: -

Body Lotion: Dove Body Milk* / Haus of Gloi Twice is Nice Pumpkin Butter

Perfume: Avon Bond Girl / Ralph Lauren Pony #2

Candle: Dusk Chocolate Caramel (Easter collection)

Hair Care

Shampoo: Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Epais*

Conditioner: Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal*

Treatment: Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiere Liquide* / Organix Argan Oil*

Shine Spray: -

Hair Spray: L’Oreal Elnet Hair Spray*

Leave In Conditioner: -

Styling Product: Batiste Boho Dry Shampoo

Makeup

Base: Face of Australia Face Base / Illamasqua Skin Base / YSL Touche Eclat*

Eyes: MAC Painterly Paint Pot / Maybelline Bad to the Bronze Color Tattoo / MAC Coquette eyeshadow / Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara

Lips: Maybelline Juicy Bubblegum lipstick / Face of Australia Peaches & Cream / essence Me & My Icecream

Cheeks: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed / Chanel JC Pink Explosion / MAC Cream Soda

Nails: L'Oreal Color Riche Luxembourg Garden

*Provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Top 4 Hand Creams That Soothe and Smell Great!

Seriously, I have a truck load of half used hand creams floating around my place and I just can’t seem to stick it out with just one. These are my top 4 right now, and I love slathering them all over my hands (and elbows, don’t forget!) as I sit at my desk writing or reading blogs.

 

The Jojoba Company make some rad facial products, and this is the first body product I’ve tried from them. The Lemon & Coconut hand cream* ($22.95/50ml) comes in the cutest pink squeezy tube, and even though I have the travel sized 20ml tube, I still think the regular size would be perfect to keep in your handbag. It smells just like lemon meringue pie to my nose, and I’ll be honest and say that is isn’t my favourite scent, though everyone I’ve shared it with has absolutely loved the smell so perhaps it is just me. Not too thick and sinks in fast, good job Jojoba Co!

For seriously dry hands or an overnight treatment, I reach for my Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème* ($19.95/57g). The crazy thick texture and sweet almond smell are highlights of this one, and though some might dislike the pot hygiene issue, I think the glass and cream labels look expensive and nice on my desk with my other night time goodies. Cute cow on the lid, too, how can you say no!?

The Sally Hansen Nails & Cuticle Hand Cream* ($9.95/96g) is fresh and citrusy, and feels quite velvety on the hands after it sinks in. I first used this during the racing season when I was in Federation Square getting a SH manicure (post here if you want to check that out) and I was enthralled by the smell of it. I think scents like this work all year round, either to perk you up on a chilly day at the office or to let you feel tropical on a warm summer day.

 

I've definitely saved the best for last, because although I enjoy the other hand creams for various reasons, my heart truly belongs to my Endota Spa Lavender and Alpine Pepper hand cream* ($34/90ml and $10/20ml). Amazing scent mix, best formula I've come across, classic and compact packaging...the list goes on. My original review is here if you want to check it out (a very old post indeed! but suffice to say that this cream is my very favourite.

 

Which of these scents tickle your fancy? Do you have a hand cream recommendation for me? I'd love to hear what hand creams you love most in the comments below, and also the ones that disappointed you!

 

 

*These products were provided for consideration and all opinions are mine. Honesty,always.

Triple Threat Facial

Sitting in front of the laptop with an hour or two to spare, it’s often quite nice to treat your skin to a wee bit of pampering. Rather than going for the everyday serum-eye cream-moisturiser routine, I like to plump up my skin every once in a while with what I call the ‘triple threat facial’. No credit can be taken for this by me, as I was completely inspired (as in thispost) by Vivianna Does Makeup (who got the idea from Caroline Hirons, skincare gem) An idea so genius that I can’t believe it hadn’t popped into my head already, I’m now getting a lot more use from more of my face masks and my skin seems to be thankful for it. For the record, my skin is a real mixed bag and has lots of issues, from dry patches and a shiny forehead to hormonal breakouts and general dullness. Choose masks that suit your individual needs, and start achieving better skin!

First things first, the facial begins with a clay-based detoxifying mumma jumma, for which I bring out my mighty Queen Helene Mint Julip mask. Bright green and minty, this clarifies the skin and I like to apply it with a paddle foundation brush for even coverage that doesn’t waste any of the minty goodness. As Anna points out in her post, this digs down deep into pores and cleans them right out, so that the next two steps can work to their full potential without any grime in the way. After leaving Mint Julip on for 30 mins and removing with a damp muslin cloth, step two of this process can begin.

Radiance is the next thing you want to slap on your mug, and at the moment I am using the Guinot Instant Radiance Moisturizing Mask*. Wafts of lavender and rosemary are key features of this greige face treat, and I leave this on for 15-20 minutes before whipping it off with a tissue. I like the look of the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask that Anna used and was eyeing it off in Mecca Cosmetica the other day, but I just can’t take the plunge until I’ve used up some other face masks first. I’m trying to be good, you see?

Final step is my favourite, not purely because the long process is drawing to a close but because this mask is my very favourite. The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask* is clay based and uses a bunch of classic hydrating ingredients to soften and plump up the skin. I love the way it tingles, and that it actually does what it promises to do, and does it well. Using these three dedicated masks in a single evening is a real treat for the skin, and I see it as ensuring I have some brownie points stored up to trade on those days when it threatens to act up on me.

 

 Let me know what face masks you love in the comments below, and if you ever have time for this sort of at-home pampering.

*Marked items were provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

*Interested in the Queen Helene? iHerb stocks it for $3.84 here, and if you use my discount code BEJ649  you can save extra! $10 off every order $40+, or $5 off if order is below $40. Happy shopping!

Australian Beauty Stars

Australia Day is upon us once more, and I thought it an appropriate time to sit down and pull out some Australian products from my stash to share with you all. I will be honest and admit that I don’t really think of where a brand is based when making a decision to purchase, so I am glad to see so many stellar Australian brands that have crept into my collection.  Here are some of the Aussie beauty stars in the Bovary household!

 

Bronzers:

Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol

Nvey Eco Nourishing Bronzer in Oasis*

Face of Australia  pressed powder in Bronze*

My favourite from this bunch would have to be the Face of Australia offering, as I adore the sleek and slim compact. The colour is quite shimmery, so a light hand is recommended to get that world renowned Aussie beach babe glow!

Face and Eyes:

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Cheek & Eye Shimmer

Face of Australia blush in Hello Dolly

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky in Rose

Nvey Eco eyeshadow in 162*

Sportsgirl Shady Lady eye colour in Prom Night

Face of Australia Liquid Liner in black

Face of Australia Loose Powder in Outback Translucent*

My favourites include the FOA liquid liner and loose powder, they are seriously hard working and so easy on the purse that it is quite hard to believe.  

Lips:

Lanolips Lip Ointments in Apples, Lemonaid, Mulberry* and  Sunshine

Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment*

Grown Alchemist Watermelon & Vanilla lip balm*

Face of Australia lipstick in Malibu Barbie

Lipstick Queen lipstick in Saint Red*

I am loving all of these nourishing lip products this summer, but Malibu Barbie is such a happy shade of pick that it takes the cake!

 

Indulgences:

Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream with lemongrass, lemon myrtle, grapefruit and eucalyptus

MOR hand cream in Cassis Noir

Endota Spa Lemon & Organic Sugar body scrub*

Sukin Wellbeing Body Oil*

Urban Rituelle Cotton Candy perfume*

The Sukin Wellbeing Oil is so amazing, I am hoping that they decide to cancel its status as ‘limited edition’ and keep that baby on the shelf forever. Massage oil, moisturiser, hair tamer, it seriously does it all and smells brilliant. The Urban Rituelle Cotton Candy is finally back out in a 100ml bottle, I have been clutching the purse sized spray that I bought and not wanting to waste it, and am so happy to now have this to clutch instead.

 

Skincare:

Sukin Facial Moisturiser*

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Grown Rose Absolute, Ginseng & Chamomile Facial Toner*

The Jojoba Company Antioxidant Serum*

Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz*

The Jojoba Company Intense Recovery Balm*

Simplicite One Step Exfoliating Cleanser*

Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser*

Of course Jurlique had to be mentioned when writing about great Australian brands, they have products of such a high quality with beautiful packaging, and I love the indulgence they bring to my beauty routine. Sukin are also an amazing low cost brand, I recommend them to people all the time and love their clean packaging and affordable skincare.

 

Did you know that all of these products were true blue? If you are a fellow Aussie, I would love to know how you are spending today (or the public holiday on Monday!) If you are one of my beloved International readers, I am curious to know what your perceptions of our country really are? Would love to hear from you in the comments!

*Marked products were provided for editorial consideration. Honesty, always.

4 Easy Ways to Feign a Fresh Face

Even though Christmas and New Year celebrations are now behind us, the party season is still in full swing and I think it is safe tos ay that there are plenty of drinks and late nights at this time of year. If you work late and don’t get enough sleep, are a bit of a party animal or are addicted to Temple Run on the iPad like I am, these beauty tips will help you look fresh as a daisy come morning time!

 

A hydrating mask is one of the key players when you are suffering from a hangover or a late night. The reason your head is pounding and your face is parched is because you are dehydrated, and by applying a good mask and drinking water, you are replenishing stocks. The Jojoba Company makes a mean mask, and this Botanical Hydrating* one is one of my very favourite masks all round. If you are short on time, a creamy but lightweight moisturiser (like Cosmecology’s Hydra Skin) can provide a boost and smooth out your lacklustre skin.

I tend to wear a semi-full face of makeup every day, but if you are short on time and just want to look put together, doing your eyebrows can really make your face seem polished. I switch up my eyebrow routine quite often, but at the moment I’m using an eyeshadow (MAC’s Coquette) with my EcoTools angled liner brush. I also like the BYS Brow & Eye pencil (which is a great bargain!) and I follow up either of these colours with a clear browgel. Touching up your brows, as cliché as it sounds, really does shape your face and help you look sleek when you feel sloppy.

As well as touching up my brows, I find an essential thing to do when I look tired is to apply a mascara that really opens up my eyes. I am a big fan of the Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara, but a cheaper favourite of mine is the Face of Australia Impact Curl mascara. It holds a curl on my lashes really well, and is the mascara I recommend to everyone. Another eye saviour is the much revered YSL Touche Eclat, which is now something I use on an everyday basis, even when I haven’t had a late night. I don’t have a big problem with dark eye circles so the light coverage work for me, and it really does brighten up my complexion.

 

These tips can really help make you look alert when you are hungover or tired after a late night working on the blog. I’d love to hear what products you use to feign a fresh face?

*Marked items were provided for review, which doesn’t affect my review of them. I honestly use all of these, and like/love them.

My Skincare Routine

I've really gotten into skincare lately, and I've found that keeping all of my products in a dedicated container makes it so much easier to maintain my routine.

I keep my face masks and spot treatments in there as well, as it saves me scrambling to find it when the time comes. Keep in mind that this post is a stack of mini skincare reviews, so is quite word heavy. Feel free to dip into the ones that interest you most if it is too wordy!

 

Garnier Clean Sensitive Eye Make-Up Remover

I must admit I'm not loving this as much as I've enjoyed other eye makeup removers. It doesn't sting my eyes, but it takes a lot of rubbing to remove my eye makeup. It leaves my eyes feeling a bit tight, so once I finish this bottle I'll be moving onto a different eye makeup remover.

 

Bioderma Crealine H2O

I've raved about this before here, but suffice to say this is a permanent fixture in my skincare routine. This is my second bottle (the first was PR provided) and I also have a mini for when I travel. This sweeps away my face makeup before cleansing so well, and is perfect for sensitive skin. I use this after I've removed my eye makeup to prep my skin for cleansing.

 

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser*

I keep this cleanser in the shower, and use it after the previous two products to deeply cleanse my skin. I like gel cleansers as they're thick and seem to clean my face really well. I slather a squeeze of this on and cleanse, before adding a bit of water which emulsifies it. It's easy to wash away, and though it leaves my skin a little papery (it is meant for skin oilier than mine, but works wonders on breakouts) it keeps my skin in a clear, happy condition.

 

 Kiehls Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner*
This toner sample works well at soothing my skin, but as with many toners it is hard to see proper 'results' from this step of cleansing. I use this after hopping out of the shower, to prep my skin for serums/moisturiser. I've since moved onto a different Kiehls toner, but I think I prefer this bright green bottle of goodness.

Uriage AquaPRECIS Eye Contour Care*
This eye cream sinks in super fast, and while it is moisturising I don't find that it is too heavy and it doesn't cause milia under my eyes. I love tube style eye creams, and this one is lovely.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate*
This is something I use every second night to nourish my skin. I find it keeps my skin hydrated without adding any oiliness to the surface, and though it takes a little while to sink in, waking up in the morning with soft skin is worth it. I recently had a twitter chat with others who have used this as I was wondering if my results were truly from this concentrate, and all signs point to yes as they love this stuff!

Avene Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion*
I find that this really does help keep shine at bay, but because I also have dry patches on my face I need to use more nourishing creams at night to maintain moisture levels. It sinks in very fast and is a gel-like lotion, which smells pleasant and is nice, affordable and French!

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion
I shake this up really well before applying every second night, mainly to my forehead and anywhere I'm suffering from bumpy skin and cystic acne. The alcohol scent of this knocks me for a six, but it works oh lord does it work! It takes a lot to impress me, but my smooth forehead high fives Mario B. for his hard work!

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
I use this as a spot lotion to stop pimples erupting, but since I've switched medications and begun using the Avene cleanser, this has pretty much been left untouched! Never thought I would see the day, I was burning through this stuff quite fast but am still happy to have it on hand for 'that time' of the month. I use this with a q-tip, without shaking, and dip the tip into the bottle so that it is soaked in the liquid and some of the calamine lotion. You end up getting into bed with pale pink spots on your face, but it is worth it the next day.

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

 Most of this just gets eaten, but I use this lip scrub every now and again to slough off dead skin and keep my smackers smooth. Chris always asks why I can't just use my toothbrush like he does, but I think he is just jealous of my sugar hit.

 

 The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask*
This gives my skin a tremendous hydration hit (without making it shiny!) and I love the way it dries on my skin. It feels a bit tingly, which I attribute to the re-renergising aspect of it, and I love how soft my skin feels the next day. I am going to repurchase this when this tube is finito.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
This famous masque is great at calming breakouts, so I tend to use this when my skin is acting up. It sort of brings out the blemishes, which in turn allows them to heal quickly and get off my mug sooner- a definite win! This is super minty and cooling, and I purchased it in this haul.

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant*
Best exfoliator I have used, hands down. Gentle but sloughs off the rough skin, is fruit derived which I like in my exfoliators. I can use this often without a problem, and tend to use it once or twice a week depending on how my skin is acting.

 

I also keep mask samples in my skincare box, as well as cotton rounds (for toner and Bioderma) and cotton tips (for spot lotion) in a reuseable cotton tip box from Priceline. I like being able to lazily clean my face each night and know what to use, it stops me from switching up my skincare too often, and allows me to see the benefits of what I'm using right now. These photos were taken some time ago, so I have made quite a dent in all of these since! I haven't begun using that Ponds cold cream just yet, but I like to keep it in there anyway.

How do you store your current skincare?
Have you tried any of these products?
What do you think of my 'skincare box'?

*Marked items were sent for review. Honesty, always.

my favourite hydrating face mask // The Jojoba Company

I tend to use a facial mask once or twice a week, and often when I'm in need of a hydration hit I reach for my The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask* (or 'that squishy red tube' in real talk!) This mask is a 97% natural clay based mask that I smear on thick and go about my business while it dries and works its magic.

 I use this after I've had a night out drinking or feel like my skin is parched. It smells quite strongly of something a little bit floral and a little bit organic-y, and looking at the ingredients I can attribute that to sandalwood, lavender and ylang ylang. I leave this on for 20 mins +, and it can also be kept on overnight if you are that way inclined. I love that the back of the tube mentions it helps repair the damage that comes from urban living- most of us need that in one way or another!

This mask is a winner because it makes a noticeable difference to my skin when it's in need of a hydration hit, and being housed in a squishy red tube is awesome. 

You can head here to find out more about the mask here (including ingredients etc)

It retails for $49.95 AUD.

*This product was provided for consideration quite a while ago, and I've been loving it hard ever since. Honesty, always!

The Jojoba Company-Botanical Hydrating Face Mask

I have gotten myself into the wonderful routine of weekly pamper sessions, that generally involves face masks and nail painting. Sometimes I get Candice to join in, other time my man slaps on a mask with me while we watch The Amazing Race. I've fallen in love with one mask in particular, a 97% natural one from The Jojoba company. This is what The Jojoba Company has to say about it:

Deeply hydrating to rebalance dryness and re-energise. 80ml.
An exquisitely silky, hydrating clay mask with a powerful combination of botanical anti-ageing extracts including antioxidant rich gingko biloba, plumping marine collagen, vitamin B5 and organic honey to boost the natural hydrating qualities of golden jojoba. Combines Australian clays with jojoba to renew and rejuvenate all skin types, especially sensitive skins. Not tested on animals.

This mask feels glorious going on, and I love the fact that it's a 'smear on' rather than a cloth mask, as sometimes I'm just not in the mood for those. It goes on quite pale, and darkens as it dries...it leaves me looking a little 'Snooki-esque', which never fails to excite and amuse me. Chris tried this one and said it felt strange going on as it was so thick, but as it dried he was fascinated with the colour change and cracking effect when he moved his face. I like it's thick texture, and the smell is gorgeous. I find my skin to be super-hydrated immediately after use, and even more so the next morning. A sure-fire winner for me, I will purchase this when my current tube runs out. The mask retails for $49.95 and stockists can be found here.

Expected pic of me looking 'Snooki-esque' complete with freshly dyed hair wrapped in towel. Sexaay!

Do you have a favourite face mask you think I should try?

emmabovary xx

(*Please note this item was sent for consideration, which in no way affects my opinions on it. Always honest!)