Currently Obsessed

I've been feeling really good about my makeup collection lately - a few new and exciting pieces have spiced up my routine and have made me enjoy putting on my face each and every morning. I've also rediscovered an old favourite at the back of my stash to pair with the new products which is always a good thing - stash shopping at its finest, amiright?

 

I was looking back over some older blog posts (like this 'The 6 Best Bronzers for Fair Skin') and remembered how intense my love for the Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer* was, so pulled it from the depths of my drawers. Then I did a little hunting around on the internet and I think that it has been discontinued! Isn't it the worst feeling when something you love isn't around anymore? I've been using it flat stick this month and my love for it has grown, so I thought it worth mentioning in case you have it hidden away in your collection, too! I've been pairing it with my new Max Factor Crème Puff Blush in Nude Mauve, which has seriously impressed me and has become my 'work blush' of choice.

Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer
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 Max Factor Crème Puff Blush in Nude Mauve

Even though I've been loving bronzer and neutral blush lately, my appreciation of the colour pink has slowly been seeping back into my makeup life, too. The first product that really sparked this turn is also the newest recruit to my blush drawers - Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Rose. Not only is the embossing utterly beautiful, the colour itself is a great pink shade for me and I find that it brightens up my complexion nicely and is buildable, too.

Physicians Formula Argan Oil Blush in Rose

I've also fallen head over heels for a new eyeshadow formula - a cream one at that, which is not usually my fortay! I saw a few whispers about the new Revlon Photoready Eye Art Lid+Line+Lash colours but it wasn't until this post from The Mustard Jumper that I decided I needed one, stat. I went to Priceline when Revlon was 40% off because at the full price of $21.95 it was just too much of a risk for me...turns out that I absolutely adore these! I initially bought Peach Prism because the other neutral was sold out, but I managed to track down Topaz Twinkle at Priceline near my work so I was happy with that. I am considering buying the green version at some stage, but will wait for another sale for that one.

Peach Prism
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Topaz Twinkle

I love reinvigorating my stash and feel like I'm at a much better place than I was in previous years when it comes to new purchases and shopping habits. I put a lot more thought into the things that I buy (and those that I accept for consideration) and it really shows in my attitude to my collection and how I feel about blogging about things these days.

What are you currently obsessed with?

- Emma

The 6 Best Bronzers for Fair Skin

Summer has arrived in Melbourne! I'm currently slumming it with Charlie in front of the air-con with all of the blinds drawn, and thought that it was the perfect time to bust out some of my bronzers. Does summer get you in the mood for bronzing it up, too?!

So as a self-proclaimed blush junkie, bronzer isn't a consistent part of my makeup routine if I'm honest. However, around this time of year both of my sisters head on summer holidays and come back looking uber brown, and since I am crazy-pale at the best of times, sitting next to them can make me look like a ghost if I'm not careful. I need a touch of bronzer to warm up my complexion since actual tanning is a no-no for me, and these are what I'm working with!

The easiest powder for me to wear is probably the Clarins Accent Face Powder thanks to the sheer formula, pale shade and dash of peppy pink to bring it into blush territory. Next up for the pale and sheer reasons would be The Body Shop Honeycomb bronzer, which it a tie for my very favourite bronzer altogether. Not only is it cute and compact, it blends like a dream and can be used as a contour thanks to the matte formula.

Now for an opinion that many won't agree with...let's talk about Nars Laguna. I see people rave about this all the time on blogs and YouTube, and am happy to say I got this adorable little travel size for free back when Mecca Maxima first opened the doors in Melbourne Central. As you can see, I've used it enough to hit pan on it, but if I have to be totally honest I'm just not a huge fan of this! It doesn't blend as nicely as most other bronzers I own, the colour isn't anything spectacular and as we all know, Nars rubber packaging gets super filthy in a flash! This is something I wouldn't personally purchase, but others seem to love it so take that with a grain of salt.

Another hyped up bronzer that I'm testing out is the beautiful Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel which is one of the only cream bronzers in my stash. I am yet to try this under my foundation as Estee/EssieButton recommends, but so far it seems easy to blend and the colour is pretty lovely for my skin tone. Plus c'mon, it is Chanel for crying out loud - stunning!

The most shimmery of the bronzers I own (and the most affordable at $11.95!) is definitely the Face of Australia Pressed Bronzer*, which I use sparingly on the top of my cheekbones for a subtle bronze glow. I don't see this as being the same as any of my other bronzer-type products, and use it more as a bronzed up highlighter than anything else. The top nod for my favourite bronzer (tied with The Body Shop number...) is the beautiful Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer* (the grinder version) which is the best for me in terms of colour, blendability and finish. I do see how frustrating the large packaging would be to travel with, but ultimately the other factors more than make up for that and my love for this bronzer holds strong.

And now for the swatch!

 

What are some of your favourite bronzers?
Are they a daily staple in your routine, or do you only bust them out occasionally too?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

*Provided for consideration, which doesn't affect the bronzed up love. Honesty, always.

The Easiest Products for Brilliant Cheeks

 Everyone knows I’m a sucker for blushes, but a bronzer has also come into my life and swept me off my feet so I’ve included it in this cheek-central post. Any of these products can turn your cheeks into sexy apples of awesomeness with just a few flicks of the brush, and so I’ve deemed myself a loyal cheek lover (no, not that sort!)

 

Though I’ve had iffy experiences with the strong spicy scent of Covergirl powders in the past, these blushes don’t tend to send the scent up my snoz so it hasn’t been a problem thus far. The first shade, 185 True Plum, came to me by way of a swap, and sprung forth an addiction that thankfully doesn’t hurt the coin purse. Retailing for a mere $9.95, I’ve seen these go half price at a few stores and have even coerced my non-blush-wearing older sister to pass 120 Soft Sable through the checkout.  I also own the other shade available in Australia,  105 Rose Silk, but have my eye on some US only shades that may be flung my way via ebay.

Now back to bronzers, and my on-off relationship with the meddlesome buggers. Being so fair I glow when in a nightclub (and not in the good way!) I need a bronzer to be brown toned but not too pigmented, and easily blendable. Clinique sent this grinder style Superbalanced Bronzer*($65AUD) my way quite a while ago, and my love for it is really standing the test of time. I have the lighter of two shades (Bronzed 1) and love the way I can shave off a fresh wee slice o’ sunshine every morning with ease. The packaging, yes, quite bulky, but is overpowered by its awesomeness.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off searching for new Covergirl blush shades to add to my collection…

 

*Clinique Bronzer, as stated, was sent for consideration. It’s awesomeness is evident though. Honesty, always.

Beauty Tag // This or That

It has been quite a long time since I posted a tag on emmabovarybeauty. Since I am in the mood to ramble about makeup, today is the day! Feel free to copy this tag (which I saw on Thirteen here, and edited to my liking)

Blush or Bronzer? Original post here.

 

MAKEUP:

Blush or bronzer?

Blush is definitely my weakness, even though I'm having a bit of a love affair with my Clinique Superbalanced Bronzer. The biggest chunk of my makeup collection is blushes, and nothing gets my heart racing faster than a pretty blush colour.

Lip gloss or lip stick?

I would have to go for lipstick, glossy types like Burberry Lip Mist's can be just as shiny as some glosses so they have the ability to cover all bases. I definitely wear lipstick more than I wear glosses, so it is a no brainer for me.

Eye liner or mascara?

  I wear mascara every single day, but often neglect eyeliner so again, a no brainer for me. I like the look of my gel liner, especially when I use my essence Midnight in Paris gel pot, or my Australis 10 hr pencil liner in the brown and deep purple shades. To be honest, I'm too lazy to sharpen my pencil liners so I tend to wear my essence gel liner much more often.

Foundation, or Concealer? Original post here.

 

Foundation or concealer?

When I began university my skin went downhill, and even though it is much better now that I've changed contraceptive I am left with a lot of pigmentation and scarring. I need foundation (or at least tinted moisturiser) everyday to feel good about my skin, and because I like to wear fun makeup, an even base is crucial.

Neutral or color eye shadow?

I do wear colour quite a bit...neutral shadows are for lazy days for me, so I think I might go for colours to have more fun! I love trying out new colour combinations, today I tried one that failed miserably but I had lots of fun playing around with it all, and that is the main thing. Even if I just wear it around the house, it pushes me to be creative and makes me smile.

 

Pressed or loose eye shadows?

Pressed shadows are so much easier to work with, I love palettes too much to choose loose shadows. Even though some loose shadows are stunning and the colours are magnificent, a brand like Inglot have pressed shadows that blow my mind on a similar scale.

 

Brushes or sponges?

I don't think I own any sponges, they don't seem clean or useful enough for me. If my brushes are dirty, I'd prefer to use my fingers to warm up product and apply it. 

BODY:
Perfume or body splash?

I only own a few body splashes, and I use them most when I'm working from home and have the opportunity to keep reapplying throughout the day. I like the strength of perfumes, and if a scent fades before I get home from work it makes it harder for me to justify the repurchase. My favourite perfumes are definitely Guerlain's Champs Elysees and the men's cologne from Juicy Couture, Dirty English.

Lotion, or butter?

 

Lotion or body butter?

Lotions are more my thing, though I've just bought a stack of pumpkin butters from Haus of Gloi. I'm lucky enough to not suffer from dry skin on my body, so if I apply lotions fairly regularly my skin stays nice and soft. I'm using the Amber Romance scented body lotion from Victoria's Secret at the moment, it is divine.
 

Body wash or soap?

Body wash all the way, though I do adore the tins and scents from The Scottish Fine Soap Company (get them at David Jones) Body wash is much easier to use and I find them more hydrating, so we buy body wash over soap all the time. I think some soaps make for nicer gifts, whereas it is only pricier body washes or gels that are fancy enough to give as gifts (L'Occitane make for divine gifts!)

 

Lush or other bath company?

Even though I'm only on my first order from Haus of Gloi, I definitely prefer their products to Lush. Lush is often quite expensive (Ro's is $30, and more than I can spend on a body conditioner without guilt right now) and Haus of Gloi comes in stunning packaging. The scents there are so out there (I think) and I love the luxury I feel when I apply them.
 

I'd love for you to leave your responses to this tag below, or do a blog post with it and leave me the link in my comments so I can check it out!

I really like blathering about beauty and skincare, maybe that is why I look forward to blogger meet ups so much!