The Greek Adventure

 

My in-laws recently got back from a trip to Greece and brought back some gorgeous pieces of jewellery back for all the ladies in the family. I love being able to hold beads from a country I've never visited before, it is sort of like I am able to enjoy some of the holiday from the comfort of home almost! When I think of Greece, I think of beautiful beaches, donkeys, salty air and amazing seafood - all of the things my in laws captured on camera for me on their trip (I bugged my MIL to snap shots of EVERYTHING for me!) In terms of makeup, I can't imagine wearing very much when in a hot climate like that. These things I've been wearing here in drizzly Melbourne, but could easily see myself loving in Koroni (where my FIL grew up!)

Everyone knows of the famous Nars Laguna bronzer, right? This itsy bitsy sample has lasted me an age, and was a gift given upon the opening of Mecca Maxima Melbourne back in 2010! It isn't the perfect bronzer for me (I prefer the Clinique Superbalanced grinder* personally!) but the size means it travels really well and seeing the pan each time I open up the compact is a great feeling.

One of the latest concealers I've been trying is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser, and though it is specifically for the under eye area, I find that it works a treat on my blemishes and red marks as well! I swipe some onto a clean finger or the back of my hand rather than dabbing it right onto spots (I definitely don't need the blemish bacteria to spread and create more issues on my face!) I think this is nourishing enough to be Greek holiday worthy, don't you?
How cute is the packaging of this Suvana Organic Paw Paw + Honey balm*!? I like using this on my cuticles and lightly on my lips, but it is also great for protecting dry spots on windy days. I can picture myself using this as I trek up a Greek hill on the back of a donkey like my in-laws did, can't you?

Lining my eyes is a new obsession of mine, so this Face of Australia Liquid Eyeliner would totally be cracked out for late night feasts or heading to the nightclub near Mister Bovary's uncles place. We are contemplating heading to Greece as part of our honeymoon next year if our budget permits, and I'm often stuck daydreaming of hot nights with Greek music and cold drinks wearing a big cat eye flick of liner!

Have you ever visited Greece, or anywhere exciting in Europe?
What hot holiday staples do you think would work well in this sort of climate?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

New to the Routine

Slipping new things into my routine to spice up this my holidays! A mix of stash shopping and cheeking hauling brings forth this new brood of beauty goodies for me to play with, and I’ve really enjoyed getting out of my makeup rut.

Some of these were in my September Favourites, such as the Clarins Instant Concealer* + Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer. I’ve never been one to use concealer regularly, and having two to use under my eyes seems a tad extravagant to me. That said, I quite like looking more awake than usual, so these have been hanging around my makeup bag and I’m happy for them to stay embedded in my routine. Another surprising addition to my routine is the Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Lolita, which I’ve been using for a sheer tint on my lips which is not something I usually wear. I tend to go for either bright lips or a gloss, but lately a tinted balm has been gracing my lips more often than not and I’m sort of getting used to the pared back look.

Another new lip product to jump into my routine is the Bourjois Color Boost Crayon in Red Sunrise. I’ve been using the Peach on the Beach shade for a while and couldn’t stop myself from buying the juicy red shade from the new collection. These crayons are super glossy and feel really comfortable on the lips, and I adore them.

I’ve been wearing Estee Lauder Modern Muse lately, which is the latest perfume release from the mega brand. I really like the way it sits on my skin and I’ve garnered a few compliments while wearing it at work, so I have to say so far so good with this new addition to my routine. I’ll have a full review up once I finish my sample spray.

Not much more needs to be said about the latest shower gel to jump into my caddy- the Original Source Chocolate and Mint shower gel smells edible and amazing, and I urge you to try it! I’ve also slipped a new blush into my routine, the Jouer powder blush in Blossom which I bought after seeing it on Ingrid from Miss Glamorazzi. Last but not least for the new products in my routine is an old favourite for the eyes- the Face of Australia Liquid Eyeliner. Quite simply the best I’ve ever tried, this is jet black and doesn’t smudge, and I’ve become a little bit obsessed with a slick of dark liner above my lash line!

What new products or old favourites have you slipped into your routine?

 emma @ emmabovarybeauty

Instant Repurchase

Though I rotate cosmetics like there is no tomorrow, often I stick with some star products from the lineup. A product has to absolutely knock it out of the park for me to repurchase, so for these to jump back into the stash instantly speaks volumes!

Face of Australia Liquid Liner – This was originally a PR sample which I adored. I misplaced it, and ran out to grab another one quick smart. I then found the first, so have two floating around my stash and both are still going strong with no sign of drying out. This comes with a fine brush style tip and is a deep inky black. I was terrible at liquid liner before I learnt with this brush, and now I have the confidence to use lots of different sorts of liquid liners! A game changer, and affordable to boot.

Bioderma Crealine H20 – Ah Bioderma, the cult favourite that came into my world and swept me off my feet. Again this originally came to me via PR, I have repurchased this quite a few times now and still love it for the initial cleanse each night. I have temporarily put it on the backburner in an effort to show love to (aka use up!) my other cleansing waters and oils, but when they bite the dust it is me and this guy (and Dermalogica Preclease, 3 peas in a pod)

Lush Lip Scrubs – I change up the flavour every time, but keep going back to this little jar of soft lip-making goodness. Basically a sugar and deliciousness blend, this is an easier option for me as I can’t be bothered making my own lip scrub. Tastes deliciously sweet (duh!) and comes in a bunch of flavours, this is well worth the cash.

Guerlain Champs Elysees – I think everyone has that ‘one scent’ that just suits them perfectly and makes them feel a million dollars, and this is the one for me! Quite a mature fragrance, this is strong and makes me feel powerful and in charge. I’ve gone through bottle after bottle of this, and am looking forward to picking up yet another one from Paris on our honeymoon a few years down the track.

Rimmel Match Perfection Crème-Gel Foundation – Yet another love that first came to me via PR! I fear this is discontinued now that the new bottled version has taken its place on the drugstore shelves, so I am planning on stocking up when I find some in my shade in a discount bin. A foundation that covers it all but looks just like skin (seriously, it is undetectable!) this is my HG formula.

What products are instant repurchases for you? Do you tend to chop and change as much as I do, or are you loyal to a few key players in your beauty team?