Current Skincare Routine

Keeping a track of the skincare I use helps me understand what my skin wants and needs - sort of like keeping a skincare diary but one that I share with you all! This is what I've been using for over a month now, though I have switched out a few products since snapping this shot. 

I've moved on from using my cleansing balms to this Shu Uemura Unmask Cleansing Oil* (how huge is the bottle!?) I'm not a big fan of the way it removes eye makeup, but it melts face makeup away with ease and doesn't break me out plus I adore the gorgeous design on the bottle and how it looks on my bathroom countertop.

I then use my Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (which I have since switched out for something gentler!) to cleanse my face. I adore this cleanser, it seems to have helped with my acne scars and it really cleans my skin well. I have found that my skin has become a bit sensitive lately so have moved onto a cleanser that targets that instead, but I would definitely still recommend this gel cleanser (I've used about 3/4 of it as a testament to that!)

In terms of keeping my spots under control I use the amazing La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo all over my face, then after it has sunk in I slather on some Aveeno Positively Radiant Night Cream*, or in the morning I use the newly reformulated Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion +* which is nice and light for hot weather. I forgot to include my beloved Lancôme Dreamtone Serum* in these shots, but I'll have a full review up soon anyway.

For my lips (and my cuticles) I use the Suvana Certified Organic Paw Paw + Honey Balm*, which I much prefer over the cult Lucas Paw Paw which contains petroleum.

I have to admit that I don't apply eye cream as often as I should, but when I do I love using Indeed Labs Eysilix* which is nourishing but doesn't cause milia. If my skin is a bit rough I crack out the Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, if I've got a spot I turn to the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and dry patches are seen to with the RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil Roll On* (perfect to travel with, score!)

 

At least once I week I skip all of my nightly treatments in favour of the Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask, which smells delectable and leaves my skin oh so soft.

 

So that is the round up of what I have been using!

Have you tried any of these products?

What daytime moisturiser do you think I should try next?

 

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

Trying Out a New Brand // Shu Uemura

Trying out a new brand for the first time is such an exciting moment, especially for someone who spends so much time in the beauty world. Previous to these products I had tried the Shu Uemura Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil (pink bottle) and enjoyed the small sample bottle, but apart from that I had only gazed in awe at the luxurious lashes at the David Jones counter on Bourke St Melbourne, and not actually tried my hand at any of the colour products available. I know of so many bloggers who are big Shu fans, and I was elated when a package full of this makeup (and a cleansing oil) landed on my desk.

I used all of the makeup in a single look in order to showcase them all, and it just so happened that all of the shades worked well together. The Glow On blush refill in Soft Orange (M 542) is quite a pastel shade, and when compared to something like Cream Soda from MAC is really is orange. Though I applied the cheek shade heavily in order to take these photos, I think a lighter flush would work well on my pale skin tone and be a nice change to my usually orange (which tends to be Stila Gerbera more often than not!) I still prefer some of the other blush shades from the brand though, so though I like the formula this colour isn't 100% in my book.

The Drawing Pencil in Pearly Gold was surprisingly my favourite product from this package, and I love the way that the pale gold looks as an inner corner highlight. I have used this pencil quite a lot for that task, and though it isn’t a shade I would normally pick out I think it has made me rethink my choices when I head to a makeup counter. Often I reach for the typical ‘exciting’ products (blush, anyone?) but pencils like this can slot so well into an everyday routine to perk it up a bit!

 

Working with the warm toned theme, Shu Uemura kindly sent me a Rouge Unlimited lipstick in Bright Orange, and I think the sleek modern packaging really stands out amongst my black MAC and gold YSL lipstick tubes. I love the way this glides on without accentuating any dryness on my lips, and I think I really needed a shade like this to stand as a true orange in my collection, as opposed to the bountiful coral oranges I tend to collect like Pokemon! I also love the way this photographs, though I think a bit of mascara would have balanced it out a little bit. I was trying to branch out and see how I fared without a bit of definition on the lashes, but I am definitely in camp three-coats-at-least on this one.

So now it is your turn- when was the last time you tried a new brand out for yourself?

 

*Products were provided for consideration. Opinions are my own. Honesty, always.

Emptied in August

Clarins Eau des Jardins Uplifting Shower Gel

Will be posting a full review on this as I adored it, smells amazing and is PH balanced.

Priceline Round Cotton Pads

You constantly see these in my empties, because I use them for everything! Bioderma, toner, folded in half to fix eye liner. You name it!

Dermaveen Oatmeal Conditioner

The matching shampoo was featured in my last empties, and this isn't much better. Doesn't give my hair enough moisture, but I've used worse conditioners in the past.

Boots shave cream

This is so old the can has rusted, I found it at the back of my cabinet and was repulsed. This is not empty, but a chucker.

Sunsilk Colour Lock Shampoo

A grotty sample that I don't want to put near my head, this is also a chucker.

Shu Uemura Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil

I felt that this took my makeup off well, but did leave a bit of an oily residue. I didn't dislike it, but I can't decide if I like it enough to buy it in the future.

Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Gel Foundation

I really enjoyed this, it really does feel like a cross between a cream and a gel. I found that it sets really quickly so you have to blend each section of your face separately to avoid it feeling mask like. The finish it gives is like real skin, but without major flaws, and I liked wearing this to work or out to lunch on Sundays.

Lancome Tresor Midnight in Love

I love fragrance samples, and this sweet blackberry vial was lovely. It was uber sweet so I tended to wear it at night, but I can see myself buying a full bottle of this.

Australis Lash Length Extension mascara

Reviewed here, I really enjoyed using this fibre mascara and loved how easy it was to remove. In the end up it became very clumpy (in a soft, fibre-y way) but it lasted well past it's proper 'expiry' date (yes, I kept using it because I'm cheeky) Would repurchase. 

 Face of Australia Face Base Primer

I already have another tube of this on the go, it is my favourite moisturising base and it lets my foundation glide on a lot easier. I use this daily and find it helps my colour cosmetics last a little bit longer, but it's more for application help than anything. Have and would repurchase.

What did you use up this month?

What mascara and primer are you using right now?