Current Favourites - March '16

I've jolted myself out of the funk I've been in lately to grab a few products that have been singing to me for this post. It's a general favourite product post rather than the monthly round up that sometimes causes me to drop favourites in order to gather fresh material - am I the only one who subconsciously does this? I think this strategy should help me carve out a natural rotation with my beauty products, because after all I'm a bit of a magpie who flits between things enough as it is.

 

I've actually stuck to a decent routine when it comes to moisture masks and body lotions - I'm enamoured with the Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask* which I tend to leave on overnight, and the Bath and Body Works Sweet Magnolia & Clementine Body Lotion which smells utterly delightful. A handbag favourite that's been much needed for the generally-unwell Bovary household is the Soap & Glory Hand Maid Antibacterial Cleansing Gel*, which always garners compliments thanks to that famous Soap & Glory scent.

Speaking of scent, the return of my staple fragrance has sparked the thought of ridding myself of a host of other bottles in my collection - there are very few days when I don't want to smell of Guerlain Champs Elysees, you know what I mean? I feel stronger when I wear this, and very mature which I like.

Colorpop's Jellyfish Blush was a last minute addition to my cart and don't those always end up being the best part of a haul? The bright shade is intimidating in the pan but on the cheek it brightens me up with ease, and I love the natural glow it adds to my cheeks. Colourpop Wisp Highlighter has also turned me off some of my other highlighters for the time being and I love how fast I can apply it with my fingers - it looks like it would be too dark for me but it blends so easily and I find it perfect. Last but definitely not least is the amazing Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe, part of my recent Too Faced haul that has been getting a major workout from me in the last few weeks. I went through and wore each shade in succession before declaring my love for this, and surprisingly I've used more of the shades Love Hangover and I Will Always Love You than Baby Love which I found pretty surprising given my penchant for neutral blushes? Perhaps the tides are turning...

What is your blush love at the moment?

Have you tried any of the Colourpop cheek products?

-Emma x

*Products provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Empties 2014 // Part One

I haven’t done one of these so far this year, which tells you a lot about how long this post will be. I was originally planning on writing them up quarterly but laziness overcame and here we are in June just getting started. I threw out some things in frustration before they made it to this post, too, but this is pretty much what I’ve finished up this year!

Skin

 

Thalgo Pure Velvet Cleansing Cream

I really enjoyed using this cleanser, my full review is linked above if you want to know more about it.

Avado Sensitives Organic Face Moisturiser
I really disliked this, the scent irked me and the way it never really sunk into my skin drove me crazy. I think I bought this after seeing it in a magazine or on Primped, but it just didn’t work for my skin type.

Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover
This was really nice stuff, the packaging was luxe and lightweight and I didn’t need much at all to remove my eye makeup at night. It’s pricier than my usual eye make-up remover, but definitely lovely.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
My HG acne treatment, I don’t think I could ever be without this again (I’ve tried and it wasn’t pretty!) It clears up general crappy skin and also targets acne to stop it in its tracks.

L’Oreal Youth Code Moisturiser
I used to swear by the Youth Code range before I began trialling new products all the time, I didn’t actually manage to finish this up but it’s too old now. I found most of the Youth Code line really plumped my skin and felt lovely on. I have some of the new formulation/newly repackaged Youth Code in stocks so hopefully it is still just as nice.

Priceline Vitamin E makeup remover
Found this in a beauty box while doing a clean out and don’t want it anywhere near my eyes!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
I always have a box of these in the house, I love the gross satisfaction of using them and Mister Bovary swears by these too.

The Face Shop Rice Mask + Elianto Pumpkin Mask
Both were lovely and soothing (as I find most sheet masks) but the Elianto one was my favourite purely for the pumpkin factor!

The Jojoba Company Lemon + Coconut Hand Cream
I still can’t believe I finished this, even though it was a small size I struggled through this tube because I didn’t like the scent. On paper it sounds perfect and everyone else I asked loved it, but my nose just couldn’t hack it.

Shower + Body

Soap and Glory Flake Away body scrub
This was a great body scrub with that signature Soap and Glory scent, even though it made my shower a bit slippery at times I would still repurchase.

Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask
This was so good! Pleasantly surprised with this, though I wish the packaging was easier to squeeze. This makes me want to investigate Evo further…any recommendations?

PureTan Pure Moisture Coconut Body Crème
I know this is a big call, but I think this may be my all-time favourite moisturiser…I don’t have super dry skin so the light moisture worked for me, and the scent and feel of it was just beyond divine.

Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
My staple, the only shampoo my scalp will tolerate.

Original Source Chocolate + Mint Shower Gel
Why would they go and make a scent like this limited edition? Craziness I tell you, this stuff was good enough to eat!

Norsca Clear Anti-White Deodorant
Nope, still left white marks and wasn’t freshly scented enough for me. Back to Rexona I go!

Rexona for Men deodorant
Mister Bovary’s HG deodorant that I always use when he isn’t looking…

Lynx Dry Apollo
I think Mister Bovary received this in a gift pack at Christmas, either way he liked the scent and he often asks for Lynx sprays (just like a teen boy I know, but I don’t mind the smell of them either!)

Glitter Shower Gel
This came in a gift set from someone long ago and I was holding onto the set for sentimental reasons, as absurd as that may sound. Needless glitter and no lather, these sorts of gift sets are nice thoughts but rarely quality product.

The Body Shop Vanilla Body Lotion
My sister gifted this to me but it is way too old to use. I love so many of The Body Shop scents, and vanilla is always at the top.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Body Cream
So far I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve used from Nuxe, and this is no exception.

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel
When a shower gel is pricier than the average supermarket garb, it takes a lot to impress me. This scent was seriously worth the price tag, and the quality was right up there. I think this scent is limited edition, but I’ll definitely buy it when it’s rereleased.

Makeup

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I’m actually using a full size of this right now and find it works wonderfully, but this sachet dried out before I could actually use it all so the idea of this was a fail.

Elianto Brow Pencil
I remember loving this while we were in KL a few years back – I wouldn’t buy it again, but boy I’m craving an overseas trip right now.

Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara
My favourite mascara thus far, this is something I will continue buying and loving. I love what it does for my lashes and how you can layer it beyond belief without it clumping – thanks Covergirl!

MAC Painterly Paint Pot
This is probably my favourite eyeshadow base because it covers any veins on my eyelids, and this pot lasted me an age without ever changing consistency. Well worth the cash in my opinion!

Avon Bond Girl perfume
My dad bought me this and I loved the scent, not enough to repurchase it but I have a few samplers of it lying around if I feel like wearing it again.

Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Gel foundation
Long-time readers would be aware of how much I love this discontinued foundation – I’ve squirreled away a few pots and plan on stretching them out before crying about how sad Rimmel have made me.

Quick question – favourite mascara and favourite foundation? Pop it in the comments below!

Emma x

What's in my Shower // The Pink Edition

I did not intend for this edition of ‘What’s in my Shower’ to take on a primarily pink theme, but when I snapped the images I saw that they all shared the same hue so I decided to embrace it! Since taking these photographs I’ve actually finished up a few of the products, but I still wanted to show you the great shower products I’ve been using, so here we go!

I can’t go without a few shower gel options, so L’Occitane Ravissant shower gel* sits alongside Bodycology Sweet Pea and they are both deliciously floral and sweet, with the L’Occitane having more of a floral + citrus twist. I also had a few sample sized Soap + Glory products floating around (some of which featured in past empties) and though I wasn’t a fan of the Clean Girls shower gel, I quite liked the Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em tub which smelt artificial yet deliciously expensive. I would definitely recommend The Breakfast Scrub* over Scrub of Your Life for both scent and texture, but I think any Soap & Glory scrub is well worth a try to be honest and the travel sized versions available at Kit Cosmetics make it so easy to dip your toe into the brand.

I have my very favourite cleanser sitting front and centre, the Fab Pore Hot Cloth cleanser* works so nicely with my skin and we are in the midst of a love affair as I type! Speaking of love affairs, the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil* really exceeded my expectations (which were high to begin with, great work L’Occitane!) as both a shower oil and a shaving oil. Let me tell you, when your shaving oil smells this good your legs will be smooth more often, just so that you can relish in the amazing sweet almond scent – sigh,heaven! This is on the ‘definite repurchase’ list, no doubt.

Continuing with the pink trend, I’ve been trialling the new Kerastase Cristalliste* range (thick hair version) and I’m happy to report that the conditioner leaves my thick crazy mane soft and silky, though the texture of it is thinner than expected and needs a bit of muscle to escape the tube. The shampoo surprisingly didn’t upset my scalp as much as I thought it might, my head acts out against any shampoo that isn’t Garnier (and that includes hating all other dandruff shampoos!) but it tolerated this one quite fine. Hurrah for schmancy hair care that makes me feel like a French lady wink wink.

 

What would you steal first from my shower loot?

Does your shower also resemble the aftermath of a pink fairy explosion?

How many shower gels do you have on the go at once?

*Marked items were provided for consideration, but not planted for post purposes, I promise! Honesty, always.

 

May Empties

Another month has flown by and I’ve managed to power through a few shower products, some moisturising products and some usual suspects. Next month will hopefully see more makeup products (NYX Peach, be gone!) but I’m still quite pleased with the bulky items that have bit the dust this month.

 

The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter – this is something that has been in my stash for a long time now, and I’m glad to have used it up before it turned or anything like that. The Moringa scent is just amazing and the body butter formula is nice and thick, though I do wish they would sink in a bit quicker. I enjoyed this and am planning on repurchasing another scent in this small tub form sometime down the line.

Maybelline Total Clean City Rescue Eye Makeup Remover- Happy to have bought this on sale, and like the slim line packaging and the nice formula. I still prefer the Clinique version, but considering it is much pricier this one will probably be a repurchase for me.

 

Daiso Cosmetic Cotton – was peer pressured into buying this by some fellow beauty bloggers while out shopping with them, and I was pleased with how cheap (and soft!) these cotton squares are.

 

QV Heel Balm*- This should have been used up long ago, but I think it is safe to say that we are all guilty of neglecting our feet far too often! This was thick and softened the feet nicely, though the smell wasn’t something I’d shout about.

Spray Fresh Activ Deodorant – This was a decent deodorant but I will still stick with Rexona.

Soap & Glory Breakfast Scrub* – A really nice scrub that smells just like the inside of a Pancake Parlour! Maple syrup dominates this and the scrub is great at sloughing away dead skin and leaving the skin soft. Pleased at how affordable this is ($18.95 at Kit Cosmetics) and would purchase in the future.

Soap & Glory Clean Girls body wash- I really wasn’t a fan of this scent, it was sort of medicinal and milky. I was glad this was only a travel size I picked up from Thailand!

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life body buffer- This was a nice enough body scrub, but I think if you are wanting to buy a scrub from Soap & Glory I would go for the Breakfast Scrub or perhaps their Pulp Friction, which incidentally is the one I am hoping to buy next.

 

How often do you finish up body scrubs?

 What eye makeup remover is your favourite?

*Provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

April Empties

Rexona Girl Tropical Energy Deodorant-

A frequent feature in these posts, this is my favourite deodorant and I will keep on repurchasing.

 

Rexona Women Crystal Deodorant-

It seems like Rexona is the brand for me in the deodorant realm, and this handbag friendly size did the job and smelt nice.

 

Face of Australia Moisturising Nail Polish remover-

I enjoyed using this, it takes glitter polish off quite easily and doesn’t strip my nails as much as other brands have in the past. Have already repurchased!

Goldwell Extra Rich 60 sec Treatment*-

Reviewed here, I really enjoyed this hair treatment and am considering repurchasing once I finish up some other hair bits I have lying around.

Soap & Glory Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em-

I’m finally making my way through the travel sized products I bought from Thailand over a year ago! This was heavily perfumed and less scrubby than I like, but smelt expensive and made my skin really soft and felt hydrating.

Smashbox Photo-Op Undereye Brightener*-

When I first began blogging I was invited to have a Smashbox makeover and watch the premiere of Burlesque (a movie I love, and the night I fell in love with Smashbox’s Tease gloss!) This sample was part of the goody bag, and though it was too thin to cover up any discolouration under the eyes, it was quite brightening. I am not going to purchase this as I prefer a brush style applicator (akin to YSL Touche Eclat) and found it hard to control how much came out of the tube when using this.

What did you finish up this month? I’m finding it so hard to use up makeup products, I’m working my way through Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy at the moment and struggling to wear it day in and day out! How often do you finish lipsticks?

 

*Marked products provided for review. Honesty, always.

Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

I am a firm believer that a cleanser is one of the most important steps in my skincare routine. I know a lot of people think that it is less important because it is washed off so quickly, and while I think the logic behind that is sound, my personal experience says otherwise. Perhaps it is just me, but I find that my skin behaves in certain ways with certain cleansers, and though I’ve found success with some serums and creams, ultimately a cleanser is the main factor in whether or not my skin is clear or spotty.

 

My skin is acne prone and fluctuates between a stack of dry patches and oily forehead, to dehydrated and flaky all over. I prefer not to use foaming cleansers as I find they strip moisture from my skin, and so favour cream, balm or gel based cleansers in general. When this Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser* hit my desk, I was intrigued at the thought of a deep pore clean in a light cream texture, as previously I’d only ever used a muslin cloth with a thicker style balm (eg. Antipodes Grapeseed Butter) Here is what Soap & Glory have to say about it:

 

A natural all-in-one cleanse, polish & skin-smoothing cream.
It cleans, it smoothes, it melts away makeup. A 3-in-1, concentrated, deep-purifying formula with a natural blend of revitalising aromatic essential oils for an all round FAB PORE complexion.
Suitable for all skin types (Especially those seeking natural alternatives for their skincare regime)
100ml for $27.95

 

The first step in my nightly routine is to remove my eye makeup with my Maybelline City Rescue Total Clean remover, and precleanse with Dermalogica Precleanse. Once I’m in the shower I apply a splodge of Fab Pore all over my face, work it into my skin and leave it on for a little, as suggested by Soap & Glory. I then either use the thin and gentle muslin cloth provided, or simply warm water to remove the light cream from my face. It doesn’t dry out my skin at all, but leaves it soft and completely free of residue, and the essential oil based scent is light and not bothersome.

 

Though in the past I have used targeted acne cleansers (some of which were too harsh and did not improve my skin!) I found the most success with this tube of glory. Hormonal break outs aside, this kept my skin spot free and feeling better than ever before, which was something that both surprised and delighted me! Being a beauty blogger, I will of course trial other cleansers in order to keep the reviews coming (I am already onto a new product as I type!) but I feel confident when I say that this is a cleanser I will repurchase in the future, and continue to use happily.

 

Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser retails for $27.95 and is available from Kit Cosmetics.

*Provided for consideration, but as always my thoughts are my own. Honesty, always.

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.

Soap & Glory Flake Away : Transforming Scaly Legs from Reptilian to Radiant!

I must admit I am a bit of a body scrub fiend, and because I use them almost every time I shower, I get to try out quite a few different types and brands. The latest one I’ve used is Flake Away from Soap and Glory! I bought this tub from Boots in Thailand earlier in the year, and even though it was heavy in my suitcase it was on sale if you bought two (I totally stashed the other in Chris' suitcase when he wasn't looking!) so I couldn't pass it up.

This scrub has that well known ‘Soap & Glory’ scent, which reminds me quite a bit of Miss Dior Cherie perfume. The scent is quite a strong one, so I would definitely suggest having a sniff in store and being certain that you are a fan of it before you purchase. The tub is a huge 300ml and at Kit Cosmetics it is only $16.95!! I honestly thought it was much more than that, for the amount of uses per tub that is incredible value. They also have a travel size 50ml tub for $5.95, if you have a holiday planned or wanted a stocking stuffer, mini S&P is the way to go.

 

Flake Away is quite sandy in texture, but has plenty of oils inside to keep it smooth and easy to use. It definitely gets the dead skin cells away, and though it leaves a bit of residue I found it moisturising without feeling gross (unlike the Burt’s Bees cranberry scrub, review here) The scent lingers on the skin for quite a while, so if you are pairing it with other Soap & Glory products (like their Hand Food hand cream!) or that Dior perfume, it could work perfectly when layered. I tend to use it before bed, and find it sits nicely with my L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Solid Perfume* which I apply on my pulse points every night.

 

Even though the labels ended up peeling away on my tub of Flake Away, I love the packaging of this scrub. The pot is sturdy and water tight, the sayings make me giggle and overall it looks attractive sitting in my shower. It is quite a large tub, so it doesn’t fit where my usual scrubs go – those with tight shower spaces might have to stash it on the floor! All in all, this is something from Soap & Glory that I would happily recommend, provided the scent is something you enjoy. It is very affordable, does a great job at scrubbing and leaving skin soft and moisturised, and is readily available here.

 

Have you tried any Soap & Glory scrubs? What do you think of the scent of their products? I have The Breakfast Scrub* waiting in the wings to be used, and my oh my I’m looking forward to trying it!

 

*Marked items were provided for consideration, but I bought Flake Away myself.

November Empties

 

Another month gone and another lot of finished products to share, albeit smaller than the usual lot. Here we go! 

Priceline Round Cotton Pads – love using these for removing eye makeup, using Bioderma and tidying up fallout after applying heavy eye makeup. I find the Priceline branded rounds fall apart less than other brands, but I generally just pick up whatever is around when I need them.

Athena Beauty Facial Cleansing Wipes – these weren’t great, they fell apart as you took them out of their packet and they were terribly dry. Definitely won’t repurchase!

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream – this was only 3 nights worth, but I found it irritated my eyes a little bit. I’m going to look into other Clarins eye creams when I need to purchase one.

Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover (for lids, lashes and lips) – I bought this in Sydney as I needed a heavy duty remover for my eyes, and I was really impressed with it. It took off makeup in a flash, and though it left a bit of residue I didn’t mind the feeling at all. I will repurchase a large size of this when I’ve finished the other removers I have lying around.

Random eyelash glue – I have Duo, there is no need to put this near my eyelids so out it goes.

Lipgloss Pot – this was a GWP when I bought some Essie and China Glaze polishes from an outlet type place, but it smells weird and the packaging is slimy and I wouldn’t even give it to my nieces. Out it goes!

Savers Halloween Makeup – didn’t realise that once you opened this packaging, the cover went with it and so this ended up a furry mess. Not keen on putting it on my mug anyway, so no great loss.

Soap and Glory Flake Away – this body scrub was really nice to use, I’ll be doing a full review of it this week!

Rexona Girl Tropical Energy deodorant – as always, my favourite deodorant makes it into my empties. Love it, will repurchase.

Rexona Women Shiny ‘Fragrance Collection’ deodorant – love that Rexona have to specify who their deodorants are for! Not sure about the collection name, or the shiny aspect, but this was a decent deodorant that I picked up because it was on sale.

Nail Polish remover pads – bought this back when I was at uni and needed to rid my nails of chipped polish. The smell of this is really strong and they are quite thin, but they get the job done and are good to have on hand.

 

Clinique High Impact Mascara sample x2 – I really like this mascara, and collect the samples every time a Clinique GWP rolls around. These have been open for far too long, so out they go.

B Collection by Bloom Last Out mascara – Didn’t like this mascara, the formula was so wet that it just went everywhere and it didn’t define my lashes very nicely.

Powder Puff (from my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder) – this fell on the floor, eck. I like having these spongey puffs in the section underneath the powder for desperate touch ups, but more often I reach for a travel sized powder brush.

essence Sun Club gel liner in BBC All Night Blue – this sadly dried up before I had a chance to give it a go, I think I accidently left the lid unscrewed. Was a stunning shade for summer, I adore the essence gel liners.

Bourjois Healthymix Foundation – love this formula (and the serum formula as well) It glides on as a moisturiser would, and leaves a dewy healthy finish as they name would suggest. Would highly recommend!

My Current Routine

I will happily admit that I am a snooper, and love seeing what is in the cabinets and handbags of others. I usually squeal when Natalie posts over at The Mustard Jumper, and when she posted this I was riveted, and decided to follow suit. Here is the products I'm using right now, but keep in mind that I change up my makeup and skincare frequently!

Face

01. Cleanser:  Environ AVST Cleansing Lotion

02. Toner/lotion: Environ AVST Moisturising Toner

03. Cream/moisturiser: Environ AVST1 Moisturiser

04. Facial Mask: Jurlique Intense Recovery Mask + Sukin Purifying Facial Masque

05. Exfoliator: Soap and Glory Greatest Scrub of All + Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant 

06. Make-up remover: Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover (review) + Alpha-H Cleansing Oil

Body

07. Shower gels/soaps: Lush Glogg, Kiehls Coriander Body Wash, L'Occitane Cherry Princess Pearlescent Shower Cream

08. Body lotions/creams: The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter + Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion

09. Nails: Essie 'Nice is Nice' (review) + Darling 'Hot Diggity'

10. Body exfoliator: Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Scrub + Botani Spirulina Salt Scrub (review)

11. Foot cream: -

12. Lip balm or lip treatment: Korres Jasmine Lip Butter (review)

13. Perfume: Thierry Mugler Angel EDT (review) + Kim Kardashian for Women

Hair

14. Shampoo/conditioner: Garnier Fructis Sensitive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + random conditoner sample sachets I am trying to use up before I buy my beloved Terax Crema.

15. Mask or other treatments/products: Moroccanoil, Girlz Only Dry Shampoo, John Frieda Frizz Ease

Make Up

16. Foundation: Bourjois Healthymix Serum, Clarins Ever Matte Liquid, Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse.

17. Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder + Clarins Ever Matte powder.

18. Blush: Benefit Dallas, essence Swirlpool, YSL Creme de Blush in Powdery Rose

19. Mascara: Australis Lash Lengths

20. Lipstick/lipgloss: Natural Compatibles 'Berry', essence 'me&my icecream'

21. Eyeshadow: MAC 'Jaunty' eyeshadow (review), L'Oreal Infallible in 'Sahara Treasure', Femme Fatale Cosmetics 'Poison' pigment.

22. Eyeliner: essence gel liner in Midnight in Paris

Many of these products were sent for consideration and I am in the process of trialling them for this blog. Honesty, always.

Stocking Stuffers Under $20!

I've been a good little Christmas elf this year and have had my gifts on layby for quite a while now. Instead of joining the Christmas rush all I've had to do is head out for a coffee with Chris once a week and pop some money onto them, and chuckle at those running around like headless chickens. No matter how prepared I am, however, there are always those little extras needed to plump up a gift and add a little extra shine to Christmas day. These, my friends, are stocking stuffers, and I'm here to share with you the best of the bunch that won't break the bank.

These little beauties are the perfect thing to pop into a girlfriends gift or a Kriss Kringle, and being under $20 means you don't have to think twice about them.

***

Soap and Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

This big ol' tube of amazingness smells like My Cherie Dior perfume and is only $11.95 for this huge size. It's non greasy and sinks in quick, and is something I would be happy to receive as a gift any time of the year. I think of handcream as an exciting luxury while still being necessary, so this ticks all boxes for a wonderful stocking stuffer.

 It's available from Kit Cosmetics, check it out here.

MOR Perfume Rollers

I have this in the Lychee scent which I took away with me when I went to Thailand and Malaysia last year, and it will forever be my 'holiday scent'. Chris sighs every time I wear it and we drop into a daydream about pristine white beaches and snorkelling the days away...I digress. This scent is perfect for hot summer days and the roller ball is fine in the heat and when travelling. It comes in a range of scents so you can choose one to suit the giftee! At only $19.95 for 9ml it's a great fragrance to throw in a stocking this Christmas.

Available from Myer and anywhere you spot MOR!

Bloom Mini Soap Trio*

I received the 2010 version of Bloom soaps in my Kriss Kringle and was elated! Even though I am a shower gel kinda lady, I found these to be beautifully scented and very moisturising, not to mention totally cute! Last year they came in a Christmas cracker tube, and this years offering is just as gorgeous, and just as affordable at $9.95. A thick cardboard box housing Moroccan Mint, Lemon Verbena (my fave!) and Rose and White Flower and tied with a cute ribbon and tag, this gift couldn't be easier if it tried.

Available from Myer stores and anywhere you buy Bloom!

Australis Paparazzi Perfect Eyeshadow Palette

I have two of these little beauties, and the Frock and Roll palette is definitely my favourite! For only $15.95 you get 5 soft and pigmented shades that compliment one another perfectly, and for budding beauty lovers you can't get a better product than that! I use this all the time as I adore the top grey shade a lot, and the coral and orange shades are surprisingly wearable despite being a little 'out there'! Australis have revamped their style and it's done great things for their image, they are one of my favourite 'drugstore' brands now! The packaging for this palette will wow when popped in a stocking, so all you have to do is choose which variety out of the 4 they'd like best!

Available from Priceline, KMart and Target stores.

Bloom Boost Lip Balm Trio*
I was kindly sent two of these lip balms when they were launched a while back, and despite not being a lip balm lover, I fell head over heels for them.They are so moisturising and the scents are quite natural, if you like the Boost juices you will adore these fruity goodies. Bloom and Boost have created a trio pack just in time for Christmas which would make amazing stocking stuffers for ladies of all ages! (Chris is partial to the Berry balm, as an aside) For $14.95 you get 3 gorgeous balms in a cute little box with a 'share the love' swingtag.
Available from Myer stores.

Essence Nail Polishes

I am terrible at taking care of my nails, and so shudder at the thought of spending large amounts of money on a polish only for the effect to be ruined by my jagged cuticles and uneven nails. These two shades are from the new Vampire Love range and are stunning! They are around the $3 mark, while the smaller permanent range of nail varnishes are $2.55 AUD. They make some really great glitters that would be excellent for little sisters or nieces (or even older sisters and Mums!)
Available from Target stores Australia wide.

***

I would love to receive any of these in my stocking come the 25th of December, and I hope they've been helpful for those on the lookout for little extras this Christmas.

This week I'm hoping to roll with a Christmas theme so I hope you enjoy this first instalment!