Correction Perfection

As many of us have, I have been on the hunt for a new foundation lately. One that can make my skin flawless and smooth, without looking cake like and gross. Something that is natural but build able, hiding  all of the horrible reds that accompany blemished and the deep purples under my eyes. I am very fussy with my foundations and I think I ask too much of them. I have previously loved many department store and pharmacy brands my favourites being Chanel lumiere aqua, Chanel 'Le Beige Healthy Glow Fluid', Nars 'Sheer Glow' and Bourjois 'Healthy Glow Mix', however on a day to day basis my skin doesn't need to be lathered in foundations, I don't have the time to paint on my perfect completion either. So this time, as I admired all that Mecca Maxima has to offer, I discovered the Stila 'One Step' primer. 

The Stila 'One Step' is a primer with three different colours that combat uneven pigments in the skin. Naturally my skin has a yellow undertone but I get a lot of redness on my chin and sometimes deep purple discolouration around my eyes. The green tones in particular are fantastic at cancelling out the redness in the skin, while the purple and pink/orange tones brighten the completion, concealing the darker spots and general pigmentation that you may have from old acne scars, sun exposure or other skin traumas. An even amount of each colour is dispensed in each pump which is  useful to evenly cover all the the little areas of redness or pigmentation all over the face, as opposed to spot treating one specific area. If you do have a particularly problematic section then you can gently pat on more and build up the coverage. 

One thing to keep in mind when using this product is that it needs some time to warm up on your skin. After applying  it leave it to sit on your skin before applying anything else. It works best when applied to well moisturised skin. If you do build it up for better coverage, I highly recommend very gently using a stippling brush (such as this one by Samantha Chapman) to apply your foundation or BB cream, as if you the serum tends to be disturbed with friction making it appear like rubber shavings. To avoid this simplify use a soft brush (as afore mentioned) to gently dab the makeup over the top, achieving a naturally flawless appearance. 

Overall I love this product, it doesn't need to be worn with anything else it does such a good job if you just want to even out you skin but still look very natural (or you just don't want to wear makeup). The only down sides are, firstly that it is a little trickier to apply makeup without disturbing the areas that you have built up. Secondly, it doesn't have any SPF, so unless you daily moisturiser is enough or you do apply somethings like the Kiehl's BB cream with 50+ protection, you will not have any sun protection.

 Before. Applying the product. After blending and building.

    
Still One Step   $52, available at Mecca Maxima

Stippling brush, Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman  $25: 

(Available at: https://www.priceline.com.au/cosmetics/cosmetic-accessories/cosmetic-brushes-and-9applicators/your-finish-perfected-stippling-brush-1-ea)

Keihl's BB Cream   $38: 

(http://www.kiehls.com.au/skincare/by-category/dermatologist-solutions/actively-correcting-beautifying-bb-cream)

The Search for 'the' Cleanser

I have tried a lot of cleansers during my expeditions through skin care and makeup. Many skin products marketed to 'oily' or 'acne prone' skins are incredibly drying, which in turn promotes oil production in the skin. This is good, as it allows for the natural function of the skin and ideally unclogs the pours. Unfortunately, that is only one perspective of the purpose of these products. I have found my skin (particularly on my nose) while using these 'oily skin and acne fighting' products becomes very flaky but, remains oily. Many of the ingredients in most supermarket (and ever department or pharmaceutical products) are heavily 'acid' base products that are designed to help lift dead skin and clear pours. This leaves the skin bare and exposed as it removes a lot of natural oils (which contribute to blocked pours) and promotes oil production to make up for the loss of it's protective and noising oils. If you haven't had success with this style of product you may have ventured further into the many varieties of skin care. I was once I did this that my skin was transformed from 'okay at best' to 'glowing'.

In short:  Oil stripped = Oil replenished at higher rate.  Moisturising and Protecting = Reduced natural oil production, reduced damage from products/ abrasion (commonly in exfoliants)/ unprotected raw skin (stripped by chemical products).

Oil cleansers are something that has scared me for quite a while. Why would I want to add thick oily cleansers to my face, I already have way too much. I thought this until I found the Bobbi Brown oil cleanser (see at: http://www.bobbibrown.com.au). This cleanser is very good at removing eye makeup (but not so much for water resistant) as well as general foundation. As you can see from the photos below, this products has become a much loved addition to my skin care collection. It is not an ever day product for me, although it could be used like that. I use it when I feel that my skin needs an extra something to pep it up after a few dry winter days or when I am simply too tired and lazy to properly remove my makeup.

Bobbi Brown, Soothing Oil Cleanser:  $60

It retails for $60 in Australia, which is a little pricy for the product but I believe it is worth it. The smells of the jasmine flower extract are divine and it feels gorgeous on the skin. You can rub some over your face and massage it down your neck, leave it for a few minutes then wash it off in the shower. Revealing soft and plump skin, perfectly primed for the rest of your beauty regime.  After using this several times, I found that my skin was noticeably less flaky and less oily during the day. If you find yourself needing a quick and easy skin hydration in dryer weather, or need something to help combat dry flaky skin with combination oily skin or due to other products, I highly recommend this product. I have not been able to compare this product with any similar but more economical products that I like better so far. It smells amazing, feels wonderful and is so incredibly easy to use, fitting into my morning rush to get ready perfectly.


Please leave a comment letting me know what you think of this product, similar products, or what your skin dilemma is!  

It's a short way to the Top Shop.

The long awaited launch of the popular 'Top Shop' filled the streets of Brisbane on December 5th. With special Australian celebrity appearances and an overwhelming crowd the first Queensland store opened it's doors. I have been a devoted Top Shop customer for many years now, but it is so fantastic that I can wonder through the store and try things on in my home city! Given the chance I couldn't resist but too have a look, and I came out with a few lovely style essentials and fixes that will both brighten up your summer wardrobe and can be transeasonal too. 

If you're like me and love to buy pretty dresses that are a little too formal and then find yourself without any 'casual' outfits, I might have a quick fix for you. I have always been torn between liking the look of grungy, baggy shirts but never wearing them when I do buy them, however, they are a fantastic basic top for your wardrobe. The solution is a very feminine baggy top. This might be a little hard to find, but I think this cute little baggy white top (pictured below) is perfect! The delicate lacy detailing balances the grunt raw edges and the plain t-shirt shape. I also love classy, colourful high waisted shorts which can be a little dressy if done up correctly. My solution: pair the super classy high waisted shorts with a soft casual top, such as the Top Shop top (below). This creates a easy, comfortable casual look and leaves you free to buy all the pretty little skirts and dressy fabric shorts your heart desires, while being able to dress them up or down with the right tops and accessories. Add any jewellery that you like and a pair of sandals, flats or converse (or heels for a more formal look) to finish the look. While the shorts are an easy summer style, to take this top into Autumn and Winter, simply layer is with a cute denim jacket or trench coat and pants or a skirt and tights. 

Top: Top Shop, $56

Shorts: Universal Store, $39.99

(The feminine detailing)

(left) Windsor Smiths- Octopus, Myer, $89.95

(centre) Corellie - Giana, Williams, $69.99

(right) Converse- low cuts, Hype DC, $89.95

Top Shop have a range of basic vests, two for $19, that are perfect for lazy summer days and layering with special little cardigans, boleros and jackets. If you're not lucky enough to have a store near you, have a look online: http://www.topshop.com/?geoip=home. xx

The rule for basic clothing: simple timeless cuts, easy to care for, usually stretch materials, plain colours. Black, white and grey are colours that you can mix and match with all other colours so aim to only purchase these colours for you basics. Basics and transeasonal clothing are fantastic because they save you money! It's worth learning how to utilise them and buy cheaper garments (like cardigans, scarves, jackets, ect.) to make your outfits unique that often fall out of fashion quickly. 

What are you favourite summer pieces? What do you like to keep as wardrobe basics? Please comment and let me know! xx

Sunny Days

After spending so much time cooped in school a beach trip is exactly what is needed! A friend and I took advantage of the warmer weather and set off to one of Australia's beautiful beaches. Despite living so close to this gorgeous scenery, it's easy to miss it while our busy lives take over. Spending a day in the sun is absolutely one of the best anti-stress activities I can think of; sun, fresh air and yummy summer treats! We indulged in a Ferrero Rocher ice-cream and curiously looked through rock pools. 
As we sat on the sand we noticed many summer trends this year, foremost solid, bright colours and 'Triangle' bikini's (have a look online: http://www.triangl.com.au). 'Triangle' bikini's feature a very simple design that is very flattering to most body types. They incorporate the brilliant bright colours and play with textures and mix matched looks. There are many shapes and patterns that are popular lately however the simple triangle and bandeau tops are trending this spring/ summer. If you're feeling a little run down take a trip to the beach or spend some time in the sun; coming home with a fresh summery glow, soft salty hair and happy photos what's not to love?

What's your favourite beach memory? 

Thank you for your support so far, leave a comment letting me know what you want to see next! xx

Angels on Bare Skin

"Angels on Bare Skin" is a natural cleanser from Lush. 

Made from all natural ingredients such as almond milk to tone and brighten skin, kaolin to absorb grease and gently cleanse, vegetable glycerine to soften and moisturise the skin and a beautiful blend of essential oils, all chosen for their abilities to balance and tone the skin. This cleanser is absolutely amazing! I love its lavender smell, the texture and being able to mix it with water myself. In theory, all of the ingredients are supposed to be extremely beneficial for your skin, and I don't doubt it. However I find that although it is very gentle and nursing, there is something missing. If you have problem skin as I do, maybe this isn't for you. I have used an entire container of this cleanser and found that at first it looked very promising. That said, it is a good cleanser and everyone needs a different combination of products. It minimised any little oily spots, reduced blackheads, redness was less noticeable and generally gave a fresh glow to my skin. Towards the end of the jar, I felt like my skin needed a change. Perhaps it's the fact that this is a natural product (which is a huge plus) and it does expire quite quickly that changed how it worked for me but none the less I did enjoy using it. Given the type of product it is (natural, not tested on animals, vegan and fresh) it is quite well priced. I would use this again but not necessarily continuously. The soft grainy texture, smell and ability to control oiliness and redness absolutely make this product worth trying.

Lovely Lush.

After being enticed into the Lush shop by the wonderful smells many times, I have hardly bought anything. However, now I have tried a few things I absolutely love Lush! I have used:

"Cupcake Mask" - A brown chocolaty mask that smells good enough to eat.
"Angels On Bare Skin" - Angelic medieval rose & lavender Cleanser
"Mask of Magniminty" - A deep cleansing clay mask with aduki beans, evening primrose & peppermint oil.
"Ocean Salt Scrub" - A citrus & sea salt scrub 
"I Love Juicy" - Deep cleansing vegan shampoo
"Dark Angels" - Charcoal and sugar scrub to brighten skin 

After trying these products and a few other masks with friends I can't really fault them. They smell delicious (mostly, some are a little overpowering or odd), they do their job and they are fun to use. Some products such as "Dark Angels" are a bit messy to use but I think the fact that they are all natural and clean outweighs the cons. Although I love the store, I went online (http://www.lush.com.au/) and read up about all the different products...it's seriously so much fun haha. When the packages arrive, they're wrapped in paper and looked gorgeous! All of the products are a little bit cute and quirky, I love that they have a sticker on it saying who had packaged it all.
If you haven't already, check out their website (http://www.lush.com.au/) and try a few things. Pop into the store and you can collect a few sample to try! If you want a review on any of these products let me know :)