Review | Swisse Micellar Make-Up Remover

Generally, I try to avoid the cosmetics/beauty isle at my local grocery store unless I really need something; I'm too good at impulse purchases. Recently, I had to repurchase the old, faithful Clean Sensitive 2-in-1 Gentle Make-Up Remover by Garnier when I stumbled across this product. Jess and I always look out for products each other might like and, as she is allergic to most everything in a lot cosmetics, natural products stand out to me. After a quick skim of the ingredients and a lack of unpronounceable ingredients, I decided to test it out for myself. 

The verdict: if you love the smell of cucumber and need your make-up removed this product is amazing. It does everything your regular make-up remover does, water/smudge proof thick heavy eyeliner and more. It also has the added bonus of being a natural product and much less abrasive on your skin, which after daily use is very important. 

I've been a lover of Swisse's natural beauty range since they started about a year and a half ago and am so pleased to see them expanding in this way. 

Let me know if you try this out - I'd love to know your thoughts.

Erin xx

Shoes | Dr Martens Mary Jane

Happy Wednesday shoe lovers! I've recently taken the plunge and purchased some Dr Martens that I've been ogling over for several months now. I made a spontaneous purchase on a rainy day a few weeks ago with a very encouraging Jess. 

Review | Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

 Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Hi lovelies! So recently I have been taking a break from my daily black liquid eyeliner. However after this purchase my love has been firmly rekindled. The problem I had with a lot of cheaper liner options was that they began to fade or flake throughout the day. 

Nails | Maybelline Forever Strong Gel Nail Colour

It is no secret that when Priceline puts on a good sale, I rock up with bells on and my wallet at the ready. The last week or so has seen all Maybelline New York products at half-price and I picked up quite a few goodies. Included in my haul were these three shades from the new (to Australia) Forever Strong range. With the discount applied these babies came down to less than $4 (normally $8) which my impulse-buying self thought (and still think) is a great bargain. 

Monthly Round-Up | June

Eat and Drink
Wagaya, Fortitude Valley

I literally discovered this restaurant on the last day of June. As a massive lover of Japanese food I have wanted to try it out for months but never had the time or right friends to accompany me.  I have been blown away and am headed back there tonight and probably twice more in the coming week or two. 

Review | The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum

As I recently mentioned in my beauty wish list, I have wanted to try the Aloe Protective Serum by The Body Shop since Estée from Essie Button put this in one of her monthly beauty favourites. I've been using a similar product called Hydraluron by Indeed Laboratories for the best part of a year now and am definitely converted to using a product before my moisturiser to increase its effect. My normal face moisturiser is oil free and therefor needs all the help it can get; I even combine it with a few drops of rose-hip oil in the evenings. 

When my Hydraluron ran out recently I decided I would purchase this as a moisture boosting replacement. It is the same volume but about $12 cheaper... and when all your products run out at the same time that makes all the difference. The dispenser on this product gives a well portioned dosage each time and I think more likely to drain every last drop. 

So far my use of this product has been mostly successful and positive. My skin hasn't reacted badly and the amount of moisture I was receiving from Hydraluron use has been maintained. The scent is semi-perplexing but perhaps I am simply not accustomed to aloe. It isn't awful just unusual. I also appreciate that the ingredients are slightly (not hugely) more natural than Hydraluron. The feeling of the product on the skin also feels more moisturising and less tacky than I am used to. 

This wasn't meant to be a comparison post but it seems that is how it has turned out. If you know of any other moisture boosting products (available in Australia) feel free to let me know in the comments. I definitely recommend this, especially because we are headed to windier weather here in Brisbane and extra moisture on your face is beyond necessary. 

Happy Wednesday beauty lovers!

Erin xx

Review | Models Prefer Slanted Liner

 Models Prefer Slanted Liner $9.99

Hi lovelies! I've always loved winged eyeliner and over the years have tested many brands' options. I tend to favour liquid formulas, as I find them the fastest to work with. Models Prefer is a brand that I am not super familiar with, but I was in the mood for something different last time I ran out of eyeliner. 

Monthly Round-Up | May

Eat and Drink

Mount Zero Olives

I didn't make it to many new venues this month but I did discover a new stockist of my favourite brand of olives. As a child my father dubbed me The Olive Queen and I have maintained that status ever since. Mount Zero is a Victorian estate that grows and produces a plethora of different gourmet ingredients, including olives, olive oil, condiments, grains etc. My favourite of their line is the olives, of course. In the past it has been hard to find their product in Brisbane but I have been hearing and finding more and more places that stock it; and now, one that I can actually get to with ease in Paddington. 

If you see these babies out and about, treat yourself because they are totally worth it. 

Shoes | Jeffrey Campbell Argo

It has been quite a while since I last did a shoe review. You may recall the last shoes, reviewed by me, were quite similar to those you see pictured above (see previous post here). The truth of the matter is that I broke the black ones by London Rebel within a few weeks but the white ones are still going strong. However, a girl needs comfortable and reliable black sandals so I held out buying a straight replacement and waited till I could find a similar pair in better quality. Enter ZOMP, my favourite Brisbane shoe store, and a spectacular (even more spectacular now) sale. 

Already owning and believing in the quality of Jeffrey Campbell shoes, I knew that these babies wouldn't let me down. When I saw the Argo shoe for $80 sitting in my size in the ZOMP window I couldn't say no. It was looking to be hot for several more months and I needed sandals badly. 

In an unsurprising comparison to the black Stereo sandals by London Rebel these have lasted me many more nights out. The leather upper and lining gives me great confidence that my massive feet won't be tearing these apart any time soon. The sole is completely rubber so they are reasonably heavy. 

I appreciate that these are quite closed in the at the toe but still let the air circulate and look super cute paired with socks. One negative would be that the buckle cuts quite low on the ankle which can lead to a stumble every now and them if you're not paying attention.

These are still available on the ZOMP website (here) for a total bargain. If they're your size and you like this style, I would snap them right up! 

Happy Wednesday, lovely people!
Erin xx

Review | Soap and Glory Kick Ass Mini-Haul

As you know, Jess recently took a trip to England and being the wonderful friend she is, took a tiny order of beauty goodies that are sadly not sold in Australia. Before we get started, I apologise for breaking the number one rule of beauty blogging and using these products before I took photos; I simply didn't have time and wanted to trial them! I did get more products than this but these are two skin products I requested from Soap and Glory. 

Shopping | Duty Free Purchases

Hi lovelies! So it's been a long time since I have bought anything from Mac. The pricing in Australia is marked up so much compared to everywhere, and I often can't justify the cost. However whilst waiting for my flight in Heathrow the significant savings drew me in. They aren't anything too out there, but I've recently been loving using both for a quick look for university.

Review | Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets

Hi lovelies! So two lipstick reviews in very short succession from me... Well I thought it was best to get them out of the way. I am a big fan of liquid lipsticks, however my favourites are on the pricier side. When I saw the latest release from Bourjois I couldn't wait to pick them up on my recent trip to England. 

Review | Lime Crime 'Clueless Witch' Velvetine Collection

 Lime Crime Velvetine in Wicked

 Lime Crime Velvetine in Salem

 Lime Crime Velvetine in Black Velvet

 Hi lovelies! Whilst in England I found out about the new Lime Crime Velvetine Collection. Dubbed the Clueless Witch Collection I couldn't decide between the three shades, so I got all three. I'm now proud (and slightly ashamed) to admit that I now own the complete Velvetine collection. I've previously reviewed the other shades here and here if you want to have a look. 

Monthly Round-Up | April

Eat and Drink
Sangria Bar, South Bank

Brisbane welcomes this addition to the flourishing strip of dining options along Little Grey Street, South Bank. As a dedicated Sangria bar to Ole Restaurant next door, there are a multitude of sangrias available as well as variety of other beverages and minimal but scrumptious tapas food (also available at Ole).

I have frequented this bar many times with some of my favourite people and have always experienced the highest levels of service and quality of food and drink. My favourite item on the menu is their olive plate as well as their classic patatas bravas. I've tried almost all of their sangria selections and am yet to find one I don't like. 

It is always pumping and a fun place to visit whilst still being reasonably priced with food under $15 and a jug of sangria for $32. Totally recommend this venue for a fun night out - I might even see you there. 

Roasted & Salted Soy Beans

We all know I adore edamame so when I saw these in the asian isle at my Coles I could not resist. I lack so much will power that these were opened before I left the shopping centre. They share many similarities to salted nuts being that they are addictive and not that healthy in large quantities. When roasted, the outside of the bean is similar to that of a peanut skin but is totally edible. These are a ridiculously cheap snack to have around the house when craving something quick, salty and better than potato chips. My one wish is that bars would have these instead of nuts.

Listen

SZA - Z

I don't have too many words for once. SZA mellows even the most harsh of my moods. I can't get enough of her smooth tone that bursts with emotion. Thanks to my fabulous friend Rhianna, I have dived back into the overflowing pool of up and coming soul artists who are combining their art with hip-hop. 

I have no more words on SZA. Let Warm Winds featuring Isaiah Rashad turn you over to the dark side... we're pretty relaxed here.

Read

The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort

We've all heard of (and probably seen) the hit movie The Wolf of Wall Street staring our love, Leonardo DiCaprio. Well, I decided to read the book before watching the film and it took me ages. It didn't take me ages because I'm a slow reader or because it was incredibly long. I took me two months to read because I struggled to cope reading about the most self-centred narcissist to walk the planet and his band of merry followers; alike in lack of dignity. I am always sickened when confronted with the though that humans like that exist. 

Don't get me wrong, the book is incredibly well written and I definitely wanted to read more but after a chapter or two, at the most, I could not cope with Jordan Belfort's insane life. When I did finally complete the book, I attempted the film. It was worse. Ads had led me to believe it was a fun party movie potentially avoiding the harsher more confronting parts of the book. I had no such luck. The actors did such incredibly jobs of portraying the horrible people surrounding Belfort's life, including himself, that any parts of their personalities that I had been diminishing in my imagination were highlighted. 

If you enjoyed the film, then definitely read the book. It is intricately worded and Belfort's internal monologue can be entertaining at times; occasionally enough to empathise. However, if you did not like the film I recommend staying far away. No one really needs to be reminded of how rich and dysfunctional 'the kid' really was. 

Beauty

Mint Julips Lip Scrub by Lush

I love bright matte lipsticks. I also have a tendency to get fairly chapped lips. These two are definitely a bad combination. I've always been a bit of a skeptic when it comes to lip scrubs but have definitely been converted. This chocolate mint delight is pretty effective and makes for delicious (tested and approved) lips that are ripe and ready for those bold matte lipsticks that I am obsessed with. If you're not a chocolate mint fan, there are other flavours too. Thanks Lush!

I hope you've all had a super great April full of chocolate. Jess and I are super excited for this cold snuggle weather to really kick in. We're both big lovers of layers so our wardrobes are bursting with excitement.

Happy Wednesday! See you in May!

Erin xx

Skin | Benzac by Galderma

My apologies if this post alienates you but I now speaking to those suffering from and living with acne and those doing their best to prevent breakouts. We're not a small group of people but we are bonded through this naturally occurring imperfection. I have covered my skin issues on here before but I will recap what is relevant to this post. I spent my pre-teen and teenage years with moderate acne; not the most aggressive and scarring kind but self-esteem damaging nonetheless. I had been to the dermatologist and endocrinologist and been told my body had a hormonal imbalance creating acne on my skin (face and body) at such a young age. 

Since the beginning of my acne treatment (complete with every wash, ointment and drug under the sun) there has been one brand and product that was always present. I left my first dermatology appointment (at age 7) with a list of face washes and creams that would help my predicament. Galderma's Benzac AC Wash with 5% benzoyl peroxide has been in my shower ever since. It is an intense face wash that, because of its high quantity of its active ingredient, can be very drying on the skin. The first few weeks of use can even result in slight peeling. Persistence is necessary with this product and a good oil free moisturiser. I use Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15. I recommend using this product at night time because exposure to extreme sunlight can be more drying and damaging for your skin. 

Later, after an introduction by a cousin, Benzac AC Acne Gel (available with both 2.5% and 5% benzoyl peroxide) entered my life. I was using another Galderma acne cream, Differin, previously but it is prescription only and about twice the price. For me, this alternative works equally as well and is less damaging to the skin. I use this like any other acne cream applying sparingly to any spots after cleansing and moisturising. I am also more liberal with this product at night time because, like the face wash, benzoyl peroxide combined with sunlight is not your best friend. 

The most recent addition to my skin routine is the Benzac Daily Facial Foaming Cleanser, a new addition to the product range. I found it while repurchasing the Benzac AC Wash and was compelled to purchase it. It does not contain benzoyl peroxide like the rest of the range which I guess is Galderma's attempt to expand their line to less intense products. I know some people's skin simply cannot deal with the intensity of benzoyl peroxide in the other products and so this one may be more suited to them. I've been using this for all of two weeks now and am quite impressed. 

I can't say I'm going to completely convert my whole skin routine to the rest of the expanded range but I will recommend them. I like to think my skin is on the way out of this acne traumatised period of my life but until I am more certain of that, these products will stay in my beauty regime. 

Happy Sunday!

Erin xx

Review | Aēsop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant

It has been a life long mantra of mine that we keep our skin for life and should therefore treat it with the utmost respect. During my childhood and teenage years my parents and I put a lot of effort into minimising the effects my moderate but persistent acne would have on my skin. I still to this day have no problem in investing in more expensive skin products if I believe they will benefit my skin. Aēsop isn't the cheapest of skincare brands but I have a lot of respect for the amazing products they produce all with a heavy emphasis on natural ingredients. Occasionally, I will splurge and purchase from their line; normally when I'm feeling like a good old fashioned bit of retail therapy. 

I had recently tried their Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste in a sample (oh, how I adore their sample generosity) and was considering purchasing that. The ever-helpful staff member did a comparison on my hands of both of these products and I ended up preferring the Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant.  

The consistency is a fine light grey powder that smells just as a powder made mainly from tea tree should; like tea tree. It was suggested that I use an Aēsop gel cleanser but, as she could tell I was on a budget, said that it was only essential that the cleanser was a gel formula and the brand was irrelevant. I have been tapping a small amount (about the size of a five cent piece) into my hand, pumping my usual quantity of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser on top and adding a few drops of water. When you combine these products in your hands they form an extremely clarifying exfoliating paste (there is a full demonstration on if you click the link to the product).

I think the value of this product far exceeds that of the Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste simply because you need a lot less of the powder to combine with a cleanser. I have also found that the intensity of the exfoliation is more suited to my skin type. 

If you don't mind the $40 price tag then I would highly recommend trying this product as a weekly exfoliator. I wear full coverage makeup everyday and am surrounded by coffee grounds and cocoa in the air - a natural but clarifying exfoliant is exactly what my skin needs. If you're not sure but have an interest in any Aēsop product, the staff are super helpful, knowledgable and incredibly generous with samples and demonstrations - never be afraid to ask when you're unsure.

Happy Wednesday!

Erin xx

Love | Coconut Oil

Hi lovelies! As I have previously mention I have super, super sensitive skin. I have replaced a large majority of my skincare with natural products. Coconut oil has a multitude of uses and I find myself substituting much of my beauty routine with it. If you're new to coconut oil or you're wary of using oil on your face here's some ideas to get you started. 

Review | Face of Australia Contour Kit

Hi lovelies! Continuing on with my reviews of the new Face of Australia products here is the Glamazon Contour and Highlight Kit in Leopardess. I love contouring and it's now a part of my daily makeup routine. I think like filling in your eyebrows you don't realise what a difference it makes until you start doing it. 

Review | L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Wing Mascara

Hi lovelies! I have come to the conclusion that I am definitely sucked in by packaging on products. I wasn't intending on getting a new mascara at all but the 30% off L'Oreal products in Priceline sucked me in. 

Scent | Versace Pour Femme

I finally did it. I chose and purchased my first bottle of perfume. Up until now all the perfume in my life has been selected and bought for me by others and I was completely satisfied. However, my array of perfumes seems to be coming to a dry end with no refill in sight. For the last few months I have been trying to find a scent that I like enough to justify the investment in. 

Welcome Versace's Pour Femme into my perfume family. I found this 30mL bottle in Priceline for around $40 and completely stoked. It is a very floral scent with base notes of patchouli, which I love. It reminds me of a spicy version of Marc Jacobs Daisy and after a few moment on the skin all you can smell is roses and blossoms. 

I am head over heels in love with this perfume and will definitely be purchasing a 100mL bottle when this little sucker runs out. Do you know of any similar scents I might be interested in? I have such a hard time finding ones I like.

Happy Sunday!

Erin xx