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beauty
FOTD: Festive Edition! + OOTD (Book Cosplay)
12/07/2020
As a makeshift primer I spray some of the *Aura Cacia rose hydrosol mist over my washed face. It's cooling, smells awesome, and really makes a difference with how my concealer settles on my skin. While I still had it, I enjoyed using the Maybelline Baby Skin Primer but my favourite has been the The POREfessional by Benefit, which sucks as it has a hefty price tag that I can't always justify. For now, this mist is working. Do you have any affordable primer recommendations? I'd love to hear them!
Now for the base. So, I hate foundation, that's no secret around these parts. I like feeling my skin breathe and I rub my face way too often to get away with a high coverage foundation. So personally, my next step is the Collection concealer which is my holy grail beauty product. I put it under my eyes, over my nose, and on any problem areas that I may have. I've tried countless other concealers and nothing comes close to the amazing results of this affordable product. Since moving, I get my mum to send me some once every 6 months of so. I love it that much.
Time for brows! Since being a teenager, I've always used powder in my brows. Partly as it was more affordable given the fact that I already had a palette that had a brow-matching color. Currently I use The Nudes palette by Maybelline. The darkest brown shade works wonderfully for my brow game but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the product. The other glittery shades leave a lot to be desired (as pictured). The pigment sucks in any other shades than the matte ones. As for the process of applying the shadow to the brow, I use a slanted sharp duel-ended Lancome brush that my Aunt-in-law gifted me. She got it free in a giftbag and, dayum. I love it. Never overlook those free brushes!
For eyeliner, I've recently discovered an all-time favourite that's under $6. YAY! I personally adore a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip, and the Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner ticks all these boxes. It doesn't smudge easily, has the blackest of black ink, and is really easy to apply. I've recently gone into my 5th month of using it and it's only now starting to run out. Totally worth the money. As it's counterpart, I've recently been using Mile High Club's Volume and Length Mascara. I received this in a Birchbox and it's surprisingly good! I love that the packaging is soft and 'squeezy' as I feel like it gives you the opportunity to get the most buck out of your product, the mascara itself lengthens my lashes and gives them a decent amount of 'clump'. They look fuller and fluttery. It does kinda smudge under the eyes after hours of wear, but besides waterproof mascaras, I have yet to find one that doesn't. Again, any recs? I'd love to know!
Onto my favourite part of applying my make-up, the blush and highlighter! I've been adoring this Lacome blush in Rose Liberte, it's the perfect shade of rosy pink that brings life to the cheeks. I'm guilty of sometimes applying too much color to my cheeks, but when a product is so beautiful, why not? For highlighter I've been switching between the IBY Radiant Glow Highlight and the MAC Stobe Cream. I received both in beauty boxes and they've been lasting me impeccably well, which makes me think that the full-sized is well worth the price. The MAC product is more icy than the IBY highlighter, and I think the liquid formula is easier to apply. However, I enjoy the IBY pressed highlighter for the fact that I can use it as an eyeshadow if I want more shimmer in my life.
Time for the main part of the look, the lips. As mentioned above, this is the Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink in 118 Dancer. It's the perfect bright red that lasts hours and doesn't make your teeth seem yellow. I'm so impressed with the formula of this liquid lip, it doesn't make my lips feel overly dry which is a miracle given the fact that I usually have chapped lips over the Winter months. If you apply a lip liner under this, I imagine you'd be set for an entire day. I'm already looking to purchase more shades.
The dress I'm wearing is from Amazon, I can't find the exact link as it's now broken. (I purchased the dress over 3 years ago) but if you search for 'red 50's swing dress' you'll get a few good alternatives. I adore Lou from the Me Before You book series by Jojo Moyes. She's the only fictional character that I've 100% seen myself in. So this was a really fun post to put together.
Are there any products that you love mentioned in this? What's your favourite affordable concealer? Let me know!
*The Aura Cacia rose hydrosol mist was kindly gifted to me through Influenster!
However, there are still some things that are hard to get used to. I still accidentally nick my skin way too much, and though I think it's partly down to the stupidly slippery handle (so a fault of my own particular model and not the item as a whole), it can be quite problematic depending on where you want to shave. We're gonna get into TMI territory now, so family members look away. I like a close shave, almost everywhere. It's a personal preference, but it's just what I prefer. Shaving intimate areas (further south than, say, your bikini line) is as difficult to accomplish as any problem Sam and Dean have in a season final of Supernatural. That is partly because of the handle not having a decent grip, but it's also down to the double-sided razor. I wish you could buy a safety razor made especially for smaller areas of the body as I would purchase it instantly.
I change my blade, at most, once a week. After every use I open up the razor and give it a thorough rinse and make sure to dry each area with a clean towel in a bid to prevent any rust that may start building over the years (without drying it). I try to not keep it in the shower as I don't want it to continuously get wet, but that is hard to remember so in that department I'm failing as a razor mum. When purchasing the razor, I invested in a pack of 100 blades for a bargain bulk price of $12.00. I still have so many, so I would definitely recommend you take the plunge and buy them that way too.
I've learnt the safest way to get a close shave is to lather your legs like you're trying to make foam tights. Your skin has to be thoroughly coated or else you will get the dreaded shaver bumps. Not worth it. I swear by Dove as a body wash as it's cheap and works well. But any rich body wash will do the trick. Once out of the shower, I pat my skin dry and proceed to lather on either body oil or lotion. I've found that with the safety razor comes a higher risk of skin sensitivity after shaving, my skin can sometimes feel instantly dry. So patting and lotioning seems to be my trick of preventing any rawness or pain. (This could also be down to Fibromyalgia, so I'm uncertain as to whether this would be a problem for other people.) Take care of your body, people.
I still stand by my initial statement that a safety razor has given me the closest shave ever. It works way better than the throw-away ones I used to use and I don't miss the 3 blade style of razor, despite my earlier concerns.
One of the biggest perks for me has been the lack of ingrowing hairs since my razor change. I never knew what was causing them, but they've seemed to disappeared all together. Could it be that I'm being more thorough with my body wash, thus stopping any rough movements with my razor? No idea. But if you have a problem with ingrowth, keep this in mind!
To summarize, I do not regret purchasing the safety razor. It's done a beautiful job at keeping my skin smooth over the past 12 months and if you've been debating investing in one, I say go for it! Be prepared to go through a transitioning stage where you may struggle to find what works best for you, but once you do, it'll be second nature. Just.. maybe buy a decent box of plasters at the same time.
Do you use a safety razor? Are you thinking of buying one?
Ways I Use Rosehip Oil | Natural Beauty
8/07/2020
A year or so ago my husband bought me a bottle of pure rosehip oil after me going on and on about it for months. I'd read many positive things about the natural product in skincare routines, and given my sensitive skin I was quite curious. I think I've now gotten familiar enough with the product to confidently give some recommendations on how to use it. Without further ado, let's go..
Using rosehip oil as a facial oil offers such incredible results. Within a week or two of adding it to my nighttime skin regime I could both see and feel results. My skin was noticeably softer to the touch, the uneven colouring on my t-zone area became less noticeable, and my skin just looked plumper. It felt hydrated which isn't an easy feat for me in the Winter months. I never felt like the oil made my skin feel or look greasy once it absorbed. I think I first saw Alexandria Morgan use it in it's purest form in her skin routine.
As a treat every now and again (in other words, when I'm not feeling lazy) I add a few splashes to a handful of my usual body lotion and let my skin drink it up with more enthusiasm than normal. I can't rate this enough. I use unscented body lotion so it does leave a semi rosy smell, but my inner Grandma loves that. If I have a dry spot that needs more TLC, I'll rub the oil in by it's lonesome and I usually get instant results. It's rather magical.
In a similar fashion, when my skin is feeling a tad dehydrated I will add a splash to my bath. This is easily a great way of getting all the rosehip absorbed into my skin. Oils, bubble bath, and maybe some Epsom salts is a recipe for the ultimate relaxing bath.
Ever found yourself panic rushing in the morning as you realise you need a leg shave? I find the oil perfect for the dreaded dry shave. I drop a few hefty splashes on my skin, rub it slightly in, shave, and then wipe away with a dry flannel. With this method I haven't found my skin breaking out in ingrowing hairs, or developing a horrid shavers rash. Instead the legs feel moisturised, smooth, and ready for the world.
Ever found yourself panic rushing in the morning as you realise you need a leg shave? I find the oil perfect for the dreaded dry shave. I drop a few hefty splashes on my skin, rub it slightly in, shave, and then wipe away with a dry flannel. With this method I haven't found my skin breaking out in ingrowing hairs, or developing a horrid shavers rash. Instead the legs feel moisturised, smooth, and ready for the world.
My most recent discovery has been the joy massaging a few drops of rosehip oil into my scalp an hour or so before a shower. After washing it out, I shampoo my hair as normal. It leaves the roots of my hair bouncy and incredibly soft. I was worried it would create a greasy feel like coconut oil. But nope. It's great, especially if you're like me and tend to overuse the dry shampoo.
All in all, I think the $10-$15 price tag for this 500ml bottle is definitely worth it. I use it so much and I've still barely gone through 1/4 of the bottle, despite having it for over a year.
All in all, I think the $10-$15 price tag for this 500ml bottle is definitely worth it. I use it so much and I've still barely gone through 1/4 of the bottle, despite having it for over a year.
What natural beauty product do you stand by?
Inside Birchbox | May 2020
5/13/2020
How are we already on May's Birchbox? It feels like this year is speeding by in a blur of days spent at home. Despite the frivolousness of a beauty box right now, it is rather nice to have something to look forward to during all the craziness. I actually remembered to choose a curated box this month, which was the 'Female Founder Collective x Birchbox', but before we go through all the products that were included, I just want to write out a huge heartfelt thank you to all the essential workers out there who are keeping our butts surviving during these impossible times, you're warriors. Again, thank you.
Brand: Lawless Beauty
Product: Soft Matter Liquid Lipstick
Full-sized details: $25
Sample size received: Full-size
I've mentioned before how I do like to receive make-up products in my Birchbox as I think it's a great way to mix-up your monthly subscription, however, I don't think I'd ever wear this purpley lipstick shade, which is a shame. I wish your beauty profile on the Birchbox website allowed you to be more specific with the shades of make-up products you'd prefer. Saying that, it is really cool that in this box there was a full-sized product that already retails for more the entire cost of your box.
Brand: Rael
Product: Collagen Sheet Mask
Full-sized details: $15
Sample size received: One Mask
Who doesn't love a good sheet mask experience? For some reason, whenever I use a sheet mask, it feels like the height of luxuriousness. Maybe I need to be more glam, alas, I'm really excited to try something from this new-to-me skincare brand.
Brand: Kate Somerville
Product: Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Full-sized details: $85
Sample size received: 7.5ml
The packaging for this would've put me off purchasing it (well, that and the hefty price tag), but I do love a good exfoliating treatment. This one surprised me with the formula being a green colour with the scent of matcha. It doesn't feel too harsh on my skin, which is a huge plus. Here's hoping for noticeable results.
Brand: Wander Beauty
Product: Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara
Full-sized details: $26
Sample size received: 10g
Is it even a beauty subscription box without a mascara? I think not! I've yet to sample this specific mascara so I'm excited to give it a good go, especially as I'm still waiting to find a mascara that I swear by. What's your favourite brand for mascara? Let me know in the comments!
Brand: Saint Jane
Product: Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
Full-sized details: $125
Sample size received: 3ml
I received this very same sample in my November Birchbox, and as I only use it every few days, I still have at least 1/5 of the bottle! This just goes to show that beauty box samples can be worth the money, despite the small amount of product you get. I find serums the easiest to make last as you only need a few drops. Over the past few months I've become somewhat of a snob with serums, and though this isn't my favourite of the ones I've tried, my skin does soak it up with glee. So I'm happy to have another bottle on standby.
Brand: Arrow
Product: Nourishing Lip Oil, Enhancing Pink
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 3ml
Raise your hand if you seem to have dry lips 24/7? This is something I've struggled with since my early teens, so any product I can try that might help combat that is a joy to me. I was pleasantly surprised that this specific oil didn't leave my lips.. well... oily. It's more reminiscent of a gel balm. But there is absolutely no colour payoff despite the claim 'it also reacts to the pH level of your skin to create a unique shade of pink'. So, meh.
There we have it! Another month gone, another box down. Once my 12 month subscription ends, I may try out a different beauty box. Any suggestions? Or any specific box you'd like a review on? Let me know, I'm always open to ideas. Be safe.
Inside Birchbox | March 2020
4/14/2020
By now, you know the drill. I enjoy my Birchbox subscription and like to show you what I receive each month in a bid to help you decide whether this is a beauty box that would benefit you. Did I remember to choose a curated beauty box for April after my mishap in March? No, no I did not. So instead we had another month of surprise products, which is both fun and terrifying. $15 may not seem like a lot to some people, but I personally want to only receive beauty products each month that I can foresee myself using up by the time next month's Birchbox lands in my mailbox. Did this one seem worthwhile to me? Read on to find out.
Brand: Beauty Protector
Product: Protect & Oil
Full-sized details: $28
Sample size received: Doesn't have the amount on the bottle, but I'm assuming 15ml.
This argan oil for your hair is said to go a long way as it's recommended you only use 1-3 drops per use on damp hair. I've said it before but I'll say it again, though I do enjoy receiving hair care products in my box it sometimes feels like overkill when there are multiple items. I don't go through oils, serums, or hair creams fast enough to make it worthwhile. I've only received hairspray and a heat protector once, which I think would be the most beneficial of the hair care family as it'd be something you could use daily. Will I use this? Yes, but I may not need to open it for awhile.
Brand: Marcelle
Product: BB Cream Golden Glow
Full-sized details: $29
Sample size received: 7ml
This is probably my second favourite product in this box. I enjoy receiving these type of makeup products as it's something I might actually contemplate buying full-sized. However, I'm not entirely sure how the shade works. Whether it's a 'one shade for all' deal as it can be worn as a makeup base, or if it's dependant on what you've put on your Birchbox makeup profile. If you know, please tell me.
Brand: NatureLab TOKYO
Product: Perfect Smooth Blowout Lotion
Full-sized details: $12
Sample size received: 30ml
This is a take it or leave it product. It's affordable, which I guess is a good thing if you really like it, but it's not exactly what I hope to get in my monthly box. It smells orangey, doesn't have a very clean ingredient list, and doesn't quite appeal to me. The packaging is also just 'meh'. Definitely the low point of my April box.
Brand: Stila Cosmetics
Product: Beauty Boss Lip Gloss - Synergy
Full-sized details: $15
Sample size received: ?
Over the past year or so, there's been many Stila products in my Birchboxes. I like the brand, I think their lip products have great staying power and the packaging is always appealing. It's always a risk receiving lip colours as it may not be to your liking, which begs the question, will I actually wear this? I'm not sure. But I'm excited to give it a go.
Brand: Sunday Riley
Product: Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Full-sized details: $85
Sample size received: 5ml
I love this skincare brand. I find their products show me results without weeks of usage, and they feel like a luxurious treat to try as the full-size pricing can be quite steep. 5ml skincare products like this will usually last me until my next box, which I personally appreciate. It's a great way of trying different skincare brands but not just for a one-off use that won't really sell you on anything.
All in all, this was a mixed box. I will make it my mission to have more control over my May box, I just need a fair few alarms as the curated boxes sell out shockingly fast. Which product from this box would you be interested in trying?
Inside Birchbox | March 2020
3/12/2020
I failed miserably when it came to choosing a curated box this month, as I entirely forgot and got stuck with a box of surprises. What did I receive? Let's see together! If you've never read a post in this series, then let me just quickly say what it is. I, like so many other easily influenced viewers, got sucked onto the Birchbox train and have been an avid subscriber for over a year now. I like being able to try out so many new skincare, body care, hair care, or even makeup products for the respectable price of $15 a month ($13 for me, as I did a 12 month subscription wherein you still pay monthly, but are in a contract for the 12 month period. You can also do this for a 6 month period if that interests you.). Do you have a subscription box? Let me know. So without further ado, let's go through the products I received in the month of March...
Brand: Benefit Cosmetics
Product: The POREfessional Hydrate Primer
Full-sized details: $32
Sample size received: 3.0ml
I've only recently jumped into the magical world of primers so I've yet to splurge on the coveted Benefit POREfessional which every beauty guru or celebrity seems to use, so I was very excited to receive this in my box despite the small sample size. As I don't use foundation, I really won't be using much during each application, however I could see how this would be a measly amount to someone who wants a primer to go over every inch of their face.
Brand: Davines
Product: Ol All in One Milk
Full-sized details: $35
Sample size received: 50ml
As you will further see as this post goes on , this mystery box was rather heavy in the Davines brand. I'm never entirely thrilled when I receive shampoo or conditioner samples as they only last one (maybe at a push, two) uses and it will never sway me into spending the heavy price tag. However, this leave in conditioner peaks my interest and I'm interested in seeing how it treats the ends of my hair. The smell is quite pleasant, but nothing to write home about. It almost smells like a herbal bottle of medicine.
Brand: Davines
Product(s): Shampoo + conditioner
Full-sized details: Shampoo, $34 + conditioner, $40
Sample size received: Both 12ml.
As mentioned above, I could take or leave these samples as one wash is never going to convince me into buying a $40 product. Meh.
Product: Luna Sleeping Night Oil
Full-sized details: $55-$105
Sample size received: 5ml
It's samples like this that keep me using Birchbox. I received the vitamin C Sunday Riley oil last month, and despite my nightly use of it, I haven't even gone through a quarter of the 5ml sample. These are such luxurious products that really do last you awhile. I'm currently in the midst of a love story with facial oils, so you best believe this is going to go to great use.
Brand: Wander Beauty
Product: Double Date Lap And Cheek - Rendezvous
Full-sized details: 2.05g, $22
Sample size received: 1.05g
Make-up products are always fun to get, but I'm on the fence on how I feel about a cream blush. Only time will tell! (note from future Anne: This is surprisingly pigmented and stays on throughout the day on the cheeks, however it separates quickly on the lips.)
Brand: Hero Cosmetics
Product: Mighty Patch Original
Full-sized details: 36 for $12.99
Sample size received: 6 patches
This seems to be the more adventurous product in this months box. I'd never heard of this company or it's product prior to seeing this but after a scroll online they seem to be quite popular. I'll be sure to give these a whirl next time I feel a pimple coming through, though to be honest, that can be difficult as I'm more of a hormonal breaker-outer so I never sense anything coming. If these work, I'll be most definitely purchasing a bulk box for under my sink.
What product intrigues you the most?
Inside Birchbox | February 2020
2/20/2020
If you've kept up with this series at all, you'd of noticed that I took a two month break. For once in my life, it wasn't because I was too lazy and/or forgetful to write up the blog posts (shock!) instead I simply cancelled my membership for a little while due to the added costs that Christmas brings to our bank balance. However, I am now back and have decided to dedicate myself to a 12 month subscription as you save a significant amount of cash doing it that way. Unlike most 12-month subscriptions, you don't have to pay the nauseating price upfront, it still gets paid monthly you just can't cancel the subscription. Not too shabby. I was late resubscribing so I didn't get the joy of choosing my products/a curated box, so here's what Birchbox 'surprised' me with..
Brand: Embryolisse
Product: Filaderme Emulsion
Full-sized details: $32
Sample size received: 15ml
Who doesn't enjoy a face cream? I have yet to find my all-time favourite, so I'm always happy to try out a new one. The scent of this gives me minor baby lotion vibes which I like but I can see how it might be a little too powdery smelling for some people.
Brand: R+CO
Product: HIGH DIVE Moisture + Shine Creme
Full-sized details: $29
Sample size received: 15ml
With Birchbox, you always tend to get at least one hair product which is great, you know, good to experiment. However, these creme type products last me forever as I only need a tiny amount to the roots of my hair. I have multiple unopened samples in my bathroom cupboard, which is something I don't like. I pride myself on using my Birchbox samples throughout the month, so that I'm running low by the time I get my next box. It makes the price point seem worth it. So having a lot of products from this brand unopened makes me angsty. I'd much rather hair products such as hairspray, heat protectors, or masks in my boxes.
Brand: Georgette Klinger
Product: Coconut Cleansing Milk
Full-sized details: $10 - $22
Sample size received: 15ml
I've recieved this exact sample before, and sadly, I found the product left my skin feeling tight and a little dry. Not what you want when you're trying to nourish your skin! However, I will still use this up in the shower I'll just follow it up with a face oil and a deep moisturiser.
Brand: Sunday Riley
Product: C.E.I. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Full-sized details: $40-$80
Sample size received: 5ml
I love a good face oil, especially in sample form as they tend to be on the pricey side. I have tried multiple Sunday Riley products through Birchbox, and have loved them all so this excites me. 5ml doesn't seem like much, but due to the fact that you usually only need a few little drops per use, I do find that a sample of this size will last me a month. Sometimes even 6ish weeks.
Brand: Purlisse
Product: Daily Lip Nourisher
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 4.5ml
Product: Daily Lip Nourisher
Full-sized details: $16
Sample size received: 4.5ml
I received this same sample in my November Birchbox, and I actually still have some product from that despite using it multiple times a week. Quite impressive! As I mentioned in that blog post, this does not smell (or taste) anything like mango, instead it strongly resembles the smell of a Terry's Chocolate Orange. I do like it, but it can be a little gloopy if too much is applied.
There we have it. You may of noticed, like I did, that there were only 5 items this month. Which is pretty odd given that the price of Birchbox is the same and all products were of a regular size/price. We'll see if this continues on into March. Are you subscribed to any monthly boxes? I'd love to know.
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