APRIL FAVOURITES

APRIL FAVORITES..

My favorites for April is skincare, nails and makeup combined, it includes a few old loves and a few new✨

To start I'll dive into my makeup faves:

SKINDINAVIA.. The Finishing Spray & The Primer Spray, if you don't own a setting spray it's a must for long lasting makeup. I've noticed such a difference in the wear of my makeup throughout the day. Now primer sprays are something new which I've seen popping up here and there recently and I'm quite enjoying this one, it's such a quick fix for the skin- applying it in a X and T motion of 2-3 times you're primed and ready to go.

TOO FACED.. What can I say about this product that hasn't already been said? Too faced is one of my favorite brands for make up its packaging and product pay off as well as the pricing being so affordable. My favorite colors from the palette are creme brûlée and marzipan! 

MAYBELLINE.. The Color drama velvet lip pencils I picked up during the chemist warehouse 50% off sale in three shades and I have worn one each day to uni since, they came down to $4.79 and are super comparable to the NARS lip pencils!

ESSENCE... Twist eyeliner was a heaven sent when doing my sister eyeliner for her formal this month, super easy to apply and very affordable. I would highly recommend this liner for those on the search for an affordable good one!

XXXL nude lipgloss I've also been loving over a nude lipstick just to add some shine, it's not sticky and quite long wearing.

THE BALM.. Cindy Lou manizer illuminizer, I found this works better as a blush & highlight in one as it had a pink/ rose gold tone to it. 

CHANEL.. Soeil bronzer base which is meant to be used as a base under your foundation to add some color, I've been loving as a contour for under my cheek bones.. 

MOVING ONTO SKINCARE..

JURLIQUE.. (Surprise surprise) I've been religiously using this two times a day. It's the herbal recovery advanced serum an it's made my skin so much softer as well as improving my skin tone!

NAILS..

ESSIE.. I picked up this nail polish from Essie as I thought it would be such a great color for winter! 

What are your favorites from April? 

THE Makeup Finishing Spray// Skindinavia

Looking for a new setting spray?

I've got the perfect product for you! 

 The Makeup Finishing Spray 

Paraben Free? tick Oil-Free? tick

This finishing spray is better than any i have tried before, I use it after applying my foundation and concleaer and then again once I've completed my full makeup! I enjoy the way this product sprays, it doesn't leave you feeling wet or drenched in mist, it is a fine mist and feels refreshing and cooling on the skin. 

What does it look like, Whats the point, Will it suit my skin type?

Once sprayed on the face it gives a temporary dewy look, but fades soon after. The idea of this spray is to lock in colour and keep the makeup from creasing or melting off throughout the day.

It is designed for all skin types and lasts for up to sixteen hours, so is perfect for a long day or a night out. 

How do I apply it?

To apply it is advised that you shake the bottle well, I find spraying it 2-3 times is enough- in a T and X movement gives the best distribution.

So how much?

This finishing spray is available in two sizes (20ml-$14 and 118ml $39.95) at the Skindinavia website (http://www.skindinavia.com.au/collections/frontpage/products/the-makeup-finishing-spray?variant=1046842117)

Other products in the range?

I really want to try the Primer spray- I've seen only one other brand that I'm aware of release a primer spray, but after watching some videos about it on Skindinavias instagram I am dying to try it! 

This retails for $16 for 20ml and $49 for 118ml and is available at the Skindinavia website (http://www.skindinavia.com.au/collections/frontpage/products/the-makeup-primer-spray?variant=1046857801)

Let me know if you've tried these products or any others from the Skindinavia range and how you found them..

SKIN REPUBLIC

 

Over the past two weeks I've been using the Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch Mask as well as the Neck+Décolletage Repair Mask from The Skin Republic.

The products are made in Korea, The companies spiel is "Skin Republic is a scientifically formulated, dermatologist tested hypo-allergenic range combining the latest advances in skin care with nature’s restorative properties." 

Both masks are dermatologist tested and are to be used after cleansing and drying the skin. 

COLLAGEN HYDROGEL UNDER EYE PATCH

Is designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness as well as assisting in smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, also helping to increase eye zone elasticity! 

Once you have cleansed and dried your face, you then place the eye patches under each eye but not too close to the water line as it may be slightly irritating, that said place it where ever works for you best. 

After a week of little sleep as well as the ever changing melbourne weather my skins was looking slightly dry and tired (BAGS!) so what better time to try this product out?! I placed the patches underneath each eye and left them on for about 45 minutes, now these are not irritating so you can pop them on whilst you are watching TV or scrolling through instagram. The packet suggests leaving them on for 30 minutes only. As the skin has a 4-week regeneration period, these are most effective if used twice weekly for the first month and then when you feel need be. 

They felt a little jelly-y which was super refreshing & cooling on the skin as well as very comfortable! My under eyes definitely looked a little less tired and less discolouration after the first week of using it 3 times.. 

NECK + DÉCOLLETAGE REPAIR 

This 20 minute treatment is aimed at repairing and nourishing the skin on our neck and décolletage which we often neglect! (well I know I do).. Collagen and CoQ10 is included in this mask which is to help tighten, plump and restore firmness in the areas we need it most. 

I found the aloe and vitamin E included in this product to be very cooling, nourishing and effective!

Once you have worn the mask for 20 minutes and removed it you may notice some excess essence remaining but not to worry- Gently pat into the areas until fully absorbed. 

After using both these products it is recommended that you apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 whilst using the products and for a week after use. 

I personally really enjoyed both these products, particularly the eye patches and will continute to use them weekly, I am really wanting to try a few other masks from the Skin Republic range: The Brighteing Vitamin C mask to help with scarring on my cheeks! As well as the Spots + Blemish treatment which contains tea tree oil which I have found always works well with my skin! 

To find your nearest stockist of these masks, visit http://theskinrepublic.com.au/

Im just NOT that into YOU

Here are six products that I personally am just not that into…at all.
It is always interesting when we see fellow beauty bloggers and you tuber gurus absolutely going to town raving about products that they're obsessed with and love, so then your mind tells you that you, like all these beauties, need these products in your life too! 

Some of the products I'm not into are in this category of extremely over hyped! 
Without further hesitation i present to you my bottom seven…

Australis Velour Lips.. $9.95 (ish) 
These 'lipsticks' didn't do it for me AT ALL and frankly I can't understand how people love them so much, the texture is slightly thick and the smell is weird, the wand to apply is so difficult and to top it off they are SO drying on the lips. I even tried wearing a heavy lip balm underneath and nope still extremely drying and cracked looking. One thing I will say is that they defiantly do last but in my opinion I wouldn't be rushing out to buy them.. 

Australis AC-ON-TOUR palette..
Ive said it once and ill say it again- OVERHYPED. This product applies cakey and doesn't blend well at all from my experience, I've used it less than a hand full of times and cannot understand the worshipping of the product? 

MAC Prep+Prime BB cream..
This is the WORST BB cream i have ever tried in my life.. It is incredibly orange and goes blotchy after a short period of time (about an hour). I love the maybelline dream bb cream but I thought I would give this a go but oh how silly I was to stray away from the one that served me well. I never reach for this and am so disappointed I wasted my money on it!

Maybelline Great Lash..
A very average mascara that I feel for the price is overrated, There are many other companies such as Essence which have mascaras for under $5 which are 5x better than this mascara.

Limecrime Black eyeliner..
Well well well something from lime crime being crap is no surprise for me, but even before the blow up of limecrime and its foul owner I didn't like the consistency of this product and the applicator is CRAP! 

Models Prefer 'Shadows' Palette..
Very very unpigmented and chalky from my experience, luckily it didn't cost a lot so its not devastating but still a shame to waste money on something you don't love..

Again these are just MY experiences and MY opinions of these products, some of you may have had a really good experience with them so no offence meant! 

SODA & CO

I recently received two gorgeous products from the lovelies over at soda & co, I first found their brand one day stalking someone on insagram and instantly loved their packaging and the favours of the products sounded amazing! I received the Sugar Scrub in Orange splash and the Lip Balm in Natural Cocoa!

WEBSITE-http://www.sodaandco.com

INSTAGRAM- +SODA & Co 

FACEBOOK-https://www.facebook.com/sodaandco?fref=ts

SUGAR SCRUB  

ORANGE SPLASH

This scrub comes in a pot of 225g and oh my goodness I wish you all could smell it, it literally smells like an bottle of orange Fanta! As well as smelling to-die-for this product left my skin feeling super soft and feeling hydrated as it is enriched with Jojoba and Vitamin E so it will naturally restore your skin. Love the way this scrub makes my skin feel after using it! This product retails for $22.95 AUD and is available for purchase at http://www.sodaandco.com/collections/exfoliating-moisturising-body-scrubs/products/orange-splash-sugar-body-scrub-soda-and-co where it comes with two other favours, including Pink Lemonade and Mint Burst

NATURAL COCOA 

LIP BALM

This lip balm is said to nourish and protect your lips with the delectable flavour of Natural Cocoa and Vanilla. I found this balm the perfect size for my clutch so i could take it everywhere! I loved the feel of it on my lips and certainly left them feeling super soft and smelling yummy! It retails for $8.95 and is also available for purchase at http://www.sodaandco.com/collections/lip-balm/products/natural-cocoa-lip-balm-soda-and-co and is also available in Mint Bust, Pink Lemonade and Orange Splash!

*These products were sent to me for the purpose of reviewing, all opinions are honest and my own. 

Fuente Haircare

ANYONE IN NEED OF NEW HAIR CARE?

I know I was, UNTIL I found all these terrific products. 

If there is one thing I love to indulge in it is good hair care products, especially masks and treatments as I put my hair under a lot of strain everyday brushing it quite roughly, then straightening it and most days for Uni I am required to have my hair wrapped around a big bun. That said I want to introduce to you four products I think you NEED for your hair!

1.

 MOISTURE WELLNESS MASK

This mask is a leave in temporarily product (5 minutes) in wet hair and smells like coconut which is a little heavenly…for me at least. After leaving the mask in for 5 minutes I rinse my hair out in the shower and you can honestly notice a difference already with the 'feel' of the hair. SMOOTH AS A BABYS BUM to say the least. I find this treatment so rewarding for my hair and once dried with the hair dryer and straightened etc my hair is left with a subtle glow (not a greasy glow- a glow like the girls in the pantene ads on TV!)  

What this Mask advertises it will do for your locks is...

• Restores volumes of natural fatty acids and moisture
• Maintains the natural elasticity of the hair
• Protects the hair
• Has a curative effect on dry, scaly skin
• Ideal for all naturally very curly/frizzy hair types
• It is ideal for dry hair 

2 & 3.

PROTEIN WELLNESS SHAMPOO & PROTEIN WELLNESS CARE

I first received this shampoo and conditioner/care just before I headed to the beach for a week so it was well and truly trial'd properly! I found that with my beachy, sandy locks this shampoo & conditioner worked well in returning my hair to its natural & normal state. It didn't have that thick and oily feel that you often get after you wash your hair with a standard inexpensive woolworths haircare products. 

What this shampoo advertises it will do for your hair…

• When proteins are lacking
• Ingredients include wheat proteins and mistletoe
• Gives the hair volume, elasticity and gloss
• Strengthens the hair
• Adds proteins to the hair
• Contains honey for extra natural proteins

What this conditioner/ care advertises it will do for your hair…

• When proteins are lacking
• Ingredients include wheat proteins and mistletoe
• Gives the hair body, elasticity, volume and gloss
• Adds proteins to the hair
• Strengthens right down to the fiber layer
• 
  

4.

RHASSOUL VOLUME OIL

This oil is designed for closing split ends which lets face it we all need a bit of this oil. It gives shine, volume and recovers those ugly white looking split ends.  The beauty of this oil is that you can either apply it on dry hair or wet! 

"The Rhassoul Oils from Fuente are developed for all types of hair damaged by chemicals in hair color, perms and environment- and weather factors. The special ingredient formula contains Rhassoul oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil and Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil which are rich in vitamins, anti oxidants and proteins.

Rhassoul Volume Oil provides the same properties as the Rhassoul Oil but the composition is lighter. Fuente created this oil especially for fine, lightened- or bleached hair. Rhassoul Volume Oil provides healthy, shiny hair, strengthens & cares, anti aging and closes split ends without making your hair heavy!"- Fuente Website

So what does this product adverse it will do for those ratty split ends?

*Lighter composition especially for fine, damaged and bleached hair

*Heat protection until 300 degrees

*Restores, strengthens and cares

*Closes split ends

*Adds shine

*Revitalises dull and lifeless hair

*Cell renewal, anti aging

*Apply on wet or dry hair

All of these products can be purchases from specific salons which are listed on the Fuente website. 

http://www.fuente-australia.com/au/salons

*These products were sent to me for the purpose of reviewing, all opinions are honest and my own*

ULTIMATE HYDRA PERFECTION|| YES PLEASE

SCRUB A-DUB-DUB

A face scrub which doesn't damage your skin is essential and unfortunately there are alot of facial scrubs out there which damage your skin whether it be the actual product or how hard you are 'scrubbing' the product into your skin.

We scrub/ exfoliate our skin to remove dead skin cells, dry patches and unevenness on the skin. 

BUT how often does one need to exfoliate? For MOST skin types twice a week is the perfect amount, although for those who have sensitive or delicate skin twice a week may be too much and could cause irritation but only you will know how much is enough. If you live in a warmer climate or you have naturally oily skin you may need to exfoliate more than twice a week to accommodate to a higher build up of dead skin cells. 

When scrubbing your face you shouldn't try to 'hurt' it as such or go crazy with the scrubbing motion.. Gently massage the product into the skin with slight pressure. I found that massaging it in circular motions around the face works best for my skin. 

My favourite exfoliant/ scrub after trying many over the years from all over (priceline, myer etc) I have found one that really works well with my skin. The Ultimate Hydra Perfection 'Gentle refining scrub' from Racinne, the scrub retails for $24.00 and is available at http://shop.racinne.com.au/gentle-refining-scrub/ 

This scrub is designed for all skin types and uses ultra-fine exfoliating bead. The smell is quite 'fresh' as it contains lemongrass and peach extract. "This formulation also contains seaweed extracts that promotes a 28 day skin renewal system to increase the absorption of nutrients and hydration for luminous, purified and radiant skin." After exfoliating my face which this product it feels very smooth and hydrated! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new exfoliant/ scrub! 

VICBYRNEBEAUTY

XXX

*This product was sent to me for the purpose of reviewing, all opinions are honest and my own*