Winter Warmers #1: Day Skincare Products

I know, winter is almost coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. But hey, what's a better time to wrap up my fav products that keep my skin sane and nice during the colder months?

 Today's post in the first instalment of my Winter Warmer series - which showcases my favourite products in the colder months, which has been tried and tested by yours truly. 

Before I go on with my product talks, allow me to have a quick run through about my skin type and what not. I have really dry skin and it gets flaky in some extreme days. However, due to some unknown reasons, instead of flaking this winter, I started to develop rashes on my left cheeks and hives on my forehead. They are as temperamental as a woman's hormones and it comes and disappears as they wish. Randomly.  

The products above are the ones that I use in the better days - when the rashes and hives get a tad too overwhelming (ie redness & bumps), I switched to my trusty steroid cream and sorberlene cream as moisturiser. 

HERE are my DAYTIME products:

(In chronological order in terms of application)

Burt's Bees' Radiance Toner (RRP $24.95)* - For those who don't know, I cleanse my face once a day and that's before I go to bed. After washing it with warm water in the morning, this is a crucial step for me to remove any residual dirt on my face, prepping it for the next step. This toner contains royal jelly, which is one of the most nourishing substance for our skin. A pump or two of this on a cotton pad and apply it all over my face to kick start the morning skin care routine - leaving me fresh and super nourished, not to mentioned, it smells pretty good too (not in a chemically, bad way!). 

Burt's Bees' Radiance Day Creme (RRP $39.95)* - One of my favourite day-moisturisers - this is a water-base moisturiser which feels extremely light and forgiving on the skin yet it contains heaps of nutritious ingredients that help enhance skin's natural radiance and maintain essential moisture such as royal jelly and botanical oils. I believe that this product will definitely make it through to my spring and summer skin care list too! Loves! 

The Jojoba Company Hydrating Day Cream (RRP $54.95)* : I was sent a few of The Jojoba Company products to try out a while ago and this anti-aging moisturiser was one of them. Enriched with green tea and olive leaf extracts, skin calming chamomile, beta glucan, Vitamins B & E and skin firming Siberian Ginseng, this moisturiser claims to restores the skin's natural suppleness and keeps your skin hydrated. As I find the formula of this cream to be quite rich, I swap the Burt's Bees' Radiance Day Creme with this when my skin is feeling more sensitive and/ or drier than usual. Being 95% natural also means that it does not give me the tingling sting-ish feeling when applied on your dry winter skin. 

The Jojoba Company Cucumber + Guava Firming Eye Balm (RRP $46.95)*: With key ingredients such as cucumber to sooth the eyes, green tea to reduce early-morning-puffiness, guava which is Vitamin rich and pomegranate to promote skin elasticity. I love the refreshing cucumber scent and is the perfect "wake me up" cream in the morning! Whilst I am not too sure about the firming effect, this "light-weight" eye cream definitely did leave my eyes feeling hydrated and fresh after application. 

Loreal 12H Longlasting UV Protector SPF50 (Asian Version): I have been using this sunscreen from as long as I can remember - pretty much since the day I started using skin care back since I was 16. I use this almost 365 days a year - with the exception of the days where I decide to be a total hermit and sunlight was out of the picture. I got mine from Malaysia and usually stock them up (usually a year worth of supply) whenever I visit Malaysia. I believe they do have an Australian version here but with a lower SPF. 

That pretty wraps up my winter day skin care routine. I have been sent and bought a couple of new products to try since and it might have altered as of late. So, do stay tune for an updated ones in the next two months or so. There's more to come on this series though - night skin care routine as well as body care and my favourite winter colours! :)

DISCLAIMER: I am not a certified dermatologist or skin specialist. These products are based on trial and error and what I find suits my skin most. Please consult your dermatologist or skin specialist should you have any concerns regarding your skin as I do not hold any responsibilities with my recommendations above. Please note that products marked with asterisk (*) were provided to me for consideration purposes. However, all opinions expressed are 100% honest. Please refer to ThroughBeautyEyes disclosure policy for more information.

Do you swap products depending on the seasons? 

What are your winter favs?

XOXO,

A 

Quickie: Priceline Haul & Review

Given that I am pretty time poor as of late and probably will be in the next two months or so, I thought to include a “Quickie” segment into le blog which pretty much encompasses a quick of anything such as quick haul, quick review, quick introduction to new products, quick launch coverage – just anything short and sweet really. This is just to ensure that this little space of mine doesn’t go unattended for too long. *blows dust off my page*

Just thought I’d put it out there, I am very proud of my self control as my Priceline haul can actually make it under the “quickie” department – I mean, how often do you walk into Priceline and come out with almost nothing? Walk into Priceline to get the essential items, stumble upon newly released items on the way to the check out and these items somehow ended in your shopping bag because you “require” them for the blog, under the name of “research”. Sounds familiar? I rest my case. :P

Two of the three products I bought were repurchased items and one was for “research purposes”. ;)

·         Nude By Nature Natural Mineral Cover in Medium (RRP$39.95): This was a repurchased item. I was first introduced to Nude By Nature products when I was given a few samples from the Miss Australia Universe Event last year . It was love at first sight touch. This product is perfect for days where I am going for the au naturale look or during summer days where the heat is too overwhelming that liquid products will melt the instance I leave the house. In fact, I have been using this for almost every day ever since my skin decides to go PMS on me with the random outbreak of hives and rashes on my forehead and left cheek. It is light on the skin yet it provides pretty decent coverage on my “problem” areas to prevent me from looking like a lobster. It only seems right to buy a full size product when my sample size ran out.

·         Loreal Gentle Make Up Remover for Eyes and Lips (RRP $12.95): Another repurchased item in the shopping bag. This is my favourite make up remover of all times and I have gone through countless bottles ever since I started wearing make up. It removes waterproof make up with a swipe (or two for some of the better mascaras). Easy peasy! Best part is, it doesn’t strip the moisture off your face in the process.

·         Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Audacious Asphalt (RRP $11.95) : This little gem here has shot to fame the moment it was released and it is a favourite in the beauty bloggers community. I mean, being a beauty blogger and all, I have to do my research and find out what the hype is all about, right? For a fraction of the price of the MAC paint pots, I would say they are very well worth every penny as they are super pigmented and extremely long-lasting. My make up held up well after a whole day at work (approximately 10 hours) PLUS two extra hours of intensive gym session (which includes excessive sweat excretion). Nuff said. I am definitely keen to try out the other colours from this range but unfortunately, they are quite limited in the land down under.

Have you hauled recently or have you been good with your plastic card? ;)

Have you tried any of the above products? Yay or nay?

XOXO,

A

Fashion Friday: Tweed it Like Its Hot

Happy Friday lovelies!

Just a quick Fashion Friday post today - featuring the outfit that I wore to Nutrimetics "Ultimate Girls Night In Party" at Bronte,which looks like paradise the moment I stepped into the house.

(You will see what I mean very shortly!!!)

Today's outfit is somewhat smart casual with a little edge by mixing up animal prints and coloured tights. And of course, the trusty accessories to spice up an outfit. 

What I am Wearing: 

Animal Printed Top: ZARA 

Maroon Tights: SUPRE

Tweed Jacket: Forecast

White Envelope Clutch: Sports Girl

Hells: Betty Shoe: Betty Shoe

Accessories: Colette, Sports Girl, EQUIP

(Yes, I have committed fashion crime by buying from SUPRE - but seriously their 3/4 ankle tights fits me like a glove and complement my figure nicely. I can't say no to these limbs-hugging goodies!)

It's a crime that I can be forgiven, right?

*insert puppy face*

Accessories worn on the same day. 

FOTD - en route to Bronte to attend the event! 

I have discovered a perfect lipstick combination of a nude lips with a hint of lavender - layering both NYX Round Lipstick in Paris & Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in Shade 26.

(Let me know if you want a separate swatch post on this :D)

The gorgeous view upon walking into the house @ Bronte for Nutrimetics.

Breathtaking.

I was seriously in awe with the view above - I could SO come home to this view everyday. Actually, scrap that, I will probably not leave the house with such picturesque view, along with the peaceful sound of waves. 

#AGirlCanDream

TFIF, MY LOVELY READERS <3 b="b">

XOXO,

A

FASHION FRIDAY: RED TIGHTS + LOAFERS + FAUX FUR

THANK GOD it's FRIDAY, cupcakes!

This week has been dragginggggg on - anyone else is with me? 

Despite this long week, it's unbelievable how quick time has raced by and we are marching into the EIGHTH month of 2012.  2012 hasn't exactly been my year - let's hope the remaining second half of the year is a better one! 

ANYHOOS,  yours truly is in the (rather slow) process of revamping and introducing new topics into ThroughBeautyEyes.Com. I have quite a few ideas in my mind but it's going to be quite some time before they can all be executed. Baby steps people, so bear with me for the time being. =)

Since I am putting more effort into dressing up and am trying to broaden my knowledge in the world of fashion, FASHION FRIDAY will now be my very own lookbook to diarise the stuff I wear. 

My first instalment of Fashion Friday consists of animal prints loafers, coloured tights & faux fur jacket! 

Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch with the girlfriend. :)

I have been on the hunt for a pair of animal printed loafers for yonkers and of course, when ZU was selling these at a fraction of its original price, Adeline could not say no. Did I mention they were leather too? 

Value buys always give me a great sense of satisfaction - especially for products/ items that I have been lemming for a long time! 

Long sleeve tunic top - Cotton On

Red tights - Cotton On

Faux Fur Jacket - TEMT 

Loafers - ZU

Rings - Online & Malaysia

A lazy sunday also means au naturale FOTD - give your skin some space to breathe! :)

Skip the daily foundation, eyeshadows & eyeliner and go straight to the mascara (to "open up" your eyes), mineral powder (for a light coverage), blush (for a nice glow) & of course your favourite lippie!!

This is definitely one my favourite weekend combos which ticks off the boxes of the 3Cs.

Comfortable, Casual & Chic. 

Hope you enjoy this new fashion "segment" on le blog and let me know if there's anything else that you'd love to see more on this blog! All inputs welcome! :D

What is your ideal lazy Sunday style?

XOXO,

A