WINTER WONDERS #1: SKINCARE & CANDLES

Howdy!

Now that the world cup fever is over, we are back to the usual beauty products chat. 

(However, do stay tune for a couple of my bonus world cup looks coming in the next fortnight!)

I am pretty lucky to have the chance to try out different products depending on seasons & occasions and I have been trialling quite a handful of products in the past couple of months. 

 

 As the title suggests, today’s post is about products that I have tried and have been reaching out this winter. 

 

Physicians FormulaSuper All-In-1 BB Cream (RRP: $25.95)

PF claims to be an ultra-blendable and lightweight cream that effortlessly glides on, instantly infusing moisture, refining skin’s surface and providing protection from the environment. It also claims to leave your skin looks and feels smooth, glowing and naturally flawless.

This BB cream provides a pretty light coverage and it is quite blendable. As for lightweight, it is when compared to your normal foundation. However, compared to the Face of Australia’s BB Cream (my favourite before discovering this), the PF BB Cream is slightly greasier which works out fine in winter as I have pretty dry skin. Not sure if I can say the same in the hotter days though.

Also, as a plus, this BB Cream comes with SPF 30 Sun protection (yay for double protection. I always ALWAYS use a separate sun screen eventhough my foundation/ BB cream comes with SPF protection).

  

L’occitane Spicy CinnamonScented Candle (RRP: $28)

I LOVE scented candles! This scent is perfect for a relax night in or post work out – as the cinnamon scent really helps to ease the mind and relax. This spicy cinnamon candle + a cup of warm tea (usually Brown Rice Green Tea) + human burrito in bed = IDEAL night post power yoga class or over the weekend.

If you are a not a fan of overwhelming scent, then this is the choice for you J

L’occitane Fleur D’or & Acacia Hand Cream (Limited Edition)

I have always been a fan of L’occitane Hand Cream (who doesn’t, really?) but this is probably my favourite scent to date unless they decide to expand their hand cream collection to include the Neroli & Orchidee scent. :P

Since I am not the best in describing scents, I will quote from L’occitane – “luminous floral union of mimosa and acacia”.

People For PlantsManuka Honey & Shea Organic Lip Balm & People For Plants PinkGrapefruit & Sweet Fennel Organic Lip Balm (RRP: $9.95)

These are my favourite lip balms at the moment to  ensure my lips steer clear of chapping in this cold & harsh weather. I keep the Manuka Honey & Shea flavoured one in my handbag and the Pink Grapefruit & Sweet Fennel flavour on my dresser (to prep my lips whilst I apply my make up in the morning). If you are not a fan of lip balm with “tastes”, go for the Manuka Honey & Shea flavour as they are neutral.

Jurlique HerbalRecovery Eye Cream (RRP: $52)

According to Jurlique, this eye cream is meant to help replenish and brighten, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as improve firmness around the delicate eye area.

I am not sure about improving firmness and minimising fine lines and wrinkles (as I am pretty sure they still exist after all the intensive rubbings I have had over the years) but this eye cream is great for everyday use to keep your eye area hydrated. However, during the days where my eye lids are going through “draughts”, this eye cream doesn’t quite cut it and I will have to bring out the big guns – their Herbal Recovery Advanced Eye Serum.

Physicians FormulaOrganic Wear CC Colour Correction Cream (RRP: $25.95)

(It is only right if we have CC cream after BB Cream right? :P)

This product comes in 2 shades (light, light/medium) and is apparently the 1^st ever 100% natural CC cream (70% Organic). I am using Light/ Medium which works fine now but I reckon it would be a tad too light in the warmer months.

In comparison to the BB Cream, this definitely provides a much better coverage (medium but definitely buildable). In saying that, I usually reach out to this product on Fridays or on days where I required a more “flawless” make up look, ie more coverage.

If I were to recommend one of the two PF products, I would definitely go for this. It gives you a natural and almost flawless finish whilst keeping the hydration of your skin (without feeling greasy), especially in winter.

 

Jurlique has a new Calendula range, which I have been trialling for the past four months. These 3 new products are designed to calm sensitive skin, restore skin’s epidermal defences and soothe delicate skin. They contain Calendula extract which helps comfort skin and restore skin’s natural defence.

CALM: JurliqueCalendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist (RRP:$38)

A little different from the usual rosewater mist, the aroma of fresh cucumber and chamomile leaves your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. I like to start my morning skincare routine with a few sprays of this mist.

RESTORE: JurliqueCalendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum (RRP: $54)

For extra restoration and hydration, this concentrated serum is a crucial step before applying the moisturising cream. With most serums, a little goes a long way.

SOOTHE: JurliqueCalendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream (RRP: $85)

This Moisturising Cream contains Evening Primrose, Macadamia, Rose Hip and Avocado Oils, providing optimum hydration and skin barrier protection benefits. I have been loving this over their standard moisturising cream and this makes my to-go-to day moisturiser in winter. However, I opt for EVOHE Intensive Repair as my companion for cold winter nights as this isn’t “thick” (that’s what she said) enough. :P

EVOHE Rooibos,Calendula, Golden Seal & Gotu Kola Intensive Repair (RRP:47.90)

THIS Intensive Repair is god send during Sydney’s Cold Snap. Being 100% certified Organic, this cream probably isn’t the best smelling product I owned. But hey, this is when you know its natural aye? It contains Rooibos, Calendula, Golden Seal, Green Tea & Gotu Kola which are known for their anti-inflammatory (say goodbye to tomato face!), anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

This formula is really creamy and thick, perfect for night but probably not so during the day (unless I am going through an extremely dry face mornings!). I have replaced my night routine (Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue products – see above) with this single product in the past month.

Don’t want to wake up with Sahara face no more? This is the answer for you! :)

PS: Apparently you could combine it with other products to turn it into foundation.

Being the lazy shit I am, I would prefer to use pre-mixed products. :P 

It has been a LONGGGG time since I wrote a review-ish post! Hope you girls enjoyed it and find it useful in someway!

 

Have you tried any of the products above?

What are your Winter Wonders that you think I should try?

DISCLAIMER: As mentioned above, all these products were provided for consideration and trial purposes. All opinions are my own. 

XOXO,

A

L'occitane Giveaway Winner

Ho ho ho! I hope you had an amazing Christmas with your loved ones filled with presents! 

 I know, the announcement for my L'occitane giveaway winners has been WAY overdue. 

I apologise that these babies didn't go out before Christmas as I was swamped with work - finalising some year end stuff before heading off on a 3 weeks vacation in KL & SG! Besides swamping my Instagram feed with a tonne of #foodporn I barely went online. 

 ANYHOOS, 

the winner for my Instagram giveaway IS @kireinakatewarner 

Congrats Kate, you have won yourself a Cherry Blossom set! 

_____________ 

Next up, the winner for my blog giveaway IS Nella from Beaute Gazette

Congrats Nella, you have won yourself a Addictive Almond pack! 

_____________ 

Because it's the season to be jolly and I like surprises, there will be a third (surprise) winner. ;) 

 AND, the surprise winner IS *drums roll* Gabby! 

Congrats Gabby, you have won yourself a Provence set! 

_____________ 

Kate, Gabby, Nella, if you could kindly forward your mailing addy to throughbeautyeyes [at] gmail [dot] com before the 7th of Jan, that'd be great! Please note that I wouldn't be back in Sydney until then. So, the package wouldn't arrive anytime before that. If I haven't heard from you by the 7th, a new winner will be drawn. 

_____________ 

A HUGE thank you to all of you who entered and thank you so much for supporting ThroughBeautyEyes! 

 Xoxo, 

A

THROUGH BEAUTY EYES 2013 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It's that time of the year to be festive and jolly! Quite possibly my favourite time of the year - summer, family & friends, food & wine, holidays, presents... what not to love?

However, presents can be a tough one sometimes, especially when the market is OVERLOADED with options. And unlike last year, I am slightly early in helping you with your decisions and not get carried away by the shiny christmas packs. :P Skin Care, Body Care, Candles, Make Up OR Nails, got you all covered. 

So, to make things a little easier for you girls, I have either "BFF" or/and "Mum" badge on each Christmas pack. 

BFF: it could be for your best friend, sister, cousin... pretty much anyone that you have a pretty good understanding of and is around the same age as you are.

Mum: Pretty self-explanatory isn't it?

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

The Jojoba Company Limited Edition Christmas Starter Pack (RRP $59.95): The Jojoba Company products are suitable for all skin type and all ages so this is a pretty fail proof pressie for a friend who is new to the skincare world. It helps fight everything from ageing to acne, nappy rash and eczema. Tried and tested by yours truly, I can definitely vouch for them. :) The Pure Jojoba Oil  has saved my life when I was going through a bad phase of rashes/ eczema. It's pretty much the only product that doesn't sting when applied. 

People for Plant

This certified organic brand by our dear Jamie Durie is one of the newer players in the market but has already established a pretty strong name for themselves since launch. This would definitely be a winner for that girlfriend of yours who only use certified organic products. 

PFP Nuture From Nature (RRP $49.95): Consisting of (white tea, aloe, witch & hazel) cleanser & make up remover, (rose, otto, burdock, kakadu &; plum) mist toner and (rosehip, gingko & shea) Day Cream, this pack would definitely be a winner for that girlfriend of yours who only use certified organic products. 

PFP Organic Shea Nourishing Pack (RRP $24.95): The ideal care kit for the cold weather with a 150mL Gingko, coconut & shea Body Cream and a Manuka honey shea organic Lip Balm. Have a girlfriend that is going for a holiday in the Northern Hemisphere soon? Perfecto. If not, it is never too early to stock up for winter. ;) 

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Christmas Pack (RRP$199) : The products from this range are light on the face but made of potent botanicals and antioxidants to help smooth fine lines and leave you with a fresh & revitalized skin. In a mood to spoil your loved ones? This is the pack to go for (or the Age Defying Essentials for some anti-aging care)

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Essentials Christmas Pack (RRP $168.99) - After all the years of hard work and care your mum had for you, I think she deserves to be spoilt. What's better than this pack of goodies consisting of higher performance anti-aging botanicals which helps to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone? Your mum will definitely appreciate the fact that she will look 20 years younger in no time. :P

L'occitane Romantic Rose Collection (RRP $110): Another favourite of mine from L'occitane, which combines four different type of roses to give you the ultimate romantic scent! This collection includes EDT, Bath Soap. Bath & Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Body Milk and a Perfumed Sachet. Full pampering session = sorted.

LUSH Christmas Pack: A christmas is NOT christmas without Snow Fairy. #truestory As expected, Christmas time means a vast variety of Christmas gift guides combining a range of different scent and shapes. Try not to go crazy in the store and ended up filling up your own stocking with all the LUSH goodies instead ;) No prizes for those who guessed what my favourite Gift Pack from LUSH is :P Celebrate this jolly season with some #crueltyfreechristmas LUSH products! 

Jurlique Limited Edition Sugared Spice (RRP $35.00): A warm scent of brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and a gorgeous blend of sugared fruits preserves made from strawberry, cherry, apple, plum, raspberry and a touch of citrus - THE winning combination for a bedside candle. I have yet to burn mine and I am already in love with the scent, can't imagine what my room will smell like when I could finally be bothered to repurchase a lighter. This would make a great gift for someone who enjoys a good and relaxing pampering sesh. 

Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Trio (Hand wash & Hand Lotion - RRP $39 each; Single Wick Candle - RRP $85): Molton Brown simply shouts sophistication, elegance and luxury, This is a pretty awesome way to trick your mum/ girlfriend that they are living in a historic, 1800s English castle. ;)  Unlike Sugared Spice, I personally think this is more of a lounge room/ main area kinda scent. You could either buy them as an individual gift or make it a trio gift pack - brownie points for extra options! 

The Body Shop Honeymania collection (Bubble Bath Melt - RRP $24.95; Body Scrub - RRP $27.95; Shower Gel - RRP $12.95): Big fan of the honey scent? This is the collection for you - perfect gift for someone who prefers a more subtle scent. 

Napoleon Perdis Imperial Collection (RRP $89): " The Imperial Collection captures regal elegance with a necessary hint of drama" - NAPOLEON | With four gorgeous shade of eyeshadows and lip colours AND the classy gold nail polish, the looks to be created from this collection is endless. 

Napoleon Perdis Limited Edition Empress Eyeshadow Palette (RRP $79): This palette consisting 12 beautiful eye colours has become a permanent fixture in my handbag as it is perfect for touch up and giving you the option to change or intensify your look from day to night.

Mary Kay At Play Collection box: This is a custom-made giftbox consisting of 4 At Play Baked Eyed Trios and 2 of the At Play Jelly lipgloss. How cute is the box?!? I love a good Christmas gift box that comes with a range of different make up from eyes to cheeks to lips as that's the best way to experiment a range of new products! The only downside about Mary Kay products is you would need to look for a "beauty consultant" before you could order them. 

Models Prefer Nail Emanel Christmas Pack (RRP $20): This is a no brainer gift if your friend has the habit of looking up #nailporn and #instanail before she kickstarts her day. At $20 for EIGHTEEN nail polishes, I can almost guarantee you that you will get a massive hug & even kisses on your cheeks when this present makes its way out of the wrapper. 

These are gift ideas for your loved ones (read: more than just an acquaintance or drinking buddy) as these presents are pretty personal. You will need a petty good understanding of their skin type, favourite scent and what not...

Stay tune for the next Gift Guide edition: stocking fillers and Kris Kringle present ideas. ;)

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, it ain't Christmas without some giving right?

Thanks to the lovely Lesley from L'occitane, I have a few gift packs to giveaway to 3 lucky readers/ followers of mine.

The Cherry Blossom pack giveaway is now running on my Instagram acccount. Head over to www.Instagram.com/ThroughBeautyEyes and enter now! 

COMMENT BELOW AND TELL ME WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PACK FROM TODAY'S GIFT GUIDE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A L'OCCITANCE ADDICTIVE ALMOND PACK (VALUE @ $70)

Competition ends Sunday, 15 December 2013 11:59 AEST. 

Winner has 24 hours to get back to me with their best mailing address or else a new winner will be picked.

Australian Residents only.

XOXO.

A

THROUGH BEAUTY EYES' LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURVIVAL GUIDE & GIFT IDEAS 2012

5 more days to Christmas? Yeap, I think its time I start squeezing myself into the human sardine can (ie, shopping malls) and get some Christmas shopping done. (I have gotten my lunch plans sorted for the next three days!) Last minute, much? Well, #standard. I work better under pressure anyways – and I think this apply to Christmas shopping too. 

(SEE: LAST YEAR'S EVIDENCE :P)

Here are a few tips that I have been adhering to, especially if you are trying to get your Christmas shopping done at THIS time of the year.

-          MAKE A LIST. I cannot stress enough how important a list is when it comes to mass Christmas shopping (or anything in life, really) which makes your life so much easier and ensure that you don’t overbuy stuff or missing someone out. Include the loved ones that you would like to share some love and presents you think they (may) like.

-          INCLUDE AN EXTRA ITEM for each person just in case you couldn’t find that particular present. Always include a back up item on your list for those who have difficult wishlist. For example, a pink headphones with that particular design and certain features.  Last thing you want is trying to run around like a headless chicken within the crowd trying to figure out what to buy for your boyfriend’s sister because you couldn’t find that lime green satchel bag that she has been lusting for.

-          FOCUS & DO NOT GET DISTRACTED. I know its hard to not check out that favourite floral pants of yours that is currently having 30% of its RRP.

-          COMFY SHOES. Please for the love of god, do not do your Christmas shopping in your favourite stripper pumps, especially not in the hustle bustle of last minute Christmas shopping “traffic”. Trust me, I have seen people in those and I really wonder what was going through their mind!

Boring tips aside, now we shall move on to what’s hot (and cool #ohtheirony) this Christmas and some last minute Christmas gifts ideas that will hopefully help you guys! I will be splitting the Christmas guide into two sections – Personal and General and here are a few of my favourite picks:

PERSONAL

By personal, I am referring to people that hold a place close to your heart, people whom you know almost inside out, people whom you know their likes and dislikes… you get the gist. You may consider options like perfume and skincare for those who fall within this category and here are a few of my picks: 

L’OCCITANE’S DELICATE CHERRY BLOSSOM COLLECTION, RRP $100 (From their Christmas Collection)

I have always been a fan of L’occitane’s Cherry Blossom handcream – so this range is perfect with a collection of Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 250mL, Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30mL, Cherry Blossom Soap 50g, Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette 100mL and Cherry Blossom Shower Gel 250mL. Fancy a cherry blossom shower? This is your answer *sniff self* #NoIAmNotCreeepyAtAll

L’OCCITANE’S MARVELLOUS FLOWERS EAU DE TOILETTE, RRP $60

With rose absolute and peony extract, it smells like a joyful marriage of both flower and fruit – just the way I like it! Get this sweet little gem for your girlfriend/ sister or mum if she is a fan of sweet refreshing scent. She will be evoking the scent of roses and peonies with a dash of sparkling red berries. #yummy

BODY SHOP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Instead of the following the “White Christmas” theme just like the rest of the globe, The Body Shop Australia decides to introduce its very own “summer collections” by launching the NEW! Ginger Sparkle range, NEW! Cranberry Joy range, NEW! Vanilla Bliss range, “Book” sets and the cutesy mini “pamper tins”. My personal favourites are the Book Sets and Pamper tins only because they look SUPER ADORBS! It’s probably more for collection purposes =P But if you want something more practical – definitely check out the NEW! Chrissy range. 

DERMALOGICA DAILY MICROFOLIANT SET, RRP $83.50 (Microfoliant comes with FREE Gentle Cream Exfoliant 10mL and PreCleanse 30mL)

I know I know, this isn’t exactly one of those pressie where you squeal and yell cos its so pretty or cute or sparkly.  But as someone who swears of this holy grail daily exfoliant, I will be pretty over the moon if I receive this full sized product along with the freebies that come along with this. Extra points if my current one is running out. Trust me, us ladies love products that keep our skin nice and healthy as much as pretty things!

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCE CHRISTMAS LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

I was one of those who reckons buying candles is like burning your money #punintended. You buy the candle – you burn it – it’s gone. But boy was I wrong when I was introduced to Glasshouse Fragrance thanks to the lovely ladies from Invisible Thread PR as a post Bio Oil celebration gift. And, that, my ladies, changed my life. I find it extremely relaxing and soothing just letting yourself go in a room filled with burning Glasshouse candles with your favourite tea and a book/ mag in hand. My recommendation will be  Glasshouse Fragrance Christmas Limited Edition Collection. I personally have not tried any of their Christmas collection but I love my jasmine and lime candle that was gifted to me and Sweet Orange & Nutmeg, Sweet Sugar Plum, Fruity Clove do sound pretty delicious to me, don’t cha reckon?

GENERAL

For friends or acquaintances or even colleagues in which you are close but not overly close to know their personal perfume preferences and what skincare products they fancy. 

Illamasqua Generation Q Collection 

Empower Palette, RRP$53; Lipsticks in Underworld (Blueberry violet shimmer) and  Lipstick in Magnetism (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$25; Nail Varnishes in Charisma (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$21; Powder Blushers in Sophie (Golden coral shimmer) and Allure (Dusky rose pink shimmer), RRP$28; New Precision ink in Wisdom, RRP$26

How can I forget the good ol' Illamasqua when it comes to gifts? Of course, I am not asking you to buy an entire collection (in which you may if you wish :P).With this new, dynamic range of products that are ageless and without limits or restrictions, Generation Q has been formulated and chosen irrespective of age, race, gender or sexual preferences and seek to empowers and complements the user with light reflective products! That means, you could probably get ALL your shopping done for your mum, sister, auntie, grandma, cousin, or that older colleague at work at the Illamasqua counter. 

VASELINE TOTAL MOISTURE STRATYS-3 RRP$5.41

(Available in Dry Skin, Aloe Fresh & Cocoa Glow) 

Once again, this is more of a practical gift than a "pretty" gift, which I think is a pretty good KK present. You are probably going, WHAAAa....aaaat? Vaseline as present? Trust me, when I was first sent these products, that's the reaction I had too. This is a classic example of do not judge a book by its cover. The Total Moisture in Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Glow are absolutely amazing! I have already gone through a bottle of Aloe Fresh myself! Reasonably priced, moisturising without leaving you feeling all sticky (major pet peeves in summer!), doesn't that just spell awesome?

Photo Credit

TYPO

And if all the above fail, JUST GO TO TYPO! For my non- Australian readers, TYPO is a "stationery" stores that sells incredulously cute and quirky stationery at a really reasonable price! And you are often greeted with discounts and sales at the store. One of the few stores that I have to keep a constant distant to avoid hoarding random stuff that I don't need just because they are "too cute to pass" #OhNoIDidNT

Products range from iPhone case to decorative items to stamps to notebooks and diaries to laptop casings to colour pens. In fact, I received my Christmas pressie from the bestie this morning from TYPO! Except, there's special meanings/ reasonings behind these gifts. <3 font="font" nbsp="nbsp">

Of course, there isn't a black and white line that divides the present groups between general and personal and you are more than welcome to move it around. (perfect example: TYPO). It's subject to your understanding of that particular individual! BUT REMEMBER, you should only be considering products like perfume, candles and skincare IF AND ONLY IF you’re close to this person and you know her well. I have received perfumes as gifts from acquaintances and let’s just say they probably spend more time sitting in the corner of my room than having body contact with me. It’s not that I am ungrateful or anything but they just aren’t my scent... You get the point :P

ULTIMATE - MIX AND MATCH GIFTBOX

AND if you still can't find THE gift, how about a mix and match giftbox of products and stuff that you think your "receiver" may enjoy. It could be beauty products, chocolate, accessories... anything really. You may be able to get some ideas from my previous favourites posts, my fav lippies and contouring products, or even pop into GLOSS for some quick and cheap fix to your present crisis! 

I hope this last minute guide assisted you with your christmas shopping one way or another!

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! 

Done with Christmas shopping? You can now reward yourself with a chilled glass of Savignon Blanc ;)

XOXO,

A