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

PRODUCTS I LOVE #3

One of the few things that gets me really excited is discount.

Great discount.

Not your pathetic get $5 rebate for spending $200 (which is a mere 2.5% off btw) or 10% off some low price point items.

Who's with me?

Well, great news to you beauty lovers, my favourite drugstore in town, Priceline (kinda like Walmart in the States but not as cool) will be having 40% off all beauty products today(19 Nov 2013) and tomorrow (20 Nov 2013)!

This Products I Love segment will be a few of my recommendations of products that are “Hot Right Now”, some were provided for trial by the brands and some were purchased but they are all my current FAVs (and a few repurchased item!):

 

-          Face of Australia Budge Proof Eyeshadows in Violet Rays, Bling Bling & Bronze Sphinx* 

I have raved about these eyeshadows in my recent Products I Love: Spring Edition post a while ago and still loving them. They are part of my daily make up routine – colours depending on my mood and weather of the day. Violet Rays is perfect for smokey eyes, Bling Bling for summer-peachy look and Bronze Sphinx for your fail-proof neutral eyes. Click HERE for swatches.

-          Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer in Light 

This concealer contains Olay regerist serum and specially-blended pigments to combat dark circles. The creamy consistency, hydrating and lasting formula made this a star product! I bought this about a month ago and have already gone through half a tub of it. The hoarding nature in me is considering buying a backup because you know, I have 10 pair of eyes that need concealing daily. #hoarderproblems

-          Cover Girl Clean Glow Blusher in 100 Roses*

I was sent this blusher about 3 weeks ago and it has become my almost every-day blush since. 100 roses is a natural, warm berry colour which goes perfectly well with my darker skin in the hotter days. I like to pair this with my Nude by Nature Natural Bronzer for the sunkissed look.

-          Face of Australia Carnivale in Summer Lovin (Bright Pink), Mango Slurpee (Orange) and Masquerade (Purple with Glitter Chunks)*

TOP: Summer Lovin; BOTTOM: Mango Slurpee

Remember all those mornings when you wake up only to realise that your freshly painted nails are filled with sheet marks? Well, sheet marks is now a trend with the brand new sandy finish formula for both Summer Lovin and Mango Slurpee.

As for Masquerade, it’s the ideal choice of polish when you are looking for something girly and “loud” with ALL THE GLITTERS!

-          Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 (Baby Pink) and 235 (Coral)*

Hotter days = sweaty me = light-weighted products will take preference for day to day wear. I am still very much in love with my bold, pigmented  lipsticks but these Gloss Balms are a better alternative on a scorching, casual day out. Lasting power is amazing and pigmentation is pretty good for a “gloss balm” – not overly sheer as I am not a fan of sheer colour balm. Definitely a summer handbag essential, me thinks. 

-          Nude by Nature Mineral Foundation in Medium

My HG mineral foundation - had repurchased this twice, once HERE and another one made in the last Priceline 40% sales. As I have pretty sensitive skin and it goes cray cray on me from time to time, this is probably the only “foundation” that is able to provide decent coverage and doesn’t sting. My everyday face routine involves this + tinted moisturiser or BB cream depending on the coverage I am looking for.

-          Nude by Nature Natural Bronzer

My to – go Summer bronzer. First discovered this in my goodie bag from Miss Universe Australia 2011 Party and had also repurchased this in the last Priceline 40% sales. This colour is a little too dark for winter but perfect for summer. It works best with a huge blush brush that allows you to blend evenly. Don’t use anything to dense as you will probably end up looking like Snooki. :P

-          Face of Australia Eyebrow Kit*

As you can see, the gel part is almost hitting pan. I use this on most days (except lazy days) and its one of the best eyebrow kits in the market. Love that it doesn’t have a hefty price tag for a product of such high quality. WIN. On to my 40% shopping list you go, Mr Eyebrow Kit.

-          Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel

This has been my HG Eyebrow pencil before I discovered the Face of Australia Eyebrow Kit. I still use this on a lazy day when I ceebs drawing my brows with a brush and I always have one of these in my makeup bag – just in case any touch up is required.

40% off – definitely stocking up. #GottaStopBeingAHoader

-          Face of Australia Tinted Moisturiser*

I am a huge fan of tinted moisturiser for day-to-day use and selected BB creams (which doesn’t result in me looking like a geisha). For full coverage, I am definitely loyal to my HG foundation  - Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation (as seen HERE and HERE).  Mild coverage, light weight and matching skin tone makes this my daily pick – to be applied before applying the Nude by Nature Mineral Foundation in medium.

-          Australis Curve Eyeliner (not pictured)

With the curve design making flicking achievable, even for amateurs, this is my second favourite eyeliner after my HG Dolly Wink Liquid Liner (which is irreplaceable at the moment). I bought this when I ran out of my Dolly Wink Liquid Liner and was pretty impressed with it. Easy to control, dark and pigmented ( don’t you just hate those liquid liner which aren’t and appears like a grey line when applied?) and the ultra thin brush means that you could control the thickness of your line when applying. Bingo.

To repurchase or not, considering that I still have a backup of my Dolly Wink Liquid Liner?

  Hope you're taking advantage of this 40% off on Priceline! However, make sure you don't overspend and be a massive hoarder like me. 

A little tip: MAKE a list before entering the store before unnecessary damage. :P

Have you tried any of these products?

What's on your shopping list?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk(*) were provided for consideration. I am not compensated for this post or any sales made from these products. For more information, please refer to ThroughBeautyEyes' disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

Champagnes X Oysters | Laurent Perrier X The Langham, Sydney

It's not every Tuesday that you get an endless flow of premium French champagne with unlimited fresh oysters at a renowned 5 star hotel. 

(As much as I wish I do :P)

I was lucky enough to attend the launch of "The Season" by Laurent-Perrier at the start of November and needless to say, french bubbly and oyster is a pretty sweet combination on a Tuesday night. 

For those of you who wonders who and where The Langham is - they are located on the border of the historic Rocks district, replacing the Observatory Hotel. In the month of November, The Langham came together with Laurent-Perrier and brings you a celebration of champagne and spring flora - "The Season". 

Floral display by Pearsons Florist

Champagne Shower?

Not sure about you but this is definitely MY kinda dinner ;P 

I could definitely get use to drinking Laurent Perrier on a weekly basis. #baller

It certainly has the European circa 1960s feel to it and would definitely love to come back for a high tea sesh. 

Did I mention that I am officially a fresh oyster convert at the launch party all thanks to Maria who made sure I give them a try?
Not sure if the Vintage Laurent Perrier was the main catalyst, but smashing half a dozen of fresh oysters for someone who used to avoid them at all costs is pretty impressive. ;)

OFFICIALLY a fresh oyster convert! 

With Maria from @CrashingRed and @SoNailicious

So, what's the #beauty of The Langham, Sydney:

- Located at the border of The Rocks means you get to avoid the hustle and bustle of CBD, making it a perfect spot for a weekend "getaway" or "StayCation" (as I like to put it).

- The Langham spells elegance, sophistication and luxurious, definitely the place to spoil and pamper someone if you are looking to treat yourself and your loved ones.

@The Entrance of The Langham
Dress: NICHI (Local boutique in Malaysia)
Heels: ASOS
Bag: MARCS

What's on for the remaining month of November:

Tiffin Afternoon Tea featuring bite size gougeres, chocolate fudge cupcakes with rose petal buttercream and hazelnut & Salted caramel Dacquoise. And here come the best part - receive complimentary upgrade to a glass of Laurent - Perrier Vintage when you order a Champagne Tiffin Afternoon Tea. 

Served daily, prices from $64

Champagne and Oysters consisting of a trio of Sydney Rock oysters, served with a champagne vinegar mignonette and a glass of Laurent - Perrier Brut. 

Served daily, for only $25.

Champagne Dinner - 5 course degustation with matching champagne in Galileo Restaurant

Only on 27 November 2013, RRP $150

If you gotta pick a treat out of the three, I would personally go for the Champagne and Oysters special if you are a huge oysters fan. Promise you wouldn't be disappointed for $25 a pop! Probably wouldn't mind the Tiffin Afternoon Tea with the girlfriends either, especially with the complimentary upgrade to a glass of Laurent - Perrier Vintage. Any "complimentary upgrade" is always music to my ears especially when it involves French vintage champagne. Don't cha agree?

Once again, a huge thank you to Liquid Ideas for the invite and Langham Sydney & Laurent Perrier for a great night.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the launch of The Season by Langham X Laurent Perrier as a guest. I am not compensated for this post nor commissioned for any new patrons that decide to walk into Langham after reading this post.

XOXO,
A