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

#LOVE LIST #5: Beauty Edition

Since the beauty component of this blog has been MIA-ing quite a bit as or late, I thought I'd dedicate a Love List for the beauty products I'm currently loving!

I have been sent a few products at the start of the year (can you believe we are already in the second quarter of the year?!?) and finally got the chance to try them out and these are the ones that I'm diggin' at the moment!

Illamasqua Speckled Nail Polish in Fragile - A gorgeous Tiffany blue WITH speckles! That means you don't have to go through the hassle of applying 5 coats (2 for the base colour, 2 for the glitter AND top coat)! I was wearing this nail polish during my short trip back to Malaysia - and one of Mum's friend was IN LOVE with this nail polish. Lucky her, I brought it with me. =P

Wearing Katie and Ambition here 

Illamasqua Blush Duo in Katie and Ambition - Ambition is a mauve coloured blush with tiny bits of glitters whereas Katie is a matte baby pink blush. Ambition is a great colour on its own - it gives ithat gorgeous flush (somewhere between bronze and coral) within being to over the top; Katie, on the other hand, is a tad too pale for my skin to wear on its own! 

A CLOSE UP of the blush combination :)

However, Katie is the perfect shade to mattify Ambition if I am feeling a no-glitter kinda day! This Blush Duo has been my everyday blush during my short Malaysia trip during Easter! 

Models Prefer Lust Lipstick in Cupcake - Another new found love of mine - this coral lippie with extremely moisturising formula is surprisingly pigmented and long-lasting. It reminds me a lot of Revlon's Lip Butter in Trutti Frutti (reviewed HERE). The best thing is? It's only $11.99 a pop. Gotta love me some good cheapie lippie! 

Benefit FAKE UP Concealer - You might have came across this product on Through Beauty Eyes from my Social Diaries #2 updates (Remember the topless butler? Yes, THAT) I finally get around to trying this and my FAKE UP cherry was popped after a long haul flight. Needless to say, I was hooked since then and FAKE UP has definitely made its way to claim the HG concealer spot. LATERS, dry undereyes! However, if you're looking for a full coverage concealer - this might not be the man (or lady) for you as the formula is pretty sheer (due to its moisturising nature I suppose). I do get the desirable concealing I am looking for by applying a couple of layers. Make sure you try it out at your nearest Benefit counter before doing any purchase! A quick tip I learnt from the #FakeUpevent is to apply this concealer in a "V shape" on your undereye and blend it upwards using your ring finger. 

URIAGE Thermal Water for sensitive skin - This baby was a life savior during my short trip to Malaysia - a couple of pump of this thermal water in the hot and humid weather is one of my simple pleasures in life! So refreshing, so good. URIAGE Eau Thermal is still saving my life skin now that I am back in Sydney. With the change in weather - my skin has been PMS-ing like a bitch. Ridiculously dry and rashes poppin' up left right centre (quite literally). I try to spray this every half an hour or so to replenish my skin with some water it desperately needs. LOVE! 

Hope you enjoyed this my love list and quick reviews this week. J

Have you tried any of these products?

What are on your love list this week and did any of the above products make it into your list?

XOXO,

A

Diary of the "One Handed Warrior" - 9 Fun Facts of a Cripple

Howdy! 

For those of you who follow Through Beauty Eyes social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook or Instagram), you would have known I snapped my middle finger, walked around with a HUGEASS cast which I thought wasn't that necessary for 1.5 weeks, had two screws inserted to fix my broken bone with feral stitches, and now finally en route to recovery with a robot-like splinter for the next 6 weeks. (For visual effect, please click on each event - as there are some that are not for the faint hearted) :P

1. The White Cast has became my daily accessories. 

As evident by the series of my #OOTD above.

Spotted: Lotus Mendes Goddess Ring! 

In fact, I rocked up to Colgate's #OpticWhite event without realising that it was a White Party. BUT HEY, MY CAST IS WHITE SO I WAS KINDA FOLLOWING THE THEME. #winning

2. The White Cast can also be a pain in the arse, especially when it's raining. 

God bless Glad Wrap! This is how I roll - rain or shine; cripple or not - I party on! :P

BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP ME FROM CRIPPLE FIST PUMPING AND SAVING THE WORLD WITH SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA! 

3. The White Cast AND the splinter are both a huge pain in the arse! 

Because I can't get it wet and have a hard time keeping it dry. This is NOT what she said.  

Imagine having to wrap the cast/ splinter up everytime I shower, do dishes, meal prep or any activities that might potentially get it wet... NOT FUN! Which brings me to the next point....

4. EXFOLIATION became a LUXURY! 

I have been exfoliating every 2-3 days ever since I discovered The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Exfoliator (which recently took over the HG Exfoliator title from Soap & Glory Flake Away exfoliator). SMELLS SO FRICKIN AH-MA-ZING & SO GENTLE on the skin with its tiny exfoliator bits.

I did not exfoliate during the 1.5 weeks when I had my massive cast and only resumed exfoliating a couple of days ago after the cast came off and the post-surgery pain has subsided. And BOY, DID IT FEEL GOOD! Except, my right arm will probably need an INTENSIVE exfoliating once my suture wound has fully heeled. GO FIGURE! 

5. At the very least, I can haz pretty painted nails with splinter. 

 Taking the new Illamasqua Speckles Polish in Mottle from I'MPerfection collection on a test drive! This polish is revolutionary and an absolute darling - mint plus glitter bits 2 IN 1? YES PLEASE! 

At least, it made my splinter slightly prettier. 

#ThisISHowYouSpotABeautyBlogger

#NOTD #Cripple #Edition

6. My skin, face & body is lacking TLC.

Try picture trying to massage the serum and/or moisturser all over your face; applying body butter/ lotion all over your body; and applying haircare post shower single handedly. 

Yeap, fun times.

I probably wasted half of bottle/ tub of skincare in the past three weeks; pretty much passed on bodycare since the faithful day; and so's my haircare. (I did however, manage to curl my hair with my robot cast. =P)

7. When I am feeling down or depressed over my injury or the inconvenience caused by it, BRIGHT lipsticks always save the day. 

Illamasqua Lipstick in Immodest on the left and Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in Bright Pink on the right. 

I know I went through an orange/ coral phase towards the end of last year, I am now swaying back to bright, matte barbie pink lippies with smokey eyes. :)

Whilst they are both matte and look pretty similar on the lips but when swatched, Immodest is more of bright fuchsia and Bright Pink is well, more of bright barbie pink. :P

8. I MISS THE GYM SO FRICKIN BAD 

Especially lifting AND pole dancing! 

Yours truly sneaking in a spin class a day before my surgery.

I could barely walk after the class and cast didn't exactly feel the best (EW, I know) - it felt SO. DAMN. GOOD. The endorphins kick was priceless! Me thinks I am going to sneak in a pilates session later this arvo although my physio said I shouldn't really be hitting the gym till the stitches are off this Thursday! 

Gym Junkie or Gym Addict? You tell me! ;)

I have also been working on my new side project Eat This Burn That - will let the cat out of the bag when everything is more organised! At the meantime, don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@EatThisBurnThat) or Facebook for health and fitness updates! :)

Hand exercise, as prescribed by the physiotherapist. This is as active I have been since surgery. =.="

(Pun might be intended)

If only I could list down all the inappropriate comments I received :P

9. IF ALL THINGS FAIL, GRAB A SPOON AND HAVE BEN & JERRYS 

Chocolate Therapy is my drug to replace Panadeine Forte when I was in pain or when I am down and annoyed. #LetsDigIn

FINALLY,

My GORGEOUS & AMAZING bestie whom I stumbled upon (literally) 5 years ago! She's pretty, smart, kind hearted and an awesome listener & advisor when I need it! LOVE YOU LONG TIME MISS CSJ! 

I am glad that despite all the hoo-hah, I am able to celebrate my bestie's 25th birthday - partyin it up like its 2008. My dress even matches my splinter! :P

A little unusual compared to my usual post but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!

XOXO,

A