Capsule Make Up Bag

Skimming our possessions down the bare essentials is all the rage at the moment. Capsule wardrobes are a hot topic and while I'm not capable of narrowing my clothing items down 37 pieces (and anyone who can probably is a different kind of human that I can only aspire to be) one thing I am quite capable of whittling down is my make up bag.

I don't wear a heap of make-up day to day anyway, but I found I was stuffing my makeup bag to breaking point. There were things in there that I never used on the regular so I decided to have a real think about what I really needed in there and I thought I'd share the results with you.

BASE

Everything starts with a good base in the last year or so I've discovered the power of a good primer. Smashbox's Primer Water is perfect. It's not too heavy and gives a nice sheen. Also it doubles up as a setting spray and also a refresh through the day if things are getting a bit dry so really it's three products in once which is great when you're slimming down your make-up bag.

In terms of foundation I knew I'd want something light but buildable. The L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation is perfect for this. It's so light and is lovely and glory but if you need a bit more coverage to go from day to night or you've just got a few bits that need a bit more, it's very easy to build up. 

I always take two concealers. One for under eye brightening and one for blemish concealing. Pan concealers like the Seventeen Phwoar Paint are great for blemish concealing and this one is super affordable but packs a punch. However, it's too heavy, for me, for under eyes. I prefer something much lighter which is why I also chuck the Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer in. This has recently been reformulated and I've only been using it for a little while (taking over from the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer) but so far I'm loving it. 

SCULPT

Minis are perfect if you're trying to cut down on space in your make up bag. I got a few Benefit minis with a Christmas gift and the Hoola Bronzer and High Beam highlighter have made a firm impression  in my make up bag and I'm fairly certain I'll be going to purchase full sizes once I've used them up. The bronzer is great both for contouring but also just generally adding a bit of colour to the face. The highlighter is very glowy so if you're looking for something subtle (or haven't got time to really blend it in) this isn't going to be for you but I really like it.

I don't use blush every day but it's nice to have the option. I don't like a really pink blush so I opted for the Maybelline Master Heat in Pink Amber which is a lovely dusky colour that just adds a slight glow if you need it. 

EYES

You can't go wrong with an eyeshadow quad. One with neutral subtle colours will ensure you've got eyeshadow for any occasion. You can't buy the Revlon one I've got anymore because it's about five years old and definitely shouldn't be in my makeup collection anymore but you can find similar ones on the high street. Go for something with a darker colour for your crease, a neutral brown for all over the lid and a light colour for highlighting. 

A pencil liner is a staple. You can add a lot of drama with a simple lining of the upper water line and lash line and really make your eyes the centre of a look. I always go waterproof because otherwise you end up with black smudges through the day. The Rimmel Scandaleyes is a lovely liner and super affordable. You don't need to go expensive with a Kohl Liner. 

I'm not going to say much about the Benefit mascara as it's a new purchase and I'm still working out how I feel about it (it's kinda hard to get off) but I will say if you haven't got  time to do a full face of make up or just don't want (I don't want to most days) browns and mascara are all you need.

BROWS

Ok so Benefit are killing the brow game at the moment and my two favourites are the Precisely My Brow Pencil and the Gimme Brow Brow Gel. On their own they're great, together they're the dream team. You can build the gel for more dramatic brows and the brown pencil is so precise and just as good as the Anastacia Brow Wiz that everyone raves about. 

LIPS

Lips is simple. A nude and a red and that's all you need. Both are good for any occasion and if one doesn't work the other normally will. Maybelline offer a great range of nudes but my favourite is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace. The Rimmel by Kate Moss in Shade 1 is a classic red and you can't go wrong with it really. 

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My skin saviours

Hello, my name's Emily, I'm twenty three and I've finally found a routine my skin and I both like. Yep, it's taken me twenty three years to finally find a skincare routine that works for both me and my skin. I'm not someone who will spend half an hour, or sometimes even fifteen minutes, in the morning and evening on my skincare so I know I need something quick and easy but also effective and these four products help me do just that. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

I don't use this everyday but when I do I love it. I tend to use it as a second cleanse after taking my makeup of with something like the No7 Cleansing Balm. It makes my skin feel super clean and fresh and is what I grab after a sweaty class at the gym. Since using it I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin. Overall it's more even and if I have a breakout it helps to calm that down so I look less red and blotchy and more soft and glowy.

Eucerin Dermo Purifier Active Night Care

I never used to take any notice of the Eucerin section in Boots but after seeing a few of their products banging around on beauty blogs and also some hear say that Gigi Hadid is a fan I decided to take a gander. I am so glad I did. This has been the best thing I've bought skincare wise in a while. It doesn't feel like the most moisturising of moisturisers but paired with something like the Clinique Moisture Surge it's perfect. This literally calmed down the scarring on my chin overnight and has been gradually decreasing it every night since. This will be a definite repurchase.

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask

I love a good face mask they add the finishing touch to a good pamper session but I've been using this one 2-3 times a week and it's done my skin the world of good. I pop it on whilst I'm tidying my room, writing a post or just having a sit on the bed with my phone for fifteen minutes and let it do it's magic. It makes my skin feel thoroughly cleansed, soft and balmy. It basically does what it says on the tin. I also want to pick up the glow mask and see if that, also, does what it says on the tin.

Garner Skin Active Pure Active 3in1

I use this every morning to wake my skin up, get rid of any overnight residue and get my skin ready for the day. I use it mainly as a wash and it does the job I ask of it. I don't know if it's made my skin clearer but it definitely ensures my skin gets a good cleanse every morning which can only be a good thing. 

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SKINSTITUT Final Thoughts

It's been two months since I received my Skinstitut products from RY and started adding them to my skincare routine. I figured, seeing as I said I'd let you know how I was getting on with them after a month, now was a good time to check back in and let you all know what my thoughts on the products were after using them for a good amount of time.

By far my favourite product from the range was the Even Blend Serum. I felt like it did exactly what it said on the tin. It made my skin tone look a lot more even, faded a bit of scarring and just generally made my skin look a lot fresher. I also feel that since using it my skin has felt a lot more hydrated and just generally healthier. This is the first serum I've used so I have nothing to compare it to but I'd definitely recommend it if you suffer from uneven skin tone, dark spots or scarring.

The L-Lactic Cleanser and Enzymatic Micro Peel are products I really liked and would consider going back to. They definitely made my skin feel cleaner and more fresh and my skin has been clearer for using them. Also the cleanser seems to be lasting for ages so it's definitely worth the money.

The only product I wouldn't go back to because I didn't like it and didn't feel was right for my skin was the moisturiser. I received the Moisture Defence Oily Skin and it just wasn't right for my skin. Although my skin can get oily in places I still like a heavy duty moisturiser as it just makes my skin feel better. Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you shouldn't use a really hydrating moisturiser it just means you don't want to over do it in oils. This moisturiser missed the mark for me. It wasn't hydrating enough for my skin and I wouldn't go back to it. 

The Age Defence SPF 50+ was a nice product but at bit OTT. In the morning, which is obviously when you'd ben using an SPF, you want something east and quick to absorb and this wasn't that. It felt sticky on my skin for a long time and the formula was very quick for an SPF. Personally I prefer a light day moisturiser that contains SPF as a second moisturise in the morning so this wasn't for me but it's not something I'd write off completely.

All in all the range was pretty good. There is definitely a few products I'd go back to as my skin does feel good for using most of them daily some twice daily and it's also been clearer (until an annoying hormonal breakout that nothing could control). I'd recommend for people in their twenties or thirties who are battling an occasional breakout but it would be too much for teenage skin I think. However, Skinstitut and RY offer a huge range or products so I would definitely check them out if you're looking for something to fill a hole in your skincare routine. 

Until next time, 

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What's in my makeup bag?

Today I thought I'd share with you a few products that I'm loving right now. These are products that, at the moment, I'm using everyday and loving. Some of them are old staples that I've re-purchased but there are a couple of newer things that have wormed there way into my everyday makeup bag.

Base

I don't wear a proper foundation everyday. I find it's too heavy and just unnecessary for day-to-day. Instead I use Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream. I find for everyday it's just what I need. It brightens my skin and makes me look more alive as well as evening out my skin tone. If you want a lot of coverage this probably isn't going to be enough for you as it's very light, also if you've got oily skin and don't like shine steer right away. 

I've also been using the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer underneath my eyes and in any spots that just need an extra lift or a bit more coverage. I love this concealer for any dark shadows under my eyes and really is brightening as well as giving good coverage. If I've got a spot brewing I'd use the 17 Phwoarr Paint as it's got better coverage for things like that but is definitely to heavy for a large area of uneven skin tone.

If I've got a day when I know I'm going to need makeup to last a little longer I'd also use Maybelline's Matte Maker Mattifying Powder which I've only been using a week or so but really like. It's not so matte that it doesn't let a bit of highlight through but it takes off any excess shine and just makes my make up a little more durable.

Cheeks etc.

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that I've been using the Body Shop Baked Bronzer for a LONG time. I love it. I find it subtle, not too orange and perfect for my fair skin. It add's a touch of sun kissed-ness without making me look like I've had a fake tan accident. It also works really well as a subtle everyday contour. 

In a recent goody bag from Clinique I got a Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm and was excited to try it. I've been using it ever since and love it. It's such an easy blush to use, you can blend it out so it's really sheer or apply it heavier if you prefer. I like it really sheer just on the apples of my cheeks for a rosy tint. It's also really glossy to gives a nice highlighty glow. 

Eyes

I picked up the NYX dream catcher shadow pallet in Dusk til Dawn a few weeks ago on a whim. I like it, I don't love it but it's got a nice variety of natural shimmer and matte colours that are easy for everyday. The matte colorus aren't as pigmented which is a shame  as I'd use them more if they were as pigmented as the shimmer shades. 

I have a love hate relationship with eyeliners. I use pen ones because they're easy to use and quick but they dry out so quickly. I'm currently using Maybelline's Master Precise and it is easy to use and precise which is great. At the moment I'm loving it but we'll see how long it lasts. 

For eyelashes I'm using Benefit's They're Real and I love it. It gives volume and length without being clumpy. It's my perfect mascasra and I will definitely be re-purchasing. 

Lips

For everyday I tend to avoid lipstick as I haven't got time to keep an eye on it that it's not fading or flaking, or to keep topping it up. For that reason I tend to use a Clinique Chubby Stick in the morning and top it up if I remember but if not just use Lucas' Paw Paw ointment (which I haven't found to buy anywhere in the UK - crying face) to keep my lips from getting chapped.  The chubby sticks are great for a pop of colour without maintenance and Paw Paw ointment is the best lip rescue I've found so will definitely be re-purchasing. 

What products can't you leave the house without at the moment? Have you tried any of these or got any eyeliner recommendations for me?

Until next time,

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SKINSTITUT First Impressions

My skin has tendency to be quite reactive, therefore I'm quite wary of adding new products into my regime. When I do it can lead to an annoying rampage of random breakouts and the waste of an expensive product that I'd been excited to try - although my mum probably doesn't mind too much.

That is why I love it when a brand offers a skin profiler. You tell it a little bit about your skin and it's concerns and a few moments later you have a rough idea of what products would be best for you from their range.

The Skinstitut profiler does exactly that. You tell it your age, your gender and your main skin concern before completing a few simple statements before voila, 5 products that suit your skin type. Obviously, these products are just a suggestion and you'r advised upon completing the profiler to talk to a Skinstitut therapist to help you further in choosing the perfect products.

Skinstitut products fall under 5 categories - hydrating, anti-ageing, brightening, calming and clearing. Due to my skin being prone to break outs, congestion and blotchiness I was suggested to try products from the clearing range. You can mix them across the categories or stick to one in particular, it depends on you and your skin.

You can buy Skinstitut products from Recreate Yourself, Australia's largest online hair care and beauty store. Soon you will also be able to use the Skinstiut profiler on their website so make sure to check them out.

My products arrived from RY a week ago and I've been using them daily ever since so I thought I'd share my first impressions with you.

L-Lactic Cleanser
This cleanser is fine for all skin types but particularly if your skin is dehydrated. The formula really hydrates the skin while the L-Lactic helps to strengthen and reduce sensitivity in the skin.
I really like this cleanser. I've found that it leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh after I've used it. I use it in the morning on it's own but in the evening as a second cleanse after I've removed my make-up with a cream cleanser. It smells lovely but isn't over powering or chemically and it doesn't leave a horrible sticky residue on you skin which I've found some gel formulas have done.

Enzymatic Micro Peel
This is basically a super gentle way of exfoliating. It's designed to smooth your skin so that overtime your complexion looks brighter and healthier.
This product is so gentle. Even my temperamental skin hasn't had an issue with it and I was really worried it would. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised and gets rid of any flaky, dead skin that's hanging around so my skin looks glowy and feels really clean. I've been using this every other day and so far am loving the results.

Even Blend Serum
This serum is perfect if you've got any unwanted pigmentation on your skin at all. The serum helps to fade scars, sun spots, all sort and also brighten the overall complexion as welling as helping to prevent future damage. It also helps heal breakouts which is perfect for me.
This is the first serum I've tried so I can't really compare it but it feels lovely and light on the skin and absorbs really well. It doesn't smell amazing but that goes once you've applied it. I've been using this morning and evening before moisturising and am excited to see if it does what it says on the tin
.

Moisture Defence - Oily
This is a light weight, oil free moisturiser that doesn't clog pores but hydrates and smooths as any good moisturiser should.
This is the only product out of the five I'm not completely sold on. For me it's not hydrating enough. All though I do get oily patches, particularly in my T-Zone, it's not horrendous and I think this product is designed for people who suffer with real over production of oil which I think is why it isn't right for me. It is a really lovely, light moisturiser so I've been using in the morning with the serum before the SPF but at the moment I'm not sure it's one I'd go back to.

Age Defence SPF 50+
This is a broad sprctrum, light, hydrating SPF that protects agains UVA, UVB and premature aging. What more can you really ask out of an SPF?
SPF is such a crucial part of a skincare routine and part that most people forget. Forget anti-aging products if you're young and aren't yet showing signs of aging you need an SPF and that is all. Once you've got your SPF sorted and in check, think about a retinol.  This one is lovely and light and isn't sticky like some SPF's can be despite it's thick consistency. It's a high SPF (higher than necessary for everyday but can you really use an SPF that's too high?) so is only doing good things for you skin in the long run.

I'm really enjoying trying out these new products and will check back in a month or so to let you know what I think of them and if they'r going to be sticking around in my skin care routine or if I'll be giving them the boot. At the moment, apart from the moisturiser, they're all doing pretty well.

I'd definitely recommend heading over to the Recreate Yourself website to check out the full Skinstitut range and also the profiler. They've got heaps of other skin care ranges on there as well so if you're looking for something new it's a great place to check out what's out there.

Until next time,

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Disclaimer Compensation was provided by ry.com.au. All thoughts herein are my own and are not indicative of the opinions or position of ry.com.au or Skinstitut. 

FYI avoiding spots

A few weeks ago I posted about the best way to pop an annoying spot. Wouldn't it b great though if you could avoid getting a spot all together? The dream, right? Unfortunately, I can't tell you how to never get a spot because everyone, even Taylor Swift's squad, gets spots. However, I can share a few pieces of advice with you on how to try and prevent spots and how best to treat them when you get one. 

(Disclaimer: there is more than one type of spot, but as a base line don't try and extract your own blackheads unless you're really confident and know what you're doing, don't pick anything and don't pop anything unless it's got a white head and if washing your face with a warm flannel doesn't knock it off then maybe leave it alone.) 

When you get a spot the first thing to consider is why it might have decided to grace your face with it's presence? If you've changed something in your diet, have been taking into much fat or dairy that could be one reason. If you're trying a new product or have changed your facial routine that could also be a reason. Also hormones and stress can and will cause spots even when you've passed the hormonal teenage part of your life and there's no getting away from that. 

The best thing you can do to avoid spots is to clean your face. That sounds obvious but it's important to know what products are good for your skin type and what you should be avoiding. If you're using facial wipes STOP. Why? They're easy, quick, no fuss. I know, but stop. They're drying your face out with ingredients that are there mainly to keep the wipe moist but preserved and they're not actually cleaning your face properly, more just moving dirt around. The wipe may look dirty when you've finished but if you go in with another cleanser you'll find you haven't cleaned your face half as well as you thought you had.

Cleansers to look for are lotions, milks and balms. They can work for the evening and morning. They're soft and gentle and can be wiped away with a soft muslin cloth or flannel. Invest in an acid toner as well. It will chemically exfoliate your skin so that it really drinks up whatever moisturiser you are putting on it. Also don't be afraid of oil. Avoid mineral oils, but good quality natural oils are great for your skin. A couple of drops before a topical treatment and then again after will help combat the spot and also make your skin feel a lot more quenched. 

Supplements can help in avoiding spots especially fish oils and omegas. As well as that healthy foods, lots of fruit and veg will keep your skin looking glowy. It's not a myth that feeling good on the inside keeps you looking good on the outside. On that note try and avoid too much sugar/dairy/fat. 

Most importantly try and find products that work for you and your skin. Everyone's skin is different and will react differently to different products. Generally, however, try and avoid alcohol where it's the main ingredient, find a topical treatment and use acids like salicylic or lactic. Just because you've got a spot doesn't mean you have to avoid oil, your skin will thank you for a little oil later. Dry skin is a breeding ground for spot making bacteria, oil is your friend. 

As a general rule cleanse morning and night but go for a deeper cleanse at night. Use a toner day and night and don't be afraid of using an acid toner both times but if you're unsure an acid toner at night and a soothing toner in the morning is fine. Find a topical gel treatment to target spots head on and a light SPF moisturiser for the day and a good face oil for night. Skin care is a good area to splurge a bit more money, but be aware that just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's a miracle worker and will solve all your skin problems. Be aware of ingredients that won't do you any favours and look out for them on products you've not used before.

Until next time,

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FYI popping spots

We all do it. We shouldn't but we do. We get a spot, or pimple, or zit or whatever you want to call it, and within seconds we're bathing it in boiling hot water and squeezing it until it's red raw and bleeding. I'm not saint, I've been guilty of it before. But, no longer. And I want you to stop too.

To begin with we shouldn't really pop our spots at all. Ideally you want to be leaving well alone and if you really must touch it, treat with an anti-inflammatory acne treatment with a low percentage of salicylic acid or benzoyl acid and cover over with concealer and draw attention away from the area. If the spot is red where you've been picking at it (naughty naughty) or just hasn't formed a head yet DON'T TOUCH IT WITH ANYTHING. I know it looks horrible but leave it be until it's healed and you'll thank yourself later.

However if you really must pop your spot, and I'm one of those sometimes, then here are a few tips and tricks. However, don't even think about touching the spot if it's red, hasn't got a head or is sore. Just don't. Stop. Now. 

Anyway here are the tips.

1. Make sure everything you're using on your face, touching your face with, whatever, is clean. When dealing with spots you don't want any dirt getting anywhere near it that will only make the situation worse. So wash your hands first and use a clean flannel or muslin cloth to cleanse your face before going in for the pop. P.S. If a hot flannel doesn't knock the head of the spot there and then this is probably a sign that the spot isn't ready to go yet. You want to be able to see white after cleansing and you don't want it to be sore or tender.

2. Use tissue wrapped around your fingers to actually get the spot out. It's cleaner and you're less likely to dig your nails in. 

3. You want to use your finger tips not your nails and push downwards, in and then up. Like you're literally pushing the spot out of you. If you're fingers are too close you'll just end up busing the gunk back into your skin. 

4. Once you start to see pink. STOP. We've all heard that think 'if it bleeds it means it's all out'. You don't want it to bleed. Bleeding equals scarring and that will take FOREVER to fade. 

5.Use a pre-soaked acid toner pad (you can either use a cotton wool pad soaked in an acid toner of your choice or ready made pads such as the Clearisil Ultra Rapid Action pads) and press it firmly it on the spot until there is no more pink or blood. P.S. It will sting like a b***h but go with it and embrace in. Stinging is good it means no bacteria and good healing.

6. Apply a good quality facial oil. Yep oil. But oil means spots right? Nope.Bacteria is more like to spread on dehydrated skin also hydrated skin is harder to scar so go with oil or at least a very heavy duty moisturiser. 

7. Try to leave the area alone after that. Popping a spot is better done in the evening when you can slob in front of the TV no make up required. But if you have to do it in the morning and want to put make up on then do so. But cleanse your face as soon as you get home and do the process again. 

So that's it 7 tips to popping success. Let me know how you get it on and if you'd like more beauty/skincare related posts.

Until next time, 

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My favourite cleansers for all budgets

This New Year I've been super vigilant with my skincare. I made a resolution, but more of a promise to myself, that I would really stick to a good skin care routine that worked for my skin and my level of patience. Which is limited.

For me skin care needs to be easy without too much faffing as I do my skincare mainly early in the morning and before I go to bed at night. I also don't like using anything that is too strongly scented or or feel to heavy on my skin. 

At the age of 22 I feel I'm at an age where I should have my skincare down and for a few years it's been a bit hit and miss. I've had periods where I've used skin care that's made me break out, suffer with dry skin, all sorts. However recently I've been really selective when finding skincare and sticking to what works rather mixing and matching around too much. 

On that note here are a few cleansers that work for any budget and I think are great.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I love this cleanser. I really feels like your face is super clean after you've used it. The bottle advises 1-2 pumps but I find I really only need one unless I'm wearing A LOT of make up which doesn't happen very often. You just massage the product into your face and leave for a few seconds, then just wash it off with a muslin cloth of flannel. Make sure you rinse your cloth regularly whilst doing this though. 

Body Shop Sumptuous Camomile Cleansing Butter

This cleanser is so gorgeous. It' super moisturising and makes your skin feel great as well as looking very glowy and healthy. You use it similar to the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, massage into your face and remove with a warm cloth. I like to do this twice with this cleanser because it feels like it's doing wonders for my skin.

Soap & Glory Hot Cloth Cleanser

 This is very similar to the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. The formula is very similar, the scent is very similar, the way use it is virtually identical and the way it leaves you skin feeling is very similar. The only thing that's different is this product is in a tube and the Liz Earle is a pump - and this one is better for the bank account.  

Boots Botanics Ultra Calm Gentle Cleansing Cream

I really love the Botanics range by boots. it's all natural producs and everything I've used has never had adverse effects on my skin and always feels really nice and calming. (I also like their hot cloth cleansing balm but I didn't feel I could really include another hot cloth cleanser without this becoming 'my favourite hot cloth cleansers for all budgets'). This one is lovely and silky and does a really good job of removing make up. It doesn't irritate your skin and is really calming and feels very soothing. With this you just apply it all over your neck and face and wipe away with a cotton pad. Very easy. 

All these cleaners are really lovely and gentle and most of them say you can use it on your eyes to remove eye makeup but I wouldn't. Your eyes and the skin around them are so delicate so I would always use an eye make up remover for my eyes and use these sort of cleansers for my skin only. 

Let me know if you try any of these, or have tried any of these products and let me know what you think.

Until next time,

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The travellers make up bag

If you ask anyone that knows me they will tell you I'm a make up hoarder. I love make up - wearing it, buying it, everything about it. But, when you're travelling around the last thing you want is to be weighed down with loads of make up both in terms of luggage and on your face. However, I like to know I've got something should the occasion arise when I want to dress up a little bit more - going for dinner, going for drinks, these are instances when I'd want a little bit of make up. So I've compiled a list of the things I think you should take travelling for those occasions without the feeling of being weighed down by make up.

Base wise I'd opt for a light foundation such as Rimmel's Wake Me Up or a BB cream. Both of these will give nice coverage without being cakey. The Wake Me Up foundation and BB creams also have the effect of making the skin look light and dewy for that alive, awake look even if you're really not. In Australia you can by a foundation stick with zinc that acts as a UV shield. Its a heavier coverage than a BB cream of the Rimmel foundation but I find it really great just as a concealer. A must for bases in Australia is that they contain SPF so make sure they do before purchasing. 

I also have a concealer for under my eyes as I'm prone to dark circles. When I was working on the farms and doing 10-12 hour days they were particularly bad and that's when I really found this to be an essential. I really like the Rimmel Match Perfection concealer for under eyes. 

A great idea for make up when travelling is make up that can multi task. I use a Revlon quad of eye shadows both for eyeshadows but also for my eyebrow colour. Obviously for this to work you'll have to find a quad with a colour that works for your brows but something that will work for a neutral eye as well. Also a bronzer. You may think how is that a multi tasking product. I've found if I want just a bit of gold on my eye lids as a something but not too much look my Body Shop bronzer is great. 

However, when it comes to eyes all you really need is a decent eyeliner and mascara. I have a waterproof and non-waterproof mascara as non-waterproof is so much easier to remove but out here you never know when you're going to end up at the beach. I've found a kohl eyeliner is better than liquid as you can smudge it out for a more smokey look. 

Something else to note is the price of make up. When you're travelling things might get broken in your bag or lost or left somewhere so cheaper, drugstore brands are the way forward here, I think. Also most days you probably won't wear any make up so you don't want expensive stuff just sitting around possibly going off. 

So that's my travel make up bag, what are your essentials for travelling?

Until next time, 

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Getting some 'me' time

Every now and again we all need a good pamper night. An hour out of the day to spend some time on yourself making yourself feel great. Pampering your skin, your hair and just generally yourself. This is something I strongly believe in and when I'm back home Sunday evenings were always set aside for a hot bubble bath, a hair mask, a face mask and a mani-pedi. However, whilst travelling it's hard to find the luxuries and the time. 

Luckily we've been staying in friends of Jack's house and I've had a bit more time and the peace and quiet, and nice clean sheets to enjoy a pamper session. Aside from the hot bubble bath everything else was as such and in this post I'm going to give you a few tips to make sure your pamper night is just splendid, I'm talking Sanctuary Spa style, okay maybe not but as good as.

First step, wash your hair. But not in the shower or in the bath. Wash your hair over the bath and leave the conditioner in until the last moment. Let your hair really drink up the conditioner to get it feeling lush and silky like it should.

Whilst your hair is enjoying it's moment pop on a face mask, I really like the Montagne Jeunesse range and often pick different ones up. You can get masks and peels for all types of skin and they always make my face and neck feel great afterwards. Have a look online for which one you think would suit you best but you can pick them up in most drug stores. Once you've applied the mask to your face and neck sit back and relax with a good book or favourite TV show for about 15 minutes. 

A face mask is a great way to really cleanse your skin of the wake and make you feel like a brand new person. Use on a Sunday and feel great for the week ahead. 

Once my 15 minutes is up I wash the face mask off gently with a soft wash cloth so as not to over exfoliate. If the pores on my nose are particularly clogged, which is a problem for me, I'll use a Biore pore strip just to rid of the remaining dirt. I wouldn't recommend them unless you really suffer with clogged pores as they can rip the skin and sometimes make problems worse, but if you really feel you need them only use them as a last resort. 

Once all that's done I cleanse and tone my face as normal. At the moment I'm using the Garnier micellar water and soothing toner which I love, however the toner isn't available anymore but I'd recommend the refreshing toner in it's place. I gave up face wipes along time ago after reading a lot of horror stories about what they actually do to your skin and the dirt on it, but particularly for a pamper night try and avoid them to really give your skin the drink and attention it needs.

Of course as always I follow the skin regime with a good moisturiser. I'm particularly enjoying the L'Oreal skin perfection moisturiser at the moment and have found it really lives up to it's title. My skins much better for it and looks so much clearer and fresh after using it. 

Once I've done all I want to with my face I move onto the mani-pedi. Obviously I remove any leftover nail varnish and then give my feet a good scrub with Body Shop's peppermint foot scrub. It's really great and getting rid of all the dry skin and it repairs all the damage you might have. I then moisturise my feet and hands with whichever hand cream I'm using at the moment. Then comes the fun bit. I prep my nails with the four way buffer block you can get at most drug stores. I always push my cuticles back and then use a base coat before painting my nails with a polish of my fancy. Because its summer here at the moment I'm loving bright colours and sparkle. 

I find freshly painted nails make me feel great. I like having my nails done and they make me feel more together and ready for the day. 

Next I moisturise my whole body with a body butter. I really like the N Spa body butters as they're really thick and creamy and make my skin feel really hydrated. For me this is key to a pamper night. It's something I always forget so when I have the time I really like to make sure I don't forget this step. Also these body butters smell great and are relatively cheap.

Lastly wash out your conditioner and revel in the lush feeling of your locks.

I hope you enjoy pampering yourself, let me know if you do in the comments below.

Until Friday, 

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