Every January my family and I go to spend the month at the beach. For the past few years I encourage myself to pack light and only bring the products I absolutely need. So this post is sharing what I packed and in a way, my favourite makeup products since they made the cut or products I plan to use up this year.

Base

• Models Prefer all-in-one Healthy Glow BB cream - a product I'd like to use up
• Hynt Beauty DUET Perfecting concealer - fave!
• Nudestix nudies all over face colour matte in Bondi Bae and Naughty n' Spice - favourites
• Savvy Perfect Base Foundation - suits my tan, full review here
• Evelyn Iona Green Tea Primer - new to my collection but promises to be hydrating

Eyes

• ZOEVA cocoa blend palette: Even though this palette technically suits Autumn better than Summer, I plan to hit pan in it this year.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes mascara
• Eye of Horus Brow Fibre Extend: cruelty free and natural alternative to Benefit
• Chi Chi Brow Pomade - waterproof!

Lips

• 3INA lip oil balm - my current go-to
• Eye Of Horus bio lipsticks in Venus pink, Artemis nude and Aurora peach - these give off a matte appearance while not drying out the lips

Brushes
I know this isn't makeup but I wanted to include it because I never know how many brushes to pack when I travel so this may be helpful to others!

• A foundation brush
• large powder brush: this is my favourite
• 3 eye brushes: I like the EcoTools travel ones because it includes an angled one for the brows

I'm not bringing any cheek brushes as the Nudestix come with them on the end.

Late last year a new love was born, my obsession with Nudestix. I love what their brand stand for and the simplicity yet multi-use purposes of their products. There is just something about makeup in crayon form that really appeals to me.

I'm sure you've seen the multiple posts that have graced my Instagram feed so it was only fair to write up a blogpost dedicated to my Nudestix collection.

So far I own:
3x Nudies all over color matte in the shades: Bondi Bae, Bare Back and Naughty n' Spice.
3x Lip/Cheek pencils in: Love, Whisper and Mystic.
Satan was limited edition in a Christmas set I received two years ago.

From what I own I am currently head over heels for the nudies all over color matte sticks. They can be used on the lips, eyes and cheeks. This makes them perfect to travel with or great to speed up an early morning makeup routine. Bondi Bae is the perfect bronzing tone for my skin and the two blush shades I own also work perfectly. I find they last all day on my dryer skin or even when it is hot and I am sweating. Some people don't like the brush that is attached to them but I do, despite them being dense I like to use it to pat the product in and lightly feather out the edges using a flicking motion.

The lip/cheek pencils are what made me fall in love with the brand. They don't last as well as the previous product on the cheeks as they are creamier but they work wonders on the lips. They're moisturising and comfortable yet give amazing pigment and lasting power (on the lips).

Here are swatches of the products in my current collection:

In the very near future I plan on trying the magnetic matte lip color, concealer pencil (probably when my skin clears because I worry it won't be enough coverage) and nudies all over face color bronze + glow.

What Nudestix products do you own? Do you also love the brand? I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!

I am horrible with committing to monthly beauty favourites because I tend to stick to products for longer periods of time and don't switch things up monthly. So I am here today to share my current beauty favourites with you all.

Lip balm

Eco Lips Mongo Kiss - Vanilla Honey
Dry lips? Desperately need moisture back into your lips? Look no further than this JUMBO (literally) lip balm! It's certified organic so you know its made with 100% safe ingredients. Also, it comes in a variety of scents, but I love vanilla honey most. I use it every night before bed and its so so moisturising.

Face Mask

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque
I am a massive lover of clay masks however having to mix them with water or the dreaded drying feeling afterwards tends to put me off. In winter I need to steer clear of those clay masks and have replaced them with this one by Sukin. I've actually been using it since January and still have quite a bit left. It really helps to clear out my skin and leaves it feeling soft. Unlike your typical clay masks it's not drying whatsoever.

(I wrote this before it turned into Spring but I still use it!!)

Face wash

Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse
First of all kale is one of my favourite vegetables, so when it is in a cleanser I already love it. The face wash claims to lift impurities and detoxify skin. I enjoy using it as a second cleanse in my routine as I find it removes any left over makeup or even sunscreen residue.

It is not drying whatsoever and the colour changing aspect makes it a lot of fun to use.

Eyeshadow

Too Faced Natural Eyes
If you follow me on Instagram you would know Tartelette in Bloom was my obsession but I hit pan on a few shades so I'm trying not to use it as much 😂 Instead I have gone back to one of my first favourites - Natural Eyes by Too Faced. On the daily I mix nudie and heaven all over my eyelid and in the crease. It is the perfect shade and blends easily. This is a great "first" eye shadow palette because I feel like it has everything you will ever need.

Mascara

Urban Decay Perversion
Since going cruelty free no mascara I tried gave me what I was after. I was in mecca one day and near the registers were mini items so of course I gave in. My lashes are pretty long and I am after length over volume. This mascara can make my lashes look fake if I pack it on or I can apply it lightly, brush it out with a comb and my lashes look super natural. The brush can get a little messy because it is larger than what I'm used to but I'd definitely purchase the full size!

Brushes/Tools

A while ago I did a post dedicated to the new ecoTools brushes and yes I still adore them. I use the big powder brush daily for powder, bronzer and blush. It is so soft and I just want it on my face all day long. Their eye brushes are just as good, if not better than their OG ones back in the day. They make blending eyeshadow a dream and don't irritate my eyes (a common issue I have if the brush bristles are too harsh).

Last but not least is their sponge. This sponge converted me from applying foundation with a brush to a sponge. I used to despise sponges because they absorbed the coverage I needed to cover my scarring but not this one. It is honestly magical in the way it applies my foundation. It doesn't even soak up liquidy foundations that you think it would. I need to go purchase 10 of these because I'm too lazy to wash the one I have but at the same time I want to use it every time I apply makeup.

Comment your faves below or let me know over on the gram!

Favourite videos/posts are some of my favourite things to read and watch. They help feed my beauty addiction and introduce me to new products I can try out!

Lately I have been into makeup with more natural ingredients, especially since I have started treating my skin. I wanted to share a few favourites I have discovered with you all and maybe you will fall in love with one of these products too.

Inika Organic BB cream

This product has taken over my Instagram flatlays and my life. Its my go-to base product because you don't need to compromise the coverage or lasting power at all! I have a full review here if you want to know more about it.

Adorn Cosmetics lipstick in Natural Pink

The perfect pink shade in a matte formula. I have it in a little sample pot and when I'm out I will definitely get the lipstick bullet.

Antipodes Mineral Foundation Powder

Finding a powder that doesn't look cakey, powdery or dull on dry skin can be a little challenging however, I have one for all dryer skin sufferers!

It doesn't settle into fine lines, doesn't cling to dry patches and looks better the longer you wear it. I've worn this both alone to get a natural to medium coverage or over foundation to amp it up to a full even coverage. This powder also has the added bonus of spf15!

Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid

I use this product every night as a moisturiser before applying rosehip oil. It can be used on its own as it is a "natural moisturiser for dry skin" but I love the extra hydration. It doesn't irritate my skin which is what I love most about it!

It's both lightweight and luxurious at an affordable price. For a full review click here

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum
If you suffer from skin redness this serum is a miracle in a bottle. I couldn't give this product enough praise so I will just include a link to a post all about it - here - instead.

I know we are well into 2017 now but if you know me I am always late. In fact late should be my middle name. These are all the products, items, apps and everything in between that were my favourites last year.

BEAUTY

• Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette in Naked
• Tartelette in Bloom
• Inika Organic Certified Organic BB Cream Foundation
• ex1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation
• bareMinerals Bare Skin complete coverage serum concealer
• Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil matte bronzer
• Boho Balm
• Fiinx Liquid Lipstick
• Colourpop glosses
• Narciso perfume (white)
• Uni Organics Gradual Self Tanner
• Rosehip Oil
• Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
• Palmer's Facial Cleansing Oil

NON-BEAUTY

• Claudia Gray's A Thousand Pieces Of You book series
• Prison Break (TV show)
• Sims 3
• Smoothies
• Lavendar oil - to help sleep and help with headaches
• Glassons (shop)
• Water Drink Reminder & 30 Day Fitness Challange (Apps)

Comment your favourites from 2016 below!

Happy New Year everyone! I am kicking 2017 off with more of a health type of post. Skincare starts from the inside out and it took me a long time to realise that. In 2016 I was really into making my own fruit juices and smoothies combining ingredients that help to improve the state of your skin. Today I will be sharing a few of the blends I love as well as the benefits of each ingredient. I won't be including quantities as you can make as much or as little as you like however for these juices to work to full effect drink them immediately rather than letting them sit.

The All Rounder

What you need:

-Spinach leaves

-Kale leaves

-Watermelon

-Pear

-Red apple

Optional - fresh ginger

How it helps: 
Spinach- is rich in chlorophyll. Therefore it helps to rid your body from bacteria and toxins in your digestive tract and blood stream.
Kale- full of vitamin A, C and K. It helps with repairing the tissues underneath your skin and can even help diminish dark circles!
Watermelon- helps with dehydration, rich in vitamin A, C and antioxidants which helps improves health. Aids with fine lines and age spots.
Pear- full of fibre and help slow the release of sugar into your blood which prevents too many sugar spikes.
Red apple- have the potential to lighten, brighten and soothe irritated/reddened skin. Will keep your skin looking youthful!

The Quick Option

What you need:

-Frozen berries

-Frozen mango

-Coconut water

How it helps:
Berries- high in antioxidants, reduce inflammation and help achieve radiant skin.
Mango- makes your skin glow and has anti-aging benefits.
Coconut water- promotes elasticity, protects your skin against sun damage and prevents dry skin.

Sweet & Refreshing with a touch of spice

What you need:

-Watermelon

-Strawberries

-Pear

-Carrot

-Ginger

How it helps:
Strawberries- are full of vitamin C which fights off radicals that steal oxygen from healthy cells and destroy collagen. Also contain folic acid which aids cell regeneration and they remove excess oil from your skin which = less sebum build up!
Carrot-  rich in vitamin A which helps fight acne faster.
Ginger- rejuvenates your skin as it contains roughly 40 antioxidant properties that prevent ageing and damage. Also evens skin tone and improves elasticity.

Websites used to gather information -
http://food.allwomenstalk.com/foods-that-naturally-prevent-and-treat-acne
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-kale/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-watermelon-for-skin-hair-and-health/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/top-10-health-benefits-of-apples/
http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/berries/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/health-benefits-of-mangoes/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/465098-what-are-the-benefits-of-coconut-water-for-the-skin/
http://www.byrdie.com.au/benefits-of-ginger/slide3
https://bellatory.com/skin/Top-5-Benefits-of-Strawberry-for-Skin

iHerb is my favourite place to shop (from my bed) whenever I need new skincare, vitamins or even makeup! I have made many orders over the last 5 or so years and these are products I love/repurchased.

1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
I won't go into too much detail as I have a full review here but this pot has lasted me years. It is the best mask I have ever tried and so affordable!

2. Life Flo Health Pure Rosehip Seed Oil
For some reason my skin has reactions to nearly every brand of rosehip oil except this one. I have no idea what the difference is but to keep my skin happy I just stick to this one. I am on my 4th bottle and absolutely love it.

If you have dry sensitive skin with acne scarring definitely give rosehip oil a go.

3. Andalou Naturals Glycolic Mask
Another product that is a repurchase! I'm almost out of my second tub of this face mask because I am  obsessed with it. Again I have a review here if you're interested in more information about it.

4. Physician's Formula products
To save yourself $$ purchase your Physician's Formula products here - it is a lot cheaper than Priceline!! Also save on Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes.

5. Hurraw! Balm - Night Treatment
iHerb sells my all time favourite overnight lip balm. This is another very well loved product and I have gone through 5 or more of them. It really helps keep my dry lips hydrated and allows me to wake up with soft lips.
(The one pictured is not the over night formula, I used up all the tubes I had so this is their vanilla bean lip balm instead. Just as good but less of an intense hydration!)

6. Now Foods Maca Tablets
This is more of a personal recommendation but I tend to buy vitamins and supplements from iHerb at a lower price point.

I have menstrual issues/unbalanced hormones and this is what I'm using to help out with that. If you suffer from ovarian cysts, irregular periods and hormonal acne this could help out. It also helps with infertility and energy amongst other things.

Those are the 6 items I recommend most from iHerb and it has so many other amazing products. From beauty to baby food to pet care it has you covered!
If you want to save some money on your iHerb purchase you can use the code RWP702.

I love Too Faced Cosmetics and I definitely need more of their products in my makeup collection. This week I am sharing my very small but loved collection with you all as well as letting you know which products are my favourite.

My first ever Too Faced purchase was all because of KathleenLights - she started my obsession with the brand. It was one of their La Creme Colour Drenched Lipsticks in the shade Naked Dolly. This is a very creamy nude lipstick with a glossy finish. If I have chapped lips this lipstick will emphasise it so exfoliating is important. I love the smell and look of this lipstick but because of the finish and due to my lips usually being on the dryer side I don't really reach for it regularly.


Next up is their Natural Eyes eye shadow palette. This was the second eye shadow palette I have ever owned and I purchased it while I was in Rome. It comes with a lot of good memories and is a very well loved palette. This is definitely my favourite item I own from the brand. This palette is compact and has every shade I will need for a night out of subtle day look. Whenever I travel this is the palette I take away with me because it is so versatile and blends well.


My third purchase was a Melted Lipstick in the shade Chihuahua. Out of the two lip products I own I reach for this one more, I have even got my mum onto it. It has a creamy/satin finish once dried down and excess product has been blotted away (I do this to prevent it from going on my teeth) and is very long-lasting. Again, like all Too Faced packaging it is amazing and looks good displayed on my makeup table, but not only do I like it for that but I really like the concept of how you apply it. This is another winner for me!


When my mum was over in Bali she visited the new Sephora and picked up the Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer for me. I had wanted this product ever since it came out mostly because of its scent, packaging and it being matte. This bronzer works well to bronze up the skin and contour because it isn't too warm toned. It blends easily and you need it in your life pretty much.


Lastly is my sample size of their Shadow Insurance eyeshadow primer thanks to BeautyLoop. I had tried a small sample of this before and it really helped my shadows last all night without fading or creasing. Unfortunately concealer and powder doesn't cut it for my eyelids so I have to use a primer. I was going to purchase this on my own but now I have a generous sample to use. When i'm out I'll definitely purchase it!

That is my very small Too Faced collection which needs to expand so comment your favourites that I need to try out below or on my Instagram!

Cruelty free makeup that is not only affordable but amazing quality? Yes please! NYX Cosmetics is one of my all time favourite brands and over the past years I have used and loved many products. This weeks post is dedicated to the best NYX products (in my opinion)!

My ultimate favourite and first ever product I owned is their Eyebrow Cake Powder. I've purchased this powder in numerous shades and I've even hit pan! This product beats pomades and pencils as it is easy to apply, lasts all day and helps me achieve a natural look for my sparse brows.

Next up is definitely their lip products. If I could only choose 3 (although I love them all) I'd recommend you try their Soft Matte Lip Creams, Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick and their Butter Glosses. The SMLC come in a variety of shades which are easy to apply and comfortable to wear throughout the day. They aren't drying like a liquid lipstick but do become more matte throughout the day. Their Butter Glosses and Liquid Suedes are both new favourites for me. I hate a sticky thick gloss but these offer the right amount of pigment while feeling "buttery" smooth on the lips. The liquid suede has more of a satin finish but if you blot it then its definitely more matte. It lasts through meals (as long as they aren't very oily) and never drying! I do wish they had more lighter nude shades in this formula.

I am blessed (not) with dark undereyes and redness on my face so NYX correctors come in handy. I've always wanted to try their colour correcting palettes however their Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in yellow and Dark Circle Concealer work very well for me. The full coverage concealer is more of a thick and drying consistency whereas the dark circle concealer is a lot more creamier. Both subtly correct discolouration and can be built up. I always apply these under foundation/concealer when I want a more flawless complexion.

NYX have a large range of primers but my favourite is definitely their  Pore Filler primer. It has been said to be a dupe for Benefits Porefessional at a much lower price point. I find that this primer works really well at evening out texture or dry patches, I'd assume it works equally as well at filling pores however they are not an issue for me.

Last but not least is the HD blush. This is very pigmented so make sure you don't pack the product on your brush! In saying that it lasts all day without wearing off and is easy to blend. It is just as good as my Nars or Tarte blushes!! Definitely need more of these to start up a collection.

Comment your favourite products from NYX below!

Often people find their cheek products to wear off after 5 or so hours of wear so I decided to put the Colourpop highlighter in Lunch Money to the test. Their highlighters retail for $8 USD and this one in particular is described as a "soft light gold with a reflective duo chrome finish."

Consistency
Like Colourpop's shadows their highlighters also have a strange yet amusing consistency. It is very bouncy, soft and mousse/cream-like yet it has a powdery finish. Ensure to close the lid tightly otherwise it can dry up.

Application
Fingertips work the best in my opinion. You can sheer out the highlight or build it up to the intensity you desire. Their site also recommend using synthetic or duo fiber brushes however I find when using brushes it takes my foundation off and goes really patchy. To be safe I always opt for fingertips but I do feel like it is a little difficult to apply.

Swatches

Colourpop Lunch Money

My opinion

For an affordable (despite the horrible shipping that makes it not so affordable when buying one or two products) it is a good highlight. I have worn this product for 7 hours and it was still completely visible on my cheek bones. I love how you can customise the intensity to suit your preferences by building it up or blending it out. They offer a variety of shades to suit all skin tones plus Colourpop now ships worldwide so everyone can get their hands on it!

The only negative I have found other than applying it with a brush is that after 6 or so hours it starts to break up on the tip of my nose. Not only does it do this but I also find powder or liquid highlighters to be a lot easier to apply than this formula.

Personally I never see myself purchasing another one and if you prefer applying highlighter with a brush or using powders then this product is a BYE. However, if you are on a budget and tend to use your fingertips anyway then this product is definitely a BUY! For the price point and quality you cannot go wrong. I feel like it really depends on your preferences when it comes to this product so it is up to you whether it is a buy or buy.

If you own any Colourpop highlighters or products in general let me know what your favourites are in the comments!

Another month has flown by and again I had a few stand out items I'd like to share with you all.

My favourites for this month are mainly all new products except for two so I will begin with them. I purchased the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette ages ago and it has always been my go-to palette. It has a range of shimmers and mattes in all neutral tones that can be worn during the day or night. I will be doing an individual post on this palette with swatches (and maybe a few of my go-to looks!) so keep your eyes out for that if you're interested!

The Essence brush pictured above is another item I got a few years back. It was very affordable and I never thought much of it until recently. It works so well to apply bronzer and blush and I have been using it daily!

Before I go on about all the newbies I want to quickly mention my current obsession with off the shoulder (a.k.a bardot tops). I love pairing them with leggings for a more casual look and they are perfect for those warmer days we are having here in Melbourne.

Now for all the new favourites I discovered in the month of August.

Winter has taken a toll on my skin leaving it very dry and dehydrated. Unfortunately also my hands were affected but the Cotton On Botanicals Hand Cream has been very handy (pun intended). It absorbs quickly into your skin which is why I love it so much! It does not leave a weird sticky or oily residue just a very appealing smell.

I was running low on concealers and needed a cruelty free one ASAP (I am currently transitioning to being cruelty free!) so I went with the bareMinerals Serum Concealer. The word serum in the title intrigued me and I had heard that it was a very hydrating formula which is what my under eyes need. This concealer does crease if it is not set, however once you set it then it will not budge, go cakey or dehydrated looking.

Since the weather was also slowly warming up I started using fake tan again. I was lucky enough to receive a package containing Uni Organics newest product - Forever Tan which is a gradual tanner that leaves out all the nasties. It is vegan and cruelty free which makes it an even more amazing product!! I have a full review coming soon so I won't say too much about it here but I know I will be using this over every other fake tan I own.

Another product I was obsessing over is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Barbara. I have a review also coming soon for this!

Back to the eyes now, this post has no order lol. Eye creams are becoming a staple in my skincare routine and I find they really do help to hydrate the under eyes making concealer and powder sit a lot better under there. The one I am currently using and really enjoy is by Iluka Skincare. It is their Fine Line Eye Serum which contains cucumber, aloe vera and marine collagen. This brand is also 100% cruelty free and natural.

Last skin care product. This is a very new favourite that I discovered in the last week of August but have already used it 4 times because I love it! If you read my posts regularly or follow me on Instagram you would know I swear by the Origins Overnight Hydrating Mask HOWEVER I have found a much more affordable replacement that works just as well. It is the Andalou Rosewater Mask. This mask leaves my skin feeling so soft (like a babies bottom) and hydrated. The directions state to leave it on for 10 minutes however I leave it on until it completely absorbs into my skin. I find I get the best results this way.

I had to leave the best till last - the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate. My mum bought this for me when she was over in Bali and I couldn't wait for her to get home just to smell it. Someone on my Instagram told me it even tastes like chocolate so one day when I was contouring my nose I purposely wanted to taste some fall-out, yes I am weird, and yes it tastes like chocolate. This shade is not orange whatsoever so it can be used to contour but it also isn't overly ashy toned so you can also bronze.

What products were you loving in August?

Last night before going to sleep I had to stay up and watch Jaclyn Hill's new tag she created - the Ride or Die Makeup Tag. When I finished the video I knew I had to write up my own!

The tag is simple when you first think about it, name your favourite products from each beauty category, however it is a lot more complex when you sit down and decide which products you would actually take away with you on a deserted island. Here are the products that are my 'ride or die'.

PRIMER

Becca Backlight Priming Filter - $65

buy here

This is amazing for dry skin types as it gives you a luminous glow while leaving your skin feeling hydrated.

FOUNDATION

Nars Sheer Glow - $67

buy here

Medium/buildable coverage with a natural, skin-like finish. This lasts all day on me and always looks good!

CONCEALER

bareMinerals bareSkin Serum Concealer - $29

buy here

I have FINALLY found my holy grail concealer! It doesn't go cakey under my eyes and keeps them looking hydrated all day long. Once set it does not crease either.

FACE POWDER

Face of Australia Translucent Loose Powder - $11.95

buy here

If I had to set my face (I usually skip this completely) this powder is what I go for. It adds no coverage but helps any other powders blend well on top of it.

UNDER EYE SETTING POWDER

Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder - $12.95

buy here

I actually 'bake' my undereyes with this powder. I always find that translucent powders create a white-cast in photos so I opt for a coloured powder. 

BLUSH

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes - $38

buy here

I can't choose one because they're all amazing but I would survive with any nude/pink shade from this range. If your blush does not last throughout the day you need this!

BRONZER

Urban Decay Naked Flushed - $52

buy here

This is actually a blush, highlight and bronzer trio but it contains the best bronzing shade for my skintone. It is pigmented, yet buildable and blends super easily.

HIGHLIGHT

Urban Decay Naked Flushed - $52

buy here

Again, my favourite ever highlighter is from this trio. I use it daily + it is compact and perfect for travel!

MASCARA

Chi Chi 3D Magic Lash Mascara - $22.95

buy here

I still have not yet found my ultimate favourite mascara but out of my current collection this is my go-to.

LIPSTICK

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara - $48

buy here

LIQUID LIP

Colourpop Satin Lip in Magic Wand - $6

buy here

GLOSS

NYX Butter Gloss in ÉCLAIR - $9.95

buy here

LASHES

I don't have a specific eyelash brand or style that I am obsessed with as I'm not a lash wearer. If I am I opt for half lashes or individuals and any brand does the job.

EYESHADOW PALETTE

Too Faced Natural Eyes - $54

buy here

It has every shade I ever need for a daytime or nighttime look.

SETTING SPRAY

NYX Dewy Finish Spray - $14.95

buy here

PERFUME

Narciso Rodriguez | Narciso - $88-160

buy here

Scent - Floral woody musk with notes of Bulgarian rose, gardenia and woods.

Those are all my ride or die makeup products and I tag everyone that has read this to do the tag! Either comment below or write up your own post and leave the link below so I can check it out :) 

7 months have already passed in 2016 and there is only 4 more till my birthday and 5 till Christmas! I struggle to commit to monthly favourites posts so I much prefer to do them only when I actually have new favourites. This month I tried out a few new products as well as discovered my love for old products that I own but neglected.

I have split this months favourites into three categories; obviously beauty contains my most favourites as that is my main interest, but I decided to add in the other two for something a little different.

BEAUTY

First up is a fragrance that I have literally owned forever and I have no idea why I didn't use it sooner! It is the Beyonce Perfume in Heat Rush. It has a fruity/florally scent however is a lot less florally than my usual fave Marc's Daisy.
The notes are: passion fruit sorbet, Brazilian cherry and blood orange with mango blossom, orange hibiscus and yellow tiger orchid. I rarely stray away from my floral scents however I feel as though this one is less summery smelling in my opinion and is now my go-to winter scent. The kids at work ALWAYS compliment me when I wear it!

Another product that has been my favourite previously however I did neglect it for a while is the Becca Backlight Priming Filter. I do have a full review on this product here if you are interesting so I won't go on too much about it. Basically if my skin is super dry and dull this primer really helps to liven up my skin and disguise my dry patches.

Boho Balm* is another product that I could not have lived without this month. Winter = dry skin, dry lips & dry hands. This product has been a life saver and combatting all those issues. Full review here. Also their site now has pictures for the different sizes yay :)

I am trying to steer clear of products that aren't cruelty free however I used up my chi chi lip liners so I had to resort to an Avon one this month. Throwing out these products are a waste so instead I am going to use them up and not repurchase. I still can't deny that the Avon lipliner in nude was a well loved product this month.

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that
1. I am on a 'spending ban' and
2. I still made another Colourpop order.
In July I fell in love with their Lippie Stix especially Cookie.  It is a matte finish but it is so creamy and does not enhance dry flaky lips whatsoever. Their site describes it as a true beige nude shade.
I have a lip swatch post coming soon with all my Colourpop lip products, from ultra mattes to satins and lippie stix! Keep your eyes peeled for that.

A skincare favourite has been the Antipodes Immortal SPF 15 Face & Body Moisturiser*. I've been using this as my daily moisturiser as it has SPF in it and a lot of my foundations do not. Even though it is winter SPF is still required! It is a really good lightweight moisturiser and you really only do need the tiniest amount.

Last beauty favourite is the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. I used up my entire sample this month and now I really need to go out and purchase it (once my "spending ban" is over). It provides medium yet buildable full coverage that isn't cakey on my skin and lasts all day.

FASHION
Showing my true colours this month with the fashion category. My favourite clothing piece has been my Kmart tracksuit pants. This is pretty much because I have been working a lot and it is a part of my uniform but they're soo comfy!

Favourite shoes are my white ASOS sneakers. I'm obsessed with white shoes at the moment, even though its been raining and they get dirty easily.

Jewellery favourite is my Michael Hill necklace from my boyfriend. I'm not big on jewellery but one thing I can tolerate is this necklace because its so simple and means a lot to me.

OTHER
If you know me personally you will be 100% aware that I am a sucker for romance. In saying that I have read so many Nicholas Sparks novels that I have actually lost count. I am currently reading The Wedding. Another book I loved this month is The Substitute by Denise Grover Swank which is free in Play Books (android)!

My last favourite for July is fruit juices. I usually make up my own concoctions but berries and mango has been my go-to.

Comment your favourites below!

Being a uni student that often has to go out to placement and part-time work means I need my makeup routine to be fast and reliable enough to endure long hours. After countless 6am wake-ups I have finally got a quick routine down pat.
Click on the 😍 to be redirected to purchase any of the products mentioned!

I have dry skin so I always use a hydrating primer, I alternate between Face of Australia Face Base Primer (😍), Australis Original Primer (😍) and Becca Backlight Priming Filter (😍) depending on my skin that day. If my skin is really dry and dull I always use the Becca primer as it adds the most luminosity to my skin.

Next I either reach for my Chi Chi Super CC Cream (😍) or a foundation - usually NARS Sheer Glow (😍). Again this depends on how my skin is looking. I always skip concealer so if I need extra coverage I just add more of the foundation or cc cream to the areas that need it.

Since my skin is on the dryer side I skip powdering all together and I only set my under eyes with any powder that is closest to me. Depending on the time I woke up and if I can be bothered I will use my Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette (😍) since it is 3in1. I use it to bronze, highlight and add blush.

Last two steps are mascara and lips. On the daily I skip curling my lashes and straight away apply my mascara which currently is the Chi Chi 3D Magic Lash Mascara (😍). I am currently on the hunt for a new mascara so comment your favourites below!

Lips is another product that changes up daily. I will mention a few of my favourites at the moment:
😍 Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Chihuahua
😍 Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Midi
😍 Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere
😍 Scout Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick in Awaken

Thank you for reading this weeks post and feel free to comment what your go-to makeup routine/products are!

This week I'm talking nude lips and showing you swatches! 

Since majority of my lipstick collection consists of pinks and nudes I though I'd pull out my most worn and favourite shades. I tried to keep this to strictly nude lip shades however most are on the pinky side. I have selected a total of eight lip products with a variety of finishes from different brands to share with you all. Lets jump straight into it!

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip - Midi

(Full review on Colourpop's liquid lipsticks here and a comparison review here)

"Soft neutral beige"

Chi Chi O.M.NUDE!!

"Mauve nude"

Colourpop Lippie Stix in Cookie

"True nude beige in a matte finish"

L'Oreal Colour Riche in 630

Beige nude - Satin Finish

Maybelline MAT7

Beige nude

Too Faced Naked Dolly

True pale nude

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Phenomenon

Pale pinky/beige nude

Rimmel Lasting Finish in 45

Rosey nude

As you may be aware by now I gravitate towards beige/pinky nudes. If you are after a new nude I highly recommend any of these. Here are swatches of all the above shades on my arm:

Top to bottom: phenomenon, midi, cookie, mat7, naked dolly, 630, 45 and O.M.NUDE!!

Thank you for reading this weeks post and I will have a new post up for you all next week
xx