I officially have enough posts in my trash talk series for someone to read one every day of the week! I'm not sure who would do that but I just thought I'd mention it 😂

Over the summer holidays (yes, Australia is opposite for those reading from the other side of the world), I accumulated quite a few products. You'd also be aware that I am attempting a project pan so, by the end of the year, I hope to include more makeup products within these posts. For now, let's talk trash...

The Body Shop - Almond Milk & Honey body lotion

$20 

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is a product I don't generally use up. When it comes to moisturising my body I often opt out of that step but I'm glad I used this up. This body lotion claims to soothe uncomfortable tight, itchy dry skin. I found it to be really hydrating and did not leave a greasy feeling. I'm unsure whether I would repurchase it as I have a few other lotions that I need to work my way through, but I did really enjoy this one so I would consider it.

NYX - Dewy Setting Spray

$14.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A nice daily use spray if you can be bothered taking the extra step. It did leave a very dewy finish to my face which sometimes made my makeup feel heavier? Or at least made me notice I had makeup on my skin, which at times was not a pleasant feeling. I guess this did work but isn't a must for me so I won't be repurchasing. I also do prefer the Urban Decay All Nighter over this.

Josie Maran - Pure Argan Milk

(sample)

⭐

As someone with dry skin I did not think I would ever say this, this was too much for my skin. In the sense it was over hydrating but my skin didn't really absorb it. I found it to clog my pores and whenever I used it I had those small congested bumps afterwards. I ended up tossing it before using it up so luckily it was just a sample.

Models Prefer - BB Youth Boost

$16.99

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is a beautiful BB cream. It sat so nicely on my skin and I absolutely loved using it. The only reason it lacks that final star is because of the shade range - there are only two. I found it to be a little too ashy/pink for my skin tone so for this reason I won't repurchase but it really was a lovely product and gave my skin such a healthy look.

Stem - Hydrating Face Fluid

$23.10

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If you have sensitive skin and struggle to find a moisturiser that works for you then this is a great product. It is hydrating yet has a thin consistency so it absorbs nicely into the skin. For dryer skin types this pairs nicely with a facial oil for added moisture. I have a review on it here. I would consider purchasing this in the future.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip

$6.50

⭐ ⭐

Regular viewers of my Instagram stories would know I am tossing Midi, Beeper and Clueless from Colourpop as they are old in my collection and were well loved. The other Ultra Matte Lips I am decluttering (rehoming). These three in particular have had their formula change over time and just crumble off my lips. I personally wouldn't repurchase this formula from Colourpop as I am not the biggest fan of liquid lipsticks. Due to their formula and comfort they get quite a low rating however, the shades are gorgeous.

Nourish London - Kale 3D Cleanse

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I loved this cleanser, 30% because it changes colour when it comes into contact with water and being rubbed on your face and 70% because it worked well. Kale is one of my favourite vegetables so if it is in a cleanser I immediately love it. It left my skin feeling clean and brighter looking (over time). Even though I really enjoyed using this I won't be repurchasing as I have a pretty solid skincare routine right now so I don't require another face wash. 

Palmer's - Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil

$10.49

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Another one bites the dust. I won't say anything about this as it is in every skin diaries or trash talk I have written. There is one new thing I have to say about this though, *SHOCK ALERT* I won't be repurchasing this any time soon as I have replaced it with LUSH's ultrabland cleanser. This could make an appearance in the future though, I am missing it.

Derma E - Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This product is similar to the Palmer's cleansing oil however, is a much thinner oil. I did enjoy using it but like I said, I don't require it in my skin care routine. If you aren't a fan of cleansing oils that leave your skin feeling oily then I recommend this one. It is very gentle on the skin and removes makeup quite well.

Chi Chi Cosmetics - Super CC Cream

$29.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is one of those products that I changed my mind about the more I used it. At the beginning I didn't really like this CC cream. I found it broke up on my skin or left me looking cakey. After working with it and getting to know the formula I actually loved this product. I found it worked best on my bare skin and if I was going to powder it then loose powder seemed to work best. It offers great coverage but doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I will say, when I paired it with primer, concealer and pressed powder it did feel heavy and I hated wearing it. This is more of my go-to product when I had to wake up at 6:30am for work and wanted quick coverage and a very minimal makeup look.

When I work my way through more foundations I will figure out which were my absolute favourites and if this still makes the list I would repurchase.

Physician's Formula - Organic Wear CC Cream

$18.27

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

It appears that BB/CC creams are a common theme for this trash talk. I really enjoyed working through the ones in my collection over summer because they're the perfect base product. For a lighter coverage, and I mean barely there, this was a great option. It has really basic ingredients that are good for your skin which I appreciated. I found it applied best with my hands as it really helped the thicker cream melt into my skin. It wasn't cakey as it was super light-weight and undetectable. I won't repurchase for the time being and I want more coverage if I am going to wear makeup. I see myself buying and wearing this when my skin is clearer and I have a full time job because it would work better for that.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask

$18.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This was an ok hydrating mask. I did enjoy the consistency of it, I found it sunk into my skin nicely and when I rinsed off the excess my skin felt soft and hydrated. The strange thing is that it is formulated for sensitive skin types but I found it burnt mine sometimes? Due to this I wouldn't repurchase.

Brite Organix Masques in mango and coffee

$15 each

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I love a good hair mask. Not only do these work well but they are practical and come in a variety of scents and hair needs. I have multiple more in my collection so I will be well off for a while.

I find I can get 4-6 uses out of each pouch. Keep in mind my hair is above my shoulders. They're easy to use, not oily or sticky, I love them. The reason they have 4 stars is because I personally find straight up coconut oil to be a super beneficial hair mask and that is my #1 favourite. These are still a great alternative if you don't want to melt coconut oil to make your own.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

$18 (4ml)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Prior to trying Inika Organic's long lash vegan mascara this way my absolute favourite. I would even say they may be equal first in terms of how they make my lashes look. I am trying to be good and only have 1 mascara at a time but I would definitely repurchase this in the 4ml size. It lasted me quite a while and my lashes looked so fluffy and natural, yet I could get them to look dramatic if I wanted to. I love the size of the brush, I love the formula, I love everything about it

I even love the packaging and wand so much that I think I will repurpose it to be an eyebrow and eye lash oil serum or just keep the wand to act as a spoolie.

Organic Care Coco Repair Shampoo

$6 (larger bottle)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Can you tell I don't keep a theme to these posts, I'm always all over the place because I literally pick things out of a box as I go. Anywho, this is the only shampoo brand I've used ever since I can remember. I have always used natural/organic hair care in my life so I can't really compare it to anything. I like it and I find it cleans my hair, although I don't have oily or problematic hair. It gets the job done and I will continue to use it. My favourite range of theirs is the dry nourish range though.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hand Cream

$7

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is an exciting product for me as I've never used up, let alone owned a hand cream before. It was a joy to use this every night before bed or even throughout the day because it didn't leave any weird residue. It sunk in nicely and my hands were not slippery at all. I enjoyed the smaller size and scent, I am considering repurchasing it in the future.

Natural Instinct Hydrating Facial Wipes

$7.99

⭐

I rarely dislike a product that is good for your skin but I just didn't find these wipes to be "moist" enough to remove makeup. They also dried up pretty quickly so I wasn't able to use them all.

I appreciate that they are also biodegradable but they didn't work for makeup removal. I guess in the future I could maybe use them as hand wipes? But for now, its a no from me.

Keratin Complex

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I purchased this when I was in Italy so I have no idea where to find it or if it even exists anymore. I did enjoy this spray as it left my hair feeling nice but I can't repurchase it.

Grants of Australia Mild Mint with Aloe Vera toothpaste x2

$2.60

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

My favourite SAFE toothpaste. It feels like a "traditional" chemical toothpaste in the sense it feels and tastes minty but it does not irritate my teeth whatsoever. It is also an affordable green switch that anyone can make.

Derma E Overnight Peel

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I have dry skin, texture and scarring so I love peels. I don't know how to describe what this product did but it somehow make my overall appearance nicer. I would repurchase once I work through a few other skincare products.

ARCONA Cranberry Toner

sample but usually $55

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ahhh, I hate to love this because the full size is so pricey for a step I usually skip. It is refreshing, hydrating, gentle and just magical liquid in a bottle. I don't know if I would purchase this but I indulged in it while I had it. It also smells amazing. I will have to think very deeply about repurchasing it but I really did love it. P.S. Repurposing the bottle to use for traveling. Reduce, reuse recycle!

Blissoma Tone Intense Hydration Tonique

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Another toner I loved? I never used toner before, I never saw the purpose of it but I actually enjoyed this one too. It is in a spray bottle which I love a little more than the previous one because it's convenient. It is also cheaper at $32. It worked quite similar to the ARCONA one and since this one is marketed for dry skin it worked wonders for me. I am also repurposing this bottle for travel and may repurchase.

Eye of Horus bio Lash Lift mascara

$38

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If you have sensitive or easily irritated eyes then this is the mascara for you. It gives off a very natural appearance to your lashes but I also found the wand to be a little difficult to work with at times as it can gather excess product. If you remember to wipe the excess off then it is completely fine.

Tilk - Love me hand cream and regenerate me facial cream

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

First off the hand cream. Since I am a newly converted hand cream user this was another one I enjoyed. Similarly to the body shop one it didn't leave a strange film behind and I actually found it to be a tad more hydrating. It helped with dry skin and I don't know what they're called but you know when your nails peel on the edges and if you rip it off they bleed? Those things. It helped prevent those but even soften it enough for me to cut off easily. It was a great one to use at night time as it comes in a little pot.

The regenerate facial cream left my skin feeling hydrated and soft. It didn't irritate my skin in any way nor did it break me out. I found it had an almost mousse like consistency but very airy. I did enjoy it and now I'm excited to try out their other products they sent to me.

Both of these products are vegan, natural and travel friendly, which is awesome!

Nourish London firming facial oil

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I am a big fan of facial oils, in fact I have a drawer full of them and have no idea when I'll get to using them all. Thankfully I find I go through them at a pretty good pace as they pair well with my dry skin. I've tried many oils in the past and currently, this one sunk in nicely, didn't break me out (which some can) and had a thin consistency. If you're familiar with facial oils you can tell when it is a good one and when it isn't. My preference is a thin consistency that sinks in well, typically with oils you don't want your skin to feel or look oily. Two to three drops is plenty. 

This is another bottle I can repurpose and keep for travel. It is a good small size for me to transfer my larger bottled oil into.

Sukin sensitive Facial Moisturiser

$5.49

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Finally, the last item. I know these posts can get long so I will write a little about this and then I'm done. I used to be a fan of cream moisturisers and this is a great one but I've gone completely oil based. It is light and gentle like it states, sits nicely under makeup, affordable and natural.

If you made it this far then I am very impressed! What is something you have used up recently?

I am sure I have said this before and I am going to say it again, buying foundations is my weakness. This time I splurged (thank you to a gift voucher I received for my birthday) on the Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation. I remember KathleenLights mentioning it as one of her favourite foundations for dry skin. Usually the foundations she recommends also work for me as our skin tone and type is pretty similar, so I thought why not?

The Becca foundation retails for $72 AUD, so I thought adding in my review would be helpful especially since it is so pricey. On the Australian Sephora site it comes in 7 shades: fair, light, beige, medium, tan, dark golden and deep bronze. However, in store I noticed there was an 8th shade - porcelain. I picked it up in the shade fair, even though light had better undertones to suit my skin it was a tad dark and it oxidises slightly once it dries down making fair a better option.

So, what does this $72 foundation claim to do? 
It is "a flexible, liquid foundation made from pigments that blur and perfect to reflect your skin tone." 

The coverage "feels ultra-light and buildable, while it evens and perfects your complexion. Every weightless drop of fluid imparts subtle luminosity that blurs imperfections and leaves a soft-focused glow. The foundation features a curated array of flexible shades that flatter all skin tones."

"For flawless results, shake well before each use to ensure that the pigments and luminisers blend perfectly."

It is also formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

BEST FOR:
Normal, normal to dry, dry and very dry skin types. If you have combination or oily skin they recommend you use their matte primer and a finishing powder. Based off my experience, unless you are willing to play around with the foundation and blot, I would steer clear if you have oily skin.

The glow isn't too much on my dry skin and makes my skin look very healthy. I also find I don't need to powder, but again my skin is quite dry so there aren't any oils coming through.

SWATCHES:
This swatch was taken when I had my summer tan, hence why it looks so light for my skin tone. It is a better match to my winter shade however, it is not 100% as it has slight pink tones in it too. When it was on my face (selfies below) I wasn't as tanned as I am now so you can kind of tell I am a little more yellow than the foundation shade. Since it is a sheerer formula I am able to look past this though!

THOUGHTS/REVIEW:
Before I forget, this foundation is a water-based foundation so it works best when paired with water-based primers and not oil.

Despite it being weightless and ultra-light the coverage is there. If you've read my skin diaries and have seen my bare skin you will know I have quite a bit of redness to cover. In one sheer layer it evened out my skin tone and I was able to build it up on my cheeks which achieved a medium coverage that literally looked like my skin.

The foundation is quite undetectable on the skin however, it can cling to severe dry patches. Especially if you are silly like me and burn your forehead in the sun which results in it peeling. I think any foundation or product would cling to that sort of dryness/flaky skin though. It didn't emphasise the dryness from old acne scabs and it smoothed over my fine lines. Because of this, I would also recommend the foundation for mature skin types as it is super hydrating and luminous so it won't age the skin in any way.

If you don't like a pretty intense dewy look to your skin then you won't be a fan of this. For someone that looks dehydrated nearly every time makeup is applied I appreciated the dew and healthy appearance this gave my skin. Some review I read mentioned that the foundation settled into pores but I don't have large pores so that wasn't a concern for me. If you do then maybe keep this in mind or pair the foundation with a pore filling primer.

Personally, I'd only layer this foundation twice on my dryer skin type because I can see how it could cake up. Since my acne is already quite dry from tea tree oil or other treatments, applying too much product will only emphasise that. With two layers I achieve decent coverage without it looking cakey. If I do require a full coverage I would reach for a concealer rather than continuously layer on foundation.

The best way to apply this foundation is to use a brush. A sponge would soak up a lot of the product as it is water-based. It can take a little while to properly buff it into the skin but when you do it will look very natural. I am able to wear this foundation on its own with no other makeup and it just makes my skin look fresh and hydrated.

A slight downside to the foundation is that it does dry a shade or two darker than when it is first applied. It isn't too drastic but if you are thinking of buying this foundation try a shade lighter than what you would normally be and see if that dries down to your perfect shade. Like I mentioned above, the shade light was almost perfect for me but when it set it was too dark.

Lastly, I have barely have issues wearing this foundation during the heat. Sweat can make it look ever so slightly cakey which is why I don't really suggest it for oily skin types, but there are ways to combat this. The heat can make it look even more glowy so a little powder will be beneficial on these days.

I will attach an image of a 37 degree day when I wore this foundation. I was outdoors for part of it and I think it held up pretty well.

As you can tell in the third (most realistic as it is by a window) photo, it offers a very natural finish to the skin and lets your skin peak through. Despite my acne and redness it really does even out my skin without looking like I've applied foundation.

PACKAGING:
The foundation comes in a similar package to their backlight priming filter. It is encased in a frosted glass bottle and a bronzey lid. This foundation doesn't come with a pump like other foundations do, it has a dropper which can sometimes get the opening pretty messy. I don't love nor hate the application because I like applying it straight to my skin with the dropper but I do need to be careful not to get too messy with it. It is a unique idea but it can be hit or miss for different people, based off your own preferences.

I find the appearance of the foundation to be very luxurious which is what you would expect for the price. Also, you get 30ml of product, similar to other foundations.

Since the Becca Backlight Priming Perfector (review here) worked so well with my skin I did have high hopes with this foundation. I am glad the $72 wasn't a waste because it is a lot of money. I would suggest you try a sample before purchasing just to ensure it works with your skin and you like the glow it gives.

This product is not new to The Daily Catchup. It has featured in a few blogposts and many photos on my Instagram in the past, so it was only right to give it a blogpost all to itself. I am referring to the Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening serum.

When you hear the words skin-brightening, I don't know about you, but personally it sounds like music to my ears. For someone with quite a bit of redness and scarring I love the sound of brighter skin and need all the help I can get to achieve it. Before I go on and on about my love for this product I will include some information from the Antipodes website.

ABOUT:
"A water-based serum which helps to correct dull, blemished or uneven skin. The revolutionary antioxidant Vinanza Grape & Kiwi helps minimise the appearance of facial redness. Exfoliating enzymes from the superfruit kiwifruit and soothing Vinanza Oxifend from pinot noir grapes leave skin gloriously glowing. Meanwhile, mamaku black fern and Reishi mushroom of immortality boost healthy cell renewal for true, fresh-faced beauty."

INGREDIENTS:
This serums is 100% natural, with 74% of it's ingredients from organic cultivation. As mentioned above the ingredients within this serum are waiwera artesian water, vinanza grape and kiwi fruit and vinanza oxifend. It's fragrances are green apple and cardamon pod.

BEFORE & AFTER:
The above photos were taken on the 13th of December 2017 and my after (bottom) photos were taken on the 28th of January 2018.

THOUGHTS:
There aren't many skincare products that amaze me after one use. However, this is actually one of those products for me.

You can tell by my photos, especially my left cheeks in the before and after how much this product really helps reduce acne marks. For the amount of time I  used it I wasn't able to make a dramatic change to my scars that have been around for years but it did improve any newer marks left by my pimples. Whenever I use this serum people that see me with bare skin ask me if I have applied makeup because it's looking a lot clearer than usual and I feel the same way.

I would also have to agree that it brightens and tones the skin. I am someone with pretty dry skin but after using this serum I didn't have any dry flaky spots which was amazing!! I don't have too much to say about this serum because for me personally, the before and after photos speak 1000 words. Yes I still have a pretty bad break out situation on my right cheek (thanks hormones) but all the spots from my before photo have completely gone. Acne marks usually last forever on me, so to have a product speed up the process and take away some of my redness I will forever be grateful for.

I have also used this serum in the past so I was without it for a little while. Which made me realise the drastic shift of my skin when I am using it and when I am not. Out of all the skincare I have ever used or owned, this is by far my favourite because it really boosts my confidence and I can go out without makeup on. It just makes my skin look so healthy, brighter and generally in a much better state than usual.

For anyone that is interested, I used the serum once a day at night and am about halfway through the bottle. I apply the serum generously over my cheeks and jaw line as they are my problem areas and use the left over on my forehead, nose and chin. I also really enjoy the dropper applicator as it keeps it hygienic and I can adjust how much or how little product I want to apply.

If your skin is similar to mine or you have any marks on your face you want to fade then I highly, highly, recommend this serum by Antipodes. It is a little pricey but I would happily buy multiple bottles because it really does wonders to my skin.

I am trying to make it a habit to write up more foundation/base product reviews. Especially because I feel like my skin is on the more difficult side to cover, I feel like it would be more helpful for you all. I'm including wear test photos as well as how well the foundation covers my acne and scarring. So, let's get into my thoughts on the 3INA 3 in 1 foundation.

Before I jump into my thoughts I wanted to include the blurb that is on the box. I'd also like to add that this foundation is paraben free, cruelty free and vegan! On the 3INA website this foundation is one of their best sellers.

Ingredients, (for those whom are wondering):

AQUA (WATER), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, MICA, DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, METHICONE, SILICA, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, DISODIUM EDTA, BENZOPHENONE-3, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ASCORBIC , ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TALC, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS FRUIT EXTRACT, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT), SIGESBECKIA ORIENTALIS EXTRACT, RABDOSIA RUBESCENS EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS FRUIT EXTRACT (CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT), CITRUS LIMON FRUIT EXTRACT (CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT), BHT, ACER SACCHARUM EXTRACT (ACER SACCHARUM (SUGAR MAPLE) EXTRACT). +/- (MAY CONTAIN): CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

This is one pump onto my finger. The formula is on the thicker side but don't let this fool you into thinking it feels heavy on the skin.

Now for the fun part: my thoughts and experience.
I applied this foundation at 10:20AM. It gave off a natural finish with medium coverage, when built up to two layers. If you skin is clearer than mine then this foundation could appear to give a fuller coverage.

When the foundation is initially applied to the skin it feels slightly tacky but once it dries this feeling goes away and you do not need to set it with powder. Especially if your skin is on the drier side like mine. Although my skin is dry, it did not emphasise dry patches and it didn't settle too badly into any fine lines (only settled in the eyelid/under eye region).

Once the foundation set I applied cream products to my skin, since that is my new obsession! They all applied well and didn't take off the foundation in any way. The cream products I applied were: Mecca highlight balm, Nudestix matte colour in Bondi Bae and Naughty n Spice.

In terms of the next two updates, there isn't much of a difference between the photos. The 3INA foundation gave my skin a healthy appearance and still did not cling to dryness nor settle in my smile lines. I actually slept in the car for over an hour while wearing this foundation and it didn't even wear off or become patchy.

At the 9/10 hour mark is when you can notice the foundation breaking down. You can tell by the photo that the coverage has decreased and more redness is peaking through than earlier in the day. I normally don't wear foundation this long so this doesn't bother me too much. On the bright side, at this point it still had not clung to my dry patches and barely creased in my smile lines, only slightly.

Overall, for the price I was impressed by this foundation. I do want to test the waterproof claims so I am planning on wearing on wearing it when I go swimming with the dolphins next weekend. I will update you all via my Instagram on how it performs.

I'd recommend this foundation to be worn during the day time as it does contain SPF. If you have dry skin it will sit nicely over it and if you have acne or redness you will need a concealer on the areas you need extra coverage. I would also suggest a 7 hour wear time for this foundation to ensure it stays looking fresh and doesn't break down or wear off in areas. For the price it is a great foundation to check out and try if you can!

Tonight's post is inspired by Instagram making life difficult. I have seen a lot of people (myself included) notice a drop in engagement with their posts and a few others are paying to hopefully bring in new followers, likes, comments etc. Personally @thedailycatchup is a hobby. I don't want it to become a job or anything big, so likes and followers are just a bonus. However, I will admit getting under 100 likes is a little annoying because it takes time to take capture and then edit photos for the gram. I am sure many other agree that there is a lot of behind the scenes that go on. I feel like paid posts or having to join like/comment threads can take away the fun of things.

I have tested both a like thread and paying for an Instagram promotion purely to compare whether it is even worth paying for, in case you are someone considering it.This was only a one off thing for me so hopefully me doing this and reviewing it can be beneficial for others. Straight up I am going to be completely honest. I believe (based off my experience and stats) that joining a like or comment thread boosts your photos exposure way more than paying Instagram!

I promoted my post from yesterday for $1 which claimed I would reach 220-770 people. The promotion lasted 24 hours. I will attach a few screenshots of my stats over the 24 hour period.

This was the amount of likes I had when the promotion had just begun:

This was an update of my stats in the morning from the paid promotion:

Stats from the afternoon:

Currently how many likes my post has (not from the promotion at all!) and stats:

Overall, even though I have three hours remaining, paying to "promote" my post did next to nothing. It didn't reach the amount of people Instagram claimed it would. 220 people was their minimum and I didn't even reach that. Like I said, I won't be doing this again, it was purely for experimental purposes but I am pretty annoyed it didn't even gain me one extra like lol. If you are thinking to pay I wouldn't recommend it based off my experience. I suggest you join facebook groups to engage in like/comment threads and boost your posts exposure that way.

Instagram is definitely greedy and unfortunately it doesn't look like they're going to do anything about this engagement issue which is disappointing.

The last week of uni is over and now I just have two weeks of placement. I can finally get back into regular blogging!! 

This weeks post is a foundation review. Foundations are one of my favourite makeup products to try out because I feel like my skin is very difficult to work with, so when one works I know it's good! If you didn't know I have dry, acne prone, sensitive and scarred skin. I like my foundation to look natural but still cover well enough for me to feel confident. Does the SCOUT foundation live up to my standards? Read on to find out.

SCOUT Cosmetics claims the foundation to be soothing and moisturising with a light fragrance. It is perfect for all skin types and leaves skin fresh, radiant even toned.

Before jumping into the pro's and con's of the foundation I will include a few images I took on the day I wore it for 10+ hours.

Before and after of SCOUT Cosmetics Luminous Finish Foundation

Close up of SCOUT foundation

How I wear the foundation:

I apply the foundation with a brush to get more coverage and I do not use primer. To prep my skin I rely on whatever moisturiser I am using at the time. In the above photos I am not wearing a primer either.

You may notice that in the second image of just the foundation applied to my skin it doesn't cling well and leaves a weird patch. I have no idea why that happens but once I applied powder it fixed.

Pros

• Doesn't need to be set. Especially if you have dry skin it won't leave a weird sticky feeling so you can easily get away without applying any powder.
• Medium coverage and buildable.
• Doesn't settle into pores. Even without a primer it sits fairly nicely on my skin, despite my scars. If you do have deep pores or scars a pore filling primer can diffuse this.
• Lasts hours and hours. I can easily wear this all day long without worrying about it or touching up. This could be because I have a dryer skin type, but it isn't overly "luminous" (unlike the name claims) so I could see it working with oily skin too.
• Natural finish. Although it does get more "luminous" over time.
• Lightweight and undetectable.
• Organic/natural. A liquid foundation that is actually good for you!
• Doesn't crease in fine lines. Nor does it settle in my smile lines.
• Quite affordable for a natural foundation, similar to Mecca prices.

Cons

• Can ever so slightly cling to dry patches. This could be avoided by wearing a hydrating primer, I just don't bother on a regular basis.
• Sometimes sits funny/patchy on my skin but again that could just be my skin at the time or a lack of primer.
• Not a very luminous finish, its more natural matte in my opinion. It does get more of a glow the longer you wear it, like I mentioned above.

Overall I do really like this foundation. I feel comfortable wearing it on more of a daily basis because I know it isn't made from chemicals but still covers my skin. The only major downfall for me was that it can be patchy but when I tried it again with a primer this problem didn't occur. I'd definitely recommend this if you're after a new liquid foundation. 

Also, it doesn't claim anywhere that it has SPF and I didn't notice any major flashback, only slightly. For me this is more of a day time foundation, rather than night. You could also sheer out the coverage if you were to apply it with a sponge.

Disclaimer - This product was sent to me to test out for myself. The review was my idea and all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. I only work with companies I would personally support or purchase from myself and generally use products for an extended period of time before writing a review. For more information click here - disclaimer

Greetings fellow beauty lovers. In this weeks post I am sharing a new discovery (for me), the LA Girl Pro Concealers. These have been raved about within the YouTube community for years, they're affordable and cruelty free so it was about time I gave them a go!

Once checking them out on a few sites here are the main claims I came across:

• Camouflage the appearance of skin imperfections
• Evens out skin tone
• Covers dark circles
• Minimises fine lines
• Provides customisable coverage

I can safely agree with all claims except the one I have italicised. I have not noticed it to minimise fine lines however I suppose it not creasing under my eyes could tie in with that? 

The concealer is buildable yet pigmented allowing you to really customise it to suit your preferences. I use fawn to add definition to my face and I can easily draw the lines all over my face without it "setting" so it is easy to blend even after some time on my skin. All shades buff out nicely and I don't have to powder my undereyes when using this. I do get one crease but thats normal for the way my eye bag is shaped, plus its nothing a little smudging out with my finger can't fix.

These are the three shades I own:

I wouldn't say that light ivory is my perfect shade although the peachy tinge works well to cover dark circles. I will pick up another more yellow toned shade to better match my face so I can use it on scarring/blemishes.

My favourite way to use these concealers is as a "contour" or to bronze. Because it is a concealer it provides me with the coverage I need while adding subtle yet effective definition. If you have scarring on your cheeks and want to cream contour I highly suggest you do it with a concealer over a "traditional" contour stick. In terms of using it to contour I love the applicator, it makes drawing the lines easy and precise. As for under the eyes or blemishes the applicator does apply excess amount of product - especially for someone that isn't big on the whole "highlighting" trend.

Overall I really do like these concealers and they will now be a staple in my makeup collection. I do understand the hype around them because they work really well at what they're supposed to do. For the price you really cannot go wrong with them and I see them working for any skin type. They're not drying or super hydrating - a nice mid-way hybrid.

Have you tried these concealers before?

Welcome to a new series I have come up with for my blog! Sporadically on Tuesdays I will be posting reviews of "controversial" products, sites or concepts. My usual posts will still be going up on Sundays so these posts will be a bonus surprise.

This weeks focus is ROMWE, an almost too affordable online clothing site that I always notice floating around as an ad. All clothes are designed and made in China and like I just mentioned, come with a very affordable price tag. I made an order to review their shipping, whether the items actually matched the picture and their quality - just in case you were thinking of placing an order, you can find out whether its worth it.

Sometimes when you see clothes or accessories at such a low price you question whether it is too good to be true. I picked up three clothing pieces (4 if you count the two piece as two items) from different categories. I will include an image from the site as well as a "real life" photo so you can see just how accurate they may or may not be.

Striped Bow Tie Open Back Multiway Tank Top with Shorts

$18.56 

(for the two piece)

True to image?

Yes - unless you want to be fussy and pick up on the neckline not being as scooped.

True to size?

Yes, but I do wish it came in an XS. I am 5 foot and generally a size 4 (US 0)/sometimes 6 and it was a little loose fitting as you can see in the image.

Quality?

I was super glad that this fabric is not see through, it is also pretty comfortable and lightweight for Summer.

Do I recommend it?

Yep! Their two pieces are up to date with fashion trends, affordable and super cute. Once I alter the top to properly fit my height I think it would be the perfect Spring/Summer outfit. I'd definitely pick up more two piece sets in the future.

Army Green Drawstring Pocket Hooded Sweatshirt

$17.23

True to image?
Yes and no. In the image the fabric appears to be thicker and more like your traditional hoodie. However, the colour and actual look of it is the same.

True to size?
The site has measurements so you can base the sizes off that. I do think the size I purchased (M) does run small to your usual medium. I generally purchase smalls in jumpers and they're loose on me however this one is still loose but fits (despite it being a larger size).

Quality?
You can tell the material it is made from is quite cheap since it is pretty thin. It is perfect for warmer weather I just intended to wear it in Winter.

Do I recommend it?
If you want a thin hoodie for summer then yes. If you want an actual hoodie to keep you warm then no. I also suggest you size up.

Cuffed Denim Shorts with Belt

$21.21

True to image?
Yes exactly!

True to size?
The measurements were pretty on point. I do wish they sold these in an XS though because they are a loose on me. The S would fit a size 6/small 8 however the belt allows me to tighten them to fit better (although I did have to create more holes to make it tighter). For reference I am a size 4 in bottoms because I have a small waist and since these are high waisted they sit loosely and fall down. They also aren't too short but this could be due to me being 5 foot and these already being too big for me, but they do sit well below my butt cheeks so if you're taller I believe these would still be ok.

Quality?
These denim shorts feel exactly like shorts I'd buy from Cotton On or any other store. It is actual denim, not the stretchy kind and I'm most impressed by these!!

Do I recommend it?
Yes!! In my next ROMWE order I'll definitely be picking up more denim.

Lastly my order arrived just under 2 weeks. I opted for the free shipping method and paid the $1 something in case my order was lost they would ship out another free of charge. I have read and seen that shipping took a month for others but I had no issues at all. I would personally order from this site again however, don't expect the quality to be amazing with every clothing piece as these are "cheap". There will be hits and misses, like my hoodie, but that is to be expected. Make sure you read all the info provided to see what the material is and for size references as they are very explicit in telling you all measurements. If you do that then you will have a lot more success with your purchases. Personally because I am (possibly) the tiniest adult on earth I will always go for a small because I know that is closest to a size 6. I will have to alter any pants, trousers, skirts or shorts I ever receive from them and really do wish they had smaller sizes. If you're not like me then they will most likely fit you better!!