January has been a chaotic month associated with the changing dynamics of personal relationships and
lifestyle habits. However, it ended with a bang and throughout the month, I
found myself experimenting with various beauty (and non-beauty) products to elevate
my look in a manner most accomodating to the Australian
summer.
Starting off with the
important goods, sunscreen.
Firstly, I love the sleek
black minimal packaging. Secondly, how nicely it applies onto the skin.
Thirdly, the added skin benefits like antioxidants, pycnogenol and vitamin E.
Moreover, it acts as a nice primer underneath makeup.
In the past, I’ve slapped on
some basic SPF50+ sunscreen and called it a day. But having loved this
sunscreen, especially in January, I’m actually considering making it exclusive
with this one. Besides, I’m a firm advocate for effective skincare products.
Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Oxygenating Gel Cream (60 ml RRP $50 at mecca.com.au)
I received this gel-cream as a deluxe sized sample with the Philosophy cleanser I bought earlier last month. This is such a beautiful product to use especially on hot summer nights. On first encounter with the skin, it feels so luxuriously cooling and refreshing. A gel-cream that actually lives up to its name, as if it’s telling my skin to “Take a Deep Breath”. My skin feels a lot more oxygenated albeit I’m not sure how it feels to have more oxygenated skin. I’m a total addict and have been applying this on every morning and night.
I received this gel-cream as a deluxe sized sample with the Philosophy cleanser I bought earlier last month. This is such a beautiful product to use especially on hot summer nights. On first encounter with the skin, it feels so luxuriously cooling and refreshing. A gel-cream that actually lives up to its name, as if it’s telling my skin to “Take a Deep Breath”. My skin feels a lot more oxygenated albeit I’m not sure how it feels to have more oxygenated skin. I’m a total addict and have been applying this on every morning and night.
M.A.C Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (3 g RRP $36 at M.A.C)
On various occasions I played up my eyes a little too much, so it was necessary to adopt a less-loud or nude lip. Enter the M.A.C lipstick in Velvet Teddy which has been my favourite nude to date. I love the texture and formula of this lipstick, how it wears throughout the day and most interestingly, if I’m stuck deciding which lip shade I should wear, I subconsciously reach for this one.
On various occasions I played up my eyes a little too much, so it was necessary to adopt a less-loud or nude lip. Enter the M.A.C lipstick in Velvet Teddy which has been my favourite nude to date. I love the texture and formula of this lipstick, how it wears throughout the day and most interestingly, if I’m stuck deciding which lip shade I should wear, I subconsciously reach for this one.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bacca (3 ml RRP $35 at mecca.com.au)
I received this deluxe sample in my beauty loop box (Level 2 if you’re wondering!). I’m familiar with liquid lipsticks but have yet to be acquainted with Stila’s offerings, until I tried Bacca. This shade is so me! Such a beautiful deep raspberry matte that is perfect for a night out on town. The formula isn’t as drying as its counterparts and it lasts substantially well on the lips. I’m definitely interested in checking out the full sized sticks when I finish this sample.
I received this deluxe sample in my beauty loop box (Level 2 if you’re wondering!). I’m familiar with liquid lipsticks but have yet to be acquainted with Stila’s offerings, until I tried Bacca. This shade is so me! Such a beautiful deep raspberry matte that is perfect for a night out on town. The formula isn’t as drying as its counterparts and it lasts substantially well on the lips. I’m definitely interested in checking out the full sized sticks when I finish this sample.
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| L-R: Stila's Bacca, M.A.C's Velvet Teddy (Please excuse the bad swatches!) |
Loreal Infallible 24H-Matte Foundation in 24 Golden Beige (35 ml RRP $29.95 at Priceline)
Having combination skin, this
foundation is a godsend for the summer days. I saw myself using this non-stop
for its finish and longevity until I had to remind myself, I have other
foundations to play around with. The foundation claims to be of a medium texture
and coverage, with a matte finish. I can’t argue with those claims.
Mon Purse Pouch ('Design Your Own' classic pouch starting from $99)
I feel that suede is such an understated leather (finish). Personally, it looks really luxurious in black, synonymous with the soft look of velvet. I couldn’t resist designing this pouch from Mon Purse when they had 20% off site-wide. It is equipped with a pale pink interior and gold monogramming of my initials on the exterior, adding a nice personal touch. This pouch is surprisingly practical and versatile; I’ve stuffed it with all of my essentials and have used it for various occasions. Definitely a favourite for many more months to come!
I feel that suede is such an understated leather (finish). Personally, it looks really luxurious in black, synonymous with the soft look of velvet. I couldn’t resist designing this pouch from Mon Purse when they had 20% off site-wide. It is equipped with a pale pink interior and gold monogramming of my initials on the exterior, adding a nice personal touch. This pouch is surprisingly practical and versatile; I’ve stuffed it with all of my essentials and have used it for various occasions. Definitely a favourite for many more months to come!
Lovisa earrings (RRP $9.95 at Lovisa)
I finally embraced hoop earrings when I gravitated towards these obnoxiously oversized gold ones. Go big or go home.The bigger the better right?! I’m kidding. Quite frankly, I’ve never been a fan of hoop earrings but for some reason, I couldn’t resist the look (or should I say the size) of these. They make such a huge fashion statement; perfectly paired with minimal dressing and makeup. Definitely not for the faint hearted and oh-so-hazardous as well (wouldn’t want anything to get caught in these!).
I finally embraced hoop earrings when I gravitated towards these obnoxiously oversized gold ones. Go big or go home.The bigger the better right?! I’m kidding. Quite frankly, I’ve never been a fan of hoop earrings but for some reason, I couldn’t resist the look (or should I say the size) of these. They make such a huge fashion statement; perfectly paired with minimal dressing and makeup. Definitely not for the faint hearted and oh-so-hazardous as well (wouldn’t want anything to get caught in these!).
Film La La Land
In all honesty, I was quite skeptical of this musical/comedy/drama. But I gave it a shot and fell in love. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s character is so tangible; I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and unravel itself. Not to mention the music and singing which is aurally beautiful. I found the film to be very moving and thought-provoking, something I quite admire in films. I would definitely revisit this film in future. So much love.
In all honesty, I was quite skeptical of this musical/comedy/drama. But I gave it a shot and fell in love. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s character is so tangible; I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and unravel itself. Not to mention the music and singing which is aurally beautiful. I found the film to be very moving and thought-provoking, something I quite admire in films. I would definitely revisit this film in future. So much love.
Woolworths Banana Bread
I’ve had this sudden urge to eat banana bread and drink iced coffees for breakfast every single day.
It’s a strange food affair; 100% indulgence. The thought of its consumption, just gets me excited to start the
day. It’s moderately flavoured and filling, hitting the right sweet spot. I can
attest that I don’t see myself halting the consumption of banana bread any time
soon.
