Monday, April 30, 2012

April Favourites

I've never done a monthly favourites post before, as I tend to stick with the same products regardless of the month and I usually blog about any recent purchases or discoveries separately. I always enjoy reading others' monthly favourites though, so I thought to do one of my own. I like that compiling a "favourites" post each month is almost like the beauty equivalent of a diary. Listing what were the most favoured and reached for items of the past month (even if they've been blogged about before or are regular favourites) is a really neat way of recording how people actually use the products they own.



L'Occitane Daily Face Cleanser with A.O.C. Olive Oil
For the longest time I hated this cleanser because it didn’t foam properly no matter how much I used. Recently I decided to give it another go, accepting that it doesn’t lather, and began to appreciate its virtues. I use a small amount in the morning and it’s very gentle and non-drying. It leaves the skin feeling moisturised and clean, without the harshness of cheaper foaming cleansers. I couldn't find it on the Australian L'Occitane website, which leads me to think sadly it's been discontinued.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
I use this to bring some life and dewiness back to the skin if I feel I’ve gone a tad overboard with the face products (as can happen when you’ve slapped on foundation, blush, bronzer and highlight). I also spray it on a bare face for a refreshing misting. Like most of Jurlique’s products, the scent is divine. The trick is to hold the bottle (literally) an arm’s length away from the face – any closer and it’ll be more like a hosing down than a fine layer of mist.

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well this works, as I’ve been a loyal user of Klorane oat milk dry shampoo for years. I bought this on sale just to try it out and I find myself reaching for it more than my Klorane. Though I prefer the scent of the Klorane, the Batiste performs just as well, if not better. I spray this on my roots in the morning in between washes and it keeps oiliness at bay for the whole day.

Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
Not that I needed any more Lip Butters after my ridiculous haul, but I did go back and buy this last one. It felt remiss of me to not at least buy one pink shade. Yes, it still looks slightly purple on my lips, but it’s sufficiently darker and rosier than the light pinks in the range so it’s not completely unflattering for my skin tone. As a wearable, everyday pink, it’s been a fixture in my handbag since I bought it.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush
Not really a monthly favourite, as this is probably my favourite brush, ever. But I did use it on a daily basis this month with my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation (which I was this close to also including in my favourites, except for the niggling fact it’s too dark and yellow-leaning for me). This brush is pretty much the only one I use to apply liquid foundation. It’s quick, easy, super soft and gives a streak-free, fully blended, natural-looking finish.

Essence Eye Soufflé in Pas des Copper
I apply this with my finger in the mornings as both a primer/base and a wash of colour over the lid, before adding a touch of darker bronze eyeshadow closer to the lashline for slightly more definition and depth. I love the texture – it’s dense enough so that a thin layer glides on without looking patchy, and it’s not overly creamy so it doesn’t smudge or move around easily. It also blends really well with powder eyeshadow. This is a versatile, very wearable shimmery taupey/medium bronze shade that is virtually failproof. I hope Essence comes out with more neutral cream eyeshadows like Pas des Copper because this is undoubtedly one of the best budget beauty buys I’ve made.

63 comments:

  1. I love the buffing brush too :)
    I don't know how I would cope without dry shampoo now, my hair gets so greasy!
    Lovely favourites :)

    Laura xoxo

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  2. I wanna try this dry shampoo and this Revlon lip butter :-)

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  3. I love the buffing brush! It's amazing!
    S xx

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  4. I love reading Favourites posts, too, and this one was full of terrific products! I prefer the Batiste to the Klorane, I just find it easier to work with overall. I agree with your mini review of Pas des Copper, I was expecting a patchy mess but have had no problems with it and I've used it quite often this month. A very easy to wear eye look :) I really want to get my hands on some Real Techniques brushes, have heard nothing but good things about them.
    Sorry abut the mini essay, I'm just really loving your blog atm ;P

    xx

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    Replies
    1. I welcome the "essay", I love longer comments :) Try iherb.com for RT brushes, best price on the net for them. I bought the first few at Australian retail prices from this shop in the Dymocks building in Sydney and really wish I'd discovered that website earlier.

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  5. I love monthly favorites post as well :)
    The brush looks amazing.

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  6. I am happy to see a Real Techniques brush in this post! I am in love with my Real Techniques brushes! Great monthly favourites post, and I love how clear your photos are! xo

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  7. Glad you did the monthly favorites. I love the Batiste dry shampoo too. After years of using the Tresemme dry shampoo, which doesn't really do much at all, glad to find this and love it.

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  8. I don't think I have tried the Tropical Batiste... I've been using the one for Brunette hair just cos I think it helps blend it in a litttttle better but I'm really not keen on the smell. I'm actually really liking my Lush dry shampoo which is a powder and has no smell!
    I still haven't gotten around to trying Essence products. I had a look in Target but nothing really caught my eye... !

    Oh and PS I did get a pretty good spread out exam timetable, thanks! :)

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  9. Great reviews! I've always wanted to try a dry shampoo and will have to keep my eyes out for the Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo. And I'm glad you went back and got one last lip butter! They are such great little lipsticks/balms and come in such adorable packaging.

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  10. When I went to Ulta yesterday, I originally wanted the buffing brush but I think they only had it in a set? Or maybe it was also separate, but the Expert Brush was cheaper so I just went with that, LOL!

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    1. The buffing brush is only available in the Core Collection - I wish it were sold by itself! Sam herself has said in a Pixiwoo video that the two are really similar though, directly in response to people wishing the buffing brush would be sold by itself :p

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  11. It's unfortunate that the Bourjois foundation doesn't match your skin tone. :c What shade do you use? I'm really curious about the buffing brush!

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    Replies
    1. I use 53. 52 was a tad too light, I'm thinking a mix between the two would be perfect. The buffing brush is amazing, applying foundation just wouldn't be the same without it :)

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  12. Great monthly favs! I love the revlon's lip butter in the color strawberry shortcake! :)

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  13. I've been on the look out for strawberry shortcake. That one always seems to be out of stock! Agh. Now I really want to try the Batiste dry shampoo. I've never used one before, but it would be nice not to wash my hair every day. It just gets so oily! Great favorites:)

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  14. I love monthly favorites. I need to start posting up one too.

    Thanks for sharing yours. I love L'Occitane products. Also loving that lipstick.

    Thanks for visiting my blog. I am now your newest follower. Hope you drop by my blog again soon and follow when you have the chance.
    http://myminibag.blogspot.com

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  15. The brush looks amazing ! I want to buy the same but I don't like to buy in Internet, I don't know why ...

    http://littleturtlethings.blogspot.fr/
    Turtle <3

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  16. I just got the real techniques buffing brush can't wait to try it!

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  17. ok, i need to get myself some real technique brushes. lol. enough stalling. your posts remind me every time to get try them but i always forget. wonderful post as always.

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  18. nice favourites!!
    I really want to try the lip butter T.T how many do u have already??
    fortunately a friend of mine will visit me next month and he's going to bring me revlon lip butters from indonesia. woohooo I can hardly wait!!

    xx,
    pam

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    Replies
    1. Too many! :p Which colours did you order from him, or is he going to bring you random shades? I hope you enjoy them :) Definitely do a post when he arrives here!

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  19. Batiste is pretty amazing! Awesome product :)

    heatherhoneyblog.blogspot.com

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  20. I use Batiste Dry shampoo as well and reall like it. Loving your favourites and your photo's ... any tips you could share with a newbie :)

    xo

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    Replies
    1. I think your photos are quite good! I guess just keep taking them, practice makes perfect :) Natural light is always good, keep a steady hand as well :p I recommend PicMonkey as well if you want to edit your photos a bit, it's really easy to use and has some great settings.

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  21. I'll definitely have to try the dry shampoo. Thanks for the recommendation. I have oily hair and I need something between hair washings. :-)

    ~ Yun

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  22. I think I need to try the batiste dry shampoo, so I don't have to wash my hair every day or feel extremely greasy when I skip a day :S The Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake looks very wearable for us yellow skin toned people haha It's actually one of the colours that caught my eye first when I saw the lipstick line at the drugstore! :)

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  23. i've been obsessed with revlon lip butter in strawberry shortcake as well! new follower, can't wait to catch up on your posts :)

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  24. i absolutely love monthly favourites - it gets me excited especially when the products are from Australia and i can try out new products as well :)

    btw i nominated you for the versatile blogger award: http://needmorenails.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/versatile-blogger-award.html

    congrats :) xoxo Cathy

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    Replies
    1. That's why I love reading Australian beauty blogs, it's neat to see local products featured :) Thank you so much for the nomination Cathy!

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  25. I love this post! Following x

    CHECKOUT MY ASOS GIVEAWAY :)
    www.satinandsouffles.blogspot.com

    {Satin&Souffles}

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  26. I prefer face cleansers that foams up too - I don't think I've ever used ones that don't but maybe I should try. Bummer that you can't find that Loccitane on the aussie website.

    I am planning to get the Healthy Mix Serum as I really liked the original Healthy Mix foundation. Target was having 40% off Bourjois so might head in there and pick one up.

    Reply: It took me a while experimenting with my curling iron to achieve a wavy hairstyle that I was happy with. I think you'll look gorgeous with wavy hair!

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  27. Glad you decided to do a monthly favourites. I'm such a stickybeak when it comes to these! I was considering doing one myself this month but I wasn't really feeling it. Perhaps May will inspire me.

    I also love the Batiste dry shampoo. The tropical scent is so sweet and lovely. My only problem is I seem to finish them pretty quickly. I think they need to increase the size of the can.

    Oh and does the Essence Eye Souffle crease throughout the day?

    xx.

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    Replies
    1. I hope you do make one, they're always interesting to read :)

      The eye souffle doesn't crease on my lids, but then again I do have quite dry lids so I'm not sure if my experience is the best indicator. It's so cheap though (something like $3-$4), I think it's worth trying out regardless!

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  28. I've been wanting to try out stuff from L'Occitane, I hear it's really good!!

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  29. Batista is my favorite dry shampoo for the price! It really gives the most volume. I also love the buffing brush...amazing quality for the price....I would have paid much more for it! And it's got so many uses too!

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  30. ooh i am so intrigued by the real techinique brush and the dry shampoo!
    thanks for sharing this. ;)

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  31. Great blog! New follower, please follow. Thanks!

    http://beautyloveandlipgloss.blogspot.com/

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  32. Hey! I just awarded you with a Sunshine award which you can see on my blog :) happy blogging!

    http://elvirasbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

    Elvira

    xxx

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  33. I really like your blog dear!
    Keep posting!
    XO

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  34. love batiste! i did my april favourites too, you should have a look!!
    hannah xx
    athannahfashion.blogspot.com

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  35. We love your blog is wonderful and we are always here giving all the news.
    Deseamos to you a great Thursday.
    We are G +1 with the campaign and count on your participation.
    Super Glorinha kisses.
    http://sbrincos.blogspot.com.br
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    Brasil

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  36. hmm I've been meaning to try Batiste's dry shampoos! I've tried all the other similarly-priced and available dry shampoos like Klorane, but Batiste remains to be the one I haven't tried. Since you said it works better than Klorane, I might go check it out next time I'm at Priceline :) it's around like $6 anyway right?

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. I think it's $10 usually, but Priceline recently had a half price sale so I picked mine up for $5. Really good deal. Hopefully you can buy it at a good price and try it :)

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  37. Lovely favorites :)
    I have an olive moisturizer.. can´t remember the name and Im too lazy to go check ;) I didn´t like it for the longest time cause I didn´t like the scent but then I realized how great it was and I can´t stop using it :)
    hugs
    Oh btw.. Ive just nominated you for a blog award :)
    http://shortylegsbeauty.blogspot.com/2012/05/sunshine-award.html

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    Replies
    1. It's funny how we initially dislike a product but somehow manage to appreciate it later on. Thank you so much for the award! :)

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  38. Great favorites! I love the Batiste dry shampoos and Revlon lip butters too :)
    I'll have to add the Jurlique mist to my shopping list. I've been trying to find a good skin refresher since my skin always gets really dry and scaly. Does it spray in a very fine mist? I hate uneven sprays that leave droplets on your face.

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    Replies
    1. I have to say unfortunately it can, it really depends on how you spray it though. You can't go wrong holding it quite a bit away from your face and spraying evenly :p

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  39. great monthly favs ^-^. I love revlon's strawberry shortcake! I probably own most of these lip butters lol.

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  40. Hey, I've passed on an award to you.
    xx

    http://candiceyoureview.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/sunshine-award-burst-of-happiness-for.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. I just caught up on this blog post since I've been so busy. So many of my favourites are yours too! And YAY, glad you liked the Batiste dry shampoo. :D xx

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    1. I know how you feel, I've had quite a hectic week as well. Hope you get some down time soon! I totally was encouraged to try Batiste from your post :)

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  42. I really want to try this brushes :D
    I will buy it next month because my purse is ... empty hahahaha

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  43. I really want to try the real technique brushes. Where did you get yours from?

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    Replies
    1. Initially SA Hair, Nail & Beauty Supplies in the Dymocks Building in Sydney. Later ones were purchased from iherb.com :)

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  44. Absolutely love the smell and feel of the Jurlique Rosewater mist (maybe I like to feel as though I've been hosed down) and agree that the RT Buffing Brush is one of the best brushes I've ever used. x

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  45. Window shopped on iHerb- I'm definitely placing an order! And Ecotools on iHerb are laughably cheap. Oh, dear Priceline, your marked up prices lose out to America. I'm so glad you linked iHerb- if not, I would have forked out $26 for a 6-brush Ecotools set. So happy; thanks for sharing!

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    1. No problem, I owe discovering that website to fellow beauty bloggers as well :) I wish I'd come across it sooner, I paid quite a bit for a couple of Ecotools brush sets earlier in the year when they were about a third of the price on the website :\

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    2. May favourites, please! :D xx

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    3. Lol, I don't know if I can do it :p I was thinking of it, but it just didn't seem that interesting. One standout was NYX cream blush in Natural, love that :) Also rediscovered my love for Maybelline Define-A-Lash and the Smooth & Sleek green Pantene hehe

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