Sunday, August 9, 2015

July Favourites

Super late, I know, but better than never. Surprisingly, there were a whole bunch of new products for July, with only one item I've previously featured on the blog. A few skin care bits and bobs (the majority courtesy of the Priceline skin care gift bag) to ameliorate the damage of winter, learning to make use of my most indulgent brush purchase, and finally adding to my collection a couple of popular makeup products I've been meaning to try for ages. Thankfully, they didn't disappoint.



Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum
Sure, the scent of this is a bit too reminiscent of shampoo for my liking, and the texture is like a lightweight, gel-like hair conditioner, but I do think my skin is appreciating what it does. I apply a dollop to my freshly cleansed/toned face in the morning before going in with my regular daytime moisturiser. The extra step boosts plumpness, hydration and protection, resulting in smoother, more balanced and supple skin. I much prefer this to Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum which I'm not sure ever did anything for me. I liked it so much I even bought a whole 40ml bottle (I'm currently using a 15ml sample) during Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale.



Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
I can't really comment on the skin-brightening and tone-correcting claims (mainly because I haven't seen any noticeable difference, and/or I haven't been using it consistently or long enough), but I have been enjoying using this as my evening serum. The consistency is unlike anything I've experienced. It's extremely watery upon contact with the skin, but before then, it's somewhat gloopy and thick. Coagulated, even. I'm used to either oils or runny serums, so it took a while to adjust to the entirely new texture. When it is applied, it does feel refreshing and hydrating, sinking into the skin quickly and effectively without the slightest hint of greasiness or heaviness.


La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche
I use this as a nourishing, plumping night cream after my toners and serums, and it's like a drink of water for my skin. Instant, comforting hydration. Infused with their Thermal Spring Water, it's very moisturising but not unpleasantly thick or oily (unlike Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream). Suitable for dry, sensitive skin, I like that it's very basic (scentless, non-irritating, clinical ingredients), with a creamy texture that spreads out and absorbs well, providing vital protection and moisture.




theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer
I resisted valiantly for a year and a half, but finally caved. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't just buy it earlier. I still prefer the cult Mary-Lou Manizer, simply because the colour is more universal and versatile, but Cindy-Lou is a beautiful, worthwhile addition to my highlighter wardrobe. It's not so much a highlighter in the traditional sense (i.e. belonging to the champagne/pearl family), but pure peachy-pink shimmer. Depending on the rest of your makeup, a strongly pink highlight might be incongruous with the rest of the face, but when it does work, it's eye-catching, unique, and damn pretty.


SUQQU Cheek Brush
I've barely recovered from the amount of money I paid for it, but at least in July, I've been reaching for it daily. It was being neglected for a while because it's not my preferred brush to apply blush, but for highlighters, it's perfect. Especially ultra pigmented, smooth, easily blended, high impact highlighters like Cindy-Lou, Mary-Lou and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I wouldn't have thought to use the Cheek Brush primarily for powder highlighter, but it was Christine of Temptalia that recommended it. The small shape and unrivaled softness of the brush places and diffuses product effortlessly and flawlessly.


l-r: Shimma Shimma, Glamorous, Cosmopolitan, Roulette, Homecoming, Cocoa Bear, Grandstand

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
FINALLY, I become acquainted with Makeup Geek shadows. Could I have called myself a lover of eyeshadow without having tried these earlier? When I heard the company was holding a free shipping promotion (thanks to the AustralianMakeup subreddit, of all places), I couldn't get onto the site quick enough. After waiting an age and almost giving up hope my order would ever arrive (though realistically, shipping time was less than 3 weeks), my precious cargo arrived safe and sound.

Sure, I basically have all the warm-toned, orangey/bronzey/rose goldy colours in a combination of Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar and Morphe Brushes Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, but who's counting. I love all the shades I picked out, but especially Glamorous, Homecoming and Grandstand. Roulette is the only one that I'm slightly iffy about, in that it's a bit too brightened, in-your-face red for everyday wear, and extremely similar to a few existing shadows I have (LORAC Garnet from the Pro Palette and Morphe Mysterious ES11 come to mind). Still, the shadows are incredible quality: beautifully pigmented, vibrant, smooth, easy to blend, and complex in their colours and finishes. I'm honestly impressed and despite not needing any more eyeshadow for the next 3 decades, I want to order more.

53 comments:

  1. Great post! :) Do you have any advice as to how to pick which serum/oil is right for the face? Also what should I consider when building my night routine?

    Thanks!

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    1. I guess it depends mainly on your skin type. A good starting point would be the labelling/description of the product (it will usually say if it is targeted for dry, normal, oily/combination, sensitive skin etc.) and good ol' Google for customer reviews. Most of it is just trial and error since skin care is so personal. Caroline Hirons is a trusted authority on the interwebs when it comes to skin care routine recommendations. I try to follow her advice: non-foaming cleanser (you may need a separate makeup remover beforehand), exfoliating toner, hydrating toner, eye cream (if I can be bothered), serum, moisturiser (usually mixed with a face oil).

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  2. Yay for Toleriane Riche, MUG shadows and Cindy-Lou! Been loving all of those recently. But yes, I'm very tempted to buy some more MUG shadows - they're just amazing quality! I think I'll have to wait for the Jaclyn Hill colab palette :P Can't wait to use my Antipodes Apostle serum, Imma break it out once I finish my current serum which is nearly done!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    1. Oh yeah, the Jaclyn Hill palette is around the corner. I would imagine at least one (though likely more) shadows I bought would be in that palette though ... so I'm not sure if I'll buy. Depends on whether the collaboration features all new shades, which I kind of doubt since that would seem like a large project than her picking her favourite shades (a la Morphe) and putting them in a palette. Which serum are you currently using?

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    2. True. I bought a lot of her faves haha :P We'll see though! I am currently using the La Roche Posay Sensi white one which I don't mind. I feel like it has helped with fading acne scars but it's always so hard to tell when I constantly get new spots -_- Wouldn't repurchase though :P

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  3. Those Make-Up Geek eyeshadows look gorgeous I need to try some out!

    CharlotteSamantha // www.charlottesamantha.co.uk

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  4. I love your choice in favorites! I really want that Cindy-Lou highlighter.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the picks! The highlighter is very purdy :)

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  5. Oh damn - wish I knew about the free Make Up Geek shipping to Australia before it ended!

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    1. It's always annoying to miss out on good deals and only find out when it's too late! Hopefully they will have something similar soon.

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  6. Cindy Lou looks so pretty, I love the colour!
    Maddy, xo // UNSTITCHEDD

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    1. It is indeed pretty, something a bit different than your usual champagne/pearly highlighters.

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  7. I really like the sound of the serum, sounds lovely for my more dry skin type.

    alice x | beautybyalicee | bloglovin'

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    1. Both the Antipodes and Bioderma have been agreeing with my dry skin!

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    1. Thanks Kayla! I've been really liking it recently.

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  9. I need to try something from Antipodes really soon, I've heard nothing but praise for most of their products! xx

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    1. For me, they're a bit hit and miss. I'm not really a fan of their gel cleanser, Aura mask (shock, horror) or creams (both the Vanilla Pod day one and the Avocado Pear night one), but I do like their Joyous serum, the Apostle one, their exfoliator, Kowhai Flower hand cream and the Divine Face Oil. I haven't tried their toners/spritzers that much but the few times I have sampled the tester in store. I haven't been impressed. Seemed to dry out and irritate my skin and the spritzing mechanism wasn't that fine. Funniest part is just how many Antipodes products I've actually tried! Sadly all with my own money haha...

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  10. Those Makeup Geek eyeshadows look gorgeous! I've been looking for a new serum so might take a closer look at the Bioderma one!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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    1. The shadows are all really nicely pigmented and have excellent texture and blendability. Hope you do like the Bioderma if you do decide to check it out and buy it!

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  11. Those eyeshadows look amazing! I know I've asked this before but what camera and lense do you use again?

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    1. They really have been a hit with me!

      I use the Nikon D7000 with the standard 18-105mm lens it came with. For my swatch photos I switch to 18-55mm which was the default lens with my original DSLR, the Nikon D40. I shot my blog photos with the D40 until I switched to the D7000 around October 2012.

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  12. Those eyeshadows look so buttery and pigmented. Especially loving the looks of Shimma Shimma & Cosmopolitan! I have also now seen the Cindy Lou-Manizer a few times this month in favorites posts, and I'm so tempted to get it - partially since it is my name haha.

    Cindy // www.cindyhyue.com

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    1. Shimma Shimma is nice but I'm never hugely partial to highlighting shades - I just don't really reach for them much. And I always find inner corner highlight looks odd on me unless the shade is just right for my skin tone, which is rare. Still, it's one of their most popular colours and I can see why. Cosmopolitan is quite reddish/peachy with gold shimmer. Really nice one but not really neutral enough to be universal, I don't think. For me, it's still on the adventurous side when it comes to everyday eye makeup, haha. Cindy-Lou differentiates itself from other highlighters because it is so distinctly pink-toned. I think that's why it's so popular, plus, it's really pigmented, smooth and easy to blend.

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  13. Makeup Geek shadows always seem so pigemented! I haven't tried them yet but I should definitely get on board!

    sayyip.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Do give them a try eventually - I waited a long time before I did but thankfully they didn't disappoint!

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  14. The Makeup Geek shadows are just too stunning! I definitely need to look into them more as the quality is just incredible. x

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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    1. Have you tried any yourself? They are beautiful - I'm very pleased with them and have been reaching for them nonstop. I especially love Grandstand!

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  15. wow those Makeup Geek eyeshadows are gorgeous! *_* They all looks so pigmented and intense.. I have yet to try the MUG eye shadows but now I think I really should..
    Oh and the Cindy Lou Manizer does look pretty! I have swatched it in person and was so close to buy it, but thought I wouldn't be able to decide whether to use it as highlighter ( too pink / peach ) or as a blush ( too shimmery ) so I left it at the counter *sad*

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    1. Hahaha I know exactly what you mean Pam. Seriously! I had the same reservations. It is a bit odd in that it probably would be more like a shimmery pink blush on paler skin tones, but I just go with it anyway. It's all about embracing the pink shimmer :p I'm actually eyeing Monster from Colourpop - it's like a lavender highlighter. Bit weird but so pretty in my opinion!

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  16. I'm obsessed with Cindy-Lou possibly more than Mary-Lou! Such an unique product :)


    Sarah | More Than Adored

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    1. I know what you mean! Sometimes it's the more unique products, especially if well-formulated, that win us over :)

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  17. I love that LRP cream, then again I love anything I've tried from them. I was thinking about trying the Cindy-Lou Manizer because I literally just dropped my Mary-Lou Manizer this morning all over my bedroom floor. Devastated!

    Emma x

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    1. Oh no, that's horrible! :'( Makeup accidents just make you want to turn back time. Maybe it is a sign to replenish your supply though ;)

      I haven't tried that much of LRP. I didn't like Effaclar Duo but then again, probably because it wasn't suited to my skin type. Toleriane Riche is a lot better!

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  18. I'm going to try that Bioderma next! Also want to get that Cindy Lou to top up blushes :)

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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    1. That's a popular use for it! It does enliven and add something special to matte pink blushes :)

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  19. I'm really curious about the Bioderma Serum. Hydration is one of the things I'm always looking for.
    I have yet to get my hands on Cindy-Lou Manizer, probably in September since I really want to get some of their new Matte Liquid Lipsticks and finally pick up some blushes.
    Same for the Makeup Geek shadows. I really wanted to get a few shades since their quality and price is hardly comparable to any brand - except Zoeva, but they only do palettes and not single eyeshadows.

    Take care*

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    1. Haven't tried Zoeva eyeshadows but really want to! Though Lord knows the last thing I need is more makeup. I'm actually eyeing the Maybelline The Nudes Palette - though it is near impossible to track down where I live and retails for $25 or something, which isn't even cheap. I didn't know theBalm was coming out with matte liquid lipsticks!

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  20. Glad to hear that bioderma product is working for you! I've been eyeing their skin refining one but it's a bit pricey but I do believe skincare is worth the extra $$$! Also damn those MUG eyeshadows! I love the look of cosmopolitan and homecoming! Also, when I do invest in an expensive hand made brush, it's always going to be that smallish rounded shape, I love that exclusively for blush. I've never gone back to using any other type of shape brush for my blush!

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    1. The small shape is great for extra precision though the problem with the Suqqu is that it is SO soft and kind of just flops about. Great for diffusing very pigmented blushes for a natural, well-blended effect, but not so great for more accurate placement or tapping/pressing on blush with your brush which I prefer occasionally to rubbing the brush over the cheek to blend. Bioderma is surprisingly pricey here (the serum retails for something like $45), but thankfully I bought mine at 40% off during Priceline's skin care sale.

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  21. You picked some great Makeup Geek eyeshadows. I'm glad you finally got to try them. Grandstand is one of my favorite eyeshadows in general. x

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    1. Your post on the MUG eyeshadows definitely helped me to decide which I should get! And yes, Grandstand is amaaaazing.

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  22. I've passed over the Cindy Lou-Manizer so many times but seeing you swatch it above has made me re-think it! Looks so different to everything else I have x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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    1. It's a great addition if you don't have that many (or any) pink-toned highlighters!

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  23. The Suqqu cheek brush looks amazing. *swoons*

    www.jemaroons.com

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    1. It's so soft! Lisa Eldridge made me do it, haha!

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  24. The Makeup Geek shades you picked are gorgeous! I hope you do a post on them soon :) I constantly trawl the website and make up a wishlist order lol

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  25. The Makeup Geek shades you picked are gorgeous! I hope you do a post on them soon :) I constantly trawl the website and make up a wishlist order lol

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  26. I love anything from La Roche Posay! This palette looks so lovely, I'm liking the rust-toned shades at the moment and I like the shimmer these have.

    Tia | at0ut.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. The Antipodes serum shocked me because my skin (right after using it) becomes so soft and touchable PLUS it's vegan which is a huge plus

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  29. Got my very first MakeUp Geek shadows at the weekend... so excited! There's so many gorgeous shades, Looking at your swatches, I wish I'd ordered Homecoming now.

    Claire Beauty&le Chic x

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