I must be honest with you, I've rarely had a skin care routine and on the off chances that I did I was hard pressed to stick to it - I know, I'm a bad girl. Yet, as my skin gradually got worse, I knew it was time for a change. I started moisturising daily, using masks and trying treatments - I tried the 'Oil Face' and got on every band wagon I could...except for Toner. I simply didn't get the point, until now. If you'd like to know more, sit back and scroll on my friend!
Firstly, what is a toner? A Toner is defined as a product, wash or cleanser designed to refresh and shrink the appearence of pores on the face, to improve the skin quality. This means it should make your skin somewhat smoother and even increase its elasticity - god send am I right? Introducing my new favourite skin care product the Tea Tree Water Toner Water by Lush.
This toner claims to come to the aid of skin that has had emergencies, and as red-faced individual my skin is in a constant state of emergency! Ingredients wise this product includes tea tree water (obviously) which has wonderous antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial ingredients whilst grapefruit water aims to rejuvenate the skin, penetrating the surface with much needed minerals.
The use of this product is fairly simple, after cleansing and moisturising, simply close your eyes and lightly spray the product on your face (Fair warning, the jet on this thing is lethal) so I suggest you spray the product onto a cotton wool pad and wipe it over your face. Viola!
My Thoughts: YASSSSS! But no, seriously, this product is the bees knees, and I've already seen an improvement in my skin, its softer, smoother, and I'm even noticing a change in my facial coloration, less red - WINNING! I highly recommend this product to anyone who's listening - because you'll not only be fighting your face but also animal testing to! I give this product Five out of Five baby faces!
Stay shiny x
(Also check out my Instagram guys: theencyclopediaofher)
I'll admit; I'm really bad at keeping on schedule.
I'd like to say I have an excuse for my lack of posting, say whats it been, a week? But in all honesty I don't; life just got in the way, work family and friends and lots of outings (Including my birthday) but during my hiatus I have discovered, I really love orange makeup, blushers, lipsticks even eyeshadows - I'm on that like white on rice! So I figured in the attempt to get back into the blogging swing of things, I'd share with you some of my most beloved orange products! So sit back and scroll on!
Lets start with lipsticks; I love me some lipsticks in fact the first lipstick I ever brought was Revlon's Siren (Which of course has made it into this list!) among my fav's are MAC in Vegas Volt, a NYX matte lipstick in Indie Flick a Bourjois healthy boost chubby stick in Orange Punch and of course Revlon's Siren.
Vegas Volt is a beautiful muted orange, thats not to stand-outty but still has enough 'omph' for those days when you want to be bold! One of the many selling points, other then the colour is the velvety texture of the formula which hasn't accentuated the dry patches on my lips in this oncoming hell of a summer! Orange Punch is the most hydrating of the bunch and whilst the colour packs a 'punch' (pun intended) it still comes of fairly muted, in fact this is one I myself have worn into work many times. A quick side note, I think this stick works well for me as my lips aren't to pigmented, if yours are, you might want to try using a lip base! Next is Siren and oh boy isn't she a beauty! Shes a true orange, that practically screams I AM HERE and I couldn't be glad-er for it...yes I know thats not a word. I love the finish of the Revlon Creme lipsticks as they go on smooth and opaque and when they wear of, they don't become patchy or uneven! Last of the lipsticks and the newest to my orange collection is Indie Flick a red-leaning orange that means bussiness. For me its a fun colour and one I think works best paired with either a bold winged liner, or smudged out bronze eyeshadow!
Next to the eyes - and yes I know that this is quite a weird place to put orange but just work with me. Have you seen Sharon Farrell on youtube? If yes good, if no, go there now and watch her, fall in love and then come back here. Don't worry, will wait. *awkward elevator music* Oh your back! Now, she does a tutorial using a bright orange eyeshadow, I recreated it using Costal Scents Deep Cantaloupe and I've worn it so many times since and its just magical! Yet, if your less of a bright orange fan, you can check out a subtle peachy shade like this Nabi single in Sand which is subtle - I use it as a blend-y shade. Another I enjoy, that has more of a rusted red undertone is from the Revlon Quad Wild. The shade doesn't have a name but its a great V shade if your going for a warm look!
Lastly and by my favourite beauty product is coral blushers! Theres something about blush that just makes my heart roar and I think orange blushers are perfect for summer, especially as I am trying to get away from my typical pink flush! One favourite is a Revlon cream blush in Coral Reef, its beautiful to apply and easy to blend, I find however that it isn't quite pigmented enough - but if your happy to layer then all power to you, I'm just a little lazy! Next up is a Rimmel blush in, you guessed it Coral and I think the reason I love this blush is because you can't go wrong with it - its a neutral coral blush, no shimmer, no shine...it's exactly what it is! Also, its lovely and smooth to wear - long lasting to boot! Last up, and possibly my favourite orange beauty product would be the Sleek Blush By Three trio in Lace. *breaths heavily* The first blush is a bright matte orange, followed by a somewhat pinker coral with gold shimmer and lastly a nice deep orange that reminds me of the Revlon eyeshadow I mentioned above!
Whats your favourite colour for beauty products? Let me know in the comments below - I'll be back soon!
When I first began in the big scary world of makeup, eyeliner seemed like the one thing I could never master, pencil always hurt, liquid just went everywhere - and don't even get me started on gel, that was like a magic trick. Or so I thought...gradually I learned the ways of pencil, and then liquid and I may have finally found the perfect gel product! Enter the L'oreal Super Liner 24H Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in 01 Black *cue rave review now*
First up, lets talk packaging; the gel comes in a a glass 'capsule' with a simple gold lid, that to me add class to what would be considered a 'drugstore' product by most, it has a nice weight and the lid doesn't capture fingerprints like other packaging which I think is a major plus. I'm not the biggest fan of the accompanying brush, plastic-y and cheap something that I wouldn't pick up voluntarily, but in a pinch you could make it work.
This liner is richly pigmented, heavenly so! Its much deeper then any other liner I've tried, even my Maybeline Master Precise which I love so dearly! It applies supper easily, one swipe gives the perfect line, and it can be used easily to make a thin or thick line. It lasts all day, with no bleeding or fading; but 24H? Sorry L'oreal no, it can easily last 12 or so, but much more I wouldn't try, why you wearing your makeup for more then twelve hours I have no idea! Do you want to know another great thing? The liner hasn't dried out which is great plus!
If your in the mood to try something new, or if you just love a good gel eyeliner test this one out! P.S. its also ridiculously good for gel liner newbies!
Everybody in my family goes co-co for Christmas, we have our traditions, all of our baubles and tree decorations as well as a bunch of housy stuff (Include my brothers favourite - a dancing santa!) We all sit around watching Christmas movies, and we bake Christmas themed goodies, this year I'm going to be making Gingerbread macaroons, and we just generally have a supper duper time! So if your anything like me, and enjoy a good Christmas - take a gander!
What is your favourite Christmas film? This is a toss up, what a great way to start off right? My first favourite would be the Grinch, when I was a child it was a great heart warming tale but now that I'm older its incredibly quotable which I really love. Plus that hair and those outfits oh boy! Next to that would be Jingle Bells, it has Schwarzernegger in it, and its about a quest to find Turbo Man! (If you've seen it you know, and if you haven't seen it you need to get on this level. Stat.
Have you ever had a White Christmas? I can officially answer yes to this - infact I've had two! The first was in England in 2012 and it was pretty to look at but damn cold to be in - seriously way icier then I wanted it to be. The second was in Las Vegas in a the big driving home things. It was fun and silly and perfect that was in 2013! But I must say, I quite like my Australian summery christmas - theres just something about them? Swimming, fun, cricket, beer!
Where do you usually spend your holiday? If were not travelling, I normally spend Christmas morning with my parents and my brother - then we pack up and head over to my Aunt and Uncles place in the 'country' for a massive family get together, cousins, aunts and uncles, nan's and pops - its something I ALWAYS look forward to.
What is your favourite Christmas song? When I was younger it used to be anything by the wiggles but ever since I was twelve, it has been Mariah Carey's version of All I Want For Christmas Is You because its perfect. Its fun, bubbly, entertaining and just everything. Give yourself an eargasm now!
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve? No and to be honest I've never gotten that tradition? I mean maybe if they were like tea mugs to drink your Christmas beverage of choice? Or Christmas themed PJ's? But no, not even then.
Can you name all of the Reindeer? I have always been able to ever since Kindergarten - we always used to sing them, especially when it was coming up to practice for the Christmas concert - was it just me or were those things the shit! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid, Comet, Donner, Blitzen and eventually Rudolph.
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year? Sitting around the Christmas tree with my family, all with coffee and teas while we open presents; its always a really joyful experience and its perfect, we listen to Christmas music and I can't even.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake? Real.
What is your all time favourite holiday food/sweet treat? Normally we all bring something, I think my favourite holiday food is Turkey...or chicken...or Mince Pies I really like them. (Are you sensing a pattern - I can't choose between food products) and my favourite sweet is generally these cream filled lamingtons that my nan makes!
Be Honest: Do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better? Honestly, I couldn't say. I mean I love getting gifts, so much, I get a little jolt of excitement everytime I see things wrapped under the tree! In saying that, as I've been old enough to buy people presents in the past years, and have had the money to buy the things that I really wanted to get this year - I am super excited to see everyones face when they open there. This year, they are on par for sure!
What is the best Christmas gift you've ever received? I think when I was about fourteen, my parents brought me two rabbits for Christmas (Patches and Toffee a la original) and they were great - until they died/ran away. But still! Such a great gift!
What would be your dream place to visit for Christmas? I think I'd like to go to South America for Christmas in the future (Its one of the places I haven't been yet and it just seems so exciting and...colourful!)
Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably? Not to put to fine of a point on it, but yes, I am a pro...on all except the cylindrical objects - those I normally give to my brother. I don't like people knowing what I'm getting other people so I kind of have to be a good wrapper because I don't want to ask for help! I love putting bows and really decking them out!
Most memorable Christmas moment? I don't think I can answer this one - there have just been so many memorable Christmas's be it in Vietnam walking around in throngs of people with the massive lights and Christmas displays, in England or America, or even at home with everyone I love, its way to hard, Christmases in general are normally my favourite moment!
What made you realise the truth about Santa? I guess, it just happened as I grew older, things just happened and I become increasingly suspicious - and when I caught my dad putting out the easter chocolate I just knew...
Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them? I normally never have, but I'm contemplating doing them this year, this year has been one hell of a roller coaster and I've learnt a WHOLE lot so I figure I might give em a go - let me know in the comments below if you want to see them!
What makes the holidays special for you? The fact that I can spend it with my family and everyone I love - its the best - I can just be with everyone and truly live in the moment! No work, no school. nothing but fun, food, and frivolity.
I think its time I let you in on a not so little secret, I love buying things and spending money - and I know, probably not the best trait right? Especially not this close to Christmas! None the less, I went to see my cousin in Sydney (Follow her blog here - she's the best, if she were a food, she'd be cheesecake made of dreams.) and we spent money, like we always do. So I've decided to share it with you lovely people!
Fun by Lush
This, made my life. I had originally only planned to by one thing on our trip to Lush, but our retail assistant was the bomb-diggity, really she was hilarious so I can hardly blame her for springing this baby on me. Retailing for $9.99 this deliciously caramel, bergamot, sweet citrusy smelling fun (A clay like consistency soap)! You can mould it into shapes, a shower or hair lather or even to crumble it into a running soaking tub - the possibilities are endless!
Tea Tree Water by Lush
Reading reviews online, I've heard many a good word about this toner - and as I have recently decided to up my skin care game I figured it might be worth a shot. While this toner is generally marketed towards dryer skin tones - in the upcoming summer months my skin heads towards an oily consistency! I think with this, and my hydrating moisturiser my skin may very well be in for a real treat! It just makes me think; clean.
The Breakfast Scrub Smoothie by Soap and Glory
This is a re-buy, and one well worth it; because it is my favourite bath product in the whole wide world. Theres a tonne of reviews out there, if you'd like me to do one let me know down in the comments, but trust me its well worth the hype. The scent is delicious, it smells like breakfast food (My favourite type of food) and the oatmeal really works to clean skin but not abrasively so! I will be buried with this.
Suede-Berry by Lime Crime
Another impulse purchase, and this one I have no regrets, none, nope - I am in love; this lipstick, lip velveteen, lip stain? Whatever it is the definition of perfection, applies perfectly and has a great staying power - I was so excited by this I could not even stop dancing around in the store like a child! It was kind of pathetic but I don't care I'm literally overjoyed. Just yes.
Soft and Gentle by MAC
This one was a planned purchase - after playing with my cousins makeup collection yesterday I knew that I needed this. I have no other highlighters like this, and my cousin claims it lasts all day and is perfect (Although I think she's more in love with Mary-Louminizer! I'll be posting a review on this one for sure! Wait around my friends! It shall happen very soon!
Thats all she wrote folks, or more like all she brought. What have you been haluin' lately?
If there is one thing I can't get enough of, its coffee and music.
To me, theres nothing more soul satisfying then finding new music that makes your weak at the knees, that makes you want to scream out the lyrics and whip out your air guitar, music is just, essential...and if your anything like me, you can never have enough of it. So I figured I might share with you guys some of the songs, and bands that I have been ABSOLUTELY in love with this past week. (Warning; I have slightly varied tastes, so prepare yourself for a clash of classical and metal.)
1. Take Me To Church by Hozzier
You know how Spotify always recommends those songs to you and in your head your always like 'Can you not?' Well this is one of the songs that I am so grateful for. Stunning voice, brilliant song. Blue-sy with some rock undertones, oh my, how my heart flutters!
2. Lullabies by Yuna
From her self-titles album, her voice beckons in this song, and the moving beat gets me groovin' everytime - its great song to listen to in the bath, or at any time that you just want to calm down. (I recommend checking out her older albums to if your that way inclined, she's unique.)
3. Cloud Spiller by Crobot
A lucky find (By someone close to me) is what introduced me to these babies; and I must say originally I wasn't the biggest fan...but then I really listened and just damn. If you like a little bit of rock, or just some epic shit, check out there album Something Supernatural available on Spotify!
4. Water Came Down by Rosie Low
I don't think I could describe this song, even if I really really tried. Theres a mashup of beats and styles and electronics that all, somehow, work well together, hell they work really well. If you don't mind a hint of techno, give her a listen. Much catchy.
5. Sonic Highways by Foo Fighters
Do I need to explain this? No. Listen to it, that is all I can tell you, its great, its the Foo's! How could it not be anything but spectacular?!
As much as I love beauty products (and as much as my bank account does not) there have been many bits and things that I've been loving this month, over any others so I figured why not share them with you? If you like books, food, movies and what not keep reading!
belVita Breakfast Milk and CerealsI
A normal one would know, that these biscuits are designed to be eaten as part of a balanced breakfast - yet, I find them so delicious I normally have a pack before I go to work as they have a '4hr slow release' of carbohydrates. They have a distinctly milky taste, with the oatey crunch making them extra tasty! The box comes with six packs of four cookies, a perfect serving size! If you struggle to eat breakfast (but know you should) then give these a go!
Equilibrium Japanse Honeysuckle Candle
With summer here, my candle choices have moved away from 'warm' to 'bright and fruity' and this candle is exactly that. With a beautiful sweet scent, that envelops the entire house hold in less then a few hours! Its a two wick candle, and it lasts for ages! The candle company I brought it from also refills them at a discounted price - hooray for the environment!
A Tale for The Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
Recently at the Lifeline book fair I picked up a stack of books (I may or may not have spent my entire pay cheek without regrets) and with the university semester over I have started to work may way through them. My lord, this book is a piece of beauty. Wonderfully written, I enjoyed the experience that it afforded, as well as the stories it taught me. Having a large interest in Buddhism and Japanese culture this book was also way up my alley! I recommend it if you have a spare moment or two!
Target Sunnies
I'm going to be really honest, the main reason I like these sun glasses is because of the daises - also because the material doesn't take of the makeup on my nose which is a major plus I can tell you!
Some other quick things I've been loving this month are; Clue (A period tracker - saved me) a band called Crobot and a little TV show called Parks and Recreation, maybe you've heard of it? What random things have you guys been loving this month?
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