My skincare routine has been all over the place this year, and I’m finally at a point where I’m starting to find a little balance. I think it’s only natural that as you get older, you’ll find yourself focusing more on investing in skincare (rather than buying the cheapest cleanser at Priceline that you can track down!), and this has never been more of a truism for me than it is now. Now that I’ve finally managed to get myself into a routine, I thought I’d share some of the beauty products which are currently sitting on my top shelf.
The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm has been holy grail of mine for some time now, but it’s just a little bit pricey, and given how much Luke loves this too, we tend to go through a tub so quickly. My skin never looks better than when I’m using this, so I don’t hesitate to use this daily. It took me a while to come around to cleansing oils, but I love how nourishing this feels, while leaving my feeling fresh and clean. Definitely on the repurchase list again, already.
My skin has been pretty congested lately, which I think I can put down mostly to indulging a little bit more than usual over the festive season. It had been a long while since I’d run out of my Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask, and I was on the lookout for something new, that would combat these mini breakouts and also help to calm my skin. I’ve only had a chance to use it a few times, but I’ve been absolutely loving the Eve Lom Rescue Mask so far; the redness on my face is visibly reduced after use and and overall my skin felt cleaner and brighter. It’s a clay-based mask with some pretty effective ingredients including honey (which helps to moisturise!), ground almonds (to gently exfoliate), and my favourite, camphor, which helps to cool the skin and draw out toxins.
It gets pretty hot in Sydney during the summer time – particularly when we’re in the middle of a heat wave aka right this minute – so I try to avoid putting any heavy or thick moisturisers on my face during those warmer months. I stumbled across the Eve Lom Rescue Oil Free Moisturiser and haven’t looked back since – this is ultra lightweight on the skin, and is perfect if you have oily or combination skin like my own.
Long gone are the days where I’m able to take my time applying my makeup. Or just generally, spend more than 15 minutes getting ready in the morning. The quicker I can get things done, the better. So in addition to relying on easy and effortless basics for day-to-day dressing, I’ve also found myself streamlining my makeup routine.
It’s been a while since I’ve done any serious beauty chat, so I thought I’d run through the seven products that have been “doing the most” for me over the past few months. Quick little side note… While I don’t make it through all seven steps every morning, I do make an effort to at least apply a little concealer to cover up any darkness under my eyes, or redness around my nose or chin.
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer | As mentioned above, concealer is a must for me. Daily. Aside from a good night’s sleep (which feels months away!), it’s the only thing that really seems to have an impact at brightening up my complexion. Quite literally! I’ve been using up the Age Rewind Concealer from Maybelline, and while my initial impressions were pretty mixed, I’ve really come to love this product. It’s more of a light to medium coverage, easily buildable, and blends effortlessly into the skin. I feel I don’t need to wear any other base products, as long as I’ve got one of these to hand.
Clinique Bronzer* | I’ve been mixing things up and using one of two bronzers from Clinique. My fave is hands down the Chubby Stick in Sculpting Contour; a product I’ve already managed to use up once in the past. The newer of the two is the Powder Pop Flower Bronzer, something I was super excited to try out after hearing Jasmine Dowling mention it. While my preference is for cream products, this is a really beautiful powder. Finely milled, blends out effortlessly on the skin, and buildable. The colour has a red undertone to it, so it gives that natural “I’ve been out in the sun” look.
NARS Pro Prime Eyeshadow Base | An oldie but a goodie, I recently decided to revisit this eyeshadow primer after my Urban Decay Primer Potion finally bit the dust. Of the two, the NARS one is definitely my favourite. The colour is transparent, so even if you don’t work it into the lid, it doesn’t show. And it just makes your eyeshadow stick around all. damn. day. A total must if you have oily eyelids like me!
ABH ‘Sultry’ Eyeshadow Palette | Since I’ve stopped actively looking to add new makeup to my stash, I’ve been falling back in love with my old favourites; the ABH Sultry Palette included. I’m really only using four or five shadows out of the palette as my daily eye look is a simple wash of colour across the lid, perhaps with a bit of sparkle. This has those essentials I need, plus some more fun shimmery options if I feel like experimenting.
Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Eyeliner | Another one of those old favourites which I recently decided to revisit. And you know what? I think I forgot just how good this is. Super affordable, and pretty easy to use too as it has quite a fine tip. I do find this isn’t the best to wear on a super windy day though as it tends to wear away if my eyes get incredibly watery.
Marc Jacobs At Lash’d Mascara* | I’m constantly on the hunt for good mascara options that won’t rub off on my brow bone thanks to my oily eyelids… This new launch from Marc Jacobs intrigued me as it promised to be smudge-proof, so I knew it’d be an instant winner for me if it delivered. And boy does it. I’ve been using this daily since it arrived in the mail, and I love what it does for my lashes. It isn’t as “va-va-voom” as the MJ Velvet Noir Mascara, though with a bit of layering you can get near close enough. Adds volume, and length, plus it stays put all day. Another one I’ll be adding to my “repurchase” list.
Benefit Brow Microfilling Pen* | I don’t think there’s a brand out there that does brows better than Benefit. Seriously. Usually I’m loyal most to my Gimme Brow, but I do find if I’m not careful this can really highlight my brows and make them look a little too bold. Less is definitely more for me with brow products. But of late, I’ve found myself reaching for their newest launch, the Brow Microfilling Pen. This has three fine felt tips which are supposed to mimic the effect of micro-blading. I can’t say that’s quite been my experience. Instead, I find this as a subtle and natural way to fill in the gaps, and give my brows a bit more volume (without making them the focal point of my face). It’s also completely smudge proof the moment it sets so your filled in brows will not be going anywhere.
While I’ve spent the last week complaining about just how cold it is in Sydney, this new lipstick launch from Rimmel has definitely been putting a little spring in my step. I’m a sucker for anything pink plus I’ve typically loved Rimmel lipsticks; they’re one of the better affordable lipsticks out there. I’ve been putting these to the test over the last few weeks so figured it was high time I shared my thoughts for those of you thinking of picking up a shade or two.
The formula is a little lighter than the rest of their Moisture Renew line, and as the name would suggest, the lipstick applies a sheer wash of colour on the lips. Once applied, the lipstick itself is very moisturizing and feels cushion-like on the lips. As with all sheer lipsticks, the colour does wear and fade quickly – but evenly – leaving a light stain on the lips, so you’ll need to reapply throughout the course of the day if you’re after a bolder look. There’s also a light citrus or fruity scent (it seems to vary depending on the shade), which dissipates very quickly upon applying the lipstick to your lips.
I’ve seen this released in six shades here in Australia (five of which I’ve swatched for you below), the latter of which I don’t have being a very neutral looking nude.
With so many bright fun shades, these are the perfect way to start Spring – just a few short weeks away!! – and also a great alternative for those who don’t typically wear lipstick often. The formulation and the wear is a little like a tinted lip balm, though I find these to be much more pigmented and very reminiscent of MAC’s cremesheen formula.
Woke Up Like This [100] – A sheer, almost milky pink with a faint peach undertone, this is probably the only shade which came across as less wearable for me.
Glow-rious Pink [200] – This is essentially Spring in a tube. It’s a light petal pink which looks stunning on the lips.
Pink Rules [300] – A magenta-hued pink, this shade just screams summer. It’s one of the more pigmented out of the range and leaves a stain on your lips once the initial gloss has worn off.
Red-y, Set, Go! [500] – One of my favourite shades of the lot, this is an excellent dupe for MAC’s Dozen Carnations. It’s a bright, orange toned red that really packs a punch; perfect for a summer night out!
Spin All Spring [600] – This is a beautiful apricot hued-peach shade, with a lot more depth and pigmentation than Woke Up Like This. It reminds me a lot of MAC’s Shanghai Spice!
Overall, I think that these are a really fun new addition to Rimmel’s Moisture Renew range, and a great alternative for those who want to try a little colour, without fully committing. Even though we still have a good month to go before spring hits Sydney, I’ll definitely be tucking these lippies into my makeup bag once the weather warms up.
Consider this a glimpse into my vanity; the products I use on repeat across skincare, haircare and makeup. While I’m always open to trying something new, these products have set the bar high, so newcomers very rarely make it into regular rotation. Basically, I like what I like, and I stick with it. Many of the products I’m sharing here are ones that I’ve been using for years. Only the good stuff!
SKINCARE TOP SHELF
Vetted Cleanser | My current go to both morning and night (though I do love this one from Tula, along with this Colleen Rothschild one). It’s a gel cleanser that is formulated to suit even sensitive skin types, which was largely why it appealed to me in the first place. Makes my skin feel clean but not stripped, and I like the addition of niacinamide for those extra skincare benefits. At night time I’ll often kick start the cleansing process with my good ol’ faithful Bioderma to help break down my mascara, before going in with the Vetted cleanser.
Skinstitut Glycolic Toner | I don’t use a toner every single day, but when I do, it’s always Skinstitut (also love their retinol oil, and oil cleanser!). This is an AHA-based toner, chemically exfoliating the skin. And I’m always floors by how effective it is, as even just one nigh of this in my routine has a solid impact.
Colleen Rothschild Eye Cream | When I tell you this is one of those products I just can’t live without, I mean it. This makes a huge difference to the face, as it is immensely brightening under the eye. And I need all the help I can get in that department (as a mum with two young kids, I’m often up in the middle of the night!). This instant brightening effect is thanks to the pearlized pigments suspended in the eye cream, while the peach-colored pigments help to neutralise blue undertones. What I love is that this reduces much of my need for under-eye concealer. Top 10 product in my stash, for sure. I use this solely for day; at night I’ll typically reach for the Emma Lewisham Eye Cream instead. Side note this Age Renewal Super Serum from CR is also excellent.
The Secret Serum | The serum I use when I want a hydration boost. Loaded with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, and antioxidants like Tasmanian Sea Kelp Extract, Kakadu Plum Extract, and Aloe Vera Juice, this also has the bonus effect of working to repair inflammation. I sometimes get perioral dermatitis flare ups and consistent use of this serum (in place of some of my other active options) generally helps to calm it down.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Face Serum | I’m a little bit of a serums “junkie”; I have a few solid options on rotation but there are just a couple that I tend to return to for daily use. This Emma Lewisham Serum is one, as I’ve noticed how much my complexion loves this product. Mostly because it’s one that works to combat the signs of aging (something I’m really noticing as I hit my late 30s). Ingredients like neuropeptides help relax expression lines, while hyaluronic acid (hello again, my dear friend) helps to plump and hydrate skin. Also stimulates collagen and elastin production. From the same line, I also really like using the Supernatural Blemish Serum when I’m having a breakout. This combined with the Skinstitut Glycolic Toner I mentioned above tends to supercharge that treatment element and calm down any spots.
Avene Sunscreen Serum | Living in Australia, one thing I’m quite conscious of is how I’m looking after my skin. Sunscreen is a must, but also, it has to be cosmetically elegant and work well with my makeup. This SPF50+ serum sunscreen from Avene has been a bit of a game changer as it creates a beautiful surface to layer makeup on (combined with moisturiser). It provides high broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection, while also having the added skincare benefits from ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera.
Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum | I’m a HUGE fan of their phyto-retinol (I used this regularly for years!), so was excited to upgrade to a heavier duty retinoid after going through pregnancy + breastfeeding with two little ones. This has a duo time-leased retinol and retinal combo, with the retinoid being most closely related to Rx strength. So incredibly active and efficient, it’s the type of product that you need to build up to. I will use this 2-3 times per week and no more as otherwise I find my face does feel otherwise irritated and itchy. Note that I do have sensitive skin so this lens is with that in mind. Makes my complexion look smooth and plump. Yes, yes, yes.
Colleen Rothschild Gentle & Clear Moisturiser | I remember being really intrigued when I first spotted this moisturiser on the CR website; it’s designed for skin that is blemish-prone, reactive, and sensitive. This feels soft and pillowy, sinks into the skin so nicely with a water-like weightless application. Not greasy. Makeup applies beautifully with this as the base. I have a few other moisturisers sitting in my vanity and have not been enticed to use them once because for day, this is IT. Another GOAT for me.
Raaie Ceramide Moisturiser | My go-to evening moisturiser. From the packaging to the actual use of this moisturiser, it feels like a bit of luxury end-to-end. And I love the idea of wrapping up my skincare routine on a luxurious high. Love the hydration boost this gives my skin, it feels plump and cushy, and really nice and soft. This has some super ingredients like NZ marine algae for deep hydration, and mānuka honey MGO 850+ to lock moisture in.
Remedy Lip Treatment | Aside from the CR Eye Cream, this is probably my favourite beauty discovery of 2024. I often suffer raw irritated lips that require a steroid cream to restore moisture. Very few lip products tend to penetrate the surface and richly, deeply nourish my lips. This is one of the few, and I’ve not needed to use said steroid cream once since adding this into my rotation. That speaks volumes to me. I love the slightly slip-like, almost lip oil type consistency on the lips. A must-have and another on my ultimate top 10 list.
HAIRCARE FAVES
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque | I have a slight dryer hair type, and what I’ve learned over the years is that it thrives when I add deeply nourishing haircare products into my routine. This hair masque is just that. I’ll use it twice a month (for reference, I wash my hair once per week), and leave in for 5-10 mins, combing through the product from root to end. Intensely nourishing, and is one of the products I can attribute to my hair health improving massively in recent months.
Dyson Airwrap | A full Airwrap review here on my website is on the cards, so consider this an abridged version. What’s funny is that for a good 9 months, I was so sure this just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t figure it out, it always looked terrible whenever I tried to use the barrel tool on my hair, and to some extent, I gave up. Two offhand remarks in conversation with hair stylists transformed the way I look at the Airwrap, and I was finally able to figure it out once and for all. My hair has never looked better. The difference between the before and after is staggering. I use this every single day, and I think my biggest tip is to understand what you want out of it, how your hair personally behaves and performs when being styled, and use that to guide the way you use it. Also, hair spray is a must. I do really love their Chitosan pre-styling serum too, which helps (but you can achieve the same effect with other products if you want).
MAKEUP ON REPEAT
NARS Pro Prime Eyeshadow Base | It’s had me in a chokehold for the past decade (almost), and while I’ve tried other primers, none have quite felt the same as this. I have oily eyelids so appreciate how this creates a tacky base for shadow to adhere to. No creasing, and eyeshadows stay put all day.
Tarte Tartelette Palette | One of my all time favourite palettes, I really love the edit of soft easy neutrals for every day. They’re smooth to the touch and blend out so well, though you can expect to get a little bit of kick up.
Heroine Make Eyeliner | My go-to brand for eyeliner, I’ll usually pick up a top up whenever I’m near a W Cosmetics. Lasts all day, and the black is incredibly impactful. For something that looks a little softer on the eyes, I’ll switch out to a dark brown. Easy to work with and a super sharp tip that stays sharp.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (I wear shade 2N1) | Another one of those products I’ve been using for years. It’s a classic with good reason and while I seldom see people hyping this up anymore, it’s 100% worth it. I am very fussy about my complexion/base products as I want my skin to look like skin. But I also want to see even tone across the face and redness dialled down. This does both those things while adding a little bit of colour. I’ll apply with a beauty blender as I find that gives me the most skin-like finish.
Merit Clean Lash | I literally just ordered two more back ups of this mascara, as it’s my all time favourite. Beautiful, wispy lashes which just adds a bit more impact than when they’re bare. It’s a tubing cleanser so comes off easily with hot water but I usually use Bioderma for ease.
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Wax | My brows don’t get much attention, but when I do want to give them a little more volume and presence on the face, I’ll use the Precisely, My Brow Wax from Benefit. This gives them a bit more structure and shape while also adding in a soft touch of colour giving them a fuller appearance.
Jones Road “The Bronzer” in Dusty Rose | Technically a bronzer, but the rosey hue feels more at home on the apples of my cheeks, blended up slightly into the temple. This has a creaminess when swirling your finger in the pan, that becomes one with the cheek when applied (I like to do so with this Jones Road brush). I don’t wear powder face products very often but this is one I’m always happy to reach for.
Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk | After I wrap up this post I’m hopping straight onto the Glossier site to order a top up. This is the blush I reach for most frequently. I’ll pop a couple dots of product on the high points of each cheek, and blend out with a fluffy brush. It’s hyper pigmented so a little goes a long way, but the way it just melts into the skin… It’s gorgeous.
Queen Musia Matte Creme Lipstick in shade Ada | While I generally favour a bit more shine on the lips, I will happily wear this matte creme lippie from Queen Musia as it feels so comfortable on. Not drying in that 2015’s way that matte lipsticks were. Formulation wise it’s probably the closest thing I’ve tried next to Merit’s mattes. You can see the side by side swatches of the three lip products I’m sharing here; Queen Musia is far left, Merit in the middle, and Violette_FR is far right. This is a beautiful option when I want something a little more pink on the lips, and when layered over a nourishing lip balm it becomes incredibly creamy and lush to wear. Basically, this plays very well with others.
Merit Signature Lip in shade Tiger | If you ask me what I’m wearing on my lips, nine times out of ten, it’s this. Tiger. The most perfect, slightly ruddy red-toned brown. Not an autumnal shade but more of a year round for me. The formula of this Merit lipstick is perfection. It’s creamy, semi-sheer but can be built up, and the colours are truly divine. They feel sophisticated but lean in on that 90s era of makeup. Something I can get on board with. My only gripe is that the formula is quite soft so often the bullet will come loose in the tube and it’ll look a little busted. I’ve used up one tube and am at least halfway through my second so clearly this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. Another one I’d pop in my beauty top ten.
Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Rose Latte | The Bisou Balm is probably about as close as you’ll get for that perfect “just been kissed” lip look. It’s slightly smudgy and watercolour like around the edges, with a soft focus blur. Even application too, which can be intensified by layering on more product, or left more sheer with a single swipe. Again another product that plays well with others, and my pick when I want something that will really brighten the face.
When it comes to summer, I am all about fresh, dewy looking skin – the two just seem to go hand in hand, especially when you have a sun kissed glow (one of my favourite souvenirs of summer). But, sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it, which is where a few key beauty products come in.
I was fortunate enough to be gifted with a very generous selection of staple beauty products from Clinique as part of the launch of their new Even Better Glow Foundation, so I did what any girl would, I applied it all to my face to see what I liked, what I loved, and what I probably won’t be reaching for much at all. I’ve been playing around with these products for a good six weeks now, so I’ve got a pretty good handle on the best way to apply them, and what’s going to work for me long-term. The results are fresh, dewy looking skin that work to enhance your natural beauty rather than conceal it, so read on to find out which products have come out on top.
BASE
I was lucky enough to get to attend a Master Class led by makeup artist Casey Gore, to celebrate the launch of Clinique’s newest foundation, the Even Better Glow Foundation. I was colour matched on site – something I’d highly recommend doing at a Clinique concession – to shade 12 (meringue). I’ve been putting this foundation to the test over the last 4-6 weeks, and not only is it the perfect match for my skin tone, but I’ve also been incredibly impressed with the foundation.
Unlike other foundations that I’ve tried, the Even Better Glow Foundation is loaded with Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C, two ingredients that work to improve the texture and appearance of your skin, and at the Master Class, we were challenged to use the foundation over 30 days, to see the effect that it had on our complexion.
Having sensitive skin by nature, I’m prone to rashes and eczema break outs if I’m not careful with what I’m applying to my face, so most days, I’m happy enough going foundation free, with a little blush or bronzer to add some (often much needed) warmth. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did this foundation not cause any eczema breakouts, but I found my skin looked more luminous at the end of the 30 days, where usually such prolonged use of a foundation would have a more detrimental impact.
For application, I prefer to use either my fingers or a damp beauty sponge, as I find that these two methods result in natural looking skin, whereas applying the foundation with a brush can look a little ‘cakey’ – at least in my experience. The foundation provides sheer to medium coverage, and can be layered for a more flawless looking appearance, and with a fresh and dewy finish. Aside from the fact that this also has a bit of SPF in it – something that’s a great addition to any foundation – I love the glow that this gives me, and that feeling of being ‘lit from within’. The one thing worth noting though, is that you really need to ensure that you have your skin prepped before applying this – if you have dry skin, the foundation will pick that up over the course of the day, and cling to any dry patches – but it’s nothing a healthy dose of moisturiser can’t fix.
BRONZE, BLUSH & HIGHLIGHT
I’ve been a big fan of Clinique’s Chubby Sticks from way back; for many years the lip balms formed the base of my beauty stash, so it’s safe to say I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for them. But, I hadn’t really experimented when it came to the other Chubby Sticks on offer, namely the Cheek Colour Balm, the Sculpting Contour, and the Sculpting Highlight, though as I love a good cream beauty product, I was pretty excited to put these to the test. The premise of these is pretty simple, it’s a twist up tube style packaging that you can either apply directly to you skin, with your fingers, or with a brush.
So, let’s start with the Cheek Colour Balm, which I have in the shade 01 Amp’d Up Apple. This is oil-free, and feels really light on the skin. The colour is a very natural looking pink, that applies quite opaque on the skin but once blended out leaves a sheer wash of colour that adds a healthy looking glow to the cheeks. I’ve been applying three small dashes of this onto the apples of my cheeks and then blending up and towards my cheekbones with a stippling brush. It’s pretty subtle, though I think if you wanted a bit more colour you can really layer this up.
Next up is the Sculpting Contour, which I have in the shade 01 Curvy Contour. I will admit, when I first saw this, I was pretty intimidated by the colour. I’ve been using the Shade & Illuminate Duo from Tom Ford for years, but this is several notches darker, which can look a little intense when you first apply it to the skin. This doesn’t blend out quite as smoothly as the Cheek Colour Balm, as the product has a lot more pigment to it, so you do have to work at it with a fluffy brush to get a natural looking effect. Personally, I find that this is a little too warm to use as a contour, so instead I apply it like a cream bronzer, of which I adore the effect. It’s incredibly creamy, which makes it a dream to apply to the skin (I draw a line around my temples and at the tops of my cheekbones).
Perhaps the product I was most disappointed with (of the bunch, to be fair), is the Sculpting Highlight, which I have in the shade 02 Super Starlight. This is a champagne-toned highlight, which should suit most skin tones, and has that same creamy texture as the Sculpting Contour, whereas the Cheek Chubby Stick is a little more balmy. Where this falls short for me is the glitter; I’ve never been a fan of glittery highlights, so naturally this isn’t a product I’d gravitate towards since I prefer something that looks glossy on the cheekbones.
EYES & BROWS
Since I didn’t have an eyeshadow on hand, I applied some of the Sculpting Contour to my eyes for a wash of colour on the lids. Then I dove in with what’s actually become one of my current favourite products, the Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen. This has a really fine point which is perfect for creating a really sharp wing, and it also doesn’t budge or smudge at all over the course of the day – pretty much all the things I look for in a liquid eyeliner.
For my lashes, I applied the Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara in 01 Black Onyx. This is a mascara that really surprised me. I’ve owned a few mascaras from Clinique in the past and I’ve always liked them, but this one really takes the cake. It coats the lashes with an almost fibrous substance, which makes them appear thicker and longer, and it’s seriously smudge proof. This has a twist up dial that you can adjust depending on how much you want to go ‘all out’ with your lashes. This is definitely worth picking up.
My brows have been getting a lot of attention this year, so the Superfine Liner for Brows (which I have in the shade Soft Brown), was right up my street. At the Master Class, Casey talked about how for natural looking brows, you really need to go with something that’s a little softer, and it’s advice I really took on board. I might have really dark brow hairs, but I don’t think I’d go any darker than Soft Brown in the product to get those fluffy, “my brows but better”. The nib on the twist up pencil is incredibly fine which makes it easy to draw fine hairs into any areas where your brows are looking a little sparse. I then use a spooly to soften the appearance of the product. Another thumbs up from me.
LIPS
Now I wouldn’t usually opt for a three step approach to my lips – a swipe of my favourite lip colour is usually enough – but with a lip liner, a lipstick and a gloss up my sleeve, I figured… why not?
I started with the Quickliner for Lips Intense in the shade 07 Intense Blush, which is a mid-toned pink with brown undertones. This is really creamy and incredibly easy to apply, and I think it’d look nice worn on the lips by itself as unlike the other two lip products, it has a more matte finish to it.
The lipstick I reached for is the Clinique Lip Colour & Primer in the shade 01 Nude Pop. I actually wore a lipstick from Clinique on my wedding day from this particular range, so I already knew I was a fan of the formula. It’s rich and creamy, applies smoothly to the lips without dragging, and wears off evenly – which for a nude or pink hued lipstick, isn’t really of much consequence plus it’s really easy to re-apply. Nude Pop has slightly mauve-y undertones whereas the shade I wore on my wedding day – Beige Pop – is slightly more of a true blush pink. All in all, it’s a nice lipstick with a velvet finish that is comfortable and moisturising on the lips.
Finally, the last product in this round up is the Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss in 01 ‘Normous Nude. Now, quick caveat, I’ve mostly avoided gloss since I was an early teen, which if you grew up in Wellington like I did, it’ll be pretty obvious why (wind + gloss don’t mix). Additionaly, I don’t love having sticky feeling lips, yet consequently that’s something that comes hand in hand with lip gloss products in general. The applicator on this is a little unusual, it’s the same ‘Chubby Stick’ appearance, but it has a plastic applicator that disperses the product by twisting it out. I don’t love this method, and I found it was pretty difficult to judge how much product to disperse. The gloss itself has a milky-type appearance to it, and it adds a shine to the lips. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t right for me.
What is your secret to fresh, dewy looking skin? Is there anything else from Clinique that you would recommend I try?
A little round up of mini reviews of all the makeup products I tried in September.
Kicking things off with Jones Road Beauty. Who, I’ve been wanting to try for a good twelve months plus. Mostly because Bobbi’s focus on balm-like products intrigued me (reviews online have been mixed), but being familiar with her namesake brand, and how often things are designed to serve a purpose, I figured there was more than meets the eye.
Firstly, I want to start by saying how much I love the Blush brush. Concise application right on the apple and contour of my cheek, right where I want it.
The blushers kind of blew me away. I gave up using powder products for the most part, because a huge part of how I like makeup to look and sit on my skin is for it to mesh, and be one with my complexion. Powders often have something of a mattifying effect. Sitting on top of, rather than blending into, the cheek. These are none of that. Powder that is lightweight yet pigmented, but still leaves a heavily moisturised, nourished face looking somewhat glossy. Giving that very natural flush. I tried two powders; the best blush in ‘sandy’ and the bronzer in ‘dusty rose’. Despite the naming conventions, I used both in the same way. Liberally applied across the cheeks and nose to add a bit of colour to my face. You’ll be able to see the shade variation between the two from the swatches on my olive complexion. I love both for a natural flush. There’s not discoverable difference between the formula (just the pan size, from what I can tell). You get a little bit of kick up if you are vigorous in swirling your brush in the pan, but the formula doesn’t feel too powdery or chalky. All in all, a love.
I also tried the Lippie Stick, which is essentially a tinted lip balm. The formulation is unusual; quick thick, beeswaxy, ever so slightly stiff. Lips need to be smooth and not flakey on application as otherwise the pigment gets caught in patches on the lips. Very comfortable to wear, and a good alternative to lipstick on a no-makeup “makeup” day when you need that polish, but want to reach for products that feel truly effortless.
Queen Musia is a fairly new to me makeup brand, so when I got asked if I’d like to try a few products, it got me curious. Mostly because the lipstick shade line up had me intrigued as to whether there was one which would rival my love of MERIT Beauty’s ‘Tiger’.
But let’s start by reviewing the 2053 Mascara, which in addition to promising astronomical length and volume, also offers growth properties (which I suspect is down to the addition of castor oil in the formulation). I actually quite like this, but, I do find that the rather wet formula and very bushy brush mean that I have a hard time getting a clean application. I’m almost always tidying up after the fact; mascara dotted all over the upper portion of my eyelid. It’s quite a wet formula, so it means you do need to wait a second before going in with a second coat. The formula leaves lashes looking fluffy, and reasonably natural. Plus there’s no smudging or flaking, even after 8+ hours of wear. Something which makes me happy to overlook the slightly messy application.
The smash hit, is their Matte Creme Lipstick, which based on my research is Queen Musia’s cult product. And I get the hype. The shade ‘Ada’ is listed on their home page as the perfect autumnal shade, and I have to say… the second I applied it I could see the vision. It immediately made me think of the role that my beloved ‘Tiger’ from MERIT plays in my beauty repertoire. I’ve done a side-by-side swatch on my arm as ‘Ada’ on the lips reads like a peachy brown. Something with a bit of grit. Less obvious than your typical coral. So I was surprised to see that it pulls more pink in the swatch than anticipated. Outside of the actual colour swatch, I was delighted by the formula. It’s a matte, but has a creamy finish; my lips didn’t feel like the Sahara desert. Instead, pigmented colour washed over them, which was creamy, comfortable, and had a lingering presence for hours. Firmly placed in my regular rotation of lipsticks.
Laura Mercier is a long standing favourite beauty brand of mine. Every spring I rediscover their Tinted Moisturiser, which truly deserves more hype than it gets (a reminder that we seem to put new and noteworthy on a pedestal). I received a handful of products from their Caviar Collection which has been relaunched with new formulations, colours, and packaging.
Starting with the Caviar Stick Eyeshadow, which has been reformulated. I haven’t put this to the test, but I have heard that once this sets, it doesn’t budge (something that appears massively as someone with oily eyelids). I received ‘Rosegold’, which I actually have the original version of, so naturally, had to compare. The main difference I can tell between the two, is that the reformulation seems to have more visible glitter particles, as well as delivering more of a metallic sheen. Easy to apply; I’ll always start with a eyeshadow base for longevity, draw this all over the mobile lid and the blend with the finger. These are a tried and true staple of Laura Mercier for good reason – something I will always come back to.
I can be a little fussy with mascaras, but have enjoyed the new Caviar Extravagant Mascara which lengthens above all else and also holds a decent curl. Not one that blew me away, but then, I’ve set the bar high. This is a pretty solid option if you’re looking for a higher end mascara that will give you fluffy lengthened lashes.
Final Laura Mercier product that was a “new in” is their Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick. I should preface this by saying that I’m never seeking out a truly matte lipstick finish. My lips are dry enough as is (worsened by eczema and dermatitis), so I’m always on the search for lippies that have an inherently nourishing quality. I found that sadly, this was just a little too mattifying for my lips. I have the shade ‘Blush Chenille’; your typical cool toned rose pink. Colour payoff was great, and I love the luxe packaging but I think a shade like Peach Cashmere or Brown Suede might have been more up my alley. There is a slightly scent to these, it reminds me a little of vanilla on the nose, though I didn’t find it overly offensive.
Any notable beauty releases that you’ve tried this month?
I have these memories of being 15, sitting on the school bus with my girlfriends and buffing and polishing our nails to p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n. At school, nail polish was not allowed, so as blossoming young women (trying to express ourselves), this was the next best thing.
That was more than ten years ago and boy does it show – ridges have popped up with a vengeance and that all too satisfying shine is just well… a far-flung memory. So, when I had the opportunity to try Scholl’s new Velvet Smooth Electronic Nail Care System*, I jumped at the chance. Who doesn’t want to feel 15 again?
Basically, the idea is that it takes all the legwork out of filing, buffing, and shining your nails – which to someone like me who is often too lazy to removed her chipped nail polish, couldn’t have sounded better. The nail tool comes with three heads, which are all numbered for convenience; 1 for filing, 2 for buffing, and 3 for polishing. And if you’re really wanting to give your nails a treat, there’s a nourishing oil you can use as a fourth step to soften your cuticles (and get rid of hang nails I’d assume!). The way this works is that once turned on, the nail head will move (very quickly) in a back and forward motion – so all you need to do is move this around your nail as desired.
Truthfully, I’ve got to say I have mixed feelings about this. The vibrating motion when filing your nails can become quite uncomfortable, although the process can be quite quick, and I’ve found that it’s been more suitable to fixing up any small snags that I’ve gotten on my nails from time to time.
But really, it’s the second step I have the most reservations about. Perhaps the ridges on my nails are too heavily pronounced, but even after buffing one nail for five minutes, I found that the ridges had not been evened out (just mildly buffed down). It might be better for someone who doesn’t have the same ridge problem I appear to have, as it’s such an easy step. Step three is by far my favorite. The satisfaction you get from looking down at a set of shiny looking nails makes it all worth it. My nails looked healthier than they have in years, and it doesn’t take long to build up a decent amount of shine. The final step, the nail care oil, really does make the whole process seem so luxurious – to the point that I’ve been tempted to ask Luke to massage the oil into my cuticles so it feels like a salon treatment!
It’s definitely a pretty penny to drop on a nail tool so it’s not one for those on a budget! However, one thing I do love about the glossy result is that my nail polish applies a lot more smoothly and appears much more even now than before I started using the tool.
As for any final thoughts… Like with anything, there’s definitely some pros and cons, and ultimately it’s up to what you’re looking for in a nail tool that will determine whether this is right for you. I’m convinced that had my ridges not been so prominent, I would have enjoyed using this more, but for now, I’m still firmly seated on the fence. The one thing that does have me hooked? The ultra glossy shine; there’s nothing like a good throwback to your teens!
You can only imagine the squeal I made when I found out one of my most beloved beauty brands of the last two years is now shipping to Australia. That’s right, it’s official, as of today, you can shop MERIT Beauty if you’re living down under.
So I thought it would be fun to revisit some of my most loved products, and share mini reviews of an (almost) full face of MERIT Beauty.
MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Great Skin is a bi-phase serum which was designed to complement The Minimalist; and, it makes sense as it can be a rather finicky base. Of course, you can pair it with other foundation products. I will say that I prefer the way a traditional primer (like this one from Laura Mercier) feels on my skin, as this leaves an oil-slick like quality to my complexion. Fine when paired with a base that is slightly matte or has a thicker, dry consistency, but with other hydrating illuminating products it can feel a step too far in pursuit of glass skin.
I actually think that this is quite nice as an evening time serum for the girls who don’t typically incorporate an oil into their routine (like me) as it’s non-comedogenic and I’ve not found it to break me out. It’s loaded with four types of hyaluronic acid (music to my ears!), and has other healthy happy skin ingredients like niacinamide and cacao seed extract.
MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick (shade Bisque)
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with The Minimalist from MERIT. Love this in the summer, when my skin is producing a bit more oil, and has that natural glow. But in the wintertime, the formulation feels a little too thick and seems to highlight each and every pore, with a noticeable “makeup” look. For context, I like my base to be virtually indistinguishable from my actual skin. A tall order, I know, and often one that comes with lower coverage to compensate. So, it could be that my makeup preferences will always mean this is never my ultimate complexion product. That said, I’m still looking forward to adding it back into my regular rotation in the months to come. If you take a look at the full face photos below, you can see that it does a pretty decent job of covering up scarring, minimising redness though still allowing those imperfections of my natural skin to peek through. As someone with olive skin, I do have a hard time finding a perfect match. So while Bisque isn’t an exact like-for-like, it’s a pretty decent match, at least in terms of overall depth of colour.
MERIT Solo Shadow (shade Studio)
I was so excited to get my hands on the Solo Shadows, after hearing all about their budge proof formula. And they delivered. 10 out of 10, no notes needed. It’s a cream-to-powder finish, and you can readily build up the pigmentation on the eye. Personally I’d recommend going one at a time, using a brush to quickly blend out the edges for a soft blurred finish, as the drydown is pretty quick. All of MERIT’s products are formulated with nourishing ingredients that support the skin; the eyeshadows include extracts of chamomile and calendula, magnolia bark, sunflower seed oil and peptides.
MERIT Clean Lash Mascara
When I really love something. And I mean really love something. I won’t mess around. I’m quick to spring the additional cost of mail forwarding to get my hands on it. And blissfully unaware that MERIT was launching in Australia imminently, I placed an order for a top of the my favourite Clean Lash Mascara at the end of July. One of those products in my beauty routine that I don’t really want to be without. I will admit that I’m not big on tubing mascara, but this one has me in a chokehold. Incredibly easy to remove just with warm water and a gentle cream cleanser. What I like most about this, is the way it makes my lashes look. Enhanced, fluttery, slightly fuller, and slightly longer. Nothing extreme or dramatic, but very wearable for every day. Also doesn’t smudge (a non-negotiable for me and my oily eyelids!).
MERIT Flush Balm Cheek Color (shade Terracotta)
This is my second Flush Balm (the original came in the muted grey packaging similar to The Minimalist), so if it’s not immediately obvious, this one is a big thumbs up from me. It gives the most beautiful glow to the cheeks; a naturally flushed appearance that you can build up if you’d like something higher impact, or keep it more subtle for a healthy dose of colour to the face. I’ve tried a few colours and Terracotta is just my favourite. A brown-peach hue which makes me look sun kissed.
Final favourite is the Signature Lip, and specifically in the shade Tiger. What MERIT have really nailed for me with this product is the shade range, which feels broader and more interesting than a lot of other beauty brands. Tiger is an orange/brown brick red; it feels quite autumnal in some ways, but also as I have darker features, is a good complement for me. And coincidentally, it reminds me a bit of the lip colour my mum used to wear – which perhaps might be why I’m so drawn to it. If you’re looking for a lipstick that you can apply once and be done with it, this isn’t for you. Even the website alludes to the fact that this doesn’t have the heaviness of a traditional lipstick. If anything, I’d call it a hybrid between a lip balm and a lipstick. As the pigmentation, buildable component and overall delivery reminds me of every lippie I own, but the formulation, the way it glides on the lips, and wears off after a few hours reminds me of a balm. It feels foolproof though, and again the beauty of this product (like all MERIT products), is that you can build the colour up as desired.
My relationship with skincare has truly evolved over the years. I went from being someone who washed their face daily with the St Ives Apricot Scrub (my poor face!) and avoided moisturising for fear of becoming “too” oily, to being someone who is much more in tune with when my complexion is feeling dehydrated, or needs more of a “light” touch.
And after much trial and error, I’ve stumbled across the brands that seem to work harmoniously with my combination/oily yet dehydrated skin. I tend to switch up the roster of products based on the season, opting for heavier, richer moisturisers in the winter and lighter lotions in the summer. So, thought I’d share the sextet of products – three for day, and three for night – that are my most loved, most used.
The “day” edit
Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Emulsion
A lightweight, breathable cream which provides immediate comfort and hydration to the skin on application. The perfect summer moisturiser, but I also like to reach for this in winter for “day”, as it creates a beautiful canvas for layering makeup over. This contains extracts from mountain peonies and Yai Jiu Hua which smooth skin texture, along with mango seed butter for supple, hydrated skin.
For me, I love the fact that this doesn’t feel dense, instead applying with a soft milky quality which nourishes the skin. Bonus points for the fact that this doesn’t seem to disrupt or cause irritation to my eczema-prone skin.
The Secret Base Cream
Very similar in texture and feel to the Sulwhasoo Emulsion, but this feels slightly less substantial or viscous to the touch. My go-to summer moisturiser, and admittedly one I’ve been neglecting a little as I want something that feels a bit more meaty during winter when my skin needs extra care. Though given it’s been mid-twenties for the past week or so, this one is about to come into its own. One of the things I love most about this, aside from just how lightweight the texture is for summer – is that it’s fragrance free. As side note, fragrance can be a cause of irritation for sensitive skin.
The formulation is non-comedogenic, and it features Vitamin E (to protect from free-radicals and combat premature aging), Camellia Oil (to sooth and protect skin), and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 (to plump and hydrate).
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
I was first introduced to Embryolisse a few years back, and have gone on to work my way through many many tubes of this cult French pharmacy classic. I like that it works as a bit of a catch-all; cleanser, primer, moisturiser, hydrating mask. And the soft, soapy scent has a comforting and nostalgic quality – like revisiting an old friend.
Right now, this is the moisturiser I tend to reach for most frequently in the morning, as I like that there’s a richness to the formulation, and I can layer up for a more intensely hydrated effect (it sinks into the skin very quickly!). Basically, it always leaves my skin looking plump and fresh. Key ingredients include Shea Butter (intensely nourishing), Beeswax (rich in Vitamin A and shields skin from environmental damage), and Soy Protein (to stimulate collagen).
The “night” edit
Raaie Cocoon Ceramide Cream
I have a trio of products that I am using from Raaie, but I think of the three, the Cocoon Ceramide Cream takes the cake. This is one of my juiciest, thickest, most nourishing moisturisers for night – if my skin is feeling impossibly dry, 10 times out of 10 I’ll be using this. Texturally it’s thickly whipped and luxurious so a little can go a long way though I’m usually one to slather on a decent amount in my own version of “slugging”.
New Zealand is home to such incredible native flora and fauna that are bioactively-rich; meaning, that their unique properties mean they’re often more efficacious than the same ingredients extracted overseas. It’s one of the reasons why you’ll see another cult NZ beauty brand feature on this list; my skin can’t get enough of NZ botanicals (which just makes sense!).
The formulation features seven different ceramides, plant-derived growth factors to repair skin, marine algae to brighten, Mamaku Black Fern to lift and tighten, Manuka 850+ to promote collagen production, to name a few.
Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
Technically not a moisturiser, but one of those masks I have on high rotation that I use in place of once a week. And if I’m being honest, I’ve been using it with lesser frequency as I’m almost all out and can’t bear to not have a tub of this in my vanity (clearly time to buy a top up!).
The actual texture is unusual. Kind of sticky. Thick. Goes on heavy but sinks in within five minutes, and leaves my face feeling baby smooth – not a lick of residue in sight.
Key ingredient is Black Tea Ferment and Extract, which offers antioxidant protection and supports the skin’s natural elasticity. Great for extremely dehydrated skin, and I’ve not found this to cause any breakouts (not for my oily/combo skin, at least!).
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Creme Riche
Final moisturiser for night that I just can’t quit, is the Supernatural Face Creme Riche from Emma Lewisham. I reviewed it in detail here, but for the CliffsNotes edition; the powdery rose scent feels at once both familiar but luxurious. I don’t typically tend to spring for too many moisturisers that are heavily fragranced, but like the Embryolisse, it’s become something of a comfort to me.
We have all those beautiful NZ botanicals front and centre stage. The key ingredient – a plant derivation of Human Tripeptide-1 – signals to our repair system to increase collagen synthesis. The velvety smooth texture of the moisturiser penetrates the skin efficiently, and I feel like my fine lines are softer, less prominent, when I have this on active rotation. Perhaps the most important factor for me, is getting that thick, ultra-nourishing quality from a moisturiser that isn’t too rich or fatty, and this delivers again, and again.
I’ve been hunting high and low for a new base which doesn’t irritate my skin, and after months of going (mostly) bare faced, I decided to take the plunge and splurge on the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser. With such sensitive skin, I’m always hesitant when it comes to trying new face creams or foundations – which is a huge part of why I was so late to the beauty game – so it’s always a relief to come across something new which I can actually use on a daily basis.
I picked this up in the shade Light 3/Groenland and it’s a perfect match for my fair winter skin. It’s light coverage, and blends into the skin really well; but best of all, is that it really adds a glow that gives your face that ‘lit from within’ look. The product itself has a very light, mousse-y consistency to it that just seems to absorb into the skin rather than sit on top of it, like I find the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser tends to do (although that is also much higher coverage).
I’ve been applying this one of three ways; with a flat top kabuki brush, with a beauty blender, or with my fingers, all with considerably similar results. Applying it with a beauty blender provides the sheerest level of coverage as the moisture from the sponge soaks up a little bit of the product, but I prefer the dewier finish it has over the other two application methods.
While I’m still cringing at the lost product in the swatch – oh the things we do for beauty… – there’s no denying that this has fast become one of my holy grail beauty products, I’ve seldom gone a day since without slapping a bit of this tinted moisturiser on my face. For a girl with oily/combination skin, I’ve always naturally gravitated towards face products that promise to matey my skin rather than bring the glow, like this so aptly does with its dewy finish. A product that lives up to both the hype, and its cult beauty status.
