Best of Beauty 2013: Makeup Part 1

Now we're on to the real good stuff. Makeup has always been my biggest weakness and I can already tell that this list is going to be huge.. so we're gonna have to make this Makeup - Part 1!

Face Primer: Benefit Porefessional

I have never been that big on face primers before as they've all either broken me out or just felt plain disgusting on the skin, but this has really changed my opinion on them. It feels silky and light on the face and really does create a smooth canvas for foundation. Applying this is now a regular step in my everyday routine, and I certainly notice on the days that I don't use it!

BB Cream: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Oily/Combination Skin

Until I finally caved in and bought this, I had never had any luck with BB Creams. They always just looked weird on my skin, and never provided enough coverage. Some didn't even blend out nicely. This however is completely different, it blends effortlessly, has great coverage and lasts all day on the skin without looking weird or melting off. Definitely the best BB Cream I have tried thus far, and will no doubt be using it a lot this summer.

Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick

Now I literally have only had this for a few weeks, but I am already hooked on this! I absolutely love the matte finish, which isn't actually too matte - it just looks like skin, but better! It also wears really well and lasts all day, and that's without even really setting it. The colour I have (115) will probably end up being too pale for me by the end of summer, but I can always warm it up with a bronzer. Otherwise though, this can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned!

Face Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte

I actually can't believe I waited so long before buying this, what was I thinking?? This stuff is amazing. Doesn't look cakey at all, and because I have it in the Translucent shade I don't have to worry about adding colour anytime I need to touch up - which to be honest, isn't very often with this! Definitely recommend buying it from ASOS if you are in New Zealand though, it's a fraction of the price.

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in "Thankful"

This blush is absolutely beautiful! The colour is amazing, and the payoff is fantastic! It is so pigmented that a little goes a long way. And it really does last 12 hours, it seems to stay put right up until you want it to go away. I want to collect them all!

Bronzer: Bourjois Bronzing Powder

I now understand why this is such a popular bronzer, it's beautiful on the skin! I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but luckily for me it doesn't last long after applying it. It has a very subtle shimmer in it, so subtle in fact that it tends to look matte on the skin - which I prefer, especially since I use this predominantly for contouring. Love it as an all over bronzer too... I just love it in general!

Highlighter: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Hands up if you saw that one coming, hahaha. I'm pretty sure anyone who was lucky enough to get one of these palettes hasn't stopped using it since! I absolutely adore it and use mine everyday - whether it be to set my undereye concealer, as an actual cheekbone highlight, to add a bronze glow or as an all over setting powder. It's probably my favourite thing that I purchased this year to be honest. Love it!

Look out for part 2!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Top 5: Beach Essentials

It's Summer time here in little old New Zealand, and chances are you've got yourself sorted with all your beach must-haves... or have you? I'm here to share my Top 5 Beach Essentials that you may not have even thought of yet!

Lifeproof Case for iPhone

Sand gets everywhere. It's just bound to happen, and I've accepted that and moved on. But I literally can't afford to get my iPhone wrecked by sand, so I invested in a Lifeproof case. It was around $80 NZD but I've seriously got my money's worth out of it. Not only does it stop sand from getting in, but it's also drop-proof and waterproof - perfect for the beach!

Large Beach Towel

Ok, so a towel is a bit of a no-brainer. But what I'm talking about here is a towel so big that it can double as a blanket! These are actually not as easy to find as I thought they would be, but I tracked down this one at Cotton On. I got it for $25 with any purchase, but they retail for $39.99 on their own. Love it.

BB Cream

BB Creams can be pretty hit or miss, so doing your research can definitely help narrow down one that's suitable for you. My favourite at the moment is the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Oily/Combination skin. It provides great coverage, lasts all day and most importantly for this time of year - it has an SPF!

Deodorant

Whether it be a spray or roll on, deodorant at the beach is a must. After swimming and laying in the sun all day, you can be pretty sure that the deodorant you freshly applied in the morning has long since worn off. It's always a good idea to keep some in your beach bag, just so you can enjoy the rest of your day while smelling good.

Poncho Cover-up

I love this Seafolly one from North Beach, I actually have one like this in a mint colour

When you've had a bit too much sun, the best thing you can do is cover up, and something Camille and I swear by are these "poncho-ish" ones. They're loose, comfy and best of all they can protect you from those harsh UV rays. They are perfect for throwing on after you go for a swim, and are so nice and cool that you can pretty much live in them.

So those are my beach essentials. Wishing everyone a safe summer, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Top 5: Current Faves

I realise I haven’t done one of these kinda posts in a long time, so I thought I would share my Top 5 current faves with you.  In no particular order:

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for Oily/Combination Skin

BB Creams are very hit or miss with me, some are great... others are terrible. But since I’d heard nothing but good things about this, it was time to bite the bullet and get it.
The coverage is that of a sheer foundation (as opposed to a tinted moisturiser!), the formula isn’t oily or shiny and it seems to stay put really well all day. I also love the fact that it has an SPF - this will be perfect for Summer.
The only thing I don’t like about it, is that it emphasises any dry patches I might have on my face, so I usually use a moisturiser underneath it.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in “Crème Brulee”

Honestly, I love these lipsticks. They are so moisturising and are really nicely pigmented. This one in particular is actually a perfect nude for me, and lately I’ve been wearing it almost everyday!
I have two other colours, but am definitely on the lookout for some more.

Lush Dream Cream

I wrote a review here stating how much I absolutely love this body lotion. It has become a regular in my daily routine, and my skin is loving me for it.

MAC Blushcreme in “Ladyblush”

I actually can’t believe that I forgot about this for so long, it is so beautiful! It's actually the perfect natural blush colour. The best thing about this. is the fact that it just glides on and blends out effortlessly, giving you that "naturally-flushed" look. To set it, you can either apply some of your setting powder, or a powder blush overtop. I kid you not, this will actually last all day.
I’ve also actually used it as a lip colour too, and it works great - especially if you throw some gloss on overtop.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot – “Vintage Selection”

I have always been a fan of the Paint Pots and this is no exception. It’s described as a subtly, warm-toned, lightened brown with a slightly frosted, champagne sheen. I would definitely agree with that description. It is the perfect all over lid colour, and because they actually dry down and set, they don’t crease! Perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered applying heaps of eye makeup.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo