Friday 18 March 2016

The Parcel Autumn Edit

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. Today I have got another edition of The Parcel to tell you about. I was really excited to see this one as I had kinda forgotten it was on its way till I was going through some old emails and saw the confirmation of my payment to receive it. 
For those of you that aren't aware the parcel is a quarterly subscription box that is produced by the same ladies and gents behind the magazine Marie Claire. It offers sample and full size products that are cult classics, new to market or just favourtites of beauty world and is inclusive of both pharmacy (drug store) and high end. All boxes come with the theme of the season they are sent in. So lets get into the Autumn Edit......




Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum received a 4ml sample size full size is 30ml.
This serum uses breakthrough shaping technology in combination with pro collagen to smooth and plump the skin it says results of visible lift to the skin will be able to be seen in two weeks. I am actually interested to try this I really enjoyed the serum that I received in the last edit of this box so happy to try something new. And the mini pump top packaging is just too cute!!!



Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water received the full size 125ml
You all know I love this micellar water I have written about it a couple of times before. Great for makeup removal also great to prep the skin before makeup application. Its quick and easy to use and gets rid of any impurities on the face. Excited to see the 125ml size I have looked at this in Priceline many times perfect for travel. 



MOR Emporium Classics Triple Milled Soap Blood Orange received a sample size (no weight on packaging) full size is 180g.
This soap contains blood orange, jasmine, rose and lily for a soft floral scent that adds elegance to any bathroom. Not really that excited by this to be honest. Not only am I not a soap user this is the third time I have received a MOR soap in a beauty box, two out of the three being this box!! I get that they are a decent sample size of the product just don't find soap interesting even if it is expensive!! 



OPI Nail Lacquer in the shade Down to the Core-al received a full size 15ml
A cult product in the beauty world. This is long wearing and chip resistant formula with patented pro wide brush to ensure easy application. Excited the last time the parcel sent me an OPI polish it was a brown taupe colour so loving the coral orange metallic that has arrived. A perfect pick me up colour for the cooler months!!!



Crop Pure Macadamia Oil recieved a full size 50ml.
This is an all purpose oil that can be used on the body and even in the hair it contains 95% naturally derived macadamia oil and is free from parabens, phthalates and sulphates. The packaging gives instructions on how to use it as a cleanser to remove makeup as well as a moisturiser. Have not used many things from this brand before so interested to try.



Gilded Cage Unleashed Lipstick in the shade 107 recieved a full size 3.5g.
These lipsticks are rich, pigmented are said to feel light weight and silky on the lips. 107 is described as a pearlesent neutral mauve swatched on the back of my hand I would have said neutral pink so will have to see how it looks on the lips but it does look quite wearable. Was intrigued by this product so I have googled the brand and am happy to report that this is an Australian born company with products being designed in Paris, made in Italy. Really interested to try!! 




So that ends this edition of the parcel. I hope you enjoyed reading this post if your already subscribed I hope you are excited to try out the new products as I am. If you aren't or where thinking about subscribing I hope this helps your choice!! Until next post happy reading and happy shopping!!

Everlynne. 




Sunday 13 March 2016

Beating the winter skin blues!!



Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. My post today is all about beating the winter skin blues. Now I know that if like me you live in Australia you will know that the weather at the moment is anything but cold!! However this month I was approached by  Dollar Shave Club to share my tips and tricks for keeping skin looking good in winter and given I have not written a skin care post nor have I written a winter skin care post in a while. I thought it a perfect excuse to share my thoughts and besides the winter chills are just around the corner!! So let get to it...


Lips
For me my lips are the first thing to become flaky, chapped and sore during the colder months. So I am always reaching for something that is instantly soothing and hydrating. So my biggest tip here is to always  choose something that is long lasting. Your lips are never covered and they are also constantly moving and exposed to the elements so tend to dry out quicker in the winter chill. And if your like me you don't have time to constantly apply product. 

Nivea Lip Butters
These little pots of cuteness contain the most moisturising lip butter that is the perfect consistency its not too thick or thin, the product itself is easy to apply and is long lasting and the flavours/scents are all good I really haven't been able to pick a favourite. They are compact so are very handy to slip onto a pocket or handbag. 

Tip: Apply a little while doing your makeup allows it to smooth and hydrate your lips before you put colour over the top!!

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm
This little pot is my go to when my lips need a bit of TLC. While you can use this all the time I love using this as a lip treatment at night. I find it helps to get rid of the dry flaky skin but at the same time really helps to soothe and moisturise. Using it overnight really allows the product to work (it does tingle slightly) and putting a lip balm over the top really helps it really sinks into the skin and I love waking up to lips that feel soft and plump. 

Trick: Use around the nose when you've got a cold and the skin around becomes chapped and flaky it helps to exfoliate and rid the area of dry skin.



Face
I may have oily combination skin but I still find I end up with dry patches on my face particularly when the temperature drops and the wind picks up.

Bioderma Sebium Mat Moisturising Mattifying Fluid
This is my current go to moisturiser at the moment. While I did originally choose it to help keep my oily T zone at bay at the same time it hydrates the rest of my skin and does help to keep the dryness to a minimum. Its light and absorbs quickly which is great when I am on the go and perfect when I am trying to get my makeup done in a hurry. 


Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
In winter I used to favour the thicker or richer type of creams but I have found over time they just feel too heavy on my skin with some even leaving a residue. So I opted for a lighter version and what I love about this one is even though it says light it still has a decent thickness to it, but it absorbs and leaves your skin feeling instantly fresh!! I also doesn't have a scent which I find is great particularly when I am primarily using it at night.

Tip: Applying moisturiser morning and night helps keeps dryness at bay.


Makeup Removal
I know this isn't a skin care product as such but makeup removal is such an important step to any skin care routine summer or winter. But I find in winter the usual options (micellar waters, makeup removal wipes) do have a tendency to dry my skin out even if using non alcohol based products. So I do really prefer to use a microfibre wash cloth to remove my makeup at night not only are these used just with water,  for convenience it can be used in shower which is great if your like me and cleans afterwards!!! 


Tip: Microfibre does exfoliate the skin lightly which helps moisturiser to absorb better.





Hands
I combat dryness on my hands all year round not only does job require me to wear gloves but I also wash my hands multiple times a day. But in winter the cold water and weather seems to dry my skin out quicker. Because I use it a lot I also have a few favourites.

MOR Orange Blossom Hand Cream
I have used this hand cream for the longest time and its one I keep repurchasing I love it as it absorbs quickly and has a beautiful light scent I also find that it really keeps the dryness at bay.

Dirty Works Hand Cream
I have to say that straight from the tube the cream itself feels a little bit thick at first but then as you work it into the hands it absorbs so quickly. I love this one for while I am at work it seems to last longer than most other hand creams. It also has a great scent.  





Body
I am really not the best at moisturising my body in general let alone in winter when its quite chilly when after you leave the warmth of a shower. 

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser 
I have to say that this is great all year round. Its so quick, easy to use and it absorbs fast. It is cooling on the skin which isn't the my favourite part during winter but as it is so quick to apply that its not a huge issue. I also like the fact that even being with being a spray and a lighter application its still as moisturising as the original lotion. This is also perfect post shaving!!! 

Trick: I know the instructions say spray in one continuous motion but in winter short sprays all over the body makes it quicker to apply and rub in particularly when its chilly. 

Garnier Body Beauty Oil Scrub
Nobody likes the dry skin look so this body scrub is the perfect go to. It not only has the perfect size and texture of scrub particles but it also is infused with Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose oils which help to hydrate your skin but also makes this one smell really yummy!! 




Dollar Shave Club
Its actually quite funny that I have actually been meaning to tell you guys about this company for ages. These razors where going to be included in a travel favourites  post that I wanted to write (comment below if you wish to read that). I have been subscribed to this company for many years and while I cannot remember what introduced me to this product I know I have not looked back since. Dollar Shave Club provides a subscription service that delivers razor blades to your door every month for one monthly fee (inclusive of postage). And you have the options of choosing from two blades, four blades or six blades. Not only is the cost cheaper than buying disposable razors/new razor blades all the time they also are universal so both you and you partner can use them which it an amazing money saver and great when your travelling and one of you (always the other half) forgets a razor!!! You can also order extra handles if you don't like to share (again also great for travel).




Imperial Leather Foamburst Foaming Shower Gel
Now every good razor needs a decent shave gel or in this case foaming shower gel. It makes shaving so much quicker and easier. This gel instantly foams up and is smooth and easy to apply. Its the perfect partner to the dollar shave club razors. 




So that ends this post I hope you enjoyed reading it and have picked up a few tips for the winter months. Would like to thank the Dollar Shave Club for inviting me to be apart of their idea. Don't forget to check out the Dollar Shave Club website if your in the market for a new razor and until next post. Happy reading and happy shopping!!

Everlynne.





***Disclaimer: This post was a suggested post by the Dollar Shave Club. All thoughts and recommendations are my own. I have not been paid nor have any of the products been paid for by this company.***


Friday 4 March 2016

Mascara Madness #13

Hey Readers, 
I hope your all doing well.  Today I am here with a new mascara madness post. These three mascaras have been sitting waiting for me to talk about for a while so I thought it was high time I write about them as usual I will compare the marketing pitch with the reality of my experience. 




Loreal False Lash Wings Intenza
The Pitch: The secret is the technology, the double winged brush stretches and lengthens by separating and adding volume to individual lashes. 
The Reality: While this double wing brush does take a little bit to get used to the separation and length that this mascara gives to the lashes is amazing. In regards to the volume I don't personally find this the best for that but it does give great definition to my lashes and I have enjoyed it for that. 




Essence Plump No Clump
The Pitch:the name says it all. the large elastomer brush with an integrated reservoir generates mega-volume without any clumping. 

The Reality: It's a good mascara don't get me wrong, gives decent definition and is a great every day mascara but it can clump a little when trying to build it up. I also have found as time as gone on you do get little bits of extra mascara that build up on the wand which end up on your lashes to only fall  onto the rest on your makeup when dry.




Covergirl The Super Sizer
The Pitch: The Super Sizer by LashBlast Waterproof Mascara gives you 400% more corner-to-corner volume for fanned out, full eyelashes. Our breakthrough Lash Styler transforms even small lashes.
The Reality: While I don't agree with the 400% more volume claim. The definition this mascara gives to  lashes does make them look full and fanned out it. This is a really nice mascara to use it builds nicely and doesn't clump your lashes or flake.      




So that ends another mascara madness post. I hope you enjoyed and when shopping for a new mascara this helps narrow down your choice!! Until next time happy reading and happy shopping. 

Everlynne.

The websites that helped create this post:

http://www.essence.eu/au/products/eyes/mascara/e/product/plump-no-clump-volume-mascara/

http://www.lorealparis.com.au/cosmetics/eyes/false-lash-wings-intenza/intense-matte-black.aspx

https://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/eye-makeup/mascara/super-sizer-mascara.