Monthly Favourites: October 2011

I haven't done one of these posts since June as I have been trialling different products for review purposes. While I am still doing that I have been making more of an effort to just use what I like on some days too. So here we go:

Foundation: This month I actually have 2 and here's why. Firstly I was using up my Maybelline Smooth Mousse foundation which I love, it just doesn't hold up to a full day at work for me. I find that my skin wants to absorb anything including makeup in an effort to be less dry. Once that was done and dusted I started using Face of Australia's Lasting Looks Natural Foundation with SPF15 and loved this one too. This foundation retails for $11.95 and seriously is freaking awesome - lasts wonderfully for work but if you are super super pale it may be a little dark (think your more tanned summer face - or should I say less scry white summer face?).

Blush: I was sent some BYS products for review and decided to pick up some more to test out myself. One of those that I picked up was BYS' blush in Peach Sundae (I think Lilit recommended this one it to me) and I have to say this blush is a gorgeous light summery, shimmery peach - just the way I like 'em.  At 4.95 AUD (from memory) this one is a total bargain. LOVE!

Powder: I have been using Face of Australia's face powder for a number of months now and I am not making any headway. A word of warning though for those with dry skin - less is more otherwise you can look dry. In fact I haven't needed a face powder when using the FOA foundation mentioned above so I assume this will last me forever. This baby retails for $11.95 AUD as well.

Eyeshadow: Just when I thought this was going to be an Aussie favourites post (lol) in slams NARS with their cream eyeshadow in Mykonos. It's neutral, sparkly, easily blendable, stays all day, doesn't crease and I love it all over my lid for that "I look like I made an effort but I really didn't" days. I get my NARS from kissandmakeupny

Mascara: Recently I mentioned that I had done a bit of an Australis haul and one of my items was the Lash TLC Conditioning Mascara. It took me a couple of goes before I was sure I liked this mascara but I do and I recommend it specifically for those who are looking for something suitable for sensitive eyes. Not only does this mascara not irritate during the day but it is also really easy to get off when you are ready for bed time. Retails for $14.95 AUD.

Lipstick/product: Again this is a bit of a tie, first we have Australis' Mint Condition Lip Gloss SPF30 in Meow With Your Mind. My god I love this gloss - the colour, finish, SPF, name - just everything. It's also only $8.95AUD as well. Secondly we have Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef. I've heard people rave about this colour and you know what IT'S ALL TRUE. Just get it - even at Australian prices (I think about $20 AUD) it is worth it (I'm sorry I missed it from the photo above but I'll do a swatch post separately).

Skincare: I have been totally in love with L'oreal's Youth Code Super-Concentrated Serum which I have been using every morning and some nights as well. I just love the way this makes my skin feel and it is absorbed so quickly too. I picked mine up a few months ago when Priceline had the whole Youth Code skincare line on sale for $22 AUD.

Nail: Orly's Night Owl made it twice in a row on my nails. It seriously looks like nothing in the bottle but I just love it one. A NOTD is coming. Preeeeettttty!

Perfume: Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gioia is a gorgeous perfume that I love wearing as the weather gets warmer. I have received so many compliments from people when I wear this fragrance and can often be found smelling myself when I wear it as well lol.

Other: Now that the weather is heating up again SPF is becoming a real concern as I realise I have done bugger all to get something sorted out since last summer. However there is one product that I have been relying on for years to keep me white and sunburn free and that is Banana Boat's Ultra Sunscreen in SPF30. I freaking love this stuff.
I was also lucky enough to be sent one of the new sunscreens in the BB range -Mineral Protect- kids with SPF30. This is a naturally based sunscreen with clear zinc. I used it on the weekend in a ridiculously hot day (35) in Adelaide and again it was a winner. A more in depth review of the BB sunscreens I have used and loved is coming.

Whew and we are done!

Have a great week everyone and thanks so much for still reading and commenting despite my irregular posts at the moment - that work/life balance is certainly a challenge at the moment for me.

Jac x

Disclaimer: I received the Banana Boat sunscreen from PR as mentioned above - everything else I bought myself, either way my opinions are always my own.