Monthly Highlights ~ September

I have decided to expand the monthly Fave Five posts, not only to include products I have liked in the last month, but things that didn't work out, selective purchases and everything else in between. I suppose it will be a lot more fun to put together and to some extent, helps me document my likes and dislikes. I hope you'll enjoy this post!

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LOVE

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (review link)

I can't believe how well this foundation is working out for me. It blends very smoothly, offers medium coverage, does not appear cakey and controls oil quite well.

Vichy NormaDerm Anti-Imperfection Concentrate

I purchased this pimple cream a month ago when I was suffering from some really bad breakouts. It is the most effective pimple treatment I have ever used. I have been applying this every evening as a spot-treatment and it certainly helps keep my skin a little bit clearer. Unlike many other anti-pimple products, it does not dry out my skin.

Paul & Joe Body Milk

I love the scent of Paul & Joe products, the light floral fragrance of orange blossoms with a tinge of honey is absolutely lovely. This body lotion is emollient without feeling too heavy and it sinks into my skin fairly quickly. It does not leave a greasy residue and my skin feels quite soft after applying.

FINISHED

Forever and Ever Dior Eau de Toilette

This is the third bottle I have finished and that itself is a testament to how much I love this scent. It smells like creamy roses and reminds me of the English countryside in spring. The scent is long-lasting and is very suitable for day use because it is sweet and feminine without being too intrusive. I will always get a new bottle when I run out because I love it that much :-)

UNFAVOURED

Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner

This eyeliner creases, transfers and makes my lids feel a little heavy and tired. I don't even apply that much of it. It's a real shame though because I really like the colour as it's a beautiful metallic grey that looks really nice on brown eyes.

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So, tell me... What have you been loving or loathing lately?

Fave Five for August

It's time for another monthly favourite roundup. I initially planned this post at the beginning of the month but life (and work) got in the way :-) My skin went a little crazy due to stress, dehydration and using a number of wrong products, which caused really painful breakouts all the way down to my neck. Thankfully, it has gotten better because I've been on a semi anti-acne regime.

Anyway, here's a list of what's been working really well last month.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Many, many years ago, my mum gave me a travel-size bottle of this legendary serum but the consistency back then was much thicker and felt really uncomfortable and tacky. I believe the ANR has gone through several reformulations and the latest one is simply the best serum ever. It is hydrating but not overly so and does not feel heavy. My face feels so velvety and smooth after applying a few drops of this stuff. It has not caused any break outs, of which I'm really thankful for. I absolutely love it!

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush
I reviewed this brush last month (link) and it is now one of my favourite face brushes to date. I especially like using it with loose or pressed powders. The bristles are dense yet soft. I sometimes use mineral powders and certain brushes can feel a little scratchy but never with this fat and fabulous brush.

Skin79 Super+ Hot Pink Beblesh Balm

This was such a pleasant surprise and I did not expect to like it so much. It applies smoothly, does not make my face too oily, has relatively good coverage and provides some sun protection. I have been using this BB cream for most of August and even reviewed it before (link).

Clinique Moisture Surge Eye Gel

I cannot use eye skincare products that are too rich as it will cause milia so I need to be very careful when choosing the right eye cream. The Clinique eye gel came in a set that I got at duty free in one of my travels. It comes in a pink tube, which is hygienic and cute at the same time. The texture is quite light and is of course, in a gel form. It hydrates my undereye area well without feeling too heavy and has not caused any bumps (hurray!). This is a basic moisturising eye gel and I don't think it has any hefty anti-ageing properties.

Bloom Liquid Foundation Brush

I had given up hope on many paddle-shaped foundation brushes because the ones I had before created streaks across my face and no matter what I did, I could never get my foundations to blend or spread properly. The Bloom foundation brush however has restored my faith in the existence of good foundation brushes because this thing blends like a dream. The bristles are firm yet soft and pliable. I have tried it with different liquid foundations (except those with runnier and thinner consistency) and they all apply beautifully with this brush. No more streaky face!

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So, that's it for now. What's been your favourite?

Favourite Five for July

I will be doing a Favourite Five every month highlighting products I have enjoyed the previous month. To kick off, I'll start with several products I have been using for a while now.

1. Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm

This lip balm is petroleum free and has a lovely rose scent that's rather uplifting. It is a rich balm and feels slightly greasy so it's probably not a good lip balm to use below lipsticks or glosses as it provides plenty of slip. It helps soothe my dry, cracked lips and makes my smackers feel quite soft.

2. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I have been using this moisturiser on and off for many years and it was only late last year that I started using this daily. This is my all-time favourite moisturiser because it hydrates well and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It is multi-purpose and can double up as a quick 5-minute mask at times when my skin is feeling a little parched. It may not contain anti-ageing properties but I prefer to use serums to address such matters.

3. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow

This product is meant to be a light-diffusing base or face primer. It may work well as a moisturiser too because it contains some moisturising properties so those with oily skin will find this alone to be enough. It imparts a soft-focus glow and enables my foundations to go on more smoothly. Some folks find the cream to be a little thick but if you use sparingly, it shouldn't feel heavy at all.

4. Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus

This serum claims to reduce lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage. I got a bottle almost a year ago and used it religiously day and night during the first 4 weeks. I believe it improved the overall appearance of my skin. I do not have many wrinkles or lines on my face, so I'm not exactly sure if it helped reduce them. I recently started to use this on my neck and I think the lines have smoothened out.

5. Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation

I did a review (link) a few months ago and it's a keeper for sure. It is lightweight and offers medium coverage with a slightly dewy finish. Oil control is fairly decent and it doesn't oxidise on me. I have received a few compliments on how nice my skin looked and it's mostly due to this foundation.

So, what have you been lovin' lately?