October Favourites + Highlights 2020

October has zoomed by! I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my tonsillectomy and I’ve been back at work two weeks already! I did get more spendy in October compared to a usual month and I haven’t been reading a lot either. I will still meet my Goodreads target of 40 books for the year but I want to spend more time reading again in November. I haven’t really been up to much this month, mainly sleeping, relaxing and taking it easy. It’s been nice to have time for self care.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop Easy Bake Ultra Glossy Lip – Easy Bake was released by Colourpop last year as part of their Strawberry Shake collection. This shade is a sheer strawberry pink that can be worn on its own but I love wearing it over top of lipstick for added shine. This is the perfect neutral gloss that looks good on top of everything without altering the lip colour underneath. The scent is nice, the formula isn’t sticky and goopy and the packaging is adorable!

2. Revlon – Gel Envy Nail Polish in Silky Negligee – I was placing an order online for magnesium for my mum and needed something else to add to the order to qualify for free shipping (it was a chemist website). I had seen this polish in a store the same day and snapped it up immediately. Silky Negligee is a glossy metallic silver grey and it looks stunning on. Two coats is perfect and the polish lasted for almost two weeks with Revlon’s Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat (which I have loved for years) applied over top. The polish was a little difficult to remove but nothing like removing glitter polishes. I also picked up another shade from the range called Standing Ovation (glossy metallic lilac pink) which I’m yet to try.

3. Trilogy Hydrating Jelly Mask – There is a facial oil from Trilogy I love and I saw this jelly mask on sale for half price so decided to give it a try. The mask contains rosehip, hyaluronic acid and manuka honey and it aims to smooth the appearance of skin as well as deeply nourish and refresh it. There is a little spatula that comes with the mask and makes it easy to scoop product out. The texture is like jelly and feels very cooling on the skin. Product is easy to spread and after a few minutes it sets a little but doesn’t feel uncomfortable. The mask only needs to be left on for 5-10 minutes and washes off with minimal effort. This is a lovely mask that I’ve been reaching for once a week and a little goes a long way.

4. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom body butter – I purchased this body butter over a year ago and I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned it on the blog before! I didn’t start using it until around lockdown but the scent is gorgeous – it’s light, fruity and floral and a nice feminine scent to use after a shower. The texture of this body butter feels slightly more luxurious compared to the standard ranges The Body Shop is known for. The price point of this is slightly higher as well but it doesn’t bother me.

October Highlights

• It was nice to have a break from work after my surgery. I hadn’t had a proper break since February.
• Purchased some comfy tracksuit bottoms and the most gorgeous purple hoodie from Nike. You bet the first cold day that comes I’ll be wearing them!
• Finally got to watch Knives Out this month. Not going to lie though, I was a little disappointed. I didn’t like the fake accent Daniel Craig’s character had.

October’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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June Favourites + Highlights

Winter has well and truly arrived! Getting up at 5:30am for work I really notice the cold mornings but I will admit New Zealand is lucky to still get sun in winter and to see the blue sky peaking through for the most part. June has felt extremely busy and I don’t know where the month has gone. I haven’t blogged a lot (but I still pop on and read posts and comment everyday) or read a lot. I don’t think I’ll make my Goodreads target of 50 books at this stage but I’m not going to dwell on it, I read because I enjoy it not to pressure myself and some days I simply don’t have time to read. I also broke my goal not to buy a lipstick in 2019 this month and I am a little disappointed. I’m not completely sold on the shade I purchased and I may end up passing it along. Even so, one lipstick for a whole year is good right?!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Revolution Lip Topper – Fortune – I purchased this lip topper at the end of April and over the past couple of months I’ve really been enjoying wearing it. Revolution released three lip topper shades, I swatched all three in store and this looked the most sparkly and the one I imagined would go with the most colours. This product can be worn on it’s own or on top of other lipsticks to add a natural shine and sparkle. This is extremely comfortable to wear (both ways) and isn’t sticky or gritty. This shade is also a dupe for the Fenty Beauty gloss bomb in Diamond Milk.

2. MAC Melon Pigment – I am surprised I haven’t mentioned this pigment in a favourites post before. I bought this pigment around six months ago secondhand and it was almost full. I would describe Melon as a peach-gold and not a shade that is difficult to pair with makeup looks. The gold tones down the orange/peach colour and makes for a somewhat neutral eye look. Without a doubt the pigment can be built up to add extra sparkle or used alongside other palettes. I love pairing this pigment with the Sol palette from Colourpop. This was one of the shades on my MAC pigment wishlist and I’m glad to have crossed this one off!

3. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter – Without a doubt Shea is probably my favourite scent from The Body Shop. I’ve been through a few small 50ml tubs of this body butter in the past but the texture was different. The texture of this 200ml tub is much softer and creamier. This product not only has the most gorgeous scent but it feels luxurious on the skin and soaks in so easily.

4. Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask – Over the past few years I have used a mud/clay mask at least once a week as part of my self care routine and I like how they work with my skin. I make sure to go for a mask that doesn’t irritate my dry skin but makes it feel clean and has nourishing ingredients. I’d been looking at an alternative to a clay mask I was using from Natio and really liked the sound of this one. Antipodes is a New Zealand brand and one that I know is renowned for quality products. This mask features Vinanza Grape & Kiwi and peony petal and aims to brighten skin and improve skin’s appearance. The mask has a subtle scent but it isn’t offensive.

June Highlights

• The denim jacket from this haul had it’s first outing.
• Found a new purpose for one of my lighter coloured highlighters as a nice, glowy setting powder.
• Rented The Greatest Showman from work and finally got to see it. I enjoyed the movie.
• Went on a cute date and was given roses.

June’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Nighttime Beauty Routine

I know the importance of skincare and having a good routine but if I’m honest all of the products, oils, serums and acids confuse me! My skin tends to be on the drier side, I don’t get a lot of acne which I am thankful for and ultimately I don’t like to use too many products and keep things simple. Over the past 3-4 months my skin has been pretty good and I put that down to my current combination of products.

In this post I talk you through what I’m loving for my skin and also mention what I use to keep my lips and hands in tip top condition.

Cleanser:

Clinique Take the Day Off Balm – I won this cleansing balm in a giveaway 18 months ago and I’ve barely made a dent in it! Granted I don’t use this every time I remove makeup but I have started using it more regularly lately and I find it gets makeup off my face so easily and doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy afterwards. The texture changes from a balm to an oil when it is applied to the skin and you can use as little or as much as you like. The product is not scented and doesn’t irritate my skin. For all you sensitive skinned beauties out there I urge you to try this.

Masks:

The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask – This mask I use 2-3 times a week and it is very gentle on the skin. It’s also great if you want a quick mask, the tub recommends leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. The mask contains bits of oat but they don’t feel scratchy on the skin when the mask is applied. The scent of this is very natural and a little goes a long way.

Natio Face Mask Purifier – I have used this face mask for a while now and I’m currently on my second tube. A 100g tube will last me a couple of years. I tend to use this 1-2 times a week depending on how oily my skin is and how often I’ve worn makeup. This is a clay mask and contains kaolin but the mask doesn’t feel too drying. This mask is also unscented which is good if you’re sensitive to smell.

Moisturiser:

Palmer’s Moisture Rich Night Cream – I picked this moisturiser up on Feel Unique in late 2017 and started using it in March 2018. It comes in a 75g glass jar (which would be a little heavy for travel) but for the price I paid that’s a generous size – I paid $14 (NZD) from memory. I love the scent of this, it’s a cross between cocoa butter and shea. If you’re sensitive to smell the scent doesn’t linger. It is recommended to only use this at night as Retinol is listed as one of the ingredients and it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun which is why using a day moisturiser with SPF is encouraged.

Facial oil:

Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Restoring Oil – A couple of months ago I was trying to decide whether to try a facial oil or a serum. I settled on an oil as the texture is more lightweight and soaks into the skin easier. Ever since I started using this oil I have noticed the biggest difference, my skin feels softer, my skin is less dry and foundation and concealer don’t settle into lines around my nose as much. I use roughly 4 drops of this oil every night and apply it after moisturiser. The oil is unscented and contains maqui berry, apricot, and sea buckthorn. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Lip Treatments:

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Honey –  I am not the biggest fan of honey scents but this lip oil smells good! I tend to use this if my lips feel extra dry or to protect them in the cold weather. The oil feels tacky upon application but soon loses that sticky feeling. The applicator picks up a generous amount and I normally do two lighter coats on each lip rather than one.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter – I try to apply lip balm most nights before bed to keep my lips soft and supple and this lip balm is lovely. The little pot is the cutest and it will last ages! The Cocoa Butter scent smells good enough to eat and this works just as well as normal Vaseline in a jar, plus it’s easier to tote around.

Hand cream:

The Body Shop Frosted Plum – I have finished up numerous tubes of hand cream from The  Body Shop in various scents. Currently I am using Frosted Plum which I picked up last December as it was one of the festive scents. The smell is like a floral plum and whilst it is ok it’s not my favourite. The hand cream is moisturising though and comes in a fetching metallic purple tube! Hand cream is the final step in my evening routine before lights out.

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What products are essential to your nighttime routine?

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December Favourites 2017

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all had a lovely day and got spoiled with lots of presents. Best wishes for the rest of the holiday season!

It’s time for the last monthly favourites of 2017! December and 2017 have zoomed by and I can’t believe we are at the end of another year already. December’s favourites are more of a mixed bag than November’s; I’ve got beauty, skincare, fashion and music.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Dua Lipa – I can’t recall where I first heard of Dua and listened to her music but I have been listening to her songs since 2016 before she released her album. On first listen I wasn’t a big fan of the album apart from the singles but I decided to listen to it again a few months ago and something just clicked. Dua’s voice is deep and gravelly and very distinct. I started listening to the album more and more and purchased a physical copy at the end of November. Her songs are catchy and make you want to sing along – one of my top albums of 2017. Standout Tracks: Genesis, Hotter Than Hell, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), New Rules, Begging, Homesick and Last Dance.

2. Dannii For Target Tank Top – I bought this top in 2016 and have been wearing it more recently with the hotter temperatures. It’s a gorgeous mint green colour perfect for summer and the top is nice and flowy. The holes for the arms are quite low cut so I tend to layer a light cardigan type garment over the top to conceal that.

3. The Body Shop Honey and Oat 3 in 1 Face Mask – I bought this face mask all the way back in January in a Body Shop haul. In my Spring Beauty Edit I mentioned I wanted to start using this product more and I’m pleased to say I have been. I alternate between this and a Natio face mask. What I love about this mask is not only how good it smells but how easy and gentle it is. A little goes a long way and you only have to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. It’s simple to remove and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

4. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – I have had this primer for over a year but rediscovered it a few weeks ago. When I first purchased it I didn’t notice its benefits and it sat unused. A couple of weeks ago I tried it again to see if it would make my makeup last longer in the heat. I have been using this nearly every time I’ve applied makeup in December and it makes my foundation apply smoother. It’s a silicone based primer and I have been using it with different foundations – it works in conjunction with all of them.

5. Australia – Gangsta Rap – This was one of the first lipsticks I ever bought when I started properly getting into makeup and it is one of my holy grail colours. I would describe Gangsta Rap (awesome name btw) as a magenta-violet similar to MAC’s Violetta. I haven’t tried Violetta but it’s in that bright pinky purple vein. The formula of this lipstick is lovely and creamy and contains Kakadu plum and vitamin C. The lipstick applies evenly and has outstanding pigmentation.

6. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector – Opal (Mini) – I cannot believe I haven’t mentioned this until now! I have had Opal since February and it is one of my favourite highlighters to wear. The smallest amount of product is all you need and I can see this mini size lasting a while. The gold colour isn’t stark against pale skin and would suit a range of skin tones.

Best of 2017 playlist:

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What were your favourite things in December?

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Spring Beauty Edit

September signals the start of Spring in New Zealand which I know could be difficult to get your head around if you live in the northern hemisphere. Spring is probably my favourite season; flowers blossom and the sun’s out more minus the summer temperatures. You still get cooler, wet days so it’s a nice balance. I went through my stash and selected a handful of products to use over the coming months that give me a spring feeling.

Lips

L – R: Dainty Doll – Material World, Revlon – Peach Parfait and Revlon – Softsilver Rose

Spring is all about peachy pinks. They aren’t strictly the only shades I wear but I do reach for them more. I have reserved my bold shades since starting at the library, I wanted to ease the other staff in! Over the past few weeks I have been loving the warm tones of Material World and Peach Parfait. Softsilver Rose is a shade I’ve had for more than a year but only recently started enjoying. It has a slight frost finish and a formula that’s super comfortable on the lips. In fact, these formulas are all lovely and creamy to wear.

Nails

L – R: Glow Your Own Way, Ladylike and Romper Room.

Coincidentally these are all Essie polishes. Over the past two years I have become an Essieaholic and purchased a number of polishes from the brand. Glow Your Own Way is a beautiful bronze-gold glitter. The sparkles make me think of spring and I plan on wearing it a lot over the coming months. Glow Your Own Way also has a dedicated blog post of it’s own. To read it, CLICK HERE. Ladylike was one of the first Essie polishes I bought and it is one of my favourites. This elegant, soft mauve is the ideal shade for any situation and applies like a dream! (At the time of writing this post I had it on my nails). I associate spring with pastels and Romper Room is the perfect example of that. This pale tea rose pink can be a little streaky to apply but three coats achieves an opaque finish.

Skincare

I use numerous products from The Body Shop on a regular basis and one of my latest favourites is the Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Mask. The face mask smells good enough to eat and I tend to use this if my skin is feeling drier than usual or is in need of extra care. The moisturising ingredients make for a gentle mask and honey and oats do wonders for the skin. A little goes a long way so this 100ml pot will last a while.

Prior to using the Vitamin C Face Mist I was using the Vitamin E version but I much prefer the Vitamin C. The scent is citrus fresh and I love how the mist feels on the skin.

Body

Unlike most people, I don’t have a weakness for coconut. I’m not a fan of the scent, I don’t like eating it and I would never buy a coconut product for myself. I did however receive a travel sized Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist from Stashy in her giveaway and I like it. There isn’t a strong coconut scent and there’s a hint of beach/sea air mixed in. I’ve never tried anything from Bath & Body Works before but I’ve heard other bloggers rave about their products.

Every morning before I dress I apply body lotion to my arms. One of the lotions on the go at the moment is the Cocoa Butter Body Lotion from The Body Shop. The Body Shop lotions are my favourite as they are super moisturising, last for ages and smell divine! This doesn’t smell as good as the body butter – it’s less chocolately – but the scent isn’t unpleasant enough to put me off using the product. This particular range is known for keeping skin soft and supple and it certainly delivers.

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Do you associate products with certain seasons? Let me know in the comments what you have been enjoying recently!

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Project Pan Week 7: Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier

Happy Monday and welcome to week seven of Project Pan! Project Pan follows Stash Matters, A Brash Attitude, Curly Spring Blossom and I as we pick 12 products to try and hit pan on/empty over 12 weeks (11 in my case).

In the spotlight this week is a product by Australian brand Natio; their Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier.

About

I first saw this face mask in a magazine and purchased it roughly a year ago. I actually only paid 50 cents for this as I had a gift card which paid for the rest. Ever since I purchased this face mask I have used it once a week for the past 52-ish weeks. You don’t need to use a lot of product and this tube seems to last forever. I like that this doesn’t have a scent and you can feel it working when you apply it. This is currently the only face mask I use and the only one I have ever used.

From the website:

Benefits:

Helps unclog and tighten pores. Does wonders for tired skin, improving firmness and texture. A wonderful at-home treatment for all skin types.

Plant Extracts:

Sesame to nourish and restore lustre. Lemon to cleanse and purify. Palma Rosa to soften and nourish.

How To:

After cleansing and toning, apply a thin layer to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Relax for five to ten minutes, allowing clay to dry. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

pros

• A little goes a long way
• Unscented
• Simple, squeeze tube packaging
• Makes the face feel clean and fresh

Cons

• Runny texture, I have to be careful not to squeeze too much out
• May leak easily – I store this lying down instead of upright
• Doesn’t prevent breakouts

Chanelle’s rating: 7/10 – This face mask is definitely worth the price because of how long it has lasted. I don’t know whether it would be beneficial to use this mask more than once a week. Maybe that’s something to try for the last few weeks of Project Pan? I am undecided whether I will purchase again once I’ve finished this tube. Part of me would like to try something else and perhaps more specific to my skin and it’s needs.

The Remaining products – Progress

1. Nivea Pearly Shine Lip Balm – Used 1x.
   
2. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream – Used 4x. I spent a couple of nights away from home this week and didn’t take this with me.
   
3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – Used 5x. I’m loving applying this foundation with my W7 Power Puff recently.
4. Britney Spears Curious – In Control – Used 2x.
   
5. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail – Used 2x.
   
6. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – Used 6x. This works well when spritzed before applying foundation.
   
7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – Used 6x.
   
8. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder – Didn’t use again this week.
   
9. The Body Shop Strawberry Lip Butter – Used 5x. Didn’t use daily for the same reason as the Wild Argan Oil hand cream.
   
10. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – Used 1x. I didn’t wear nail polish this week, well not properly. I was going to do a Halloween nail look on Saturday but it didn’t turn out how I would have liked.

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Don’t forget to check out this week’s posts from my collaboration partners:

• Stash Matters
• A Brash Attitude
• Curly Spring Blossom

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Nighttime Routine

Over the past couple of months I have gotten into a regular routine and developed a nightly regime to help combat the effects of winter weather. In this post I will be discussing the products I have been turning to keep my skin, hair, lips and hands looking tip top! Let’s jump straight in!

Step One – Skin

I moisturise twice a day: morning and night and a couple of months ago I purchased The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. Previously, I had been using my regular daytime moisturiser at night as well but I found that it didn’t seem to keep my skin hydrated enough and I wanted to try something specifically for evening use. I first read about the Vitamin E Night Cream over on Rachel’s blog and I’m so glad I gave it a go because it has been working wonders. I wake up with supple skin and no dry face. My makeup has been applying better too.

I use the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream six nights a week, every night except for Sunday. Once a week I apply a face mask and I find my skin is hydrated enough without applying the Night Cream over top. I use Natio’s Face Mask Purifier which is a clay mask. This mask helps to unclog and tighten pores and my skin instantly feels smoother after removal.

If I have a blemish or spot I apply a little bit of DQ & Co.’s Love Your Skin Balm. It is formulated with Manuka Honey and Vitamin A to promote healing and minimise scarring.

Step Two – Hair

I like to keep my haircare routine simple and easy and for this I have been using Fudge Urban’s Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail. This is another product I picked up upon recommendation from a blogger; Karen this time. I apply a little more than a pea sized amount of product to my palms before dispersing it through the ends of my hair. My hair is long so I apply from the mid lengths to the ends. I absolutely adore this product for a number of reasons – smell and texture being the standouts. This doesn’t feel greasy to apply nor does it make hair look greasy.

Chanelle’s Tip: I also like to apply this after I’ve straightened my hair to keep it looking slick, shiny and frizz-free.

Step Three – Lips

I have had this little pot of Strawberry Lip Butter from The Body Shop for a year now and there is still a ton of product left! I’ll admit, up until a few months ago when I started this routine I only used this lip butter off and on. I didn’t want it to get left by the wayside and just sit there until I remembered to use it so I’ve started applying lip balm each night before I go to bed. My lips don’t get dry very much but this ensures they stay even softer and won’t chap. The smell of this is divine and every night when I apply it I give it a sniff!

Step Four – Hands/Nails

Hand cream is one of my daily essentials and I actually picked up this one from (my old) workplace earlier this year. The Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream contains 50ml of product which is a lot compared to others out there. This cost roughly the same price as a 30ml tube of hand cream from The Body Shop and has nearly twice the amount of product. Olive is a New Zealand brand which boasts all natural ingredients. Again, this smells absolutely divine (like bubblegum), and the texture is very moisturising. The product is non-greasy and soaks in quickly.

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As you can see, my nighttime routine is relatively simple. I don’t like to over-complicate things, I prefer to stick with what I know and I try to minimise the amount of products I use. Do you have a nighttime routine? What are your favourite products to use?

[CLOSED] EXCITING Blog Giveaway!!!

Happy Friday lovelies! Wednesday marked my two year blogging anniversary and I cannot believe how quick that time has gone! I want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who reads the blog and leaves comments and for all the support and encouragement I receive. I genuinely did not imagine that I could come across such kind, thoughtful, like-minded people.

I have wanted to do a blog giveaway for a while now. I wanted to do this giveaway because two years posting on Chanelle Hayley feels like such a milestone and I am so proud of how far I’ve come; my confidence has grown and my writing style has improved so much. I apologise for this not being the most extravagant giveaway but I hope whoever wins enjoys this prize as much as I will enjoy running the giveaway.

The Prize:

There will be ONE winner who will receive the following:

1. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick. Fuchsia is my favourite lip colour to rock and I believe you can’t go far wrong with one in your collection!

2. Maybelline New York Luminizing Eyeshadow, Caffeine Rush. This little palette is full of neutral tones and these shades can all be used separately or together to create a gorgeous eye look. These shades remind me of my favourite eyeshadow palette, ‘The Nudes’ also by Maybelline.

3.  Geoskincare individual face masks: 1 x Deep Pore Cleansing masque, 1 x Hydrating masque and 1 x Radiance Lifting masque.

4. Neutrogena Naturals lip balm. I have been getting into the habit of applying lip balm every night before I go to bed and it really does make a difference. I wake up with smooth lips and lipstick glides on like a dream. This one winds up which is good if you’re all about hygiene and contains Vitamin E to nourish and soothe.

5. Makeup Revolution mono eyeshadows. In my recent Feel Unique & Makeup Revolution Haul I picked up two of Makeup Revolutions mono eyeshadows. I selected the shades I Need You (bronze/brown) and Promised Land (rose gold).

6. Zoella Beauty Tutti Fruity Beauty Pouch. I couldn’t get over how adorable this pouch is so I picked up an extra with this giveaway in mind when I made my Feel Unique order.

7. The Body Shop Shea hand cream. Hand cream is one of the essential products in my beauty routine and this one from The Body Shop is a personal favourite. Shea is such a beautiful scent and not too strong if you prefer something more subtle.

8. Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Treatment. One thing that always makes me feel confident is a good hair day. I saw this product and instantly thought it would be perfect to include in this giveaway!

So now you know what you could win,  how do you enter?

To Enter:

1. Follow my blog via WordPress or Email – I will be checking!

2. Comment below with a question you’d like me to answer in a future Q&A post.

To Gain An Extra Entry:

1. Follow either my Twitter account or my Instagram account.

2. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done all of the above along with your Instagram/Twitter username so I can follow you back.

P.S. If you follow me on both Twitter and Instagram I am only counting that as one extra entry. I wanted to offer both options in case some people only have Twitter and not Instagram and vice versa.

*** This giveaway is open internationally from June 17th 2016 and will close at 11:59pm (NZT) on Friday July 1st 2016 ***

All entries will be assigned a number and once the giveaway closes the winner will be picked using a random number generator.

The winner will be announced on Monday, July 4th 2016 and if I don’t receive contact within 48 hours of announcing the winner, a new winner will be drawn.

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Good luck to everyone entering and once again a huge thank you for all of your support!

September Favourites

Hello everyone! Month number nine down and you know what that means, monthly favourites time! September has been a bit of a weird one for me, I feel like one minute I’ve been up and happy and the next I’ve been letting feelings and worry creep in more than I’d like. Music has been a real crux this month with some very exciting releases and another playlist I’ve compiled on Spotify. I was also sick for the third time in three months but the doctor gave me antibiotics and hayfever tablets (even though I don’t get hayfever) so hopefully that’ll fix everything!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Natio Face Mask – I picked this product up in the last week of August and only ended up having to pay 50 cents for it as a gift card that paid for the rest. I’d been looking for a face mask since my Pamper Session post a couple of months ago. This face mask from Natio is suitable for all skin types and aims to unclog and tighten pores, which it does. It also helps to improve the skin’s firmness and texture and make skin look less tired. It is a clay mask and I love the feeling of this when it’s on my face. There is a slight scent from the lemon palmarosa and sesame but it’s not bothersome. This mask is relatively quick, it only has to be left on for 10-15 minutes and instantly after taking it off my skin feels super smooth.

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo ’70 Barely Branded’ – Trying one of Maybelline’s Color Tattoos had been on my mental wishlist for a while and I finally got the opportunity in July. I purchased Barely Branded along with Inked In Pink but if I’m being honest I’ve been reaching for Barely Branded more often. Barely Branded is a gorgeous champagne/light gold colour and can be used for a daytime look or to glam up a nighttime outfit. These literally stay on for hours and if you’re short on time, a couple of swipes over the eyelid and you’re good to go!

3. Dainty Doll Lipstick 007 Stripped – I feel like I’ve come full circle with this lipstick. When I first bought it last year obviously I liked it then I went through a phase of not wearing it and now I’ve come back to it again. The name of this lipstick, Stripped, is very appropriate, it’s a pale gold-nude shade and if it wasn’t shimmery it would look like I had foundation lips. It can be quite hard to apply if your lips are dry so I always make sure I dab some of Dainty Doll’s Wonderbalm over my lips first. I have gotten back into wearing this shade this month and it’s also work friendly so I have a feeling this will be coming out more frequently.

4. Starbucks French Vanilla Frappucino – I am not a coffee girl or a Starbucks girl at all but after sampling these tasty treats I could get used to it. Vanilla is one of my favourite flavours and the best part about these is they don’t contain any coffee. New Zealand is going into Spring/Summer and these will be perfect to cool down with on hot, balmy days. Check these out if you haven’t already! There is also a French Vanilla Latte for all you coffee lovers!

5. Leona Lewis – I Am – I have been a fan of Leona Lewis since her debut album Spirit. Her voice has always stood out to me, she has such a beautiful tone and her music is powerful. The previews leading up to the album did not do it justice, I heard snippets of tracks here and there but playing it for a whole the first time is when it really clicked and made sense; the tracks are cohesive and flow nicely into one another. Standout tracks: Fire Under My Feet, You Knew Me When, Ladders and Another Love Song.

September Spotify Playlist

I loved creating a little playlist for you last month so I went and did it again! I’ll admit I’m still listening to the August one but I have found another seven tracks for a September playlist. This playlist is quite male heavy and all about a good beat. There’s a Justin Bieber track and I’m not a Belieber at all!

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That’s all for this month, be sure to let me know what you’ve been loving! ❤