May Favourites + Highlights 2020

I can’t believe we are at the end of May and it’s monthly favourites time again already! I’ve only got a small selection of products to talk about this month but they are really good ones.

New Zealand is also no longer under strict quarantine, most people have returned to work and businesses and shops have re-opened. Currently I split my working day between home and the library, I work from home in the morning and go into the office in the afternoon. This means there are less staff in the building until we fully re-integrate.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop It’s My Pleasure Palette – I purchased this palette in July 2019 and I feel like it isn’t until now that I have really started to appreciate it. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always liked It’s My Pleasure and before purchasing it I saw so many people raving about it but I didn’t start to gel with it until recently. For May, June and July I’m rotating through my Colourpop nine pan palettes week by week and I’m already looking forward to revisiting It’s My Pleasure! I’ve got a better idea how the colours work together and what combinations I like. My favourite shades are Do Or Dough, Earthshine, Fan Fiction and Sleeper.

2. Wella Oil Reflections Shampoo and Conditioner – After getting my hair cut in February and being impressed with how the Wella products that were used made my hair feel I started looking at products online with the intention of purchasing some. I decided on the Oil Reflections range as it’s suited for all hair types and aims to leave hair cleansed and luminous. The scent is lovely too, a mix of vanilla, white tea and fruit. The products make my hair feel amazing and since I started using these my hair looks nourished, soft and more sleek. This is more pricey than regular shampoo and conditioner but I’m proud of my hair and I want it to look good so I don’t mind paying a little extra.

3. The Body Shop Rose Face Mist – I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I have. I recently finished up the mandarin face mist from The Body Shop and I didn’t really like it so I was apprehensive about this one. The rose most is in an entirely different league and it really does make my skin and makeup look beautiful and dewy. The mist is fine and not too wet which is why I didn’t like the mandarin one, it didn’t feel refreshing and the scent wasn’t my favourite either. The rose scent is spot on, it’s very subtle and one I wouldn’t imagine would irritate you if you are sensitive to smell.

4. Colourpop Berry Good Lipgloss – This gloss was released alongside Colourpop’s Strawberry Shake palette. I have checked the website and this is no longer available but it is a beautiful shade that I have been reaching for a bit recently. Berry Good is a juicy pink-red that gives a lovely strawberry coloured tint to the lips. I purchased this gloss last year and the first time I wore it I wasn’t sure I liked it but I every time I have tried it since it has really grown on me. I purchased the other gloss from the Strawberry collection called Easy Bake (still on the website but showing as out of stock) and I personally prefer Berry Good.

May Highlights

• I’ve been feeling more body confident recently and I very bravely shared *THIS* photo to Instagram. The comments are all so sweet!
• I came up with an idea for a semi-regular Instagram series to share some of my favourite songs relating to a theme. For example, the first one featured five of my favourite feel good tracks (new and old). Feel free to leave any theme ideas in the comments!

May’s Spotify Playlist:

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

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Products I Want To Use Up

I prefer to use up what I have before purchasing replacements and new products. There’s something satisfying about minimalism and being without clutter which also prevents me from feeling overwhelmed and questioning what to use. It’s more effective when I can use a product and move on to the next one rather than having a ton I’m working my way through at the same time. Makeup is a slight exception as I don’t wear the same lipstick and eyeshadow everyday. I’m sure these products will make an appearance in an empties post in the near future.

1. The Body Shop Shea EDT

I do enjoy these 30ml bottles of EDT from The Body Shop for their size and their portability. If I need to carry fragrance in my handbag these fit perfectly. The Shea range from The Body Shop is my favourite but I don’t think Shea works as a perfume. I don’t dislike this product but it’s my least favourite of the eau de toilettes I have tried. The scent has grown on me the more I’ve used it and it shouldn’t take me long to finish up.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/5

2. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Loose Powder

This powder is lovely but I never see anyone talking about it. Rimmel is an underrated brand in my opinion, the quality you get for the price point is very reasonable. I have had this powder for a few years now and I want to use it up while it’s still good. If you have dry skin like I do this is a good option as it’s not matte and can be applied with a very light hand. I don’t find the product messy despite having to tip it into the lid and as it’s translucent it doesn’t alter how foundation looks underneath.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/3

3. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair

I know you’re probably thinking this is only a relatively new addition to my makeup collection and you’d be right. Realistically being a deluxe sample containing 12ml of product compared to a normal foundation containing 30ml I don’t think this will take me long to use if I’m consistent and don’t switch between foundations. I’m also interested to see how this works for me over a period of time so I can decide whether I’d purchase the full size once. I’m also excited about my makeup looking consistently good as when I tested this along with three other foundations I was very impressed!

Estimated amount of product left: Almost full

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10

This concealer is a little over two years old and I have made such a big dent in it. Every day the amount of pan gets bigger but the product seems to keep going. This works well in conjunction with the IT Cosmetics CC Cream so that will be a good match. This concealer is good but I still prefer Collection’s Lasting Perfection. Creamy concealers work better with my skin type.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/4

5. Stila Glitter & Glow minis in Perlina and Kitten Karma

I purchased a set of three Stila Glitter & Glow minis as a Christmas present to myself in 2018 and in all honesty I was disappointed. I wrote this post in March 2019 about how I don’t think these are worth the hype and I’ve barely reached for these since. I threw Golden Girl in the bin as the colour/glitter is practically non-existent. I would like to finish Perlina and Kitten Karma as they are easier to work with and I’m hoping to incorporate them into an eyeshadow challenge I am setting for myself even as an inner corner highlight or topper or something simple like that.

Estimated amount of product left: Perlina = 2/3, Kitten Karma = 3/4

6. Urban Decay Primer Potion

This is cheating a little as it is so close to being finished and I am ready for it! This eye primer has been a game changer for me, I love it and it definitely makes my eye makeup last better but I’ve had a Milani eye primer I’ve been waiting to try for a few months in my drawer that I’m itching to crack into. I’d say there’s another week or two left with the Urban Decay primer at most.

Estimated amount of product left: Nearly empty

7. The Body Shop Mandarin Face Mist

This is my least favourite product of the bunch. The scent is a little sickly and the mist isn’t as good as the Strawberry one I’ve tried previously. I don’t feel this mist does anything for my skin and I find I have to do quite a few sprays to feel the product on my face. Compared to the strawberry mist this doesn’t smooth or set my makeup so I’ll probably use this under/on top of my moisturiser in the morning to give my skin a boost of moisture.

Estimated amount of product left: 1/2

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What products are you trying to finish up at the moment?

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Project Pan Week 6: The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

Happy Monday and welcome to week six 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).

This week I’m talking about The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Face Mist. This is the second of three products from The Body Shop to feature as part of Project Pan.

About

I purchased this Face Mist in January 2016 as part of my Birthday Body Shop Haul. I can’t quite remember if I saw this on other blogs and purchased it because of that or if I just wanted to try it as a setting spray. (I think it was a bit of both).

My bottle of Face Mist features the old logo and packaging. The Body Shop have since updated their logo and the packaging looks nicer and more crisp. The lid and cap are black and by the looks of things there is now a label around the bottle. I’m not sure if the size of the bottle has changed at all but the old bottle is a nice size and wouldn’t take up a lot of space if you’re traveling and want something quick and easy to refresh your face.

From the website:

A quick skin pick-me up and excellent for setting make-up. Spritz it on for instant refreshment, moisture, and protection. With a delicate rosewater scent.

•  For all skin types

pros

• Doesn’t break me out or react with my skin
• Compact, handy size
• Feels refreshing when first spritzed

Cons

• Doesn’t do much for my skin
• Takes more than a couple of sprays to make skin feel properly hydrated
• Price

Chanelle’s rating: 6/10 – In all honesty this isn’t a bad product but it doesn’t wow me either! I don’t think I would purchase this again in future. It does feel refreshing when it is sprayed onto the skin but I don’t find it hydrates my skin or does much in the way of setting makeup. You do get 100ml of mist and I’m not sure how much you get in other setting sprays but I don’t feel the price is reflective of the product. You’re basically paying $25 (NZD) for rose scented water. Sorry, The Body Shop.

The Remaining products – Progress

1. Nivea Pearly Shine Lip Balm – I haven’t worn this lip balm at all this week, naughty naughty!
   
2. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream – Used 2x.
   
3. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – Used 3x.
4. Britney Spears Curious – In Control – Used 2x.
   
5. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail – Used 2x.
   
6. Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier – Used 1x.
   
7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – Used 5x. I am close to finishing this product.
   
8. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder – Didn’t use this week.
   
9. The Body Shop Strawberry Lip Butter – Used 6x.
   
10. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – Used 1x.

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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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Birthday Body Shop Haul

Happy Monday – hope you all had a lovely weekend! I’m extremely excited for the week ahead on Chanelle Hayley. It’s my 21st birthday this coming Sunday and to commemorate the occasion I have birthday related posts in store for you this week and next Monday. I’ve got a Body Shop haul, a makeup menu and a few other surprises up my sleeve – stay tuned!

Speaking of Body Shop hauls… Last weekend I popped into my local store armed with a list of goodies I wanted to buy. During birthday month I get a one time 20% discount and I also had a $10 off voucher yet to redeem. Long story short I saved quite a bit of money and it does pay to take advantage of special offers and schemes like that when you can.

What was on my list I hear you ask? My current body butter is almost finished so I wanted to get a replacement, I’ve wanted to try a makeup setting spray for a while and I’ve been promising myself I would pick up a bottle of the Strawberry Eau De Toilette. I also picked up one of the Honey Bronzers in the shade 01 Light after reading about it on Lauren’s blog.

1. Brazil Nut Body Butter 200ml

I have wanted to try something from the Brazil Nut range for the longest time and I can’t wait to get started on this body butter! This body butter is ideal for dry skin and has a decadent caramel scent which will make it perfect in the cooler months when my skin tends to be drier and needs moisture. There are three key ingredients in this body butter: Brazil nut, cocoa butter and shea butter. All three help to keep skin soft and silky. When I took this up to the counter, the sales assistant told me The Body Shop are discontinuing the Brazil Nut range. I’m not sure if that means it won’t be back in the future but if you want to try something from the range, get in quick so you don’t miss out! My only hope is I don’t fall too in love with this body butter.

2. Vitamin E Face Mist 100ml

If you’re not a fan of roses you might not like this face mist as it has a rosewater scent. The scent isn’t overpowering but if you have a sensitive nose you might think differently. This product is designed to be used as a pick me up for the skin and to set makeup. I have been using this for the past week and it is so refreshing. A couple of sprays is all you need and it doesn’t take long to set either. My makeup has been a bit tacky lately due to the heat and something like this is perfect for a quick spritz and instant coolness. I imagine this will also be nice in winter to provide an extra bit of hydration if skin is a little dry. I haven’t had a reaction to this product and it says it is suitable for all skin types.

3. Strawberry Eau De Toilette 30ml

I cannot get over how dinky and cute this bottle is! It may not seem like you get a lot but 30ml is one of the standard perfume bottle sizes. I absolutely love my Strawberry Lip Butter and I’d sprayed this scent on my arm on a previous visit to test whether I’d like it as a perfume and I do. The scent is fresh, fruity and sweet and works nicely as a summer scent. This EDT also contains real strawberry extract so the scent is a true strawberry not fake.

4. Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder 01 Light Matte

Normally I steer well clear of bronzers as they’re either too shimmery, make me look orange or don’t apply evenly. When I read about this product on Lauren’s blog I thought it sounded too good to be true but upon swatching it in store it isn’t. The bronzer is pigmented but not so much that it applies heavily. I have been using it over the past week and I really like it. I have been applying it over my cheeks and forehead using my Real Techniques Blush Brush and it looks lovely and natural. If I knew how to contour I would use it for that but for now I’m happy. You don’t need a lot of product but it’s super easy to layer up if you want a more sun-kissed look.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products!