February Favourites + Highlights 2021

February has been the strangest month I’ve had for a while. The first half I was upbeat and the second felt like everything came crashing down. At the time this post is published it’s been about 10 days since my boyfriend broke up with me. It feels like I only just told people I was in a relationship again. To say the break up wasn’t expected is an understatement, two weeks before the break up we had such a lovely night together and we spent Valentine’s Day in each other’s company. I don’t know what changed and maybe I never will but after sharing THIS photo and caption on Instagram everyone online and in person has been so kind and supportive. I didn’t like the decision and I can’t change it but I know I’ll be okay and I genuinely wish him happiness.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Silver stardust 15mm hoop earrings – These earrings were a gift for my birthday in January and they are beautiful. They are lightweight and dainty with a bit of an edge at the same time. The ball on the hoop is textured and designed to have a star dust effect. I love how pretty these look on, they go with everything and can be worn dressed up or down, I’ve been enjoying wearing them to work to add a touch of glam.

2. New bed – During the time I had off between Christmas and New Year I went bed shopping. I don’t think I’ve had a new bed since I was a kid and I was hesitant to switch from my previous bed as it was so comfy but I don’t regret my decision. The mattress took about a month to arrive as they are made to order and I chose a plush chiropractic model so it will be soft and good for my back too. I don’t have back problems but I did read plush mattresses are good to provide support for petite people and I didn’t want a medium mattress in case it wasn’t quite soft enough. The bed was delivered at the start of February and I have been sleeping well, most nights I don’t wake up at all (that’s quite normal for me) and it’s been easy to adjust. A practical purchase that will last for years.

3. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Prismatic Amethyst – The lavender duo-chrome shift to this highlighter is stunning! Purple works really well with my skintone and I see myself reaching for this a lot when I’m wearing pinks and purples on my eyes and lips. I tend to stay away from pink highlighters (apart from Rose Quartz also by BECCA) as they can emphasise redness, purples don’t do that. The formula is up to the usual dreamy BECCA standard and I’m even more pleased I purchased this with the news that the brand will be going out of business later this year.

4. MOR hand cream in Juicy Blooms – I purchased a MOR hand cream trio in 2019 and after recently finishing up a hand cream I selected one of the scents from the trio to use next. I tend to use scents that match seasons and this one seemed nice and summery. Juicy Blooms has citrus notes blended with sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter. The hand cream is incredibly soft and soaks in quickly whilst still feeling hydrating and being non-greasy. I haven’t painted my nails for a few weeks and they look and feel strong which I think is partly down to the formula of this hand cream.

February Highlights

• February 5th. Everything about this day was wonderful; I had a day off work, I slept in, I wore a cute outfit (including a skirt which I rarely do), I spent the night with my boyfriend singing along to music and he said he loved me which was a big step as he told me he hadn’t felt that or said it to anyone before.
• I purchased the Pat McGrath Mthrshp Mega: Celestial Divinity palette. I’ve used it a few times but I’m excited to play with it more.
• Again, I’m impressed with my strength and ability to bounce back when I’m faced with adversity. Every day I’m getting stronger and more resilient.

February’s Spotify Playlist:

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Share one of your highlights for the month and what you’ve been up to 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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March Favourites 2018

My March favourites are very beauty oriented, I have been using some great products and purchased a few new ones too! I love putting on my makeup, creating looks and seeing the final result. I’ve got a couple of fashion bits to share as well. This month compared to some others really made me think about what I’ve been using and what would warrant being included. It’s not always easy to include new things that I haven’t previously mentioned if I haven’t acquired anything new.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – I have had this mascara for a fortnight now and I blimmin’ love it! All the good things people say are true and I highly urge you to pick this up if you get the chance. I’m not normally a product pusher but this is a really great mascara. I’m not sure how long the formula will stay ‘good’ for but I can see myself repurchasing this if it continues to impress me as much as it already has. It may even knock my favourite Rimmel mascara off it’s perch if it lasts as long as that one does.

2. MAC pigments in Tan and Silver – I bought both of these off of New Zealand’s eBay equivalent. Tan is the type of shade that would suit most people and has hints of pink, bronze, gold and brown. Silver is pure silver, no grey or blue tinges. The colour payoff is incredible and my favourite way to apply these is with a finger. If you want a hint of sparkle brush application is good but not as good as a finger in my opinion. I haven’t tried applying either of these wet but that is something on my mental makeup to do list.

3. Glassons Black Cropped Jeans – These jeans arrived on the same day as the L’Oreal mascara and they are just as wonderful. The jeans are 97% cotton so they are comfortable and stretchy. They are a skinnier fit but they’re not tight. Black pants go with everything and these can be dressed up or dressed down. Even though they are cropped they are the perfect length for short girls like me. I have already worn these a bunch in the two weeks I’ve had them.

4. The Body Shop Mango Hand Cream – I know in my Autumn Beauty Edit I mentioned I would be reaching for The Body Shop’s Frosted Plum hand cream but I have had this mango one longer than some of my others and I wanted to use it up first. I’ve had it open for a couple of weeks now and when I opened it the weather was still very much warm and the fruity scent suited the weather. I haven’t tried anything else from the mango range but I will take a closer look at it in future.

5. ASOS Grey Fluffy Twosie – I made my first ASOS order of 2018 back in January and I am still in love with the fluffy twosie I got. The material is super soft and cuddly and I have found myself wearing the jumper quite a lot already. This will keep me toasty in winter and I look forward to putting it on on chilly evenings after work.

March’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in March?

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Inside My Overnight Bag

Every week I spend a few nights with my boyfriend and I have an overnight bag full of girly essentials. I leave the products in the bag so I’m not unpacking all the time and forget something when I re-pack.

I purchased the bag from Forever New in August 2016 and it is the perfect size to house all the products. The base is flat which allows products to stand up if I need them to and I love the shiny, silver material on the outside.

Onto the contents:

• Medication (not pictured): I take certain medications in the morning and vitamins in the evening. I unpack these each time as they need to be replenished frequently.
• Toiletries: I keep a toothbrush and OGX shampoo and conditioner minis at my boyfriends. I take my trusty Nivea ‘no white marks’ deodorant as this lasts well throughout the day and I don’t tire of the scent. 
• Moisturisers: Even when I’m at home I have a day moisturiser and a night moisturiser. I have travel size moisturisers by Simple (Radiance Brightening Moisturiser) and MAC (Studio Moisture Cream). Small sizes are convenient and last surprisingly long when they are only used a couple of times a week. I keep a 50ml tub of The Body Shop’s Shea body butter with me to pop on after showering as well as a tube of hand cream also from The Body Shop. Currently it’s Almond Milk & Honey.
• Beauty/makeup: A black elastic headband ensures my hair doesn’t kink and keeps my fringe out of my eyes when I wash my face/moisturise. I am trying to use up the last of my Pearly Shine lip balm from Nivea which featured in 2016’s Project Pan! I normally wear this during the day and no other makeup. On the rare occasion I do take makeup I keep it simple: concealer, mascara, a single eyeshadow and a lip product.
• Haircare: I wear my hair down most days but I opt for my black velvet scrunchie (not pictured) if I want to tie it up. I have a Tangle Teezer in Candy Cane for my hair. The Tangle Teezer is compact but takes practice if you’re trying to tie up hair, it’s not as effective as a hairbrush when styling a ponytail.
• Fragrance: I always spritz body spray over myself and my clothes before applying my main perfume. My latest favourite is Impulse Tease (not pictured) which combines red fruits and woods. I tend to switch between two perfumes – my Viva la Juicy atomiser or The Body Shop’s Strawberry EDT which I have been reaching for more lately over Viva la Juicy. The bottle is small and compact and fits perfectly in my overnight bag as well as my handbag.

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What would you include in your overnight bag?

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Empty Products #3

This is only my third Empties post in a year and a half. I published my first ‘Empties’ in November 2015 and it is one of my most popular and most read posts. I find it astounding how slowly I go through and use up products compared to other bloggers but in some ways it shows how economical I am. I like to amass empties until I have a decent number of them to share, I would never have enough to warrant monthly posts. Let’s get started!

Makeup

1. Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara

I purchased this mascara for $10 in March 2016. I didn’t start using it until a few months later but as with most Rimmel mascaras I was impressed. The mascara has two different wands and formulas depending on whether you prefer volume, length or both. I like the bright pink packaging and how secure this closes. I especially love the smaller length brush for my bottom lashes, it doesn’t smudge and get everywhere and adds a nice natural definition.

Repurchase: I can see myself picking this up again although it’s not my holy grail. At the moment I have a couple of other mascaras to use first.

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair

I frickin’ love this concealer! As you can see from the image the writing has completely rubbed off the packaging but that’s a small flaw. This concealer is the perfect match for my fair skin and the formula is so creamy and high coverage. A few dots of this on my red areas and blemishes is all I need.

Repurchase: I already have! I think they may have changed the packaging because so far no writing has rubbed off.

3. Rimmel Super Curler Mascara

This is my least favourite Rimmel mascara that I’ve ever tried. I was so excited about this when I saw it on Instagram but it didn’t last as long as my other Rimmel mascaras and it didn’t curl my lashes. The only thing I liked about this mascara is the bristle brush as opposed to a plastic one – that’s the reason Rimmel mascaras are my favourite.

Repurchase: Nope.

4. Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer

I don’t know what to say about this product because it’s been so long since I used it. I do think this product prolonged my makeup wear time and it didn’t react badly with my skin. It made my skin soft and a little bit went a long way, this primer lasted me over a year. This had a really nice smell to it as well.

Repurchase: Possibly. I’m not sure if this exact product is available anymore, I know Rimmel still do a Fix & Protect primer but it might not be the same one.

5. Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I dislike this product so much I didn’t even keep it for the picture, it went straight in the bin. In the beginning I liked this mascara, it gave good length and the brush was really good for wiggling mascara onto the lashes. This was such a pain to remove though, I’ve had waterproof mascaras before but nothing as stubborn as this. This became such a pain to remove I didn’t want to wear it so I chucked it out.

Repurchase: No, not even the washable version. Maybelline mascaras are expensive for what they are in New Zealand.

Body & SkinCare

6. Derma V10 Strawberry Body Sorbet

I picked up this for roughly $3 and considering the price it is a decent product. This tub lasted me ages and the strawberry scent is scrumptious! I do prefer body butters from The Body Shop as they are more moisturising and they have a range of scents to choose from. If you have normal skin (I have dry/sensitive) I’d say this would be a great budget alternative for you.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

When I first started using this product I didn’t see any real benefits and as a result I would only use it now and again. This product featured in the Project Pan collaboration I did last year and when I was using it more often I started liking it a lot more. I use face mist after moisturiser and before foundation to give my skin that extra bit of moisture.

Repurchase: I’m undecided at the moment. I’m using a Vitamin C Face Mist and once I’ve finished that I can determine which I preferred or if I want to go back to primer instead of face mist.

8. The Body Shop Hand Creams: Wild Argan Oil and Vanilla Chai

I love hand cream, I like to have a stash of two or three at a time so I don’t run out. The Body Shop’s selection is incredible and their formulas don’t react with my skin. There are certain scents I prefer to others and out of these two it would be the Vanilla Chai. Vanilla Chai has a nice spiciness to it and a hint of milk chocolate. The Wild Argan Oil felt slightly less hydrating than the Vanilla Chai and had an almost medicinal scent.

Repurchase: Vanilla Chai  – yes (but it was a Christmas scent), Wild Argan Oil – no.

9. Simple Moisturisers: Light Hydrating and Replenishing Rich

I’ve mentioned numerous times on the blog that I have used Simple moisturiser for years and I continue to do so. I was trialing which one of the two I prefer and the Replenishing Rich was the winner.

Repurchase: Yes to both but I prefer to buy the Replenishing Rich moisturiser.

10. The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter

I bought this body butter in my 2016 Body Shop Birthday Haul and finished it in mid 2016. I love the scent and how soft this made my skin. It had a nutty, kind of cocoa scent and I imagine this would smell really nice on a guy too, it’s one of those gender neutral scents that’s not overpowering.

Repurchase: The Body Shop have discontinued the Brazil Nut range but if they bring it back, I’m buying another tub for sure!

11. Olive Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream

This product has one of the nicest scents I’ve ever come across, it literally smells like bubblegum. Olive is a New Zealand based beauty/skincare brand but this is the only product of theirs I’ve tried. This hand cream contains more product than those from The Body Shop but overall I feel like The Body Shop hand creams are more moisturising.

Repurchase: I don’t think so.

Other

12. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

This is probably my favourite nail polish remover that I’ve tried. It doesn’t smell like alcohol like most of them and it removes nail polish really well. The formula contains Vitamin E which also helps strengthen nails and keep them looking and feeling good.

Repurchase: Yes! I couldn’t find this when I purchased a replacement, so I had to settle for a Sally Hansen one.

13. Britney Spears Radiance Perfume

For some reason it takes me ages to go through a perfume. I got this bottle for Christmas in 2013 and finished it some time in 2016. This perfume has a similar scent to Juicy Couture’s Viva la Juicy (which is my favourite) which is probably why I liked it. I couldn’t find an affordable bottle of Viva la Juicy so I got this instead. The bottle looks like gem stones and is very pretty.

Repurchase: I want to buy another bottle but I can’t find it in store so I may have to resort to online, it makes a nice everyday perfume.

14. Revlon Fire & Ice Perfume

This perfume was an item in a gift set I got for Christmas a couple of years ago. This scent is difficult to describe. It’s very different to the type I go for, it’s more mature and not so sweet and doesn’t contain vanilla. This perfume does smell pleasant and again it’s a nice, cheap everyday one for work.

Repurchase: Probably not.

15. Nivea Invisible For Black and White Deodorant

I have used this deodorant for years and I still enjoy using it. I know I won’t start smelling throughout the day and it’s not sticky and doesn’t get all over the armpits of my clothes.

Repurchase: Of course!

16. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner

I purchased these 750ml bottles in June 2016 so that shows you how long I’ve had them. These big bottles are really good value for money, I only have to buy shampoo and conditioner about once a year. I find this shampoo and conditioner decent enough and it smells good but I don’t feel the Keratin Smooth makes my hair any smoother or straighter than before I used it.

Repurchase: I don’t think so.

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That’s everything that I’ve been amassing for the past year or so. You probably won’t see one of these posts for another six months or so, so I hope you enjoyed this one!

Do you enjoy reading empties posts as much as I do? Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products!

December Favourites 2016

I know it’s not quite the end of December yet but I’ve got my posts all lined up for the end of the month so I figured I would share my monthly favourites a little earlier. I cannot believe how fast this year and this month in particular have gone. I started the month off with my Christmas shopping, the majority of which I smashed out in one day and I’ve been busy wrapping presents and getting the final bits and pieces for my recipients. I’ve also been pretty busy at work with filling in and late night finishes but it’s all worth it!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Mermaid Blanket – At the end of November I ordered a mermaid blanket from Ali Express. I selected a beautiful purple colour with flecks of light pink thread (which you can see in the image above). The shipping was free and the blanket only took two weeks to arrive from China. Being summer, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to use this for a while but I have got it out on a few occasions already. I’ve been wearing summer pyjamas but find I need something to take the chill off my legs in the evenings before bed. I’ve loved getting cosy on the couch with this and it’s so warm!

2. Dannii Minogue – My Story – I have owned this book for a couple of years now and I’ve read it multiple times. I like to take books to work to read when it’s quiet and I haven’t been to the library in a long time so My Story it was! By now you probably know how much I love Dannii and every time I read this book I learn something new and I’m reminded how amazing she is. Dannii literally tells her story from her childhood, to the breakdown of her marriage to her musical successes. Even if you’re not a fan of Dannii, I think you would enjoy this book because it’s humorous, honest and relatable. Dannii talks about personal struggles but she is able to talk about them with a sense of positivity and explains the growth they have given her. Overall, a great read!

3. Revlon – Sugar Plum – You also probably know about my love for Revlon’s lip butters too! I have picked up eight different shades over the past year and I cannot rave enough about their formula and colour payoff. I paid less than $10 (NZD) for all of these and they are worth it! If you saw Monday’s post, Christmas Makeup, you’ll know I plan on wearing Sugar Plum for Christmas this year. One afternoon I was applying this shade and I thought it would make such a lovely Christmas lip colour.

4. The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Hand Cream – During Project Pan I finished up The Body Shop’s Wild Argan Oil hand cream and a couple of weeks ago I popped into The Body Shop to take a look at the Christmas scents and Vanilla Chai is the one I was most drawn to. I love Vanilla in general and instantly knew I had to buy this hand cream. This hand cream has quite a spicy Vanilla scent to it which isn’t my favourite Vanilla scent but it’s pleasant enough for me to keep using. I probably wouldn’t purchase anything else from the Vanilla Chai range but I’m happy I tried the hand cream. As with all other hand creams I’ve tried from The Body Shop, this one is very moisturising, a little goes a long way and the scent doesn’t instantly disappear.

December’s Spotify Playlist:

This month is a cross between pop tracks and Christmas songs.

WARNING: The playlist is very Minogue heavy!

Project Pan Week 2: The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream

Happy Monday and welcome to the second of my reviews as part 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’s product is a hand cream from The Body Shop. The Body Shop has become one of my favourite places to shop over the past two years and a good hand cream is one of my staple products. This is the third tube of hand cream I have tried from The Body Shop  – my first Wild Argan Oil.

About

I received this particular hand cream as part of a trio at Christmas time and I began using it about a month and a half ago. 30ml hand creams from The Body Shop usually last me a couple of months with daily use so the cost works out to around $4 (NZD) a month which isn’t too bad. The Body Shop hand creams don’t irritate my skin and there is a good balance between quality and scent. The scents aren’t overpowering and the product works well and keeps my hands moisturised which is the most important thing.

Hand cream is one of those products I always try to incorporate into my daily beauty routine. Having soft, nourished hands is a nice feeling especially when you’re at work and people are looking at your hands and taking notice of them. Hand cream helps keep the skin supple and helps prevent little bits of dry skin around your nails and cuticles.

From the website:

Indulge your hands with this rich hand cream, enriched with organic Community Trade argan oil from Morocco to help soften and protect hands and cuticles.

• Non-greasy moisture

• Leaves hands feeling soft and smooth

• Absorbs instantly

pros

• A little goes a long way
• Good size to pop in your handbag
• Durable packaging that is also eye-catching
• Moisturising and non-greasy

Cons

• The scent. I like it now but when I first started using this hand cream it reminded me of medicine.

Chanelle’s rating: 8.5/10 – this hand cream is good but I don’t think it’s the best one I have ever tried or my most favourite that I’ve used. I would probably buy this again in future though.

The Remaining products – Progress

1. Nivea Pearly Shine Lip Balm – Used 1x.
2. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige – Used only once again this week.
3. Britney Spears Curious – In Control – Used 2x.
4. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends Tropical Cocktail – Used 1x. I’m so used to doing nothing to my hair and wearing it naturally.
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – Used 1x.
6. Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier – Used 1x. This had it’s weekly outing on Sunday.
7. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – Used 5x, again everytime I wore makeup this week. This is the only concealer I have so I don’t have much choice! (I do love it though).
8. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder – I went from not using this at all last week to wearing it twice this week.
9. The Body Shop Strawberry Lip Butter – Used 5x.
10. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – Used 1x to prepare for my new weekly manicure.

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

• 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?

New In My Beauty Drawer!

Over the past week or two the weather has become increasingly gloomy and cold. In order to brighten up the days and my mood I have treated myself to a few bits and bobs. It goes without saying there’s beauty bits in the mix and I wanted to share these with you as well as giving you my initial thoughts and first impressions of each item. Let’s jump straight in!

1. The Body Shop White Musk Smooth Satin Body Lotion 250ml

I have been using The Body Shop’s Shea Body Whip for almost a year now and while I love the scent of it and class it as my favourite product from The Body Shop I felt like a change and wanted to give this White Musk body lotion a go. Unlike the Shea, this doesn’t have a pump which will be good to help minimise wastage. The bottle is also really pretty, the plastic has a purple and white shimmer to it to tie in with the colours used to market the White Musk range. The scent is lovely; floral and feminine.

I tried this out yesterday and I really like it! This seems to soak in even quicker than the Shea and the scent is not overpowering but still sticks around all day. The body lotion has a lovely, light texture and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.

2. Orly Silver 3D Glitter Nail Polish

I have been on the hunt for the perfect silver nail polish ever since my mini bottle of It’s Frosty Outside by OPI started to run out. What I like about It’s Frosty Outside so much are the chunks of hexagonal glitter and the rough liquid sand texture. A lot of silver polishes look like chrome and make the nails look like they’re covered in tinfoil. I imagine brush strokes would show up so easily as well. I’ve never tried a polish from Orly before but this looks like the closest match to It’s Frosty Outside so far.

I am wearing this polish on my nails this week and it is very similar if not the same as It’s Frosty Outside. It has the rougher, liquid sand texture and the hexagonal chunks of micro-glitter. It’s not as thick as It’s Frosty Outside but overall I am really pleased to have picked up this dupe.

3. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick – 02 Frambourjoise

For the past few months I have walked past the Bourjois stand because I’ve been a bit intimidated by it. I have heard a lot of good things about Bourjois, the Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks in particular. (Hot Pepper is a firm favourite of Vivianna Does Makeup’s). I swatched six out of the eight shades and was drawn to 02 Frambourjoise which is a gorgeous raspberry red with a hint of pink. This is my first foray into liquid lipsticks and while I don’t think I need any of the other shades as I have colours similar, I think I will be tempted back to the Bourjois stand in the near future!

On Tuesday I opted for a simple makeup look so I could wear this. I applied 2-3 coats and it doesn’t dry down straight away which gives you time to work with it and even out the coats to get your desired look. This didn’t apply patchy either so a BIG thumbs up! The colour came out red rather than red/pink as I applied more than one coat. The formula lasted well and it feels like you’ve got nothing on your lips, it’s very comfortable to wear.

Wearing the Orly polish and Frambourjoise

4. The Body Shop White Musk EDT 30ml

Originally I was in two minds about whether to get this or the Fragrance Mist but I opted for the EDT in the end as they contain less alcohol and the scent lasts longer. This will also be nice to layer with the body lotion to create a stronger scent. Just like Black Musk, the bottle and packaging of this fragrance is beautiful and the bottle has a purple ombre effect. Naturally the scent of the EDT is stronger than the body lotion and it has a light freshness to it as opposed to the warm, vanilla-based scents I usually go for.

I wore this on Monday for the first time and the scent lasted all day. When I first spritzed it the floral notes were more prominent but as the day went on the musk became more apparent. The scent is even lovelier than when I smelt it in the shop.

5. Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo and Conditioner 75ml

I’m super excited about going up and staying with my brother I’m planning ahead already! Travel size items are so cute and are far easier to travel with than full size and faffing about decanting things into bottles. It wasn’t the easiest to find travel size shampoo and conditioner but I decided to give these ones from Lee Stafford a try. I’ve heard good things about other products of his from fellow bloggers and I hope the price tag also reflects the quality because these weren’t the cheapest but I bought them for their convenience. I won’t be able to say more on these until next month after my trip but I’ll let you know how I get on!

6. The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Cream (Not pictured)

There are a couple of other hand creams I plan on using up before I get to this one but I have been meaning to pick up this scent for a while. I’ve got a Strawberry lip butter and every time I apply it, I have to give it a whiff it’s that delicious! I can’t comment how this particular hand cream performs but if it’s as good as the others I’ve used from The Body Shop (Almond and Shea) I won’t be disappointed. I think I will wait until spring/summer to use this one because the fruity scent will tie in even better then.

I apologise for forgetting to include this in the photographs.

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Have you tried any of these products? What was the last beauty item you picked up?

[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!