Empty Products #19

Another empties post, the fourth this year! I’ve finished up a couple more products from my Project Pan and it’s rewarding to see how many things I’ve used up in total so far in 2021. Please leave a comment if you still enjoy reading empties posts or if you’ve tried anything mentioned here.

Haircare

1. Function of Beauty conditioner

I decided to give Function of Beauty another go after having a better experience with the products towards the end of finishing my first set of shampoo and conditioner. I changed up the hair goals and changed my formula to suit medium thickness hair rather than coarse hair. I think I just have a lot of hair which makes it seem thick but that doesn’t mean it’s coarse. The second set has been much more enjoyable to use and you can read more of my thoughts in this post *HERE*. I’m not far away from finishing the shampoo from this set either but let’s face it, 97% of people finish conditioner first!

Repurchase: Yes, my third set of shampoo and conditioner will be sent towards the end of September.

Makeup

2. BECCA Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid

Who doesn’t love glowy skin?! I like a soft, lit from within glow that isn’t too intense and in your face. This liquid shimmering skin perfector was part of a set with two other mini products from BECCA and it’s beautiful! I would use this in place of a traditional primer and buff it in with my foundation, the effect it gave was lovely.

Repurchase: Possibly if BECCA weren’t closing down.

3. Garnier Micellar Water

I was so excited to try this when it launched 5-6 years ago as it’s a great concept for makeup removal but my skin didn’t agree with the product. I haven’t tried the version for sensitive skin but I’d be apprehensive as I didn’t like how this felt on my skin after makeup was removed. When I purchased some sets of false lashes in 2020 I re-purchased a small bottle so I could empty some product into a container and soak the lashes to remove any glue after wearing them. It works a treat and this small bottle lasted well over a year for that purpose.

Repurchase: Yes, to soak false eyelashes, not as a makeup remover.

4. Colourpop Pretty Fresh Sponge

I’m one of those people who doesn’t like applying base makeup with a sponge. I don’t find they give even coverage or the look I like and much prefer brushes. As far as sponges go this one is decent, it’s soft and bouncy and doesn’t absorb too much product. I’ve had this sponge for a wee while now and haven’t used it in months so it’s time to say goodbye.

Repurchase: No, not because it’s bad, I’m just not a fan of sponges.

Skincare & Fragrance

5. Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF50+

I hadn’t tried this product before but I like my daytime moisturisers to have SPF and it sounded perfect for applying under makeup as it claims to be a non-greasy formula. The moisturiser is lightweight, hydrating and makeup applies nicely over the top – it’s a great day to day option! I have a different day cream from Natio to use next but I can see myself going back to this afterwards.

Repurchase: Yes.

6. Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Boost Day Cream-Gel

Natio is one of those brands whose skincare just works really nicely with my skin. They use a lot of natural ingredients and the price point of their products for the quality is very reasonable. That being said, this moisturiser isn’t my favourite product from them. It’s not bad by any means but I’m not a fan of gel formula moisturisers, I find them less hydrating for my dry skin. The scent of rose is also quite prominent, not enough to be annoying or irritate my nose but if you’re sensitive to smell this might not be for you.

Repurchase: No.

7. Destiny by Delta Goodrem

This perfume was one of the original 10 items in my project pan I started in January. I enjoyed the warmth of the scent and the notes of orange blossom which leant it to being a nicer winter perfume than a summer perfume. I didn’t find the longevity of this very good, the other Delta Goodrem perfume I mentioned in my last empties had better longevity and was more up my street overall.

Repurchase: No.

8. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy

This perfume is my holy grail and I consider it my signature scent! It’s got everything I love; vanilla, gourmand, sweetness and more. Certain perfumes work well in conjunction with a person’s body chemistry and this is one of mine. Whenever I wear this I feel confident and upbeat and over the years I’ve received compliments about how good this smells on me too. Viva la Juicy is feminine, fun and sexy.

Repurchase: Already have.

Body

9. The Body Shop Peppermint hand cream

This was given to me at Christmas time by a work colleague. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this smelled – like mint chocolate – and it felt pretty hydrating too!

Repurchase: Would happily use again.

10. Nivea Invisible Silky Smooth Anti-Perspirant

I deviated from my usual Nivea deodorant and this one is a winner! Past deviations didn’t leave me impressed but I would happily alternate between this and my usual in future. This is formulated with skin conditioners for silky soft and velvety skin and keeps black and white garments their respective colours.

Repurchase: Yes.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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Empty Products #16

I feel like this is the empties where a few discontinued products feature which sucks a little as I enjoyed those products and wouldn’t rule out repurchasing them. I am going to try to be on a low buy in 2021, I’ve bought a few things in January as it’s my birthday month but other than that I’m aiming to keep spending to a minimum. I have products in my collection I’m close to finishing and want to focus on those as much as I can.

Haircare

1. Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Shampoo

I finished the matching conditioner in my last empties but the shampoo took a bit longer to get through as it contains more product. The shampoo is clear, has a lightweight texture and it lathers up well, you don’t need to use a lot to make hair feel clean. The scent is a mix of white tea extract and camelia and it sticks around after hair has been washed which is nice. The bottle of shampoo contains 250ml and it lasted me about six months. Overall this range is lovely.

Repurchase: I can see myself using this again.

Makeup/Beauty

2. GlamGlow Glowsetter Setting Spray

I’ve seen so many people singing this setting spray’s praises and I kind of get it. I purchased the 30ml bottle which was a mistake, the nozzle on my bottle didn’t work properly and I had to use a dozen sprays each time to get mist onto my face. I wish I had spent more at the time and got the full size because the effect of the actual mist on my skin is nice and the smell is as delightful as everyone says! Unless the full size is on sale I don’t know that I’d repurchase as $60 for a setting spray is a lot of money.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

3. The Body Shop Rose Dewy Glow Face Mist

In comparison to the previous setting spray I can get away with four-five sprays of this and I find they have similar effects. This mist is not too wet and smells lovely, the rose fragrance isn’t too strong at all. Less is more with this spray, too much and makeup can cake up around my nose area but it’s great to add a dewy glow after powder products have been applied.

Repurchase: Yes, but it’s been discontinued.

4. bareMinerals Lashtopia Volumising Mascara

I got this as a free sample with an order from Mecca but it’s the mascara I’ve liked the least in a long time. The brush does have proper bristles which I prefer but I found this mascara performed better when it was first opened and the formula was wetter. When it started to dry up (maybe two months after I opened it) the formula would not layer well, it became sticky and tar-like. I also found this more lengthening than volumising. This is a nice, natural everyday mascara but doesn’t pack the punch I personally want.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

5. The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

I had heard so many good things about this product before trying it and if you like cleansing balms for removing makeup I urge you to give this one a go! You only need a coin sized amount for the entire face and if you rinse off your hands after the initial rubbing and rub the skin again while your hands are slightly damp you will see even more makeup melt off. The packaging is lightweight which would also make it a good travel option and the scent is lovely and soft. If you don’t like fragrance in products I don’t think you’d be put off by this. I would use this again but not having The Body Shop in my city any more makes it harder to get hold of.

Repurchase: Maybe.

6. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy La Fleur

Apart from the original Viva la Juicy this is one of the nicest Juicy Couture fragrances I’ve tried. I love the soft subtle florals mixed in with the gourmand and fruit notes and this is a wonderful perfume for work. From memory I purchased this in August 2019 and it was finished by December 2020. The bottle contains 150ml of perfume which is more than usual and I used it up quickly. I didn’t need a lot of sprays, most days I would have used around four or five, I just really enjoyed it as an everyday fragrance. The lasting power is decent too.

Repurchase: Definitely – I already miss this!

Body

7. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

You know the drill by now, this is my favourite deodorant and it does what it’s meant to.

Repurchase: Yes.

8. The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Scrub

My skin is extremely sensitive, especially on my legs. I had bad eczema as a child and whilst I don’t get it now I know to stay away from soap like products or products with lathering ingredients. I wash my hands with soap and they’re fine (thankfully) but other parts of my body react. This body scrub I purchased to use as an exfoliator before shaving my legs and it worked a treat. This scrub lasted me a good couple of years for that purpose and my legs didn’t get irritated. The scent is more of a smoky, spicy vanilla as opposed to sweet but it’s lovely. I would consider repurchasing this scrub if The Body Shop bring it back.

Repurchase: This was a limited edition Christmas fragrance a couple of years ago but maybe if it returns.

9. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Butter

The fragrance of this body butter is DIVINE! I have tried my fair share of body butter scents from The Body Shop and I’m putting it out there that this is definitely in my top three. This is one of the body butters with the slightly higher price point but it feels ultra luxurious and it’s worth it! The texture is super soft and moisturising and the smell is gorgeous and feminine; a lovely mix of sweet magnolia, blooming cherry blossom and hinoki wood accords.

Repurchase: Yes.

10. Zoella Reach For the Moon Hand Cream

I was sent this hand cream by one of my best blogging friends and it was such a delight to use. The tube contains 90ml of product which is huge and the vanilla-mint scent was a lot nicer than I imagined. I hadn’t tried anything from Zoella Beauty before this and if the other hand creams were of similar quality I missed out. The hand cream soaked in quickly and kept my hands soft and supple.

Repurchase: Yes, if it hadn’t been discontinued.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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March Favourites + Highlights 2020

Literally on the first day of March I felt myself coming down with something. I had inflamed tonsils and a sore throat for most of the month and that resulted in two separate trips to the doctor and being prescribed two different antibiotics. I think I am finally on the mend now and getting back to ‘normal’.

I will be working from home over the coming weeks as New Zealand officially went into lockdown on March 26th for a minimum of four weeks. People are only supposed to leave home to pick up groceries, medication or if they are walking around the block for exercise. I hope everyone takes this period of self isolation seriously and thinks how their actions could impact others. It’s also important to be kind to yourself and find activities that make you feel good and keep you busy. If any of my blogging friends need a chat, I’m here.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Absent Melange Short Sleeve T-shirt Pink – The weather is starting to cool down now as autumn is properly underway but over the past few months I have loved wearing this t-shirt. I picked it up on Boxing Day for $10 and it’s such a good basic. It’s actually a men’s t-shirt and I also picked up one in blue. The blue is an Extra Small and the pink is a Small as there was no Extra Small left. Both fit really nicely – they’re straight cut which suits my body shape and don’t cling. The length is good and I like how the sleeves are a little longer too.

2. Viva la Juicy La Fleur – I purchased this perfume in August 2019 and over the past few weeks it’s the one I’ve found myself reaching for the most. As I have been sick most of March I wanted something light for the days I was able to go to work and this fits the bill. Viva la Juicy is a nice fruity floral with notes of mandarin, wild berries, honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine with a creamy gourmand base. This is lighter and not as intense as the original VLJ if you’re curious about how it differs.

3. BECCA First Light Priming Filter – I got a 15ml deluxe sample of this in a BECCA travel set I purchased at the end of last year. This primer makes the skin lovely and dewy so if you have normal to oily skin or you like dewy foundations you’ll probably need a setting powder. I have used this primer several times throughout the month and I really enjoy it, the product feels lightweight yet hydrating on the skin. It soaks in quickly and all products sit on top of it nicely.

4. xoBeauty “The Heiress” False Lashes – I tried false lashes for the very first time this month and I wrote a post about my experience HERE. In February I purchased a couple of sets of lashes from xoBeauty and “The Heiress” lashes are the ones I was most excited to try! These lashes are medium length and give a beautiful curled, fluttery effect. The lashes look very natural on and feel incredibly lightweight. They were so easy to apply and I can’t wait to wear them again!

5. Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in 10 Nude Mauve – This blush is one of those staple shades everyone needs in their makeup collection. If you have medium to dark skin tones this colour may not show up well but for fair to light skin tones it is the perfect everyday blush! Nude Mauve is a brown-pink mauve with subtle shimmer and it can also be used to sculpt and highlight the cheekbones if you feel like skipping contour and highlighter.

March Highlights

• Early in the month I met up with a friend who’s also an ex work colleague. We caught up for food, had plenty of laughs and good conversation. She’s one of those people where I can be completely myself and I know she’s always got my back.
• Before the country went into lockdown I placed a final order with Dominos as I won’t be able to have takeaway food for a while. I don’t buy a lot of takeaways or food when I’m out but I wanted to get in while I had the chance.

March’s Spotify Playlist

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

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Updated Perfume Collection

In 2017 I shared my fragrance collection and looking back at that post quite a bit has changed in the two years since then. I have acquired a handful of new perfumes over the past couple of months and thought it was time to do an updated post and share what scents currently sit atop my dresser.

When it comes to perfume I know the type of scents I like and they tend to be warm, sweet and contain vanilla. Strong, woody scents give me a headache and I find they don’t sit on me or match my personality as nicely as sweeter scents.

Kicking off with an EDT and a sample sized perfume

1. The Body Shop Shea EDT

I’m sure you all know how much I adore The Body Shop and the Shea range in particular. I’ll cut straight to the point and say this isn’t my favourite Shea product by any means but it’s pleasant enough. This EDT isn’t the best one from The Body Shop (I prefer Strawberry and Moringa) and it isn’t very long lasting but it’s fine if you want a quick spritz of something. The scent has the usual shea nuttiness and I’d class this as unisex, it’s not overly feminine.

Best for: Spritzing on to run errands.

2. YSL Black Opium (7.5ml)

The most recent addition to my collection is this sample of Black Opium that came with three other mini YSL products in a set. I have tried this already and it smells absolutely gorgeous, I can understand why people rave about this one! It’s a sexy, warm, vanilla scent and I already know I will purchase a full size when I finish this sample. The lasting power is brilliant but the scent isn’t overpowering and in your face. Prerogative by Britney Spears is a dupe for this but not as long lasting.

Best for: Date nights, work or everyday wear.

Moving on to full sized perfumes; starting with Juicy Couture as they make up half of my collection

3. Viva la Juicy

This perfume is the only one that appeared in 2017 but this is my second bottle. Viva la Juicy is my favourite, it’s what I see as my signature scent and it’s the only perfume to date that I have repurchased. The gourmand sweetness is not over the top for my liking and the lasting power of this perfume is really good, I can smell it on clothes and skin the next day and it only requires a few sprays. Despite this being my favourite perfume it’s not one I reach for day to day, I tend to reserve it for special occasions but I will wear it to work now and again when I want to smell extra nice.

Best for: Those who like girly scents.

4. Viva la Juicy La Fleur

Viva la Juicy La Fleur is lighter than the original VLJ and has more fruity, floral notes. This doesn’t last as long as the original but also doesn’t need to be topped up throughout the day. The floral notes aren’t overwhelming which I like. I like the mix of sweet caramel and the florals together for a fun twist on the original. The bottle is taller than most of the other Juicy Couture bottles and the bright pink flowers printed on the glass are a pretty touch.

Best for: Work, daytime wear and summer (I see myself reaching for this a lot over the coming months).

5. Viva la Juicy Glacé

I haven’t actually used this perfume yet, it’s still sitting in the box untouched. I have sampled the fragrance and I know I like it as I had a rollerball of this scent. I wanted to pick it up a bottle as I heard it was being discontinued. Glacé bears a close resemblance to the original Viva la Juicy but has icy notes of frozen mandarin and pear sorbet which make it less sweet and more fresh. I can only comment on the lasting power of the rollerball but it seems on par with the original.

Best for: Work/day wear.

6. Marc Jacobs Daisy

Up until late 2018 I had never sampled Daisy before. I knew it was well loved but I didn’t think I’d enjoy a floral perfume and thought it would irritate my nose. Daisy is a clean, fresh, light floral that doesn’t overwhelm and has decent lasting power, it will stick around most of the day. The packaging is surprisingly lightweight and not tacky, the lid is secure and the bottle is more compact compared to some other perfumes. Daisy is a scent that seems cross generational, I imagine teenagers through to middle aged women wearing and enjoying this.

Best for: Fans of floral scents that aren’t overpowering and those looking for a good staple perfume.

7. Paco Rabanne Olympéa

Olympéa is the most grown up and sophisticated of the scents featured. This was recommended to me by a lovely blogging friend (Rachael) and it’s easy to see why she’s such a fan. This perfume is probably the strongest out of the ones I own and any more than three or four sprays could be headache inducing territory. This scent is a different take on the usual vanilla I love, it’s salty and contains oriental elements.

Best for: Evenings and special occasions.

8. Delta Goodrem Delta

Hanging around the neck of the bottle is a gold and silver feather charm which dangles down and looks beautiful. However, the gold plastic lid feels a little cheap and could be the kind that could loosen over time. The most prominent notes in Delta are white musk, florals and fruits. I would say if you already have floral perfumes you don’t need this one but as Daisy is my only other real floral it’s nice to have this too. The floral notes are more prominent in Delta than in Viva la Juicy La Fleur. Delta has satisfactory staying power and easily lends itself to being a good option for work.

Best for: Work and daytime wear.

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What perfume notes do you gravitate towards?

Are there any scents you’re lusting after? On my current perfume wishlist is a full size of Black Opium and Viva la Juicy Rosé.

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Perfume Haul

A couple of weeks ago I asked my female followers on Instagram what their favourite perfumes are. I’ve finished up a couple of fragrances recently and was looking for inspiration and new scents to potentially try. I looked up each suggestion I hadn’t heard of before and started making a short list. When it comes to perfume I’m very much a fan of sweet vanillas, musk and light florals – I don’t like strong, heady scents. I picked up three new perfumes and thought I’d share what I chose!

1. Viva la Juicy La Fleur by Juicy Couture

Viva la Juicy is my signature scent and I’m a fan of other scents from the line. I purchased a bottle of Daisy by Marc Jacobs at the end of 2018 and thought Viva la Juicy La Fleur would be a nice cross between Daisy and the original Viva la Juicy. This scent isn’t quite a cross between Daisy and Viva la Juicy, this is more fruity and has opening hints of watermelon. The smell is extremely pleasant and the lighter aroma is good for work and daytime wear. The perfume comes in a generous 150ml bottle adorned with pink, girly, floral patterns. The outer box packaging is stunning too!

Scent description:

“Viva la Juicy La Fleur is a sheer veil of sparkling mandarin and wild berries, combined with luminous florals of lush honeysuckle, gardenia petals, and soft jasmine. A whisper of creamy gourmand reminiscent of the classic Viva la Juicy elicits an addiction that envelops the skin.”

2. Olympéa by Paco Rabanne

This recommendation came from one of my closest blogging friends – Rachael. I hadn’t smelt Viva la Juicy La Fleur before either but Olympéa was more of a blind buy as I know I like the Viva la Juicy line. I was assured when I saw vanilla in the description as I knew that would sweeten things up and stop this from verging into strong, headache inducing territory. The first spray of this on my wrist was strong but after 5-10 minutes it had settled down and the longer it sat the more I liked it. I think this will be more of an evening and special occasion perfume but that doesn’t mean I won’t wear it during the day. I’ve worn it to work already and enjoyed getting hits of the scent throughout the day. The bottle is stunning and lightweight and doesn’t take up much room at all. Thanks for the suggestion Rachael!

Scent description:

“A fresh oriental fragrance whose balance of the accords forms a genuine Paco Rabanne signature. The green mandarin, boosted by the floral and aquatic essences of ginger lily and hydroponic jasmine, awakens the senses. The sensual and luminous salty vanilla accord brings carnal and addictive magnetism. The cashmere wood and Ambergris accord magnify the fragrance and form a divine and powerful trail.”

3. Viva la Juicy Glacé by Juicy Couture

I was gifted a rollerball of this scent and I fell in love with it instantly. Picking up a full sized bottle was an easy decision. This contains the classic notes of Viva la Juicy with an added fresh, crisp element from the pear. The scent isn’t as sweet as the original VLJ but it’s equally as stunning! The silver glitter on the box is gorgeous and I’m glad the bottle wasn’t the same as I imagine glitter wouldn’t stick to the glass as well and would get everywhere. Instead the bottle is made up of frosted, iridescent glass and adorned with the classic ribbon around the lid complete with pink feathers. (Side note: This bottle is a dream to photograph as the glass isn’t see through and doesn’t pick up the reflection of the camera).

Scent description:

“The fragrance opens with a sparkling freshness, bursting with brilliant frozen mandarin and refreshing pear sorbet. Beneath a blanket of snow-white jasmine petals, scrumptious vanilla and milky sandalwood create a comforting warmth to contrast the alluring frosted sensation.”

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What’s your favourite fragrance at the moment? Do you have a signature scent?

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April Favourites 2018

April started off fine but by the end of the month I was dealt a devastating blow (more on that later in the week). I have been very sad this past week but I will push on and try to get through as best I can. Despite the sadness there are still items I have been loving and wearing quite a bit in April.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Kylie Minogue – Golden – As far as musicians go Kylie is a top contender for being my favourite! Her sound is my favourite to listen to and no one does dance-pop better than her. Golden sees Kylie include country on a few tracks as she spent some time writing and recording in Nashville. The album grows on me with each listen. I love the A5 packaging which houses the CD and includes a lyric booklet. Standout Tracks: Dancing, Stop Me From Falling, Sincerely Yours, Live a Little, Raining Glitter and Every Little Part of Me.

2. Juicy Couture Rollerball Perfume – I have been loving rollerball perfume lately. One end of the rollerball is my holy grail Viva la Juicy scent and the other end is Viva la Juicy Glacé which is lovely too and quite similar to the original Viva la Juicy. I find the scent of a rollerball lasts longer than some of my other perfumes in a bottle and the scent is more concentrated so you don’t need to apply as much. The top I’m wearing when I apply the scent picks it up nicely as well.

3. kikki.K Cat Necklace – My brother got me this necklace for my birthday and I love that every time I wear it I think of Tango. Normally I prefer silver jewellery to gold but because this is a cat and I don’t wear the necklace everyday I don’t mind that it’s gold. The chain and cat are dainty and delicate which is what I like my jewellery to be. I’m not into big, chunky pieces. I also like that the cat and the heart are attached to the chain and aren’t pendants that can slide off.

4. Max Factor – Auburn Envy – This may sound strange but I’m actually not the biggest fan of eyeshadow palettes. I’ve yet to find one where I use every single shade and coming up with different eye looks doesn’t daunt me. I prefer easy, simple eye looks with one or two colours which is why I’m glad I picked up this shade by Max Factor. It is a pretty neutral which can be worn on it’s own or it works nicely as a base shadow. There is glitter and while it looks chunky it doesn’t feel chunky or translate chunky onto the eyes – it gives a beautiful shimmer. I have been enjoying pairing Auburn Envy with another product from Max Factor; their Excess Shimmer Shadow in Copper. I apply Auburn Envy first then Copper.

April’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in April?

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My Fragrance Collection

When it comes to perfumes and fragrances I tend to stick with what I know and like. I prefer lighter, sweet scents with base notes of vanilla compared to strong heady scents. I am also partial to musk which you will see in two of the fragrances mentioned in this post. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to get a nice perfume. I like wearing lighter scents for work and have one or two scents I reserve for special occasions or days I feel like wearing them. I currently have six scents I classify as ‘perfume’ as well as some body mists/sprays which I haven’t included in this post.

1. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy

I wanted to kick things off with my favourite perfume! I loved the smell of Viva la Juicy long before I purchased it. I bought my first bottle in 2015 and I am still working my way through it. This is the perfume I love to wear the most but I also restrict it’s use because I don’t want to go through it too quickly. I picked up the 100ml bottle for $89 (NZD), which, for this perfume is a bargain. The scent is right up my street and lingers longer than my others. 4 sprays usually lasts all day and I might top up with 1 or 2 if I have plans in the evening.

2. Britney spears – Private show

I got this perfume for Christmas in 2016 from my mum and it is my second favourite after Viva la Juicy. I always get comments about how nice this smells when I wear it and it is my favourite of the Britney Spears perfumes I have owned. The bottle is really simple but beautiful. The hexagon pattern is unusual and super pretty. This perfume also lasts well on me throughout the day. I can still smell this on my clothes the following day.

3. The Body Shop Strawberry EDT

This scent is the one I take with me when I stay with my boyfriend. The small bottle is travel friendly and stands up straight in my bag so perfume can’t leak out. For me this is the perfect everyday scent, it’s fruity so it’s not overpowering and heavy. My boyfriend commented this smells nice too so I know he likes it! I have nearly finished this bottle and I will consider repurchasing it for the travel friendly factor.

4. The Body Shop Fragrance Mists

The Body Shop do some really nice fragrances and they are the ones I tend to reach for for work or casual, everyday wear. I had both perfume versions of these but the fragrance mists are far better value and an extra spray or two will give the same effect. 100ml lasts a lot longer than 30ml. I like the White Musk for it’s musk and light floral aroma and the Black Musk for it’s spicier notes.

5. Britney Spears – Curious – in Control

This is the oldest perfume in my collection. My aunt bought it as a present for me back in 2010! This perfume doesn’t seem to end. It has lasted me seven years and in that time the scent has stayed the same and never smelt any different. This is another one of my go to scents for work. I don’t find this lingers on me as long as some of the others featured in this post but it is still a lovely perfume. I love the bottle – it is very girly and using the applicator is fun!

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What’s your favourite fragrance?

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March Favourites 2017

Hi all! It’s crazy to think we are at the end of March and a quarter of the year has passed already! I have been doing my best to get back into a better blogging routine. My work hours increased a significant amount last month and I’m still adjusting and learning what works best with them. I am slowly getting there and I thank you for bearing with me. I’ve got a few things that I’ve been loving throughout the month to discuss and as always, I hope you enjoy this post!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I won this mascara as part of Stashy’s HUGE two year giveaway and I finally cracked this open! I have read a number of glowing reviews about this mascara over the past year or so and for the most part it doesn’t disappoint. A couple of times I have smudged mascara onto my eyeshadow but I think that’s me not wiping the brush properly before I apply. This mascara coats pretty much every lash and gives a lovely full, fluttery effect without being clumpy. The formula is still quite wet at the moment so it will be interesting to see how it fares if it dries out. This is currently my only open mascara as I don’t like to have multiple on the go. I have the washable version which doesn’t flake and lasts all day on my lashes.

2. Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Quad – Addictive – When I first mentioned this item in my First Impressions: Revlon Cherished Love Gift Set post, I wasn’t the biggest fan. I decided to give this little palette another go and for one of my favourite eye looks it is perfect. I like to apply two to three shades as a base before sweeping Max Factor’s Excess Shimmer in Copper over the top for added sparkle and glam. This palette is the travel friendly version of Maybelline’s The Nudes which I also use to create the same look. These shadows apply best with fingers rather than a brush.

3. Belkin MIXIT Metallic Lightning to USB Cable – I saw these cables at work and thought they looked cool but now I own one I know they’re cool. A couple of months ago I was staying with my boyfriend and forgot my iPhone charger and didn’t want to go all the way home to get it so I picked up a spare cable. I chose a silver/grey to match the colour of my phone and I keep the cable in the bag I take to my boyfriend’s so I’m never without my charger. These cables are braided so they’re extra strong and they come in pretty metallic colours. The little Belkin man logo is adorable too.

4. Perfume atomiser – I received this as a present from my boyfriend’s parents for my birthday in January. It is filled with Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture which is one of my favourite perfumes, if not my favourite. I carry this atomiser in my handbag when I stay at my boyfriend’s as it is much easier than lugging around an awkwardly shaped perfume bottle that could smash or leak. I even got a pink one because they know my favourite colour is pink!

March’s Spotify Playlist:

Unlike other months where my playlists seem to have an underlying theme, these are just a few songs I’m loving lately.

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What were your favourite things in March?

Yearly Favourites 2015

Hi everyone! Following on from my December Favourites yesterday, I bring you my Yearly Favourites, featuring the best beauty bits and highlights from 2015. All of these have featured in past Monthly Favourites posts and surprisingly it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to come up with a list. Everything featured in today’s post I still love as much as I did throughout the year.

1. Lily Pebbles – Kicking off with one of my favourite discoveries of 2015, Lily Pebbles! For the life of me I can’t remember how I stumbled across her but boy am I glad I did. She’s so entertaining and I always look forward to watching her videos and seeing what she puts up on her channel and her blog. Lily has inspired a few of my purchases this past year and if you’d like me to do a Blogger Made Me Buy It: Lily Pebbles Edition, leave a comment below!

2. MAC Syrup – I have lost count the amount of times I have mentioned and raved about this lipstick. Syrup was my very first MAC lipstick purchase and will always hold a special place in my heart. Syrup is a gorgeous cloudy pink with a lustre finish and it goes with literally anything. It is the perfect colour for daytime and nighttime wear.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – This concealer is the only one I have used since I purchased it all those months ago and I’m still on my first tube. I use the shade 15 Fair and a little really does go a long way. I use this to cover redness and any spots I have and it never irritates my spots or makes them worse. It can be worn lightly or built up if you need it. The only thing I can’t comment on is how effective this concealer would be for covering dark under eye circles as I haven’t used it for that.

4. The Body Shop Shea Body Whip – I love using this body whip as a daily lotion for my arms. I apply this in the morning before I get dressed and the best part is how quickly it soaks into the skin. Since using this I have noticed the skin on the under side of my arms is much smoother and feels much softer.

5. Dainty Doll Blush ‘004 You Are My Sunshine’ – Gorgeous peachy-rose gold blush, tick. Dainty Doll is my first foray into blush and I knew the shades would suit me as this range is aimed at pale skinned beauties. You Are My Sunshine is a lovely warm shade and I can see myself wearing this a lot in summer. It also looks nice in winter lightly dabbed onto the apples of the cheeks as it gives the skin a glowy, dewy look.

6. Maybelline ‘The Nudes’ Palette – This palette has to be my favourite that I own but I don’t own very many. I still reach for this palette nearly everyday and again it is another product I have mentioned countless times on the blog. This is the second Maybelline product I’ve found this year to be absolutely flawless, good job Maybelline!

7. Essie – Take It Outside – I haven’t had this nail polish very long but I know it will be one of those shades I go back to and can be worn all the time. The grey-taupe tones are lovely all year round. This polish will look lovely with whatever you’re wearing – either dressed up or dressed down. Grey is a colour I’ve incorporated into my wardrobe a lot over the past couple of years.

8. Juicy Couture ‘Viva la Juicy’ Perfume – I have loved the scent of this perfume for years but was always put off purchasing it in the past due to the price tag. I found a 100ml bottle in a makeup sale approximately six months ago and knew I had to have it. The scent is girly yet sophisticated and not overpowering. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular and so many people love it. The 100ml bottle will last a good while as well.

There you have it, a roundup of my favourite favourites from the past 12 months. My beauty collection has been ever expanding and I can’t wait to discover more new products next year.

What have been your favourite products of 2015?

August Favourites

Hello everyone! It is absolutely crazy how fast August has gone and I’ve felt like this month has been a busy one due to the sheer speed at which it’s passed. It’s been all go and I haven’t just got beauty favourites to share, I’ve got a TV show and some tracks I’ve been listening to on heavy rotation which I’ve put into a wee Spotify playlist for your convenience.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Juicy Couture – Viva La Juicy – At the beginning of August I went to a huge discount beauty and makeup sale and surprisingly this perfume was the only thing I ended up purchasing. I’ve loved this scent for years but the price tag was always putting me off. I was super excited when I saw the 100ml size on sale for $79 and I thought, bargain! This perfume is so beautiful, the scent is not overpowering and lingers for hours. I’m glad I got the 100ml bottle because I’ve worn it just about everyday this month.

“The perfume opens with notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin. The heart encompasses a floral blend of honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine, while the base notes await us with a gourmet rhapsody of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood and pralines.” (Source: Fragrantica).

2. Blue canvas shoes – I’ve had these shoes for a few years now and they are so comfortable. They are perfect for casual outfits and look especially nice with jeans and leggings. I can wear these for a day shopping and my feet don’t get sore or tired. I have been wearing these a bit lately as the weather has been in between hot and cold and I’m not ready to let go of winter yet.

3. Vaseline – This might seem odd but there is a purpose for this being here! I mentioned in the intro I thought I was getting sick and I went to the doctor who mentioned putting vaseline on the cracked skin around my nose to help it heal. When I get sick it’s my nose that gives me the most grief and I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of this before. That was the only useful thing the doctor told me, but the less said about that the better!

4. Revlon Lip Butters – I feel guilty, I mentioned buying these last month and I still haven’t got around to showing them to you, next month I promise! I won’t talk about these too much but I will say they are lovely and I was surprised how opaque they are, lots of reviews I read talked about their sheerness. Must be my super pale lips making things pigmented again.

5. Pinterest – I mentioned in my I’m Back! Pt. 2 post that I had joined Pinterest and I’m pleased to say I’m still loving it! It’s much easier to use than I imagined and this is a very rare case of me preferring the app to using my laptop. The app is so simple and quick for scrolling through everyone’s pins. If you haven’t followed me yet, what are you waiting for: pinterest.com/chanellehayley.

6. Take Me Out – Cheesy jokes, check. (Some) good looking boys, check. Hilarious host, check. I know this show is pretty popular in The UK and I’d heard of it but never seen it until a couple of months ago. I decided to include it this month as it was the series finale on Friday. *sob* For those of you who haven’t seen Take Me Out a single man tries to get a date with one of 30 single women. Each woman has a light which can be turned off at any point through a series of introduction and skill rounds. If after round three there are more than two lights still on, the single man has to get it down to two. Finally, he poses a question to the remaining girls before deciding which one he wants to take out.

August Spotify Playlist

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