July Favourites

This month I've been obsessed with skincare, and Bobbi Brown if you couldn't tell, but not really wearing much makeup. So this favourites post is going to be fairly focused on skincare.

The first thing I've been absolutely loving is the Bobbi Brown Balm Rinse. I did a post on it here if you want to read more, but I love that it makes my skin feel really really clean without being stripped. It can also be used as an overnight mask which I've been doing around my nose for some extra hydration. I also talked about the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base in that post and I'm still loving how smooth it makes my makeup go on. I've somehow been having quite a dry skin spell even though it's hotter than Hades in the south this summer. Honestly I've just been slicking this all over my face and wearing a tiny bit of concealer.

The Origins Original Skin Serum is a fairly recent purchase, but I adore it so much that I had to feature it. This is one that can be applied morning and night and is supposed to help with skin texture and brightness. I'm going through a bit of a purge stage right now since I'm actually taking care of my skin, all of the gunk is coming out. I've had those annoying little bumps and this has already helped with smoothing them out. It also makes your skin SO soft. Like I actually can't explain how amazing it makes my skin feels. Definitely one to try. Because I've been breaking out a bit, I've been using the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick as a concealer and it is amazing. All over the face I find it a bit too heavy coverage, but it is absolutely wonderful for spot concealing.

The Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara is pretty much all I've been using. I'm a huge mascara layerer, so this is really unusual. I just can't get over how voluminous this makes my lashes look without being clumpy at all. My final favourite is my beloved pair of Desi x Quay High Key sunnies. I am as blind as a bat without glasses, but I can't help but wear this a feel absolutely fabulous as I run into bushes, trashcans, and one time a poor lady having lunch outside at Panera. Sorry, love.

What have you guys been loving this month?
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Bobbi Brown Pore Perfector

If you saw my post the other day about picking this up over the YSL Blur Perfector then you know that I was instantly impressed. The Bobbi Brown Skin Smoothing Pore Perfector is a lotion like powder that contains a "blend of powders" to perfect the skin. And perfect it does.

I am not a fan of usual makeup primers, as I can't stand that silicone feel on my skin. I'll usually use something like the Bobbi Brown Face Base or Glossier Priming Moisturizer. Those I both love and they make my makeup go on smooth, but this makes my skin itself look so amazing. I've had pretty large-looking pores lately, and in this summer heat my skin gets greasy pretty quickly. Because of that I haven't been wanting to wear heavy bases, but my skin isn't really at a place where I'm okay not wearing makeup (unless I'm just running errands). This Perfector, however, makes my skin look beautiful. It really smooths out the skin and although there's still some redness the even texture just makes it look so much better.

I often find that similar products tend to dry out the skin, but like most of Bobbi's other products this is actually quite hydrating and very comfortable. It's also meant to have skincare ingredients that over time reduce the appearance of pores. This doesn't mean it literally reduces the size of pores, which I think is why there's a few not-so-great reviews of this products online. Pore size is genetically determined and they cannot be resized physically. However, this product is supposed to help them be less noticeable, I suppose. I obviously haven't been using it long enough to attest to that, but I will check back in if I do notice a difference.

For now, this is a gorgeous makeup primer or just skincare product for no-makeup days! Have you guys tried it?
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Nars Hardwired Eyeshadow in 'Stud'

In my most recent post I told you I picked up this little Angel from Sephora and I already want to show you it in all its glory. Two days later. NARS' Hardwired Eyeshadow in Stud is a soft pewtery bronze in this absolutely gorgeous metallic finish. I honestly could just stare at it reflecting in the light all day. You might initially think that this is a normal shimmery taupe but there is something very different about it. I've tried swatching it next to several similar shades and it really stands out. I love that you can wear this formula quite sheer or build it up to be super metallic. I will say that there can be a wee amount of fallout if you're not careful because of the glitter. I've been applying with my finger instead of a brush and that seems to make a big difference. I'm so glad they re-released this shade because it is really, really beautiful. Now I must decide if I need any of the other shades, hehe.

Have you tried the new Hardwired shadows yet? What did you think?
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Sephora Haul

I went into Sephora today with the sole purpose of picking up the YSL Blur Perfector Compact, because lets be real, that is the most gorgeous packaging in existence. But on my merry little walk over there, the Bobbi Brown section caught my attention (as always) and I happened upon the Skin Smoothing Pore Perfector. At $38 I thought, "hmm, how will this compare to YSL?" So I put a bit on my hand and holy mother of makeup gods it looked like I'd used FaceTune on my skin. So I snatched this sucker up and left the beautiful YSL compact behind. Obviously I haven't used it on my face yet, but I'll pop up a review after I use it properly.

Since I saved money by not buying the compact, I figured I could treat myself to something else (logic, yes?). I ended up picking the NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow. I really regretted not getting this when the Steven Klein collection came out so I'm happy to have it now! Fingers crossed they'll bring back Mortal. They also had a little event going on where you get a free Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme mini so I got the shade Light 11. This has been talked about a lot recently so I'm excited to give it a try. They're extremely washed out in this photo but I asked for a sample of the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream to try out and she also gave me some of Clinique's Pep-Start Eye Cream. Kate raves about the Fresh cream so I can't wait to see what I think.

Also, makeup p0rn because this eyeshadow is so gorgeous I could cry.

Have you guys picked up anything new recently?
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Favourite MAC Lipsticks

I don't wear lipstick too often, but if I do you can betcha bottom dollar it'll be a MAC lipstick. I think I've gotten this obsession over the years from Kate La Vie (also have a slight obsession with her in general). I say I don't wear lipstick often because I find them a bit high maintenance, but I've recently rekindled my romance so I thought I would show you my three favourite from MAC!

Blankety is a cool "soft pink beige" in an amplified finish. I generally stick to mattes, but I got this when swapping some back to MAC items in and I am absolutely in love. It doesn't look to used just yet, but this is a great everyday lipstick to just swipe on and forget about. I find that this finish sort of wears away evenly so I can forget to reapply and not worry about looking insane. This is also gorg to just pat on your lips and be done.

Whirl is one of those cult "Kylie" colours that I thought I would want to stay away from. But, we got it in at work and I couldn't resist the pull. And I actually adore it, I don't think I've ever received so many compliments on a lipstick that's not red. This one is a "dirty rose" (interesting description, MAC) with a matte finish. It's one of those from MAC that is still very comfortable whilst also looking quite matte. I like to think of this one as my 'edgy' nude.

Sin is one of my all time favourite lipsticks, and probably the only tube I've ever fully gone through and repurchased. It's a "deep raspberry wine" with a matte finish. I don't quite know how to explain but this looks gorgeous on literally everyone. I made all of my coworkers put it on one day and customers all thought we were wearing different colours! It's a gorgeous universal shade, and much more wearable than you might think.

What are your favourite lippies from MAC? I'm itching to get my hands on some new ones now!
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Four to Try

I've recently been trying out a few new (to me) products and I thought I would let you know my impressions so far! I'm also playing around with new settings on my camera so expect some slightly wonky photography for a minute.

If you don't know, Estee Lauder bought GlamGlow back in February. We finally got some in at work (the CCS) and I snatched it up! It was actually a little set, but came with a full size of the YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment. This is an exfoliating mask that's supposed to make your skin softer, smoother, and brighter. I've mostly been multi-masking with this and the SuperMud, but today I just used it alone. It's definitely exfoliating, if you have sensitive skin I would stay away. It definitely makes my skin smoother and softer, but I found that today it left it quite dry and I immediately wanted to moisturize. I didn't feel this way when using it in conjunction with the SuperMud, so maybe this was a bit too scrubby for my whole face.

I've been using the Clinique Take the Day Off Balm for a little over a month now and have been debating doing a full post. I absolutely love this stuff, it's makeup removing magic. Let me know if you want a more in-depth review. Recently I've been a bit more into blush and these little Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes are both cute and an amazing formula. They stay on the skin far longer than any other blush I've tried, and look beautiful on the skin.

A few months ago my Mum brought me a bunch of Barry M Nail Gelly Hi-Shines back from England, and I'm just getting around to trying Pink Lemonade. I'm quite surprised that I love it so much. I thought it would be a real baby pink, but it pulls quite nude. It's also a great formula (as all of these are) and opaque in just two coats! I see this becoming a new favourite. They're quite hard to find in the US unfortunately, pretty much only online. Bring them over here, Barry!

What things have you been loving recently?
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Little Jewelry Haul

 Hello loves! Thought I'd share a few little accessories I've picked up lately that I've been loving. I found these gorgeous little studs at Madewell the other day and snatched them up. They reminded me of an Anthropologie pair that I've been regretting not buying for over a year and at $18 I decided to get them. Madewell's jewelry as always is really dainty but still well made. I like the shape of these because you can make them curve up your lobe almost like a cuff. My friend picked me up this gorgeous ring from Forever 21 for very cheap, I've had tons of people ask me where it's from and if it's some kind of pearl! I can't find this one on the website anymore, but I'm pretty sure it's still in the store.

I also picked up these beautiful rings from Verameat. If you've never heard of Verameat (how?) its a gorgeous New York based jewelry store I discovered last time I was in the city. Vera is the sweetest ever (as are the rest of the girls) and she makes some really really rad designs. This time I got the tiny skull ring and rose ring both in gold brass. I absolutely adore them and get tons of questions about them. Make sure you check out the rest of the collection here (it's awesome)!

Have you guys picked up any accessories lately? Where's your favourite place to shop for them?
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Five Good Things.

I've decided to start doing these "five good things" posts again, inspired by Kate and Emily. In case you haven't noticed, I've kind of been throwing myself back into blogging recently. Because it's making me happy again in a time where I've been feeling not so happy. But, I want to focus on positivity so I'm going to start writing about five good things. Share yours with me too!

01 I've been on a huge skincare kick recently, and pampering myself is something that has made me much happier. Actually getting myself into a proper routine in this aspect has helped other parts of my life seem less crazy.

02 Recently, I had quite a big room overhaul and painted it back white. It took three days but I am so pleased with the result. It's much brighter and seems a little bigger. It's great to have a place that feels more me.

03 I've also realized that I have some truly wonderful friends. I've gotten to the point in my life where I only really have a few friends (does that sound lame?) but I know that they are the kind of friends that stick with you forever.

04 The end of this season of Game of Thrones brought heartbreak, so I've gotten back into reading the books. I'm on A Feast for Crows now and I'm about halfway through that, so I'm getting close to the end. Hopefully George will have the next book lined up when I'm finished!

05 I also have some pretty exciting opportunities coming up. I'm talking follow my big dream opportunities. I won't talk about it too much yet as not to jinx it, but I am very, very excited!

What's been good in your life this week?
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High-End Favourites

I realized two things getting the products out for this post; one, I basically only spend money on base products, and two, I have an obsession with Bobbi Brown.

I think that nowadays, drugstore makeup and what I call kind-of-high-end have amazing quality products that won't break the bank (maybe a little). But every now and then I like to splash out on something I wouldn't normally buy. Clearly, I generally do that with foundations.

Bobbi Brown Foundations: Bobbi's are definitely some of my favourite foundations I've ever used and the three I'm featuring here are all very different. The Intensive Skin Serum Foundation is a skincare-foundation hybrid and makes my skin look beautiful but makeup free (And has SPF 40!). The Skin Foundation is a dewy-velvety finish that I find perfects my skin while still looking natural. The Skin Stick Foundation was one that I didn't fall in love with right away (it's pretty much a cult favourite), but I've found it's perfect for concealing or adding extra coverage when using something very lightweight. I'm fairly certain they've updated this formula and it seems much more blendable. I also really love the Long Wear Even-Finish Foundation but haven't gotten around to repurchasing. I'm also including the Creamy Concealer, which I absolutely adore for under my eyes. It can get quite cakey if you're not careful, but using a small amount with a beauty blender ensures perfectly bright under-eyes.

Bobbi Brown Skincare: I know I literally just did a post on this, but the Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the greatest thing ever and I am obsessed with it, link to the post here.

Chanel Foundation: I've been using the Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet for quite some time (post here), and it's still one of my absolute favourites. I particularly like mixing it as this shade is quite pink on me. Mixing it with the Milani 2-in-1 foundation makes my skin look more perfect than you could ever imagine.

TheBalm Highlighter: If you've never tried theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer, then you've never truly highlighted. This stuff is legitimate magic that makes your skin look like heaven is always shining down on your angel face. There's a post about this here. I also bought it on my favourite trip to New York with my best friend, so it's very near and dear to me (and it's been in about 20 favourites posts).

NARS Eyeshadows: Almost two years ago I raved about the NARS Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo here, and I'm still obsessed with it. I definitely need to pick up more NARS shadows because the formula is beautiful. These colours in particular are wonderful for doing a quick, everyday look or incorporating into something more dramatic.

Marc Jacobs Eyeliner: I've never talked about this on the blog before because I very very rarely wear eyeliner, but when I do this Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon is perfection. It's crazy pigmented and long wearing, especially considering that I use it in the waterline. I want to try a bronzey or gold shade out!

Anastasia Brows: I don't know if I'd really consider Anastasia "high-end", perhaps on the non-designer side of high end as it's not exactly cheap. Anywho, they know brows. And you know that I'm obsessed with brows. And the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade which I've talked about four million times here so I'll stop waffling on now.

MAC Lipliners: MAC is another brand that isn't really designer but it's expensive, so whatever. Their Lip Pencils are gold. I never ever buy them from the counter, always from the CCS but they are some of the most pigmented, creamy, long-wearing liners I own. I very rarely buy expensive lip products because they never seem to be worth the price, but I love these (post here).

Glossier:  I was debating whether or not to include Glossier in this post. Their products are also on that blurred line of almost-affordable but still out of reach. Their Balm Dot Com is literally the bomb dot com. I never thought I'd find myself spending $12 on a lip balm, but I've now bought three, oops. I talk more about them here.

What do you guys find yourselves splurging on? Let me know what I should get next!
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Bobbi Brown Skincare

We recently got the Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse in at work (I work at a Cosmetics Company Store if you're new) and I snatched it up. Despite Bobbi being my line, I've never really ventured into her skincare as we don't often get it in stock. I loved the rinse so much I decided to go to the counter and try some more products. A lot of my favourite bloggers have been raving about the Vitamin Enriched Face Base so I wanted to check that out.

The Extra Balm Rinse is a conditioning cleanser meant to be good for dry skin. It comes in this 50 ml tube or a bigger jar. It says on the website that it can be used to remove makeup, but the packing says to keep it away from the eyes so I remove makeup with the Clinique Take the Day Off Balm and then cleanse with the rinse. What I really like about this is that it gets my skin really, really clean without a huge lather. I often get very lazy before bed and don't properly cleanse my face because I can't be bothered to wash all of the soap off. But this is super easy to remove! It's also surprisingly hydrating on the dry parts of my face, but doesn't make my oily t-zone greasy. Plus, it has Bobbi's luxurious citrus scent.

I got two little samples at the counter because I wasn't feeling spending a fortune quite yet. The first is the Extra Repair Eye Cream, which claims to help fight dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, and more. This cream is super hydrating, but definitely sinks in quickly so you don't have to wait long before applying makeup. I think it does smooth to some degree, but I haven't seen any dramatic results yet. I might try the Hydrating Eye Cream as it's a little less expensive. I also tried a sample of the Hydrating Gel Cream. I really like gel-based cream formulas like this because they sink in quickly and don't leave residue like heavier creams can. However, they're still hydrating for the parts of my skin that are quite dry. This also smells like delicious citrus. I've been mostly using this in place of a night cream because I've been using the next product during the day, but love waking up with fresh skin!

The Vitamin Enriched Face Base has been raved about for a long time and I've been battling with my primers recently so I decided to give this a try. It's my new favourite product ever. I don't know how, but Bobbi has somehow perfectly combined a moisturizer and primer into one product. It smooths skin for a perfect makeup application but also hydrates. I was a bit worried because it's very rich and creamy, but it also sinks in without feeling greasy and is oil-free. I don't think I've ever gotten so many compliments on my skin! As always, Bobbi's packaging is absolutely gorgeous but I will say that the germ freak in me slightly wishes these were all in pumps. But it so pretty that I have it sitting out on my vanity so I'm not complaining too much.

Have you tried Bobbi Brown skincare? What did you think?
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What's In My Bag

I've been looking at a lot of "What's in My Bag" posts recently, and although mine doesn't really include anything exciting I thought I'd show you!

The bag I've been carrying lately is the Michael Kors Selma in the large size (which I can't seem to find on the website, perhaps it's been discontinued?). It's big enough for all of my crap, and if I need to put my lapotop in it, it'll squeeze. I used to also use a long Michael Kors wallet, but switched to this little Fossil Bi-fold which I LOVE. It's so easy because it actually fits in my back pocket, is this what it's like to be a guy?! I of course carry my phone, right now I have this cheapy clear case on it which is very dangerous, but I love the way iPhones look and hate to cover it up.

Makeup-wise, I carry a few things around in this Delfonics pouch that I got from Madewell. In that I have my beloved Glossier Balm Dot Calm (Mint), several (thousand) lip colours, the MAC Studio Fix Powder (Mostly for the mirror), and a Bobbi Brown concealer/powder duo for emergencies. I also have my Fossil watch hanging around in there because I'll usually forget to put one on before work. My Rayban Erika sunglasses are also floating around, I've had these FOREVER and they're still holding on (The DesixQuay High Keys should be coming in soon though, sorry Erika).

I try to stay quite organized, so I have a planner (during the school year I have it and most of these things in my bookbag). This semester's is from Mochi Things, I've yet to use it but I like that it's more customizable. I also have this Moleskine journal that I was bullet journaling in, but now I've made it into a list journal and I use it much, much more. Last but not least is my beloved Game of Thrones. I'm actually reading Feast for Crows, which is the book before this but the cover is red (gotta stick with the theme, people!). That's the only reason this one looks so tidy, I'm fairly rough on my books.

There's also of course a smattering of change and bobby pins hanging around at the bottom. What do you guys carry around with you?
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June Favourites

This month has been a minimal makeup month for me. Living in the south means soaring temperature and humidity and I honestly can't be bothered most days. I've also been having weird reactions any time I put on most eye makeup so I've been steering clear of that.

I've been trying to focus a lot on skin, as I often get quite clogged pores in the summer. I've been trialling a bunch of things as far as cleansers, but have found two moisture products that I love. I've been using the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for a while, but recently started using it regularly as a night cream. It's quite thick so not the best for using daily in this summer heat! But using it as a night cream I wake up with fresh, perfectly moisturized skin! This is one of those products that I think will stay in my skincare routine for a very, very long time. We got a bunch of samples of the Estée Lauder New Dimension Shape and Fill Serum at work so I, of course, snatched some and took them home with me. LET. ME. TELL. YOU. This crap is some kind of magic. I don't know about shaping or filling, but after using this for a few days this texture and tone of my skin had completely changed. I didn't wear any foundation for a few days and had several people ask me what I was wearing! I'm definitely going to get the full size once we stock it (it's quite expensive but check your local CCS!).

I decided to get a new shade of the ABH DipBrow. This has been a favourite of mine for several years (as you well know), but I've only ever used Chocolate. I switched to Medium Brown and I think It definitely matches me better and looks a LOT more natural. When I've been brave enough to go for eye makeup with this weird reaction-thing going on, I have swiped H&M Shiitake all over my lid. I have a review of these here. I haven't debuted any pictures on social media (you can see it in my sidebar), but I recently cut my lower-back-length hair up to my shoulders. I've been loving using the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish to add some volume. It's worth mentioning that I absolutely hated this when I had long hair. I've also found what I think is a drugstore dupe in the Garnier Texture Tease Spray.

Last month was all about my EyeBuyDirect frames (follow me on insta peeps! ameliaasays) but this month I went back to my Warby Parker Baker frames. I've had these for about six months now and they are just so comfortable to wear. They're the perfect shape for my face and don't hide my makeup as much as some of my other frames. I've also gone back to one of my older watches. I got a new gray strap for my Fossil Original Boyfriend Chronograph and I've been wearing it with absolutely everything.

What have you guys been loving this month?
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Origins Face Masks

Hi loves! Long time no speak, but I'm back with a review of these tiny little Origins face masks that I got in a set at work (check your local CCS, super cheap!). I love Origins skincare products and am obsessed with the Original Skin mask, so I wanted to try out some others.

First is the GinZing Refreshing Face Mask, which I think has been discontinued now. But, if you have a CCS near you they should still stock it. This formula of mask is one that I'm not a huge fan of, I generally prefer clay masks. This is like a cooling gel-based mask which is super nice for the summer. It's supposed to be energizing and refreshing, but I didn't notice too much of a difference after using. It is a nice one to slap on when it's hot outside, but it's not a major winner for me.

Next I tried the Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. This is a creamy "mask" that is basically just a super intense moisturizer. It contains avocado oil and mango butters, among other ingredients, meaning it is seriously going to moisturize your skin. I really, really, really liked this one. When I woke up, I still felt like I had product on my face but I just cleansed like normal and my skin looked brilliant! I saw a noticeable difference in the plumpness of my skin and it overall looked brighter and more healthy.

The Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask has been raved about for years, so I was quite excited/nervous to try it out. I was surprised to find that it's not a super-thick, clay based mask; but instead a light-weight almost dry texture. Activated charcoal is meant to suck dirt out of your pores, and while it doesn't seem like it, the mask contains White China Clay that absorbs toxins. This sucker dries down and tightens up pretty quickly, so I only left it on for about 10 minutes. I was expecting my skin to be a bit dry since this is a clarifying mask, but it was actually really smooth and felt clean. This one I might have to get a full size in!

Last but not least is the Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask. This one is meant to help with oily skin and breakouts, so it's perfect for me in the summer. It contains zinc oxide and sulfur to help absorb oil and reduce redness. When I first started trying this mask, I had pretty oily skin and a few more breakouts than usual (wah). I was absolutely amazed by the results, when I took it off my skin looked calmed and radiant. I've used it every other day for a week and my breakouts are almost all gone! A lot of people complained about the smell, but I think it smells like Vick's VapoRub so I don't mind it, hehe. Definitely one I'll be buying the full size of!

Have you guys tried any Origins face masks? Which ones do you love?
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