MONTHLY FAVOURITES // June 2015

Hey guys,

It's that time of the month again! I honestly love writing these - as I've probably stated before - because it's my chance to get down to the nitty gritty and really decide which products I have really been turning to this month. This month it's a little different. As I haven't done a favourites since January at the very least, this is a compliation of products that I have seriously been OBSESSED with since April/May, as well as June. Some you may have already seen in previous posts, or will feature in those upcoming, so I won't go into too much depth.

Read on to see which products made the cut this month!

1. MAC Prep & Prime Natural Radiance Primer in Radiant Yellow // $65

Three words - HOLY GRAIL PRIMER. Yes, you heard that correctly. Lawd almighty, this primer is everything. Its a gel based primer, and is yellow to correcr uneven tones in the skin as well as to hydrate and provide a base for your foundation to hold on to. Oh my goodness, this is like glue. My foundation literally goes nowhere when this is on my face. Not only does it provide that base, it also really hydrates and keeps my skin feeling absolutely lovely. You can also get this in a pink shade, rather than yellow, to brighten up the face, but I really like the yellow as it starts correcting any breakouts or redness in my skin. I paid a pretty penny for this, but I would pay it all over again. Honestly.

2. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue // $38 & Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation // $74

I've already written all about these - you knew they would be in here! I'll say it, these are major all time favourites, especially for my winter skin. The combination of both of these makes my skin look photo filtered without being caked or over the top. I'm just honestly in love with this combo - here's the post where I detail how I use them and why - and I'm going to be devastated when I run out because I won't be buying more for a long time... I'll be doing a seperate review on each as well for you when I get the chance, so be on the lookout for those!

3. MAC Studio Fix Powder // $49

Yep. I'm using powder. I always swore that I wouldn't, couldn't, shouldn't use powder, because my skin is dry and honestly every powder I have used made me look even drier and my skin ever cakier. Until I met the MAC Studio Fix Powder - this sh*t is bananas! I use this to mainly set my nose and chin, as those are the places that foundations wears off really easily for me, and the lightly press a dusting over the rest of my face. It does have colour to it, which i like for my nose and chin as it provides the extra coverage when the foundation does decide that it's had enough of my face that day. Plus, its amazing for touch ups. Another repurchaseable item fo' shizzle, and I recommend the heck out of it!

4. Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soliel Bronzer // $44

This is new to Mecca, but I've honestly wanted it in my hot little hands since i saw Jaclyn Hill (typical) talk about it in one of her favourites videos in the recent months! I've owned it since the beginning of June and I love it - the colour is perfect, the blendability is perfect, the smell is perfect - ugh, I'm in love. I also have the Milk Chocolate Soliel (also adore it), but unfortunately I can only pull that off as a bronzer when I am quite pale. I definitely recommend giving this at the very least a swatch in Mecca, and taking it home with you if you love it. You're definitely getting good quality at a great price, in my humble opinion!

5. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask // $34

Another product I talked about here - this stuff is literally saving my skin. I use it three times a week, and it is honestly holding my breakouts at bay and helping my skin rejuvenate in between uses. I could honestly see a major difference in two uses, and it doesn't disappoint every time I use it. If you have dry skin, and are really after a product that smells INCREDIBLE and will really smooth and give your skin a radiant glow, I highly recommend this mask!

6. MAC Lipstick in Honeylove // $36

Ugh, yes, I'm a MAC whore, I admit it. But this lipstick is amazing - I love love love it, and it's no joke when I say that it's been my go to 99% of the time since I purchased it at the beginning of May. This lipstick is almost like Myth and Velvet Teddy had a little nude baby. It's gorgeous pinky brown beige nude, which makes the perfect shade when mixed with Whirl Lip Liner. If you're after a nude lipstick at MAC that isn't too nude, nor too pink or brown I would definitely try this one out!

7. Adult Colouring Books // $10-11

I'd seen these literally everywhere online, and when I found these in my local Target I decided to pick them up. Between work and uni, it's safe to say I was feeling just a tad stressed out, so in my spare time I started to colour in pages to try and feel a little more relaxed. Well, these definitely helped for sure, just to take my mind off everything else I had going on and it was also a lot of fun! I'd definitely recommend these if you are after something to do thats fun and creative, and that also helps out your mind at ease!

And that's it for this month's favourites! What are some of the products you've been turning to during June?

Until next time...

xxxx 

in between blogging, you can find me here!

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MY TOP FIVE // Drugstore Mascaras

Hey guys!

Similar to a series I did for a short time last year, I want to start doing another 'My Top Five' series. I'll basically be picking a category of products, and choosing what are my personal five favourites in that category. And this week, I've chosen to do drugstore mascaras!

I've noticed recently that I've been using a tonne of high end products in my routine over those from the drugstore - in all areas, except masara! Out of five mascaras sitting in my 'everyday' lot of products, only two or high end. And maybe that doesn't say anything to you, but it definitely says a lot to me! Thats why I thought it was appropriate to start this series off with this particular category, plus its always great to showcase what is truly great from the drugstore.

So in no particular order, here are my picks - keep reading to see my thoughts!

1. L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara // $8.95US

Eeek, not only is the packaging absolutely gorgeous, the product inside is incredible. I'm a massive fan of L'Oreal mascaras - I also love Miss Manga, One Million Lashes, Butterfly Lash, the originial Voluminous and the Extra Volume Collagen - but this one is probably my favourite. It has a slightly curved, bristle brush wand that really lifts and curls my lashes. The formula is also quite dry as well, which I personally love about mascara formulas, because it makes it so easy to build volume. This formula also has small fibres that also help with volume, although I barely notice them within this mascara. Definitely give this a try if you love voluminous, big, coated lashes!

Unfortunately, I could only find this on drugstore.com - they mustn't sell this over here :( (I purchased this from New York when I visited there)

2. Max Factor Masterpiece Max High Volume & Definition Mascara // $24.95

Another favourite brand from the drugstore - Max Factor mascaras have never disappointed me. This has been my personal go to lately, as I have it in the brown shade which looks more natural on me than black mascaras. This just has a straight, plastic brush - but don't let that put you off. I promise you, Max Factor have the best mascaras in the drugstore (and possibly even the high end market) on the same line as L'Oreal.

3. Max Factor Masterpiece Transform High Impact Volumising Mascara // $23.95

Oh goodness, another massive favourite! I recieved this late last year, and it went straight to my top favourite mascaras that I have eye used. The brush is small, plastic and goes up at an angle, with the biggest bristles on the end of the brush. It flares out, so trust me when I saw that this helps push your lashes up a ridiculous amount. I'm almost at the end of my tube, which makes me quite sad really, but I really really love this mascara. I used it, and only it, for months of end before turning to something else!

(If I still owned it, I would also be including Max Factors False Lash Effect Masara - thats also incredible, it's just never in stock when I go to buy it! Can you see how obsessed I truly am with Max Factor mascaras?)

4. Model Co Double Ended Fibre Lash Mascara // $20

I've done a comparison review with this and the Too Faced Better Than False Lashes here - and this mascara won! I have back ups upon back ups of this (I always buy it on sale at Woolies), thats just how good it is. It has the two ends, one with the actual mascara and the other with loose fibres. Unlike other fibre mascaras, this really coats your lashes with the fibres without ever looking clumpy or spidery. It's great for building volume on my lashes without every going overboard!

5. Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara // $14.95

I did another comparison post that featured this and the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara here! This is THE perfect dupe for the Too Faced mascara (which is out of stock a lot of the time, may I add ;) ), and is definitely my favourite Covergirl mascara! The brush is a bristle brush which is flared out on either side to really flare out dem lashes and volumise them. Its so incredibly buildable too, which is why it's really the drugstore version of the Too Faced Better Than Sex. 

And those are my top five drugstore mascaras! Which would have to be your favourites?

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

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BEATING THE WINTER BLUES // The Products Saving My Skin

Hey guys!

Welcome back to my blog after my hiatus - taking time off to focus on uni and work has made me hardcore busy, but I'm so glad to finally be done and dusted with that. I've missed blogging way to much and talking about beauty and makeup and skincare and EEEK! I have SO many posts in the works for you guys, talking about all different things and I'm starting with this one - the products that are getting my skin through winter!

Just for a refresher, I usually have normal to dry skin. However, due to a variety of factors (ie. uni and work stress, coming off the pill, working in constant air conditioning etc), my skin has become more dehydrated than usual, is also starting to break out in certain areas and has even become sensitive in parts, especially around my eyes. Because of this, I've been switching up my skincare constantly - trying out new things to try and find what will cure my skin of this feeling like this. Obviously, I want my skin to look great even without makeup on - hell, if your base isn't great before makeup, it never looks quite right anyway! And I finally feel like I may have found the perfect four products that are really helping my skin get back to how it was - read on to see what they are!

1. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion for Dry to Very Dry Skin

So this stuff is literally between $9-11, and it is possibly my new favourite product for my skin ever! I've had some bad run ins with 'cheaper' drugstore products that have really not helped my skin, in fact they've probably done the opposite. But not this bad boy - oh no, this stuff is fantasticly moisturising without being greasy or oily, and really sinks into my skin to make it feels completely ready to face to winter weather. I've heard amazing things about Cetaphil, but like every other cheaper face brand that I've tried (sorry exaggerration, but y'all get the idea), I didn't expect it to actually be as amazing as it is. Everyone who has dry skin needs to jump on this if you are on a budget but still looking for something to actually work.

2. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Holy shit, if the whole Origins products in this range smell like this, hell I'mma buy 'em all and I will never look back. I was recommended this by the lovely ladies on our Instabeautyau Facebook page (holla gfs, if you're not already a part of it, get on that - not even a biased admin at all ;) ) and the lovely lady working at my local Mecca also recommended it, saying that using it would not only help hydrate my skin but also help balance out my skin and hopefully avoid the breakouts I was experiencing. So 2-3 times a week, depending on how dry my skin is, I use this in place of a night time moisturiser and go to sleep with it onmy face. It just feels like a super creamy moisturising cream, so it is a little sticky but I really don't mind and it smells incredible. Always wake up with glowing, happy skin the next say and I'll forever be grateful to it!

3. Bioderma Senisibo Face Mask

Ok so this is for sensitive skin, but its super moistursing and soothing which is why I have personally been loving it. Again, this is like a thick cream (similar consitiency to the Origins mask), however you leave it only for 10-15 minutes then sponge off whatever is leftover on your skin. It definitely helps calm and soothe my skin, and gives it added moisture so I avoid any dry patches. I use this on rotation with the Origins mask, so usually 2 times a week and it 100% has been helping my skin stay hydrated and radiant!

4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream

Like I stated above, my eyes have been super sensitive lately. I can't use normal makeup remover on them due to how sensitive they are (legit, my eyes will be sore for days, almost like I've been rubbing them constantly), and because my eyes also water super easily ESPECIALLY at night, I need an eye cream that will keep them hydrated as my eyelids completely dry out and really look ugly with makeup on. And this is that cream! Ever since the first week I've used it, my eyes have been so much more hydrated and slowly but surely, the dry skin on my eyelids is slowly disappearing. Super happy with how this has gone - really need to try more of The Body Shop products - I also use their Seaweed Mask 1-2 times a week for my breakouts, and it's also amazeballs. Surely there is more hidden gems - any recommendations, please leave them below!

And those are the four products that have really made a diference in my skincare routine this Winter! Hopefully this can help any of you experiencing the same problems that I am during this cold, shitty weather! What have been stand out products for your skin this season?

Until next time....

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

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best of beauty 2014

Hey guys!

Happy 2015! Wishing every single one of you the best for this new year - lets make it the best one yet!

I've been away for a while, and I apologise for that. Except not really - this break was awesome, and not having to worry about putting photos or blog posts up has been good! I've enjoyed spending time with my family and friends, and I've been working alot as well to try and save some money. But it's nice to be back - blogging last year showed me alot about the blogging world and how it works, and I feel great about this new year and the direction I'd like my blog to go in. I won't be branching out though - not right now anyway. I love makeup and beauty, and I feel that it'll always be the main focus here on my blog due to that love.

In the spirit of all the 2014 posts released in the past two weeks, I thought I'd put together one of my own! However, I will only be picking ONE product from each category (which was no easy feat, let me tell you) to try and speed it up. I kept it to products that I used frequently last year and that really became staples in my routine. So, grab a cuppa, get a comfy seat and let's get started!

P R I M E R : Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Primer

If you're a regular reader, you probably saw this coming. I love this little baby right here - its one of the best primers I have ever used and it definitely wins the award for most used primers of 2014. I use about two to three pumps each time, and it really hydrates my skin while also giving it a sublte glow and colour correcting. It really helps foundation to blend in like a dream as well - I just cannot say enough good things about it. This is available from Priceline and is priced as $21AUD.

F O U N D A T I O N : Make Up Forever HD Foundation

I included this in a High End haul last year, and even though it was only purchased towards the end of last year, I've probably been more loyal to this than any other foundation of 2014. This is a big call - we all know I'm a foundation junkie, I can never have enough really. But I can say without a doubt, that I've gone through more of this than any other foundation I own so far. The best thing about this foundation for me personally is that it is so versatile. It's fantastic on it's own, but it does have a more satin/matte finish, whereas I prefer more luminous, dewy foundations, so I usually mix other foundations in with it to give it that glow and it always works perfectly. Again, its something I've been using almost everyday since I brought it, and I would highly recommend it for all skin types as well! This is available from Sephora in Australia for $62AUD (from memory) but seeing as they are currently not online, you can purchase it here from PM Studio for $62AUD.

C O N C E A L E R : Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

The most constant product in my routine for the whole of 2014. I use this basically everyday, and did for the whole of last year. It's just so easy to apply and blend under the eye area and helps to really conceal the dark circles I have. I wouldn't say its full coverage, but it is buildable without being cakey and the best part is its drugstore! I haven't found a concealer yet that beats this one - but never say never, right? You can find this here at Priceline for $18.95AUD.

B R O W S : Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Soft Brown

No joke guys, Anastasia knows her brows. I have both this and her dipbrow pomade, and lets be real, the only reason I'm featuring the brow wiz is because I use it more on an everyday basis due to it being easier to apply - but both are fantastic and more than worth the money. It's just so easy to fill in my brows with the product, and the fact that it's a little waxy helps to tame them hairs as well! The spooli at the end is fantastic for blending them to look more natural, and just overall I would really recommend both this and dipbrow if you want fantastic looking brows! You can find both at Sephora Australia (for a ridiculously inflated price) or you can buy them here from the ABH website for $21US (brow wiz) and $18US (dipbrow) with $17 flat rate international shipping!

S E T T I N G  P O W D E R : MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light

I've tried a lot of under eye setting powders this year, and although I've found some gems, this is probably still my favourite of them all. I rediscovered this at the beginning of this year and it really is my most favourite to use. Its easy to blend and is light without being too light - it really just helps my under eyes stay bright without looking out of place, and helps with the creasing under and on my eyelids. MAC Mineralize powders are possibly my favourite products from MAC, so many to choose from and an amazing formula. You can find this here on MAC Cosmetics AU website for $49AUD.

B R O N Z E R : MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Deep

Another MAC MSF - y'all can see how much I love these products! These are technically setting powders, but I love this shade to bronze and warm up my face. Again, I love bronzer and own more than I care to count, but this is probably my most tried and true (this is actually a backup, my other is on its last legs) due to its formula and being so gorgeous and glowy without going overboard. Again, you can find this here on the MAC Cosmetics AU website for $49AUD.

B L U S H : Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

You know those products that come out and cost a ridiculous amount of money, but you save up for ages and buy them anyway? This is one of them. If you can still get your hands on this DO IT! Don't even question it, just make the purchase. I am not a blush wearer typically - I flush really easily, and it always just makes me look redder than I actually am. There are amazing. I can't even begin to explain how much I love them and how gorgeous they are. They just add such a simple flush of colour that look completely natural, and they just blend in so well without looking like you've just slapped a bunch of pink on your face. I recommend the heck out of this palette, and if you can't get your hands on it, then I definitely recommend the individual blushes of which I will own once I actually have money. Unfortunately, I cannot find it anywhere (I brought mine from Sephora US for $58US), but I'm sure it will be available on Amazon or eBay.

H I G H L I G H T E R : MAC Minzeralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

Another mineralize powder - and the most natural highlighter I have ever come across. Not only is it perfect on the cheeks, its also amazing as an eyeshadow as well! This is probably my second favourite highlighter of all time (but the first was discovered two days before 2014 ended, which is why I'm featuring this) and its just so easy to wear and use. Highly recommended for those of you who are looking for a highlighter that you can use on both an everyday basis and build up for those nights were you, y'know, want to overdo the dew! You can find it here on the MAC Cosmetics AU website for $47AUD.

S E T T I N G  S P R A Y : NYX Dewy Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray

Another constant of 2014! I've used MAC Fix+ and Skindinavia, and while they were good, they didn't compare to this, especially for the price. You can spritz this everywhere, and it helps to melt your base into your skin while also prolonging the wear of your makeup. Again, its another drugstore product, so we all know the price is right, and I've repurchased this numerous times this year. You can find this here at Target from around $14.95AUD.

M A S C A R A : Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara

Holy heck, I actually love Max Factor mascaras so much (currently have three on the go, including this one), and this is just fantastic for my lashes. It gives them a natural, wispy sort of look and is so easily built up to give a more dramatic look. I started using this towards the end of last year, but again it's probably my most favourite drugstore mascara - that I've tried, of course. I highly recommend Max Factor mascaras as an alternative to high end - they are a little pricier, but such great quality for the price! You can find this here at Priceline for $23.95AUD.

E Y E L I N E R : Rimmel London Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Brown & Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Nude

Okay, so I obviously have two eyeliners here, but I use these both constantly so I couldn't just pick one to talk about. I use the brown eyeliner to tightline my eyes, as it looks so much more natural than straight black, and I use the nude one in my waterline, to help open my eyes up a little. They're both Rimmel, and I love their eyeliners as they're super easy to use and blend out - I own quite a few! You can find these here from Priceline for $8.50AUD (soft kohl) and here for $9.95AUD (Scandaleyes).

E Y E S H A D O W : Stila In the Light Palette

Now, I've been trying to branch out for the last couple of weeks and actually use eyeshadow on a semi-regular basis. I've turned to this the most because it has a gorgeous range of mattes and shimmers that can be used both everyday and amped up for a more dramatic look. In particular, I've been using the shade Bliss in my crease and lid, and Bare on my inner corner and brow bone, and it just adds some depth to my eyes and helps to stand out a little more. You can find this palette here from Mecca for $52AUD.

L I P  L I N E R: MAC Whirl Lip Pencil

Made famous in 2014 by Kylie Jenner, this is such a natural easy shade to wear both on its own and underneath other lip shades. I use this almost everyday, and it'll probably continue to be a staple throughout 2015 as well! You can find this here on the MAC Cosmetics AU website for $30AUD.

L I P S T I C K : Shanghai Suzy Lipstick in Miss Leah Baby Cocoa, Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Angelic Nude & Too Faced La Crème Colour Drenched Lip Cream in Naked Dolly

Again, this was such a hard category to pick just one in. Shockingly, they're all some form of nude and have all been staples at some point throughout this past year. Shanghai Suzy's Miss Leah is the most incredible perfect nude - it's just so pretty and easy to wear, as it is a nourishing formula. I'm so impressed by the lipsticks that I own by this brand, and I definitely have to pick up a back up to this as the shades are seasonal. You can find it here from the Shanghai Suzy Website for $12.95. Tarte's Amazonian Butter lipsticks are also incredible, their formula is so moisturising and honestly, this shade lasts forever on me as well. It's a more coral-ly, my lip shade but better type nude, but I love it so much and this lipstick literally lives in my makeup bag now. You can find this at Sephora Australia for $24AUD or from here for $16US. And last, but certainly not least, Too Faced La Crème Colour Drenched Lip Cream in Naked Dolly. This shade goes perfectly with MAC Whirl Liner for a super easy and natural nude lip. It's a staple for me to always have it with me, and I always wear it paired with Whirl on my mote natural days. The formula of these is incredible as well - super glossy and hydrating! You can find this here from Mecca for $29AUD.

And that's it! My favourite products from 2014 - although definitely not all. I'd love to hear what your most coveted product was from 2014 and what you're most looking forward to for the new year!

Until next time my loves...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

*Some products featured were kindly sent to COAMA HQ for consideration of review. All reviews are 100% honest!

my haircare routine

Hey guys!

After last weeks Updated Skincare Routine post, I decided to bring you this quick post detailing what I use in my hair as well! I will be honest and say that my hair is probably one of my favourite finer details about myself. Its been very tolerant and patient as I've dyed it almost every colour under the sun since I was 13, and I have (luckily) had no real issues with breakage or my hair falling out. My hair has always been dead straight, long (for the most part) and gets oily on the second day which is why I usually wash my hair every 2-3 days (unless I'm lazy - which happens more often than I care to admit). I also to dye my hair probably once every 2-3 months depending how fast it grows, but my step-mum is a hairdresser so she always does it for me.

I typically wash my hair with the Sunsilk Longer & Stronger shampoo and conditioner, and while it's wet, I brush it with a Tangle Teezer and when dry I always brush with a Michael Mercier brush. I always blow dry my hair after washing, which I know isn't exactly good for it, but if I don't my hair will part in the middle and sit flat to my face like curtains. I always part my hair on the side, as the middle part just doesn't suit me (you know it really doesn't suit you when your bf tells you look like Buzz Lightgear with it in - yea, thanks), but no matter how hard I've trained it since I was 12-13, or part it when it's wet, my hair just will not hack it. Plus, it does get a nice amount of volume when it is blow dried, which is an impossible feat without blow drying it. Each to their own - this is what works for me.

After I wash my hair, and comb all the tangles out with the Tangle Teezer, and use 2-3 pumps of the Toni & Guy Prep Smoothing Detangler ($15.99) in my hands, and work it through my hair from roots to ends. I then use the L'Oreal Repair Restoring Conditioning Spray ($6.99) and spray it all over my hair, mainly focusing on the roots as I seem to miss them the most when doing using conditioner - weirdly enough, my hair looks so totally oily when I don't condition my roots, which is why I use this to make sure that they've all been taken care of. After that, I brush my hair with the Tangle Teezer, and squirt 2-3 pumps of the Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Serum ($24.95) and work this into the ends of my hair, and then bring whatever's left in my hands through the rest of my hair. I then grab my Silkmax Oil (not sure how much as this is, as it was given to me by my step-mum who stocks it in her salon) and put one pump into the ends of my hair. I always wrap it up in a big ol' towel then to let the products sink into my hair before I dry it - I try and wait at least five minutes, and I'll find something else to do while I wait.

After I unravel my hair from my towel, I give it another quick comb and then spritz a couple of sprays of the Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist ($15.99) before blow drying. Honestly, this is new to my routine - I only bought it because I was out of the detangler and Priceline had them 2 for $20 or something to that effect. I blow dried my hair for years and years without using a heat protectant, and my hair remained fine - I don't see a difference with this product.. So unless its a good sale, I most likely won't be repurchasing.

And that is what I use to keep my hair strong and healthy! Yes, I use heat on it on a regular basis, but I rarely use other styling tools because my hair is already dead straight and rarely holds a curl. I'd love to hear if you have any product suggestions for me!

Until next time....

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

*Some products featured were kindly sent to COAMA HQ for consideration of review. All reviews are 100% honest!