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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updated skincare routine

Hey guys!

In February, when I first started blogging, my very first post was my skincare routine! Over the months that have past since that post, my routine has changed pretty dramatically. I've been introduced to newer products, newer brands, new versions of my old favourites - and my skin is now looking so fantastic that I thought it was time to share it with you! I truly believe that great make-up starts with the skin - if you don't care great care of skin, your makeup may never truly look the best it can! Plus, you can have all the non-makeup days you want when you're confident about your skin.

All the products mentioned are ones that I have been using for a month or longer now, so I have given them the time to see that they do work for me and my skin type. For reference, my skin type is typically normal, but does lean a little dry (especially around my eyes). I generally turn to products that are hydrating as I like my skin to feel really moisturised. I've broken my routine into two different regimes - morning and night. There are some products that I use for both times, but generally I use heavier products at night as it gives my skin longer to soak it all in.

m o r n i n g ;

I don't typically use too many products in the morning. This is mainly because I will most likely be applying make up after this (#duh) and too much product on my face means that my base may have a harder time blending into my skin. I try and apply all my skincare products at least 10 minutes before applying my face for the day, as otherwise it just makes my makeup slip and slide all over my face, and my life a little harder for that day.

To start off with, I always use the Dr Lewinns Nourishing Gentle Cream Cleanser ($29.99) on a cotton round and gently pat it into my skin. I then turn the unused side around and do the same motion to take the excess off. This helps to clean my face of any leftover particles from the day before, plus my pillow seems to hoard dirt, so I really want to make sure its off my face before applying my makeup. Its also super hydrating, which is exactly what I want. After that step, I take the Dr Lewinns Hydrating Refining Toner ($29.99) on another cotton round and gentle press it into my t-zone and my pores. This just closes any pores that may have opened from using the cleanser, and also adds more hydration to those areas. 

And now for my new FAVOURITE product - the Dr Lewinns Miracle Radiance Renewal Serum ($49.99)! You guys, I seriously thought I wasn't going to like it. It's almost like an oil, rather than what I would assume a typical serum is, and I was so sceptical about using this as my new daytime serum rather than my Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boost (which I also adore). But after using this, my foundation has NEVER looked better. It's the newest product in my regime, and nothing else has really changed, so I'm sure it's this. I'm so in love - you would think that an oiler product wouldn't be that great to use during the day, but I was wrong and if you are after a serum to use, day or night, that transforms your skin and your base - I honestly cannot recommend this enough!

After that little spectacle, I use the Sukin Antioxidant Eye Cream ($19.99). I tap this all around my eyes, and also on the sides of my nose and lips. Eye creams are so super moisturising, so I like to add it to those areas for an extra hit of hydration. I have a post all about Sukin Skincare products here - I still love them, and I definitely vouch for them as an affordable skincare brand from the drugstore. The last product I use is the Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly ($39.99), which I just use as a normal moisturiser all over my face. I have a post all about the Hydraluron range here, and they're all great products!

n i g h t ;

First step for me in my night time routine is to use my Clarisonic Mia ($139). I use a cleansing system 5/6 days a week, as I like to give my skin a break so it doesn't get over exfloliated. I like to use my Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel ($9.99) and just use my Clarisonic as per the instructions. I either use this or my Racinne Cleansing Brush ($49) (not pictured), and I have a comparison of both systems here. I then use the Dr Lewinns cleanser and toner as in my morning routine, and then go in with my Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ ($29.99). I just pop five small drops all over my face, and massage it into my face. I like to give this as much time as possible to soak into my face, as much as half an hour, but I'm also lazy, so I usually just brush my teeth and my hair before continuing with the rest of my routine. My other standout product is the Trilogy Eye Contour Cream ($44.99). I use this the same as my Sukin eye cream, but this stuff is amazing. I have issues with the skin around my eyes drying up and flaking, as my eyes water a lot (especially at night) and I could never find a product to actually halt that process. I haven't had to worry about that since I started using this. Its so expensive, but to me worth every dollar, and I will definitely be purchasing another! Last step in my routine in the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream ($39.99). This isn't an actual night time moisturiser, but it is a little heavier than what I would like to use during the day, so I find it perfect to use at night!

And that's it! I do love my skincare, and I have been switching it up a lot since beginning to blog, but this routine has stuck for a while now and its definitely had a great effect on my skin! Some products are more expensive than others - but as I said, having your makeup look flawless starts with your skins condition underneath. I'd love to hear what your skin saving products are - let me know in the comments!

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!

skincare review: indeed labs hydraluron range

Hey guys!

As I've gotten older, I've realised that my skin tolerates less and less of the cosmetic products I put on it. Can you believe that I never used to use any skincare items when I was in my teens (yes, even in my late teens), and I never had an issue! My skin was normal and clear, I rarely even got a small pimple - I was incredibly lucky. But, know that I'm in my early 20s, I have noticed that my skin is starting to lean more towards being dry than it is normal. Especially in Winter!

This Winter, my skin has been having a time of it. Its been incredibly difficult to keep it smooth and hydrated, and because it is getting drier, my makeup is starting to look powdery and caked up - which is my biggest makeup pet peeve. So, I've been searching for skincare products that are going to keep my skin looking like it did before when I was a youngin' - and I believe I've found the answer/s.

The Indeed Labs Hydraluron range is a godsend. Never before has a brand made a whole selection of products that I have been interested in. The combination of these are incredible - and my skin has never been so hydrated and rejuvenated! It makes my skin look amazing under my makeup, and best of all, my foundation is gliding on and staying un-caked throughout the day as well. I really wanted to introduce them to you guys (in case you haven't jumped on the Indeed Labs bandwagon yet), because Winter is awful for all of us, and you may be having the same issue that I'm having with my skin.

Read on to see exactly what these products are, and what they do for my skin!

Moisture Boosting Mask

These are sheet masks - am I the only one who never used a sheet mask before these? - and these masks contain hyaluronic acid with a slowly timed release for longer lasting hydrated skin. I basically use these every week, or every two weeks, and I press the mask into my skin and leave it for 15 minutes. After I take it off, I rub in whatever is left on my face and let it completely soak into my skin. It honestly feels like a pre-serum to my actual serum and masks my skin feel rejuvenated and refreshed!

You get four masks in a set, and you can find it here for $29.99AU

Ultimate Moisture Boosting Serum

Honestly, I've used this product the least out of all of the range, but it is 100% my favourite! This also contains a pure form of hyaluronic acid as well as red marine algae to really help hydrate and nourish your skin. I love to use this in the morning as my everyday serum, and the effect it has had in such a short time is absolutely incredible. My skin absolutely drinks this up, and it has such a beautiful glowing effect. Also, you only need a pea sized amount to really moisturise your face, which is such great value for money!

You can find the serum here for $34.99AU

Moisture Jelly

The newest addition to the range, the Moisture Jelly seals in the deal from the mask and the serum. It contains a combination of 5 scientifically proven ingredients that instantly provide moisture to your skin. Instead of being a cream moisturiser like most out there, this is actually a gel or a jelly as the name suggests. Like the serum, it soaks in immediately, and makes my skin feel like a babies bum. I should mention that the serum and this moisture jelly together are a match made in heaven. I use them both in the morning before going with my face for the day and there are no words. Just amazeballs.

You can find the moisture jelly here for $39.99AU

I should also mention that I do use these in conjunction with a cleansing system - its really importnat to obviously get rid of the dry patches before going in with any hydrating products otherwise they don't have the same effect! Luckily, Indeed Labs also have an Exfoliator included in their range! While I haven't tried it, given how much I love these I have no doubt that it will be a purchase in the near future.

What are your must have Winter Skincare products? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

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

june beauty favourites

Hey guys!

June is finally at an end, and you know what that means - it's time to share my favourites of the month with you all! June was such a busy month for me - between finishing off uni assignments and exams, going back to work full time while on holidays and having all sorts of ups and downs, I've barely had time to wear makeup most days! However, I have rediscovered one product, stayed in with some current favourites and of course, fell in love with some newer products.

You know the drill - I will break this down into two categories and give you guys mini reviews of each product featured! Read on to see what I have been loving for June.

BEAUTY

1. Models Prefer Liquid Light Brightening Primer

I spoke about this primer in My Current Favourite Primers post, and I have used this almost every time I've worn makeup this month! I just love how easy this is to use - its a creamy formula with subtle gold shimmers throughout. Once applied, it has this lovely cooling effect on my skin and it just subtley brightens up my complexion without looking like a disco ball. You can find this here on the Priceline website for $16.99AU.

2. Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Foundation

This was featured in my May Favourites post, and also here where I have a full review on it. I won't harp on - I love this foundation, its amazing and when I have tan it matches me perfectly. I just really enjoy it, and I'm dreading the fact that I may run out of it sooner rather than later. I'm not sure how much this retails for in Australia (I'm going to guess and say the $50-60 range) but you can find it here on the Benefit website (yes, it ships internationally!) for $36US.

3. Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder 

My rediscovered love.. I actually always had this in my makeup bag for touch ups, though I rarely used it. But lately my foundation has been rubbing off my nose and chin badly - so bad that those areas are basically white and the rest of my face is my foundation colour. Now, I set those areas with this powder to give me a little extra coverage, plus it does help them last a little longer as well. I love how flawless this makes my skin look, not cakey whatsoever! The only thing that sucks about this powder is it's colour range - luckily, Deep Natural fits my skin tone exactly! You can find this here on the Priceline website for $11.40AU.

4. MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodites Shell

Eeeeek, I waited so long for this collection to come out! I was so in love with the packaging, plus the fact that the product inside was a plus in itself.. I was a mermaid in a former life, so of course I was going to buy it. This bronzer is just such a gorgeous colour - a beautiful golden brown colour that has just the right amount of pigment that it doesn't look muddy. Just a beautiful bronzed glow. Plus, this can be used dry and wet! How cool! This is the first extra dimension anything that I've owned from MAC, but I love it. I'm not sure if this is still available in stores at MAC, but its been sold out online since it came out.

5. Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara

Oh lawdy, this mascara has been my jam all month! I've actually had to physically force myself to swap it out of my everyday products to give others a chance. I won't say too much, as this will be featured in another blog post this week, but I fricken love it and I will 100% repurchase! You can find this here on the Priceline website for $14.95AU.

6. Benefit Benebalm Hydrating Lip Balm

Again, LOVING all these balms. I mentioned Posiebalm and Lollibalm in my May Favourites and this is my latest addition to that collection. This is just the most natural rose lip colour, and it just goes with everything! Super easy to just slick on so it looks like MLBB. These haven't been released in Australia yet (they will be in August) but they are available here on the Benefit website for $18US.

SKINCARE

7. BioElixia Multi Action Eye Serum

I mentioned this in my Winter Skincare Essentials post, and you guys, I am so impressed with it. It is so hydrating under my eyes, and it sinks in almost immediately into my eye area. I just love how easy it is to use - I've even taking it to placing a little on my nose area and the sides of my lips because those are my dreaded dry areas in Winter, and it works perfectly. You can find this here on the BioElixia website for $39.95AU or you can also find it in store at Myer and David Jones in Australia.

8. Stefan EcoCoco Tan

OMG I am so glad this tan paved its way into my life. This is a cream that develops on your skin, and its infused with coconut oil so it doubles as a body moisturiser as well! I won't lie, the first time I actually used it I thought that it wasn't going to work - and boy was I wrong! This develops into this gorgeous golden colour, and if you put a second coat on it never looks orange - it just enchances that glow. Plus, it smells exactly like coconut, no fake tan smell here. So impressed with this, and I definitely want to try more from this range! You can find this here on the Ecococo for $29.95AU

And that's it for my June favourites! What were some of your staples this month?

Until next time...

xxxx

click here to read my may beauty favourites!

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

winter skincare essentials!

Hey guys!

You may have noticed that I've been a but quiet for a bit over a week now. I had some things happen in my personal life and was lacking in creativity and inspiration, so I decided to take some time off to relax. I'm back though, not to worry, and finally bringing you Part 2 of my Winter Beauty series. 

This time its all about skincare, and what I have been using to keep my skin from completely drying up and looking all cray. I have been using this combination since midway through Autumn to start prepping my skin, and have it to thank for my skin feeling as good as it does at the moment. I love trying new things for my skin, but typically in Winter I like to to stick to a rigid routine because straying from it can lead my skin to dry out and look awful - ain't nobody got time fo' dat, amirite?

So here's the routine I stick too - read on to see what I use and why!

After taking off my makeup, the first thing I do is go in with Clarisonic. This little machine is my baby, I'm pretty shocked how much this has improved my skins appearance and texture. I know some people hate on it because of the price, but I do not regret spending one cent. I use this to firstly get rid of any remnants of makeup on my skin (which there always is, even after scrubbing it with my favourite makeup remover the Garnier Micellar Water), and also to gently exfloiate my skin to get rid of any dry patches I may have. My skin always feels completely smooth after using it.

After using my Clarisonic, I get a little cotton round and pour some of this on it. Not only does this get rid of any makeup that the Clarisonic may have left behind, it also adds a little more moisture back into my skin. After swiping it around on the cotton round, I then turn it around and use the drier side to pat off the excess cleanser that hasn't soaked into my skin yet.

Two newer additons that have recently-ish made it into my skincare routine are these two godsends from Bioelixia. I use the Multi V Moisturisng Lotion in the morning, and the Multi Action Eye Serum at night, as it tends to ball up my makeup if I use it in the morning. I adore both products, they smell so good and they're so incredibly hydrating, ESPECIALLY the eye serum. A little tip I also use in Winter is to put my a little of the eye cream on the ends of my nose and on the sides of my lips because those are my driest spots - works wonders, and its so amazingly moisturising!

Oh lawdy, do I love Sukin Skincare. I have a full post on all my products here but these are the two that are most important in my Winter skincare routine. On the left, we have the Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream which contains rosehip. I love this as my night time moisturiser, it sinks in straight away without leaving any greasiness at all, just baby soft moisturised skin. On the left, we have my ever beloved Rosehip Oil which I use before the moisturiser. I can never say enough good things about this oil - its another great shot of hydration, yes, but it also makes my skin more plump (in a good way) and radiant when I wake up in the morning. (And yes, I needed a tissue under it because it unfortunately leaks everywhere - even when standing upright!)

And of course, the most necessary part of Winter, for me anyway, is to maintain a gorgeous bronzed glow. Because everythings better with a tan, of course! These are two that I have been loving lately. The J Bronze Dark Tanning Mousse, which gives me this beautiful deep golden colour that looks extremely natural despite being ' fake tan, and a newer edition, the Stefan EcoCoco Tan which is not a mousse but a cream developing tan. I have been using that for the past three weeks, and it smells exactly like Reef Oil and moisturises my skin at the same time - love multipurpose products!

And that's it for my Winter Beauty Skincare Routine! Wouldn't be able to maintain my skin without these products - and it's so important to have this in place because a smoother base will give you a more flawless makeup.

What are some of your Winter skincare essentials?

Until next time...

xxxx

click here to read part one of this series!

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

brand focus: sukin natural skincare

Hey guys!

Months upon months ago, as one of my first ever posts for my blog, I shared with you my Current Everyday Skincare Routine. It hasn't changed a whole lot since then, but I am incorporating newer products into my routine on a regular basis. One brand that is slowly but surely overtaking my skincare routine is Sukin! This an all natural, organise skincare line that is 100% Australian made. It's sold at Priceline and other selected Australian stores.

If you follow me on Instagram, you would know that I adore this brand. Every time they are on sale at Priceline, I take advantage and pick up some new things to try. Sukin is so unbelievably affordable as well, and so completely good for you skin. Since picking up my first couple of products, I have definitely noticed my skin pick up and look better than it ever. I can only imagine what good they could do for someone who has problematic skin.

For today's post, I thought that I would give you a quick run down on each of the products that I currently own, how I use them and what they do for my skin. I use the majority of these products on a daily basis, and feel like I know how they have improved my skin over the time that I have used them. If you're on the fence about trying Sukin, this may finally help you to decide whether or not to take the plunge.

Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hil Oil - $19.99

This is the product that started my love affair with Sukin products. I read in an article somewhere that Miranda Kerr uses this to make her skin more glowy and radiant - and who doesn't want skin like Miranda Kerr? I adore adore adore this oil! It's so great for an extra hit of hydration, and after letting this soak into my skin overnight, I wake up with my skin feeling so plump and nourished. Plus, my skin looks glowing and radiant! Rose Hip Oil is not only amazing for providing your skin with extra moisture, but it also helps in reducing scarring on your face. I use this at night about half an hour before going in with my eye cream and night moisturiser, and I would 100% recommend this for anyone, but especially if you have drier skin, or skin that is prone to acne scarring.

Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream - $19.99

Before actually telling you what this stuff does, can I just tell you it smells amazing! So clean and fresh, with a hint of floral. This cream is so good on my skin. The fact that I have used it over and over for close to a month now, and it's still pretty much completely full, speaks for itself. It's full of antioxidants that promote the restoration of healthy skin cells, and let me tell you, this is the lightest feeling night moisturiser I have ever used. It sinks in almost immediately, and there is no greasiness which is what has turned me off other night creams in the past. But, it definitely does some heavy moisturising considering how light it feels. Again, another hugely recommended product!

Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel - $9.99

I haven't used this too often so I can't speak about it too much - it will be my new replacement for my current foam cleanser once it runs out. However, the times that I have used it, my skin has felt so completely refreshed and clear. Considering this is infused with green tea, chamomile, cucumber and avocado oil, I can definitely see how this cleansing gel would work well for cooling and keeping your skin feeling refreshed!

Antioxidant Eye Serum - $19.99

I use this as my night eye cream, and like other moisturisers, this is so incredibly moisturising. I love how this is so light and absorbs so quickly into my eye area, and it keeps my eyes from getting any dry patchy skin. I am someone who's eyes water constantly (especially when I sleep), and before using eye creams in my daily routine, they were the place that I always got dry skin, mostly on my lids. I love this because it is made to repair the skin cells around your eye area, which is why I don't get dry skin there anymore. Love love love - I've used this for about 3 months now, and it is not even under the cap yet. Talk about value for money!

Purifying Facial Masque - $14.95 ?

This is my new go to mask. I use it maybe 1-2 times a week, and I love how easy it is to apply! You wet your face first, and then put this mask on top for about 15 minutes, and wash it off. My skin feels so CLEAN! And I don't have big pores by any sense of the word, but I swear this reduces the ones I do have which is amazing! This is a combination of kaolin clay, aloe vera and rose hip oil, and seriously guys, this is just such great value for money. I used to be stuck on my Lush Mask of Magnaminty (which I still like), but this is slowly overtaking my use of that mask. I know this is available at Priceline (I brought mine from there), but for some reason it isn't available online. The link takes you through to another online store, so if you want to try it, you can go through to the link above or go in store to buy this baby!

That's it for today's post! It's definitely not a secret that I love Sukin, and I'll definitely be trying more of their products in the future. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Until next time...

xxxx

*Just a quick side note - Per my disclaimer, I alert my readers to any products that have been sent to me to try. These have all be brought with my hard earned money, and I am in no way affiliated with the brand in question*

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

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