september & october favourites

Hey guys!

Its that time again - I completely missed September Favourites because I was overseas, so this will cover both months. I've honestly tried to narrow it down this month (I have alot of products that I love and continously use over and over again), but ya know, I get carried away and this is for over two months! I'm really just going to get started - otherwise this post could go forever - so enjoy reading what I have been loving over the past two months!

(P.S. I'm sorry this is all over the place in terms of format - I've been trying for the last 3 hours to fix it with no luck.. Will try and get it back to normal ASAP)

1. Skindinavia Moisture Lock Makeup Finish Spray

I have been wanting to try a Skindinavia Setting Spray for forever - I ended up choosing this one because I love my skin to look more dewy and hydrated over cakey and desert-like.  I have really been liking it, because its more like a mist than a spray. With my NYX Dewy Mist Finishing Spray, as much as I like it, it always feels like I'm sprayed a water bottle on my face. This is much more fine, and it doesn't feel like it disturbs my makeup.

2.  Covergirl TruBlend Foundation

I won't harp on - I have a full review here - but I love this, its so easy to wear and it looks like skin! With a beauty blender it just blends out so well and makes my skin look so so so good. I would definitely recommend this as a drugstore foundation, Covergirl is super affordable and it's fantastic quality for the price.

4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

I flipping love this stuff for an easy face! It has just the right amount of coverage to cover anything I want covered, while still looking natural and radiant. It is expensive (the most I've ever paid for a face product omg), but I definitely recommend this if you have normal to dry skin, and prefer a light feeling foundation that still covers any imperfections.

5. BareMinerals Bareskin Foundation

Another love. So much love. This is probably up there with my favourite foundations, and that is a BIG deal. I need like four to five drops to cover my whole face, and I feel that it improves my skin while its on it - which is why they call it a serum foundation, I guess. It is 

extremely dewy (almost oily) but its perfect for me for everyday. I didn't get the brush that comes with it, so I use my Sigma F80 with it and it works perfectly fine. I wouldn't use a beauty blender with it, as it is quite thin and I feel that it would just completely soak the product up.

6. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation

I'd like to thank Kuala Lumpur International Airport for this expensive favourite (although, when converted to AUD I paid more for the NARS Tinted Moisturiser than for this). I wanted so badly to not like this, and there are parts of it that I don't like, but overall it makes my skin look absolutely perfect and it lasts a super long time. Two issues though - it does sink into fine lines, and its hella expensive. I honestly do love it, but I haven't decided if I'll ever repurchase.

7. MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Deep

Um, I'd just like to take a moment to thank Jaclyn Hill for introducing me fo this gem. Its perfect for an everyday bronzer - even though it is technically a face powder. I am in love, and I use it almost everyday. It is warm toned, but not overly so, so it looks really quite natural and super easy to blend out. I also have another in the shade Dark, but this is just my go to for everyday. Highly, highly recommend!

8. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle

Best highlight of all time. Or the best for everyday, for sure. This has become an everyday staple for me. I use it as an eyeshadow as well as my highlight on an everyday basis. Its not obnoxious, or in your face whatsoever, which is why I think its perfect for using with my day face. It just gives a very subtle glow, and opens up my eyes as well without having to use a seperate product.

9. Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden Light

I search high and low for this bronzer for a year, and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint. Its a little more neutral than what I am used to using, but still gorgeous nonetheless. It blends like a dream and looks extremely natural when used as a bronzer. I love it to contour with as well, because it does have a cooler tone than most of my other bronzers. Definitely a great purchase!

10. Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara

Rediscovered this bad boy this month. I love this mascara so much! I have a review of it here, along with a comparison to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and I still stand by everything I said there. Its perfect for volume, and making my lashes look amazing. But the best part is how inexpensive it is!

11. Hurraw Grapefruit Lip Balm

I've been powering through these Hurraw lip balms this past month - I've finished another three! These are great lip balms, I really like them and I'm a huge fan of all their different flavours. These are relaticely inexpensive, and because they are raw vegan, you can just tell how good they are for your lips. Mine actually have withdrawals if I switch it up and use something different!

12. Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in 1995

I love love love love love this lipstick! Its so perfect! It was formulated by Jaclyn Hill to be the perfect Kylie Jenner lip colour, but I don't think that its spot on. Nevertheless, I still absolutely adore it - its the perfect everyday dark nude, and it would go with so many skin tones because it is such a natural shade. I've used it a fair bit since recieving it, and I'm sure I will be repurchasing!

13. MAC Lipstick in Brave

My new fave MLBB! This is so pretty, and has basically been living in my makeup bag just in case I so happen to change my mind and want to wear it. Its just so easy to wear, its so natural (can anyone see a trend here?) and its a satin finish which are my personal preference when it comes to MAC lipsticks. It also lasts a really long time on my lips, even when I eat and drink!

14. Shanghai Suzy Lipstick in Miss Leah Baby Cocoa

THE MOST PERFECT NUDE COLOUR IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! Like Brave, this has been hanging out in my makeup bag, just in case.. Its a perfect nude, but not too nude, shade and its just perfect. That's literally the only word I can use to describe it. Its a nourishing formula, so it sits really comfortably and has a slight sheen to it. I will be buying a backup (or two or three) because Shanghai Suzy lipsticks are seasonal, not permanent, and I can't bare to be without this in my life. I HIGHLY recommend these lipsticks - they smell like grape Hubba Bubba, and even the matte formulas are super easy to wear!

18. evo Water Killer Dry Shampoo

This is such a little can which makes me so sad, because it is such a great dry shampoo! My hair goes oily really easy especially on the second day, and this is just so easy to spray in it and brush out. I used to use baby powder before this (which actually does work), and this is more finely milled so its now much easier to leave it in my hair for about two minutes before brushing it out.

19. Impulse Aerosol Perfume in Romantic Spark

Ah, this brings back so many memories for me! I used to swear by Impulse when I was younger and in high school, I used to carry them in my bag to spray whenever I wanted. I was so happy to recieve a small care package of three new and revamped scents, and this scent is perfect! It's now become a fixture in my bag again, just like when I was in my teens!

20. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat and Ulta3 Nail Colour in Orange Blossom

I am loving the Sally Hansen top coat - I've used it with the other Miracle Gel nail polishes, and my other nail polishes as well. I'm literally in awe that I've finally found a top coat that prolongs the wear of my nail polish without me having to go to a manicurist or paying an arm and a leg. So impressed! I'm also loving the Ulta3 Orange Blossom nail polsih as well - as a pastel orange, its perfect for the warmer months and it really fits the season! I've got a whole bunch of Ulta3 nail polishes and I plan on doing a swatch post for you all soon. For the prixe you pay, they are pretty great quality polishes!

And thats it for this month! Stay tuned for Wednesday's post which will detail my FAVOURITE thing that I discovered in October. In the meantime, I'd love to hear some of your favourites from this month!

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!

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!

review; new covergirl trublend foundation

Hey guys!

In the time since I've been back from Thailand, I've added a new foundation into my rotation. Covergirl recently reformulated their TruBlend foundation, and also added a concealer and powder to their line! I did used to use the original TruBlend back in the day, but I honestly cannot remember how it performed or anything back then - shows how interested in makeup I was! But I have been LOVING this foundation, and it definitely deserves more recognition then it has been getting.

Covergirl seems to be bit hit and miss with their products. Especially in Australia, you don't really hear much about it. But I love their Flamed Out Mascara, Jumbo Lip Crayons, primers and nail polishes - and y'all know I'm always game to try a new foundation.

This won't be a review on the whole line - unfortunately, the powder and concealer are too light for me, but I'm sure they work wonderfully as well. But I will be giving a full overview of the foundation for you, and how it's been working for me over the past three weeks!

The foundation comes in various shades all under a specific skin tone - L, M and D, which I'm assuming mean light, medium and dark. I personally think this is awesome, because it means the foundation can match even darker skin tones which most drugstore brands fail to meet. I'm using L6, which is a tad light and neutral for my skin but I warm it up with bronzer and it looks fine.

It is a thicker foundation, but it blends out like a dream. I've been using my beauty blender with it (all my brushes are dirty - oops!) and the pair are magic together. It gives a medium buildable coverage, and with the beauty blender it doesn't cake whatsoever. It makes my skin looks smooth and even gives me an almost dewy finish. This may be due to the beauty blender, but its definitely my most preferred tool anyway and if it makes it look fantastic, I'll take it!

I've been wearing to work over 8-9 hour days, and it lasts well over those periods. However, it does seem to break up on my nose if I wear it any longer than that, but really I'm usually home by that point about to take it off. Really, it doesn't claim to be long lasting, so whatever - ain't no big deal!

Here is a swatch of the foundation for you:

As you can see, it is a little neutral for my fake tan, but makes my veins and fine lines on my hands almost unnoticeable, but it still looks like skin! For reference, I have normal to dry skin, and most foundations that I have tried work for me and my skin. For those looking to see if it would work with oily skin, I will leave my friend Katina's Instagram here - she has oily skin, and adores this foundation! 

For some reason, I cannot find this online to buy in Australia - the Covergirl website also hasn't been updated and still has the original formula on there. But, it is available to buy in various stores - I've seen it in Priceline and Big W, and although I can't remember RRP, it wouldn't be expensive. Covergirl is a really affordable brand, and in this case I would highly recommend grabbing one of these foundations! Once it's available online, I will update this post and link it for you.

Let me know if you've tried this foundation - or if you have a drugstore foundation that has surprised you!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

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

first impression + review - australis contour & highlight kit

Hey guys!

Who else was super excited when they saw Australis announce that they were bringing out their own contour and highlight kit? Especially when it looked so super similar to a high end version not readily available here in Australia (cough, anastasiabeverlyhills cough)? This was FINALLY released on Australis' website last week, retailing for $16.95. It was due to permanently be in Priceline stores from Thursday, so if you're wondering why you haven't been able to find it in store or on their website, I'd definitely check back now.

As soon as I saw this on Australis website, I brought it - no questions asked. Funnily enough, I'd also brought the ABH version (which is currently in transit to be home with its mum) a couple of days before, but I couldn't wait. It arrived to me Monday night, and the first thing I did on Tuesday morning was swatch it and photograph it for this post. PS Thats why the photos are a little off - couldn't contain the excitment! 

Apart from the swatches, I have already used this once, and I'll include how it performed at the end of the post.

Read on for a quick overview and swatches of the kit!

Ok, so let me start by saying that this is A LOT smaller than what I imagined. The kit is roughly the size of my hand (see above) and the shades themselves are about the same size as a 50c coin. I mean, in terms of size and what you are getting for your money, it's worth the $16.95. It is just a heck of a lot smaller than what I pictured it to be in my head.

These are the shades themselves. The kit includes two matte highlight shades, one shimmer highlight and three matte contour shades. I would assume with the two matte highlight shades are more for setting areas of your face and that the shimmer for a typical highlight. As one highlight shade is more pink and the other yellow (hello banana dupe), both with fit lighter skin tones and brighten up your look. With the contour shades, two are more on the cool side and the last is quite warm. Like with the hightlight shades, I would say the two cooler shades are meant for actual contouring and creating shadows, and the warmer for blending them out and 'bronzing' in a way.

Australis also includes this handy guide at the back of the palette so that, if you are a beginner or just in general unsure of how to actually contour and highlight using the palette, you could easily follow this guide and achieve the look you want.

Shades swatched: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

You can see in the photo above that they have amazing pigmentation for a palette that cost $16.95. This was the first time actually swatching the palette myself, and each swipe is one layer. Deadset, I am super impressed with the pigmentation of all of these shades!

Onto my first impression of actually using the palette - I used shades 1 and 2 mixed together to set my highlighted areas and shade 4 to contour. I have to say, the top shades are incredible. They go on so well, like butter, and they highlight so subtle-ly and set my concealer at the same time. However, I wasn't that impressed with my contour. It was a little grey and hard to blend out. This may be because I don't contour on a regular basis (just bronze), but I usually contour with a matte bronzer as well. I don't know.. I'll keep playing with it. But, the top three shades are definitely stand outs in this palette! If you're unsure about purchasing it, I would purchase it for those three shades alone. Despite my opinion on the contour shade, I still think this is incredible value for $16.95 and is very much worth purchasing.

You can find the palette here on the Australis website, or in Priceline stores (not currently online) for $16.95AU. Unfortunately, this is an Australian brand and is currently only available for international purchase on All Cosmetic Wholesale - this palette isn't on there yet though. Sorry!

If you've purchased this kit, let me know your thoughts below! Do you have any tips or tricks to using it? Also, if you'd like to see a comparison with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette, defintely 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