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!

you're so overrated #1: mac pro longwear concealer

Hey guys!

Welcome to a newer series on my blog - You're so Overrated! In this series, I really want to go through the products that I have been convinced to buy by various beauty gurus on Youtube, or rave reviews by other trusted sources, that I just don't think are all that. Not to say that they are bad products AT ALL, just a little disappointing for me considering how many people have loved all over it.

First up for this series is, sadly, the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. I brought this be use everyone in the beauty world uses it and RAAAAAAVES about it. I was especially intrigued because it claims to be creaseless, and that is something I have an issue with every single concealer I used. So off I went and purchased this baby, which is NOT cheap in any sense of the word, and expected unicorns and glitter to appear once applying it on my face - needless to say, that was not the case.

I just want to reiterate that this is solely based on my experience with this product - and even then, its not a bad product at all. I just didn't think it lived up to its hype, and considering it worked so well for everyone else, I didn't see why it shouldn't be magical for me as well.

So why didn't I get on too well with this concealer in particular? The damn thing creases EVERYWHERE. In fact, its probably the concealer that creases the most out of all the ones in my collection. Maybe its because its too much coverage for my under eyes, or too thick compared to my Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, I'm not sure. But it just creases up a storm and really doesn't look good under my eyes at all. Another issue I have is the coverage, although I think this issue is personal preference. It's super duper high coverage, really I think it's way too much for me personally on an everyday basis. So I generally use it only if I'm going out somewhere, but I still don't like as much even then when compared to my drugstore concealers.

One more big issue is the packaging. You'd think for the price you are paying that MAC would give you a decent dispenser for this concealer. Nuh-uh honey. Because you only need the tiniest amount of this considering the coverage, you need the tiniest, teeniest amount of it possible to cover your under eyes and any other places you wish to conceal. But this pump literally has a mind of its own. Need just a tiny dot for concealing? Here, have a truckload! Because of this it makes it really easy to waste the product, because you can't exactly shove it back through the pump, and also to cake your under eyes with more than necessary, purely because you don't want to waste said product. But I digress.

Here's some shots of the concealer in action - please keep in mind that it is a shade lighter, as I generally get them light to easily highlight:

So, unfortunately, this product is (IMO) completely overrated. Out of all my concealers, my favourites are both my Maybelline Age Rewind and Fit Me concealers, and they are both a part of my everyday routine and also if I'm going out. If you are thinking about trying this concealer, I would definitely grab a sample if you can before making the commitment to buying it. As I said, it's not a bad concealer in the slightest - I will still use it and finish it up. It's just not for me, and didn't live up to the expectations that I had for it.

What are some products that you consider overrated?

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

thailand high end haul !

Hey guys!

So, I'm back! I finally had two weeks of complete bliss in Patong Beach, which is in Phuket, Thailand, and I loved every single minute. A great plus was that I was able to disconnect from my social media, blog, work and uni troubles after feeling alot of pressure from all sides and really take a break. I saw tigers, I relaxed, I sunbaked, I was a bridesmaid - but most importantly, I shopped. Oh yes, I shopped up a storm.

Funnily enough, I didn't actually buy alot of makeup. I'm not sure how many of you have been to Thailand, but basically all the makeup in their market places are completely fake. I even got to see a supposed 'Urban Decay Naked 4' and 'Naked 5' - which I did almost buy for the hell of it, but really I preferred to spend my money on bags, clothes and then spend the rest of my money on high end makeup purchases in a department store and of course, duty free at the airport.

I was so excited to get my hands on some products that I have wanted forever, and even some newer releases! I am now the proud owner of two Bobbi Brown products AND a Chanel foundation - me #imsofancy ! I'm going to give you guys a basic run down of the products, some of which I have already tried, so I can give you a basic first impression. If you want to see any follow up reviews, let me know in the comments!

First up is this beauty - the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation. This has been on my list for a loooooong long time, and is also my first ever Chanel product. But the price point has always been a huge turn off, so I never took the plunge. I ended up picking this up in Kuala Lumpur Airport, and to be honest, it wasn't the product I was actually looking for. I have been on the hunt for the YSL Rouge Pur Couture in #10 and I finally found a YSL counter, only to discover that the shade was out of stock. Typical. While wallowing in my self pity and disappointment, I wandered over to the Chanel counter. As I had the currency to spend (I wanted to spend it as I would be losing money if I converted back to Australian dollars), I asked to be matched to this baby.

I have worn this once so far, and it has a gorgeous, natural finish. Its definitely not full coverage, but it just makes your skin look really good skin (for want of a better description). I have really been enjoying that type finish lately, with this foundation joining the ranks of my BareMinerals BareSkin Foundation and my NARS Tinted Moisturiser. I'll definitely keep wearing this (especially considering the amount I paid), and if you want to see a proper review I can definitely organise that!

From left to right: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Deep & Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige

Swatches (l-r): Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Deep & Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige

Of course, I also had to make a stop off at Bobbi Brown and MAC. I have never owned any products by Bobbi Brown, so I picked up two products that I have wanted FOREVER - at the top of my list was the Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden Light. When I visited New York last year, I looked for this bronzer EVERYWHERE - typically, it was sold out at every Bobbi Brown counter I visited. I'm glad I picked it up, its a gorgeous bronzer and a perfect colour especially with my tan. I picked up another MAC MSF Natural in Medium Deep as I love it, but my other is going a bit funny so I wanted to have a back up for when it bites the dust. And of course, the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige, because who doesn't rave about these? Plus I fell in love once I swatched it - mixed together its a gorgeous champange bronze highlight that I honestly don't already own.

From left to right: MAC Brave, MAC Up The Amp, MAC Sweet & Sour, NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel & NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine

Swatches (l-r): MAC Brave, MAC Up The Amp, MAC Sweet & Sour, NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel & NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine

And of course, no trip would be complete without picking up some lipsticks. I made a stop off at the MAC counter (MAC has been a huge source of my online retail therapy lately) and as well as the MSF, I picked up three lipsticks in Brave, Up The Amp and Sweet and Sour. So far, I'm in love with Brave (check my IG for my quick post about this shade) and I love the other two but haven't had a chance to wear them yet. And OMG you guys, get yo' hands on the NARS Audacious Lipsticks. Pick one, pick two, pick 'em all if you want, but this is a lipstick formula you need in your life. They're unbelieveably creamy and pigmented and buttery - just no words. No words. After numerous swatches, I eventually decided on Raquel which is the nude-pink of the bunch (shocking, right?), and I would have picked up more, but had to run. I also picked up their Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine which is super pigmented when swatched but on my lips it seems to lose that pigment.. Maybe my lips are just too pigmented, I'm not sure. I'll definitely wear it, but I do wish that I had time to pick out a different shade.

And thats it for my Thailand makeup haul! Of course, I picked up more goodies - bags, shoes, sunglasses, wallets, clothes etc - but these products are what I am most excited about! Tell me, what are the products you are saving for? I know Sephora has their holiday sets releasing soon - eek, that excites me SO much!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

first impressions: tarte rainforest after dark palette

Hey guys!

I wanted to get this review up and running for you as soon as I could because who doesn't love Tarte Limited Edition palettes? Considering this has been out for about a month maybe already, I'm not sure how much longer it will be available due to it being part of the Fall collection. I literally waited for two weeks before I touched this palette. As this is a first impression (which is a little harder to do over a blog than on a video), I really wanted to swatch these and get my thoughts down straight away so that it could be a true first impression!

I can imagine the one question that is on all of my Aussie beauties lips right now - Bek, Tarte is 't readily available in Australia.. Or its some outrageous price, do you really want to dangle this in front us and drain us of valuable funds? Well, never fear my lovely readers - stayed tuned to the end to find out where you can find this at a reasonable price AUSTRALIA BASED! 

So back to the palette. I didn't take a photo of the outside packaging (girl was way too excited to swatch these bad boys, so forgive me), but due to it being called the Rainforest After Dark Palette, it is a deep brown colour, and has a tree-like (like wood) pattern. It is also adorned with a gorgeous gold snake with a purple jewel on its forehead. Its really simple and glamourous packaging honestly, I'm super impressed and love how it looks!

Now to the actual contents of the palette. Its focused on more neutral eyeshadow shades, with some taupe-y purples as well. I love how it also includes a highlight and bronzer, as well as a limited edition blush! As Tarte are really known for how long lasting and pigmented their Amazonian Clay Blushes are (which are something like $30US a pop), its so great that they included what looks to be an almost full sized blush in this palette. The other great benefit about this palette is that because you can do your cheeks and eyes with it, it makes for a great travel palette to maximise space in your luggage!

In terms of the pigmentation of the shades, I will say that there seems to be a slight white film on my palette. I'm not sure if it's just mine, or if all Tarte palettes come with this, but it is a bit misleading on how pigmented the shadows actually are. Once you swatch past this, the majority of the shades have great pigmentation! They're all super buttery and blendable, and the shades all work together as well. You have your transition shades, your lid shades, your outer corner shades - there isn't an actual matte highlight colour, but the highlight shade itself can come in handy for your brow bone and inner corner. 

Here are come swatchy swatches for you:

Champagne,  Enchanted & Park Ave Princess

Bare to Explore, Make a Mauve, Plum Away With Me, Up to No Gold, Tan-Gled Up in You & Don't Turn A-Brown

As you can see from the swatches, the light colours will need to be built up a little more to have better pigmentation, but the rest go on super smoothly and are pretty pigmented from the get go. I love this palette so much, and although we're going into Spring here in Australia, I can see how easily this would work for Fall or Autumn. The shades are just perfect, being almost vampy but neutral at the same time. This is limited edition, so if you are interested I highly recommend getting your hands on it ASAP!

Now for the exciting part - I have discovered a website that is AUSTRALIAN BASED and stock brand such as Tarte, Lorac, Urban Decay, Sigma and Nars at super affordable prices and free shipping over $99! The website is www.myqty.com, and if you are a follower on my Instagram page, you may remember that I recently did a Sigma F80 Copper Brush Giveaway with them. I highly recommend this website to you guys - its genuine, and who doesn't want access to all these brands without paying an arm and a leg? BTW QUICK DISCLAIMER - I am NOT sponsored in anyway shape or form with MYQTY. I just love that this is available to you and I, and of course I want to share that with you guys.

I've also got a small discount code available for you guys - use the code 'beautybybek' to recieve 10% off brands such as Sigma, Real Techniques, Coastal Scents and Bdellium Tools (exclusions apply)! Head there now and treat yo' self!

You can find the Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette here on their website for $54.95AU. It is sold out at the moment but will hopefully be restocked by the end of the month!

Until next time my loves..

xxxx