Iope Air Cushion Review

Iope Air Cushion XP SPF50+/PA+++ in N21

Cushion Foundations seem to be all the rage in South Korea at the moment, and this is the product that started it all. Since its release back in 2010, the Iope Air Cushion has been the highest-selling cushion foundation on the market. Many brands have been releasing their own versions over the years, but Iope's is still the most popular of its kind.

The thing that struck me first was the packaging. Not only does it ooze luxury, it's also functional. Everything you need is in this little compact: a mirror, a puff applicator with its own tray, and the cushion foundation itself, which is a replaceable cartridge. It's the lazy girl's dream. The package itself comes with a spare cartridge as well, which is great value for money, but makes me wonder how fast the cushions dry out.

The main difference between air cushions and BB creams is sun protection. Cushion foundations are designed to provide superior coverage and sun protection that's easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day. The Iope Air Cushion has SPF 50++, which is enormous considering that many foundations only have a measly SPF15 or nothing at all. The formula is quite light, and doubled with the puff applicator makes it really easy to reapply throughout the day. It doesn't seem to matter how much you build the product up either, it never seems too thick or heavy on the skin. In fact, it looks like real skin.

What I really love about this foundation though, is how it looks and feels on the skin. It brightens the skin and makes it glow. It's also very hydrating. It's not so much of a 'dewy' look like what you'd expect from BB creams, but more natural. I was disappointed by the coverage though. It's very light, and struggles to cover pimples or intense redness. So it may be the lazy girl's dream, but she would need to have immaculate skin. So unfortunately the lack of coverage does kind of defeat the purpose of having convenient, purse-worthy packaging for me.

It's not a cheap product, the price ranges from $50 to $100 depending on where you buy it. It does come with an extra cartridge though. I still haven't used up the first one yet, so it can last quite some time (bear in mind I don't use it every day). It's definitely worth it if the product is exactly what you need, a light coverage with heaps of sun protection that you can reapply throughout the day. If I was more comfortable in my own skin (sigh, maybe one day), this would be the ultimate product.

A Whole Lot of Empties 03

Hey guys! Long time, no see. I apologise for the lack of updates this last month. I've just been in the process of moving house (again). Before we moved I did a huge clean out of my room, and when I found this shoebox, filled to the brim with empty beauty products, there was no way I was going to take these with me. So I made sure to take heaps of photos before throwing them away.

QV Exfoliating Polish

This is my favourite exfoliator at the moment. It does have those tiny little exfoliating beads, but they don't seem as rough as some other drugstore brands I've tried. My skin has only improved since I started using this.

QV Gentle Facial Cleanser

Another QV product I'm in love with. This cleanser is so gentle, and so moisturising. It's one of the few drugstore cleansers that doesn't strip my skin. My face feels baby soft after I use this! It also doubles as a really nice body wash as well.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This cleansing water is a great dupe for the Bioderma micellar water. There's only a tiny difference between the two concerning a few ingredients (namely some unknown amount of cucumber water). At a quarter of the price, the Garnier cleansing water gets the job done just as well as the Bioderma.

Aesop Parsley Seed Masque

It was a sad day when I realised I had squeezed out the very last drops of this face mask. It was a great mask, but in my opinion, it didn't do enough to justify the price. It will be some time before I try this one again. RIP Parsley Seed Masque!

Naruko Tea Tree Clay Mask and Cleanser

When this one ran out, I quickly jumped online to buy my next tube. This mask won't break the bank, and it really helps with reducing blackheads and congestion.

Origins Super Spot Remover

This spot remover is fantastic for eliminating those pesky pimples quickly. Unfortunately, it can be a bit too harsh to use all the time. This guy can really dry up your skin, and no amount of makeup or concealer can hide scaly skin. That's why I opt for tea tree oil for a daily basis, but without a doubt I'll be re-purchasing this one again.

Tea Tree Oil

Another great pimple fighting treatment. I much prefer the undiluted, 100% natural tea tree oil, that way it won't dry out your skin, and it's much easier to hide pimples under makeup when they're not dried up into flaky little prunes.

Missha's Super Aqua Cell Renewal Snail Cream

This is a product that has been sitting (empty) in my cupboard for years. I'm glad I kept it, because until recently I realised I had given up on snail products. I didn't have much luck with the Benton range, but this gel cream was fantastic. It really helped clear up bad skin with speed and efficiency, and I had forgotten how badly I had wanted to try the other products in this range. I wonder if they're still around…

Physiogel Calming Relief Cream

This is the tube that started it all. If you suffer from sensitive or irritated skin, whether it's allergies, eczema, or even razor burn, this product helps moisturise and remove any irritation. I've since moved on to the lotion, but it's just as moisturising as the cream, and much easier to spread over a large surface area. It also comes in a very convenient pump bottle!

Laneige Perfect Renew Refiner

I used to hate Laneige. The first few products I tried really didn't work for me, and I vowed not to waste my money on another one of their products again. But for some reason I ended up buying this skin refiner (stupid, pretty packaging!). This product alone reversed my opinion of the brand. It didn't break me out (which was my main concern about Laneige products at the time), it moisturised, plumped up and brightened my skin immensely. I will definitely be buying this again, and I can't wait to try out the rest of the range!

Neogence C+ Whitening Serum

This product was actually sent to me by accident. I thought maybe they had sent me a sample to try (albeit a very generous sample), but I quickly realised someone had accidently added it to my order. Oh well, like I was going to complain. Truth be told, this was the first whitening product I ever tried. It took some time and research before I fully understood what that meant and tried it out. It literally cleared up and brightened my skin over-night. This is the only product I've used that made such a huge difference to the scarring across my face. Within a month they had disappeared completely. Since then they have changed up their ranges, focusing more on hyaluronic acid based products, so it's sad to think I might never be able to try this product again, but it's definitely put this brand (a Taiwanese based brand I never would have considered trying in the first place) on my radar.

Benton Snail Been High Content Essence

This was one of the few products that I really enjoyed in the Benton snail-bee range. It was quite mild, and it took time to see results, but it did help bring a little bit more clarity to my skin. Unfortunately, I will definitely be leaving this range behind me. It just didn't seem to do enough for my skin.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +

I eat through rosehip oil like chocolate, so I'm surprised there's only one in this empties post. The Antioxidant + was a pleasant change from the regular rosehip oils. The extra vitamins and antioxidants gave the oil a bit more of a kick, and because the formula was thinner than its counterparts, it absorbed much faster. A little tweak that some may consider a deal maker. I had hoped to see an improvement in the acne and brightening department, but I didn't really see much of a difference between this and their pure rosehip oil.

Physicians Formula Organic Mascara

After reading all the rave reviews on this mascara I caved into the hype and decided to try it out myself. It was a huge disappointment. There were a couple of things I liked about it, it was organic, it didn't contain any nasty ingredients that could potentially damage my lashes in the long run, and I loved that it seemed to quadruple my lashes in number. But it never seemed to set. The mascara never dried, I couldn't wear this out because the slightest touch would cause it to smudge. And the parts that did dry tended to flake. On the packaging it claimed this product was non-comedogenic and wouldn't irritate the eyes, but when it flaked it really stung and itched like crazy. I'm just glad I bought this off iherb.com for $5 instead of at my local drugstore for $30. The mark-up on this brand in Australia is ridiculous. This is not a $30 mascara.

One Day Tattoo 24hr Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This has to be the best waterproof liquid eyeliner I have ever tried. When it's on, it does not budge. Seriously, no amount of water, sweat or humidity can deter this liner. You'll need a really good gentle waterproof makeup remover or cleansing oil to remove this. Liquid liners are the only liners I can work, and I really appreciate the length and fineness of the brush.

NYX Photo-Loving Primer

My first NYX product. Yup, I'm being serious, and it was fantastic. This felt identical to the Smashbox primer I had previously been using, but a quarter of the price! There were no anti-redness benefits that I could see, but I couldn't care less at that price. It did its job well.

Swisse Hair Skin Nails Oral Liquid

When my skin was going through a bad phase I decided to give this oral supplement a try. I was quite impressed with the results. They weren't instant, but I saw a huge difference in the bouncy-ness and clarity of my skin. In general I had a bit more energy as well. I didn't see much difference in my hair or nails. My nails are already freakishly strong, and my hair…well, it is what it is.

Batiste Dry Shampoo x2

Last but not least, the infamous batiste dry shampoo. I particularly like this one, that way I don't have to worry about my roots looking too white. I used to use this almost every second day, so I'm surprised I didn't eat through more these last six months.

Pimple Problems

I think it's safe to assume that we all hate pimples. They always seem to erupt at the most inconvenient time, but when the time does come, I like to think I'm ready for them. Here are a few things I like to use to help keep them under control.

Tea Tree Oil

The ultimate spot killer. Whether it's 100% tea tree oil or diluted with alcohol, it's great at killing bacteria and getting the job done. However, if you use diluted tea tree oil, to make sure you don't dry out the spot too much apply extra moisturiser on top of the spot. I like to apply paw-paw ointment to ensure it heals faster and avoid scaling. I usually apply this directly after cleansing, twice a day.

Rose-Hip Oil

To ensure I'm not irritating my skin with a whole lot of different products, I opt for a more simple and natural routine while my skin heals. I use rose-hip twice a day, morning and night, to ensure my skin is still getting the nourishment it needs. It's also great for preventing scars! Even though it's an oil, and it may feel very moisturising, I find that my skin can feel dry after a while. So I still apply moisturiser on top to make sure my spots don't become too dry and flaky.

Spearmint & Green Teas
Spearmint is known to reduce androgens in the body, hormonal imbalances that are known to trigger breakouts. Androgens can increase the production of excess sebum on the skin, which when it oxidises, hardens and clogs up the pores; hence pimples. I love drinking this in the evening. It tastes lovely, and it's also very relaxing. If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, try spearmint or peppermint tea. Green tea is also a great option because it contains a lot of antioxidants that promote skin health. However, because it contains caffeine, definitely avoid this in the evening. Unless your're doing an all-nighter and really need to stay awake, then go ahead.

It usually takes a while to get those pesky pimples under control, (unless they're hormonal, then that's a completely different story, and a matter for another blog post) but the most important thing is not to stress about them, not just because it causes you to break out even more, but because they're really not worth worrying about. Everybody gets them!

Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer

Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer

I used to think primers were an unnecessary step in a make-up routine; until I tried one. At the time, is was the super cheap Fix & Perfect primer from Rimmel, and after one day of using this underneath my foundation I realised: hey, my foundation hasn't slipped off my face! I am now a primer convert. They really do help your make-up look better, and stay on longer; it is known.

At the moment I'm loving the Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum primer (man, that is unnecessarily long), which is designed to illuminate the skin and maintain hydration throughout the day. There's also a matte one available, but it was the hydration aspect of this one which drew me in, because I do suffer from dry patches with certain foundations.

The serum-like texture is easy to apply, and doesn't leave that thick and slimy feeling that other primers leave behind sometimes. This one is unnoticeable, and there are no illuminating particles in the formula either, so there's no unnatural shimmer. I was worried this primer would be too hydrating for my skin, but it never once made my skin look or feel oily. I think this primer is a great fit for those (even with slightly oily skin) who suffer from dehydration or dry patches. Overall, this primer really helps keep my make-up looking fresh and dewy all day long. 

I purchased this primer during a sale, but it regularly retails for $21 AUD. Is that a bit much for a drugstore primer? Maybe, especially since it comes in such a tiny bottle. It doesn't seem to last long. Unfortunately, because of this, I can't see myself repurchasing it again in the near future. Not until, that is, the next Priceline sale comes around.

Physiogel Calming Relief Lotion & Cream Review

If you suffer from eczema or constantly seem to contract allergies, it can be a bit of a nightmare to find a moisturiser that doesn’t irritate your skin. Thankfully, Physiogel is now available in Australia! For years I’ve heard how great this brand is for sensitive and allergy prone skin, and had eagerly awaited its arrival on our shores after reading so many great reviews.

Physiogel have released two ranges: ‘calming’ and ‘sensitive’ relief, which are both available in lotion and cream form. So far, I’ve only tried the calming relief lotion and cream. Both are virtually identical, with the cream being a bit heavier and catering for those with dryer skin.

What I really love about the lotion is that it’s light-weight and absorbs really fast. It doesn’t suffocate the skin. The cream absorbs just as fast, but can feel heavy on the skin in hot weather.  They’re both unscented, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and PH balanced, and I find the calming relief helps relieve the unbearable itchiness that usually accompanies freshly shaved legs and allergy ridden skin. I also have quite a ‘picky’ chest, which disagrees with a lot of moisturisers, and regularly breaks out. The lotion, thankfully, hasn’t hurt the skin on my chest at all. Success! The best part though, is that it keeps the skin feeling soft and moisturised for hours.

Seriously, I have nothing bad to say about this range. Doesn’t break me out? Check. Doesn’t irritate my skin? Check. Relieves itchiness? Check. Yup, I am drawing a blank here. Not only are these products incredibly affordable, a little goes a long way, and they last for some time. I’ve been using the 400ml pump bottle religiously for four months now and have only used up 1/3 so far. As you can see, I’ve already repurchased this a few times, and thanks to the Priceline skincare sale, I now have reserves for my reserves (yes, I love it that much). If you can get your hands on it, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Iope Essential Facial Oil Review

Iope Essential Facial Oil 30mls

Out of all the products I received in the Iope Super Memebox, this was the product I was most excited to try (I have a thing for facial oils, let’s just leave it at that). The Essential Facial Oil is a lightweight formulation designed to deliver deep nourishment and hydration to the skin.

Ingredients: caprylic capric triglyceride sucrose polycottonseedate, argan oil, macadamia oil, castor oil, dicaprylyl ether, oleic / linoleic/ linolenic polyglycerides, fragrance (check cosdna link here)

This is oil is packed with heaps of essential fatty acids from coconut, argan, and macadamia oils which help soften and repair damaged and uneven skin. And let’s not forget about all those anti-aging properties these oils carry. It’s a nice product to start with for younger users to help prevent and delay the signs of aging. I believe castor oil is the only ingredient that may cause irritation for some, but so far I haven’t experienced any problems.

The texture of this oil is surprisingly silky, and doesn’t feel thick and heavy at all. It does take a while to absorb, but if you only use this in the evening it shouldn’t be a problem. It also has a heavy lavender scent. It’s very calming and relaxing, identical to the scent of the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Not a bad thing at all. When I use this, every morning I wake up with a really lovely glow. The skin feels plumper, the fine lines around my eyes and mouth are reduced, and my skin tone looks even. I haven’t suffered from any severe breakouts since I started using this, even when I did get a few pimples, it helped heal them much faster.

I’ve been using this oil for 6 months now, and I’ve only just passed the halfway mark. A little goes a long way with this one, and it’s definitely a product I think I’ll repurchase in the future. However, I have noticed some huge price differences. It’s usually price around $15 to $20. I have seen it as low as $12 on some sites, but I have also seen it as high as $115 on another (I bet you can guess which shameless website that is). Really guys?! In their defense, it definitely doesn’t feel like a $20 product. With the sleek, glass packaging and the results this oil gives, it definitely feels a lot more upmarket.

Bourjois Flower Perfection Foundation Review

Bourjois Flower Perfection Foundation in No.52 Vanilla

I can’t believe after all these years I haven't even posted a review on one of my favourite foundations. This is the foundation that gets me through the long, hot months. Bourjois Flower Perfection is a high coverage, matte foundation great for oily, acne prone skin.

The foundation has quite a creamy texture, and goes on very smooth. It also comes with a sponge, but I find this a very redundant feature, the formula dries quickly so you run the risk of caking yourself up if you take too long. Also, a sponge isn't exactly the most hygienic way to apply makeup, so I tend to use my fingers or my real techniques buffing brush. This foundation lasts all day for me, even when I've been running around at work for eight hours; it stays put. It can get a little shiny, nothing a little blotting or powder can't fix, but to be honest, I love the natural glow it gives the skin when it's been on for a while. It also contains SPF15, in the form of titanium dioxide. This doesn't seem like much, but at least they've used a physical UV filter instead of chemical. 

I find that many foundations break me out, this one being the exception. When researching the product I found that it contains hardly any skin or acne irritants (check out the cosDNA rating here). I guess that explains the lack of red bumps I usually find on my face the day after. I highly recommend this for those with oily/acne prone skin who are looking for a high coverage foundation to cover their spots.  This just ticks all the boxes for me, it covers everything, it’s long lasting, doesn't break me out, and it makes my skin look flawless.

I have been really impressed with Bourjois products across the board, and really don't mind paying a little extra for them anymore. I can usually find it at Priceline for around $30, but you can get it cheaper online from Asos and Life & Looks for $15. I've already repurchased this foundation twice, this is my third bottle! That’s how much I love it.

Priceline 40% Off Skincare Haul

As much as I tried to resist the 40% off skincare sale (you know, the usual ‘I don’t need it’ argument), I eventually caved. Unfortunately I caved a little too late, and by the time I went in store a lot of the products I was looking for were sold out! So I ended up braving the slow and gruelling process of ordering online, which, unless you’re really, really desperate, I do not recommend. It took 10 minutes to load the homepage alone, so you can probably imagine how long it took me to finally process the order. But five days later, when the package finally arrived at my doorstep, it all seemed to be worth it. Here’s what I got:

Physiogel Calming Relief Lotion - $11.99

This is a fantastic moisturiser for anyone who suffers from eczema and dry, sensitive skin. I may already have a large pump bottle of this that is nowhere near finished, but it’s one of the only moisturisers that doesn’t sting or irritate my body. With 40% off, it doesn’t hurt to stock up.

Tea Tree Oil - $4.19

Whether it’s used as a spot killer, ingrown hair destroyer, or insect repellent, there’s always room for tea tree oil in my life.

Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream - $29.39

Jam-packed with collagen producing ingredients, I thought this ‘light’ facial moisturiser would be a nice addition to my summer regime. I can tell you now, it smells heavenly.

Natio Lip Balm SPF 30+ - $2.97

Natio lip balms are really, really, lovely, but quite expensive for the amount of product you get. 4 grams doesn’t last long for me, but I love how they’ve released one with SPF 30+. Now I have one for daytime and night time! That’s not sad, is it?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost - $14.99

This was one of the products I couldn’t get my hands on in store. I’ve heard some great things about this moisturiser and have been itching to try it for some time now. It looks very similar to the Iope Essential Moisture Relief Cream (minus the heavenly scent). Even though it’s labelled ‘hydro boost’ it seems quite light, but I’m hoping it will help with dehydrated skin.

Moreish Argan Oil - $17.99

I’ve been curious to try Moreish ever since it hit shelves here, and even more curious to try out argan oil for the first time, which, like rose hip oil, is one of those all-in-one organic skincare products.

Antipodes Juliet Brightening Gel Cleanser - $19.79

I have a bit of a thing for brightening products, so when I heard Antipodes had one, which also happens to be organic, I couldn’t resist.

Garniere Make Up Remover - $5.99

Another staple that I needed to stock up on. There’s really nothing much to say about this make up remover. It gets the job done. Quick and easy, with little fuss.

Santuary Spa 5 minute thermal detox mask - $11.99

I think it was the idea of a thermal mask that sold me. I’d never used one before, but thought this would be really nice to use once winter comes around.

So, who’s already preparing for Priceline’s next sale?

A Beginners Guide to Skincare

Recently, a couple of my friends have asked for my advice concerning their skin. I usually ask what the problem is and what products they are using, but the usual answer these days seems to be “Just face wipes”, to which I respond with silent shock before crying “That’s it?!” Let’s face it, some people have immaculate skin and do absolutely nothing for it. For the not so fortunate, we have to work hard to keep our skin looking good. However, I think those bad habits will eventually bite you in the arse (probably in the form of fine lines and dull looking skin).  So for my friends, and anyone else who wants to start looking after their skin before dealing with irreversible damage, I thought I would post this beginners guide to building a basic skincare routine.

Cleanse

Your skin picks up a lot of dirt and grime throughout the day (including makeup), so it's probably a good idea to wash it every morning and night. Unfortunately water doesn't cut it, like dirty dishes, our skin needs something a little more concentrated to help clear out our pores. And as for packaged face wipes, I would recommend leaving those for traveling or days you have no access to clean water. They contain heaps of alcohol that strip the natural oils and PH levels of your skin. Instead I would opt for a micellar water (Bioderma, Garnier, La Roche Possay). With a few wipes it will remove 98% of your makeup and it’s much gentler on your skin.

Exfoliate

Twice a week, usually after you cleanse, you can exfoliate. This removes all the dead skin cells that have built up over the last few days, it encourages cell turnover and also brightens dull, and sluggish looking skin. Some exfoliators have beads or grains that loosen the dead skin, and because they can be quite harsh on the skin should only be used twice a week at most.

Tone (Optional)

Straight after cleansing you can use a toner. A toner removes all the leftover dirt, makeup, and any residue left after cleansing. Personally I don't like toners, particularly western ones. Like face wipes, they contain a lot of alcohol that strip your skin. In Asia, they have 'essences', which are used the same way as toners, but usually work to put back the moisture that was lost after cleansing. Interesting, hey? Regardless of skin type, I recommend something with more moisturising properties, or a toner without alcohol at least. 

Treat

A treatment product, which comes in multiple forms like a serum, concentrate, or oil, targets a very specific concern in a way the products above cannot. Whether its acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, or dehydration, there’s something for everything. I personally think rose-hip oil is a great treatment to start off with, it's one of those all-rounder products that treats acne, sun damage, it has anti-aging properties, and it's organic!

Moisturise

The fourth and final step in any routine is to moisturise. Not only does it restore moisture to your skin, keeping it soft, smooth, and young looking, it also acts as a barrier to protect skin from daily grime and pollution.

Masks (Optional)

Masks aren't always necessary, but sometimes they’re just nice to use. They usually take a bit of time to dry or penetrate the skin (10-30 minutes, sometimes overnight) and can be really good for winding down in the evening. Like serums, there are many different products for different problems. If you have blackheads or suffer from breakouts, clay masks are great at drawing out impurities. For those with dry, dehydrated skin there are sleeping packs that you can apply over your moisturiser and leave overnight. For everything else there’s cloth masks, not the most glamorous looking, but damn does your skin feel good afterwards.

Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to tell someone what to use and what would work well for their skin, so finding the right products take time and money, so it’s always important to do a bit of research before forking out all of your hard-earned money.

Hope this helps!

Tegan

Naruko Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser

Naruko Oil Out Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser in 1

Not so long ago I reviewed and raved about the Aesop Parsley Seed masque being my favourite clay mask ever. Well, it was, until I discovered this 3 in 1 mask, cleanser, and exfoliator from Naruko. Sorry Aesop, but you've already been replaced. What can I say?  The Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask is a three in one product, you can use it as a mask, a cleanser, an exfoliator and is designed for those with oily/combination, problematic, blackhead-ridden skin (yay, that's me!). 

You can use this as an everyday cleanser (where you can leave it for a few minutes before washing off), but I only used this as a mask twice a week. I layer a heap of this stuff onto my face, concentrating most of the product around my t-zone where most of my blackheads are, then leave it to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Because it's quite thick, it can take some time to rinse off, but the little granules speed up the process by helping break-up the clay. The grains double as an exfoliant as well, but don't feel harsh on this skin (unless you're rough, of course). Then comes my favourite part, the cooling sensation, which leaves your skin feeling cool and fresh.

The results are staggering each and every time I use this mask. There is a huge difference in the blackheads around my nose, cheeks, and foreheads. This mask visibly diminishes the appearance of pores and blackheads, and with frequent use, helps keep the acne and those occasional clusters of breakouts at bay. The scent is strong, but heavenly: a mix of tea tree and mint, a huge welcome after a hard day at work.

I like this mask so much I've already ordered my second tube through Sasa.com for $10.50 AUD. Cheap-as-chips compared to the hefty price tag of my former-beloved Aesop mask.  They also have a peeling gel, and an anti-acne SPF50+++ sunscreen I would love to try. While the tea tree range is almost exclusive for those with oily, combination skin, Naruko also offer repairing, moisturising and whitening ranges, all at incredibly affordable prices.

Iope Essential Skin Boosting Serum Review

Iope Essential Skin Boosting Serum, 40ml

Late last year I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Iope Super Box from Memebox.com for a very reasonable price. Out of all the products I received, I wasn't overly excited about this serum, and wrote it off as moisturising product my skin didn't need. But even oily skin can become dehydrated. I still experience dry and flaky patches of skin around my cheeks and nose, which become blatantly obvious when I wear makeup. All you want to do is just peel it off, but that just makes it worse. When it finally dawned on me that maybe I did need some moisturising products in my skincare, I decided to give this product a go. This serum claims to boost hydration and prevent dehydration. It also works to maintain the right balance on your skin by strengthening its natural healing power and "moisture lock-in capability".

Ingredients: Water, alcohol, butylene glycol, cyclopentasiloxane, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, PPG-17, cyclohexasiloxane, dimethicone, nacinamide, squalane, lactobacillus (soybean) ferment extract, dimethiconol, phenoxyethanol, tromethamine, acrylates (c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, carbomer, fragrance, ethylhexylyglycerin, monascus (rice) ferment, saccharomyces, barley seed ferment filtrate, disodium EDTA, alpha-clucan oligosaccharide, witch hazel, soybean.

This serum has a light, watery texture that absorbs into the skin fast, without leaving any trace or icky film on the skin. My skin feels plump and soft after I use this, but what I really love is that it's not too moisturising that I can't use my serums afterwards. It has a light, floral scent on par with the rest of Iope and Laneige products, and doesn't irritate my skin (or my senses!) The pump is absolutely fantastic as well, it dispenses the perfect amount of product, and although it does come in a frosted bottle, it's possible to see how much is left with proper lighting.

Results weren't immediate, but after a week of regular use I noticed a huge difference in the dry patches around my cheeks. They had basically disappeared. When I wear foundations and BB creams now, I hardly notice any flakiness or scaliness anymore, nothing huge I feel obliged to tear away from my face anyway. It also hasn't caused any congestion or breakouts, and although my skin is still oily, I have been breaking out a lot less lately, and I think it's because I've finally lost my battle with sebum-controlling and oil stripping products and moved on to more moisturising products that actually keep my skin balanced and healthy.

Kosmea Rose Hip Oil Review*

Kosmea Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, 10mls

Before I had extracted the final drops from my old Trilogy Rose Hip Oil, I was very fortunate to be sent the Kosmea Rose Hip Oil to trial. I've been curious about Kosmea's products for a while now, being certified organic, and an Australian owned brand, I thought it would be interesting to compare the differences of this oil to other foreign brand's that I've tried.

Ingredients: Rose Eglanteria Seed Oil

What I love about this product is that it's pure rosehip oil, free from harmful chemicals, colourants, fragrances, mineral oils and animal products.  Many Rosehip Oils out there on the market have a lot of extra ingredients packed into their product, which can be a bit of a hit and miss for some. This one is the purest I've come across on the market. Kosmea claim to extract the rose hip oil without heat or solvents like other brands, retaining all the anti-aging vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that are naturally found in the plant. It's 100% USDA certified organic, and protects, repairs and adds radiance to your skin.

Comparison between the Kosmea & Trilogy Oils

This has to be the thickest rose-hip oil I've come across so far. A little goes a long way, and even though I only have a 10ml bottle it has lasted me three months. It has a very strong scent, and in the comparison photo above, you can see how much thicker and purer the oil is compared to Trilogy's which is very light in colour and texture. I've found that this is definitely a night-time only product for me. Because it is quite thick and has a very distinct orange tone it can make my skin look dark and oily. The oily texture has had no adverse effects on my acne or blackheads though. And obviously because it is a lot thicker, it does take a little longer for the product to absorb, but when it does it's barely noticeable.

There's been a huge change in the texture of my skin when I use this oil, it makes the skin feel incredibly smooth and silky, more so than any other brand I've tried so far.  I've also been using it on my legs and it really helps to heal my scars and sooth irritation from ingrown hairs and regrowth.

I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in trying out rose hip, and for anyone who is after a 'pure' oil that will help with scarring, texture, and anti-aging. It's pretty reasonably priced as well, about on par with Trilogy's oils (the 24mls is around $25). It's an Australian owned brand, and are currently stocked at David Jones stores around Australia.

(*This product was sent to me for reviewing purposes. Check my disclaimer for more information.)

| Live Bright | A Kikki K Stationery Haul

The Kikki-K Leather Personal Planner in Lilac (also available in black and limited edition gold)

Hello, my name is Tegan, and I am a stationery addict. Initially, I was just after a new diary for 2015 until I came across this video. I immediately fell in love with the lilac personal planner, and soon ordered my very own. The cover is real leather, but my favourite part is the black lining on the inside, I don't know why, but I just love the contrast of the two colours together.

Inside the personal planner. As you can see I've already started decorating and reworking the interior.

The time planner may not be the most convenient diary to carry around with you all day, it's 243mm height x 205mm length x 40mm depth. However, it comes with heaps of room and features inside:

• gorgeous, gold binder with magnetic closure
• elastic pen loop (Kate Spade pen not included, obviously!)
• 4 card holder slots, 2 large pockets, and 1 inner zip case
• today notepad at the front with an A5 sized notepad at the back
• a calander section including 18 blank monthly inserts
• a to do list section
• a section for meeting notes
• 4 blank tabs with note pages
• and three sticker sheets to help you oraganise and rework the tabs to your heart's content.

The Live Bright quote card pack.

I also bought the quote cards from the Live Bright series. It contains 12 beautiful quotes and designs, and comes with a wooden stand for you to prop up on your desk. They're also great for decorating the planner (as you can see by the front page already). To match, I also purchased the sticker book, mini sticker pack, and the diamond sticky notes.

At this point, I might have gone a little overboard with the decorating, but I did get a couple of other things: two little dishes for storing jewelry and other little bits and bobs, and last but not least, the scented candle which just happens to have a lovely inspirational quote printed on it.

I'm incredibly happy with my new time planner, although it's not the most convenient to carry around, I now have a place where I can have my calendar, to do lists, blog stuff, expenses, and fitness documents all in one place instead of everywhere else. Yup, I definitely went overboard this time, but I can't say I regret it. I also may have received 20% off (hohoho).

Have you guys spoiled  yourselves with anything this Christmas?

Tegan

xo

A Little Essie Nail Haul

During Priceline's last 40% off cosmetics sale I decided to pick up a few more Essie polishes. I may be going against the summer grain here, but these shades have been on my wishlist for a long time now, and looked too good to be ignored. 

Merino Cool is a gorgeous shade of grey with a tinge of purple, Sole Mate a deep plum, and Wicked, the vampiest of them all, is a very dark (almost black) red. It’s hard to pick a favourite because I honestly love them all. I will definitely be wearing Merino Cool a lot this summer. Sole Mate is probably the closest to my heart, it’s very similar to my much beloved Mrs O’Leary’s BBQ from OPI and it’s a kind of shade I like wearing all year round, no matter what the season.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara

I had quite a shock at work the other day when, on a bathroom break, caught site of myself in the mirror. After only five hours I had already developed some serious panda eyes! With my top notch researching skills, I then proceeded to waste the rest of my break researching the best waterproof mascaras (and by top-notch skills I mean typing 'best waterproof mascara' into google). On every list I came across, Lancome's Hypnose range was always at the top. Even the lovely lady I spoke to at the Lancome counter claimed they had the best mascara's in the world (and the best selling). Those were some impressive claims, so I couldn't resist putting it to the test. 

Firstly, the packaging is lovely. Although it's plastic, the unique shapes gives it a very sleek, luxurious feel, and the exterior, adorned with the brand's iconic roses, is a nice touch. The mascara itself defines and lengthens the lashes, and leaves them with little to no clumps. The wand is the perfect vehicle for defining and lengthening the lashes. While the tip of the wand focuses on those pesky little lashes in the corners, the thicker part defines and extends the outer corners. Check out the photo's below:

This is by far the best waterproof mascara I have ever used (and also the most expensive, but definitely worth it). It lasts all day long without any flaking or smudging, which is all you can really ask for. I usually prefer a little bit more volume, but I honestly don't mind with this one. If you are after something more volumising, Lancome's Hypnose Star & Drama sound like great options (it was very hard for me to decide between the three at the time), and they both also comes in a waterproof formula.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraodinaire Lipsticks

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraodinaire Lipsticks in #101 Rose Melody (left) & #500 Molto Mauve (right)

I really love the look of wet, glossy, lips in the summer months, so I picked up two of the new L’Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire lipsticks in Molto Mauve (500) and Rose Melody (101). Because I totally needed more lip products. Surprisingly, L’Oreal have gone with the lipstick label here instead of lacquer, claiming they have substituted the stiff, waxy materials you usually find in lipsticks with micro oils. These micro oils apparently reveal ‘the full richness’ of colour pigments and help ‘reflect light for extraordinary depth and shine.’

#101 Rose Melody (top) & #500 Molto Mauve (bottom)

The lightest shade I purchased, Rose Melody, is a pinkie-peach colour and, Molto Mauve a light plum. I did notice the lighter shade was quite sheer, and took a couple of layers to build up some colour. I don't mind this, mainly because sheer lipsticks and glosses (especially light pinks) seem to sit better on my lips. The darker shade, Molto Mauve only needed one to two layers to give it the colour is does in the swatch above. L’Oreal were definitely spot on about the shininess. Both shades have a crazy amount of glittery particles to enhance their vibrancy, but they’re minuscule, and don’t detract from the overall smoothness of the formula.

The one thing I don’t like about these lipsticks is the texture. They’re thick, sticky, and transfer like crazy. But hey, that’s 90% of lipsticks for you. So don’t make the mistake of going out on a windy day with your hair down (like I did). Aside from this, the packaging is very sleek and also has a colour indicator built in on the side. The applicator is a (dare I say) furry sponge that's easy to use and control. They smell amazing; a tropical paradise in a bottle, and give that wet, glossy, finish that seem to be all the rage in summer.

A Whole Lot of Empties 02

Yup, it's that time of the year again: spring cleaning time. I can't believe I've held onto all these empty bottles for so long. It just goes to show how long it takes me to get through some of these products. Anyway, the sooner I get into this, the sooner I can put all this in the rubbish bin.

Skincare

Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence

Goodbye, my love. Well, not for long. My fourth bottle is already on the way. Yeah, I really love this product. This really helps balance, brighten, and clear up my skin.

Ladykin Vanpir Dark Whitening Ampooule

This is another amazing product I am sad to see go. I was so surprised by this serum, the price, the brand, the name, I definitely didn't expect it to work miracles on my skin, but it did.

Garnier 2 in 1 Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

This is a really great, affordable eye make up remover. There isn't much to say about it, it does its job. It will easily remove thick or waterproof eyemakeup and its super cheap. I'm already onto my second bottle.

Laneige Sun Block Aqua SPF 35++

I really wanted to like this sunscreen. The formula is light and watery, it absorbs super fast, doesn't leave a white cast, it smells nice, and the packaging is really sleek. Unfortunately, it was a bit too greasy for my face, so i found myself using it more on my body. I got my money's worth and used it up to the last drop, but my search continues for facial sunscreen.

Cure Aqua Gel

In my opinion, this is the best exfoliator of all time. It's done my skin so much good. This is my second bottle, and I will buy this again in a heartbeat.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Face Moisturiser

I actually really liked this product. It was really moisturising but it didn't feel heavy on my skin, it also had the extra SPF15 which is nice, but it really was the scent that put me off. It smells like dish washing detergent. Also, there was no ingredients list on the packaging.

Laneige Hydra Eye Cream
Another great product from Lanaeige, but more suitable for dryer skin.

Ladykin Vanpir Dark Repair Cream
This was a great moisturiser, although I felt like the Whitening ampoule was more effective in brightening, combining the two worked wonders for my skin. I also really love the jar.

Skinfood Egg White Pore Mask

I was so upset when this ran out. One of my favourite clay masks of all time, I found it was really affective at minimising blackheads and tightening pores. It made a huge difference to my acne and I think I will always go back to this because it's so affordable as well.

Sukin Rosehip Oil

I love rose-hip oil, I've moved back to Trilogy since, but Sukin was definitely a great, cheaper alternative.

Botani Rescue Acne Cream

 Shouldn't it be acne rescue cream? Not rescue acne cream? No one wants to rescue their acne, they want to rescue their skin from the acne. Anyway, if you're after a natural spot killer, this is a pretty good one. It's quite horrifying when you first use it though. It's not a clear solution, it's a thick, smelly, gunky cream that you concentrate on yours spots in the evening. The only downside is that you can only use this at night. It's the equivalent of applying green toothpaste on your face. It also flakes, so if you don't compulsively sleep on your back you probably won't appreciate scraping the gunk off your pillow every morning.

Makeup

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

A highly raved product that I really wanted to love, but unfortunately it just didn't suit my oily skin. I loved how it looked for the first 30 to 60 minutes but it just seemed to melt away after that, leaving my skin looking blotchy. I don't know why, but I find it so hard to hate on this product. It smells so nice, and it's such a pleasure to apply, and it looks so good…for the first 30 minutes. What is absolutely bizarre is that I really want to buy another one. I kept saying to myself, maybe today is the day it will work for me? I'm in denial.

YSL Shocking Mascara

Amazing mascara. I'm not usually one for clumpy, gluggy looking lashes, but I really liked this. It made my lashes look so much longer, thicker and more volumised. It also smells really good.

Covergirl Clump Crusher

I'm on the fence with this mascara. I really loved it for a time, but since it's run out I've completely forgotten about it, which tells me I probably wont buy it again. It's good, but I like branching out when it comes to mascara. Maybe's it's because I just haven't found 'the one' yet?

L'oreal Volume Million Lashes (Waterproof)

Not bad, not bad at all. It dried up very quickly though. It defined the lashes nicely but didn't really give me any extra 'oomph' or volume that I was looking for. I couldn't help but feel quite bare when I used this, a problem I find with many waterproof mascaras.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

I don't really have much to say about this primer. It's a primer. Would I buy it again? Probably not, there's nothing really special or unique about it, and I think it's ridiculously overpriced for what it is. Since, I've found a far cheaper alternative that looks and feels exactly the same. It's by NYX and you can get it from Target for $10.

Haircare

Lee Stafford dry shampoo

One of my favourite dry shampoo's. Scent it great but it is strong and be overwhelming at times. Also, for the amount of product you get, it's quite expensive.

Polished London dry shampoo

You get what you pay for with this dry shampoo. Surprisingly, not the worst I have ever tried though. The Tresseme dry foam took the cake for that title, but this one came pretty close. The tint stained my fingers and forehead, and made my hair look and feel even greasier. The scent is the only good thing about it. It smells nice.

Nail Stuff

The Faceshop Quick Sponge Nail Remover & Innisfree Sponge Nail Remover

I love these nail sponges. They make fixing and painting your nails so much easier for us lazy girls who like to multitask at the computer or on our phones. There's not much so say about these two brands, they both get the job done, and that is that.