Elizabeth Arden 8hr Intensive Daily Moisturizer Review

Eight Hour Cream: Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face

Now that winter has finally arrived, I’ve noticed a huge change in my skin. I was horrified when I passed the mirror at work and noticed all these dry, flaky patches along my cheeks and around my nose. Usually my skin is oily all year round, but has decided to settle into the dry/combination side of the spectrum. So for the first time, I decided to invest in a ‘richer’ moisturiser for the winter.

The texture is whipped, light to touch, and spreads like butter when you apply it to your skin. A little goes a long way, which is nice considering its only 50mls. My skin feels incredibly smooth and soft after I apply this, it’s amazing, and my skin stays hydrated all day. It also contains SPF 15 PA ++, which is an added bonus, and makes it my go-to daily moisturiser. The only negative thing I have to say about this product is the smell. For a high end moisturiser you would think the production company would come up with something that doesn't completely assault the senses. It smells like lemon scented dish washing detergent, and not the nice expensive detergent either. I’m talking bottom of the line, cheap branded detergent. It’s a huge turn off for me, because it makes me wonder what the hell they've put into this.

Aside from the smell, it does a really great job at keeping my skin hydrated throughout the day. I have no longer noticed any dry patches or flakiness on my face. Above all, even though it’s one of the thickest moisturiser’s I've ever used, it hasn't broken me out! I didn't exactly have high expectations when I decided to fork out $50 on this, but I've been pleasantly surprised by this little guy.

Some New Zealand Goodies

It wouldn't have been right if I had returned to Australia empty handed. A holiday just wouldn't feel like a proper holiday if I didn't splurge a little on myself, especially when skincare is concerned.

From left: Antipodes Organic Lip Balm with lime & cocoa butter, Antipodes divine face oil, Trilogy Eye Contour Cream

Being in New Zealand, I felt it would be nice to purchase some of their own brands. Antipodes and Trilogy in particular had been on my radar for a while, and luckily with the mid year sales on, picked these up cheaper than I would have at Myer and David Jones back home. When I first spotted Antipodes at a chemist in Auckland I went straight for the Divine Face Oil, and with my lips in disarray, the lip balm was a no brainer. I also picked up Trilogy's Eye Contour Cream, which really helped with my dark circles. Yeah, we didn't get much sleep.

Oroton 'Elysian' Wallet

Oh, and we might have gone to Oroton too. This was the Elysian wallet they had on sale at their store in Auckland. It was love at first sight, and didn't leave my side for the entire trip. I was just asking to get robbed with this one. Luckily that didn't happen!

I'm Baack! | Vacation Post |

Hello everyone, apologies for the lack of updates but I have just returned from vacation!  Last week my best friend and I packed our bags and went on a little trip to that great island across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand. I was overdue for a vacation like this, and to be honest, four years of uni without a proper holiday really got the best of me.

Photo of me overlooking the Wakatipu Lake in Queenstown, Otago.

For the first few days we stayed in Auckland. After exploring the city we took a ferry across to Devonport, an old colonial suburb, and walked up Mount Victoria to see the stunning views of the city and Rangitoto Island. 

Also, being Lord of the Rings fans we went to the Hobbiton set, which was massive. The hobbit houses were so adorable, and I’m pretty sure I took over a hundred photos of their little doors and windows. The amount of detail that has gone into this set is mind boggling! Apparently they even hired people to put washing on the clothes lines just so there would be footprints in the ground. (Whaa-?!)

Yes, even the mold is real.

Afterwards, our group was taken to into the warmth of The Green Dragon Inn where we indulged in a few jugs of cider. I also sat on Samwise Gamgee’s chair (soz Sam).

On the fourth day we put on our thermals and flew down to Queenstown. I saw snow for the first time ever and learnt how to (kinda) ski up at The Remarkables. Seriously, skiing was probably the most painfully frustrating experience ever, and the next day we woke up with aching muscles, bruises all along our shins and ankles, and a new found respect for the sport. I can't wait to do it again.

Watching the sun set from the Skyline, Queenstown.

Queenstown was definitely the highlight of the trip. It's such a beautiful, quiet town, surrounded by water and mountains, I really didn't want to leave. But now that I'm home, I feel as refreshed and energized as ever and ready to take on the next semester (sort of, haha).