BATH AND BODY WORKS BODY SPRAYS

Bath & Body Works Body Fragrances in Cashmere Glow, White Citrus and Warm Vanilla Sugar

Pros:

Low cost

Travel sized

Cons:

Non-sturdy container

Hard to get in Australia

Would Repurchase:

Yes

Recommended for:

Travelling

Those on a budget

While in America, one shop high on my list was Bath and Body Works. I spent a good deal or time and money inside the shop near Grand Central in New York City. It definitely lived up to my expectations. The travel sized sprays (3 fl oz / 88mL) were US$6 (AUD$6.40) each. Unfortunately, Bath and Body Works products aren't readily available in Australia, but there's an eBay seller here who stocks heaps of American products including lots of Bath and Body Works items. One problem I did have with these sprays is that I originally bought a fourth one, but the top of the container cracked not long after I bought it. However, I brought it back to the store, and they refunded my money immediately, no questions asked, which I was impressed by.

Cashmere Glow

The scent of Cashmere Glow is quite a hard smell to describe. It's quite sweet, but not too powerful, it's mildly fruity, and also smells faintly woody, with undertones of wild flowers. There's a lot going on, and it's probably not for everyone, but it's not too strong, and I think it's delicious.

White Citrus

White Citrus has a very fresh scent, it's perfect for Spring and Summer. You can distinctly smell lime, but it's more a lime tree than the actual fruit. There are also undertones of lemon. It's quite a strong scent when initially sprayed, but it does disperse quite quickly.

Warm Vanilla Sugar

Warm Vanilla Sugar was the the first scent I smelled when I got inside, and I immediately fell in love with it. It's a yummy, sweet smell, it doesn't smell too strongly of vanilla, which can sometimes be overpowering. It has a sugary undertone that reminds me of cake icing. It's all around delicious.

SEPHORA POWDER BRUSH

Sephora PRO Round Powder Brush #60

Pros:

Large size

Nice finish

Cons:

Hard bristles

Expensive

Would Repurchase:

No

Recommended for:

Those with non-sensitive skin

 I bought this brush for US$48 (equivalent to AU$51.56 today) from Sephora when I was in New York, to replace my powder brush which was getting a bit old. I didn't use or unwrap it until I got home, to avoid it getting damaged or dirty. The tester in the shop felt soft on my hand when I tried it out, but I was disappointed to find, when I used it, it was quite harsh on my face. It does pick up enough product, and it does a good job at blending, leaving a nice finish, however, for the price I paid, I was expecting higher quality.

As you can see, the tips of the bristles are already slightly frayed. A shame, as I've been using it for less than a month, three to four times a week. I would definitely not recommend this brush for those with even slightly sensitive skin. I've kept soldering on with it, because of the price, but I have been going back to using my old brush if my skin is having a bad day. I'd recommend saving your money, and forking out for a more quality powder brush.

BANANA BOAT FACES SUNSCREEN

Banana Boat Oil-Free SPF 50+ for Faces

Pros:

Gentle formulation

Fast drying

High protection

Cons:

None so far

Would Repurchase:

Yes

Recommended for:

Sensitive skin

Summer time

Wearing under makeup

This is kind of boring, but oh so essential for the Summer that is fast approaching. 33 degree weather in Spring? What? I heard all the hype about SPF 50+ sunscreen, so I thought I'd better go out and get myself some. More often than not, I have reactions to sunscreen, particularly on my face, I'll break out in tiny bumps all over my face and neck. Unpleasant. I normally just stick to the SPF 15+ in my daily moisturiser, but the scary ads have done their job. Do I want wrinkles? Hyperpigmenation? Melanomas? No thank you. I tried a couple before buying this one, and the main reason I chose it was because it was on special at the supermarket. 

The gentle formulation is perfect for sensitive skin, it comes out of the tube creamy, and it soaks in to the skin instantly, with no greasy residue. It's perfect to wear on it's own, or under makeup. I have been putting it on over my moisturiser when I'm on my way to the pool or beach, and it still dries straight away. It's a winner, and is also quite cheap. Just make sure you keep an eye on the expiry date, and throw it out! Out of date sunscreen spells disaster for your skin.

BEAUTY BLENDER

This picture isn't mine, as my blender is a bit discoloured

I recently went to the US, and had a blast (a very expensive blast) in Sephora. I'd heard heaps about the Beauty Blender, so I bought it without a second thought. This thing is incredible! I don't know what I did without it. It's perfect for foundation and concealer, it blends perfectly, and it's so quick to use. I also bought the Sephora dupe, and I can happily say it's just as good. One thing I will say, though, is that it's a little tricky to get clean. I've shampooed it a few times, but the colour doesn't completely come out. I'm quite sure it is clean, it just doesn't look it. I would recommend this product to anyone and everyone.

CLINIQUE EXFOLIATING SCRUB

I got sent this product about ten days ago. I haven't used many Clinique products, mostly due to the cost, and I think this is the first full sized product I've owned. I've been using it every three to four days, straight after using a cleanser. I love this product, and I've noticed my skin is much smoother after using it. I'd definitely repurchase this scrub. It's not too granulated, it's fairly gentle on my face, and is suitable for sensitive skin.

NIVEA IN-SHOWER MOISTURISER

Normal to dry skin

I'm sure we've all seen the TV advertising for this product. I was intrigued, but dubious. I picked some up at the supermarket last week, and have been using it almost every day since.
I will firstly say, do not apply it to skin that's not prone to dryness. The first time I used it, I applied it all over my body, and felt sticky for half an hour afterwards. The next day, I tried it just on my legs, which have been dry from swimming in a chlorine pool daily, and it was so hydrating, and easy to use. It's really as simple as the package says. Simply wash with your usual shower gel, rinse, then use the moisturiser the in the same way. This product is also incredibly affordable, at $4.00 to $5.00, depending on your local supermarket or pharmacy.

RIMMELL LASTING FINISH LIPSTICK

Shade: 14

I recently got my hair cut short, very rocker-esque, so I've been wearing dark colours on my eyes. This lipstick is the perfect lip shade to counterbalance the dark liner and shadow, to keep the look clean and not too overdone. I hate going out w with nothing on my lips, so this is the perfect solution! True to its name, this product is quite long-lasting, and stays on quite well while eating and drinking. I hadn't used any Rimmell lip products before this one, so it was a great first impression. Something great about this shade is that it can easily take you from day to night, and from casual to formal. It dries quickly, so gloss can easily be applied over the top without any smudging problems.

MAC 187 STIPPLING BRUSH

MAC 187 Duo-fiber Stippling Brush

I got sent this brush! Thank you, MAC! This is the first MAC product I've ever had, and I really, really like it. I've heard heaps of great things, obviously, but now I've tried it for myself, I can definitely say that this brush is lovely. It picks up not too much foundation, and I got a really even coverage. The brush is really soft too, which is lovely! All around, a great tool.

SPEED STICK DEODERANT

Lady Speed Stick Invisible

'Cool and Fresh'

This was sent to me a few days ago. There's not much to say on a deodorant, but I have enjoyed using this for the last few days. It does actually last the 24 hours, it doesn't leave white marks, and it smells nice. I like the stick-style, as it comes out dry. Great product.

VEET HAIR REMOVAL CREAM

Veet Supreme Essence Hair Removal Cream Pump Pack

I was sent this product a week ago, and I've used it twice since, and I've found it really great. It doesn't dry out the skin, as many hair removal creams do, and it takes a maximum of five minutes to work, which is great. It didn't leave me with itchy skin or rashes. This is the best product I've used in this department.

MAYBELLINE DUO EYESHADOW

Maybelline Two-Toned Eye Shadow

These were brought back for me from New York, New York, and I've been using them for about a year. The Chic Naturals 70D (pictured bottom) is great for an everyday look, it's very natural, and defines the eyes. I love these duos, because you can either use them for a classic or a smokey eye. The Modern Metallics 90D (pictured top) is great at night time, but because of the sparkle, it needs to be used with a primer or base underneath. It's not as wearable, but still very nice. The gold compliments the olive beautifully. Love these products.

MD GO CURLY

Marc Daniels Go Curly for Hair

I received this product a week ago, and I've been using it every day. I really like it, it goes on better when my hair's wet, but can still be used on dry hair. It does activate the curls, but leaves the hair natural-looking, not crunchy or styled at all. I love this product, and I plan to continue using it. It's too soon to say for sure, but, although it doesn't seem to moisturise the hair, it appears not to cause damage or oiliness either. 

BIO OIL

Bio-Oil

There's been lots of noise surrounding this product for some time now, and I only fairly recently started using it for uneven skin tone, and it's brilliant. The instructions state it's supposed to be used for around three months, so it does take time, and it's not cheap, but it definitely works, and everyone I've spoken to has said the same, for stretch marks and dry skin alike. I've loved Bio-Oil since I began using it, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. 

MAXFACTOR DUO EYESHADOW

MaxFactor Smoky Eye Effect Eyeshadow

Blue

MaxFactor have made plenty of colours of these, and while they're a good idea, I haven't had a good experience with any of them. The colour doesn't spread on well, and it doesn't stay on the eye properly, I found it just slipped in to the crease the few times I  used them. I wasn't impressed at all.

UNIORGANICS HAIR MOISTURISING MIST

UniOrganics Maximum Moisture Mist

I started using this product when I bleached my hair for the first time, as it dried out. I love, love, love this spray. It's natural, but it works so well. I spray this through my hair after I've washed it, and it leaves it so soft, and really conditions the dry ends. You only need a few sprays, and it can be used in wet or dry hair, for almost immediate results. I cannot praise this stuff enough, I use it every day, and it really helps my hair. 

FUDGE HAIR DYE

Fudge Paint Box Creative Conditioning Colour

Raspberry Beret

Whenever I dye my hair an unnatural colour, I use Fudge, predominately because it's the easiest to get a hold of, and there's a large range of colours. With this particular colour, I bleached my hair first, as you have to, to get the desired colour, and it came out pink. I'm not opposed to pink, but I had pink hair a few months ago, and have leftovers, so it meant I bought this purple for nothing, so that was unimpressive. The package claims that it's conditioning, however, it dried my hair out a great deal. When I used the 'pink flamingo' Fudge dye, I found it quite good, and it lasted a few washes, but this particular one, I'm not as impressed with. It fades considerably with one wash, and it doesn't come out the colour it seems. I think it's worth ordering colours from overseas, or looking around for a different brand, and that's definitely what I'll be doing next time.

REVLON LIP TINT

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Tint Pen

Fluro Pink

I've read a lot of negative reviews on this product, but I really like it. It goes on like a highlighter pen, and I've found it stays on all day, and lip balm/gloss can be re-applied throughout the day.  I love the pen because it's no fuss, it's easy to put on, and doesn't need to be carried around . The only negative aspect is that the tint does tend to dry out my lips, but, again, lip balm can be applied over the top as often as required.

ORGANIC CARE GEL

Organic Care Hard Gel

I bought this because it was on special, and I'm wanting to eventually replace all my products with natural ones, so it was a win/win. I was a bit dubious at first, as it was in a 'clearance' bin, but I've been impressed with it. It does dry a bit crunchy, but the hold is excellent, and the majority of it brushes out! I use this product nearly every day, and I'm really glad I picked it up.

SKIN DOCTOR'S MOISTURISER

Skin Doctor's Photo Age Reverse Moisturiser

I use this stuff every night, after I wash my face, and I love it. It's a little bit heavy for the day, but as a night cream, it's really great. I can't comment on the claim of it's 'age reversing' quality, but it's very hydrating. It soaks in really quickly, which I require of a moisturiser. I've nearly finished this tub, and I will definitely buy a new one when it's empty.

GARNIER EXFOBRUSHER

Garnier PureActive Dual Action ExfoBrusher

I've been using this product about once a week, when I remember. When I do use it, I find that my skin feels smoother at the time, but I don't see any lasting differences. I use it in the shower, if I'm going out at night, about to put on makeup, and my skin is feeling a bit bumpy. I don't think it makes a big difference to my skin, but I do like the inbuilt brush on the top, as it's good for getting rid of oil from the day in hard places. I use this more as a normal cleanser, just with a brush. I do like the Exfobrusher, but if it went off the market all of a sudden, I wouldn't miss it, and I don't know that I'd get another one when this runs out. 

AUSTRALIS EYESHADOW

Australis Mineral Eyeshadow

Cream

I found this little guy in a bargain bin where I used to work, and I think I paid two dollars for it. By itself, this shadow is a bit rubbish, you can't tell it's there at all, but I use it as an eye primer, and it's great for that! I put it on every day under my eyeshadow, because I mostly use sparkly powders, and this stuff makes them last all day. I only use the tiniest bit, as it spreads really well. I've never used a proper eye primer, so I can't compare it to one, but it's pretty great, it holds powder in place, and it was two dollars. What more do you need?

DAVINES RED CONDITIONER TREATMENT

Davines Alchemic Conditioner for Natural and Coloured Hair

Red/Rosso/Rouge

My hairdresser suggested this treatment last time I went, as I have red hair, and have had (in varying shades) for a few years. She recommended it to me because I box dye my hair at home, and I need to do it quite often, as the red fades considerably with every wash, and my hair is quite dry from bleaching it a few months ago. It's a fairly new product on the market, which has been happily received by red-heads, as it not only conditions, but also tones (it's a pinky red shade). I've used it almost every week since buying it, and it leaves my hair soft and conditioned, and it definitely brightens the colour. Don't be fooled, though, it will not dye the hair as a hair dye will, it simply freshens the red. It wasn't as expensive as I was expecting, and a small amount goes a long way, so it is very cost-effective, as it's a two-in-one product that will last a long while. 

MD VISAGE CLEANSER

MD Visage Multi-Action Cleanser

I've been using this cleanser for a few weeks now, after using one that made my skin really dry and scaly, and it fixed the problem in two or three washes. It's also helped a lot with pimples and blemishes, I've found, which is all you really want in a cleanser. It polishes my skin completely clean, and I've found no residue of even the most hardy eyeliners or waterproof mascara. This is the first MD product I've ever used, and I think I'll definitely be getting another when this one runs out.

NATIO FOUNDATION BRUSH

Natio Foundation Brush

I've only used this brush a handful of times, as it's only new for me. It's the first foundation brush I've ever owned, I used to use my fingers for liquid foundation. I've found it really good so far, the only problem I've encountered was with a particularly thick whipped foundation, it didn't spread well at all, but I feel that it was more the foundation that produced this effect, rather than the brush. I love Natio products, and this one didn't let me down. It wasn't particularly expensive either, and while I'm sure there are many better brushes out there, I would definitely recommend this one as a first, to decide if you like using a brush for foundation, as that was my reason for purchasing it, and I have been impressed with it. 

RIMMEL BROWN EYEBROW PENCIL

Rimmel LondonProfessional Eyebrow Pencil

Brown

I really like this pencil, it does go on really nicely, and the brown isn't too dark, which is great. The little brush it comes with is really good, also, just for blending the colour through, and making it look more natural. The only criticism I have is that it does rub off quite easily, even when I touched my eyebrow with my hand, it did come off. I used it yesterday, and put clear mascara over the top, and it was a lot better, and it stayed put then. Apart from that, it's a good quality pencil.

NUDE BY NATURE MINERAL POWDER

Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Powder 

Shade: Light

I love, love, love this product. I've been using it for years. It's so nice on the skin, I've never, ever had breakouts from it (even before I used a primer). I use this powder every day, sometimes with just primer underneath, as a light cover, it's pretty by itself, or sometimes over foundation and concealer, as a finish, it just smooths everything over nicely, and seals it in for the day. Even on a hot day, when your skin gets oily and sweaty, this holds up really well. I blot when I need to, with a tissue, and the powder stays put. I have no criticisms for this product, it's just great! I could write about this powder forever, because I love it so much, but it would probably only be interesting for me. If anyone has problem skin, or is having trouble finding a nice mineral powder, try it!

COVERGIRL&OLAY Foundation

Covergirl and Olay 'Simply Ageless' Foundation 

Shade: 225

I do realise this is an anti-aging foundation, but I do like some of these types of foundations sometimes, because I find the coverage is excellent. Unfortunately I didn't like this product very much. I found it very thick, and it wouldn't spread evenly, and I found it heavy on my skin, and it was shiny only a few hours after I put it on. I had to re-apply powder a few times, so by the end of the day, I just had so much build-up, it looked super thick, and horrible. I usually like most Olay products, but I'm not a huge fan of Covergirl, I find it a little bit cheap, and not great quality, particularly their foundations. Unfortunately, they haven't impressed me with this product.

ALMAY Clear Complexion Foundation

ALMAY Clear Complexion Foundation

Shade: Sand (600)

This was the first time I've used any Almay product. I really, really liked it, it went on really nice and even. It wasn't super heavy coverage (I didn't slather it on heavily), but I like that for daytime. It stayed on all day, and didn't even look shiny by night time, and I didn't re-powder during the day. A+ for ALMAY!