January Favourites

Hello there!

Ahh January, the month where all of my high new year's expectations go out the window! But it's not all that bad, because I found some new products I love and some golden oldies! I hope you enjoy my favourites for this month, if you would like me to review the products I haven't already, leave me a comment!

1. Lush Jackie Oates Colour Supplement

I love this stuff, if you haven't seen grav3yardgirl's video on it, you should check it out ASAP. Being a pasty white person, finding the right foundation shade is like looking for a needle in a haystack, everything usually goes a funny colour on me, but I've been mixing this product into my foundation and tada! I am no longer an orange, a peach or a pineapple! I am my pasty self! Hurrah!

2. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

I mentioned this product in my eczema post which you can check out HERE, and it is just good old moisturiser than doesn't irritate my skin. A must for anyone with sensitive skin.

3. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess

If you want to see my review of this beauty, just scroll down some more or click HERE. This product is beautiful, and I can't say one bad thing about it.

4. Tangle Teezer

I have loved Tangle Teezers for years, but I recently needed a new one, and I found this baby on Urban Outfitters. My hair is usually a giant mane of mess and knots, and this has helped keep my hair looking sleek and knot free for longer. Plus it's addictive, I do love brushing my hair.

5. MAC Russian Red Lipstick

I know this is probably an odd choice for summer, but I adore this shade. It's matte, so I don't end up smudging it everywhere like I do with the shade Ladybug which is a lot creamier and glossy. It's a bit darker than a classic red, but it goes with a lot of the clothes I wear as it's on the same sort of colour palette. I think this is my favourite MAC lipstick.

Another month gone! I hope you guys had a lovely January, and I will see you soon in February!

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess

Hello again!

Today I'm getting back to being a cheery little reviewer!

Recently my best friend went on a cruise and brought me back this gem from duty free. It's the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, I'm not entirely sure if there's a shade or if Bronze Goddess is the shade, but you guys will know what I mean and it shouldn't be too hard to find online.

I'm not being bias when I saw I absolutely love this, it's so smooth, blends well and is a really nice colour for my pasty skin tone. It's not muddy either. It has little bits of gold glitter, but the product itself is quite matte, but it is a bit odd they called their shimmery bronzer matte. I like that it has a huge mirror and the packaging is quite sturdy.

There isn't much else I can really say, other than I like it a lot more than my Bourjois chocolate bronzer, which sometimes gets this funny lumpy stuff on top of it and is in a flimsy, crappy looking package. The Estee Lauder bronzer also comes with a circular brush, and it's not a really bad quality one at that.

Just a nice quick review today! Hope you are all having an amazing January, it's nearly over!

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Fragrance

Hello there!

I'm sorry there haven't been regular posts lately, I have actually been feeling pretty low and yucky lately and it's been hard trying to find inspiration. I hope you guys don't mind, I have missed blogging though!

Anyway! Today, let's have a chat about the most recent Viktor & Rolf fragrance, Bonbon. I bought this quite a while back actually, but it was so expensive that I've been saving it and only using it occasionally. I only have the 30ml tiny version so I'm going to be really sad when I run out.

I'm not entirely sure how to describe the notes and all that jazz, but in my own words, I would say it smells like a very refined lolly, hence the name Bonbon. Online it says it has notes of orange and caramel and to be honest I can't smell them at all, I think this fragrance is a mix of fruity, floral and rich, creamy smells, so it's hard to pinpoint what it is that makes it so good. It could be a little too sickly sweet for some people's tastes, and perhaps not great for older women. It lasts really well which is always a bonus when you find an amazing fragrance.

I think the packaging is so chic and the colour of the bottle is gorgeous, I think it's classy and fun at the same time. I'm just sad it's so expensive, otherwise I would drench myself in this stuff!

Just a quick little review today, sorry guys, but I have been brainstorming and you will be hearing more from me soon!

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

How I Deal With Eczema

Hello there!

If you read my last post, you'll know I am currently recovering from a severe case of hives because of an allergic reaction, and I am having a really bad case of dry skin. I normally have eczema, and although it's not a very glamorous thing to talk about, I thought I would share some of the products I like to use to combat dry, angry skin, as I think a lot of people suffer from it. I have used a wide range of products, so here are a few that I have found actually work!

For everyday use, I'm pretty lazy when it comes to moisturising, so I love products that soak in fast. I have found that the Kenkay Skin Relief Sorbolene has been the fastest drying sorbolene I have ever used, and is hydrating for a reasonable amount of time. I use this on my face before applying makeup as it works best for me and also before bed and after showers. It's a nice, cheap way to properly hydrate my skin, because when it comes to having eczema, I find that the products you might think are boring or basic are usually the best. On occasion, I like to use the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, I find it doesn't dry as fast and it doesn't work as well when I put makeup on top, so it's good for when my skin is on the drier side. I don't think one product is better than the other, so I usually just chop and change between the two.

I love scented body wash just as much as the next person, but I think the QV Gentle Wash actually does my skin some good whilst cleaning it. It's understandable to want to buy scented body washes, but sacrificing having a nice smell for a while in the shower for a product that actually moisturises is a better option, and plus it doesn't clash with your perfume!

I've mentioned the Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water before, and I've used it a lot during my allergic reaction, and I find it so handy. It helps a lot when your skin is a little too dry to have foundation on, as it helps the product blend, and it's great for throughout the day when your face is drying up a bit and starting to cake, you can spray it on top of makeup and I find it doesn't smudge it. It doesn't make my skin itchy or flare up and it's easy and fast to use.

For times when my skin is freaking out and needs a huge amount of hydration, especially if it's itchy or peeling from dryness, I use the QV flare up range. I especially love the Bath Oil, as it leaves an oily residue on your skin so you don't have to moisturise after you have a bath. I would recommend having a bath with this before bed because of the residue. With the Cream, I wouldn't recommend putting this on large areas of skin, as it takes a long time to dry and if it's hot and you're wearing clothes, you'll start to feel uncomfortable pretty quickly. I think it's good for small, very dry patches. It can make you itchy if you get too hot.

So there you go guys! I hope I didn't confuse you all or just talk nonsense. We all suffer from some form of dry skin at some point, so I hope you can have these products in mind when dryness hits. Remember that even though these products might seem boring or even medicinal, they will be doing your skin some good as oppose to fun looking scented products.

Also, a little update! I now have links to some social stuff and my Etsy shop in the side bar, you should have a little browse!

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

My Favourite Candle : Glasshouse Tahaa Candle

Hello everyone!

I've missed you! Unfortunately I had the worst allergic reaction of my life, was in and out of hospital twice and needed some time to recover. Sorry guys! But last night as a I was taking a bath filled with QV to help my skin, I noticed I hadn't burnt my favourite candle in a while, so I lit it and I remembered how amazing it is. I'm sorry mine's a bit grubby but it is a little old and loved.

The Glasshouse Tahaa Vanilla Caramel scented candle has to be one of the most delicious, addictive candles I've ever owned. If you live in Australia, you may recognise it as the scent they burn in Peter Alexander, which is a really nice pyjama store. I always go in there not only to be enveloped in this gorgeous scent, but also because of my love for comfy clothes and sleepwear. As they burn this smell there, when I burn it at home it makes me feel so relaxed and warm, it's like someone baked the most delicious cupcakes in your house. It's very sweet, and may be almost too sweet for some but I don't find it sickly and it doesn't give me a headache.

I only have the small one wick version because they are a little pricey like any nice candle is, but I will splurge when I burn this one up. I received it as a gift quite a while ago, so I don't know exactly how much it is, but I can say I've had it for a long time and it has lasted well. It's the first candle I've owned that came with instructions, it says you can only burn it between half an hour and 2 hours, which I guess you don't have to pay attention to if the state of the candle doesn't matter to you.

So there you go guys! A nice short post today, but I thought I'd update you on where I've been. I hope you guys understand, but now I'm better I'll be blogging away as usual!

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

Mental Health

Hello there!

Today is going to be a very different post, and it may or may not be your cup of tea, but I feel like my blog is somewhere that I can open up and express myself and a little safe place for me and you as well. It doesn't matter if you have never been on my blog before or if you have read lots of my posts, I still like to think of you as someone I can talk to.

For at least 5 or 6 years now, I have dealt with a whole range of mental health disorders. I have social and generalised anxiety, depression and on occasion panic attacks. I know, I know, yet another person sharing their anxiety story, but if you aren't interested it's fine, but I just want to let people know that I'm not just some machine that reviews things and has no emotion. I hope that I can be here for any of you and that you can be here for me too. In the future I might make individual posts about the different things I deal with, but for now here's a quick overview.

My Social Anxiety

For a long time I had awful social anxiety. I would avoid public speaking like the plague, I would have immense trouble ordering food or paying for things on my own, and I still do to some degree. I don't have many friends, because I find it hard having something to say to people I don't know. I have learned to live with it in some aspects, and I personally think that's the best way to go about it. I know how embarrassing it is to be shaking in front of a room of people staring at you, or yawning during your speech, but the only way to feel good about the situation is to power on and get through it as best you can. Who is really going to remember or care? No one worth knowing is the answer.

My Generalised Anxiety and Panic Disorder

I am a very tightly wound person, and this means I'm basically stressed about the past, present and future nearly all the time, which is unhealthy and it means I deal with insomnia and panic attacks. Sometimes I will be lying awake at night because I can't decide what to wear to an event or party for example. I feel as though my anxiety is quite time based if that makes any sense. I'm always having to plan the exact time I need to do X so I can do Y so I can get to Z and a certain time, and I spend forever doing this and recalculating what I need to be doing. This also adds to my insomnia as I am always telling myself I need to sleep at a certain time so I can wake up at a certain time, and it's a vicious cycle. Anxiety is different from person to person, but it never hurts to have sympathy and compassion for others who suffer with it, especially if they are prone to having panic attacks.

My Depression

Depression in my life changes on a day to day basis. Some days I will wake up and feel like going out into the world and experiencing new things and being around people, and other days I want to sleep the whole day away and never speak to anyone ever again. If you ever feel isolated like I tend to when I'm depressed, never hesitate to seek help, and if you aren't comfortable seeking it from people around you, you need to know there are people who are employed to help you. Personally, because I have social anxiety, I find it hard expressing my feelings over the phone, so I use the beyondblue emailing service and they kindly give good self help advice as well as the steps you can take to see someone professional. You are never alone, and even if you don't feel like it, someone out there would miss you like hell if you were gone.

So there's just a quick and simple overview of what I deal with, unfortunately these issues are quite a large part of my life, but I find so much comfort in putting my mind to things like this blog. I encourage you to find something you love doing, or perhaps start a blog. It doesn't matter who sees, it doesn't matter what it's about, but as long as it takes you mind off the bad situation it's worth it.

Au Revoir!

Zoe.x

December Favourites

Hello there!

I hope I'm not too late to doing my December favourites today! I apologise for the bad lighting in these pictures, it's half natural half artificial. Oops. I promise I'll get the hang of everything.

Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water

This stuff is seriously addictive, I bought the huge bottle because it was on sale at Priceline a few weeks ago, and I have used this so much already, especially because it has been a disgusting summer here in Australia. It is so nice to mist over areas you have just shaved as well, and if you spray it over makeup it doesn't ruin it. Love love love.

Taylor Swift Incredible Things Perfume

If you read my blog post dedicated to this perfume, you'll know that I love it because it's vanilla based, I think the packaging is gorgeous and there isn't anything I don't like about it! You should definitely give it a smell if you see it.

Zoella Beauty Guinea Pig Makeup Case

This is so cute. I needed this in my life. I love Zoella and I have looked up to her for such a long time and even though I don't personally know her, I am still proud of her for coming out with such a beautiful range. I'm hoping to nab some of the pampering products, but they're always out of stock unfortunately.

Toni & Guy Prep Smoothing Detangler

I hadn't used this product in a while because I don't really care about my hair as much as I should, but now that I've started taking the time to blow dry my hair, I've been popping some of this in beforehand as well as heat protective spray and it makes it easier for me to brush through my tangly hair.

Maybelline Make Up Remover Eye & Lip

I used this product for my L'Oreal mascara, and although it does take a few tries, it takes it off so much better than a makeup wipe ever could. You do need to shake it up before you use it, as it has a blue oil that needs to mix with the clear liquid part. I'm impressed with this considering it was $5 at the supermarket.

So there you go guys! I hope your December was magical and festive, and I'm excited to try out new things this year!

Au revoir!

Zoe.x