February Favourites

*Cover FX custom blot drops oil control - This product can be mixed in with your foundation to create a more matte finish and help control oil throughout the day. However, I like to apply this over my face like a primer. Although this isn't a primer, the decrease in oil has definitely made my makeup last longer. This has become a staple for my makeup, especially when I know I'll be wearing makeup for a prolonged period of time.

*Bondi Sands everyday gradual tanning milk - I love this product! It does everything I want in a gradual tanner. A little goes a long way so I don't feel like I have to constantly go out and buy more. It dries really quickly, which is something that other tanning products lack. There is definitely a noticeable difference in my skin tone after I use this, but nothing crazy. It looks very very natural and is never streaky or patchy. I find that if I apply this every couple of nights my skin remains bronzed with a healthy glow. It looks like I've had a short holiday at the beach and I love it! 

*Calvin Klein CK2 - This unisex fragrance has been all I've used this past month. Its sweet but not too floral and overpowering. And it has a scent similar to men's cologne which I love. I think this works great as a fresh fragrance during the day or a sultry scent at night.

* Herbal Essences Drama Clean shampoo - for a brand that's so affordable, I'm really impressed with how thouroughly this cleans my hair. My hair can get oily rather quickly so I was looking for a shampoo that cleans my hair really well and keeps oil at bay. I feel like this really does that. I also love that it lathers up really foamy.

*NYX intense butter gloss in tres leches - With all the hype surrounding matte lipsticks I hadn't used a gloss in a really long time. And to be honest I thought of glosses being slippery, not lasting long and also bleeding onto my skin. Having said this I was really drawn to the range of lip products NYX has, and the colours they offer in their glosses. I now use this gloss all the time! The colour is beautiful, it is dark pinky nude that goes well with every kind of makeup look. I'm most impressed with the formula. Its more sticky than slippery so I find it lasts really well and the pigment is really strong. Yes you will still need to touch up throughout the day especially on the inner lips, but it lasts a lot longer than I expected. Also this gloss smells amazing! Its sweet like cake frosting but it's not overpowering. Definitely recommend checking out this range of intense butter glosses.

*Urban Decay all nighter makeup setting spray - I know I'm late to this trend, and this spray has been used by every makeup artist and beauty blogger. But it's for good reason. Covering my entire face with this once I finish my makeup really locks everything in and ensures it will last ages. I used this for my graduation formal and my makeup lasted hours and hours of dancing and fun. Perfect a night out.

*Rimmel London lasting finish primer - similar to the custom blot drops, this primer has really helped my makeup last longer and prevent excess oil. It does everything that I want a primer to do. 

*NYX matte bronzer in medium - When I first purchased this bronzer I wasn't too happy with the colour. I was used to using the Hoola bronzer by benefit, and in comparison this NYX one is much more warm toned and almost orange on my skin. Having said this, I've been reaching for this a lot more throughout the hot Australian summer. I think now that my skin is a bit more tanned, this warmer tone looks much nicer. It has great pigment and applies well. And it lasts really well throughout the day even if I do start to sweat. I recommend this for olive and tan skin tones, but not so much for paler skin or dull skin through the winter. 

*Quick fix facials brightening peel mask - I wouldn't say this mask is amazing, but for something so cheap it does a pretty good job. It adds a subtle healthy glow to the face which is nice. And I think using this roughly once a week has helped keep my skin clear and bright. I also love that this is so gentle on the skin and doesn't hurt to peel off

Bella x

Coconut oil is the New Best Moisturiser!

Skin care alert! Yes you read the title correctly, coconut oil has become my new favourite face moisturiser. 

I have combination skin. I have very oily areas and then there are areas like my nose which can also get quite dry. I've tried a lot of different moisturisers in my time, and unfortunately a lot of them leave my skin feeling even oilier and greasier. I've also found that a lot of these products add to the clogging of pores around my T-zone, which is exactly what I want to avoid. 

So recently I thought about trying coconut oil instead. I already use it in body scrubs and occasionally on my hair, so why not use it on my face. And I have to say, a change so simple has done wonders for my skin!

I've continued doing my skin care routine as normal, and then to moisturise I just put a little bit of the oil on a cotton ball and wipe it over my face.

Although I am covering my face in oil each night, my skin has generally been a lot less oily! And in turn there has been noticeably less gunk in my pores, and less breakouts.

When I wake up in the morning I also notice my skin has more of a healthy glow to it. These are all great little wins for me! In fact I haven't reached for my foundation in quite a while because to be honest I feel so comfortable in my skin and I know it doesn't need any serious coverage. 

I think my skin loves this because it's 100% natural. I often find that natural products work more effectively for me, and I feel better for using them. 

It feels great to have skin that feels clean, clear, hydrated and refreshed. I know this simple tip has done wonders for me and my face is thankful, so I can't recommend this enough.

Bella x