What's in my Shower?

Since you can never have enough products in the shower to choose from, we have two shower caddies in ours. I prefer to have everything at eye level where I can see it (and thus will be more likely to use it), and I hate having things on the shower floor as they are more prone to get mouldy and gross. 

So... what is in my shower caddies? 

MooGoo Milk Wash* - (review here)
I love this product, it's really moisturising, creamy and basic - for those times where my eczema is playing up or my skin is just generally being shit, this will really calm my skin down. I love the handy pump bottle, meaning I never need to take it out of the caddie. 

J keeps his toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower - mine live next to the bathroom sink because I am not a fan of brushing my teeth in the shower... fun fact. 

Natura Siberica - Oblepikha Shower Gel*

I received this product at a bloggers beauty event a few months ago, and am so happy I discovered this brand. Their products are all organic, using natural ingredients sourced from Siberia. 

This shower gel promises "energizing freshness", and is beautifully fragranced. 

Joico Colour Endure Conditioner

I bought this just before we travelled to New Zealand, and de-canted it into a smaller bottle for my travels. I love that I really don't need a lot of this product for it to work (which is great as my hair is getting so long now, and hair products now get used up so much faster). This conditioner glides through my hair, de-tangles it, and leaves it feeling silky and smooth - after it's air-dried and I run a straightener through it, it's so sleek and beautiful. The product isn't thick and it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave any residue behind. 

Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor*

I pretty much only use razors that have replaceable cartridges. This razor has 5 "curve-sensing" blades, and an electric bikini trimmer on the end. The razor takes 1 AAA battery (included) and is totally waterproof. Which is good, because I only ever shave in the shower. I think what I like most about this razor is the white dots around the razor head contains a water-activated moisturising serum, which moisturises your skin as you shave. I also think it's really convenient that the bottom of the razor has a little stand to prop it up when it's laying flat, preventing it from touching any surfaces. Although I keep mine on a wire rack, so that's not really that necessary for me. 

The waterproof trimmer works really well too, with trimmer guides to assist you in maintaining your desired style / length. 

I bought this shower caddie from Howard's Storage World, and it seriously stores so much stuff. It hangs over the edge of the shower, and it has a little hook which I hang my shower cap up on. I also like that it has room at the bottom for a squeegee - convenient storage as our shower is all glass doors.

Natural World Moroccan Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo (Review here) 

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (Review here) - I love this product, and have used it for years and years. Totally decadent, beautiful, luxurious. 

Skin Theory - Aloe Exfoliating Polish*

I try to exfoliate my skin regularly, so keeping an exfoliator in the bathroom assists with that. This is a manual exfoliation, using micro sea salt crystals. The product itself is quite creamy, and the salt dissolves so it's not scratchy on your skin. There's not really a scent to it, which is good. I love how clean and refreshed my skin feels after using this. 

Unfortunately the entire skin theory range is only available at Amcal chemists (unfortunately because I don't really have one conveniently located to me), but it is super cheap at $10.

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel

This smells exactly like the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, also from Lush. I love this shower gel. Smells incredible, and the scent lingers on your skin. 

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Another product I've used for years and years, have done numerous reviews on, and has appeared quite a few times in my empties posts. I use this as a conditioner when my hair needs some extra love and attention (e.g. right after dyeing it). Leaves my hair feeling and looking healthy, silky smooth, beautiful. 

Milk&Co Face Cleanser* - Review here.

Rosehip Plus Organic Daily Cream Cleanser*

This is a fairly new product, launching in October 2015. I haven't really used many cream cleansers before, but I'm really liking this one. It's a bit heavy, which is awesome for when my skin is dehydrated or dry, but it doesn't really give you that "squeaky clean" feeling, so if that's your jam you may not love this. The thick cream though does help to dissolve your make-up, and I never get my make-up completely removed with gel or foaming cleansers alone. The product contains rosehip oil, jojoba and sea buckthorn. All products are Australian Certified Organic. I'm really impressed with this cleanser. It also smells incredible.

Disclaimer: Products marked with an asterisk (*) were provided for editorial consideration. No brand or PR company have influenced my opinion in any way, shape or form, and all opinions are my own. Links in the post are not affiliate links - I've just linked for your convenience! For further info check out my disclaimer.

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What's In My Rubbish Bin? #2

My last empties post was almost an entire year ago! I should probably make an effort to do this more regularly, because I would have just collecting rubbish, without realising how extensive the pile had become. I have 11 empties to share with you! 

Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

Manicare Nail Polish Remover

I don't really understand how the Sally Hansen polish remover is strengthening when it contains quite a lot of acetone, but alas that is the claim that they make. I liked both of these - the Manicare one didn't have any acetone, but I personally prefer to use nail polish remover that does contain it, so SH wins this round. I have already purchased a new bottle of the SH. 

Loreal Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

This featured in my last empties post, where I proclaimed my love for it, so it's really not surprise that it has shown its face around here again. I did lament in my last post about the disappointment of the new packaging, so for now I'm going to steer clear of re-purchasing and try out what else is out there. 

Priceline Round Cotton Pads

I really didn't like these. I usually buy the Swisspers ones, but these were cheaper so into my basket they went. Unfortunately, they separated upon getting wet, and left cotton-y bits everywhere. Not a fan, won't repurchase. 

John Frieda Radiant Red Daily Conditioner

A friend at work gave me this when I dyed my hair red, as she had it sitting around at home and had no use for it. There was enough for three washes in there. I like how silky and shiny this leaves my hair, but I am dubious about the "colour magnifying" claims, as although the product is bright red, it contains no pigment. I will possibly purchase this and see how I feel about it after using a whole bottle. But only after I make it through whatever other conditioners I have in my shower. 

L'occitane Almond Shower Oil

I have written about this before, in this post. I love this product so much. It smells beautiful, moisturises my skin and is incredibly luxurious. I actually repurchased the "eco" refill bag of this, so I just poured it into the old bottle, and still have some left over to refill once that runs out! 

Rexona Clinical Protection

I feel like I sweat more than normal people. Which is where this handy anti-perspirant comes in. I was pretty impressed with this, it seemed to work. It definitely works better when you follow the instructions and apply it at night. This is a cream product that dispenses out of the top grill like worms when you twist the bottom. I think though that the pressure must build up inside and the product works its way out the top somehow, because sometimes I would open it and there would be lots of cream smooshed into the lid. 

Make-up Store Vitamin Day Primer

I love this primer, and have already purchased another bottle. This is so hydrating, makes my foundation stay on all day and I don't get that weird "separation" that happens with some other primers. When I re-stocked the sales assistant told me they were discontinuing this, which makes me so sad. If you have any recommendations for primer let me know! 

Dove Silky Nourishment Body Cream

I love how easily and quickly this moisturiser sinks into my skin, making my skin soft without leaving it greasy. The tub packaging isn't that ideal due to contamination, but it does make it easy to get out a big scoop, and to use up every last drop. I only really use this on my legs but I did love it. Will probably repurchase. 

Stila Smudge-stick Waterproof Eyeliner

This eyeliner came with my Stila 'In the Light' palette. It's creamy, soft and glides on the eyes without tugging. This eyeliner is really pigmented - the colour is brown, but could almost pass for being black. I had about a centimetre left of product on this, when I accidentally broke it. I would definitely repurchase this, and would love to try some of the other colours that Stila have on offer.

Maybelline Eye-Studio Gel Eyeliner

This one technically isn't an empty, as it had gone dry well before then, so I decided to throw it out. This gel eyeliner is my go-to for creating cat eyes. Gel liner is generally a lot easier to work with than liquid liner, and this one in particular is really black, and stays on the lid for hours. I have already repurchased.

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My Handbag Essentials!

I've done a few 'what's in my bag' posts in the past. These days I tend to switch between a backpack for uni and a handbag for work, and a small shoulder bag when I'm just quickly heading out. Today I thought I'd share with you the select items that I always make sure I interchange when swapping my items in and out of bags! I keep everything in a small rose gold mesh pouch I picked up from Mimco. 

I always carry a little pocket-sized mirror. Useful for applying lipstick and touching up makeup, and useful for checking that you don't have food on your face between your teeth. Pretty sure I picked this one up at Priceline for a couple of buck-a-roos. I always carry some ibuprofen around with me as well, for headaches, cramps, muscle aches and for handing out when my other lady friends have similar problems. 

I always carry a hand cream. At the moment it's L'occitane's Rose Aurore. This is a really sweet-smelling light-weight hand cream, and it's perfect for the warmer weather. I normally switch to something a bit heavier during winter. I always carry lipbalm and whatever lipstick I'm wearing that day. I keep a stash of Maybelline's Baby Lips Colour for days I forget to apply lippy, and I've been really liking the Chapstick Everyday Lip Care for general lip nourishment. This contains aloe vera and vitamin E, which is really hydrating.

I was sent this cute packet of Flugs* the other week, and immediately stashed them in my bag. The idea behind them is that when you break the strap on your thongs (the ones you wear on your feet!) you clip the little butterfly insert on, and it fixes them! (There are better instructions on the website here) Genius! And they're Aussie made and owned, and you know how I love supporting Aussie businesses! I'll be honest and admit I haven't tried them out yet, and didn't feel like breaking my thongs to do so, but I don't see how they would not work. But, I thought they're too cute and small, and too good of an idea to not carry with me. I wear thongs a lot, and to think something so cheap can fix my beloved thongs should they break is amazing! You can buy them online here.

I also always carry some perfume with me. I discovered travalo's a couple of years ago, fell in love and since then have amassed a couple. I love them because they're really small, they don't take up much space and they won't shatter and break, spilling perfume throughout my bag. 

What are the essential products you carry with you?

Disclaimer: Items listed with an asterix (*) were sent to me for editorial consideration. This has not influenced my review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Check out my disclaimer for further details. 



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L'occitane Lovable Shea Collection

L'occitane are one of my favourite, favourite skincare brands. Their products are so decadent, I always feel so lush and special when I use them. 

I also love the mini collections L'occitane release; at the moment you can purchase this loveable shea collection for $50, or for $25 when you spend $60. I picked up some stuff for my brother for his birthday, so was eligible for the offer. I love shea and thought this was really good value for the products you get.

You can choose the colour of the little bag it all comes in; I went with purple. The bag seems to be made from cotton and seems pretty durable, I think it would be good for travelling. 

Inside the pack you get a full sized shea butter hand cream, a 10mL shea butter foot cream, a 75mL shea butter ultra rich body lotion, a 74mL shea butter ultra rich shower cream and a 100g milk extra-gentle soap.

I've only tried out a few of the products, but I love the creamy scent of the shea butter. Of course, the entire range is super hydrating; I love the body lotion and the hand cream. I'm yet to try the other three products, but I feel like they'll probably be just as amazing. I'm thinking of maybe saving them for when the weather cools down a little.

I think this little set would make a fantastic V-day gift, or even for mother's day! (because that will surely be here before we know it eep!)

Have you tried the shea butter collection from L'occitane before?



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What's in my bag?

I think that one of the nice things about getting a new bag is re-visiting and re-thinking about what you keep with you every day. 

I got this bag for Christmas, and I'm so, so happy with it. It's got lots of little compartments inside, a section for your laptop, and it includes a key chain (which is such an awesome feature!), and it has a nice big pocket on the front. I love the structured look of the bag, and I love that although the straps are quite long there's also the option of using the shoulder strap.

Although the bag is quite big and roomy, I do try to limit what I carry with me on a day to day basis...

The essentials. 

I don't leave the house without a water bottle, and I love this one from Bobble. It has an in-built charcoal filter to filter the water as you drink, but I just really love the size. The best thing is you can change the filter, which adds more life to the bottle as you don't get year-old germs on the mouthpiece (gross!)

I've also tried to start being more aware of the money I'm spending, so I carry this little Budget Book with me and write down all my expenses. It seems to be working so far. 

I picked up a small notebook to stash in my bag without weighing it down - it's perfect for jotting down blog ideas and thoughts on the go without takign up too much space. It is a paperback, so it will probably eventually get trashed, but it cost me $2 so I'm hardly complaining.

Medical-wise, I carry my enzyme tablets with me, for when I feel like eating something I'm not supposed to - this helps ease my IBS symptoms (TMI?), and I carry my ventolin with me, always.

My Kobo reader I got for Christmas lives in the front pocket of the bag. I still need to buy a case for it, but for the moment I love that it has it's own little home where it will stay safe. 

Phone and wallet are standard bag-essentials, I think. Check out this post to see what's in my wallet.

I also carry my day planner with me (check out this post for more about that) to help me keep organised and keep track of what I'm supposed to be doing, and when. 

I picked up a point and shoot camera in the boxing day sales, so I keep that in my bag as well. It's nice to be able to have a decent camera with me at all times to take photos of things that inspire me.

I keep all my beauty bits and pieces together in this medium sized, rose-gold Mimco pouch. 

I will usually switch bits and pieces in and out of here depending on what I'm wearing on my face that day, but the general contents are as follows;

I usually keep the Australis Fresh and Flawless pressed powder (Review) Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice  (Review) and the Nivea Essential Care. I keep some minty breath spray for freshening up between meals on the go. 

I usually only keep one 'scented item' with me, but I clearly hadn't cleaned out my pouch when I photographed this. I have two travalo's and fill them with one of my perfumes for touch ups when I'm out. I also have a couple of samples; the ones in the photo are DKNY Be Delicious and Katy Perry Killer Queen.

I also always carry whatever lip product I'm wearing with me. (Again I hadn't cleaned it out), but I have the Bourjois Colour Boost Glossy Lipstick. 

I also have a mirrored lipstick holder that I got from my Aunt for my 21st, and I love this for storing lippies so they don't break in my bag. 

I generally try to keep it minimal, but now that I've written it out, it seems a bit excessive. 

What do you carry around with you? How do I measure up compared to you? 

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Best of: The Products I LOVED in 2013

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October Skincare Routine

It's been just over 6 months since my last skincare routine post. I've been using some new products lately, so thought I'd update you all on how that's going. At the moment my skin is looking better than it ever has, and there's definitely a few products that take responsibility for that.

For the most part this is a simple outline of my routine:
Morning: Wash, Pat Dry, Moisturiser, Sunscreen.
Night Time: First cleanse, eye make up removal, second cleanse, exfoliate, toner, treatment and serum

My Week in Pictures #36

 

Wore my hair curly...to J's surprise it wasn't for any special occassion, but merely because I had some extra time in the morning. 

Rommy has taken sitting on our shoulders to a whole new level, and perched himself up on my arm. Cutie cat. 

 

Dropped into L'occitane to pick up my dad a father's day gift...and to pick myself up one of their new serums.  I also decided to try the local bike track, on my way to my dad's place and was pleasantly surprised that it goes along parks and rivers. So peaceful!

 

FINALLY GOT THAT PENCIL DOWN MOTHERIUCKERS GUYS! 

I have been working on this move for a solid 6 months. Probably longer. Nothing quite beats that rush of adrenaline of achieving something you've worked so hard on. 

Check out my instagram for videos!

 

 Oh Sydney, you have blessed us with beautiful weather the past week! Spring is OFFICIALLY here, and I am too keen. I took my studies outside in the backyard. Very pleased to report the tree that overhangs our yard is starting to get its leaves back. Winter is over, yo!

 

Nommed on a croissant while catching up with one of the girls at work who has practically left us *sob* 

Also seriously lusting over these teacups in T2...just saying, if you feel like buying me one, go right ahead. 

 

This one really needs no words.  

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