Digging... Beauty

Let's be honest: I am often gifted with a lot of free cosmetics and products. Because of this, I am constantly trying new brands (A.K.A. grabbing whatever my hand touches first when I reach into the drawer). There are always clear favourites though. You know, those miracle products that just work and make you think to yourself, "what the crap was I using before I discovered this?" 

Behold, the standout products that I revere and adore!

Burt's Bees Carrot Nutritive Day Creme

This moisturiser is lovely and smooth but above all, I like Burt's Bees because of their ethics - they don't test on animals and all of their packaging is designed to have the lowest environmental impact possible.

Bio-Oil

I am convinced that Bio-Oil is magical. When I was modelling in Tokyo a few years ago, my friends and I were dancing in a club and some silly man was flailing his arms about whilst holding a cigarette (you can still smoke indoors in Japan. Gross.) and he burned me in the crook of my right elbow. I did not anoint the spot with Bio-Oil until about one year later, but it vanished in a matter of weeks. C'est magique! 

Napoleon Perdis Summer Sun Self Tanning Spray

I don't fake tan often, as it might not be the look that a certain client wants. Plus, I'm not very good at it (orange and smelly one minute, patchy the next? Too hard). But the glorious Napoleon Perdis has eliminated hassle with his Summer Sun Self Tanning Spray. It's super easy to do yourself, does not require rinsing and smells like chocolatey coconuts!

Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum

I would love to have one fragrance that is just "me", encapsulating my personality and enchanting strangers. Alas, I am far too fickle. I get bored of certain scents and I really don't think it is possible for a single fragrance to take one from day to night and through all seasons. Gucci by Gucci, however, has remained my night fragrance - I find it too thick and cloying to wear during daylight hours - for two years, and I still feel invigorated when applying it. 

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Skin Primer

I'm a strong advocate of taking those timely extra steps before applying make-up. If I haven't done so in a day or two, I will use a facial scrub. I always do a face mask (I'm yet to track one down that is worthy of "favourite" status), followed by moisturiser and then this silky soft primer. Hello, perfect make-up base.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment

If you live in Australia, you've probably known about this since birth, when it was being used on your nappy rash. And beestings. And cuts, scrapes, chapped lips, dry skin, burns... Shall I go on? If you haven't heard of it, track it down, stat!

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

I don't often wear make-up in the daytime, but I will always curl my eyelashes before running out the door. Shu Uemura do it best: these bad boys are a cult item for a reason. 

Napoleon Perdis Light Diffusing MakeUp

I love this so much that I am guilty of wearing it at night, SPF and all! I'm not a huge fan of full-on foundations, but this is very light and glowy. I often use it in place of concealer, when I am time-poor or can't be bothered with all of that dabbing and pressing. 

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer

This concealer is great for under-eye baggage (I'm prone to churning through emails until 3AM) and never appears cakey or too "obvious".

Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder Foundation

I've mentioned this baby on here previously, but its wondrousness is worth re-iterating! Appear pore- and shine-free with the mere flick of a make-up sponge. 

Benefit Benetint Rose-tinted Lip and Cheek Stain

I love blush and find it quite underrated, largely ignored by the multitude of ladies struggling with bronzer addiction and foundation dependence. Dabbed on cheeks, Benetint is long-lasting and gives a dewy glow, brightening the complexion in the way only blush can. The drawback: it also stains your dabbing finger. But I could probably fix that with make-up remover before going out, huh.

Face of Australia Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner can be pretty scary to use, but applying this is a cinch and whilst it is long-wearing, mistakes are easy to correct with nothing more than a damp cotton swab or tissue. Further kudos to Face of Australia for being 100% opposed to animal testing.

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

I've never understood the obsession with that Maybelline Great Lash mascara in the pink and green tube. It is not that great. And this is so much better! I do find that I have to scrape some excess mascara from the wand before application, but when I wear it, I often receive lash-related compliments.

Unfortunately for my fellow Australians, this is not available on our shores; I always stock up when I'm overseas.

Napoleon Perdis DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Hara

This lipstick doesn't dry out lips and is such an exciting colour! I can't wait until Summer to break it out again. 

M.A.C Lipstick in Lady Danger

As far as I'm concerned, M.A.C. can do no wrong. Well, except for constantly removing wonderful lipstick hues from their product line. What is up with that? Bring back Tomango!

Face of Australia Luxe Nail Enamel in Cotton Candy

FOA nail polish dries quickly and won't chip for days. Plus there are so many cute shades to choose from! My current favourites are this pale tangerine/pink hue and the lovely mushroom greige below.

Face of Australia Luxe Nail Enamel in Foxy Roxy

So simple and chic. Love!

O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

I am always impressed with brands that take on an existing, popular product and somehow gain the monopoly on it, like Havaianas did with thongs and O.P.I did with nail polish. Racks of O.P.I Nail Lacquer line the walls of every manicurist and pedicurist in the land! Mmm, so many shades...

April xx