Life Lately #1

I feel like a record on repeat by constantly saying this, but how quick is the year going guys? No matter how many times I've said it (and it has been many), I still can't seem to grasp how fast time is going as of late. Wasn't it just Christmas like ahhhh a couple of days a go? Now it's almost my 21st birthday in two weeks (but how old I'm getting and the despair the ensues is a post for another day)!

Despite the issues I'm having with time, I've decided to introduce a new type of post on my blog, just a little something something that is a bit more personal and a little bit of a recap of my life lately. Not quite sure how often I'll be posting this (guess that depends on how busy my days are) but I just wanted to offer a different glimpse of my (non-beauty obsessed) life.  These posts will be fairly photo heavy, so if you're not a fan of the good old photograph run along darling.

Last Saturday was the farewell party for one of my longest friends. The lucky gal is going on exchange to Spain for a whole year! Her farewell was held at Cargo Bar in Darling Harbor in Sydney and just dinner, a few drinks and bit of dancing to celebrate our last days with her. We also spent the night at the Meritton in Circular Quay.

We can pull some pretty lovely faces, this was the normal of the bunch. And yes, my regrowth is getting prettyyyyyy bad. I'm kinda stuck in a hair funk and have no idea what to do with it so I'm just growing it out. Any suggestions are very welcome!

I also went to the Aquarium! Yes, the aquarium! Some  work buddies and I decided it would be a good idea considering we haven't been since we were young. If you live in Sydney and haven't done it or gone in a while, I suggest you go! It was plenty of fun letting out my inner child and oooh-ing and ahhh-ing over all the sea creatures.

 Typical shark teeth photo and Sarah being uber amazed by the shark tank.

My favourite sea animal is probably the dugong,  which I guess is the Australian version of the Manatee. To me it is comparable to sea cow, though its more closely related to an elephant and it's constantly eating. I am love with it's fatness (if that is even a word), I mean just look at it! Tell me it isn't adorable.

Sydney weather has been quite lovely as of late so we decided to go down to Kiama Beach for the dau, which is south of Sydney. We spent the day rock climbing (me, reluctantly) around Kiama blow hole and attempting to get a tan on the beach, I have mentioned how white I am right? Beside that, isn't the view lovely?

What you have you been up to lately? Do you like these personal type posts? Let me know!

Chantalle X

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation | Review

It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Bourjois foundation. Their Healthy Mix foundation was one of my first foundations (that I still well and truly love) and has an ongoing mention on my blog. So it goes without a doubt that I was itching to get my hands on their newest member to the (foundation) family, Happy Light. The packaging claims that this foundation has the ability to give 'luminous and flawless complexion in any light.' Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? I know I'm not alone when it comes to worrying about how my make-up looks in different lighting, and if this foundation could put my worries to rest, well beauties I'm pretty much sold.

The packaging also claims that the foundation corrects without masking, contains translucent pigments and has 8hrs worth of hydration. Now, I have oily skin so a hydrating and an illuminating foundation isn't typically what I go for, I'm a matte girl through and through. But I thought to myself why not give it a try anyway?

I bought it in the shade No 52 Beige Clair as I am usually a No 52 in other Bourjois foundations however I think this is slightly darker in comparison to Healthy Mix. As usual, I love the plastic glass type of bottle that foundation comes in. It's sturdy, clean, and easy to use and travel with. The foundation itself has a faint smell that reminds me of sunscreen. The texture when applied to skin is a satin finish, just a bit dewy but not so much so that it looks oily on application. The coverage is light to medium, depending on how much you apply. I used about 2 to 3 pumps and that was more than enough to cover some of my acne scars using a buffing brush. Some redness and scaring was still visible but it still looked quite natural so I was fine with it.

I love the feel of this foundation, it's light and doesn't feel like you have any foundation on at all. However, I feel that it doesn't have great lasting power. Despite using setting powder, I found that I had to touch up my make-up after about 4 hours of wear. It also starts to look quite oily and separated across my nose and most of my t-zone.  So, for any other oily skin gals out there, this isn't great for days with long hours ahead. In comparison to Healthy Mix, this has more of a tinted moisturiser feel and Healthy Mix defiantly has more coverage. All in all, this is a great foundation if you want light coverage and probably best suited for days when you won't be out for too long. Once again, Bourjois has another hit with foundation.

What do you think of Happy Light?

Chantalle X

Beauty Favourites of 2013

While many say it's never a good thing to dwell on the past I am going to be a little rebel and do some dwelling. 2013 may already be done and dusted and 2014 is well upon us, I want to take a look back on my favourite beauty products of 2013. Last year was a big year for me in terms of beauty, I started this blog and well and truly embraced my love of all things beauty, and so I've been itching all year to write out this post. I decided to select a small range of the products that have been well loved and have been my most reached for items instead of writing a massive post, because honestly we could be here all year before I really finish rattling off all my favourite products. So, let us begin! 

Bioderma Crealine H20- I have already sung (extensive) praise for this here but let me just say that this make up remover is easily a HG product for me and my skincare routine has not been the same since introducing this product.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-oxidant facial Toner - I have also mentioned this toner in one of my empties post that can be found here. It is a tad pricey but without a doubt the quality of the product is well worth the price. I started using this about mid year around June and I haven't looked back.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - If I had to pick one product as my favourite for the year this would have to be it. Since it's purchase I have probably used it every day unless I was going out some where a little bit fancy or if I wanted a look that was a little less matte. I love the neutral colours and I always use when I'm in a rush for fail safe look. I have also reviewed this extensively in this post.

MAC Face and Body Foundation- I love this foundation for the light and dewy coverage that it gives. To me it is similar to tinted moisturizer and is great for days when you want a bit of coverage but don't want heavy or cakey make up (no one really wants that but what I'm trying to say is that you can barely feel it on!)

Toni & Guy Glamour Shine & Anti Frizz Serum Drops - I haven't been using this for long and I received it as a gift from one of my internships but it is easily one of my favourite hair products. It has a great scent and is also darling for managing my unruly mane. My hair isn't curly but can get quite frizzy in heat and humidity. My hair can also get quite oily but this serum is the first I have found that doesn't make that worse!

Essie nail polish in Bikini So Teeny- Easily one of my most reached for nail polishes this year! I love the way this blue matches my oh so pale skin regardless of the weather or season!

MAC Lipstick in Ravishing - This is (almost) my favourite MAC lipstick at the moment. It is a cremesheen so it is easy to apply and is quite long lasting. It is a peachy coral that I adore and I find myself working it into many of my make up looks.

Benefit Ooh La Lift- I have mentioned this product in my Feb Faves and ever since then I still use it quite a bit (probably because I still don't get much sleep).

NARS blush in Luster- My fave blush at the moment and all year, hands down (and closely followed by MAC Stereo Rose). I love how this is peachy and shimmery but not too pink, so it's great for daily and subtle contour if you don't want a full blush and bronzo duo.

Stila eye shadow in Kitten - Other than the Naked Basics, this is my second go to eye shadow, if you don't have this you need it in your life stat.

L'Occitane Delicious Hands hand cream with almond milk- Throughout 2013 I developed a huge love for hand cream. Coupling this with my love for almond milk, this hand cream was love at first sight. It is a bit small and I am running out but the small-ness is what makes it great to take it around with me everywhere.

Maxfactor False Lash Effect Mascara- And last but not least my favourite mascara this year. Between you and me, I am on my third tube and have about another 3 in back up supply. Whenever this goes on sale or is discounted I'm there! Quite possibly my HG daily mascara. 

Do have any 2013 favourite in my list? If not, what are some of yours?

Chantalle X