Sample Queen #5 Bioderma Nourishing Cream

Hello Everyone and welcome to sample week!!

How cute is this little sample!

I am very happy to start this very special week with you all, as this is the first feature week I have done on the blog and I think it is just so much fun. What can I say, I just love writing my blog!

I recently tried the Bio Derma Nourishing Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin. I can't remember which box I got this from but I had two little 8ml tubes of this product so I have been trying it out for a long enough time to decide whether I would like to continue with it. Pesonally I think the 8ml was a great size to get and the little tubes lasted over a week each! I find moisturisers a little goes a long way!

The consistency of the moisturiser is very wet/ Liquid is is not a firm cream and it can be a little messy when squeezing the product out. Though I it's thinnest means the moisturiser is lighter and don't take forever to sink into the skin. I used this as a day time moisturiser although it could easily be used as a night time one as well, although I tend to prefer thicker creams or oils at night time.

I feel that even though this is a moisturiser targeted towards dry skin that it good to use as a sort of primer for makeup, in the sense that when you only use moisturiser to prime your face for foundation then this is a great option. I didn't find that it made my face feel oily later in the day while wearing this foundation.

Would I recommend this moisturiser? Yes I would. Would I repurchase? Now this is the tricky part. I really enjoyed the moisturiser but the cost of this is a lil cray in Australia. I will definitely consider it and when Priceline do their 40% off skincare I can say I am 90% sure I will purchase it then.

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #14 Simple Kind to Skin Exfoliating Facial Wipes

Hey all

Simple Kind to Skin Exfoliating Facial Wipes are this weeks focus! I have already focused on Simple twice before here and here. These wipes however are completely different to the other two.

They are exfoliating wipes and I believe that they do just that. One side of the makeup wipe is smooth while the other side has small exfoliating groves in the wipe. It's good at removing makeup while also giving a nice smoothness to the skin.

I like to use these a few times a week to make sure my skin is nice and smooth if I don't feel like using my Micheal Todd face mask. I think if your skin is feeling crap and needs a perk up this are really useful, to make your skin as well as foundation look better.  There is nothing worse than dry flaky and bumpy skin making your foundation look bad.

Would I recommend this? Yes! Will I repurchase them? Yes I will. I am more than willing to pay full price for them as well but I'm sure I will stock up when they are one sale!

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #13 Garnier Refreshing Makeup Wipes Normal to Combination Skin

Oh hai!

This week I am focusing on the Garnier Refreshing Makeup Wipes Normal to Combination Skin. These were on sale when I was grocery shopping a while back and I just had to get them. Garnier recently updated their skincare range with adding new products along with updating the packaging on the old.

The ones I picked up are for normal to combination skin, which I always find it difficult it decide whether the wipes suit section skin types. I think if you have skin issues don't use just makeup wipes! These wipes are the bumpy kind that I like, I feel like they remove makeup better with the bumps. These are moist and stay considerably wet for a long period of time in the packet.

Would I recommend these wipes? Yeah I would, I think they are great quality. Will I repurchase them? Maybe if they are on sale.

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #17 Frank Coffee Scrub

Hey all

If you read or watched my Top 13 Products of 2013 then you would know that I am a fan of Frank Coffee Scrub. It is the best body scrub that I have ever used! It is an Australian Brand which is awesome as I love supporting Australian brands. The website is the only  you can get your hands on some and their Instagram is one of my favourites to follow.

The original scrub

The scrub smell exactly like coffee which I love and it can pep you up a little in the morning during your shower. There is also the Coconut & Grapeseed version and OMG this is the best smelling thing in the world! I love scrub because it actually scrubs your skin instead on just becomes a body wash! It can be harsh on your skin while still being gentle. Your skin feels really soft after you showered. It also has a slight residue after the shower which is moisturising, which I needs comes from the oils that are in scrub.

The scrub also claims to help get rid of cellulite and stretch marks, I'm completely fine with them going away! I'm not 100% sold whether it makes a heap of a difference in regarding stretch marks but I feel like I can see a little improvement.

Frank will repost customers pictures and people seem to put this on their face too. I personally think that this scrub is too harsh for your face and wouldn't recommend it. I think that is what makes it so good for your body because it made for your body which can take a lot more than your face can.

Would I recommend it? Yes I have already purchased this as gifts for friends! They may or may not have beauty blog of their own ;). Will I repurchase this? Yes I already have because it is the best scrub ever.

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #12 Nivea Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes Dry andSensitive skin

Yo

I have recently been trying out the Nivea Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes Dry and Sensitive skin thus it is the focus of today's post.

These makeup wipes have a strong fragrance, the smell isn't too unpleasant though. The wipes are reasonably thick but thinner than most of the higher priced supermarket brands. They are decently moist though which you would expect from Nivea. The wipes take off your makeup with one or two wipes, one is not enough and two is too much, no in between. I don't think I really noticed that it was particularly good for dry or sensitive skin likes it claims it is made for. I found it strange that there is a  fragrance when it is for sensitive skin as they don't really go together in my opinion.

The price of these wipes are higher than most found at a supermarket and not what I would call budget friendly, they are middle of the range.

Would I recommend these? Yes there is no reason not to. Will I repurchase these? Maybe if they were on sale.

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #16 Compeed Total Care Invisible

Hey all!

(Looking hot with it on my lips lol)

Today I am focusing on a random beauty related product the Compeed Total Care Invisible. This is made put on top of cold sores. It is literally like putting a sticker on your lip. The idea behind it is that with the sticker on, no air or bacteria can get to the cold sore so it will start to go away quicker. Also you can still apply makeup over the sticker so it can really go undetected, or at least not be completely noticeable.

In March I had a cold sore the day before my Graduation and I found that this made it go away practically over night. It made the cold sore barely visible for my graduations photos! I literally just put this on before I went to sleep, it was on all night and it made a lot of difference. They are barely noticeable so I even wore one to work a few times. Although if you plan on wearing it for a long time you have to be careful when you are eating or drinking to not move it.

The pack comes with a mirror so you can apply them anywhere and anytime. Although they can be slightly tricky to get on and sometimes my first try failed but then you just learn from what you did wrong and try again.


Would I recommend this? Yes. Will I repurchase it? Yes I will because nobody has time for cold sores!

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #11 Smart Skin Scented Cleansing Wipes

Hey

This Monday we are focusing on the Smart Skin Scented Cleansing Wipes which I think are solely available at Woolworths/ Safeway.  These wipes are reasonable cheap, they cost around $2 each and go on sale for $1 pretty often.

These used to be my favourite budget  friendly wipes before I found the Coles ones which I seem to talk about every week! They are cheap and you can tell this by the quality you get from the wipes. the wipe itself is pretty thin and not the most moist. It takes at least two wipes to take off all of your makeup. These wipes dry up pretty quickly so I suggest you keep these ones in a sandwich lock bag. There isn't much of a scent on these ones and all honesty I think the unscented ones smell worse.

Would I recommend this? Maybe. Will I repurchase? Most likely not.

(Luna likes helping me take pictures!)

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #15 Bourjois Flower Perfection Translucent Smoothing Primer

Hey Pretties!

While I was in China I purchased the Bourjois Flower Perfection Translucent Smoothing Primer, haul here. It was recommended to me by my lovely friend Brodie. This is a balmy primer that comes in a tiny tub that you use your fingers to apply to the face.

The Primer is really moisturising and works well at giving you a smooth base. When I was looking at the primer at the counter in China the girl put it on my hand and it made the little lines on hand seem to disappear, she spoke no English so I think that is what she was trying to tell me! I don't think it would work the same for wrinkles but I think for dehydrated skin it works wonders. I like to use this for special occasions because I don't want to waste it! I think it is a good staple to have in anyone's collection as it good at making the perfect base.

An issue I have with this Primer is the price! A little doesn't go a long way with this primer mainly because the tub it comes in is super small! I wish the tub was bigger! You can get the primer cheaper on Asos if you don't want to pay the silly price that Australian retailers charge! I don't use this primer everyday because I think it is too expensive for everyday!

Would I recommend this? Yes! Will I repurchase? Yes! I love it!

Briony xx

Sample Queen #4 Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment

Hey all

If you watched my Priceline Hair Care Bag Haul Then you would know that I got the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment in my bag. I was pretty unimpressed with receiving this product as I don't use Pantene on my hair as I heard it is full of nasties. However I used the treatment today because well why not use up some of my samples?

I actually really enjoyed this treatment you just simply put this through your hair after you have used your shampoo and conditioner. You leave it on for you guessed it three minutes then you wash it out. While washing it out of your hair it feels really nice and that feeling stays once your hair is dry. Your hair feels silky and smooth after using this treatment, which really did impress me.

Would I recommend this treatment? Yes if you are short on time to do hair masks I think it is a great option. Would I repurchase it? Maybe I am not decided whether I would repurchase something from Pantene, I would consider every once in a while though. I don't think I would use it on a regularly as I adore using coconut oil.

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #10 Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Cleansing Wipes

Hey you!

It's Monday and you know what that means Makeup Wipe Monday post! Today we are focusing on the Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Cleansing Wipes.  I have done a post on the original makeup wipes. The originals ones are very hyped about on Youtube and the blogging world, So when I saw these on sale I thought I would snatch them up. The Simple range is actually on sale this week at Coles for two more days. (ends Tuesday 11:59pm).

I enjoyed the wipes overall there are a good consistency and reasonably moist. The wipes take off all of your makeup in the one go. The wipes are also really gentle on skin and don't leave them feeling tight or looking red! There is nothing that I can say with these wipes.

I however do not find these different to the original wipes and I am not sure what actually makes them age resisting! I don't see how a makeup wipe can prevent aging in all honesty. I got these because I do like the original wipes and thought I would try a different version of the same wipes.

Would I recommend them? Yes. Would I repurchase them? I would suggest going for the original or go for my favourites Coles ones.

Briony xx

Benefit Gimme Brow vs Australis Tint My Brow

Hey
I recently picked up the Australis Tint My Brow so that I could compare it to the Benefit Gimme Brow. I do really enjoy using the Benefit Gimme Brow, which you would know if you read my 2013 Favourites.

Firstly, the Benefit product, if the right amount is applied, goes on with ease. It's an awesome shade match and is just the most simple brow product there is. The small brush helps with the application and the product is more dry than wet, making it only going on the brows. I am so glad that I tried this product and I think it will stay a staple in my makeup collection. The price in Australia is slightly high ( when is it not?!), so using the benefit website is recommended as it is U.S retail price and if you spend $125 international shipping is free. 

Australis' Tint My Brow, at first, is an extremely wet product so I would recommend using a tissue to wipe off extra product before using. If you don't wipe off the product then things can get pretty messy. Unlike the Benefit Gimme Brow the brush is the size of a normal mascara wand so its reasonably big compared to my eyebrows. Tint My Brow is a slightly off colour match for me, as it more on the red side than brown. I find over all this a product that you have to work to make it look good.

Overall I think my Benefit Gimme Brow can not be beaten I am truly in love with the product. I think the Australis product isn't bad it just isn't the right colour for me and isn't as simple so I tend to go towards the easy option.

I think the Australis one is a better suit for my house mate Jess and I am sure you will see me using this on her soon. As we are planning some videos together.

Briony xx 

Makeup Wipe Monday #9 CE Natural Essentials Aloe Vera Facial Wipe

Hi everyone! 

Today we are talking about the CE Natural Essentials Aloe Vera Facial Wipes. I had never heard about these before I bought them. I got mine at La Mania Direct at Essendon Fields and I will link the website here for in case you want to try the wipes yourself.

The wipes are made in Australia (yay!), Alcohol free, Hypo-allergenic and includes Aloe Vera as well as Vitamin E. All of these make the wipe sound pretty good before using them. Aloe Vera is always nice in skincare as is so soothing.

The wipes themselves are nice and thick which I enjoyed. However the wipes are slightly too dry for my taste. It takes two wipes to take off make up completely but it will do the job.

would I repurchase most likely not as the price was on the more expensive side and I think the Coles wipes are better in general. I would consider buying them again in the summer though because of the aloe vera.

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #13 Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Nutrient -Rich Facial Mask

Hey all

You may remember from one of my haul and feb faves I got a face mask from Michael Todd's last year. The  Pumpkin Nutrient -Rich Facial Mask to be exact.  The one I picked was an exfoliating one as I figured it would make my skin look better after the mask opposed to the usual where it draws out the toxins. I don't own a scrub or any chemical exfoliactors so I used this instead of them.

The product does have the warning not for sensitive skin which I ignored, however my housemate tried this out and she felt like the product was burning her. If you have any fresh or open pimples the product will sting your face. I feel a tiny bit of a burn but it is not an bad one for me, just one that shows that it doing something. It also claims moisturise and nourish which is nice.

The smell is pretty strange in all honesty it smell like meat and tomato sauce sandwiches that I had as a child. Which sounds so weird but it isn't bad and maybe it is something else from my childhood but that is what I think of each time! When you put it on your face it looks like you have used Doritos as your foundation, a super hot look if you ask me!

This product makes my skin look and feel amazing the day after using it, which is why I love it so much. I have even had my boyfriend comment on how good my skin looked after using it, which is a sign of a good product to me.

Would I repurchase this product for sure! I am keen to try more Michael Todd products soon.

Briony xx

Makeup wipe Monday #8 Derma Intensive +

Hi lovelies! 

I got these wipes from Coles and they are extremely cheap. They weren't the best quality but it is decent enough for the price. It was decent enough for taking mistakes off my face while doing my makeup or cleaning my dirty makeup brushes while doing my makeup. I most likely will not purchase these wipes again. As I can get better quality wipes for a similar price. These wipes dry out extremely quick and don't take off your makeup in one wipe, at least two are needed. Basically these are one of the cheapest brands on the market and there quality reflects that.

Briony xx

Pale Girl Tans #1 Garnier Ambre Solaire

So I am a very new to self tanning, I've always chosen to get a tan professionally  done if I have needed one. For Cheerleading Competitions you need to be extremely tan and I never trusted myself to do this. I have always liked the look of tans though and my collection of self tanners has been growing.

So here is my review of the Garnier Ambre Solaire in Light Natural Bronzer. This product is a spray one and applies clear to the skin. I think that a product that claims to be no streaks shouldn't be clear! The colour itself is decent and looks semi natural, although it is more on the orange side than brown. It isn't green based and that is what you want in a tanner because you won't look orange. The smell of the product is nice and not too fake tan like, though it does have a strong smell. It's more on the fruity side which is enjoyable.

I have to horror stories with this tan. First was that I didn't think it was going to work because it went on clear so I decided to do a test on my arm. I did it on my forearm not thinking that I had work the next day! I had a big orange/brown mark just randomly on my arm for all the customers to see. I didn't think it through at all! The other time because it goes on clear I though I had applied it all over my legs. I was wrong and had streaks all over, I think because I am so new to fake tan that I just failed at knowing where I had applied the tan already.

Will I repurchase this tan, most likely not. At least not in the spray version, I really want to try the rub in version as that is the tan my mother is currently loving. I am not all saying I won't try more Garnier self tanners as I love brand.

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #9 Certified Organic ROSE HIP OIL

You may know this but I adore the Sukin brand. It's organic and Australian, what more could an Aussie girl want? I have been using the Sukin rosehip oil for months now. It was featured in my chemist warehouse and cotton on haul where I got it on sale!

I have mainly been using the rosehip oil at night time, it says to put about 2 to 3 drops on your face. However I put so much more than that on my face. As you know I am currently on medication for my skin and it dries it out. That is why I have been putting on a heap of the oil nightly. It helps with keep my skin hydrated and I swear by it. I also believe that is helping take away the redness in my skin. I can't be 100% sure about this as once again the medication. Although my friend Maddy said in one of her post how she believes rosehip oil helps with balancing skin tone. (just ignore where she thinks trilogy is better than Sukin :p). So The fact one of my friends believes that it is working for them encourages me to believe that it is the oil that is doing wonders for my skin. If I am feeling extra dry I will put a serum on underneath also but I think just oil would be fine for most skin types.

You can use this with your moisturizer or just the oil by itself. I will use as just an oil at night time and if I use it during the day I will add just a few drops of it to my moisturizer. I will only wear the oil on my face during the day if I am not wearing makeup as it does take a while to sink in which makes it perfect for night time.

Some of the great features are Australian owned, 100% carbon neutral, 100% vegan, no animal testing and preservative  free. 

Some people don't like the smell of this but it grows on you. My boyfriend says it smell play dough. 

Overall just buy this product! You will not regret it!

Briony xx

Makeup Wipe Monday #7 Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

This weeks review is the Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes. Like most natural products this has a strange smell. It isn't too bad and you get used to it. The wipes are thin and flat, they are moist but it dries quickly in the packaging even though there is the plastic lock at the front. The wipes don't remove all the makeup which is annoying considering these are more expensive than other "drug store" brands.

In all honestly I will not repurchase these wipes even though they are a choice for a more natural makeup wipe. There are no parbens, phthalates, or petrochemicals. So if you are looking for a natural makeup wipe give these a try however there are better working wipes than these. I am all for natural products however I want to use products that work the best.

Briony xx

Spotlight Sunday #11 Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser

I got this cleanser months ago off ebay at reduced price, ($12 + $6.95 P.P, $18.95). I had not heard anything about the brand when I purchased the cleanser but I had that week purchases my friend Maddy their eye cream, so I wanted to try the brand myself. I am so glad I purchased this that as I love it and believe it has saved my skin this year. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I have dry skin and this cleanser is targeted towards dry or mature skin.

I will either just put it straight on my face or rub it beteween my hands until it forms an oil. Then I will massage it into my face until I feel my face is clean. It is difficult to get off so a wash washer ( flannel) is need or a lot of water. I'm not going to lie some days I will keep a bit of the residue on my face as it feels so moisturiserimg. I think this was a perfect choice of cleanser for me while I was on the medication. The smell of the product is very natural and nature like so if you don't like those smell it may be the best choice but the smell does grow on you and you begin to love it.

Now would I repurchase it right now no as I am broke but in the future I would love to. It is expensive but it is worth it, so if you want to spend more on cleanser to get value and quality I think this would be a great choice. 

Briony xx

September Bellabox 2013

I just got my September Bellabox! Yay! So I wanted to share it with you all. 

This month's box was partnered with Cleo and was focused around spring party essentials. Basically sping racing, which fingers crossed that I will be going this year! 

The first item is the October issue of Cleo. I was so shocked and happy to get this. I was so glad that I didn't buy this the day before like I planned. Not much to say about this item but I will be reading all of it. 

Montagne jeunesse blemish mud masque:

This was one of their essential items it is retailed for $3.99. I loved face masks, while writing this posts I currently haven't a face on my mask. This is a blemish one which isn't what I am looking for at the moment. However I will try it or maybe I will make my housemate use it (she will be featuring in a blog series soon!). Overall I am happy getting his product. 

Elegant touch envy wraps:

This is the colour item and it is retailed as $8.99. I am excited about this item as I still haven't used this style of nails, even though I have a few waiting for me. I am not a fan of the actual colours however I think it will be amazing to use on a younger cousin. So overall I am happy getting this. 

Schick hydro silk razor:

This is the award winner and is retailed for $9.99. I have never used this brand but I am looking forward to use this. I currently use Venus one so once that is finished I will use this one, or I will wait until I move later in the year. It's a razor not too much to say about it other then I will be using it. Overall I am very impressed with getting this item as it is one that won't be lost in my samples draw. 

Manicare glam Kelly lashes:

This is a trick item and retails for 11.95. I am pretty bad with false lashes but I have tried this brand before. I really do like this brand and trust that they will be a great quality. I will use these soon so that is exacting. Overall I am really happy with this item as this is a beauty product I don't have much of so it can't get lost in my collection. 

Footcare gel ball of foot cushions: 

This is an essential item and is priced at $8.99 for 2 pairs. This is a create product to receive as I do love to wear heels and this will make them have a chance to feel better. Overall I am really happy with this item as I was looking to buy this the other week, I will use it. 

Garnier amber solaire natural bronzer spray:

This is a cult item along with the Priceline pick and retails for 14.95. I am new to tanning myself, getting it done for myself is just so much easier. I am excited to try this as it in the shade light and all of ,one are in deep bronze cheer. Over all I am happy to have this item and plan to try this out to perfect tanning. 

ASAP pure mineral eye pencil:

This is a colour items and retails for $20.00. This is a brown eyeliner and I excited to have this as I don't currently have a brown eyeliner. This is a item that will look good as a subtle liner for every day wear. Overall I am happy with this product and thing it will be useful. 

I am really happy with the whole box. I think it was amazing value. So excited to use all of and tell you my thoughts! 

Briony xx 

Makeup Wipe Monday #6 Biore- Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Wipes

You might have guessed by the title but this Make up Wipe Monday post is featuring the Biore- Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Wipes. I really like this brand and had already tried the sample size packs before. However if you use the sample size packs and they are in green packaging they are over a year old. They came out with new packaging last year so please keep that in mind if you by the wipes in the green packaging they are older than the white packaging.

These wipes are the cleansing ones from the brand so they are a more harsh feeling. They are made to cleanse the skin not just remove make up. I don't believe they are the best for removing the make up. The brand has another wipes which is more focused on removing make up.

The wipes themselves have bumps on them which I am a fan of. I think that if you are going to be too lazy to cleanse your skin before you to go to sleep this would be an option that you can consider.

They are chemical smelling wipes which I am not a fan of. I have been trying to use more organic products and a product that just reminds me of chemicals is something that I want on face!

Briony xx