Friday 20 June 2014

Fresh Fridays #1: Green Smoothies by Ascension Kitchen

Welcome to Fresh Fridays, a new fortnightly series I'm trialling out to introduce some natural/healthy choices to my life. About a month ago I heard about an app called "Green Smoothies by Ascension Kitchen" created by Lauren Glucina. I was very interested because I love smoothies, they're so easy to make and you can whip one up fairly quickly when you're hungry. It's great to just chuck in whatever you have in your fridge but sometimes it doesn't always taste the best.. nor look the most appealing.. So I thought this app would be a great guide next time I'm feeling the munchies.


There are over 30 recipes split into seven categories so there's definitely something for everyone, whatever you happen to be craving. Lauren, app developer, author of "Raw and Sexy Sweets", and founder of Ascension Kitchen was kind enough to answer some questions I had in regards to why she created the app and some advice on living holistically.


Q. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what motivated you to create an app full of smoothie recipes?

Sure. I am a Holistic Health Coach and Raw Chef, and am currently expanding my knowledge further by studying Natural Medicine. I run a website called Ascension Kitchen where I share a lot of my plant based, raw and herbal recipes and remedies. After working in the corporate world for over ten years, I was run down, burnt out, and navigating my way through some chronic auto-immune conditions. Green smoothies were the first step in a return to wellness, so as you can imagine, I am really quite passionate about the benefits this simple breakfast ritual brings to the table. My little brother was the one that had the brainwave, he could never think of anything to put in his smoothies and defaulted to the same concoction every morning. He said an app would be so useful, so away we went!

Q. What’s your take on superfoods, and do you have any favourites?

I must say I do love superfoods although good health certainly does not depend on them. I actually believe these foods are best suited to those who live in that particular climate, though today we have such huge stressors in our lives that there is a place for them. I am more inclined to turn to what I call the ‘supersessibles’ – the everyday unsung heroes of your own backyard vege garden. Foods that are nutrient dense, and don’t cost the earth. However – if I did have to pick a favourite superfood I would say spirulina and hemp seeds :)

Q. What is the one ingredient or ingredients that you must have on hand at all times?

Dark leafy greens (my favourites are spinach and watercress), wild edible weeds (nettle and chickweed) and berries if we are talking smoothies.

Q. Do you have any plans to expand your app with combinations for juices or recipes for dishes, like the ones you have on your blog?

I will be adding some more yummy recipes in at some point, but it will stay a Green Smoothies app.

Q. The two occasions I really struggle to eat healthy are at restaurant with friends and on holidays. Do you have any tips for staying on track or ways to counteract the damage from giving into temptation?

Restaurants are an easy one – generally I find wait staff really accommodating if you ask nicely, I always seek out the dish prepared in the simplest way, and if something is deep fried I ask for it be steamed or roasted instead. I ask for simple dressings like olive oil and balsamic over creamy dressings or those full of sugar, and a basic garden salad can be dressed up if you ask for extra avocado and some olives for example. I love going out for pizza – a vegetarian pizza without the cheese is one of my favourites. Simple is always best. Ethnic cuisine generally has some lovely healthy plant based options. When traveling, you can take a bunch of healthy snacks with you on the plane – dates, raw nuts, vegetables with hummus, nori sheets, bliss balls for example. I always pack my blender (a little Nutribullet) and make a smoothie in the mornings with local produce. If you start your day on a good note like that you’re more likely to continue the theme for the day. You must remember though – balance is key – and holidays are about having fun and indulging a little!

Q. We know good skin must come from within, but this is a beauty blog so what skincare products do you swear by? 

Your skin is your biggest organ and will absorb anything you put on it – so I only ever use organic products to limit the amount of chemicals I am exposed to. I really love the Nude mineral range.

Q. Finally, what advice can you give to anyone thinking about adopting a holistic lifestyle?

Start with small little changes rather than trying to change your entire diet and lifestyle overnight. Small changes are far more sustainable. It is more about adding the good things in, and eventually crowding out the things that no longer serve you. And of course, starting your day with a green smoothie really is the simplest way to start your journey. Trust me – after a while you will start to crave greens when you walk past them in the supermarket! It’s good stuff :)

Lauren Glucina from Ascension Kitchen Q&A at PeachsBeauty

Green Smoothies by Ascension Kitchen APP               Raw & Sexy Sweets ebook

P.S. Here's my attempt at the Double Dragon smoothies, except I ran out of frozen berries yesterday which is why my bottom layer is just plain white instead of purple.. "/


My personal touch: add a few frozen mint leaves in the top layer for a seriously refreshing and delicious smoothie. YUM.

xo peachsbeauty

Monday 16 June 2014

My Fortnight Face - #FOTF #1

I'm starting a new blog series called The Fortnight Face to try and force myself to rotate the makeup products that I use on a daily basis and make sure that nothing goes to waste or forgotten and also remind myself to try new products that I've hauled because I have a very bad habit (and people who know me IRL actually know this about me) that I get super excited when I buy stuff, I take it home, swatch it, put it back in its box and it'll sit there for some time.. until I force myself away from what I'm familiar with to try the new products. I'm a Taurus so we don't like change and I'll often have conflicts with the makeup addict/hoarder side of me..



So for the past two weeks I have been trying out the products above, listed below. Some are oldies (as you can tell by the pan) and some are new. I'll give a mini review on what I think about them and if they will remain in my next fortnightly face routine or if they have been eliminated.. but may be brought back as a wild card. (I Obviously watch too much reality tv..)

- Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream - 3/5 - [link]
I like to use a moisturiser before I apply my makeup, even though I already use a moisturiser as part of my skincare routine because my normal/dry skin will just absorb my foundation if I don't. This was a good product for this purpose but not enough hydration for me to use as just a moisturiser. Finished this so it's sitting in my Empties bin at the moment.

- MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect Protection Visage SPF 50 - 4/5 - [link]
I really noticed the benefit of using a primer with this product. One day I was totally late and didn't use this and my base all around my mouth and where my glasses sat had just disappeared. Of course the SPF 50 is a great bonus. Definitely going to the next round..until I get bored of it.

- Urban Decay Primer Potion - 4/5 - [link]
(Not shown) because it is so grungy looking. All the purple colour on the outside had disintegrated and it was on its way out so another one in the Empties bin. It was a great lid primer, lasted me a looong time and it really did stop shadows from creasing and fading.

- NYX 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette: Bubbles & Caviar - 3.5/5 -
Simple, affordable, versatile neutral palette which is unfortunately discontinued now but they have so many new palettes I'm sure you can find something similar. I change my shadows regularly (even though they're the same colours..) so moving on.

- Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal: 012 Bronze - 3.5/5 - [review - link]
Really great pencil liner, especially for tightlining and smudging but once it sets, it won't budge. Read my review to see the proof! Liked it but I'm bored, moving onto something else for the next two weeks.

- Revlon PhotoReady Concealer 003 - 4.5/5 - [link]
Probably my favourite concealer and the only one I have a back up for. I think it's for under the eyes which is what I mainly use it for but I'll still use it on redness and spots. Super creamy, blendable, non-creasing and this colour is very yellow and a touch too dark for me which really helps to cover the darkness under the eyes when blended out. Trying out a new concealer palette for the next two weeks and stay tuned for a review ;)

- Australis Makeup Finishing Spritz - 3.5/5 - [link]
Basic makeup spray that I use to slightly moisten my brush/sponge to help blend foundation and after application just to avoid powder face. I have about a quarter left so I'll keep using this until I'm done.

- Etude House BB Cream Bright Fit W13- 3/5 - [link]
I'm very on the fence about the two Etude House BB creams I have tried. I won't get into it here but this one had good coverage with a satin finish which I really liked but the lasting power was not good at all without a primer and it may have clogged my pores a little bit. I'm going to try a foundation again for two weeks and see how I go.

- Lacura Minerals Powder: Transparent - 3.5/5 -
I picked this up from Aldi a while ago recommended by my mum and I actually really like it except it's really messy because the packaging isn't great so you could never take it with you. It really sets my makeup so it's smooth to touch and there are tiny tiny shimmer particles that you can't see on the skin but just reflects light to blur imperfections. Definitely staying in the routine (although I do have tonnes of powder I need to use..)

- Milani Baked Blush: 08 Coralina - 3.5/5 - [link]
This blush is my way of holding on summer.. I place it just above my bronzer and blend it in so it's like a bronzy coral that's not that bright. It's also super shimmery but most of the shimmer falls away so it's not that scary. Love it but I will be delving into my cream blushes in the next few weeks.

- Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer - 4/5 - [link]
I've loved this since Emily Noel first raved about it and I was so excited when I hit pan but I'll be using some different bronzers in the following weeks to compare and maybe hit pan on them too! It's a really great matte bronzer for contouring and versatile too because I often use the colours in my crease.

- Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless: 001 Black - 4.5/5 [link]
Absolutely love this mascara, creates the appearance of a million lashes and of course gives length. I really need to do a review and compare this with my current HG, Maybelline Falsies. I'll be trying out a different mascara in the next few weeks.

- Daiso Styling Eyebrow Pencil - 2.5/5 -
I really like Daiso eyebrow pencils because they're just super affordable. I wanted to try a grey one because sometimes brown warms can come up too warm for my black hair but I felt like this was maybe too grey if I used too much product.. like I had ageing eyebrows. So I'll finish it but I won't repurchase.

- L.A Colors Auto Lip Liner: Mauve - 3/5 - [link]
I'm using this because I lost the lid.. as I do with so many of my products.. It's like a mauvy mlbb colour which works well with nude/mauve/pinky neutral lipsticks so it's fairly versatile and great for winter.

- NYX Round Lipstick: Summer Love - 3/5 - [link]
A nude lipstick that doesn't make you look dead is my kind of lipstick. Really getting back into the nudes lately and this one has a bit of shimmer to add some dimension.

- NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss: Sweet Heart - 3.5/5 - [link]
Finally I topped it off with a lipgloss for some extra shine and this one smells lovely and is super pigmented and creamy so you could actually wear it by itself.

Leave me a comment telling me what you've been using lately and tag #FOTF on instagram or twitter!

xo peachsbeauty


Tuesday 10 June 2014

DIY: At-Home Pedicure

If you follow me on instagram or twitter you would know that I spent the Queen's Bday Long Weekend alone at home enjoying all sorts of at-home diy spa treatments. My feet are probably what gets neglected the most, especially during Winter, so when I have a special pamper weekend, I make sure that they're the first things I take care of.


Step 1. Soak your footsies in some warm water with one teaspoon of tea tree oil (anti-bacterial) and two teaspoons of witch hazel (cleanse & tone). I happen to have this one I use as a toner with rose petal and aloe vera but you can use any witch hazel. Soak for about 5-10 minutes, just to soften the dead skin.

Step 2. Make your own foot scrub with jojoba oil and sugar.. or sea salt if you like a more aggressive exfoliant. Don't use too much oil, just enough coat the sugar/salt and provide some lubrication against the grains. I like to start on the heels, the toughest area and work my way to the balls and tops of my feet.

Step 3. To get to the really nasty callouses we're going to need a pumice. I just have this one from Daiso, which I actually use in the shower on the days I remember so my feet don't get super hard and crackly.

Step 4. Clip those toenails because long nails + high heels = pain.

Step 5. Moisturise with a thick foot lotion or just shea butter. Give your feet a massage while you're at it. I'm not a pro but I like to kneed the middle of my feet and then in between the toes. Feels so good after a long walk.

Step 6. Apply a bright polish and a top coat to keep your pedicure long-lasting and shiny. No toe-separators? No worries. Just weave a piece of folded up tissue between your toes.
Alternatively,
Step 6. Slip your feet into a pair of soft comfy socks, take a nap, and wake up to beautiful moisturised footsies.

Products mentioned:
- Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera [iherb link]
- Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil [iherb link]
- Now Solutions Jojoba Oil [iherb link]
- Daiso clippers
- Daiso artificial pumice
- Maybelline ColourShow Nail Lacquer in Coral Crush
- Manicare Cuticle Oil
- Now Solutions Shea Butter [iherb link]
- Aldi socks

NB: Use code BNC512 for up to $10 off at iHerb (:

xo peachsbeauty

Thursday 3 April 2014

REVIEW: Lush Shine So Bright Hair Balm

Shine So Bright Hair Balm
Image: lush.com.au
The Details: Lush Shine So Bright Hair Balm
Price: AUD$7.50 for 10g
Packaging: Tiny metal screw tin - fairly sturdy, haven't had issues of unscrewing
Scent: very nice - floral, citrus
Ingredients: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera), Fair Trade Olive Oil (Olea europaea), Perfume (Perfume), Neroli Oil (Citrus aurantium amara), Grapefruit Oil (Citrus paradisi), Rosewood Oil (Aniba rosaeodora), Fresh Free Range Eggs (Fresh Free Range Eggs), Gardenia Extract (Gardenia jasminoides), *Hydroxycitronellal (*Hydroxycitronellal), Geraniol (Geraniol), *Citral (*Citral), *Farnesol (*Farnesol), *Limonene (*Limonene), *Benzyl Benzoate (*Benzyl Benzoate), *Linalool (*Linalool) * Occurs naturally in essential oils

They say:
"A balm to transform split ends and make your hair shine so bright. This will repair split ends with a plethora of strengthening ingredients, such as Extra Virgin olive oil, fresh free-range eggs and fair trade coconut oil. Coconut oil also adds condition and shine. Fragranced with an uplifting blend of orange flower absolute, grapefruit, neroli and rosewood." - Lush

I say:
Application - I gently rub my fingers across the top of the product to melt some onto my fingers and then I apply it to my dry ends, approximately 10-15cm. I have used it the last 5 times I have washed my hair but it is a good product to use on the in-between days as well. A little bit goes a long way so it should last a little while, maybe a few months if you don't wash your hair everyday and use sparingly.

Pros - I really liked this product because I love the way it smells and I felt like it did add a bit of moisture to my hair to make it shine. I'm not so sure about the 'split end transforming' claims because I'm not sure how you would make your hair come back together once it's split.. I do believe moisturising and strengthening my hair will prevent split ends in the future though.

Cons - However.. This is a very small pot of product and while it won't break the bank at $7.50 a tin, when you look at the ingredients they're mostly things you can pick up at the grocery, health food store or easily accessible online.

*Warning - the following paragraph is a little bit of a rant about DIY beauty products and how you could potentially make this product at home* So 'Extra Virgin Coconut Oil' is something I have at home and is now easily accessible at your local grocery.. I get a 900g jar for about $10 from Costco (I think from memory, although my memory is horrible). Shea Butter, I get mine from iherb.com, approximately 200mL for $8; Candelilla wax, available from soap ingredients suppliers $8 for 100g, although it's not a necessity if you don't have it; Olive oil, also another staple in our kitchen, fair trade might be a little harder to find though; Neroli, grapefruit, rosewood oil all available from iherb.com or again soap making/aromatherapy shops; free range eggs.. I think that's obvious although how much egg/protein do you think they really got in that 10g tin? Having said all that.. you could probably get a pinch of Coconut Oil and Shea Butter and rub it in your hair for an instant shine.. *rant over*

Final words?
While I do really really like the product, and the concept of the product (great for travelling and a moisture boost/protector from dry airplane air!), I'm kind of torn about repurchasing. I'm going to try some DIY solutions to see if I can achieve the same results but I have a feeling I will always have some of this on hand for an instant hair shine pick-me-up that has a to die for scent.

Rating:
Anyone have DIY hair balm recipes they'd care to share?

x peachsbeauty

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**Sorry for the looong review. I can't help it, I just like to blab on about things. Everything mentioned in this post was purchased by yours truly unless otherwise stated. My reviews and thoughts are always 100% honest. Thanks for reading! (: If you hate these long reviews let me know, I will try and tighten things up for next time. xx**

Monday 31 March 2014

GRWM: March FOTM & Favourite Products

Hi there,

This is the look that I have been wearing pretty much the entire month using my favourite products of March. Hope you enjoy!

Quick Question: Do you want voice over or do you prefer to watch GRWM's in peace with just the background music?? Let me know, thanks!



Products used:
Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer
Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream - 21
Daiso House aka 5 Side Sponge
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation - 103 True Ivory
Rimmel - 100 Ivory
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer - Light Medium
Kirkland Blending Brush
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer - 100 Bronzed & Chic
Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush
NYX 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette - Caviar & Bubbles (Previously Champagne and Caviar)
OR Any light shimmery champagne colour / highlighter (since we're going with the whole multi-tasking theme)
Random Small Flat Shadow Brush
Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner
Rimmel ScandalEyes Soft Kohl Kajal - Black
Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer - 100 Bronzed and Chic
Kirkland Cheek Brush
Models Prefer Soft Touch Blush - Charisma
Real Techniques Blush Brush
The Balm Mary-Lou-Maniser
Real Technique Contour Brush
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Bourjois Volume Glamour Max - Black
Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara - Black
Dark Brown Shadow from NYX Caviar & Bubbles
Real Techniques Eyebrow Brush
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Creme - 616 Wink for Pink
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss - 155 Perfect
Mirenesse BB Pore Powder
Real Techniques Powder Brush

Please feel free to leave any questions, comments, suggestions or requests. Thanks for your watching, I hope you enjoyed! xx

Speak soon,
peachsbeauty

bloglovin: peach
twitter: @peachsbeauty
instagram: @peachsbeauty
pinterest: peachsbeauty

Everything mentioned in this post was purchased by yours truly unless otherwise stated. My reviews and thoughts are always 100% honest. Thanks for reading! (:

Saturday 8 March 2014

40% OFF AT SUNGLASS HUT - HURRY!

peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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Le BF and I made an spontaneous trip to Sunglass Hut yesterday because the BF has wanted these Ray Bans for ever and so I got pair too - both at 40% OFF!

The link to the promotion is [here] and you get 30% off one pair or 40% off two pairs (excludes Chanel :p). Can be purchased online or in store. Hurry though, promotion ends 9th of March, 2014!

peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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- Prada Polarised PR 01OS with Black Frames : RRP$420 - [link]

These are just perfect. I like sunnies to be square-ish, big but not too big with thin arms and no crazy metal detailing (think Versace). These were the first ones I saw and the first ones I tried on at the store but of course I had to look around. In the end, after trying on a handful of sunnies, I went back to these and it was a unanimous decision that these suited me the best. They're also very comfortable to wear, which is one of the most important things. Any Asian going sunglass hunting can tell you how hard it is to find a pair of sunglasses that sit on your nose and not your face. They're also polarised which is good for your eyes I believe?

peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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peachsbeauty 40% sunglass hut - prada ray ban
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- Ray Ban Polarised RB 4181 with Black Frames : RRP $280 - [link]

He has been eyeing these for ages (get it.. no, jks). Truth be told, his sunnies at the moment are fairly horrendous.. Apparently the arms melted in the sun.. I don't even know how that happens. Anyway, so it's definitely time he treated himself to pair of nice sunnies. He is obsessed with his glasses being polarised and he has finally found a pair that's wide enough and fits comfortably (same Asian sunnies issue).

Added bonus: I could wear them too if I wanted to.. (it's like I just bought two pairs for myself, hehe).

So in the end we ended up paying $420 for both pairs - basically like buy one get one free. What a bargain.

Let me know if you decide to take the offer and get some shades!

Speak soon,
peachsbeauty

bloglovin: peach
twitter: @peachsbeauty
instagram: @peachsbeauty
pinterest: peachsbeauty

Everything mentioned in this post was purchased by yours truly unless otherwise stated. I have no affiliation with any links unless otherwise stated. My reviews and thoughts are always 100% honest. Thanks for reading! (:

Thursday 6 March 2014

Empties #4

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Finished up quite a few products in the past months and any beauty junkie can tell you that the feeling of finishing a products is just awesome. This is going to be a long one. I hope you enjoy <3

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- Proactiv Step 3: Repair -
This is (obviously) step 3 of the 3-step Proactiv system and it's a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (bp) treatment. Proactiv is really hit and miss for people and I can do a blogpost on my experience if you're interested. I first tried their products 10 year ago so we kind of go way back. Long story short, I do like the Proactiv products and I really rely on using a 2.5% bp cream all over my face as a preventative measure for when my skin is going through a freak out / break out period. This is a good one to use and it has a 'best' rating on beautypedia however I feel like mixing equal parts 5% bp and my normal moisturiser works just as well for me. I won't be repurchasing because my skin is okay at the moment and I already picked up a normal 2.5% bp treatment from the chemist.

- Estee Lauder Idealist -
I love this stuff. The first product where I actual noticed my acne scars lightening. It also has tiny shimmers in it that I guess 'brighten' your skin, but you can't see it at all. I tried to save the product by only using it during the day and I still noticed a difference. I only use it after my breakout periods when only the scars are left and not when I have active breakouts. I won't be repurchasing because I'm using Vitamin E at the moment and I feel like it leaves my skin nice and soft, as well as lighten any acne scarring.

- Yes to Carrots Eye can C Clearly Now Eye Contour Cream -
This is just a moisturising eye cream which didn't claim be anti-ageing or help puffiness and dark circles. Came in a huge 30ml pump bottle which took forever to use up but I do like the packaging. I don't think they actually sell this anymore.. but it was fairly basic eye cream and I wouldn't have repurchased anyway.

- Shiseido The Skincare Lotion -
I think The Skincare range is their most basic and it just helps to keep your skin nice and moisturised. They call it a 'lotion' but it's actually a 'toner'. It's one of those thick 'toners' that's almost halfway to a serum. I still used a cotton pad to apply because I guess I was trying to use it up but it is thick enough to get a few drops into your hands and pat it into your skin. I won't be repurchasing because I didn't feel like it did much for me and there are definitely other products out there that I'd like to try.

- Lush Celestial Mosturiser -
This is a fairly thick and rich moisturiser that is perfect for dry, sensitive, irritated skin. I only use this in winter (aka 10 months of the year in Melbourne) so I finished it probably around November. I personally think it smells like vanilla ice cream.. but apparently not. I would repurchase if I get really dry, itchy, irritated skin again but other than that I did feel it was a little bit too rich for an everyday moisturiser for my normal/dry skin.

- Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub -
I really like this product as just an everyday night time cleanser that can take off minimal makeup. They do have a cream cleanser and normal cleanser version without the scrub as well but I have personally never tried them and the scrub is really not too rough or drying for everyday use so I've never felt the need to try the other alternatives. I also like to use this with my Clarisonic for the nights I do use it. This might be my first or second empty bottle but I have two half way done and a full backup. Love this stuff and I get the twin pack from Costco!

- Silk Whitia Quick Action Moisturising Mask -
This was an okay sheet mask. It's one of those that you have to wash off and they recommend using everyday so I'm not really sold of the effectiveness of them. It's just fun to add a little something extra to your skincare on days when you want to pamper yourself. I got suckered into the buy one get one free offer on sasa but I won't be repurchasing anything from Silk Whita.

- Silk Whitia Soy Milk Whitening Mask -
Same as above with this mask. I do like the soy milk smell though. Makes me crave Peal Milk Tea every time.. I'm weird.

- Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF 30 -
This is a really good everyday basic moisturiser with SPF. It doesn't feel thick or greasy. It's just really comfortable to wear, sinks in really quickly and I know I'm covered for SPF on my face and neck even if my makeup doesn't happen to have SPF in it. I would definitely repurchase if I could get my hands on it but I know there are lots of other basic SPF moisturisers that I can easily access here.

- Watsons Collagen Eye Roller -
Didn't notice anything crazy but was nice to massage around the eyes. Probably wouldn't repurchase.

- Daiso Cotton Puffs -
Always have this in my empties. Favourite super cheap Cotton Pads. Always have backups!

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- Estee Lauder Bronzer -
This is so old.. but it was a pretty good bronzer. I use it as a contour/blush because it's not like a cool-toned taupy contour colour, it's warm but not too orange that you look crazy. This is probably the product that cured my phobia of bronzers and realise that they can work for pale skin too. I would repurchase but I have a couple in my stash at the moment and some other I'd love to try.

- Jurlique Jasmine Hand Cream -
This is my favourite hand cream scent from them and I would repurchase but I have so many hand cream to use up.. omg. Is really moisturising but absorbs quickly. I have a rose one on my bedside table at the moment.

- Dove Go Fresh -
I really like the fresh scent of this but find that most deoderant sprays make me choke..like I breath in the particles after I spray and I start coughing.. I dno. Anyway, I just stick to roll-ons now.

- Bach Rescue Pastilles -
These are amazing, my secret weapon. They really do work, it's not just a mental thing. I really need to get some more but I want to order them through iherb because they're a little bit cheaper.

- Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara -
I liked this formula but I didn't like the brush. I understand that the point of having a tapered or cone brush is to coat every lash, even the small inner lashes but I dno.. I just personally prefer a large brush in general. I did mean I could use the small end on my lower lashes without having to switch mascaras which is good. I wouldn't repurchase just because I feel like I can find budget alternatives that work just as well.

- Lancome Oscillation Mascara -
This is my favourite luxury aka expensive mascara. It really volumises and lengthens and of course the oscillating motion separates like nothing else. One coat for natural long lashes, two coats for some added drama and three coats for an amazing false lash effect and you can build it up till you look you have two furry animals on your lashes but still not look clumpy. It's just awesome. I think (hope) I still have a backup of this in my stash in Sydney.. ps. I just looked on the Lancome website and it's not there anymore. Why?!

- NYX Felt Tip Liner -
Sorry, this stuff is rubbish. It's not even black, it's like a dark green and dried out in 2 seconds.. Maybe I got a dud but not worth another try.

- Lush.. stuff? -
OMG I can't even see/remember what these three Lush items were.. fail. It's 20 degrees and freezing as I type this so I'm really wishing for a nice warm Lush bath.. ahh..

So that's it for my recent empties, I'd love to know what you've finished up lately. Empties videos and posts are like my favourite to watch/read so if you've done one, leave a link below!

Speak soon,
peachsbeauty

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twitter: @peachsbeauty
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Everything mentioned in this post was purchased by yours truly unless otherwise stated. My reviews and thoughts are always 100% honest. Thanks for reading! (:

Thursday 6 February 2014

talkback thursday: february skincare

I have gone through all the phases.. makeup, skincare and bodycare. Now I'm happy to give away makeup and bodycare because there are only so many mid-tone brown shadows one person needs and bodycare only does one thing: to moisturise your body but with skincare.. I can't let go. I have to try every cleanser, moisturiser, mask etc. out there to find the perfect skincare routine. I end up switching products every other day, which causes my skin to freak out, which I try and attack with really hard anti-acne products which leaves me super dry and more broken out until I finally come to my senses and stop using everything except cleanse, tone and moisturise.. that is until I find the next IT skincare product to try and the vicious cycle begins all over again.

So, I have decided to come to a compromise: I will stick to ONE skincare routine every month. You should really give skincare products 4-6 weeks to work before moving along so I think it's a good compromise. This month I'm trying out the following products:

 photo 73be02db-4950-4ad5-b76c-304a5f727de4_zps4de4e5e3.jpg


AM ROUTINE
Michael Todd Skin Defender AHA Creme Facial Cleanser
LUSH Tea Tree Water
Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Moisturizer
Naruka Magnolia Brightening & Firming Eye Cream
Naruko Creme of Jing Cheng

PM ROUTINE
Lush Ultra Bland Cleanser
Clearasil Daily Clear Vitamins & Extracts Daily Wash*
LUSH Tea Tree Water
Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Moisturizer
Naruka Magnolia Brightening & Firming Eye Cream
Naruko Creme of Jing Cheng

As you can see the only changes are the cleansers so I'm still keeping it pretty simple. No AM/PM serums, no AM/PM moisturisers.

After a month, we'll see how I go and look forward to some reviews!

peachsbeauty

Holla at me:
bloglovin: peach
twitter: @peachsbeauty
instagram: @peachsbeauty
pinterest: peachsbeauty

* This product is in a blank tube because it was provided for a blind review by beautyheaven before the product was released. 
Everything mentioned in this post was purchased by yours truly unless otherwise stated. My reviews and thoughts are always 100% honest. Thanks for reading! (: