Clearasil Vitamins & Extracts Wash and Mask Review & Giveaway

I was lucky enough to be chosen recently by Product Talk by Nuffnang, to review this brand new and beautiful product by Clearasil.

 

I have really enjoyed using this as my daily cleanser this past week.  The first thing I noticed about it was the smell - it smells so lovely, very fruity and fresh.  This particular formula contains avocado extracts, vitamin E, glycerine and pomegranate extract - which is an anti-oxidant used to help keep skin looking and feeling healthy.  This one is also a little bit milder than some of the other Clearasil products, since it contains less salicylic acid than most others.

 

I was really excited about the idea of a wash and mask in one!  Genius, right?  I have found it to be really great with my sensitive skin.  I'm always hesitant when trying new skincare products, because it's not unusual for my skin to flare up if the product is too strong or harsh for my skin - but I found this one to be really gentle.  At first I was even a little worried it might have been a bit too gentle, and wouldn't remove the stubborn makeup from my skin.  But I was pleasantly surprised when toning afterwards, that there was no leftover residue on my skin at all - it looked and felt really clean and fresh.

 

When using it as a mask, I loved the fact that - because of it's "cleansing cream texture" (if that makes sense) - it rinsed off easily and was no hassle like many masks can be.

 

I like to use it in the shower and take advantage of both the cleanser and the mask at the same time.  I cleanse my face first and then leave it on for 3-5 minutes while conditioning my hair etc.  It's like killing two birds with one stone, and I love that idea because let's face it - there is not enough time in the day as it is!

Clearasil Vitamins & Extracts Wash and Mask RRP: $10.99

So overall, I really loved this product and I'm so excited that I get to keep it!  Even more exciting - I get to share this beautiful product with 5 special readers!

 

If you would like the chance to win yourself this great new Clearasil product, just leave a comment below stating what skin concerns you think Clearasil Vitamins and Extracts could help you with.  Please make sure to comment no later than the 22nd of July.  And also be sure to view the Terms & Conditions here
http://blog.nuffnang.com.au/clearasil-product-talk/ before commenting.

 

Good luck! ☓

 

Our "Coco" Chanel

Recently I came across a quote by the iconic, Coco Chanel – "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different". It got me thinking that, although we all know the name Chanel and are familiar with the "brand", what do we really know about the woman?  Well in my case, the answer was – nothing! So, I decided to do some reading and find out a little about the person behind the iconic name.

 

Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel was born in 1883. Her mother was a laundrywoman in a hospital and her father was a street vendor. When she was twelve, Coco was sent to live at a convent. She stayed there until she was 18, and was then moved to a boarding house. Apparently, after Coco found fame, she was known to make up elaborate stories about her upbringing, as she didn't like the truth about her past to be public knowledge.

 

It was at the convent that Coco learnt to sew, and eventually was able to get work as a seamstress. She also sang in a cabaret, which is where she became known as "Coco", rather than Gabrielle.

Chanel's first boutiques were financed by Arthur Capel – a man she had a long-term love affair with. In 1910 she became a hat maker and opened a small boutique in Paris called Chanel Modes. Coco's career started to grow once a famous theatre actress started modelling her hat designs.

 

In 1913 she went on to open another boutique, where she introduced a casual line of clothing. Then she opened another establishment in 1915 at a different location. By 1916, Coco was able to reimburse Arthur Capel the money he had invested in her and by 1927, she owned five properties on the famous rue Cambon. Here she went on to expand her line to feature jewellery, cosmetics and of course fragrance.

 

Over the years to follow, Chanel went on to design for film and made personal clients of actresses such as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. It was said though, that Coco didn't think much of Hollywood.

 

Later in life, after the war – and a lot of controversy surrounding her alleged involvement with the Nazi's - Chanel moved to Switzerland, but returned to Paris in 1954 where she then stayed.

 

In early 1971, Coco passed away in her sleep at the age of 87. She never married or had children. However, she certainly left behind a legacy with her clothing, bags, fragrance and cosmetics still being as popular and as sort after as ever.

 

I find it so interesting to take the time to look back on someone's history and find out a little more about who they were as a person. From my understanding, Coco Chanel was a strong, confident, intelligent and hard-working woman, who has truly left her mark on us all.

 

"Luxury is the opposite of vulgarity. Luxury is the opposite of status. It is the ability to make a living by being ones self. It is the freedom to refuse to live by habit. Luxury is liberty. Luxury is elegance. True elegance is refusal." - Coco Chanel

 

PS: This post was written for Fashion Global, for which I have become a contributor.  Please check out all the other amazing posts contributed by lots of beautiful ladies at www.fashionglobalblog.com/blog

June Favourites

 

My favourites for this month!
 

 Face Of Australia Translucent Loose Powder.  I posted about this last week and I had to include it as one of my absolute favourites for this month!  I love this product and the finish it leaves on my skin.  I'll definitely be repurchasing in future!
 

My NYX Lipstick in Peach Bellini.  I've been using this for a few months now and I really love it.  The colour is so pretty, and although it doesn't last all day - it does stay on quite well and is easy to apply.  NYX products are really affordable and I'm loving this lipstick so far.

 

 

Strawberries & Milkshake body lotion and hand cream from Target.  I got these a few weeks ago and they smell so beautiful!  The packaging is cute, the cream is lovely and it really soaks into the skin nicely.  I love this stuff!

 

Nescafe White Choc Mocha.  I'm in love with this!  I like to add a little extra milk into it as a personal preference, but however you prefer it, it's so delicious!  It's special edition, but I'm so hoping Nescafe will decide to keep making it. Pleeaaasseee!

 

Mirrorgram.  I'm a little addicted to this app!  It's so simple, but the pictures come out so pretty.  I love trying out different photo editing apps, and this one is definitely a new favourite.

 

 

Girls Season 2.  I've been watching this on cold and rainy afternoons, cuddled up under a blanket - nothing better!  It took me a little while to get into this show, but I love it so much!

 

 

Skyscraper by Demi Lovato.  I heard this song and had to download it.  I wouldn't necessarily have thought I'd be much of a fan of Demi's music, but I love this song!  I've had it on repeat for a couple of weeks now.

 

Candy Crush Saga.  I think everyone is addicted to this game at the moment, right?  Everyone is playing it and it's so addictive.  A great way to fill in time and relax.

 

So those are my favourites for this month.  I'd love to hear yours if you'd like to share, or if you're enjoying any of the things I've mentioned above.  So, as always, please do comment and let me know ☓  

 

Do something today to make it an amazing one for yourself, or those around you.  Be kind to everyone, because you never know what battles someone is going through.  A smile can change someone's day from miserable to beautiful in a second.

Face Of Australia Translucent Loose Powder

I have been dying to try this powder for a while now, as I've heard so many people rave about it.  It is often mentioned by Lauren from www.youtube.com/laurenbeautyy as being her favourite setting powder, but I haven't been able to get my hands on it since it seems to have been sold out everywhere for quite a while!  I finally managed to get some yesterday, so I was eager to give it a try today.

 

In the past, I haven't really been a fan of loose powders in general.  I tend to always gravitate towards pressed powders and then use them to death for everything!  But I've been told that the loose powders give a much nicer finish when used to set and blend, so that's another reason I've been wanting to give this one a shot.

Face Of Australia Translucent Loose Powder RRP: $11.95
Photo courtesy of www.priceline.com.au

 

So far, I'm really impressed with it.  It's easy to apply and it really does leave a smooth, satiny finish to the skin.  I also found that it controlled oil breakthrough a lot better than my usual pressed powder does, so I wasn't running to reapply it all the time.

 

It's great as a blending powder too - easy to blend in blush, highlighter or even bronzer, without "covering it up", which is what I find often happens with my pressed powder.

 

What I love the most about this product is the price!  At $11.95 from Priceline (with a discount voucher for $4.85 - yay!), I am very happy with my purchase and I'm sure I'll be buying it again.

     

SJP Will Always Be Carrie Bradshaw To Me

Has there ever been a more amazing style icon than Sarah Jessica Parker? Or more to the point, has there ever been a more unique style icon than her alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw? Not it my mind.

From the moment I saw her in the opening credits of Sex And The City, wearing her famous tank top and tutu combination, it was love.

Of course, the incredible fashion we saw on the show was mostly a credit to SATC's costume designer, Patricia Field. SJP first met Patricia in 1995 and fell so in love with her collections, that she requested to have Patricia design some of Carrie's clothes for SATC. Before long, the show became famous for its incredible fashion and Patricia was nominated for Emmy's and Costume Designers Guild awards.

As high end as most of Carrie's outfits were, Patricia was also a big fan of vintage and would often spend weekends searching thrift stores for beautiful pieces to ad to Carrie's wardroble. Carrie was the queen of pairing high-end with low-end and pulling it off seamlessly.

When it came to Carrie and Big's long awaited wedding, I don't think there was any doubt in anyone's mind that her dress would be anything but ordinary. Who could forget that incredible Vivienne Westwood gown? Not to mention the blue & green feather head-dress attached to her veil! Only Carrie could wear a giant feather on her head and look amazing!

In true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, SJP is set to release her own shoe collection in 2014. What took her so long, right? Sarah will be teaming up with the CEO of Manolo Blahnik, George Malkemus, for her line of shoes, bags and trench coats. The line is set to be called "SJP".

I can't wait!

"Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future... This is known as Fashion Week" – Carrie Bradshaw

S ☓

PS: This post was written for Fashion Global, for which I have just become a contributor.  Please check out all the other amazing posts contributed by lots of beautiful ladies at www.fashionglobalblog.com/blog

LaseMedics

I recently came across an online store called LaseMedics.  They provide quality skincare products at reasonable prices and employ fully qualified beauty and skin therapists, who you can communicate with online to determine your skin type and specific needs.

You can chat with a skincare consultant via the website's live chat, and ask any questions you may have.  Or... you can use the super clever 3d Skin Analysis tool!  You can select your skin type and/or concern, and then mark on the 3d face, where your problem areas are.  The program then gives you a list of recommended products, or you can go on to have an in-depth consultation with one of the skin therapists.  They will then put together a full report of a more tailorised treatment plan for your personal skin issues.

The founder of the company, Vivian, is lovely to deal with and I really love the idea behind this online company.

You can check out LaseMedics at www.lasemedics.com.au and you can find the 3d Skin Analysis tool at www.lasemedics.com.au/3dface

S ☓

Guerlain Paris - The Stuff Fancy Girls Use

I am so in love with the Guerlain Paris Meteorites range!  I haven't been able to afford such extravagant products for a while now, but I thought I'd share with you my old favourites, which I've had sitting in my makeup drawer forever.  These were given to me a while ago and I've been using them sparingly to make them last.

The first is the Meteorites Pallette Touch.  It has correctors for face and these amazing bright colours for lips and eyes.  Guerlain packaging is always so fancy and pretty, but the quality of the makeup itself is even better!

The second container is the Meterorites Poudre de Perles in 02 Rose Frais.  I haven't included a photo of what it looks like inside, because I've almost used it all and it's looking slightly dishevelled - oops!  But basically it's a pressed illuminating powder.  I opted for the rosy shade, because my skin is so fair.  It gives a really pretty, shimmery highlight - but without being too glittery.  I LOVE this so much - hence why it's almost gone.  I can't wait until I can afford to repurchase again.  It's such a beautiful product and I've always been complimented on my makeup when I've worn it.

If these aren't too far out of your price range, definitely give them a try - especially the powder.  I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do!

S ☓

Lily Cole Puff On Radiance Limited Edition

A little while ago, The Body Shop released a limited edition makeup range by Lily Cole.  I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Puff On Radiance beads and I couldn't wait to try them!

I LOVE this product!  It leaves such a pretty, shimmery glow on the skin and is lovely as a highlighter, or even an all over shimmer.

The packaging is adorable - it reminds me of when I was little and I had "play makeup" to experiment with.  So cute and pink and girly!

The beads come with a little puff applicator, which is made from manmade fibres and is super soft.  The puff is lovely, but personally I prefer to use a brush to apply the product, as I feel it goes on a lot smoother that way and of course is much easier to blend.

The only downside to this beautiful product, is that it's limited edition and won't be available for much longer.  Currently The Body Shop online store has it on sale (down to $21.95 from $44.95) and it's also available on eBay from a few different sellers - prices vary.

I really love this and highly recommend it to anyone willing to give it a try.  Check it out, as well as the other products among the Lily Cole line at www.thebodyshop.com.au



Lily Cole Puff On Radiance RRP: $44.95 Photo courtesy of www.thebodyshop.com.au

S ☓

Rimmel Wake Me Up Liquid Foundation

I've never really been a huge fan of liquid foundations - I've always leaned more towards matte powder, or even stick foundations.  But recently I've started using Rimmel's Wake Me Up Foundation, and now I'm hooked!

I've seen a lot of glowing reviews on it, so I thought I'd give it a go and I've been really surprised at how much I'm enjoying it.

It's very light weight and easy to apply.  I like to use a kabuki foundation brush and just blend it in really well all over.  It feels lovely on the skin and even smells quite nice, so that's a bonus.  Coverage is light, so it's a great one for every day use.  It leaves a nice dewy glow on the skin if used on it's own, but as I prefer a more matte finish, I like to use my M.A.C. powder over the top to set it.

However you like to wear it, I'm really impressed with this foundation.  It ticks all the boxes, without the hefty price tag as a bonus!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation 30.0ml RRP: $19.95 Photo courtesy of www.priceline.com.au

Rimmel is readily available from most pharmacies and department stores, or online.

S ☓

Hope And Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes Review

A while ago when I was at my worst, I was lent this book.  I didn't realise how popular it was, as I had never heard of it myself.  But as it turns out, Hope And Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes, seems to be somewhat of an iconic book among sufferers of depression - and in particular, anxiety.

So I read it cover to cover and in turn, ended up going out and buying my own copy.

Hope And Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes

The book is based mostly on four simple techniques for breaking the cycle of panic and anxiety.

Face your feelings - instead of running from them.  Accept the feelings and/or sensations - this is probably the most important part, but also the hardest.  Let unsettling thoughts "float", and accept them as what they are - just thoughts.  And lastly, let time pass and keep reinforcing the first three points - don't get discouraged when these feelings return.

For anyone suffering an anxiety disorder, these points are far easier said than done.  But if we take the time to really soak in the information Dr Weekes provides in this book, I think it can really be beneficial.

Recovery from any kind of emotional or nervous disorder is tough.  It's a long, difficult and upsetting journey, which only those of us who have been there can possibly understand.  In truth, I'm not entirely sure that we can ever really be cured from these things.  But using resources provided and taking in information, such as what is on offer in books like this one, can certainly provide some reassurance and help.

S ☓

'Get To Know Me 21 Questions' Tag

Today I'm going to complete the 'Get To Know Me 21 Questions' tag.  Hope you enjoy it!

 

1. Are you named after anyone?  I don't believe so, but when I was younger my parents used to joke about naming me after Stefanie Powers from Hart to Hart!

2. When was the last time you cried?  Last night and this morning

 

3. Do you have kids?  No, but I hope to one day

 

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?  I think so.  I like to think I'm a good friend as I'm extremely loyal and will do anything for my friends

 

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?  Unfortunately, I think I do.  But never in a nasty way of course

 

6. Will you ever bungee-jump?  Oh nooooo!

 

7. What’s your favourite cereal?  I've never really been a big cereal fan, but if I had to choose one, probably Special K

 

8. What’s the first thing you notice about people?  I'm usually quite intuitive, so I tend to notice a person's mannerism's and behaviour, before I'll necessarily notice their looks

 

9. What is your eye colour?  Blue

 

10. Scary movie or happy endings?  I love a good thriller, but we all like happy endings don't we?

 

11. Favourite smells?  Coffee, vanilla, coconut, fresh sheets, Coco by Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique

 

12. Summer or winter?  Winter.  I'd much rather be cold than hot

 

13. Computer or television?  Both at the same time

 

14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?  I've never been overseas unfortunately, so I think the furthest I've been away from Melbourne would probably be Sydney

 

15. Do you have any special talents?  I don't know about special, but I've always been quite good with words and I can sing (sort of)

 

16. Where were you born?  Melbourne, Australia

 

17. What are your hobbies?  Reading, blogging, movies and music, collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia

 

18. Do you have any pets?  Yes - a beautiful Staffy named Oggy

 

19. Favourite movie?  Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Clueless, Bridesmaids and anything with Marilyn in it

 

20. Do you have any siblings?  Yes - an older brother

 

21. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Happy!

Well, that's it!  I tag anyone who wishes to take part :)

 

S ☓

YouTube Favourites

I may be slightly late on the uptake, but I've recently discovered the beauty of all things YouTube!

I'm particularly in love with a few beauty channels, which I subscribe to and watch religiously - so I thought I'd share those with you today.

The first one is my absolute favourite - saturdaynightsalrite!  Karissa is absolutely beautiful inside and out, and her videos are lovely.  She uploads 3 videos per week, which range from beauty tutorials, to tags, to vlog's and hauls.  Karissa is very easy to watch and as she is based in Australia (originally from Canada), the products she speaks about on her channel are readily available to us in Aus or online.  Definitely check it out, you won't be disappointed! www.youtube.com/user/saturdaynightsalrite

My next favourite is zoella280390.  Zoe is a beautiful, bubbly girl based in the UK and her video's are great.  She mostly uploads beauty hauls and vlog type video's, but also has a couple of more personal ones relating to anxiety issues.  I love her for being willing to open up to the world in the hope that she can help even just one or two people - she has certainly helped me by sharing her story.  Zoe's best friend Louise, also has a channel - Sprinkleofglitter, which I love!  Louise is so bubbly and funny.  Her video's are also mostly beauty based, but she also films quite a bit with her incredibly adorable daughter, Darcy - she is guaranteed to put a smile on your face no matter how miserable you may be feeling at the time!  Zoe's link is www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390 and Louise's is www.youtube.com/user/Sprinkleofglitter

laurenbeautyy is another of my absolute fave's.  Lauren is an Australian YouTuber and her video's are easy to watch and full of great products and advice.  She uploads a lot of tutorials and favourites video's, which I really enjoy.  Check her out at www.youtube.com/user/laurenbeautyy

The last channel I'll mention is Tanya Burr.  Tanya is a makeup artist in the UK and her video's are great.  She is so lovely on camera, which make her very easy to watch and listen to.  Her makeup tutorials are fantastic and I also really enjoy her vlog's.  Have a look at www.youtube.com/user/TanyaBurr

I have so many more favourites I want to mention, so I may need to create a 'part two' of this post at some stage down the track.

Please do comment if you'd like to share your favourites, or what you think of the ones I've mentioned.

Happy YouTubing!

S ☓

Happy Birthday Ms. Monroe!

Happy birthday to the beautiful Marilyn Monroe, who would have been 87 today!

People often ask me why I have such an obsession with her - or why my house looks like a Marilyn museum!  Well, it's hard to explain, and probably sounds a little silly to most, but I've always felt a strong connection with her.

When I was little, Gentlemen Prefer Blonde's was on tv and I happened to catch a glimpse of it.  I was so fascinated with Marilyn, even though I had no idea who she was.

As I got older, that fascinated continued and I started watching all of her movies, and reading various books about her life.

Learning about her battle with severe anxiety and depression drew me even closer to her.  One particular book I read focused a lot on her mental health issues, and I felt that emotionally she was very similar to me.

She went through so many of the same issues I am going through now and have done in the past.  Marilyn became the person I looked at to inspire me to keep going - I would look at her and read about her life and think "Wow, Marilyn filmed movies and walked the red carpet feeling this way - so I can get up out of bed and do what I need to do too!".

I will always be grateful to Marilyn for being such an inspiration to me.  She will always be remembered, she will always be beautiful and she will always be in my heart.

Happy birthday, Marilyn!  May you be resting in the peace you so desperately longed for.

S ☓