Tuesday's Top Ten Archives

29
Oct
2013

Tuesday’s Top Ten: Lush Lusts

categories: Makeup and Beauty, Tuesday's Top Ten, Uncategorized

Hi All, Happy Tuesday!

For this weeks Top Ten post I thought I would do a quick round up of the ten Lush products that I am currently lusting over (by which I mean each week I got into their store and investigate then leave wishing I could buy them all). I have recently gotten more interested in Lush and I think it is because my skin just doesn’t seem to react well to much any more and so natural products have become more appealing. I also love Lush as a brand that is cruelty free and vegan (and the ladies at the Queen

Street office are super nice too!). To be clear, not affiliated or sponsored anyway, as per usual. Just a little obsessed…

1. Dream Cream: Top of my list and a product I plan to buy ASAP is this soothing body lotion for sensitive skin. A best selling product and after being given a sample last week I now understand why. Filled with good stuff like chamomile and lavender this smells good but feels even better. Not cheap which is why I put it off but a little goes a long way so I think it is probably well worth it. $37.90 for 240g

2. Dreamwash: Another product that I have a sample of and have already enjoyed briefly is this shower soap that is, once again, soothing and suitable for dry, red skin. Full of all my favourite things like chamomile, calamine, lavender, aloe vera and essential oils I am a big fan. A little bit expensive for a shower wash, at $28.90 for 250g so not something I would straight away shell out for.

3. Rose Jam Shower Gel: Staying on the tune of shower products, this shower gel is a gorgeous new Christmas product, scented with rose and lemon. I originally was lusting after snow fairy but after comparing scents I much prefer this slightly more subtle rose scent and find snow fairy a little sickly. $22.50 for 100g, other sizes also available.

4. Santa’s Lip Scrub: I already love the lip scrubs and am currently using the Mint Julips one (which smells amazing) so naturally I was drawn to the limited edition Christmas lip scrub which tastes of cola. Although this is a relatively simple product, at $12.50 it isn’t too expensive and would make a great gift paired with the lip tint below…

5. Santa’s Baby Lip Tint: A red tinted lip balm that is perfect to use after a little scrub and provides a moisturizing red tint with the flavour of a cola. A great combo with the scrub above, and at $12.50 is a nice treat or gift.

6.Aqua Marina: This is another sample of a popular cleanser that I have yet to try. A pink mousse wrapped with seaweed it is definitely unusual but contains calamine and aloe vera to make it suitable for sensitive and irritated skin, soothing and cleansing. Excited to try this. $18.90 per 100g.

7. Sexy Peel Soap: I love Honey I washed the Kids but this strong citrus scent still outranks it as my favourite soap at Lush. I haven’t bought any but can’t wait to try it properly as the scents of lemon, grapefruit and lime are perfect for waking up to face the day. Yum. $7.49/100g

8. Angel’s Delight Soap: On the tangent of soaps, my favourite new soap is this sweet, colourful one. With cents of tangerines and gardenias the result is a sweet, floral and citrus scent. But mainly I just want it cause its pretty. $7.50/100g

9. Lemony Flutter: I don’t why I don’t own this product yet. This is a popular thick cream that is mainly used for softening cuticles but can be used basically anywhere dry. I love nail creams and seeing as this one is citrus scented (notice a pattern) I am a big fan of this one. At $19.90 for 50g it may seem experience but I know a little goes a long way (I always sample this when I pop into the stores).

10. Vanillary Solid Perfume: Ending with something quite different, I have been umming and ahhing over the Lush perfumes as I do tend to react a little to normal perfume and the idea of something organic and natural is very appealing. This little solid perfume is scented of, you guessed it, vanilla as well as jasmine. The end scent is a warm and grown up vanilla perfume, perfect for winter (but not so much for the season we are just entering). At $10.90 for 12g its not a huge commitment and so may be worth a try for those who like vanilla/burnt caramel scents, as I do.

Whew, I would happily go broke to own all ten of these (edd may not so much). What are the Lush products you lust over?

Xx

01
Oct
2013

Tuesday’s Top 10: Teas I want to try from T2

categories: Tea Time, Tuesday's Top Ten

With T2 a new gift to Auckland I have been browsing their website and store, building up a significant wishlist of teas. So far I have just one (My classic Turkish apple tea that I couldn’t leave without) and a couple of samples. But here are a few more I have on my radar…

Apple Crumble (Image from T2tea.com)

Let me preface my list with a small disclosure: T2 are not paying me in $$ or (preferably) in tea to ramble on at you about them in fact they know nothing about me. My lists are just a little weird and this is what is on my mind at the moment.

Sleep Tight (image from T2tea.com)

Apple Cumble: A tisane that is supposed to be delicious hot or cold and taste like home baking and fresh apples. I am already salivating.
Southern Sunrise: This is one of the samples I received and is a delicious herbal blend of grapefruit and lemongrass. A refreshing combination that I need in my life.
Honey Vanilla: A rooibos based tea with hints of vanilla (which I love in tea) and floral honeybush. I am intrigued.
White Jasmine: I love white tea and I love jasmine in tea so this is a combination made for me to try.
Geisha Getaway: A tropical take on Sencha green tea with coconut and pineapple. Diifferent to any other form of green tea I have tried and sounds like a holiday in a tea cup.
Sleep Tight: I am a terrible sleeper so this one could be worth a try and sounds delicious too with a combination of lemon balm, rose, lavender and jasmine.
Vanilla Mint: I love peppermint tea (to death) and so this spearmint and vanilla combination could be right up my alley.
Chai: A basic one, I know but I am always on the hunt for the perfect chai and whilst in store I sampled some of this made up with soy milk and a little honey and it was beautiful. Chai is pretty amazing full stop.
French Earl Grey: I tend to shy away from Earl Grey at home but always enjoy a good cup of it at the in-laws. I have also heard a few people recommend this classic bergamot fusion with fruity and citrus flavours.
Turkish Apple and Cinnamon: Being a big fan of the Turkish apple tisane I couldn’t help but include what sounds like it but even better. Apple and cinnamon has to be one of the best comnbinations and these sugary concoctions are a bit of a treat. Yum.

Turkish Apple and Cinnamon (Image from T2tea.com)

French Earl Grey (Image from T2tea.com)

I definitely won’t be buying all of these (at once) but they make a handy birthday list (hint hint) and I just generally kind of love reading their descriptions of teas and the beautiful photos (which I borrowed…). Anyway, I am going to go back to my pot of Southern Sunrise and the new album by Lorde which I can’t get enough of.

What are your favourites from T2 (as if I need more for my wishlist)? For more information on T2 or their humongous selection of beautiful teas head to their website or head to their store near the bottom of Queen Street in Auckland city. There are so many delicious samples to try and the staff are lovely so you may be there a while.

Xx

18
Jun
2013

Tuesday’s Top 6 Winter Lip Products

categories: Makeup and Beauty, Tuesday's Top Ten

Hi All!
Here’s Tuesday’s Top list, this week is winter lip products. This is definitely not an exhaustive list but just a few favourites I thought I would share! Swatches at the bottom

1. Revlon Balm Stain in Honey
This is a favourite year round and one of my holy grail lip products. A gorgeous my lips but better moisturising lip stain that is long lasting and incredibly easy to wear. The warmth of this nude pink is what I think makes it so wearable and gorgeous in Winter.

2. Natio lipstick in Vintage Rose
Okay so here is where I admit that I bought this based on the name…luckily the colour is gorgeous and another beautiful light shade that works perfectly for winter. A warm mid toned pink with a lttle bit of a peach undertone (not as peachy as the swatch however) this is another great my lips but better shade. The formula is moisturising which is always a key point for me in these cold months.

3. Maybelline Colour Sensational in Let Me Pink
I love the formula of these lipsticks by Maybelline and this recent addition to my collection is perfect for winter as it is a rich deep pink with a warm brown undertone. Dark but still easy to pull off and moisturising makes this a new favourite.

4. Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie
I love the lip butter’s by Revlon and this deep berry pink is vibrant but still dark and a gorgeous colour for winter. Super pigmented, incredibly moisturising and still pretty long lasting. I like the ability to wear it as sheer but glossy or rich and pigmented. A consistent favourite.

5. MUA Lipstick in Shade 3
One staple for winter is a deep red and this incredible lipstick (which cost 1 pound!!!!) is a perfect choice. This red is dark but still has a beautiful brightness to its lush deep wine colour. Another great formula that isn’t drying and lasts well throughout the day without shifting around too much.

6. Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia
In case you haven’t realised dry lips in winter is pretty common for me so I am a religious user of a thick hydrating lip balm as often as possible through out the day. This year the new Nivea lip butters are my moisturiser of choice and they do the job well (and smell darn delicious too)

So there are my top 6 lip products for this season. What are your favourite lip products for winter?
Xx

11
Jun
2013

Tuesday’s Top 10 Ways I Relax

categories: Tuesday's Top Ten

1. Light a candle and meditate (I am terrible at real meditation but trying is still relaxing. Thinking of nothing is really hard!).

2. Face masks. Usually hydrating ones, especially at this time of the year. Forces me to sit for ten minutes and chill.

3. Bake cupcakes, bake cookies, bake brownies. Just bake. With some music that I can sing along terribly to.

4. Paint my nails. I do this 3 times a week and love taking an hour out of my day to take care of my nails with a manicure whilst watching YouTube videos in the background.

5. Take a really long, hot shower. If I could I would take a bath with a bunch of Lush products but being in my current ~~cupboard~~ flat a shower is the next best thing.

6. Drink tea. This is another common occurrence but having a big pot of herbal tea when I come home after work instantly calms me down and makes me feel more relaxed.

7. Clean…I can’t be the only one who stress cleans right? I don’t know why the only time I enjoy cleaning is when I am stressed but I find it very effective to offload with a bunch of cleaning products, a free weekend and some noisy music.

8. Read. The one thing I have always done since I can remember to relax and escape from the real world was read fiction. It still remains he easiest way for me to escape reality and remove myself from the stresses of daily life.

9. Exercise. It doesn’t have to be anything intense, anything from a session at the local gym to a long, slow walk through he neighbourhood at dusk rejuvenates me and is especially good for settling my sleep patterns.

10. Cat cuddles. Even if Callie isn’t willing I can usually coax her into a brief cuddle session and nothing works better than some feline love. Thanks Callie xx

How do you relax and unwind after a stressful day?

23
Apr
2013

Tuesday Top 10: Benefit Products on my Wishlist!

categories: Makeup and Beauty, Tuesday's Top Ten

Hi all!

Happy Tuesday! Recently Benefit announced on Twitter and other Social Media that they are planning to launch in New Zealand in the very near future. For a country that suffers from a severe lack in certain awesome makeup and beauty brands this news was very well received. I have constantly heard amazing things about a lot of their products but I have never been able to try them. Once I knew they were coming down under a shopping list began forming in my mind, it wasn’t even a conscious thought to put together this list, it just happened! So I figured I might as well make a post about ten of the products I am most excited to try out once they launch. Can I quickly add that I ADORE Benefit packaging, everything is so cute and interesting.

1. They’re real! Mascara
This mascara has to be one of the most talked about mascaras. People seem to love it and it seems to have made its way into many holy grail lists. I love a good mascara and have yet to find my mascara soul mate-could this be it?!

2. High Beam
One of the many gorgeous highlighters offered by Benefit. I wasn’t sure which to choose as my preferred highlighter (highlighter is one of those products I know very little about) but this and sun beam both looked amazing. This cool champagne is probably better suited in terms of my ~~deathly~~ fair complexion.

3. Coralista Box Blush
Ugh these box blushes look amazing and from the look of swatches online I could have included a
lot more on my wishlist (I’m looking at you dandelion and hervana!). This one is top of the list because it is a gorgeous pink coral which looks gorgeous on SO many people I have high hopes for our future relationship.

4. Poisetint
Another product I love the idea of are the lip and cheek tints by Benefit. I love the look of the bene-tint as well but this lighter pink looks a little less scary and from online reviews seems to be a bit easier to use.

5. Hoola Box Bronzer
Not much to say about this except that this looks like a gorgeous, matte Bronzer.

6. Longwear powder eye shadows in Nude swing & Thanks a latte
The new line of shadows released recently look amazing and I would happily buy 90% of them. These two are my favourites, with a beautiful rose gold shimmer and then a lovely dark golden brown.

7. The Pore-fessional
A primer/BB cream extraordinaire!! This apparently is great at minimising the appearance of pores, smoothing and also providing some coverage to even out skin tone. Sound like a wonder product.

8. Boi-ing concealer
An industrial strength concealer, industrial!! Sounds pretty awesome to me. Comparable to mac studio fx concealer apparently.

9. Brow zings brow shaping kit
I need to find a good brow kit so this wax/powder combo had to be included on my wishlist.

10. Something about Sofia fragrance
Obviously I hang actually smelt any of these but based on online descriptions this fragrance with an interesting combo of fruity, floral and musky vanilla scents I would love to give this one a shot! I have to say that there are at least 3 others that also sound amazing!!

Well , there’s a very non-exhaustive list of some benefit products I will eyeing up once they reach our shores!! Please let me know what you think about any of these products and whether there is anything I am missing If you are in NZ and want to keep up with Benefit ad their launch follow them on twitter @BenefitNZ for all the updates.

Xx

P.s. this post wasn’t sponsored or influenced by Benefit or any other company and is just the rambling of one rather excited kiwi!

16
Apr
2013

Tuesday’s Top 10 … Nail Polishes for Autumn

categories: Nail Polish, Tuesday's Top Ten

Foxes just happen to be very Autumn appropriate. How handy!

Hi all!

Today I am starting a new blog series called Tuesday’s Top 10 that will most likely occur weekly (on a Tuesday, in case that wasn’t self-explanatory ._.). It’s a chance for me to share random lists that are makeup/beauty related, movie/book related or any other random lists that I feel like sharing. I am one of those ~~crazy~~ normal people who is always making lists, in fact I find it hard to function or be productive without them (a.k.a. I do nothing…all day. Not even exaggerating.).

Anyway, today I am posting my Top 10 nail polishes for Autumn as Summer has finally abandoned us and left a rather depressing, wet season in its place. Luckily for me I love Autumn nail polish and so I was excited to go through my collection and pull out some vampy, edgy favorites that will be on heavy rotation this season. Let me add, before I get started, that I don’t think seasons should limit our nail polish options and I am often seen with bright nails in the dead of winter yet I do tend to darken up the colours I wear and certain seasonal trends sometimes appeal. Here are 10 favorites (in no particular order)!

1. OPI The Living Daylights: My glitter choice for Autumn is this amazing hexagonal glitter released in OPI’s Jame’s Bond collection. Its a very unique mix of teal, silver and copper glitter that seems to work with the majority of Autumn cream shades that I wear, lending itself to a sophisticated accent finger or topcoat.

2. Essie Merino Cool: This cream polish by Essie is a gorgeous mauve toned taupe shade that oozes elegance. I love nudes in Autumn for those times when I am over the dark, vampy shades and need a beautiful palette cleanser with a cleaner, more subtle shade like this one.

3. Essie Go Overboard: A favorite for Autumn is this amazing deep teal from Essie. A gorgeous blue/green cream (have you noticed how much I love a good cream polish) that is different and stands out. Dark without being black this colour is my alternative to a navy and will be very busy this Autumn.

4. Revlon Colorstay in Blue Slate: This is a relatively new purchase for me and my first from the Colorstay range. Blue Slate is an interesting and unique blue with a dusty, edgy quality to it. Another polish that falls into my obsessions with blues all year round but the subdued tonr makes this very Autumn appropriate.

5. Essie Very Structured: Another classic colour for me in Autumn is a brown, usually a super dark, vampy brown but this year a lighter, chocolate brown by Essie caught my eye. A slightly odd nail polish (which means I LOVE it) with a classic Essie cream formula that makes application a breeze.

6. OPI Warm and Fozzie: An oldie from the Muppets collection but an Autumn staple for me is this amazing shimmer/glitter polish. The variety of colours in this complex shade (from browns to coppers and burnt pink/oranges) are the perfect representation of Autumn’s changing leaves (one of my favorite things about the season).

7. Maxfactor Glossfinity in Burgundy Crush: Berry toned reds are a vibrant addition to any Autumn outfit and pair well with my favorite berry lipsticks so this new deep berry/burgundy addition to my collection is perfection in a gorgeous cream formula. Shiny, opaque and really does last for forever. I love how this colour is both bright and yet sultry. The reasonable prices of this range also appeals…

8. OPI Skyfall: I am never very current with the trends but one recent trend in Fall fashion that I love is oxblood! The off-putting name (referring to the deep rust colour of oxygenated blood) doesn’t do this trend justice and I love how classy and yet edgy at the same time it is. This gorgeous burnt red from the Skyfall collection is my current favorite oxblood nail polish.

9. A England Dragon: In order to convince you that I don’t only wear creme nail polishes this beautiful green creation from Adina at A England had to be included! This stunner is an amazing mid-green shimmer/holographic nail polish that lives up to its name (in that it looks like dragon scales…or rather how I would imagine dragon scales to look..you have to see it).

10. OPI Every month is Okoberfest: Number 10 is my absolute favorite (I guess it shouldn’t have been left until last) that I loved during Summer (despite it being the opposite of what I normally wear in Summer) andis a perfect Autumn colour with its red/purple/copper tones and deep, vampy shimmer. This chameleon is a stunner and should be experienced by everyone.

What are your go-to autumn nail polish shades? For more ideas and inspiration this season check out my Guest Post I did a few weeks ago on the fall/autumn nail polish trends for 2013 or alternatively go look back at last years Autumn/Winter nail polish post!

Xx

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