The end of the month of May means only one thing - my May favourites!
This month I haven't discovered too many new products, but I have been using a few things that I had almost forgotten about.
1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Fragrance Free ($38)
I love this stuff. It just works. For those who haven't tried it before, its a thick ointment almost, and is great for dry lips, cracked elbows, dry patches etc. You don't want to be smearing it over your whole face as it is more of an oilier texture rather than a lotion, but it really does work. I put this on my lips every night, and also after I exfoliate my lips, and it really is magic stuff. I use the fragrance free version as I have very sensitive skin, and I haven't yet had any issues with it. I've heard a few people comment on the scent of the fragrance free version - it doesn't have any artificial fragrance but obviously it still smells of SOMETHING - and they haven't much liked it. On the other hand I have also heard people complain about the scent of the original. I personally find the original to be quite overpowering, and I don't think I would be too keen on putting that on my face, particularly around my eye area, which is also where I quite frequently apply this product (just in the outer corners, it can get quite dry and I find this fixes it quickly). The fragrance free version reminds me of something from my childhood, although I can't quite put my finger on what...it will come to me though!
2. Zara Black Amber ($9.95)
During the month of May, I discovered Zara's perfume range. Normally I'm quite a snob when it comes to perfume - I like the expensive brand-named stuff. But as I was waiting in line to be served in Zara, I picked up one of their limited edition fragrances, and I fell in love immediately. Black Amber is described as an oriental fragrance, with tangerine, tiare flower, passionfruit, vanilla and amber. It reminds me of Dolce and Gabbana The One, which I also use, but it isn't quite the same. The way I would describe Black Amber is very grown up yet still feminine. For a cheaper perfume, it has a strong scent and quite good staying power. I find that I do need to top it up mid way through the day, but it lasts longer than some other perfumes that I have paid much more for. I purchased the smallest bottle and I'm already half way through it. Given that it's limited edition, I may have to hotfoot it back to Zara and get myself the full size version before it disappears all together!
3. Pantene Clinicare Shampoo - for weakened and thinning hair ($14.99)
Towards the end of May I decided to try a new shampoo, seeing as my Lee Stafford My Big Fat Hair ran out. Instead of repurchasing that, I went for something new, and I'm glad I did. Clinicare seems to be Pantene's slightly fancier range, and while its true that it isn't cheap, it does the trick. I purchased the mini travel size versions of this shampoo and conditioner, and as soon as they were finished, I went straight out and bought the full size versions. I can't really describe what is so good about this shampoo, but it is good! It is designed for weakened and thinning hair, and while I wouldn't really describe my hair as weak, it is quite fine and can be hard to work with sometimes, because it is so fine and straight. My main issue is trying to get some texture in my hair, and I find that this shampoo gives it just that. It isn't really a volumising shampoo, but it has worked better at giving my hair a bit of 'oomph' than many shampoos that have been designed to do just that. I also found that it made my hair look quite a bit lighter, and it made it incredibly soft to touch, but not lank. All in all, I think this shampoo is well worth the slightly heftier price tag, and I think it will be something that I continue to purchase.
4. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup ($50)
About six years ago, I used to use Clinique Superbalanced foundation, but it became a bit too expensive for me, and I found a much cheaper alternative (which has since been discontinued). However about six months ago, I decided to give it a whirl again. I've tried a few other Clinique foundations, but this one is by far my favourite. I used it every day for about two months, but for some reason it was stashed away in my drawer again, in favour of other products that I was testing out. A couple of weeks ago however, I pulled it out again, and I've fallen in love all over again. I've worn this foundation every single day for the last two weeks, and I think I will continue to buy it once this one runs out. While it isn't designed to be a high coverage foundation, this product gives me quite a good coverage. Obviously being quite sheer, it doesn't cover my blemishes (I use a thick concealer for those), but it does cover any redness and imperfections that I have on my skin. It is quite shiny, so a loose or pressed powder is definitely needed, but once powdered, it gives the most luminous look to the skin, and makes it look so healthy. I also find the staying power to be excellent (as long as it is powdered).
5. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush (part of limited edition set $19.99)
I've loved the Real Techniques brushes for a long time - dare I say it, before they were popular? They are high-quality synthetic brushes, created by make up artist Samantha Chapman, of Pixiwoo fame. I have watched their videos for years, and found out about the brush line as soon as it was released. I managed to get my hands on them and they are the best brushes I have ever used. Shortly after they exploded and became hugely popular, and as a result, more brushes have been released, including the limited edition duo-fibre collection. This set consists of a duo-fibre eye brush, face brush and contour brush. I use the contour brush not for contouring, but for blush. I used to use the Real Techniques Blush Brush but sometimes I find that using a larger brush for blush isn't the best for me. The contour brush is the perfect size for me, and the fact that is is duo-fibre is an added bonus because it doesn't pick up as much product as the other brushes, meaning I can avoid looking like a barbie doll.
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