Clean Skin

1. MooGoo Oil Cleanser Combination // 2. MooGoo Anti-ageing Cream // 3. Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask // 4. Bare Escentuals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum // 5. Hilde Hemmes' Herbals Calendula Cream // 6. MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 // 7. BeautyCounter Clean Everyday Shampoo & Rinse Everyday Conditioner

I have been on a real mission over the past year to clean up my skin care products. I have become fed up and don't want to put chemicals and harmful ingredients on my skin any more. I'm still using 'dirty' deodorant and I haven't quite got to my cosmetics yet (save for my beloved mineral foundation), but I am almost there with cleaning out my shower and cupboards of any harmful ingredients. Due to the obsessive research, internet trawling and review hunting that I have done for each and every product I try, I thought I would save you the effort and share some of my favourite discoveries. I know there are so many amazing brands that are doing 'clean' skincare these days, but many of them come with a hefty price tag that I simply can't justify, so my list is also fairly cost effective too. Win win!

Embracing My Roots

Image: Pinterest

I have hair that grows ridiculously fast. "What are you complaining about?", I hear you ask. Well, I am going broke getting my hair highlighted as often as I need to, and have decided that enough is enough. I am going to embrace the fact that my hair, that may have been naturally blonde when I was five, is no longer naturally blonde. So I am going back to my roots, literally. Well a better version of my roots actually. The above image (and others on my Pinterest page) are some of the ladies I have been looking to for inspiration.

The appointment is set, so wish me luck!

Pretty Party Hair

Images from Elle.com

Looking for some New Years Eve party hair inspiration, I came across these gorgeous styles on Elle.com. After a year of growing out a short hair cut, I am finally able to get my hair up and style it in lots of different ways. While I am not blessed with too many hair styling abilities, that doesn't stop me from trying out new styles as often as I can. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don't.

I can't decide which one I like best. What about you?

Plum Pout

Image from Exude Lipstick

Plum lipstick is something that I have been loving this fall. It all started watching the Rachel Zoe Project and seeing her perfect plum pout. Inspired, I have been on the hunt for the perfect plum shade.  I have found a Revlon one that I quite like, but I think I am going to have to jump on Zoe's bandwagon and try the Exude brand (which she is the ambassador for). Here are some of my picks to achieve the perfect plum lip, including Rachel Zoe's favourite from Exude...

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour in Byzantin, Mac Lipstick in Del Rio, Exude Lip Cream in Cranberry, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Mauvy Night, Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment in Berry Plum

Wonders Never Cease

I think I am a little slow on this one but I am in love with Sally Hansen's Salon Effects nail polish strips. As someone who is challenged in the area of do-it-yourself nail polish I am thrilled with the results of this quick and easy to use product. It's as easy as peel, stick and go. Well almost.

I love the fact that there is zero drying time (that is what always kills my D.I.Y. mani) and the fact that you can get all sorts of prints as well as solid nail colours. I particularly love the gold glitter effect I used on my nails. Only time will tell with how long it lasts but considering I have made it through one day without damage, I am already ahead of my usual at home manicure success (or lack of).

Have you used this product before, what did you think? If not, will you give it a try?

Favourite Things

Here are a selection of my favourite things right now....

 

From top to bottom: 

West Elm Allegra Hicks Wave pillow covers

I don't own these (yet) but they are such gorgeous cushion covers I am sure I can find room for them on our lounge.

Aldo Iveans Wedges 

A new purchase (on sale), I cannot wait to take these babies for a walk.

Jewelmint Farrah Necklace

Another new purchase, I love gold chains and this one has a great 70's vibe.

Pedestal Tray Set

I love this tray set. I found it reading through my favourite blogs one day. It not only keeps my jewellery and perfume organised but is also looks lovely on my dresser.

New York House Numbers & Transit Guide Map

I purchased this map in Sydney and have it by the front door of our apartment in New York. It not only looks good but it is also functional when I am running our the door not sure which direction I am going in.

Crate & Barrel Rug

I love this rug, it is made out of fabric scraps. Up close you can see all the different prints and colours but from far away it just looks like multicoloured stripes. It was very affordable too (although I don't think they sell it any more).

YSL Parisienne Perfume

I bought this to wear on my wedding day. I have hidden it in the back of my closet so I don't use it and so far I have been pretty controlled. I have only broken and worn it once. Can't wait to make it a staple after the wedding.

Neutrogena Body Oil

A new find, I bought this body oil to try and combat my dry over-exposed summer skin. I am not going to lie, I love a tan but I need to make sure I look after my skin as it is quick to dry out when I have seen too much sun.

Queen's Wardrobe Lovely Wave Shorts

These shorts are my absolute favourite. I would wear them everyday if I could. They can be dressed up and dressed down and they go with almost everything in my closet. I love them.