I’ve been wanting to do a favourites post for a while but rather than starting back in November when I started blogging, I figure I’d start a fresh list with the new year. I’m inspired by the trend on blogs and YouTube to create a monthly reflection of favourite items, partly for posterity but also in the chance that it may be useful to somebody out there in the ether. I’ve not yet developed this site in full just yet, prioritising “just creating” over planning as it were, so there’s not a whole lot of specifics up about me yet. I’m not sure when I’ll have the time to sit down and properly flesh out the site, but in the meantime, maybe a picture of me can be established from some of the little things I’ve found interesting, fun or simply enjoyed recently.
So here’s my favourites this month, some from last year that have managed to stick around, some from just yesterday!
Beauty
- Endota Spa Organics Rosehip Oil
I love Endota Spas, their service is great and they use great products with natural ingredients that don’t break me out. The last time I was there I had a facial where they used this oil on my dry areas. I was super surprised when they were going through the products how light the oil was and also the scent was amazing. Having grown up with very dry skin, I’m no stranger to the liquid gold that is rosehip oil and its long list of benefits: it’s an intense moisturiser, scar reducing, anti-aging, etc etc, and most importantly for me, it actually works. But some brands have a very strong rosehip scent that can border on funky especially the longer you’ve had it open. The Endota Spa rosehip oil has a relatively mild scent and is also fairly lightweight. A little goes a long way and bonus, the it smells just like you’ve been at the spa! I use this on dry areas and as part of my face routine esp in winter. [endotaspa.com.au] - Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer
Hunting down this primer can be an absolute mission, but if you keep your eyes peeled the Sephora website occasionally has it in stock. It goes fast though, so be quick when you see it and don’t hesitate! And it’s totally worth it. Super smoothing, hydrating, and it creates a perfect base ready for foundation. Just under a full pump goes a long way and it’s not super slick or oily. Really love this under heavier or fuller coverage foundations like Makeup Forever’s HD foundation and of course, the Marc Jacobs Genius Gels. (Also, don’t bother about the “notify me” emails, I got this one by sheer luck while I was browsing the website for during the Xmas promos. :/) [sephora.com.au]
- Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super–Charged Oil–Free Foundation
Love love love. Lightweight, medium coverage, buildable. Blends beautifully with a brush or blending sponge. I originally bought this shade at the end of summer and sort of forgot that this matched my tan at the time. On its own it does oxidise a little so I couldn’t really use it throughout winter, but in the spring months I was able to use it mixed with my winter colour MUF HD foundation. Totally fine. Can be a little patchy on dry areas, so really prime and hydrate before application. [sephora.com.au]
Lifestyle
- Fitbit Flex 2 and gold bangle accessory
I got the Flex 2 to help me keep track of exercise and calorie counting etc. It’s the perfect size for me – I didn’t want another watch and I’m not a fan of rubber straps. But I like jewellery and knowing there was a bangle accessory for the Flex 2 made it the best choice. I got this gold one for Xmas and look at how well it goes with things I already have! It’s also such a tiny tracker that I expect there’ll easily be more third party accessories to come. [fitbit.com/au] - Mr.Kate
So, I’m a bit of a YouTube addict and I stumbled on the Mr.Kate channel after searching for a DIY jewellery hanging thing. I then ended up down the rabbit hole of DIY videos and interior decorating… what, they’re fun! I love Mr.Kate’s style and how effortless she makes interior design and fashion, and for all budgets. And she designs jewellery! And there’s a shop! And there was a sale during the US Labour Day… and Black Friday… and things. But how cute is the piggy? [mrkate.com]
So that’s my top 5 this month! I’m not sure how I feel about the categories and if they will stay or regularly shift … or if maybe I should have a top 5 to keep things simple… or even if this will be a monthly theme. Hm. Also not sure about the layout – I certainly learnt a lot doing these favourites and working out the best way to do the photos. It was definitely an exercise in patience, refamiliarising myself with my cameras, and I can’t say these are my favourite shots, but they were far better than what I started with!
But for now these will do and having something to improve on isn’t such a bad thing 🙂 I’ll aspire towards more and better content… and if nothing else, I’ll have lots of creative backlog! :).
x
A.