September Favourites 2017

Long Time No See...

Hello again! So... to say it's been a while since I posted here would be a big understatement. After a long break I've decided I want to get back into the swing of blogging, but I believe a quick update is definitely in order as a lot has changed!

In my last post (two years ago!) I was stressing at university. Thankfully, I have since finished my marketing degree. The biggest change in my life has definitely been moving to London this year! I left Australia on June 10 and as you can see from my photo, I also travelled around Europe with one of my best friends. The highlights were definitely Barcelona and the Greek Islands, all so beautiful!

On August 14th I officially moved to London. Why, you ask? I always say 'better job opportunities' but honestly I needed change and I've always dreamed of living in Europe. I went to London for the first time over 5 years ago and knew it was the place for me. It's been such a busy few months that I've actually just been doing temporary work and focusing on my YouTube. 2016 will be my year!

Enough rambling though, how have you guys been? Let me know in the comments what kind of content you would like to see on this blog!

xo Caroline

Week in Photos #3

Instagram: CarolineFemme
01. Matching nails and work out clothes... why not? Polish is the colour Tart Deco by Essie, now avilable in Priceline stores!

02. Ahhhmazing new phone cover by LuxAddiction.com *, review video up on my youtube channel!

03. University has been so stressful this week! Had to use two laptops the other night as my internet was down on one and the other doesn't have Word. Needless to say it was a long night trying to finish my assignments.

04. Walking around Lorna Jane for some fitspiration, yet to make a purchase though. I don't want to buy expensive work out clothes until I've slimmed down... how's that for backwards thinking haha!

05. The new chamomile collection from The Body Shop is out and I've already got my eyes on the cleansing butter. Has anyone tried it yet?

06. Being quite tall, I always struggle to find a platform shoe that won't make me tower among everyone else! Came across these cute Oriental Flatforms in Sportsgirl today and knew I had to have them. Incredibly comfortable, not too tall and only $59.95? Sold.

Review | Zara 'Femme' Perfume

Zara Femme - 15mL - $12.95 AUD
A few weeks ago I added the Zara 'Femme' perfume to my ever growing collection. Lets be honest, I don't really need more, but the Zara fragrances come in a range of sizes that are reasonably priced, so I decided to pick up a 15mL bottle for just $12.95 AUD. Not to mention it's called FEMME, how could I not buy it!?

Top notes: bergamot, middle notes: orchid and peony, base notes: vanila, sandalwood and musk. (source)

I would describe it as a warm and floral evening scent, probably the most mature smelling fragrance I own. As an eau de toilette spray, the lasting power is average so I find myself touchiung up during the day. This doesn't really bother me since I do it with my eau de parfums anyway, plus the 15mL bottle is purse size friendly! The bottle design for the smaller sizes is very sleek and simple, but the full size has a beautiful floral design with a wooden lid.

Overall I love this perfume, have you tried any fragrances by Zara?

xx

Winter Beauty Essentials

With winter just around the corner I thought I would do a post sharing my beauty essentials for the coming colder months!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms have been getting a lot of attention over the past year and are definitely worth the hype. Not only do they melt into the skin and help break down makeup for cleansing, but they leave your face feeling so soft and smooth after! This Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm contains no mineral oil, sulphates or parabens and is suitable for all skin types.

Models Prefer Thirst Stop! Mask
I've never really been a fan of face masks until I gave this product a try. Unlike typical masks that dry and tighten on application (often leaving my skin feeling uncomfortable and tight after), this calming mask smooths onto the skin in a thin cream consistency and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Pomegranate extracts also help regulate hydration and retain moisture to the skin, exactly what I'm after in the cold weather.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Base
I love using this illuminating primer under my foundation when the cold weather has left my skin looking dull and pale. It's not glittery or too shimmery, just gives the perfect healthy glow to your makeup (if you have oily skin I would avoid using it on the t-zone though!).

Palmers Moisturizing Body Oil
Body Oils are a great way to instantly smooth and moisturise the skin, and this Palmers body oil is a long time favourite. It's not too thick in consistency, fast absorbing and inexpensive. My legs are prone to dry patches which can often lead to irritation when shaving, but applying a thin layer of this oil before hand helps give a smoother shave, life saver!

Carmex Lip Balm
After 8 months on accutane, I've experienced the worst when it comes to dry lips. I always carry a tube of carmex around, but if you're experiencing extreme dryness, try applying Blixtex Intensive Repair Balm first and layering the Carmex over - my winning combination!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
As the weather gets colder I recommend trying to switch over to a more moisturising and radiant foundation. Healthy Mix Serum applies on the skin smoothly and doesn't look too shiny or too matte, just a beautiful natural finish. Note - If you have combo-oily skin you will need to powder to control shine and increase lasting power, as it can fade a bit during the day.

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate
To exfoliate I always reach for chemical exfolliants as they are able to clear and smooth without having to scrub, scratch or irritate the skin. I love this product by REN as it uses natural fruit acids which are gentle on the skin and leave my skin with a brighter and smoother texture, perfect to get rid of all that flaky skin build up from the cool weather.

BENEFIT Total Moisture Facial Cream
My holy grail moisturiser for dry and dehydrated skin! This Benefit cream is a thick consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it feeling hydrated and smooth. For best results I apply a facial serum first and then layer this cream over.

NIVEA Q10 Hand Cream
I always carry a tube of hand cream in my handbag as my hands are always dry as the weather gets colder. This hand cream by Nivea is a light consistency and fast absorbing, great for applying on the go.

What are your favourite cold weather beauty essentials?

xx

Face Of The Day

Face
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector 'Moonstone'
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation
Garnier Anti Dark Circles Roll On Concealer
Australis Fresh & Flawless Powder Foundation
Benefit 'Bella Bamba' Blush
MAC 'Omega' Eyeshadow for brows

Eyes
Too Faced 'Heaven' Eyeshadow
MAC Chromographic Eyeliner 'NC15/NW20'
Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara

Lips
MAC Viva Glam Nicki

So, I'm not really a fan of Nicki Minaj (to be honest her music gives me a headache) BUT I do really like her original Viva Glam lipstick for MAC. On my lips the colour is a bright pink, not too warm or too cool toned and has a satin finish. I think the lighting in my picture is making it look a bit more flattering than it is, because sometimes I do find it looks a little too much one me, but overall it is a lovely colour if you're going for a vibrant lip. I can't wait to try this one out when I fake tan, as usually bright colours suit me best when I have a tan!

xx

My Skincare Routine

Ah skincare products, my weakness! I recently upload my skincare routine video to youtube (see below) and thought I would share it here too. For reference, my skintype is normal but slightly dehydrated.

Let me know if you would like a full review of any of the products mentioned and I shall make a blogpost!