Top 11 in 2011

I have seen these posts popping up on a lot of my favourite blogs, so like the good little lemming that I am I decided to do one of my own. It was surprisingly hard to cull down my lists of favourite products from this year to just 11, but I managed to do it in the end. So without further ado and in no particular order, my top 11 products of 2011 are:

Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille Fragrance – This is without a doubt my favourite perfume of all time. I am terrible at describing scents, but to me this smells like a warm smoked vanilla (aka my ultimate fragrance), and the lasting power of Serge Lutens perfumes are second to none.

Flourish Bath & Body Sugar Perfume Oil – As I mentioned in my review of this perfume, it is probably the most highly complimented scent I’ve ever owned. For the low price, the quality of the entire Flourish Perfume Oil range really can’t be beaten.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara – Probably the biggest mascara release of the year in terms of beauty blogging status, and well worthy of the hype in my opinion. Though I rarely stray from my all time favourite mascara (Lancome Hypnose), this will definitely be a staple in my makeup bag moving forward into 2012.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage – This was probably my most-worn lipstick in 2011. One of the first bright lipsticks I’ve ever owned and now I don’t think I could live without it. Perfect on pretty much any skin tone, this hot pink is a must have for all, in my opinion.

MAC Eyeshadow in Orb – Without a doubt the best neutral eyeshadow colour I’ve found to match my skin tone. As always, the MAC eyeshadow quality is amazing and lasts well throughout the day. A new holy grail item for me.

b collection by Bloom Cheek Tint in Yarra Valley – This was a completely random, spur of the moment purchase in Target on one of my trips to Sydney but boy am I glad to have discovered this blush. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Biotherm White D-Tox BB Cream – BB Creams were a big thing in my life for about 2 months this year, but then all of the attention seemed to peter off a bit. The BB cream product that stood the test of time for me this year was this one. From what I’ve seen it’s received mixed reviews from people so definitely try before you buy.

Bath + Body Works Twisted Peppermint Body Lotion – After using the Twisted Peppermint scented anti-bac hand gel earlier in the year I was determined to try out the body lotion this Christmas and it did not disappoint. If you’re a fan of sweet peppermint scents this is a product for you.

Echolife Floral Facial Mist – A new discovery for me, but a welcome one. I’ve been trying to find a rose mist that I love as much as the Kora one but at a much more affordable price point and this is it. Not only is the product lovely, but the packaging is beautiful.

NP Set Calming Pre-Foundation Primer – The only product (except maybe Clarins’ Beauty Flash Balm) that has ever swayed me towards being a fan of facial primers. An absolute must-have for girls with red undertones in their skin. But be cautious and use sparingly because the product does contain a slight shimmer.

Lanolips Lip Ointment in Sunshine – My favourite gloss this summer. Want subtle, glossy, orange/coral lips? This is the product for you.

Product Review: Busby Pure Tissue Oil + Giveaway [CLOSED]

Move over Kosmea Rose Hip Oil and Weleda Soothing Almond Facial Oil, because there is a new favourite in my facial oil arsenal. The Busby Pure Tissue Oil is rich in vitamin E and contains a blend of naturally derived avocado, grape seed & rose hip oils. Combined, these ingredients are like a big healthy punch in the face. I use facial oils as a night treatment in place of moisturiser once every couple of days or when I feel like my skin needs it. The Busby oil is one of the best I’ve used in the fact that it is one of the fastest to sink into the skin (which helps reduce gross oily-pillow situations at night) and it has a light and slightly floral scent to it. I also really like the pump-top bottle, which makes it super easy to use and is far less messy so therefore trumps all of the other facial oil packaging that I’ve come across so far. The biggest difference I’ve noticed in my skin is the major reduction in redness. I’ve also noticed that my skin has been less oily during the day, but I’m not sure if I should attribute that to introducing the oil into my skin care routine or the recent changes in weather (which has affected my skin in the past). The Busby Tissue Oil retails for $17.95 AUD and can be purchased from selected pharmacies throughout Australia. If you would like to win a bottle of this magical oil of your own, simply leave a comment on this entry & be sure to include your email address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner. Giveaway is open to Australian residents only, and will close on January 26 2012. (note: product was sent for consideration for review)

Cherry Culture Haul

I decided to forget my usual “6 Out / 3 In” method for a while and splurge on a little beauty product spree for my birthday this year. I had never ordered from Cherry Culture before, but they were offering a pretty decent discount and the siren call of Milani’s Luminoso blush was one I could no longer ignore. So I purchased: NYX Doll Eye Mascara in Extreme Black, NYX Felt Tip Liner in Jet Black, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Rose Petal, NYX Powder Blush in Angel, NYX Matte Blotting Paper & NYX HD Studio Grinding Blush in Georgia Peach & English Rose. All in all a pretty decent birthday present, if I do say so myself.

OOTD – Christmas Lunch

The above pictured outfit is what I wore to my work Christmas lunch today. Forever 21 dark denim skinny jeans, Forever 21 cream chiffon blouse, GAP cream cashmere cardigan, Forever 21 studded ballet flats, Forever 21 crystal/gold bow earrings & Sephora/OPI “Charge It” polish.

And the winner is…

Congratulations to Sarah from Dempeaux, the winner of my birthday giveaway, as Random.org deemed it so! I will be emailing you shortly for your details. Thank you to everyone for entering, and of course for the lovely birthday wishes. Perhaps 27 isn’t so bad after all.

Empties/Haul – 6 Out & 3 In

Out: Nivea Daily Essentials Fragrance Free Facial Cleansing Wipes, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (deluxe sample size), Moroccanoil Hair Oil, Bath + Body Works Fresh Picked Strawberries Hand Soap, Lancome Artliner & O&M Fine Intellect Conditioner.

In: Poshe Topcoat, China Glaze “Flip Flop Fantasy” Polish & China Glaze “Peachy Keen” Polish.