I think sometimes it’s nice to do a bit of an overhaul of the products we use on our bodies, which is precisely what I am planning to do in the very near future! One thing that always gets to me though, when I undertake a quest to find stuff that really works, is trying to cut through the marketing hype & “sponsored” reviews by beauty editors in magazines… wouldn’t it be nice to take a look inside their bathroom cupboards to see what they actually use?!
I’ll share with you what I’m currently using on my skin/ body & would love to hear a run-down of your regular routine & what you recommend for glowing, silky smooth skin, perfect nails, shiny hair & make-up that makes you look like a princess! Sharing information is the best way to discover new products, so don’t hold back!
SKIN & HAIR
Body:
I’ve been using Nivea Nourishing Care Lotion as a body moisturiser for as long as I can remember! I love how thick and creamy the lotion is, and the oily sheen it leaves on your skin after application — it’s particularly good for those times when your skin is feeling ultra-dry (or after a really hot shower where your skin feels zapped of moisture!). I can’t see this one falling out of my routine for a very long time — it’s really cheap (around $7 for a 400ML bottle) and definitely does the job!
Face:
Sunscreen
I love Nivea’s Age Defence Moisturising Facial Sunscreen Lotion & wear it daily under my make-up. It’s really light & not very greasy (actually, I find that the little bit of grease the product does contain actually makes my skin really dewy-looking, which is nice!) As far as sunscreens go, this one has my stamp of approval. Oh, and it’s 30+ which is great!
Cleanser & Scrub
When it comes to cleansers & scrubs, I’ve been using a Neutrogena duo of late, which seems to do a good job & leaves my face feeling fresh & super-clean. I use the Deep Clean Invigorating Cleanser/ Mask (which can be used daily as a cleanser & once a week as a 3-minute mask) & the Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub. My only complaint is that these products really sting if they get in your eyes, and for some reason, this seems to happen to me A LOT! I even have a little ’stingy-eyes’ dance, which basically involves me jumping up & down, frantically searching for a towel to rub my eyes with, and chanting a string of undecipherable words that sounds something like this: oohoohahhhOWWWWhahoooaaahh! Ha!
I know I should be using a separate eye make-up remover, but I find they really dry out my skin, and to be honest, I’m more of a ’splash-my-face-with-water-and-slather-on-cleanser’ type of gal! I have previously used Nivea Cleansing Gel which doesn’t sting your eyes at all, but I feel like I get a deeper clean from the Neutrogena products.
Moisturiser
I have had quite a long-standing love affair with rosehip oil & regularly use it as an all-over facial moisturiser! It’s great for plumping out fine lines & as you can imagine (being an oil & all!) it provides a great deal of moisture to dehydrated skin. If my skin is already a little oily, I will skip this as an all-over moisturiser & use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream instead… then I just dab rosehip around my eyes.
Lips
Ok, this is quite an embarrassing admission, but I have actually taken to wearing nipple cream (yes, you read right!) as an intensive lip moisturiser! So we can all get past the fact that I have been wearing nipple cream on my lips, I’ll explain — the product is actually 100% pure lanolin & I started using it on the advice of renowned make-up artist Rae Morris in her book Makeup: The Ultimate Guide (which, as I think I have previously mentioned, is fabulous). Rae uses it on her clients to moisten their lips up, and also suggests using a combination of lanolin & a mix of cleanser & bi-carb soda as a lip exfoliant, which totally works! Try it! (An alternative method is scrubbing your lips gently with a dry toothbrush, which works a treat as well).
Hair:
Kerastase make amazing products, and since my hair has been feeling un-amazing (!) lately, I’ve been using their Age Recharge Masque… which I adore! My hair feels much silkier, I’ve noticed less breakage, and all in all, although it is a little pricey (around $50 for a small tub), you don’t need to use much so it actually lasts quite a while. It’s a keeper, me thinks!
MAKE-UP
Primer
Well, technically, primer should go in the ’skin & body’ section, but I thought I would group it with the make-up, because it’s something I usually only wear intermittently (as I use a daily moisturiser anyway, and I find the primer serves much the same purpose!) The primer I have is Napolean Perdis’ Auto-Pilot, which is one of the best of the bunch, and I will usually wear this on a night out or when I’m doing a long day at the office followed by a work function that goes into the night. Primers a great for increasing the longevity of your make-up & ensuring your foundation goes on smoothly — they really do give a flawless finish.
Foundation
I am at the end of my bottle of Clinique Dewy-Smooth and I’m ready for a new foundation with a different level of coverage I think! I usually like to mix my foundations up once my bottle runs out, but I have been lazy lately and have gone with Dewy-Smooth a few times… which isn’t a bad thing, but I’d just like to try something new! Dewy-smooth is great for people who don’t like the “caked-on” look, as it provides good coverage but lets your own skin shine through. It feels really nice to put on & isn’t at all heavy… but I think I will do a bit of a shop around & see what I can find! I’ll probably revert back to M.A.C, but any suggestions are more than welcome!
Blush/ Illuminator
I use a lovely little Maybelline combination for my blush and illuminator. I just dab the shimmer in the middle of my cheeks and then cover with a few strokes of powder blush. I find that I look really tired without blush — it really brightens my face up, & having the shimmer as a base gives me a bit of a ‘glowy’ look, which, of course, is always desirable!
Mascara
I LOVE mascara & have tried possibly every brand under the sun, but I keep coming back to my old favourite, Maybelline Sky High Curves in Very Black! Although I go through these pretty rapidly because they tend to ‘clump up,’ they are awesome for extending and curling my lashes. The only other mascara that I have ever really loved was one I “borrowed” from my mother years back, which was a Christian Dior Midnight Blue (basically, navy blue) one, and had the best brush ever! Hello, voluminous, ultra-thick lashes… which reminds me, I must check if that one is still on the market…
Fragrance
I love citrusy fragrances and used to religiously wear Ralph by Ralph Lauren, but I have been mixing it up since my last bottle of Ralph ran out (quite a while ago). My latest fragrance was a gift from my mother, YSL Baby Doll, and I love it! It’s a beautiful combination of floral and fruity… and the best way I can describe it is ‘pretty.’ So nice & definitely one I will purchase again once the bottle runs out!
The Rest
You will notice I have left eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipgloss and nailpolish off my list — the simple reason is that I use too many different ones to list! M.A.C, Napolean and Dior are my faves for eyeshadow; for lipgloss, I favour Lancome Juicy Tubes and Face of Australia gloss pots; Australis, Maybelline & Rimmel do fantastic eyeliners; and for nailpolish, I covet Revlon, OPI & (sometimes) cheap & nasty ones from the likes of Sportsgirl!
A few other worthy mentions:
- Fish Oil (or flaxseed for vegetarians) tablets are amazing for your skin & hair — I pop a few every day and really notice the difference if I don’t take them.
- WATER, WATER, WATER. I drink about 3 litres (but probably more) a day & highly recommend that you do the same! Hydrate & radiate!
- Fresh fruit & vegetables — the first thing to go when my diet veers off into JunkTown is my skin. My face gets oily, my eyes get puffy, I get spots & overall, I feel like crap! I definitely notice the difference when I concentrate on eating well. I like to think that my body is giving me little reminder to get back into healthy eating by making me look weird when I’m eating badly! After all, our outsides are a reflection of what is going on inside…
So, tell me, what do you use in your daily routine? What products line your bathroom shelves? Tell us your deep, dark beauty secrets!
To radiance & glowiness,
Rach xxx
I have recently been put on to Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and i honestly say its the best ive ever used - it actually does make your skin feel like silk. Its about $90 a bottle but well worth it i think. Im all about investing big in foundation and moisturiser as they can have the biggest impact on your skin - but cheap and cheerful for everything else!! P.s - i also highly recommend the fragrance Kenneth Cole ‘black’ - it is the sexiest fragrance out there! xx
Ruthie — thanks so much for the recommendation! Skin that feels like silk? YES, PLEASE! xx
I have always used Clinique super balanced and i am really happy with it. It makes your skin soft and oil free.
I also use the Clean and clear face cream everyday, its so nice and cheap.
I am going to invest in some Napoleon products as i used them last weekend and they are amazing.
Esp. the mascara, its awesome!!
Stephanie xoxo
by far the best beauty product ive encountered was a benefit mascara called ‘big girl lash’. it lasted eighteen months, never clumped, and always looked like i had serious fake eyelashes on but they were all mine!
otherwise, i think a good foundation brush is what makes for good coverage. i have a napoleon perdis foundation brush that has a lifetime warranty (love that..) that even when ive used cheap foundations has made my face even in tone and calm in coverage. definately a big recommendation!
also, mixing a darker tinted moisturiser under my foundation in winter keeps me away from looking pale and keeps me looking sunny summer!
Stephanie — I’ve used Super Balanced before too and really liked it! I actually used to mix Dewy Smooth and Super Balanced, and found it was an awesome consistency…
Harrie — WOW, I definitely have to try that mascara, I’ve actually heard amazing things about Benefit! 18 months & no clumping sounds incredible! Bring that on! So true about foundation brushes too, definitely a good idea for a flawless finish. xxx
Hey Rach
Im loving the deep and dirty raw secrets of the naturally beautiful people!
Well ill take a really deep breath and here i go..
I used to use really expensive products all round being in the industry but times have changed and i have refined my product spending and found some cheaper alternatives that work really well!
I used to used Priori which are amazing products classed as a supercuetical giving you ultimate ageing protection with the srongest antioxidant in the world and aha’s for continuous renewal!BUTTTTT at $240 a moisturiser later im now using a chemist brand called natural instinct at $9.95 yahoo!
any way im using the the whole range its cost effective but sometimes i still dream about priori..
Bare Mineral foundation, bronzer and blush all the way!!Its awesome as it works well on any skin type, gives any coverage you feel like wearing and best part of all it is 15+ sun protection and the pure minerals are a treatment for your skin so wont give you pimples, black heads, wrinkles or dehydrate your skin!
It is quite different because you have to put it on with a brush. The trick is to swirl tap and buff buff buff the more you buff the better the finish!
Anyway signing off for now!
Oh p.s minerals are pretty expeno but iv just discovered them on ebay for pretty cheap so
my advice is to go to DJ’s for a colour code then off to ebay to stock up!
Jo — Oh, I am SO HAPPY you commented, because I know you know all the “good stuff” from working in the beauty industry! Priori sounds amazing… but you’re right, expensive huh?! I always wonder when I see the super expensive stuff whether it actually works, so I’m glad you said that it does! Mineral make-up is something I’m yet to try… I’ve heard lots about it, and it sounds like an awesome alternative to lathering your skin with a creamy foundation! Will have to give it a go! Thanks sweetie — you’re awesome! xxx
Im with jo all the way..!!! Mineral foundation is the only product i use on my face… I use YoungBlood as its the highest grade “1″ in pure mineral loose powder foundation, but i also mix it with Sheer cover as well which is a grade “3″… Soooo Good..!!!
I also use youngblood with my lip gloss. it stays on and looks nice a glossy all day (thats what i used on my wedding day.. Perfect)
I have for years always gone Maybelline for my lashes as they make my eyes always look their best.. “Thanks Maybeline, Love Ya.!”
Thanks ladies for letting me in on all your beauty secrets..!!!
xxx
Well, my favourite product at the moment is Dermalogica’s tinted SPF15 moisturiser - I use it religiously everyday, it gives light coverage and protects my skin from harmful UV. For a night out you cant go past Mineral ID mineral foundation (that Jo mentions above) for flawless skin.
Apart from those two things I cant live without my perfume collection - i keep perfume in my handbag, work desk, bedroom and bathroom - my favourites are Hugo Boss Deep Red and Issey Miyake L’eau D Issey YUM!
Hi Rach -
Have to recommend Clinique skin care range. I have been using it for years and my skin has never been better.
For makeup
Definately can’t go past Napoleon ‘Auto Pilot’ Primer.
Ella Bache foundation is great, it’s SPF 30 and stays on all day - no need for touch ups.
For mascara I use Christian Dior ‘Dior Show’ Mascara. I am not fortunate enough to have long luscious lashes….this stuff does the trick though!
This is such a great idea! I love hearing what other people really use. For the best results at a genuine 1975 price, I can’t go past Mabelline Great Lash Mascara (the one in the pink case with the green lid). It’s the first one I ever bought, and have since tried Clarins, Dior and a few others - but I always go back to Mabelline. (No I’m not born with it, it really is the mascara.)
For lips, Molton Brown lip moisturiser - while it’s a bit harder to find in Oz you can get it on-line - is amazing. I put it on before I go to bed at night, then wake up and waa-la!! Soft, pink, plump lips.
I think you and I have been previously the same person… Naturally I use the same body moisturiser as yourself; however, have been known to mix it up with various others such as Vaseline (yellow or green) Palmers (olive) and Body Shop coconut milk in summer…with Niv on the chest for sheen. I can’t believe that you’ve started using Lansinoh (Nip balm)too! How good is it….As for foundation, I’m still depressed about all my products being discontinued (only moi)but at the mo’ I mix my Ella Bache face tan with my Laura Mercia Silk Creme Foundation (luminous coverage) with the reminants of my Revlon Golden Light Skin Lights (sob..), though have like yourself been testing new foundations, on the top of the cards is chanel and dior (obviously the luminous). I cant live without my M.A.C coral pigment that I chuck on my cheeks and I’m currently into Max Factor’s mascara. My foundation primer is Laura Mercier coz I scored a pack when I paid a bizzilion dollars for my foundation and my fav L.M lipgloss in Pink Grapefruit. As for moisturiser I’m loving Ella Bache Creme Tomate for night and Emulsion Tomate for day… Perfume is a tough one as Im down on all my favs, just finished my second bottle of Stella Peone and my CK Summer edition (orange bottle v. citrusy by sweet) Ive got the new Kate Moss but am a bit over it so am on the hunt for a newy…
Luv
Millsy
Wow, what a fab bunch of recommendations!
Lara - Gee, I’m definitely going to have to jump on the mineral make-up bandwagon, aren’t I?!
Claire - I’m SO excited to buy lots of new perfumes! LOVE fragrances! I actually have an article coming up on “How to Build Your Fragrance Wardrobe” so look out for it! (though it sounds like you don’t need any help!)
Dee - HOW GOOD is the Napolean Primer! So light! And Diorshow mascara rocks… Actually, all Dior products do!
Mandy - I’m so jealous that Maybelline Great Lash works for you! I’ve read about it in so many magazines (it always seems to be the “supermodels pick” but for me, it only looks good on my lower lashes — it makes my top lashes look short & ’straight’ (ie: not curled!) Molten Brown lip moisturiser sounds divine though, might have to seek that one out!
Millsy - HA! I’m so glad I’m not the only nipple-cream user! Ella Bache is sooo good (as you know, I’m a fan of their Great Tan Without Sun). I actually gave a max Factor mascara a go recently, but it was one of those “no-clump” comb-wands, and I found it just wasn’t the same as my Maybelline Sky High Curves one! At least there’s one product I’m forever loyal to! xxx
Personally with regards to foundation during the week I can’t go past a simple Nivea tinted moisturizer which is nice and light but on the weekends, a night out on the town or just when I need a little more coverage I swear by Estee Lauder double wear foundation, it is really thick but when applied correctly you have a flawless complexion that doesn’t wear off!
For the body during winter the Dove tanning moisturizer is a must have, for someone with a pale complexion it keeps a slight glow all through winter which is fab! And a little Lucas Papaw for the lips is gospel for me during the colder months when the lips get dry.
Liz - ooh, the Estee Lauder foundation sounds wonderful! So many options to add to my shopping list!
Ok sweets. I’ll comment.. but I dont have much to comment!! ….Im a shockingly TERRIBLE female!!
I dont use anything really in regards to cleansers n stuff!! [I know i know.. VERY bad!]
Yup Im a shocker who basically NEVER washes her make up off!! :-O
and yes I know I will wrinkle up like a prune.. I know, cause Ive already started too!! :( arghhh
anywhoo Make up Im a bit of a shocker too. The only thing I use that is a definite must have brand is my Napoleon Foundation stick. Look 3. BEST stuff EVERRRR!! yup! thats it.. of course I have eyeshadows n bronzers n mascara and eyeliner.. but none in particular really. im Very simple when it comes to all this stuff. as long as I have a BLACK eyeliner [not grey black.. but BLACK] and Napoleon Look 3 stick im happy. dont need anythin else in my bag. [of course though, I AM a girl, so I do have LOTS more in my bag [kitchen sink perhaps even! ;-P ] but what i mean is they’re the only 2 ‘must have’ I have.
that’s it..
ooh but skincare wise.. when I get a pimple [or two!] my flatmate lets me steal the use of her proactive a bit.. so that counts right!!?? yeahh!! i am a girl deep down somewhere!! bahaha!!
LOVE LOVE LOVING the vaseline range for winter (dry) skin at the moment, because my skin definately is effected by the windy winter weather.
On my face I use dove foaming cleanser followed by dove tinted moisteriser to start of the day (this is a great little 2in1 which includes a little bit of foundation as well as 15+ for your face.
“Benefit” make a beautiful honey scrub for your face aswell, which makes your skin beautiful and smooth and fresh.
RACH I agree on the Kerastase too. I use both the shampoo and conditioner. Compared to all the other salon product out there, this one has definately been the best for hair!!
Gotta love a good skin and hair care range!! It makes you feel great!!
Love to all! xx
well, im not really much of a make up person but its very important for me to have good moisturiser cause my skin is very dry. I have been using Lancome Hydra Zen, which is quite expensive, but was lucky enough to have my sweet boy buy for me as a gift. But it is amazing! I got a pack with daily moisturiser, night cream, eye cream and a cleanser. I just wear the moisturiser everyday, then use the cleanser at the end of the day when washing my face, then the night cream. my skin feels so soft all the time, its great. its definately worth the money when it makes u feel so nice.
everyday for a body moisturiser, i use palmers cocoa oil, which i apply straight out of the shower and it soaks into ur skin so well as its an oil and keeps ur skin soft all day. its also great for rubbing into ur legs for stretch marks and stuff, its cheap too, about $10 a bottle.
I use Biolage shampoo and conditioner, which is also a great product and my hair always feels soft and shiny and smells great. its a bit more expensive than supermarket shampoo’s but u can get it from price attack for pretty cheap.
Think thats about all for my daily routine, but yeah definately lots of water and good food for maintaining a healthy body and skin.
dermalogica all the way for me!!
i have been using their skin smoothing moisturiser plus their microfoliant (a rice based exfoliator that is amazing!), for a while now and after a recent facial at a salon which uses the products i have now purchased a cleanser too. before that i used to used lancome which is great too.
oh, dr hauscka is amazing too!! its all organic and smells beautiful and makes the skin feel really nice.
as for a body moisturiser, i always use vaseline.
in the makeup deparment, i use benefit’s ‘boing’ concealer, mac foundation and powder. for the cheeks i use this napoleon cream (the one in the little tube. i have had this for ages now the label has faded and i dont know what its called!) or the ‘daffodil powder blush from benefit, max factor mascara, benefit eyeshadow, mac eye pencils. i also use eyeliner pencils as eyeshadow.
there are a few names there but i think its all about experimenting and trying new things out.
oh and cant leave the house without the trusty old pawpaw ointment!
Skin - Neutrogena liquid cleanser, Olay Total Effects moisturiser (face), Nivea Creme (body), Lucas’ pawpaw cream (eyes and lips)
Makeup - Napoleon primer, Maybelline Smooth result foundation in Soft Cameo, Maybelline Volum’ Express Turbo Boost mascara in black, Rimmel/Maybelline eyeliners, Rimmel lipliners, MAC, Maybelline and Estee Lauder eyeshadows, Maybelline Moisture Extreme lipsticks, Loreal Colour Juice lipgloss in Rasberry
Ani - haha, you are the cutest!
Ez - Kerastase all the way! My hairdresser is trying to get me on to a new range, so I may give it a go, but if it’s no good, I’ll be back to old faithful for sure!
Steph C - ooh, I lurrrrve Lancome stuff! I used to have one of their serums, which was awesome & felt amazing on my skin! And can’t forget their Juicy Tubes!
Nikki - I’m a massive fan of Dermalogica & used to steal all my mum’s stuff (haha, is there a pattern here? Sorry Mum!) Haven’t used it for ages, but I too had a beautiful facial with Dermalogica… BLISS! And I heart M.A.C too! YAY!
Liz - Pawpaw ROCKS! Sounds like you use lots of fab products! This is sooo good, I love being voyeuristic & taking a peek inside all your make-up bags! xxx
A few of my secrets..
ST TROPEZ WHIPPED BRONZE SELF TAN MOUSSE
I’ve tried them all and this is the BEST..as good as a professional spray tan in my tanorexic opinion!! just need a friend to do your back !
KLORANE DRY SHAMPOO
Swear by this stuff - I can extend my blowdry for a week(!!!) by spraying this stuff in every morning lol - soaks up any oil and makes your hair look amazing..good for getting a bit of volume too..
DERMALOGICA SPECIAL CLEARING BOOSTER
I’ve tried every pimple treatment there is - & this is the best..a little exy at $69 but it works a treat
MAC BRONZING POWDER IN GOLDEN
Paris Hilton uses this so it must be hot..seriously the best bronzer eva
LANCOME MASCARAS
They rock - you really notice the difference
MD FORMULATIONS SKIN CARE - I use the facial cleansing gel with glycolic - swear by this stuff, gently exfoliates without any harsh granules & really makes your skin glow…it’s $80 but lasts forever
LOREAL MINERAL POWDER MAKEUP
Also amazing- great coverage without looking cakey..& good for your skin…
And the biggest tip - http://WWW.STRAWBERRYNET.COM for discounted products! Fantastic site…I get lots of products from here..theyre massively discounted & it arrives gift boxed (ribbons and all) within the week.
MWAH XXX Sar
Sarah - YAY! Love the sound of all the products you use! Hrmm, maybe I should give a Lancome mascara a go next… xxx
Rach - Very inspiring little read, Thanks! Also I find some products from Stila (mostly lip gloss & eye shadows) come in exciting colours and wear well!