Monthly Favourites - August 2010

SEPTEMBER ALREADY?! 

The year is going by so fast! I feel so unproductive! Alas, that won't change until I get a job. This month's favourites will be on the smaller side because, as I said, I am jobless and therefore broke. Nevertheless, here are my faves from the month of August.

1. Sigma E25 Brush

My favourite brush of the moment. It's great for applying eyeshadow all over the lid and it's fantastic for blending. On top of that, it's super soft and has not shed in the few months I've had it. The E25 is one of the few brushes I have that I want to have a duplicate of.

2. Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro - Steel Grey

A perfect way to transition from summer to fall; this colour is not only gorgeous, it's also multifaceted. In some angles, you get a straight up grey. In some, you see a bit of greige. In yet another, you see a hint of purple. Well, this is what I see, at least. Also, the formula's quite nice. It applies fairly evenly and dries quickly. A plus if, like me, you're too impatient to wait for your nails to dry.

3. MAC Mineralize Blush - Dainty

I recently realized I don't have a true pink blush. I'm late to the whole mineralize game but I'm so glad I picked this up. It's the perfect pink for me (not too blue) and applies very nicely. I've taken to applying this with a Sigma F50 which gives it a more airbrushed look. 

4. MAC Eyeshadow - Naked Lunch

Such a gorgeous eyeshadow! This is probably what I reach for the most when it comes to everyday looks. I would normally apply Naked Lunch all over my lid and define the crease with whatever tickles my fancy. It looks like a plain beige on the pan but it has a pink/peach undertone to it which is quite evident when applied to the lid. It also has a nice shimmer.

5. Neutrogena UltraSheer Water-Light Daily Face Sunscreen

Don't let the term "Water-Light" fool you. This is actually not that liquidy when applied to the skin so you don't need a lot. The best part about this sunscreen is that it makes your makeup apply even better. Getting sun protection and priming your skin? It sounds too good to be true, but I assure you, it works! My foundation always looks much better when I've applied this after a moisturizer.

6. Lush Shower Gel - Rub Rub Rub

I love this shower gel! It has a gorgeous floral scent that is quite invigorating. It also has exfoliating properties (sea salt) so my skin always feels smooth afterwards. It's not very moisturizing, but I don't have very dry skin so it's not a problem for me. This is such an awesome product to use in the mornings, it always puts me in a good mood.

7. Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse

This curls my hair so amazingly! Granted, I do have naturally wavy/curly hair, but no other product makes my curls look as nice. It smells lovely, as all Garnier Fructis products to, and gives my hair fantastic volume. Love this!

What are your August faves?

READ MORE - Monthly Favourites - August 2010

Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse

When I was in high school, I was always blowing my hair out. Not a good look considering I have a fair amount of hair. Not only that, but each strand is also thick. I mean, really. Then one day I thought, "why don't I curl my hair today?" So I did. And I liked it. And I blew my hair out and curled every day from that day on. Damaged hair, galore!

Now, imagine my surprise when I found out my hair was actually naturally wavy/curly. I was doing all that work for nothing! Nowadays, I just allow my hair to do what it does and it helps that I'm partial to wavier locks anyway. So in order for me to achieve a great curl naturally, I need a diffuser (that large contraption you attach to a blow dryer) and a good product. I've tried countless products for curly hair and so far I've only encountered 1.

Well, make that 2. Because the Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse is fantastic! It really makes my hair curl the way I want it to (keep in mind, I have natural waves) and it holds the curl throughout the day. It also smells wonderful, like all Garnier Fructis products do.

It's a traditional mousse, which I apply to my hair in a "scrunching" method. I then blow dry with a diffuser and just scrunch away until my hair is completely dry. I have nothing to say regarding the "anti-humidity" claim since I live in Vancouver and humidity is not something you experience here. 

I can verify the "long-lasting" claim, though. Which is fantastic if, like me, you don't like to bother with touch ups. But be warned, use too much and your hair will  get crunchy! A small price to pay if you want long-lasting curls, though. This isn't a problem for me since my hair doesn't look crunchy and since I don't have anyone else fingers running through my hair except mine (I'm always fiddling with my hair, it's a bit of a nervous habit).

Here's a shot of my hair after applying product and blow drying. I tilted my hair off to one side so you can get a better look at how it makes my hair curl. Like I said, I've tried countless products before this one. My previous go-to product was LaCoupe's Define Curl Shaping Gel, which I still do love. But I didn't get the same kind of curl as I did with the Curls & Shine Mousse. So, sorry, LaCoupe, you've been dethroned. Don't worry, I'll still reach for you now and then. 

Curly hair is my go-to hairstyle, what's yours?

READ MORE - Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse