Omigosh, I finally get to share with you my little beauty haul I did whilst we were in Hong Kong. Let me tell you, it took a lot of will power not to go completely overboard at the beauty counters, however I was able to resist temptation and buy only what I had on my list to begin with. Pretty good eh?!
The newest items that I've not really worn much of in the past but in the last year or so I can't get enough of, and that's lipsticks. I was more of a lip balm girl as my lips usually got quite dry - especially being indoors all the time during the day for work, there just wasn't any point in wearing lipstick as it would look hideous on dry lips. 
However, over the course of the year my lips haven't been getting as dry because I'm constantly piling on the lip balm & moisturiser  at night - which has helped immensely during the day for wearing lipstick. Winning! 
So here's to welcoming fabulous new products!

First up, lipsticks. I can't remember how many You Tube videos I watched, and reviews I read trying to figure out which colours would suit me, how they looked on other people, and their staying power.
From left to right: 
- Rouge Coco, Paradis 39 
I first saw this used on a Lisa Eldridge You Tube tutorial for Chanel, and her finished look was perfection using this lipstick. It's a beautiful medium coral shade perfect for the spring/summer seasons. It's semi-opaque, but still gives a good amount of colour, and has a noticeable sheen and shimmer. This just brightens up the face immediately and it's definitely one of my absolute favourites.
- Rouge Coco, Chambon 31
Chambon is a wonderfully rich, vibrant, glowing red, with a glossy sheen. I wanted to find a red lipstick that wasn't too red, as being pale, I thought it may look a bit stark on me, so I was after something with more pink tones. I think I found it!
- Rouge Coco Shine, Aventure 57
A beautiful light pink shade, I would say this is a little bit more of a gloss than a lipstick, as the staying power isn't as good as I would expect it to be, however it's really good for a natural day to day look - especially those with a light complexion. 
- Christian Dior, Rouge Dior, Darling 567
I adore this shade. It's almost verging on a hot pink, but not quite there. It's a great tone to wear if you're not wearing red, and it adds an almost instant pop of colour once you apply it to your lips. It's very moisturising and very comfortable to wear, and it lasts for a good 2 hours without applying more and leaves a nice stain afterwards.

On my shopping list, I had already decided I needed a new blush. I was going to go with one a Chanel creme blush, however I couldn't find the colour I really wanted. It was out of stock everywhere! So that was a pain. 
So an alternative I spied was the Christian Dior Rosy Glow in Petal 001. It's a really light Barbie pink, and gives a nice rosy cheek. Although I've become accustomed to creme blushes in the past, using powder I find is a little difficult with judging the correct amount, so not to look too overdone. In all, I really like this blush, it suits my complexion and creates a more 'awake' and fresh look.

I have to say, this product, is my holy grail of products. The Chanel Hydro Base Lumiere is just waaaaaay too good. It's a primer and a moisturiser, so you can use it under makeup or just on its own. Since I got it in 2012, I've used nothing else but this primer and my skin is thanking me for it. It's quite light in texture when you're applying it with your hands, but as you rub it into your skin it sticks a little. You can see when you apply it, it gives this white sheer sheen to your face and evens out blemishes, and just makes you look more fresh. 
I love this product, and I'm really sorry to say it's only available in Asian countries. The Chanel's De La Blanc is the alternative available here, but I just don't feel it comes close to this product! Well worth the money. 

As we all know flying can be a complete bore, and sometimes we get looking at the InSky magazine with all these wonderful duty free items. I was browsing on our way over to HK, and I was debating on whether or not to get this YSL travel makeup kit. I spent the next two and a half weeks thinking about it, and I ended up buying it at the airport beauty kiosk before we departed for Australia. It comes with this really stylish black fold up case YSL logo on the front, containing three makeup brushes, eyeliner and a mascara. Once you open the makeup box, there's a choice of five eyeshadows, one blush, and four lipsticks. Each are very pretty, pigmented spring/summer shades. Perfect to look fresh when traveling.
I hope you enjoyed some of my beauty buys, I'd love to know what is your 'must have' in your makeup bag because I'm really loving all these wonderful products and I just can't decide! 

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So does it? The answer is yes...and no. And I'll tell you why.
Last year I was looking for a new skin care regime, one that would be easy to remember, keep my skin clear from breakouts and be cost effective. After seeing countless commercials on TV and reading in magazines how wonderful Proactiv was, I finally caved and bought the 3 Step System online. I think at the time, I paid $29.95, with a 60 day money back guarantee. You can buy this system here.   (Note: only half of the system is in the above photo but I'll get to that in a minute).
I thought it was pretty good value, and with that price it didn't really matter if it worked or not. I received the package a few days after I ordered and I excitedly opened it up to find the tiniest bottles I'd seen in my life. And it was that moment, I thought 'how is this going to last 2 months!?' Don't be fooled, they actually last longer than you'd think they would! So it's definitely a bonus in that regard. 
Now when you purchase this, or any other system on the Proactiv website, you will be paying by credit card, and you will automatically be sent 3 new bottles every 3 months. Now this was the only annoying part of the process, as the next order you recieve, the bottles are 240ml in size and this COSTS MORE. So if you're like me, opening the next box up, seeing these huge bottles compared to the last and wonder why $120 has gone from your bank account, this is why. I hadn't even finished my first bottles, so what I did was cancel my membership, and returned the 240ml bottles to Proactiv, and got my money back. They had no problem in me returning the items, as I told them I was going to buy them directly from their kiosk in one of the shopping malls here in Melbourne.
The 3 Step System comes with a ) step 1) cleanser, (step 2) toner and (step 3) repair (not shown). Each are labeled so you know which one to apply first. The kit also comes with some bonus extras, for me, it came with a green tea moisturizer & a clear purifying mask. 

Left To Right: Deep Cleansing Wash, Cleanse & Toner

I started using the system religiously for about 2 weeks, and every time I used it -  my skin felt clean & fresh. However after a few weeks my skin was drying out something chronic, especially my nose and T zone which got really flaky and incredibly itchy. I read online that the green tea moisturizer could help with the dryness which I applied liberally, but wasn't enough in the end.
In all fairness, this system DOES work, you just have to tailor it to your skin type, which means if you can, go into one of their kiosks at a mall and explain your situation to the sales person. I did this, and the lady tailored a system and advised me on products that would better suit my skin - as the 3 step system is just a generic system and not aimed at a particular skin type. 
I now only use the (step 1) cleanser 3 times a week, and every other day I use Proactiv's 'Deep Cleansing Wash' in the 240ml bottle, which is not as harsh on my skin. I then use (step 2) toner, and I follow up with my Natio Ageless Firming Night Cream - which I talked about previously here.
I find this combination of using certain Proactiv products and my own choice of moisturizer works better for me, and has kept my skin hydrated, and clear with only one or two breakouts during that 'hormonal time' of the month. I would think if you had very oily skin, perhaps the 3 Step System would work for you, but with combination skin, maybe looking into the more sensitive range. 

Also, I will advise you on the little gift they give you - the 'clear purifying mask' is horrid! I used this at K's house once after my shower, and after I put it on my face, all I could smell was sulpher (which if you don't know, smells like poo!)- and I stank his house house out well and truly. So I have never used it since then. But if you like the smell, feel free to smell like poo! :)
I actually really like Proactiv, it doesn't cost an organ to buy and it's a well known reputable brand, not too mention really helpful when you need a little guidance with products. I'm not entirely sure if the commercials are 100% truthful when you see teenagers with really really bad acne and it's gone in a month, but like I said - it may work that way for them - just like my own personal system works for me. 
Am I going to continue using Proactiv? For sure! Let me know in the comments below on what your experiences have been using this or any other system on the website!

Purchased: Last year Overall Quality: 5* Price: $20-$120 (depending on different systems and individual products) Value For Money: 4* Would I Recommend It? Yes I would, and I have to many people, even my fiance who now uses it everyday!

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NEUTRALS, NEUTRALS, NEUTRALS! For a girl with my complexion, there is no such thing as owning too many neutral palettes, especially when this one could be the best dupes for Urban Decay's 'Naked' eyeshadow palette which unfortunately for us Aussies - isn't available here. (Unless you want to pay $70+ on eBay for something that is probably fake! But I won't take my chances thanks!)
I saw this in Myer in my hometown a few weekends ago and I didn't fully catch on that it was very similar to Naked, though after doing some research when I got home - I got excited. It was lucky for me the weekend just passed, I was able to pick this little baby up for HALF price. Yup, $17. So I was pretty happy!
The colors are similar to the Naked palette, but not all are spot on. I've already done the research and the pigmentation of these are a little less than I see when people use the Naked palette, but they are still pretty. I'm not one for hugely pigmented eyeshadows, I find them messy, and I think for me being so pale, I'd rather stick with light, natural eyeshadows. 
It's a lovely little palette and I can't wait to try it all out, especially in 26 days when K & I go to Hong Kong again! 
So guys, what do you think of Chi Chi's nude palette? Do you find it to be one of the best dupes for Urban Decay's Naked Palette? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top: Wallis  |  Trousers: Trousers  |  Boots: Boots  |  Bag: Givenchy 'Antigona'  |  Jewelry: 'Cake', By Ali Khan

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I have my mum to thank for getting me onto Natio. She's been using this brand for years, and her skin is always so smooth and supple. Now that I'm close to hitting the naughty 30's, I better start with a better skin care routine!
Natio is an Australian company that was founded in Melbourne in 1992, and has grown to be one of the best skin care and aromatherapy brands in the nation. What I like most about this brand, is it's gentleness on the skin, smell amazing, and they are plant based products. You can go to their website and check out their products here.
Apart from being naturally pale, I also have sensitive skin. It's been a long process to figure out what I can and can't put on my face & body from trial and error - but I have never had a problem using Natio's products - from foundations, body wash, face masks and creams. So it's one of my go to brands as I trust it 100%.
The 'Natio Ageless Firming Night Cream' is a really good product to start with if you're entering the 'wrinkley' stage, or even if you're young and want to start early (which is important) you can do that too. It comes in a little glass jar, and the smell is just so fresh and fragrant. The consistency isn't gluey or runny like other brands, or hard to apply to your face. It's just that perfect in between (and it moisturizes your hands as well!) 
I use this cream after I have used my Proactiv Step System (which you can get here.)

I've been using this product consistently every night for about two weeks now, and I've noticed a few changes. I have less breakouts, my skin looks refreshed and glowy and I have less redness. I wish I had have taken before and afters, but next time! But for anyone looking for a new face product, I really recommend Natio!

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I have been hearing a lot about the brand Bourjois, and it was by coincidence that I found this in Priceline today. I had run out of blushed last week, so this was a necessity! I bought 'Rose Fression', number #54. It's in cute little packaging, and is super convenient to pop in your handbag, or for traveling.

It comes with a small little arc brush that sits inside the box, and even though the powder looks quite dark, its actually gives a light sheen when applied to skin. Plus it has this lovely smell of baby powder / roses! What do you think of Bourjois products?

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Top: Mango  |  Shorts: Zadig & Voltaire  |  Shoes: ASOS  |  Bag: Smith & Canova  |  Jewelry: 10 Bells  |  Lipstick: MAC

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Top: Mango  | Trousers: Mango | Nora Glitter Ballet Flats: JC Crew | Berkeley Necklace: DesignSix | Cameo Saffiano Lux Tote: Prada

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Does anyone else of the 'pale variety' have this problem?  Finding foundation that doesn't make you look like a tangerine, is getting harder and harder to find. From my experience, every brand that stocks the shade that is the palest - is either out of stock, discontinued, or not available at all.  When I look for a foundation I usually look for the following:

• Color- It has to match my skin perfectly, meaning it has to be pale, and I don't want to look like an oompa loompa.
• Coverage- It needs to even my skin tone out, and I don't want to look patchy in places. 
• Formula- I absolutely hate thick, cakey foundation. It looks horid and I could'n't bear to leave the house in that. In saying that, I don't want to look oily either. Foundation for me, needs to be light, silky and natural. This is probably one of the biggest things I look for.
• Price- I've spent $50 on a foundation, so I guess anything can go. The Natio foundation I used was $14 and it was the best buy I've ever found.
• SPF- Is ALWAYS a bonus for pale girls.

My holy grail of foundation for two years has been Natio Fluid Makeup With Moisturizer, in the shade 'light', and I have only just discovered in the last week of it being on shelf, that it has been discontinued and isn't available anywhere in store anymore. This particular foundation had pink hues (which is a plus for pale skin), light consistency and was light on the face, not greasy or hard to brush on. So essentially it was perfect, and the added moisturizer made it feel more like a moisturizer, rather than a foundation.  They have since been replaced by Natio's Flawless Foundation, with SPF 15, and the lightest shade is Medium - which has very orange hues. So I am absolutely gutted I have to yet again, go in search for another brand.

I did purchase a foundation a few months ago that I've barely used, and that was Model's Prefer Infinite Color Foundation in Shell. I don't mind this foundation, however it can be a little greasy to use on it's own. I used to use my Natio Fluid foundation as a base, and stipple the Models Prefer Infinite Color Foundation over the top to seal it all in, as apparently it has a 24hr all day wear guarantee. And it does, it definitely kept all my makeup in place for a day. Though I am not sure if this will work with the new foundation I bought as a replacement.

The foundation I bought today was Covergirls Tru Blend With Blendable Minerals in Ivory (number 405). I did a comparison at home with all three of the foundations, and there is subtle differences which are shown below.

Left to right: Natio Fluid Makeup / Models Prefer Infinite Foundation / Covergirl Tru Blend

I will keep you updated on how this new one goes, but in the meantime, if you're a pale girl - what brand / Shade of foundation do you use and why?

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