Beauty Favourites: February 2014

February was a pretty average month for me all round, nothing too exciting to report. I made an effort to change up my beauty routine, and add products I either hadn't used for a while or make use of ones that I'd only recently picked up. Less is more was definitely the theme for me, and I put a lot more thought into taking better care of my skin so I'd feel comfortable wearing less.

So, I've also included the skin care items that made this month for me. They're very simple, but also very good at what they do in my opinion. Anyway, all my rambling aside, here are the all the things I was smitten with for this past month.

NARS blush in Deep Throat- I would consider this a fail safe blush. Whether you're light or heavy handed with application, I find it super hard to get this colour to look bad. It's a simple peachy pink with very slight gold shimmer that's hardly visible on the skin. It gives a nice healthy look to the face, and blends like a dream. It's a great all rounder no matter what kind of look you're going for.

      Purchase info: $36.95 from Cosmetics Now; $45 from Mecca

Hourglass brow sculpting pencil in Deep Brunette- I think I may have found my holy grail brow product. I use this no matter what else the rest of my face looks like. It's super easy to use because of the shape of the product, sort of like a squished triangle. The product itself isn't too waxy, but it still helps keep my brow hairs tamed for the day. It is a little on the pricey side, but I do get a ton of use out of it (at least, that's what I tell myself to justify it!)

      Purchase info: $48 from Mecca 

NYX wonder pencil in Light- this is a spectacular multitasking product if ever I saw one. It can be used in the water line to instantly brighten your eyes, or around the lips to stop feathering, or even as a spot concealer if you got a shade that matches your skin tone. I primarily use it for the first two purposes, and it obviously means you don't have to buy a ton of products when this one will do it all for you. The pencil is quite soft and doesn't tug. The price tag is also a bit easier to swallow, which is definitely a bonus.

      Purchase info: $8.95 from Target and Crush Cosmetics

Hourglass ambient lighting powder in Dim Light- I've drooled over these powders since they were first released and even more so when I saw this particular one used in a lot of looks on the red carpet. I apply it with a duo fibre face brush as a setting powder, and I love the soft focus look it gives. It's not intended to control oil, so if you're quite shiny, then I'd recommend using your normal setting powder underneath. It also makes for a lovely highlight. Love.

      Purchase info: $62 from Mecca

LUSH Vanishing Cream- this stuff is amazing. It's a great moisturiser that lives up to its name- it absorbs into the skin super quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue. I can't say enough good things about this if you've got combination to oily skin.

      Purchase info: $39.95 from Lush

kit cosmetics facial sunscreen- sunscreen is the be all, end all of my beauty routine. Especially living in Australia, I think it's so important to make sure you protect yourself from the sun and all the negative effects UV rays can have on your complexion. This product is great if you've got sensitive or blemish prone skin, it's non comedogenic and oil free so you won't be left with an oil slick for a face. The SPF content is also a solid 30+ broad spectrum. If you don't already have some sort of sun protection in your routine, I'd highly recommend this one.

      Purchase info: $29.95 from kit

That wraps up what I've been loving this month! I can't believe we're right into March already- I can't wait to bust out all my vampy colours for fall. Let me know what beauty products you were loving this month down below!