So busy!

Sorry lovelies I've been on a little bit of a hiatus as I was really busy,  but the good news is now I have lots to catch you up on!

I've actually done a bit of a beauty buying/receiving haul recently, I would attribute this to the fact that I'm quite active on a review site here in NZ (I will do a blog post about it a little bit later) so I'm always reading up on reviews and adding more and more to my want and wish list and sometimes being lucky enough to be selected to review products!

So on a trip to farmers a week or so ago I purchased...

From left to right..

The aromatherapy company 'delish' green apple pie candle.. At first I didn't rate it as it wasn't love at first whiff, which is pretty crazy as I'm usually head over heels in love with any aromatherapy co fragrance immediately.. But upon lighting this gorgeous candle my house soon filled up with the aroma of fresh baked apple pie.. IT IS AMAZING! Its approx. burn time is 20 hours, but I've used it for around about half of that and it has barely made a dent! I think the best tip for keeping these candles life expectancy's nice and long is keeping them away from drafts and wind!

Hask Argan Oil.. This baby was an absolute steal at $4.50 from Farmers.. I had never owned an argan oil and had heard so much hype about it that I couldn't say no to this product at this price.. Let me say this is a purchase I haven't regretted one bit.. My hair has been amazingly shiny, soft and easy to maintain since I have been using this. A little goes a long way so even though this product looks tiny this product will last me quite some time.. And at such a low price how can you complain? I highly recommend this product, especially if your a lil lazy like me and sometimes like to just wash your hair and let it air dry. Total must have!

Polished London Cornwall coconut dry shampoo.. I do not rate this product at all. I think its awful and I wish I had of spent a little more and stuck to batiste! I got sucked in to the price because it is substantially cheaper than batiste, i also got sucked in to the scent as I adore coconut. This just doesn't work for me at all. My hair looked worse and way dirtier then it was before I applied this product.

I also signed up to ilovebeauty.co.nz for their free Maybelline 'Define-a-lash' mascara giveaway..

This Mascara is amazing. I have always been a huge splurger when it comes to Mascara as I am a total lash junkie, only recently have I opened my mind to cheaper alternatives after reviewing another Maybelline Mascara which was the cult classic 'Great lash' after using this product I am a total believer that you don't need to spend huge dollars to receive a fantastic bat worthy product!

For the best results with any Mascara I have found that blowing on the wand to make the formula tacky rather then horribly wet is the best way to build the kind of lashes you want.. I find that Maybelline Mascaras are too wet for me and when they are really wet you will be prone to more boo boos, or leaving lash marks on your upper eye lids.. (I have read a lot of reviews and people complain about the boo boo's) Simply doing this before applying will prevent any dramatic boo boos and leave you as the artist in control for building whatever lashes you desire.. Remember if you make a boo boo you can easily remedy it by having some cotton bud tips / Q-tips on hand, dab it on your tongue or lightly wet it and simply twist over the spot.

This is a fantastic quality Mascara for an affordable price and i highly recommend it, I found it easy to apply, no clumps, very beautiful rich black, nice volume and even better length. I applied this twice after using my Shu Uemura eyelash curler and was very happy with my results, I almost looked like i was wearing false lashes!

I was also lucky (or not so lucky considering how much I had to spend to receive it...) to get my Countdown voucher in the Mail.. So naturally I spent this on goodies for myself!

I bought the NEXT magazine.. for the Model Co 'Fat Lash' Mascara. I absolutely adore Model Co and i highly recommend grabbing a Magazine next time there is a Model Co freebie.. You wont be disappointed! The quality is amazing and the products are some of the best I have ever discovered this Mascara is no exception and the card it comes on with the Magazine has some pretty good tips for applying your new 'Fat Lash' Mascara.

I also bought Bic Soleil Disposable razor + refills, this has won awards and is apparently the most trusted Razor for Women in Australia.. I have to agree that it lives up to its claims, its fantastic, ridiculously affordable and my legs have felt pretty darn amazing since i started using it! I'm terrible and don't use shaving cream, rather than shaving cream i use the Schwarzkopf Moroccan oil conditioner as it has Argan Oil in it which leaves your legs nice and moisturized and gives an easy base for hair removal with a razor.. Lol!

And lastly but definitely not least, I caught up with my BFF Mei and she had some goodies for me..

How cute is she? She won me this gorgeous Hello Kitty plushie! Its actually quite big and cute! (I'm a huge Hello Kitty fanatic..) and she also gifted me this Revlon Photo ready Foundation as it was a prize she won but was too light for her pretty half Filipino skin!

I am SO in love with this foundation.. Even though her cute little fur ball Spartacus tried to eat it before she could gift it to me haha!

This might just be the best foundation i have ever used.. I'm quite pale but definitely not Ivory, I'm more of a 2nd up light-medium in most foundations if that makes sense.. And I certainly don't have pinkish tones! This is a perfect match for my skin in 200 nude! I have been mixing it with my Maxfactor CC cream since its just the end of Winter here now and I'm a little bit more pale as I usually am! This is a match made in heaven, the cover is beautiful without looking cakey and it wears so well, you almost don't need a powder over the top! I highly recommend this foundation and think I will be hooked for life!

And... Nails of the Week..

The nail salon I had been going to for 6+ Years totally rubbed me the WRONG rudest way possible and just lost my custom so in a frenzy I Facebook posted asking for a alternative salon.. My beautiful friend Lisa suggested one on Dominion Road and it is in fact the BEST and most affordable Salon I have ever been to and will be a repeat and loyal customer there for sure! I cant remember the colours unfortunately but I know the black has red glitter and is from the China Glaze Louboutin collection!

That's all for now, I promise I wont disappear again..

Love & Light,

Jay xo
fromjayloutoyou@gmail.com
instagram: xjayloux

Sample Bar - August Glampack

I thought I would do a review of my August Glam Pack as I was very impressed with this months haul!

I really do love Sample bar, I've been a member since last Year and I have to say I have found more than a few favourites! What I love about Sample bar is the fact that they bring products to you that you either haven't heard of or most likely haven't thought to try yourself. They source products from around the globe and locally of course, to bring you a gorgeously packed box delivered to your door each month!

As a general rule you will get 5 deluxe samples, most months you will get 1 or perhaps 2 full size (or very near to) products and that one product will generally cost more then the $25 you pay each month!

There is definitely a luxury element with sample bar, the products are usually a bit more exciting then your average supermarket or pharmacy finds, so it really has a special surprise waiting for you to unwrap!

Alright so this month box comes adorned in signature sample bar back and white box with white bow.. On unboxing there is signature black paper that pulls back to unveil the following goodies:

Full size - Obiqo gentle face wash
Nimue rejuvenating mask
Angel professional shampoo & conditioner
Full size - I love shimmer & shine lip gloss in strawberries & milkshake
Le tan tanning gel
BONUS 6th item, NAT. Restore moisture cream.

Obiqo gentle face wash

As taken from the Obiqo skincare website: "Obiqo face wash gives back as it cleanses, enriched with extracts of sea kelp and anti-oxidant sea lavender, supported by the gentle action of soothing camomile, softening comfrey, and cooling cucumber. Here you will also find a wash rich in Aloe Vera extract which is well known for its soothing, moisturising properties."

I cannot even put in to words how amazing this face wash smells let alone how good the bathroom smells after you have used it. It is beautiful to use before bed to remove make up, its gentle enough for every day use and my skin has been feeling silky smooth since I started using it. I have sensitive skin that is prone to dryness, flaking, redness, you name it I get it.. So I am over the moon to report this is gentle enough for my skin! I am so in love and look forward to looking at the rest of the Obiqo range. Beautiful, I think I may have to give a few bottles of this as gifts! 5/5

Nimue rejuvenating mask

"A cream mask that delivers instant results for a dramatically rejuvenated skin. Vitamin A and C Ester and Alpha Lipoic Acid provide an intensive treatment to revive the skin. Eliminates the damaging effects of free radicals to produce a brighter, and clearer complexion. Reduces the signs of premature skin ageing. Super hydrating benefit imparts a soft, smooth and radiant skin. Ideal for Environmentally damaged skin,  Hyper pigmented skin &  Problematic skin."

This is the luxury item out of this months glam pack.. The packaging was gorgeous, in a chic white pump dispenser.. Unfortunately I originally got a dud.. No problem though! I contacted sample bar and had a response from a friendly Sample Bar employee named Lana who sent me out the very last mask so i could get to try it too! I am so glad i was able to get a replacement as this mask is to die for, my skin was left feeling so beautifully soft and refreshed! 5/5!

Angel professional shampoo & conditioner

"Our latest obsession is with Marine Collagen. Not only does this unique ingredient moisturize and strengthen hair but it also gives it shine, enhanced volume and protects and repairs your hair. This marine shampoo and condition duo is a must try item!"

Last month in my glam pack I received the Angel professional leave in conditioner spray.. I have been using that for the past month with amazing results and amazing feeling hair so was very excited to receive these.. Again I was not disappointed.. My hair is soft, shiny, more manageable and these products smell divine.. I'm with you on this one sample bar, I too am obsessing over Marine Collagen! 5/5

I love shimmer & shine lip gloss in strawberries & milkshake

"New from the UK, this deliciously fruit range is designed to make you smile! Smooth this gorgeous gloss onto your lips to leave them feeling soft, moisturized and ultimately kissable. With a flavour to suit every taste discover the pure feel good factor of 'I love'"

Wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one.. I tend to steer clear of lip glosses because I cannot stand sticky formulation where I feel like my lips are being super glued shut or I have a major paranoia and aversion of going near wind with the fear that my hair will be glued to my mouth.. But alas I gave it a go and was actually happy impressed. This product smells delicious, its FAR from sticky, it gives a gorgeous light tint and very subtle shimmer. Really nice if you want a bit of a 'perk me up' would definitely try the rest of this range. 3/5 only because im not a lip gloss girl!

Le tan tanning gel

"Le Tan Coconut Tanning Gel is a clear, gradual tanning gel that develops in just four hours. The gel absorbs quickly into the skin creating a streak-free finish. It contains vitamin E to hydrate and moisturise the skin. Coconut Tanning Gel is light and non-sticky and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Available in Bronze and Deep Bronze."

Very happy to receive this beautiful coconut scented tanning gel in 'deep bronze'. Le tan is by far my choice of brand for sunscreen or fake tan.. I adore their gradual daily tanning lotion so this was already going to be a winner in my books. Product smells delicious, doesn't smell like horrible fake tan like most products do and as usual this trusted brand delivers on its promise. I would recommend using this product in conjunction with their gradual daily tanning lotion for a bit of umph and to help maintain your colour! As im more of a gradual daily tanner girl im going to give it a 3/5.

NAT. Restore moisture cream

"NAT. FACE restore moisture cream contains natural antioxidants to soften, hydrate and balance sensitive and fragile skin.  Herbal extracts of calendula, sweet woodruff and chamomile dramatically reduce redness and inflammation associated with delicate, fragile skin.  Potent antioxidants soften and balance the skin and help it to retain adequate levels of moisture."

This ticks every single box for me in what I look for a moisturizer! I hate thick hard to apply moisturizers.. This was beautiful, it was easy to apply, nice and light.. Doesn't irritate my skin.. Left my skin silky smooth and has no nasty's! I think I will definitely be buying myself the full size pottle of this! 5/5

Love & Light,

Jay xo
fromjayloutoyou@gmail.com
instagram: xjayloux

To purchase sample bar subscription head along to www.samplebar.co.nz

Dreamy Desk Decor.

Hello lovelies and welcome to my new blog..

I felt very restricted and limited with my previous blog so I thought I would re-invent a little bit. I have so many thoughts, reviews and musings I want to share but being limited to food was boring! (don't worry foodie stalkers, I will still post my finds and recipes here too!)

Today I want to share my thoughts on desk décor.. I get asked a lot where I get my little finds from and always get compliments on how I have set up my space.. Until recently I had been lusting over a white wash trestle table, but thankfully the compliments have sorted my lusting's out! I needed to be realistic anyway it just wouldn't suit my décor no matter how dreamy and beautiful it appeared!

I have a vintage dark oak (well at least im pretty sure its oak) dining table that was passed down to me from my mother, that belonged to my grandmother that also belonged to my great grandmother.. How special is that? Now this thing is huge.. But its very beautiful! So because i had no desk i improvised and took ownership of this beauty and turned my dining table into a pretty, practical work space.

First things first.. If you are genuinely using the space to do work, study or whatever.. Less is more. Actually less is more in general and what's awesome about little trinkets and finds is the fact you can mix and match and constantly update your setting!

I make no secret of the fact that I loves skulls and candles and I have a pretty big selection. I also love the look of flowers in pretty vintage bottles/containers. This already is a perfect start for a chic, and inviting setting.

Candles aren't just to look pretty - I'm very big on aromatherapy and honestly I make no apologies for it.. These are my cant live without indulgence! They are the one thing I splurge and save for. Scents can do amazing things for your mood, stress levels and well-being. They keep your home very homely and relaxed.. So it makes sense that you are going to want to adorn your desk with at least one beautiful scented candle to keep you motivated and in check when life is handing you lemons and you have no tequila on hand! If you take a step into my home you should be greeted with a sense of calmness.. I keep my home as stress free as possible. There is almost always something beautiful burning and I have reed diffusers and scented candles everywhere to keep everyone relaxed!

There is literally a scent for everything and because my table is obviously in my living area and at times there can be stress at the table.. I have the appropriate scent on hand. For calming aromatherapy purposes I always turn to Aromatherapy Co's Cocoa & Vanilla.. Why? According to the Aromatherapy Co website.. Its for balancing and harmony.. "Balancing / Harmonising is a special blend of the 100% pure and natural essential oils of Cocoa and Vanilla. This combination has been designed to harmonise your body and senses. This blend can promote and encourage circulation to help restore the skins natural balance." I have got almost everyone hooked on this scent that comes into my home so Aromatherapy Co know what they're talking about!

For a touch of luxury I have a beautiful MOR candle. There is something so beautiful and luxurious about MOR products, I have never been able to get enough and this beautiful White Hydrangea candle is to die for.. Its white with a gold motif and smells very similar to Chanel No. 5.. What I love about the MOR candles is they come with a pretty baroque printed 'cover' to keep the wax clean if you are keeping it on display. This teamed up with a stylish gold Skull from Typo, a couple of beautiful baroque styled photo frames and a gorgeous vintage jar with a beautiful flower (dependant on season I may use faux peonies but currently have a beautiful David Austin rose (unfortunately shes on her way out so excuse the photos..) you cant go wrong. It looks pretty, inviting, simple and luxurious AND it isn't cluttering up your space.

 

Love & Light,

 

Jay xo

fromjayloutoyou@gmail.com

instagram: xjayloux

 

Where to buy:

 

MOR candle (and photo credit) - www.morcosmetics.com

Aromatherapy co (and photo credit) - www.thearomatherapycompany.co.nz

Vintage jar (and photo credit) - www.thewarehouse.co.nz

Skull & Frames - Typo

David Austin Rose - Any good florist.

 

All photos belong to me excluding candles & jar. Please don't use without permission.