FreezeFrame Haul!

 

Hi guys! It's the first day of Term 1 for my son, so here I am trying to change from carefree holiday mode back to school routine mode. I definitely feel better when I'm organised though, so having structure in my day will do me good. I've been making an effort to fill out my Diary, get on top of my emails and declutter the house, so I'm feeling positive. I don't mind being busy, but I'm fast approaching my collab limit for how many I can take on at once before I get overwhelmed. Going on a short getaway has me enjoying the relaxed life a bit too much and now I have to snap out of it!

Today's post features my recent FreezeFrame haul. I'm a huge fan of Freezeframe, because they make products that address the exact skincare concerns I have, and they work so damn well. They also have some amazing sales from time to time, one of which I took advantage of to purchase this latest round of goodies. This should keep me going for quite some time hopefully! Let's take a look at the products.

Revitaleyes

This is my favourite ever Freezeframe product. It's a multitasking gel that improves deep wrinkles, chronic puffiness and serious dark circles. I have all three of these, so to have found a product that addresses all my issues (instead of having to use three separate creams) and leaves my under eye area looking its best ever... well it's a massive gamechanger. I wrote about my desire to keep using Revitaleyes in my 2022 Beauty Goals post, and I certainly have. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve wrinkles, eyebags or dark circles. For this purchase it was a bundle deal of Revitaleyes + Eyelid Lift and you could purchase any additional product at 50% off, so naturally I bought another Revitaleyes.

Eyelid Lift

So this is a 'new to me' Freezeframe product that there's been a lot of hype about on social media. I was quite excited when I saw the bundle deal of this plus Revitaleyes, and thought it was the perfect time to try it. I don't really have hooded or droopy lids per se, but I guess things can always be improved and I'd like to see if a bit of an eyelid lift makes a difference. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm hoping it opens up my eyes a bit and makes me look more awake!

Wrinkle Block

This is my second tube of Wrinkle Block, and honestly, it lasts forever. I've had my first one so long most of the label has rubbed off and I still haven't finished it. Maybe I should start using it all over my face to use it up quicker, as currently I only use it under my eyes, and not even every day. It's really good though, if you're looking to improve fine lines, moderate and even deep wrinkles. It also works really well under makeup, providing a nice hydrated base on which to apply concealer or corrector. Also, this was a free Gift With Purchase for the first 200 orders. Score!

Glow Getter

I'm happy to try any Freezeframe product I haven't tried before, so I'm looking forward to using this Glow Getter sample, even though it is quite tiny! I've just tried finding more information about this on their website, including using the search function and nothing comes up, so I don't know if this has been discontinued or is just out of stock. From the tube packaging though, it's a sleeping mask with deep sea repair for deep wrinkles, firming and luminosity.

Pumpkin did not give a stuff about my attempted photoshoot! Luckily this one was just for Stories, haha. I hope you enjoyed my haul!

2022 Beauty Goals

 

Hi guys! Happy New Year! The last two years have been absolutely crazy, and it seems we are still in the thick of it. I hope you're staying safe. It's a struggle sometimes, but I'm trying to stay as positive as I can whilst we are in the grips of a worldwide pandemic. Some things I've been using as a distraction; baking/cooking, walking, watching movies, decluttering and focussing on my beauty routine. Here are my Beauty Goals for 2022!

1. Complete my Beauty Desk

It feels like I've been working on this forever! I'm still currently doing my skincare and makeup in the loungeroom on a small side table, from a beauty organiser that contains a mirror. But this is where the light comes in the best! Last year I bought the famous Alex Desk and Drawers from IKEA and started setting up my new beauty area. I love the look of it so far, but I still need to buy a pretty, but functional, makeup chair (preferably in pink, lol) and a large makeup mirror. I'm just starting to research these now, and I want them to be perfect (I think this is why it's taking me so long). Let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations! I'm also going to change over the flowers to pale pink instead of super bright colours and might buy a nicer rug, too.

2. Use Up More Beauty Products and Samples

Haha I do this one every year, it seems to be a never-ending job to get through everything. If I actually stopped to think about how many creams, palettes, lipsticks, etc etc I had, I'd get completely overwhelmed. I know the beauty cupboard is well overdue for a clean out. It's just a horrible chore that I keep putting off. So I'm going to pick out just a few products to focus on finishing, like these Elizabeth Arden assorted capsules (pictured), which I love. It feels so good when you finish something and can chuck out the empty product, right?

3. Consistently Take Supplements

For a few months now, I've been using Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Mature Skin Gummies (currently half price at Chemist Warehouse here). They are orange flavoured, 99.8% sugar free and each serve (you're meant to eat 3 gummies every day) contains 5g of Verisol collagen peptides. I quite like them although I'm not sure if they're making a difference lol. Last time I shopped they weren't available so I got the berry flavoured Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Gummies (pictured) instead. They're not as strong, are slightly cheaper and contain type 1 and 3 collagen, whatever the fuck that means lol. Both of these containers hold 40 gummies, and at 3 per day, one container lasts around two weeks, which isn't long.

The other thing I take is Silicea Gel, which is great for hair, skin and nails. I actually find it has the most noticeable effect on my hair. If my hair starts looking shit, I'll add a tablespoon of this clear gel to cordial or orange juice, stir until it dissolves and drink up. Within a week my fine hair is looking fuller, healthier and is stronger. I find it helps my hair grow too. If you're hair is getting thin I'd definitely recommend trying it. The one I buy is the twin pack of Original Body Essential Silicea Gel and the cheapest place I've found it is at Chemist Warehouse here. This is the one I'm not consistent with! I only tend to start using it when my hair looks bad. But I notice when I take it daily, my hair looks at its absolute best. Guys, I'm not affiliated with Chemist Warehouse, they're not paying me and I buy these products with my own money, they are not hashtag gifted! My goal this year is to take these products every day.

4. Stick With My Eye SkinCare Routine

Last year I was sent some Freezeframe eye products, one of which was the Revitaleyes Eye Solutions.* Yes, it was PR gifted, that's what the star means, haha. I have no obligation to write about this, but OMG, it has changed my life. It's a 3 in 1 multi-tasking miracle of a product that addresses deep wrinkles, chronic puffiness and serious dark circles and it works. If you're struggling with any of these issues, please give this a go. I use this morning and night, without fail and it's made such a difference. I think I've stumbled onto something fabulous with the trio of products I'm using actually. The effectiveness of Revitaleyes actually prompted me to jump on the Freezeframe website when they were having a sale, and buy the Boost Serum (along with a Revitaleyes back up!). The Boost Serum is really effective at improving the general appearance under my eyes (most noticeably smoother skin, reduced lines and more volume) and is another Freezeframe product I'm really impressed with. The other product I'm using is L'Oreal Revitalift Filler Intensive Replumping Eye Cream  (+Hyaluronic Acid) which is great if you have eye hollows in the socket area, which make you look older and tired af as they worsen the look of dark circles. I'm finding that these three products work really well together and yes, they are a great base for makeup too (no balling up effect). If you want to try any of these, please look out for frequent sales at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and on the Freezeframe website, you needn't pay full price!

5. Post on Instagram More

I'd really like to post on my beauty IG account @shinyglitterbug more frequently. I admit I spend way more time on my foodie account @imhungrymax and sometimes this causes me to go for long stretches without updating on beauty. It's a struggle managing multiple accounts, and now I have a personal account too, but at least there's no pressure to post there! I would also kind of like Instagram to become fun again, although I suspect that might be asking too much, lol. If I could just post at least twice a week that would be a vast improvement on last year. But I'm really against forcing myself to do something, so we'll see what happens with this one. Meanwhile if you're into food, you can follow me here haha.

Disclosure - products marked * were sent from PR. No obligation to post. Opinions are my own.

Skincare Routine Update!

I haven't done a Skincare Update post in quite a while, so what better time than the present? Experiencing an extended period of shitty breakouts a few months ago really made me re-assess my skincare routine (or lack thereof!). After switching up a few products and sticking to a morning and nightly skincare routine, my skin is clear and looking pretty healthy on the whole. I'm not going to lie, I am using a lot of different products right now (partly because I'm trying to use up my samples). Most of them are geared towards either clearing and preventing breakouts or anti-aging, as those are my two main concerns. Here's what I'm slapping on every day....

I use Lush Ultrabland Cleanser (see my review here) when I don't have any spots. It leaves my skin feeling plumped out and super-soft. The thick, oily texture means I have to remove it with a washcloth, but it's totally worth the extra effort. When my skin's playing up, I cleanse with Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser (Blemish-Prone Skin) which is an amazing gel that clears my breakouts up fast. I would highly recommend this cleanser if you have problem skin.

Again, I alternate between two products when it comes to Toner. My old favourite is TN Dickinson's WitchHazel which I love for the super-cheap price (around $6) and its ability to minimise my pores and clear my skin. I also use, albeit less frequently, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner. Anyone else love the smell of tea tree, or is it just me? Confession time! When I can't be stuffed cleansing before bed, I actually use one of these toners to remove my makeup. Hey, it hasn't killed me yet!

I've pretty much switched from gritty to liquid exfoliants now. The two products I'm using are Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment (with 2% BHA) both of which are pretty potent, so I only use them every two to three days. I like keeping my skin on its toes by using Liquid Gold before bed, then in a few days I'll use the Paula's Choice exfoliant, and so on and so forth. Although Liquid Gold isn't classified as an exfoliant (it's marketed more as an acid toner), that's the way I see it. It's actually a treatment containing Glycolic Acid and licorice that firms, revitalises and boosts radiance. The Glycolic extract does exfoliate, but I really appreciate the multitude of skin concerns Liquid Gold addresses. When a product reduces fine lines, tightens my skin, makes it glow, reduces pigmentation, smooths, clears and makes me look younger, I will keep using it.

So many eye creams (mainly samples)! I love trying lots of eye creams, even though I know my Holy Grail is La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift, a true miracle worker. I've not featured it here because I only use it for special occasions; I have a tiny amount left in a sample tube and the full version costs $380 for 20ml. I just can't bring myself to buy it yet. I've been using La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex instead, which has a watery consistency and is still effective. I've also been enjoying Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream and Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye, both of these do work well. FreezeFrame Revitaleyes (which I wrote about in Five Fabulous Faves) has also been improving my under-eye area, and once a week I use Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream (not pictured) under my eyes for an added moisture boost.

I am loving facial serums at the moment! I'm using a number of different products, basically just depending on how I'm feeling that day. And again, I'm working my way through the various samples I've accumulated. La Prairie is a favourite brand of mine (why do they have to be so expensive, though?!) and the La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster is great. Their products work so well. Since hubby bought me the Elizabeth Arden GWP a few months ago (blogged about here) I'm falling more in love with this brand. I'm really enjoying the Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum, with the Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Caplet Serum a close runner-up.

Every morning I pop on Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer half an hour before applying my makeup, as it needs that amount of time to properly absorb. I love the way this makes my skin look as it really does give my face a firmer appearance. Nightly, I use Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Night Cream, another winner in my book. About twice per week I'll use Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream before bed instead, but not on a night where I've used Liquid Gold itself, as it might be a bit much for my skin. This cream is pretty sticky and I wouldn't even attempt to use it under makeup!

My go-to for any spots is Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment, which I bought as part of the Clear Extra Strength Kit. This range is amazing and completely cleared up my persistent breakouts. I rarely need to use this anymore, but I like knowing I have it on hand, just in case. If you're interested in purchasing from Paula's Choice, you can use my link to get $15 off your first order, and I'll get $15 credited to my account!

I'm not really using Face Masks at the moment, because I don't love any of the ones I have. However I have found a few sample sachets and once-off masks in my stash (hello SK-II Facial Treatment Mask) so I might bring back Pamper Sunday!

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Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me, my husband or were free samples I got instore or with online orders. All opinions are my own. Using my Paula's Choice link means you get $15 off your first order and I get $15 credited to my account.

I'm linking up to Fabulous and Fun Life's Monday Makeup Madness Linky Party!

What's your favourite skincare brand or product?

Five Fabulous Faves!

Ready for a quickie? Here are Five Fabulous Faves, featuring things I've been loving lately!

FreezeFrame Revitaleyes
I've avoided this brand for the longest time, because honestly it just sounded too gimmicky. This product claims to solve three under eye problems at once: visibly reduce wrinkles by up to 63%, lift away under eye bags and puffiness and diminish under eye darkness and shadows. That's my kind of product! I am very pleased with the results this gives me. The fine lines under my eyes have greatly reduced and the whole area is looking smoother and firmer I love the light gel consistency too, and the fact that you can use it under makeup. I will definitely keep buying this, and recommend it to anyone with fine lines or wrinkles under their eyes.

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser
I found this to be a strange, yet addictive product. I received a generous-sized sample which I got about five goes at; in this time I went from shock to confusion to acceptance to fondness to falling in love with this product! Ultrabland is rich, soft, thick and oily..... and it doesn't come off easily. After massaging it over your face you have to use a damp flannel to remove it. This takes some getting used to. But the results are amazing. My skin felt soft, smooth, plumped up and balanced. I loved this so much I returned to Lush and bought the full size product.

Wearing Different Earrings!
This might not seem like a big deal to most people, but I am not one to put much effort into changing my earrings from day to day. Ever since my splurge in Lovisa however, I've decided to make a special effort to don a different pair (nearly) every day, and I'm loving it. It only takes an extra minute to swap my earrings each morning, so I don't know why I haven't done this sooner (actually yes I do: it's called extreme laziness). I used to have two holes pierced in each ear plus one up the top of my left ear but I let them grow over. Now I 'm thinking of getting some more holes put in, just so I can wear more earrings!

Garnier Perfect Blur Smoothing Base Perfector
This is not the sort of product I usually love. I am not big on primers, bases and blurring creams. However, I decided to give this another whirl recently and lo and behold, was mightily impressed with the results. I don't know if I was just using it wrongly the first time or maybe I didn't give it a proper chance. I only use a very small amount of this on my inner cheeks and chin to cover up pores and under my eyes to blur any fine lines my eye cream has not managed to fully eradicate. The result is a smooth as silk base, and when I apply foundation, my complexion looks virtually flawless. Another huge advantage is that this makes my Bobbi Brown Corrector a dream to apply under my eyes. The Corrector is highly pigmented and amazing at covering dark circles, but the formula is slightly sticky - Perfect Blur makes it glide on effortlessly and skim over fine lines, since they are already filled in with the Perfect Blur Base Perfector. Winning!

Cooking New Recipes!
One of my August Goals was to cook five new recipes and I'm nearly there already. I'm really enjoying making new dishes (and so is my husband, I might add, as he's reaping the rewards. Not so much our fussy son - I'm still having to cook him a separate dinner every night). Unbelievably, I haven't had any disastrous results. Quite frankly, I am shocked that everything has tasted really nice. So far I have made Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping; Sausage and Spinach Pasta; Cashew Chicken with Honey and Soy; and Bacon, Sour Cream and Chive Jacket Potatoes. I'm still deciding whether to blog these dishes so you can see how they all turned out!

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What's your favourite dish to cook?