threadedchunkynecklace

Monthly favourites are a hit on YouTube, so why can’t they be a sensation on blogs?

Here are my ‘one true loves’ from January …

Beauty/Makeup

– Urban Rituelle Hibiscus & Cranberry Perfume Oil

I was given this exact perfume oil by a friend, for my birthday, several years ago. I loved it from the first time I smelt it. Unfortunately, I had it in my makeup draw in the bathroom and when I next went to use it, I saw that there was a crack in the perfume bottle, so I had to transfer what was let of the perfume, to a huge jar. It was definitely not so easy to apply after that. Eventually, I think I threw it out, due to lack of use. However, for Christmas 2015, one of my mum’s best friends gave me this perfume. It’s in a beautiful box, containing the tube with the perfume oil, subtly decorated with floral patterns. It’s so easy to use – you just roll it onto your wrists and decolletage. It’s a fruity, spicy scent that is casual enough to wear every day and is special enough to wear to a party. Currently, it’s on sale for $12 online, so pick it up now. Don’t worry – I’m taking extra-special care of it this time.

– St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub

I bought this scrub, after I ran out of the trial-sized St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub (which I received in a hamper at a stall at a fete). St. Ives is a very affordable brand, with the Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub setting me back just $10 at Priceline. When I bought this scrub, I didn’t read the back, which said Exfoliation Factor – Moderate, so I got a little surprise when I applied it on my face and the exfoliation crystals/substances weren’t as coarse as I had grown accustomed to, when using the Apricot scrub. However, I have fallen in love with this scrub and use it once every two – three days. (Tip: I dampen my face with water before applying the scrub (as advised), rub it vigorously onto my skin and leave it on for at least 10 minutes, so it really soaks into my skin and scrubs away at my face, before rubbing the scrub off, with a cloth dampened with warm water.) This scrub leaves my skin feeling super soft and rids my face of any makeup residue that didn’t come off, when I cleansed and toned my face.

Clothing

– Target Everyday Multi-Way Strapless Bra – Skin

My mum got this for me the other day, because I needed a balconette (?) style strapless bra, to wear underneath a sheer top, that had a bit of a racerback on it. It may have only been $15, but it stayed in place all day. I didn’t feel it dropping or sliding down my chest and onto my tummy. The slight push-up provides support and a subtle “oomph” to your breasts. I’m wearing the bra – strapless – underneath a singlet right now and I feel as well supported as I would, wearing a t-shirt bra or exercise bra. I highly recommend this – you won’t regret buying it!

– Seafolly Field Trip Scuba Triangle Bikini Top

My grandma bought this beautiful bikini top for me, when I went on a holiday with her. I fell in love with it from the first moment I saw it. It’s even more gorgeous in real life! No, it might not be super affordable, but because it’s such a great brand and it’s made out of neoprene (a hardy, durable fabric used in wetsuits), it’s guaranteed to last for years. It looks very flattering on me and because it’s not heavily padded, it portrays the breasts in their natural shape – none of that super-padded, pushup nonsense. (I didn’t get the matching bottoms, as that was even more money and I already had a pair of black bikini bottoms, which go very nicely with the top). If you’re in the market for a top-quality, cute, neoprene bikini, then I highly recommend this one.

Miscellaneous

Typo Biggest Fan Pen

My aunt gave this to me yesterday and I’ve barely stopped using it. In fact, as I write, it’s lying next to me. You see – my antidepressant medication gives me hot sweats and cold chills and this little fan pen is a fantastic cure. It cools me down and helps to clear my mind. It’s very affordable – costing $10 – and is available in a variety of colours. It’s very easy to operate – just hold the button – and it runs on one alkaline AAA battery.