Pebble Penn

There is an art to finishing products.
I know alot of girls are like me. They see a new foundation, or their friends recommend a new face cream or you see amazing blog reviews online and decide you just have to buy whatever-product-has-been-reviewed… and then unknowingly you abandon your existing products and move on to your new ones.

I have been consciously trying very very hard to stop buying new things and to finish off the existing products I have at home. I went on a slight ban on online shopping and real-life shopping for make up and skincare and amazingly I have started to finish my existing products!
It actually feels like quite an achievement, because I cannot remember when the last time I finished a product was?!

So here is goes!!

Daiso Brush Detergent Cleaner 100% will repurchase, at $2.80 its a bargain!

Bioderma Sensibio H2O 100% will repurchase, still the best make up remover I have had so far.

The Face Shop, Chia Seed Lotion Maybe will repurchase. Not hydrating enough for the harsh Melbourne winters, but performs well during Summer and Spring seasons.

Those products were used to death! Fell in love with them all over again. From Left; Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in Tulip, Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse, L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic

Fresh, Sugar based lip blam in Tulip. Purchase in the USD Sephora. If I could readily buy this in Australia I would. It was hydrating and the colour was amazing. Not very long lasting though, but not marketed as a long lasting lipstick anyway since its a balm!

L'Oreal, False Lash Telescopic, Waterproof (always!!) About the 10th time I have repurchased this. The brush is amazing on my stubborn short stubby lashes. Magically makes them long and unclumpy. What more can a girl ask for in a mascara?

Hello everyone! I have just returned from an epic snowboarding weekend  trip and am currently recovering from an equally impressive cold (by impressive I mean - shitty long snotty cold).



My bf and I have been talking about snowboarding for more than 10 months now, we thought about it, scheduled it and talked about it - but we never got the chance to head up to the mountains until this year.
Along with 14 other high school friends (also new to snowboarding) we headed up to Falls Creek for an epic fun snow trip. I surprised myself and my bf with how quickly I learnt how to snowboard and by day one I was off down the Green (medium) slopes with my friends nearby!

The weather was perfect for some fun in the snow, cold with constant fresh powder on the grounds. However with the harsh conditions, it was so easy for skin to dry up very quickly.
So here are 3 essential skincare items for the snow! 

1) Serum! 

Hydration Hydration Hydration!
Just like how you layer your clothing during winter! Remember to layer on your skincare products as well. I would recommend bringing your most hydrating serum, moisturiser and face cream. Consider items that contain Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid.
I took the following products;




2) Facial Masks 

Use a sheet or gel face mask at night to replenish the moisture and any wind damage to the skin while snowboarding.
I found that the wind was so harsh and it was so cold it was hard to stay warm let alone stay hydrated! After a day of snowboarding, I went back to the dorm and put on a face mask to rehydrate. Immediately getting rid of that tight dry pull I felt!
I especially like these Japanese hydration masks below (available at all Japanese pharmacies).




3) Sunscreen 

So so important! Always remember to put on sunscreen before you head out to the snow! Even on a cloudy day, the UV rays from the sun can be very strong.
Slip Slop Slap your favourite long lasting sunscreen periodically to avoid sunburn.
SunPlay SPF 130 PA+++ is my absolute favourite at the moment!



To those of you who are heading to the snow as the season ends - I wish you Happy Boarding/Skiing with Fresh Powder everyday!

I have been in search for a lighter alternative to foundation for quite awhile, with my new day and night facial routine I really wanted to give my face abit of breathing space while still looking professional at work.


I received a sample packet of CC Cream - Aura Color Control Cream from The Face Shop.
It smelt nice, the coverage was light but enough and moreover it didn't dry my face out at the end of the day! So after finishing the sample packet I decided to go back to the Emporium and purchased the full size product.

The design of the liquid CC Cream package is very hygienic and easy to carry around. It has a one press design with a small amount of CC cream that comes out. It comes with hand held mirror in the lid and sponge applicator.
However I haven't used the sponge to date, I generally press a small amount for application and use my foundation brush for a smoother application. I would however look to use the sponge if I was out and in need of a top up.




I have only ever use The Face Shop cleansers and face creams and never anything associated with make up.
The coverage of the CC Cream is light - enough to cover light pimple marks and dark circles under the eyes, and one application lasts for a good day. However I would recommend the application of pressed powder as this is not a foundation it is colour corrector. I find on very hot days it does disappear (although I find my face generally eats make up during the day), so translucent finishing powder and a top up late afternoon is more than enough.

I use less than the size of a pea for entire application on my face using a foundation brush, and carry the compact in my bag in case of unforeseen meetings where i have to look refreshed and professional.
If you are looking for something that is not a foundation but still provides light cover and corrects the colour on the skin, I would try The Face Shop CC Cream.

I decided that Valentines Day was best celebrated by pampering myself - because we should learn to love ourselves and have a moment out of our busy lifestyles to just relax.
Le bf had work all morning and so I decided to book myself a pamper sessions at Groom Spa Chadstone; I was actually very nervous but extremely excited at the same time.


Groom Spa is a new concept day spa chain, from the moment you step into their new look spas you the overwhelming feeling of relaxation and beauty can be felt. In 2013 Groom Spa won spa of the year in Australia (5 or more treatment rooms); I made my appointment for 9am this morning and made sure I was diligent and on time - I wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and the experience.

I was nervous because I have never had a facial before, but I was excited because I knew I would be receiving a manicure and a pedicure (one of my most favourite things in the world!).
My experience at Groom Spa was amazing, the girls there were professional and friendly; I was offered a seat in their store to fill out a form about  my skin and declaration of allergies. Once I had finished I was lead through a camouflaged door to the back where there were 6 beauty rooms - the atmosphere inside was quite and relaxing, with the lights dim and the sound of calming music playing you can understand why girls are willing to spend so much money on day spas.



My Groomer was a pretty girl called Lina, she explained the process and provided me with a skin analysis under purple light - to my utter horror, under purple light you could see my face with scattered white specks off my face!! I was in shock and thought it was sun damage, but I breathed a sign of relief when she told me it was dry skin. She identified that dehydration was my main concern and offered me several solutions (which costed extra money to the voucher) if I wanted to improve on hydration. However this was my first ever facial and I had no idea how my skin would react, so I stuck to my guns and continued on to the Maintenance Facial with no added extras.

The Maintenance Facial went on for a duration of 30 minutes, and it included a cleanse with the clarisonic brush, a warm towel wipe down, an exfoliating scrub, a warm towel wipe down and then a clay mask for hydration. Overall the experience was wonderful, I finally understand how amazing it was to feel pampered
Then I moved on to my manicure and pedicure; where I opted in for the extra foot peel and shellac instead of normal polish for my manicure! Lina was so great, she was friendly and her attention to detail was absolutely amazing.



I feel the downside to this pamper experience was that I was very wary of the up-selling that continued throughout my 2 hour pamper session. I feel like I would be more relaxed if I could let my guard down a little; I am easily persuaded and skin is very important to me and if I have even  small feeling a product could help or is worth a try then I would most likely end up getting it.
But my mum reminded me before I left for the facial that my old work team had already paid $190+ dollars on this voucher, and there is really no need to feel pressured in making decisions straight away. So I took mums advice, and declined all add ons and linked products (serum - $185 and exfoliator - $87). Instead I went with things like the pedi foot scrub (extra $20) and shellac instead of normal polish (extra $15).
I still feel that I had an amazing time, and by adding on things that I knew was what I had wanted made me feel positive about the experience all together. I had read reviews before of girls feeling pressured to add on a vitamin facial or to buy a product so they didn't look cheap - but I am glad that I stuck to my plan - which meant I did not leave feeling cheated. Instead, I look forward to heading back again on my own accord for another pamper session.


Overall, what girl does not love a good pamper session! If you are looking for something professional and ascetically pleasing I would recommend a trip to Groom Spa. From talking to Lina, I know that they often have special promotions for certain facials, or for mothers day and things like that! So if you would like a cheaper pamper experience look out for what is on special!

I finally purchased something off The Iconic!
I have heard so many radio ads about them and they are everything they say they are - I must say I was very impressed.


It was a very nice surprise receiving the item in the office. It came up an envelope like package with material made of bubbles. It was so chic and exciting! I walked from the door back to my desk holding onto the handle and all my work colleagues were so excited for me as well!


The  clothing came packaged in individual bags - this is because The Iconic sells different brands and each brand would have their own unique packaging. As long as you keep the original packaging and the tags on the dresses, there is still 100 days available for the purpose of returns.
I believe that there is an option of a full refund or alternatively 110% store credit! It is great knowing they accept returns because this decreases the anxiety associated with purchasing things that are unflattering.



I purchased two dresses, both with work in mind. Firstly is the pink, sits right above knee with pearl detailing on the collar. The second is electric blue with detail (flare) near the bottom of the dress, sits slightly above the knee.

The Iconic is such a fantastic website! The speed at which the goods were packed and posted meant within 48 hours you would generally receive the goods - if you are in the city there is an option to pay a little bit extra for 4 hour delivery! Ad hoc/emergency needs for a new outfit - Solved!
Apart from the speed of the service obtained, the two dresses I received were both of excellent quality - not even a thread out of place!

Overall my first experience with The Iconic has been a fantastic one! I would re-buy from this website over and over and over again if I were not on a budget!

If you are looking to purchase from The Iconic, I believe this code is valid for an additional 20% sale items!
code: AUSDAY20

It is a boiling hot in Australia today at a whopping 41 degrees celsius!
With weather like this where just sitting in your chair makes you sweat it is so easy to get clogged pores and blackheads. Because of this my pimple battle continues!

Annie's Way! Jelly Masks!
I purchased this early this year in Feb when I made a trip to hong kong, when I first saw Hana Tam's youtube video I have been trying to get my hands on these jelly masks for what feels like an eternity!
I ended up purchasing this in City Super HK, these two products were featured as part of my Hong Kong and America Haul.


Annie's Way  is a Taiwanese Brand, the brand prides itself on natural ingredients and was one of the most demanded face masks in Asia.

The girl who served me at City Super HK  had super incredible skin, and she told me she used different Annie's Way Jelly Masks in accordance to the weather, how her skin was etc etc.
Finally I chose three tubs, Snail Repair Jelly Mask, Aloe Anti-Acne Jelly Mask and Calendula Softening Jelly Mask. The three masks mentioned all aim at young sensitive (sometimes) pimple prone skin. However they have other variants to whiten, cleanse, repair etc etc…

I had not initially chosen these, however after she took a look at my skin she suggested masks that controlled oil and reduced redness and sensitivity in the skin.
I must add, I had initially chosen more expensive Annie's Way products from her counter, but despite probably having a sales target, she was honest in telling me that the cheaper options were probably more suited to my skin type. So straight away I felt like this product had instilled excellent morals in their brand and also their staff.



Due to its recent increase in popularity there has also been fake jelly masks available on the market, to combat this Annie's Way products all have seals on the plastic tub to ensure that no one has opened the jar in the store; furthermore when you take off the lid there is a plastic separator to prevent spillages.

It is recommended that once the tub has been open that the jelly mask should be used up in 3 months time due to health and safety reasons (ie. prevent product turning off, sustain its correct properties).
However, there is such a generous amount of produce tin the tub, you really have to be diligent with your face masks to be able to finish the entire tub within 3 months.  It comes with a Spatula to remove product from tub without contamination, and assist with putting product around the nose and eyes nicely.



I would recommend using the mask on only for a short period of time the first two or three times using this product, due to the nature of the ingredients it generally leaves the skin red if you leave it on for the standard recommended 30 minutes.
A shorter time frame allows for your skin to get use to the product, and gives you an opportunity to confirm that you do not have a reaction to the product.
Of course, as usually I got too excited and left the mask on for 30 minutes - for "optimum " results, however that was a bad move, because my face had little red patches all over - although it subsided quite quickly, a product should never irritate your skin to the point where you see redness, patches or blotchiness.

I received the December Marie Claire - The Parcel as my KK present this year.
It was so exciting and couldn't help but think what an awesome present for people who love their beauty products!

I had no idea that Marie Claire had a beauty box, I know there has been a recent influx in beauty boxes with varying qualities, the ones I know the best are probably Bella Box and the Korean MeMeBox.
The idea of these beauty boxes is really nice but it all comes down to luck - it is easy to end up with lots of small products that you don't use / can't use  - but then you can always gift it to your girlfriends to try.
The Parcel was a heavy package, once you remove the sleeve you will see this very chic black box.



I was so surprised with the amount of product I received in the box, some even looked like it was full size! I really like looking at the goodies before reading the little description card!









Overall I am really impressed with the box, it had a variety of products from hair to nails to skin care to make up which I personally find more exciting!
If you were looking to try out a beauty subscription box I would definitely recommend the Marie Claire - The Parcel to you. It is exciting anticipating the products you will find, and as you can see the brands in The Parcel are reputable and well known ones which always brings piece of mind!

Wanted to say Thank You for the awesome KK present Miss B!
Love lots!

The year flew by in a blink of an eye! Can't believe 2015 awaits just around the corner, and as per tradition… here are my resolutions!



1) Be Healthy! 

When I was younger I really did feel invincible - nothing could break me, slow me down or change my mind. But slowly but surely I begin to understand that it doesn't matter how much money you have, or how much you have put into your career - without a healthy body you are nothing.

Gym regime will continue on and this year I am determined to have abs! Girl abs here I come! #BennyFitness




2) Stay In Touch - Reconnect! 

Everyone is going about their busy lives, its so difficult to stay connected with loved ones.
The number of time you see your friends and family starts to dwindle as everyday life takes over, in this day and age keeping in touch with technology has made it so much easier.
But it also takes away from human interaction - I hope 2015 will bring on more memories that does not necessarily need to be shared on social media to be deems memorable. I hope to spend more time talking at dinner, rather than eating and being on our phones.



3) Achieve a Career Milestone! 

It has been officially 4 months since I joined my new team, it started off as a great chance, an opportunity - a stroke of luck. But right now, I really wish to show myself, and everyone else who believed in me that I am capable. And all those expectations, hopes, and support my work mates, manager, family and friends have provided me was worth it.

4) Enjoy Life!

Apart from doing well in my banking career, I also hope to have a life! Getting the balance right - being productive at work, leaving on time and enjoying life outside of work.
Taking zero bb for a walk… watching the sunset… going on day trips… brunch with the bf's…  eat until you have a food baby!


5) Seize the Day! 

Too often, it is easy to live for the future. While thinking about the past and what could be done differently. Unfortunately forgetting the present.
Hope to live in the present in 2015 and to remember to Seize the Day!

Slip! Slop! Slap!