Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer

 10/10 overall rating 

Waterproof

This is probably my favourite cosmetic product of all time. I have been using it for about a year, and I will not stop buying it until Maybelline stops making it - which hopefully will never happen! This product first caught my eye when I was in my local Kmart, looking for a new foundation. For so long I had been trying new foundations each time I ran out, because I just could not find one that I loved. I saw Maybelline Cover Stick, and it appealed to me all because of one line on the packaging: 'Austalia's #1 Concealer'. Okay, so I'm a bit of a sucker for marketing ploys, but thank goodness I am because I found an excellent product that day! I purchased the Cover Stick in 'Light/Ivory', for around $10 (it varies depending on where you buy it, but it's usually around $10).

My supply for this year so far.
Need to buy more!

At first I used the product just as a concealer for blemishes, but I quickly developed a love for it and began using it like a foundation. So, my foundation routine for the past year has been to apply Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer to my entire face, and then seal with loose powder foundation. I used to use my fingers to apply the concealer, but for the past few months I have been using a brush, as I found that it creates a more flawless look.

Of course, I highly recommend this product. I am looking forward to trying the 'Yellow' shade for dark circles some time. I will keep you updated. 

Clean & Clear Essentials Moisturiser

  8/10 overall rating 

Original Formula

Oil free - won't clog pores

My all time favourite facial moisturiser for daily use!
I have been using this moisturiser for around five years. I originally purchased this product in a package which included a foaming cleanser and a toner. It was the moisturiser that stood out to me, so I have been purchasing it individually ever since. In recent years, this moisturiser has also been available with an SPF 15, so naturally when I saw this for the first time, I gave it a try. Unlike many other SPF moisturisers, Clean & Clear Essentials is not overly thick or cakey, nor is it oily. In fact, there is no significant difference in texture between the version with the SPF and the original without.

SPF 15 Formula

Obviously, this formula is purely designed for moisture; there are no anti-aging properties or claims. Therefore I can confidently say that it does exactly what it is designed to do - moisturise skin and leave it soft, without being oily. My partner often comments on how soft my skin is - and I have no doubt that this product has contributed to that (after all, they both came into my life at roughly the same time!).

So if you're looking for a good quality yet inexpensive daily moisturiser, give this one a go. Find it at your local pharmacy or supermarket for around $7.99.

Garnier Pure Daily Pore Purifying Toner

 9/10 overall rating 

Salicylic Acid + Purifying Zinc

This is the first toner I've ever used that has actually made a difference to my skin. It removes every last trace of dirt! Even after I've cleansed and exfoliated my face, this toner still manages to find make up that has been left on my skin. Not only does it cleanse pores, but it tightens them as well. I have slightly enlarged, open pores around my T-section due to past acne breakouts, but one swipe with this toner lessens their appearance and creates a smoother surface - what more could you want from a toner!

With a subtle scent and non-oily feel, this toner is ideal for oily and combination skin types. If you have sensitive skin, however, I would warn you to be cautious with this toner as its cooling sensation could possibly irritate your skin.

At around $7.99 for a 200mL bottle, this product is great value. I will definitely repurchase, and I recommend others give it a try.