Another Blogger Tag

What a cute kitten. It's time for a blogger tag! I love reading these on other blogs as it is a nice change from the usual reviews and favorites posts.

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

I started in October 2010. I loved reading blogs and found some bloggers through twitter. Through encouragement from some of these girls, I started Keeping Up With Me. 

What blog did you fall in love with first?

Definitely The Beauty Look Book for excellent photos, accurate swatches and luxury brands. I still love this blog today.

What what the first blogosphere hyped product you bought? Was it worth the hype?

I bought the Naked Palette from Beauty Bay when it was released. It was definitely worth the hype. I love it for the neutral shades and good quality formula.

What are your favorite 5 things about blogging?

• I've been able to meet some wonderful people through blogging. One person who is worthy of more than a mention is Jac from Buy Blog Sparkle. She is one of the most loyal and special people I now know. I am grateful.
• Networking. I love that I have built relationships with other bloggers through social media, great to find people that share similar interests to me.
• Receiving comments. I love to read the comments that people leave on a post. I sometimes spend a lot of time on a post, seeing people asking questions or giving their point of view makes me feel like I have accomplished something.
• Trying new products that have been recommended to me by other bloggers. It is great to be able to ask others for advice or ideas when needing a new skincare product or other beauty related item.
• I can think of much more, all of the above!

What have you learnt from being a beauty blogger?

I have to be honest here. I have learnt that some people will do anything for a freebie product! 

Have you changed anything since being a beauty blogger?

Yes. Previously I hadn't heard about great brands like Urban Decay or Make Up For Ever. I have been given the opportunity to find so many lesser known brands that are high quality and now some are holy grail items.

What advice would you give a beauty blogger just starting out?

Don't take it too seriously. Some people are very competitive in blogging. For example; people will whinge that others got sent PR samples but they didn't. Don't get upset if you don't get invited to events. Blog because you enjoy it, your readers will appreciate this. Also, I have found that some bloggers can be very superficial. Don't let others seem superior to you. We are talking about blogging here, it is not that serious yeah? I have encountered some that think they are "above" you. Some girls will bitch like an episode of Gossip Girl. I am keeping it real, being honest here as always. Just BE YOURSELF.

Name your top 5 brands

• Tarte
• Urban Decay
• Chanel
• NARS
• Dior

I invite everyone else to do this tag. Feel free to post a link in the comments to your tag post. 

Haus of Gloi- What You NEED

I have been wanting to write about Haus of Gloi for a while now. I discovered this brand months ago and it was definitely my favorite body product brand of 2012. Haus of Gloi is a vegan brand selling a vast range of products for the body such as perfume oil, scrubs, lip balms and body emulsions. I have tried a number of their products since I discovered this amazing brand. Here are my favorites in this post.

Pumpkin Butter

This formula contains Shea butter and pumpkin seed oil. Initially when hearing the word "butter" I assumed this product would be heavy and greasy, the reason why I hate the Body Shop Body Butters. But instead it is rich enough to provide deep hydration to my skin without that oil slick wet feeling. What I love most about this is that when I touch my skin hours after applying it, my skin feels so soft, in other words it is long lasting hydration. The scents from Haus of Gloi are incredible, unlike no other brand I have tried. I have tried various scents from this range and my picks are Imp, Ghost Puffs (limited edition for Halloween) and Litchi Milk Tea. 

Whipped Soap

I have never ever had a shower with a product as beautiful as this. Whipped Soap resembles a mousse like texture which when used with water, creates an aromatic lather. It feels amazing on the skin and I look forward to having a shower just so I can use it. The only problem is, I can't see that Whipped Soap is a permanent item in the Haus of Gloi store. It only ever seems to be included in seasonal offerings, but they do frequently have these available. My advice is to be quick for this product as they do sell out fast. I recommend signing up to the store newsletter, that way you would be first to know about new products. The scent I have pictured here is Hearth which was part of the Christmas range.

Soft Bubbling Scrub

This was actually the first product I ever used from Haus of Gloi. At first I thought the consistency looked odd in the tub. After using it once I was sold. I was expecting it to bubble a whole lot more than it does. It gently bubbles, more like a fizz effect. The granules are fine but enough to make your skin feel polished and smooth afterwards. Because it isn't oil based, it doesn't leave that oily film on the skin like some sugar scrubs I have tried. Pictured here is Three Treasures (limited edition). I highly recommend the Imp scent which is available in their permanent range. 

I love Haus of Gloi products so much. I have backups of these products in various scents as I have that fear they will discontinue them. The scents I have tried are unique and most smell edible, often making me hungry!

Most products you can try in a smaller version than pictured here for less than $5. I recommend you do that so you can try a few scents and find your favorites. The large sized tubs are all around $8-$10.

Haus of Gloi are based in the US and have international shipping.

Get on it!

Current Favorites

Current favorites by tkj81 featuring beauty products

Here I am again with another post out of the blue. Today I had an urge to write something so I thought I would show you some new favorites.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

I purchased this from Sephora in NYC after reading positive blog reviews. I have tried MAC FIX + setting spray in the past and although I loved how it refreshed my skin and helped my makeup stay on, I suspect it was breaking me out. Since using the Urban Decay version my skin has been behaving well. It is oil and paraben free, maybe this has something to do with it. My makeup looks fresh all day when I apply this, I apply about 4 sprays. With the heat/humidity in Sydney currently, my makeup does not last unless I set it with this spray. Yes, I have tested this and not applied the spray on some days and there is a definite difference.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

I love my Dior Show and Lancome Doll Eyes mascara, but I do not love the $50 price. We will be purchasing our first home this year so I am looking at ways to cut spending here and there. I decided it was time to find a good drug store brand mascara. I chose the Covergirl Lash Blast formula as it is certainly one of the most talked about mascaras on youtube/blogs. I love this so much! It separates my lashes, doesn't smudge and doesn't clump. This will be a definite repurchase. I am kicking myself I didn't try it earlier. 

Illamasqua Zygomatic Cream Blush

I purchased this after a hardcore recommendation by my friend Jac. She basically said I had to buy it. I am glad she did because it is worth the hype. I love the effect it has on my skin, it makes my cheeks appear very dewy with a natural neutral glow. It is a perfect blush for work or where you are trying to achieve a "my skin but better" look. 

Goldwell Dual Senses Scalp Regulation Deep Cleansing Shampoo*

What a mouthful the name of this great shampoo is! Since discovering the awesomeness that is Batiste dry shampoo, I have been getting a whole lot of product build up in my hair and scalp. I am also occasionally wearing hairspray too which adds to the crunchy dusty mop on my head. The Goldwell shampoo is aimed at removing product build up and cleansing the scalp deeply. And it does just that. I have found other brands to do a good job of this, but they would always leave my hair so stripped and dry. This shampoo doesn't give my hair that dry feeling after a wash, it feels soft and very clean. Even when shampoo it twice. 

Travalo Atomiser

I have only owned this for about a week but already I love it. I am one to never carry around a glass bottle of perfume in my bag due to the worry it will smash. I'd seen the Travalo atomiser on YouTube and decided I should try it out. I am loving it so far. It is so convenient and holds around 50 sprays of the fragrance you load it with. Highly recommended.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

I purchased this from iHerb a while ago and have been using it every day. I mostly use it to apply cream blush and it blends the product nicely into my cheeks. And just for the record, I love all of the Real Techniques brushes.

What have you been loving lately?

* Denotes PR sample

Update and My Current Skin Care Routine

Happy New Year everyone! It has been a while since my last post. I have had some thinking to do about blogging and what I want from it. I tossed up whether to completely cease in posting on Keeping Up With Me. I have decided to continue but there will be some changes. The main change is that I will no longer accept samples for review. I will discuss products I have purchased or received as gifts from friends/family. I am grateful for the samples I have received in the past, I still may refer to them on my blog from time to time but I will still disclose if it is a PR sample. In a nutshell I am not going to accept any further samples as of NOW. The other change is that I will probably blog about other things to do with life other than beauty products. I started introducing this a little while ago but from now I will definitely vary my posts. Today I am going to stick with a beauty topic though! My skincare routine has changed recently so I will give you an overview of what I am using.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

This cleanser is one I used most in 2012. It is perfect for sensitive skin and actually cleans my skin. I find some "gentle" cleansers leave a gross film on my face or my skin just doesn't feel clean. Previously reviewed here. I use this both morning and night.

ASAP Super C Serum

I had never used a C serum until a couple of months ago. I have heard a heap about the effects of C on scarring. I have some pigmentation and faint acne scarring which has been annoying me for ages. Since starting to use this I have noticed a slight reduction in my pigmentation. I use this with a good sunscreen every day, usually Dr Jart BB Cream SPF 45. I will keep using this for a little longer to make up my mind on whether to repurchase. I use this in the morning.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist

This is my all time favorite toner product. It is soothing on my skin which at times is a little sensitive. I have previously reviewed this here. I use this both morning and night.

ASAP Clear Skin Gel

I have had breakouts on my forehead for a long time, no matter what I would use I would never see relief. All i would see was more blemishes. My friend Lucy  who has a wealth of knowledge on skin care recommended I try this product on the areas where I am prone to breakouts. It contains AHA/BHA to remove dead skin cells. Since using this I have seen a MASSIVE improvement in my skin, I am so grateful to Lucy for recommending this. She also recommended the ASAP Vitamin C Serum. I use ASAP Clear Skin Gel in the evening only.

Akin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil

I have used RHO on and off for a while. I was convinced it was causing breakouts but I have been using it a while this time and had minimal breakouts. I love how this hydrates my skin and gives it a radiant look in the mornings. My skin feels amazingly soft when using this. I mostly apply it to areas where I haven't applied ASAP Skin Clear Gel at night time.

Ultraceuticals Ultra Moisturizer Cream

I have been only using this product for a few days as I purchased it late last week. I use this in the evenings and have now started applying it in the mornings also. It feels like just enough moisture, especially for the evenings where I already have applied RHO in most areas. Another product receommended by Lucy! 

Alpha H Age Delay Intensive Eye and Lip Treatment

This eye cream I am using twice per day and I am not so sure about it. I think my eye area is a little dry and in need of more intensive hydration. I think I need to find a different brand/formula to purchase once this is finished. I would love to hear some ideas from you.

Dermalogica Cleansing Cloth

As I am typing this I have realized that I didn't include Dermalogica Precleanse in the photo. I use Precleanse to remove makeup prior to actually cleansing my face. Onto the cloth...... I have been using this for about a fortnight after a discussion about muslin cloths on twitter. I haven't yet purchased a muslin cloth but in the meantime I found this Dermalogica cleansing cloth in my skincare bag. I have been highly suspicious recently that granular scrubs may be spreading bacteria from breakouts onto my healthy skin. I have stopped using the scrubs and instead use this cloth with cleanser to gently exfoliate my skin. So far so good here, no new breakouts and my skin is feeling soft! 

That is my current skincare routine. I am being honest, I don't use masques as I am lazy. 

My week on Instagram

I enjoy reading posts on other blogs with Instagram photos for the week, with a brief run down on the week that was! I sometimes get slack in posting photos to instagram, I am going to try to take more photos so I can use them for the blog. Here is what happened this week!

I will start from Sunday as I went to the Coldplay concert and it was such a fantastic experience. The whole atmosphere was like no other concert I have been to! Every person was given a colored wrist band to create a rainbow of lights. Chris Martin interacted with the crowd so well. My favorite track was Viva La Vida, 65K people were singing together. Nice.

Earlier this week I went to the movies with my husband to see the final Twilight movie. I enjoyed the movie but was sad as it is the last movie from the Twilight saga. The best thing about Hoyts is Ben and Jerry's ice cream! I highly recommend the sweet cookies and cream plus the triple chocolate crunch.

When I was in New York I bought a few pairs of sneakers, I am currently crazy for sneakers BTW. One of my favorites was the pink Nikes which I started wearing this week. Everyone in the US wears sneakers, I am happy to stick with this trend. Comfort is more important to me these days.

I got my first christmas card for the season this week from the lovely Chels in the beauty blogger christmas card exchange!

Last week I met Chelle, Anita and Angela for dinner. I also had the pleasure of meeting Anita's mum Jenny who came for dinner with us. I had a yummy pasta (naughty). 

During the week I visited the Tree of Life for the cancer program at St Vincent's hospital. The lights on the tree light up from donations made by the public. Donations will help to fund breast cancer nurses, purchase vital equipment and aid in research. It is a great initiative and we all know people who have suffered with cancer. Here is a link if you wish to donate http://www.stvincentstreeoflife.com.au/cancer-services-program/

I have enjoyed writing this post! I will aim to do another post early next week as I already have some photos to show you.