You can read my 2024 Reflection here.
First, I want to share some content that inspired the following goals. The next post will be the list I have curated for myself. Enjoy!
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ROLLY Mag
2024 Reflection
ROLLY MagIf you’d prefer to watch/listen to this reflection, you can do so here.
2024 was a BIG year for me, and I kept my goals short and sweet because ultimately, I just needed to survive my final semester of uni (spoiler: I did, and then life got really good!!)
Word of the year: Go, as in “keep going” and “go and do it”
1. Get a keratin smoothing treatment: I didn’t do this and I’m undecided if I will!
2. Get my boat license: I actually have no immediate need for this, it would just be nice to have. Putting this off until 2026 perhaps, lol.
3. Become a Pilates instructor: I knew this wouldn’t happen this year, as I was finishing my degree, but I manifested hard to bring it to fruition in 2025, watch this space!
4. Journal every day: This is an ongoing goal I’m always working on. Whilst I journal most days, every day is ideal. I fell off during the first half of the year whilst I was at uni, but I’m back babyyyy. This is the journal I’m using in 2025.
5. Two-toned jewellery: My collection has grown to 3 silver/two-toned pieces, woo! Plus I’m wearing silver hardware on some bags now, so baby steps…
6. Read 12 books: I actually read 16 books in 2024 which I was so pleased with. Shout out to my beautiful book club who helped foster this (even when I turned up and hadn’t made any attempt to read the book.) Follow me on Goodreads.
I’ll be sharing my 2025 goals soon. In the meantime, I would love to hear your reflections on 2024!
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Summer Beauty Edit
ROLLY MagMy Summer Beauty Edit is inspired by this podcast episode by Lucy and Kee at I’m Wigging Out!
I listened to this episode on my way to work and it got me thinking, how does my beauty routine differ as the seasons change?
To be honest, not a whole lot! I did, however, think it was a nice time to check in on some products that I use daily but maybe don’t talk about enough!
Categories are as follows: hair, skin, body, make up and fragrance.
HAIR
Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Leave–In Defining Cream
I’m still on the hunt for THE perfect curl cream, but I do like this one a lot. Mainly because I find I can get two days of wear out of it before I need a hair wash. Nothing worse than one good hair day before having to wash it and start the process all over again.
SKINCARE
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial SKINSCREEN SPF50+
If you know me, you’re probably not surprised that this is my sunscreen of choice. It’s just SO good. A satin finish that is great as a base under makeup, or for makeup free days. And it’s moisturising for us dry gals, but I think most skin types will enjoy this one.
Esmi Skin Minerals Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
As mentioned above, ya girl is dry. So a HA is a staple year round for me. This one isn’t fussy, and a bonus is it is made in Australia.
BODYCARE
Palmer’s Brazilian Coco Whipped Body Cream
This is thick, decadent moisturiser is a newbie to my nighttime routine but oh so needed. In winter, I jump straight from the shower into cosy pjs and my limbs never see the light of day. Now that I’m shaving more often, in the pool and just generally leaving my limbs uncovered more, I’m really finding that I can’t get away with dry legs. They looked scaly in the sunlight once and I was like… this can never happen again. So I’m lathering up and my skin is supple and soft, obviously grateful for the hydration. It also smells like summer which is a nice sensory experience.
MAKE UP
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush in Behave
It took me a hot second to figure out this blush but once I did… Mmmmm juicy, fresh cheeks here I come! I apply a generous blob to my cheek using the applicator, and then blend out with a fluffy, angled brush. When I blend with my fingers I find it just disappears to nothing. Despite the glow of this, you get quite good longevity. It’s delish. This is my fave shade too.
Holme Beauty Stay Glaze in Emma
I’ve only had this lipstick for a minute, but woweeeee she is gorgeous. Literally, the most perfect shade and dare I say, made for me. Stay Glaze ‘combines rich colour and a high-gloss finish that evenly wears down into a hydrated tint’ which is exactly what I want to wear in the summer (and all year-round). Glosses are my favourite finish to wear, pair that with the longevity of a tint… no need to reapply between Aperols! Perfection. I am trying to be a on a low-buy but this product is limited edition so I do strongly suggest you buy it, like, right now. (I don’t even want to think about what will happen when I finish this…)
Natio Precision Tubing Mascara in Brown
I like a tubing mascara at the best of times, for flake-free wear and fuss-free removal. This is quite a deep brown so it’s almost not noticeable but quite nice for a softer option compared to black. The Precision applicator is skinny silicone meaning you get length! I quite like the other mascaras in the Natio tubing range too, if you’re looking for a fluffier lash you could try Infinite.
FRAGRANCE
Who Is Elijah in Cherry Fiesta
This was a tricky one! I could’ve gone with Ocean Eyes or Electric Soul, but given the colour cherry red has had such a moment this summer, I picked this gal. Such a yummy scent, cherry without that fake, alcohol-y vibes. The citrus notes really give this perfume it’s summery freshness that is just a joy to wear. I want to eat it, it’s so yum.
What products are you using this summer?
*Mix of products received in PR and purchased myself, all opinions are my own.
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So, are we all doing a No Buy in 2025?
ROLLY MagIt would appear that everyone in my TikTok feed is doing a No Buy this year. And I’m grateful for that. I have some pretty big financial goals I want to achieve in 2025, plus Euro summer, so my No Buy has been born from this. Oh, and also the fact I LITERALLY HAVE MORE MAKEUP THAN ONE PERSON COULD USE IN AN ENTIRE LIFETIME. And no space to store it.
I’ve watched so.many.videos. about people’s experiences with a No Buy, what worked and what didn’t. I’ve collated some of my key takeaways, not rules per se, from all of this content, and I’m sharing it here. I’ll keep you updated on how I decide to document this journey over the year, and I’d love to know what your thoughts!
1. Know your why; punishing yourself is not enough!
This first tip comes from Christina Mychas. Christina says that whilst a No Buy is a challenge and you will have to employ some discipline, your reason for taking part in the first place should come from a place of kindness to yourself. ‘The pain of the process will be worth it in the end.” That is, what are you gaining from doing this No Buy? A savings goal? A holiday? Keep the bigger picture in mind.
This mindset shift helped see things in a new light, as previously my thoughts had been “I’ve spent way too much money, I need to stop.” I’ve tried this ‘punishment’ approach in the past, and it did not work…
Christina had some amazing other rules, such as “spend time with your stuff “ and “create friction” which you can watch her speak about here.
2. Mental peace
Emma from the Broke Generation describes the mental piece that came with her year-long wardrobe freeze. Instead of deciding if she should or shouldn’t buy an item, the decision had already been made. The rule was no new clothes for a year! That mental peace she describes sounds SEXY.
3. Get creative with your rules
Laura set herself a limit of 6 new wardrobe pieces for the year of 2024. I love this approach, but as an all-or-nothing gal I can’t see it working for me oops. Very interested to follow along her journey in 2025 though! Maybe this could be something I implement once I get past 2025’s No Buy and move toward a low buy.
These are my rules at the moment, subject to change! A mix of challenging and achievable (as all good goals should be, I should know, uni LOVED a SMART goal lol).
1. No new clothes – this means I’m allowed to buy from second hard stores, Depop etc but nothing NEW. Clothes actually means bags, shoes, accessories etc. Anything you’d store in a wardrobe really. I will still be allowing PR, which I realise I am in a fortunate position to be able to do, and I anticipate this will help itch the ‘wanting’ scratch. I also anticipate that I will need to restock a fair chunk of my activewear this year so that’ll be a significant purchase that I am pre-planning for. On top of this, part of the reason I find this so hard is I tie a lot of my identify to how I dress, primarily in the workplace. I love to wear bright, colourful dresses and am often complimented for doing so. In fact, I think people know who I am because of what I wear. What’s going to happen when I stop having a new dress in the rotation? (Literally nothing, I’m sure!!! Rule 1b. Get out of your own head.)
2. Wishlist – I am going to allow myself to buy some items that I’ve been wishlisting at peak sale times (eg. EOFY, Black Friday etc)
3. No new books- this is one of my achievable goals, because I am well and truly into the library I don’t anticipate this being a problemo.
4. No new makeup or skincare – probably a good time to mention, that is where this whole No Buy has stemmed from. I have far too much makeup, skincare and clothes and nowhere to store it all. So these categories are where I am cracking down the most. Like with clothes, I will allow myself to purchase new wishlist beauty items at key sale times and I will still be receiving PR. I literally WILL NOT run out of anything so I can’t even allow restocks 😦
5. Money can be spent freely (albeit within budget) on experiences – if I’m going without things, you best believe I’m going to DO things. This means so restrictions on eating out with friends, seeing concerts or shows etc. I think the biggest limiting factor will be time to actually do these things. So this one will be assessed on a week by week basis.
I don’t need to factor in beauty treatments like nails (not allowed in my workplace) or trips to the hair salon (I try and scope out freebies through students at hairdressing schools). I also acknowledge the privilege that I receive PR, which I am very grateful for.
It’s going to be A JOURNEY for this recovering shopaholic, but I’m excited… bring on 2025!
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SUMMER SKIN WITH FRESH FACE SKIN
ROLLY MagYou might remember I visited resh Face Skin back in May, and Amelia totally saved my skin as we headed into the cooler months.
My dry skin was in desperate need of hydration and nourishment, so Amelia suggested adding this Soother Treatment to my PM skincare routine. It was the perfect step to end the night, ensuring to calm irritations and strengthen the lipid barrier.
Now that we are moving into the warmer weather, I am so excited to add some Fresh Face Skin newbies to my rotation.
What is it and is it right for me? Designed for all skin types, this mist aims to provide deep hydration to the skin whilst calming irritation and redness and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
How I like to use it: I use a spritz of this mist to start both my AM and PM skincare routines, ensuring a hydrated base to optimise absorption of the following steps of my routine into my skin.
What is it and is it right for me? Designed for sensitive, dry and redness-prone skin types, this oil cleanser aims to gently cleanse the skin of surface impurities and makeup, without stripping the skin (meaning no tightness in your skin after use!). You will find this Pre Cleanse Oil has the soothing scent of chamomile to provide a relaxing cleansing ritual. And yes, it works to remove waterproof makeup too!
How I like to use it: A little goes a long way (hello bang for buck!). I use a small amount of the cleanser as my first-cleanse (to removed my makeup) in the PM. After massaging the oil into the face, remove with a damp cloth and follow with a second cleanse (gel or cream), like this one.
Fresh Face Skin products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Discover more of the range here.
*Products gifted in exchange for post, all opinions are my own*
To stay up to date with products, treatments and offers, follow @rolly.mag and @freshfaceskin on Instagram.
Fresh Face Skin
ROLLY MagRecently I was invited to a facial experience at Fresh Face Skin, and it was bliss… let me tell you more!
Images from left to right: the beautiful salon space that has an air of tranquility, the warmly-lit treatment rooms with cosy beds, a huge array of clinician-approved products to add to your routine post-treatment, mirror selfie hehe, my two take-home products and the tea I enjoyed upon arrival.
I received a New Client Consultation & Treatment which took around an hour. The whole experience was thorough and educational, whilst also being extremely relaxing. I think this is the Fresh Face difference. Not only are you getting a results-led treatment, but you are gifting yourself to an immersive experience for relaxation and rest.
The New Client Consultation & Treatment treatment includes a thorough skin analysis using high end technology to assess the surface and deep set skin health. Then you sit down with your therapist and discuss your skins health and create a customised treatment plan & skincare routine that works for you.
From there, Fresh Face Skin will then perform an express LED or microdermabrasion treatment, so they can begin your skin journey and allow you to walk away with a glowing skin complexion and with the knowledge and tools needed, to start your skin journey with Fresh Face Skin!
From the skin analysis, I learnt some fascinating things:
- I can dry skin! I’ve always thought I had oily/combo… I may well have at some point in my life, but skin changes and actually, oily skin types are rare in Victoria because of our climate.
- Wearing sunscreen is just the first step, next we really need to invest in reapplying our SPF throughout the day and considering the exposure to blue light that we may experience over the course of our day.
- The gut-skin cycle is constantly communicating – and our gut health can tell us a lot about our skin’s health. Stress, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors such as diet are all considered during your consultation. Treatments on your skin’s surface can be benefitted from addressing factors within as well, and Fresh Face Skin works closely with dermatologists to create plans (such as recommending supplements) to achieve health on the inside and out!
- Keeping my hair out of my face and trying to not touch my face were recommended as usual post-facial, but something I hadn’t considered was changing my pillowcase tonight to make sure my freshly treated skin wouldn’t soak up any nasties.
The founder of Fresh Face Skin, Amelia, was my treating therapist and she is a wealth of knowledge. She tucked me into the cosy treatment bed and made sure I was comfy before beginning treatment. Every step of the process was explained which empowered me with knowledge about my skin and the approach we were taking.
Fresh Face Skin sent me home with two products, the AHA & Enzyme Exfoliator and peel in one and soother treatment.
Introducing the exfoliator into my routine is going to help brighten and soften my skin by energising the cells to remove surface dead skin, whilst the soother is perfect addition to my routine in the cooler months as it works to protect and hydrate the skin’s barrier.
Thank you for having me, Fresh Face Skin! You can learn more about Fresh Face Skin here.
This treatment and products were gifted with no obligation to post.
Your Guide to Fresh Face Skin!
ROLLY MagIf you asked me for my skin type, it would probably change depending on the day of the week. I’ve been a dry, sensitive, oily gal over my lifetime – not to mention everything in between.
At the time of writing, I can safely say I’m a combo, sensitive gal. What does this mean? Oily t-zone, dehydrated, acne prone… you get the picture.
Today, we are talking all things skin with Fresh Face Skin! The premise behind Amelia Goff’s brand is that “everyone deserves the confidence that comes with healthy, radiant skin“. I resonate so strongly with this because it’s not just about healing skin from the outside, it’s about truly loving the skin you’re in.
Surface congestion is another old ‘friend’ (read: nemesis) of mine. Lifestyle factors are often a contributor to the issue, but Amelia suggests 10 tips to help “empower you to confidently wear the skin you’re in” – I like the sound of that!
The bacteria on our skin’s surface – known as the microbiome – shields and protects our skin from daily exposures, therefore helping to prevent infection, irritation and inflammation. Clever, right? You can see why nurturing our skin’s microbiome is so important. When incorporated into your daily routine, Vitamin E, B3, and B5 can provide anti-inflammatory, healing properties – and you’ll find them in the Fresh Face Skin Recovery Mask.
The Recovery Mask is the kind of superhero, multitasker product that will have you asking ‘is there anything it can’t do?’ It contains a prebiotic to help feed and maintain a healthy microbiome and is designed for all skin needs, in particular – inflammatory skin conditions such as: dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acute acne, and sensitive skin. Anyone else nodding their head along for at least 3 of those listed? Yeah, same girl. It’s soothing, deeply nourishing and can calm irritation. A great product to have on stand-by.
It can seem like an uphill battle trying to figure out what your skin needs, but it’s so inspiring to hear about other people who have come out the other side of their skincare journey.
Take Rachael’s journey with sensitivity and acne, for example;
“I was having major skin problems and was at my witts end until Amelia took me in with open arms and I haven’t left her side since… My skin integrity and lipid barrier has come leaps and bounds with this range. It just keeps getting better. My skin has never looked or felt healthier.”
Another success story comes from Nicolette, on her journey with hormonal acne;
“I felt impatient and insecure in my skin, however one thing that never changed was my trust in the salon, therapists and products.”
Nicolette also speaks to the importance of adapting treatments depending on how her skin is presenting each visit – we know ourselves, some days are better than others. That goes for our skin too!
Everyone is different, so their results and experiences with the treatments above will be too! The information presented on this website should be used as a guide only.
Visit Fresh Face Skin here, 30 Collins Place, Kilsyth VIC.
Book a salon appointment or book a skin consult.
*Thank you to Fresh Face Skin for sponsoring today’s post.
THE WEEK LATTE NEWSLETTER #14
ROLLY MagIt has been a hot min! I don’t have much to share this week, but I do have some pieces I loved and felt the need to share. I’m enjoying taking time to create when the feeling strikes!
Listening to the Shameless podcast, Zara recommended this piece; 100 Small Acts of Love. It made the other hosts, and like myself amongst many other peak-hour commuters, cry! So beautiful, and something I endeavour to refer back to. It’s nice to remember the good in the world.
Last Sunday I had the best night of my life. Read: I went to Taylor Swift. I’ve read, seen and heard A LOT of discourse around her. It’s hard not to. I love what Leigh Sales had to say here.
‘Whether you rate her or not — and as Swifties know, haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate — it’s impossible to deny that it is Taylor Swift’s moment and the best way to share the joy is not to stand back and judge it, but to step in and feel it.’
Leigh Sales
I am currently on a no-buy, but absolutely lusting over Status Anxiety bags at the moment, like this one styled by Centaine.
I thought I was being super organised last year and I bought a 2024 diary in the Black Friday sales from Typo. I had used one in 2023 and enjoyed it, however, to my dismay, they had changed the layout. I despised it, and in the rough and tumble of week 1 of uni I could NOT fathom just making do with it. Bless my uni bestie who recommended this one from Milligram, and BLESS my boyfriend who bought it for me. It showed up at my house just two days later and I am feeling fresh and organised for the year ahead – phew!
Lauren recommended ‘the best meat pie’ from Proserpina Bakery and it was just delightful. Very busy on a Sunday but worth the visit, especially to spy the beautiful sunflowers this time of year too.
Happy weekend, besties!
MUSE: @tanika.jaun
ROLLY MagWelcome, besties, to my new series; MUSE.
A little recap… I hope that MUSE will be a place for me to share some of my favourite people, and their favourite things, with you all. I follow a lot of cool people on the internet, but I take a lot of their recommendations with a grain of salt. I enjoy their content/style etc, but it’s not often that I can relate to someone so much that I am willing to take them up on their skincare recommendation (combo girlies unite), or their clothing recommendation. Different people will like – and dislike- different things…. It takes a lot of trust. This is a love letter, not a ‘you need to buy this too!’
Read the other posts in the series here.
I started following Tanika on Youtube (see here), and our mutual love of Jessica Braun. Now, I would consider her one of my beauty besties over on Insta! We have a similar taste in makeup and so I know I can trust her when it comes to recommendations, product trials and shade matches! Curating this list, I’ve realised everything is available easily at your fave drugstore… a girl after my own heart ❤
These are Yummy Glosses are JUICY! And always on sale, so keep an eye out. Something about them feels so nostalgic.
I looooove a dupe product, and so does Tanika. This Kmart cream bronzer is one of the most exciting dupes I’ve seen in a while. Slay, Kmart! I’ve never tried the MBM product but I’m not even sure that I need to now… This cream range has also extended to blushes which I have my eye on. At $6, it’s basically free!
Here is some more dupe content if you so fancy!
We all love Lanolips, but their glossy balm has changed the game! The same lip-loving ingredients we know and love, but with the added bonus of some colourful shine.
Mco Beauty is a fan fave brand, but their mascara is one product I can see myself repurchasing forever. I thought I would include this video because not only is Tanika is a fan of the mascara too, but she gives her opinion of a heap of products from the range!
MUSE: @lucymneville
ROLLY MagWelcome, besties, to my new series; MUSE. I hope that MUSE will be a place for me to share some of my favourite people, and their favourite things, with you all. I follow a lot of cool people on the internet, but I take a lot of their recommendations with a grain of salt. I enjoy their content/style etc, but it’s not often that I can relate to someone so much that I am willing to take them up on their skincare recommendation (combo girlies unite), or their clothing recommendation. Different people will like – and dislike- different things…. It takes a lot of trust. This is a love letter, not a ‘you need to buy this too!’
To kick things off, I’m sharing my number 1 internet girl crush, Lucy aka @lucymneville. Here is a comprehensive list of all the gorgeous things I’ve tried thanks to Lucy!
Editor’s note: Lucy is also the proud wearer of tangled cord earphones which is empowering for us cord devotees hehe.
Jewellery and make up is the common theme of this post, and kicking off with perhaps my fave earrings of all time! I had been wishlisting after these SV beauties for months after seeing Lucy rock them, but they didn’t come into my life until Christmas of 2023 when my boyfriend bought them for me – bless! Check them out for yourself here.
The style Lucy is wearing here is no longer available, so I have the huggie style on my wishlist. Even though I haven’t actually purchased them yet, they have lived in my head rent free for MONTHS so I think that counts…
You Swim is a swimwear brand that is designed to fit our bodies as they ebb and flow throughout life. I love that philosophy, and I love that I could purchase something online without being worried about sizing – win! Save your pennies for their sale around November. I have the Eva top with standard waist bottoms in the colour cosmic.
Comfort is key and no one does comfy bras like Boody, thanks to Lucy for changing my life with that one. The racerback style has made wearing tank tops SOOOO much easier (and comfier). I have 4 in my collection.
I can’t believe I own a denim vest, but if anyone can convince me they’re cute, it’s Lucy. Not only that, this one is a collaboration with my personal fave mermaid, Phoebe Tonkin. This with my white maxi skirt is both a fave and reliable outfit combo.
I remember Lucy shared these right before I was due for 1) my period and 2) a beach holiday. Did someone say perfect timing? I can’t wear these on day 1 of my period as my flow is quite heavy, but day 2 onwards these are an absolute dream. Reliable and revolutionary. I don’t think style exists any more, but they have plenty of cute options.
When I saw Lucy wear this Verge Girl dress, I fell IN LOVE! I scrolled through Facebook marketplace and Depop religiously on the lookout for it, and one day a preloved edition of the dress ended up in my hot little hands. It’s such a flattering cut, and I have since purchased a few dresses in a similar style preloved too, a signature style if you will!
Cream products had always been a bit daunting to me, but Lucy shared this hack that changed my (using cream makeup products) LIFE! The Mecca Max contour stick in shade medium – and her blush sister is sorbet – are my fave products, and I would honestly recommend them to everyone. Beginner friendly because they are so forgiving, but if you’re a pro you’ll love the simplicity and ease of using these too! So much so, I made these stories dedicated to it. Sharing is caring x
ROLLY Mag 