The New Beauty Additions

This month like many others I've done a little splurging on beauty products and have a few new additions to welcome into the crowd. From some new spring cheek products to a heavy duty SPF and even a perfume I vowed never to purchase, here's what's made it into my shopping basket.

The New Healthy Mix

I'm pretty sure I could count on less than one hand the amount of lower end 'drugstore' foundations that I actually get along with. I'm no snob when it comes to make up but premium brands are always the ones I turn to with confidence for a flawless base.

This Week #44

01. Costa and Doughnuts for Breakfast | 02. If it were bookshops vs. beauty halls I'm pretty sure books would win every time | 03. A mini BB Surf Spray, adorable! | 04. Some seriously holographic heels in Next | 05. Daisy Cupcakes from

The Spring Edit: Nails

After nearly a week of consecutive sun (touch wood) I think we can safely say Spring has arrived! The beauty wardrobe deserves a seasonal revamp and the first port of call for me is always nails. Ten little fragments of colour that give noting but hope for warmer weather. The big dilemma however is pastels or brights? I've picked five of my favourites in each category that will definitely be adorning my nails over the coming weeks.

The Lip Crayon Roundup

The Lip Crayon seems to be the height of popularity at the moment with brands bringing them out left right and center. From the glossy to the matte, well pigmented to sheer formulas there seems to be one to suit every preference and in the absolute sea of these lip products I've picked out three of my favourites.

Showing posts with label Favourites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favourites. Show all posts

5/01/2013

April Favourites



This month's favourites are short and sweet. I've been sticking to what I know and keeping it pretty simple in all areas of beauty. From a bright lip to some seriously Spring orientated products, here are my picks from the month!

MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick | Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in It Girl | Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in 11 Fraise Remix | Benefit Stay Don't Stray | Clarins Bronzing Duo | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush | La Roche-Posay Effaclar M Mattifying Moisturiser (now changed to Effaclar Mat) | Hydraluron Moisture Boost | This Works Deep Sleep Shower Gel | Soap & Glory Pulp Friction




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3/30/2013

March Favourites


Yes, I know, it's that time again! My most used products this month have been a small but worthy bunch, from lip scrubs to hairspray with some fake tan thrown in for good measure, click here to see this month's offering on the favourites front.

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2/27/2013

February Favourites



So once again it's that time of the month to discuss all my favourite products from the past few weeks. This one is actually a little special as a whole year ago my 2012 February Favourites was the first video I uploaded to my YouTube channel (and a seriously awkward one at that!) I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and how many lovely people have watched my videos so I'd like to say one big thank you and here's to another year! Click here to see my latest favourites video featuring some wonderful products from Redken, Liz Earle, MAC and more!

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8/31/2012

August Favourites



Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser: This is still one of my favourite cleansers to use when I find I'm getting a breakout or a few blemishes. It's not harsh or drying like the majority of products targeted at acne and especially when used with my Clarisonic I find this clears up my skin in no time at all.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser: This moisturiser had been forgotten about in the back of a draw for too long but after recently rediscovering it I've found it's the perfect balance between a light moisturiser that wont become oily on my combination skin and one that hydrates too. And really, who could say no to anything from Liz Earle?

Clinique Super City Block SPF 40: This has been a constant in my skincare regime for the last few months. I like to use a high SPF even if it isn't remotely sunny as those nasty UV rays are still out there! Usually the higher the factor, the thicker the product is but as this is oil free it glides on so smoothly and gives the perfect base for make up.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask: My go to mask at the moment. Although my skin can be oily, I still find I get dryness so I like to use hydrating products every now and then. Every time I wake up after using this my skin feels plumped and glowing. You can also read a full review of this here!

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil: The concept of shower oils is lovely. They begin as a rich silky oil that turns into a creamy milk as soon as it touches water. I had to buy this after seeing Anna raving about it for so long and I'm very glad I did as it leaves my skin silky soft without even having to moisturise.

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub: A product from quite possibly the best smelling range The Body Shop have to offer. Think melted chocolate, and then some. Not only does this smell amazing but its also a lovely scrub.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation: I'm becoming quite obsessed with Laura Mercier bases. This is without doubt my favourite foundation at the moment and for a foundation addict like myself just the fact that I've used this pretty much non-stop since buying it should say enough! It gives such a beautiful, flawless coverage and smooths over any pore, big or small. Its literally like buffing silk into your skin. Everyone needs to try a sample of this right away!

Benefit Dallas Powder: This has probably been my most used cheek product all month mostly down to how convenient it is. The colour is perfect to be used as blusher and bronzer in one and it really does last all day on my super blusher absorbent cheeks.

Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder: I think I'm even shocked myself that a powder has made it into a list of favourites. Overly matte skin is probably my biggest make up hate but after seeing so many people go on about how nice this actually was this inner bandwagon-jumper in me had to try it and I was actually really surprised. I still don't use a lot but it sets my make up perfectly without being cakey or drying at all.

Essie Bikini so Teeny and Fear & Desire: Its very rare for me to take off a nail varnish only to put the same on back on again and these two from Essie's newest collection haven't left my fingertips all month!

Chloé Eau de Parfum: The only fragrance I've been wearing recently. Such a unique smell that I just can't get enough of.

6/12/2012

May Favourites


Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara, Topshop Flush Blush, The Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz, Jemma Kidd Light As Air Foundation, Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum, Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, The Body Shop Vanilla Eau de Toilette, Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser

Once again, the end of the month (and then some) has rolled around and its time for another favourites video! I never know if I should embed these videos directly onto my blog or just put a link through to youtube. It's a little easier just to put the video right here but I don't want to blur the boundaries between blogging and youtube. Oh how I over analyse things! What do you guys think?

Click here to watch!

5/13/2012

April Favourites


Philosophy Purity Cleanser, Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, Benefit High Beam, O.P.I Nail Envy, Essie Absolutely Shore, Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover, Caudalie Beauty Elixir

It's monthly favourites time again and my regular video is up! This month seems to have featured quite a few beauty blogger favourites and I can tell you, they really do all live up to the hype. Click here to watch!

4/09/2012

March Favourites


MARCH FAVOURITES VIDEO

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner: I can safely say that these two are the first Shampoo and Conditioner I've ever used and actually felt a difference to my hair, and its been an amazing one. After just one wash I could feel how soft and nourished my hair was without being weighed down at all. Love the smell of these too!

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer: Ever since I bought this primer back in February I haven't been able to stop using it! This stuff manages to make even the most matte of foundations glowy and radiant. It gives a beautiful sheen without looking shimmery at all and makes a really great smooth base for make up.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning: I've really gotten into tanning again this month and the Clarins Facial Self Tan is the only thing I feel comfortable using that I know wont break me out. I'll use this in the evening instead of my normal moisturiser and wake up with a lovely glow that doesn't look fake at all.

Sleek Contour Kit: I've had this for so long I'm not even sure its particularly sanitary to still have it in my make up bag but I've really been enjoying using it again this month. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with bronzer most of the time and I'm never happy with how the colour turns out at me. There will always be a place in my heart for the Soleil Tan de Chanel but I've found its far too yellow toned for me at the moment where as the Sleek Contour Kit is the perfect warm, slightly pinky shade.

Real Techniques Buffing & Contour Brushes: I'm sure a lot of people have been loving these brushes recently and these are the two stand outs for me. The buffing brush has fast become my all time favourite for applying foundation while I've found the contour brush to be amazing for buffing in concealer under the eyes and over the face. I only wish they sold these separately!

3/05/2012

February Favourites


Colorsport 30 Day Mascara, Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder, Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist, Estée Lauder Double Wear, MAC Cleanse Off Oil

I decided that this month instead of writing out a long winded post describing all these products and why I've been loving them, I'd do a little youtube video! Now, as this is my first foray into 'vlogging' I have to apologise for the rambling, fidgety hands and saying 'so yeah' so much! None the less, here it is! Let me know if you'd like to see more videos or just posts, or even both!

2/03/2012

January Favourites


Clarisonic Classic, Urban Decay Naked Palette, Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter, Ciaté My Fair Lady, Figs & Rouge Coco Vanilla

Urban Decay Naked Palette. I was lucky enough to get this for Christmas and haven't touched another eyeshadow since. I was worried that this palette would be too cool toned for me as I know other people have found but it's perfect and there's enough different colours in there for a thousand looks.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter. As brilliant a moisturiser as this is, it's the smell more than anything that's made me use it everyday this month. I think I've had this tub since last Christmas (which is a little gross I know!) but I've only recently started using it after treating myself to a little bottle of Miss Dior Cherie at the end of December and realising they smell the same! The perfect body butter/fragrance combination.

Figs & Rouge Coco Vanilla Lip Balm. I got a Figs & Rouge lip balm in a beauty box a while back and although I really liked it, I wasn't crazy about the smell. I think it was geranium or something flowery? This Coco Vanilla version smells amazing though tastes just as good too! I usually have about five different lip balms knocking about in the bottom of my bag, but this is the one I've been reaching for the most this month.

Ciaté My Fair Lady. I don't think I've ever worn the same nail varnish twice in a row, more than likely owing to the fact that I have over a million, but recently I've been loving wearing this nude colour and nothing else. It just feels really clean and simple.

Clarisonic Classic. I actually got this nearly a year ago for my birthday and I've had a bit of an on off relationship with it. Being the lazy person that I am, I never seem to find the time to do use this every morning and night when I could easily splash my face with water and a bit of cleanser and be out the door a lot faster and in bed for longer! Recently though, seeing the buzz around the Clarisonic grow and grow I've really wanted to start use it properly again, not just once or twice a week. For the last month I've managed to use this every night and every other morning and there really has been an amazing difference in my skin. I did have that awful 1-2 week purging phase where I didn't want to leave the house, but now it's so smooth and I've gotten rid of a lot of those little under the skin pimples that are the bane of my life. It is pricey, but so so worth it if you're willing to persist! A lot of people have been getting the Mia recently which is a little less, but just as good I'm sure!

9/18/2011

August Favourites



001. St Ives Apricot Scrub - I’ve used so many scrubs in the past, but always seem to come back to this one. It leaves my skin unbelievably soft and never fails to brighten it up. So annoyed though that since the packaging has been changed the invigoration one doesn’t smell like marzipan anymore!

002. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Illuminating Powder - Still in shock that I spent nearly £30 on a highlighter but words and pictures just cant explain how beautiful this is, not just in the pan but on the skin, which it gives a gorgeous glowing gold tone. Its part of their Modern Mercury range which is limited edition, so I strongly suggest hurrying down to your nearest Estée Lauder counter to have a look at this.

003. 17 Photo Finish Primer - To be honest, I never remember to use a primer and in my experience they’re all pretty much the same (except that L’Oreal one in the pink pot, AWFUL). I had noticed my makeup starting to rub off a bit lately so I picked up this cheap and cheerful one from 17 and I really like it. I’ve managed to use it every day and I can see the difference in how long my make up stays looking fresh. It glides on really easily, mattifies the skin, and you only need the smallest amount.

004. Blistex Relief Cream - I’m sure we all know how amazing this is! Probably THE best lip product I’ve ever used. It isn’t sticky or oily (I never understand why people use Vaseline on their lips, so greasy!) and gives your lips the so much moisture. The only downside is the tube, which leaks everywhere and has no applicator, meaning you have to squeeze it onto a finger first. Probably a little more hygienic, but such a pain!

005. Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara - I got this with my first Feel Unique Beauty Box and I’ve worn it every day since. Thick, long lashes with one coat. And it doesn’t smudge or flake!

006. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - I’ve seen a lot of beauty bloggers raving about this concealer, and thought there was no way this could be as good as my two favourites, Mac Studio Fix and Estée Lauder Double Wear. So I tried it not expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. It lasts all day and gives such good coverage without being cakey at all.

007. No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - No7 are going a bit mental with the five pound vouchers at the moment, I think it’s been on for nearly two months now? I only recently discovered the wonder that is oily eye makeup removers, and usually buy the Botanics one. But I thought I might as well snap up this one while I could get it so cheap. In terms of the product, it’s pretty much the same, takes off absolutely everything and leaves my eyes nice and moisturised with no stinging. The pump is a lot better than the Botanics screw top though, which I always managed to drop somewhere and never find, leaving an open bottle carefully balanced on my bathroom shelf.

008. Clinique Superbalanced Foundation - I used this for a long time while I was in college and then forgot about it for some reason. So after deciding that having ten different foundations already just wasn’t enough, I bought this one again and instantly remembered why I loved it! It’s so sheer, but gives such great coverage and has the perfect balance between a dewy and matte finish which makes the skin look so healthy and glowing. It also has all of Clinique's science and skin care knowledge behind it, claiming to be for any skin type; absorbing excess oil while moisturising dry patches.

009. Natural Collection Vanilla Body Spray - I’ve had this in my bag for ages now and love spraying it on throughout the day. Goes perfectly with my favourite perfume of the moment, Dolce & Gabbana The One. Musky vanilla scents make me feel so festive!

8/07/2011

July Favorites


Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche: Got this for my birthday, lucky me! Love this perfume so much, such a fresh summery scent with a bit of a twist. Definitely go try this one when you’re near a perfume counter.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum: I don’t know a lot about this or how it works, but I know that when I use it at night underneath my moisturiser, the next day I wake up and my skin is so glowing and bright it’s just incredible. I was given a sample of this and practically had to scrape the last drops out because it was so good. It’s a bit pricy, £41 for 30mls, but you really only need a drop each night for the whole face and neck which is supposed to ‘reduce the appearance of environmental damage, and protect against any future exposure’. As much as I love clothes and make up, I always tend to spend the most money on skincare as I think there’s nothing more important than taking care of what’s underneath everything.

Aveeno Moisturising Creamy Oil: This is the most beautiful moisturiser! Completely different to anything I’ve ever tried as it comes out like a creamy moisturiser then sinks into the skin like an oil, without leaving a greasy layer of a tacky residue that every other moisturiser in the world seems to leave. The best thing about it though and the reason I buy most products is the smell! Its main ingredient is sweet almond oil and of course, that makes it smell like marzipan! Soo gorgeous, and good enough to eat!

Boots Moisturising Nail Polish Remover Pads: I bought these on my break the other day needing to take off my chipped nail varnish quickly and didn’t think much of it. I always thought the pads were similar to make up wipes - lazy and no good. But I was wrong! They’re so much better than liquid acetone remover and a cotton pad, especially these ones which have Vitamin E in them. They take off every scrap of varnish and leave your nails lovely and moisturised!

No7 Lift and Luminate Day Cream: I borrowed this sample from my mum the other night when I stayed over and, although it’s supposed to only be for over 50’s, I have to say I love it. It leaves my face so firm and soft and doesn’t disappear into my awfully dehydrated skin after five minutes. Needless to say, that one was nabbed. I’ve nearly used it all up now so I’m going to buy the full size which is a pretty ridiculous £21. I don’t think it’s quite worth that, although I shouldn’t say that seeing as I work for No7 (thank god for discount!) but it is a lovely moisturiser.

Avène Gel Cleanser: It took me so long to buy this! Every time I went to get it, Boots had sold out. Eventually though I got it and I’m so glad I did. I'm used to using rich creamy cleansers like the Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish, which is still the best cleanser in the world, but every now and then I like to use something that leaves my skin feeling cool and fresh. The gel lathers up just enough and washes off without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry. Really want to look into the rest of the Avène range after using this!

6/06/2011

May Favorites



No7 Heavenly Hydration // Never really been a big fan of moisturising masks, I tend to go for deep cleansing ones but after seeing this at work and using it on and off for a week I think I’m in love. It’s basically a thick moisturiser that you leave on the skin for about 3 minutes, (although I always leave it for longer) then wipe it off with warm cloth, leaving you with lovely supple skin.

Boots Vitamin E facial Oil // I’ve been searching for a while now without much luck for a night cream that doesn’t fade away and leave my skin feeling tight when I wake up. When most people think about putting oil on their skin, breakouts and clogged pores probably come to mind, as they did to mine, but I saw this in Boots and thought I might as well give it a go and for only £2 I wasn’t really wasting my money. I put on my normal moisturiser then mixed in a few drops of this, went to bed and woke up in the morning with what looked like freshly moisturised skin. No excessive oiliness or blemishes! I’ve been using it every night for the last few weeks and it still impresses me. Really recommend not being scared of using oil on your skin and getting this product.

Garnier Summer Body // I know this one’s been making the rounds so I thought I might as well try it. A few years ago I was a St Tropez addict up until the point my friends had to stage an intervention involving a loofa and a bin bag. Bad, I know. But after a little hesitation to get back on the tan wagon, I went out and bought it anyway. At first I got the light version, thinking the deep would turn my pasty legs orange, used it for a few days and didn’t really see any difference apart from a faint lingering tan smell. So I went and got the deep version and woke up the next day with the most natural looking glow. Amazing! Can’t believe I never looked into the world of gradual tanners until now.

No7 Bronzing Silk Legs // When there just isn’t time to tan I always like to use a bit of an instant bronzer and this has to be the best one I’ve come across. Unlike most instant tans it has a creamy formula, more like a foundation, as opposed to a dark jelly which streaks so easily and comes out almost orange. I’m looking at you Rimmel. I put this on with a mitt and, voila, instantly glowing legs in thirty seconds.

Flat Top Brush // I lusted after the Sigma flat top kabuki for so long, finally decided I couldn’t afford it, and bought one on eBay for about £2.50. I’m sure it’ll never compare to the original, but I love it anyway. I use it to apply my foundation by basically just buffing it in, and have never had such a flawless, smooth, perfect finish!

Seche Ultra-V Top Coat // I’d like to thank Gem for this little miracle. The only time I ever seem to get to do my nails is right before bed, and no matter what top coat I use, how long I leave them to dry or what awkward position I sleep in, I always wake up with fabric imprints all over my nails. So frustrating. After putting it on like a regular top coat, you cure the nails under UV light, I got mine for about £9 from eBay, for three minutes to harden and set the polish and you’re ready to go. Who doesn’t love a bit of a gimmick? But it really does work! My nails have been smudge and chip free for almost a week now, something practically unheard of after ripping open boxes every morning at work. The best bit about it is the wet look shine that stays as long as the colour does. Really amazing product that I think everyone who’s tired of chips should try out.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream // Got a free sample of this a while back and decided I had to buy the whole thing after cutting open the tube and scraping the last little drops out with a cotton bud. I’ve used a lot of eye creams, and find that some of them can leave my eyes puffy, the opposite of what they’re supposed to be doing! But this one is so gentle and smooth and just brightens up my dark circles and keeps my eyes moisturised. Smells great too!

Botanics Soothing Cleansing Balm // When it comes to cleansers, I find that unless I’m using something with a cloth, my skin really doesn’t feel like it’s been cleaned as deeply as I’d like it to. I will always have an undying love for my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, but this new discovery is possibly even better. When you scoop a bit out its quite hard and you can feel the crystals of the balm, but then after rubbing it into the skin it melts away and feels and smells just wonderful. The only bad thing I have to say about it is the cotton cloth it comes with which is absolutely awful. I ended up throwing mine away after it took none of the product off my face. I just used one of the thousand muslin cloths I have lying around which worked perfectly. My skin felt amazing after using this just once. So nourished and soft which probably has something to do with the Shea butter that it also contains. And it’s organic! Definitely one of my all time favourite products!

What have you been loving recently?

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